Despite a long historical French presence in Vietnam, only 0.5% of Vietnamese people speak French today. As in other countries of South East Asia, language instruction in Vietnam has mainly focused on English for several decades. This paper provides an overview of a project called "French bilingual classes". The main aim of the study is…

Previous research suggests that young ESOL learners in mainstream English-medium classrooms are afforded limited opportunities to engage with curriculum content. This paper reports on a study of a five-year-old boy from Samoa who was just beginning to learn English in a mainstream New Zealand classroom. Interactions between the boy and his …

For the most part unrecognised by the international community, the introduction of Pinyin in the teaching of Mandarin Chinese to children in the initial years of their schooling in China is one of the largest innovations in the history of language education. It has also provided an example of an effective pedagogical and curricular reform on a…

Addresses the challenge of globalization with respect to English language teaching and particularly teaching English to speakers of foreign languages. Argues that some of the primary issues involved concern the increasing role of technology and communication in modern societies and the looming conflict between local communities and the…

Discusses the historical perspective relating to current problems facing mother tongue instruction in Sierra Leone and examines post-independence policies to highlight the institutional bases of mother tongue education and to consider causes of inertia and negative attitudes towards it since independence. (Author/VWL)

Provides an overview of the field of literacy studies, describing the range of work that has been covered and identifying current unresolved issues as ways of suggesting future directions and showing ways that literacy can be seen as an integral part of language. (Author/VWL)

Decades of research document the powerful academic and socio-affective benefits of a strong home language base and affirmation of home language and culture as a valuable resource. This article explores the implicit challenges, daily realities, opportunities, and practical implications of incorporating language and culture into classrooms as they…

Discusses the notion of identity in relation to the options of cultural affiliation available to minority group members. In particular, the article addresses commentary made in relation to the implementation of national curriculum guidelines in indigenous literacy education settings. (Author/JL)

Addresses the question of mother-tongue education of children, especially in francophone countries of Africa. It seeks to contribute to the debate on the integration of local languages into educational systems in multilingual settings by stressing the opposing cultural messages carried by official and indigenous languages. (Author/JL)

Considers the role of native-speaker English language teachers in Hong Kong. First, the article examines the concept of native speaker and offers five criteria that determine whether a person can be classed as a native speaker or not. Second, it focuses on the use of native-speaker English teachers in Hong Kong, with particular reference to a…

In order to develop a more uniform approach to determining the population of limited-English-proficient (LEP) individuals in the United States, and for purposes of educational decisions and resource allocation, the definition of this particular population is discussed in this theme issue. First, approaches currently used to estimate the size of…

The individual responsible for spearheading reform for the education of limited-English-proficient (LEP) students in Linda Vista Elementary School (San Diego, California) describes the process, issues, and outcomes of the initiative in this theme issue. Linda Vista Elementary School has a student population that is 77 percent LEP. The personalized…

After reviewing recent research on child language development under age five, this article discusses classroom discourse and identifies factors that may promote or inhibit pupils' mastery of the later phases of linguistic development. (30 references) (Author/LB)

Discusses new areas of investigation for causes of underachievement in black children, drawing on pertinent work in the United States, recent British research, and several personal accounts by black teachers. The article concludes by highlighting the role of black educators in multiethnic schools and points to their dual position in relation to…

This report discusses advances in computer-based technologies that can be used for teaching limited English proficient (LEP) minority students. These technologies offer multisensory delivery, increased self-expression and active student learning, cooperative learning, communication skill practice, multicultural education, and enhanced motivation.…