Comparative studies of education, discrimination, and poverty in cross-cultural context are held as contributing towards a better understanding of the social nature of poverty and the complex processes of cultural transmission, continuity, and change. Seven strategies or models of research are suggested: (1) study of secondary and tertiary…

This paper explains the main concepts of communicative grammar and provides a detailed view of how communicative grammar analyses language at various levels. Language is discussed in terms of communication; the central elements in the analysis are those that carry information. Communicative grammar seeks to describe the process of the linguistic…

This booklet on human relations attempts to convey to teachers the meaning and intent of "learning to live together." Separate sections deal with what teachers need to know about blacks, American Indians, Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, the disadvantaged, Asian-Americans, Jews, and the many Caucasian ethnic groups. The focus in each race is on…

This report summarizes testimony taken from 103 witnesses during six public hearings on bilingual-bicultural education held between October 27 and December 9, 1975 in San Diego, Los Angeles, Fresno, and San Francisco by the Special Subcommittee on Bilingual-Bicultural Education of the California State Assembly. The report is divided into four…

This paper reviews the current status of Asian Americans in the U.S. schools from perspectives of textbook content and teaching methods. The author points out that findings of a survey of the 1950s and early 1960s textbooks reveal limited inclusion of references to anything Asian. This lack of interest can be seen, also, in American society, as…

Outlines national language policy for Australia, taking into account the culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse society, as well as role of English and uses of other languages in the community. Since English is the dominant language, all citizens and permanent residents have a right to learn it to level of proficiency that meets their…

This curriculum unit is part one of a three-part series. The unit introduces students to policy options for U.S. and Japanese relations with China at the beginning of the 21st century. By identifying and examining these options, students gain an awareness of U.S., Japanese, and Chinese perspectives on political, economic, and security issues.…

Analyzes the decision making process used by Japanese middle school students and their parents for choosing a high school. Reveals that these decisions are highly affected by placement counseling. This process defines the students' choices, inculcates values, and offers sets of rationales for students to account for their decisions. (MJP)

Compares the effectiveness of Nihongo-CALI (Japanese Computer Assisted Language Instruction) with non-CALI workbook instruction. Findings reveal that given the same grammar notes and exercises, ongoing intelligent computer feedback is more effective than simple workbook answer sheets for developing learners' grammatical skill in producing Japanese…

Norm-referenced mathematics achievement tests for Hawaii public school students in four ethnic groups and in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 were examined for sex differences. Results indicate that girls have higher achievement levels than do boys. Variations across ethnic groups and sociocultural implications are discussed. (TJH)

Presents an instructional resource consisting of 4 18th-century Japanese prints combined with discussion questions and related activities for grades 6-12. The prints illustrate various aspects of a society in transition. Includes background material on 18th-century Japan and the prints. (MJP)

A study investigated how pragmatic competence may develop in learner-learner interaction in a communication Japanese as a foreign language classroom, drawing on language socialization and sociocultural theory. A 100-minute second-year university-level Japanese language class at an urban state university was audio- and video-recorded, with a…

This special journal issue is designed to draw attention to the varied musical traditions of cultural groups living in New York State. Recent research by folklorists and musicologists also is examined. Articles include: (1) "Introduction: Folk and Traditional Music in New York State" (Ray Allen; Nancy Groce); (2) "African-American…

This study investigated cultural differences in attitudes toward the speech act of giving thanks, particularly between native speakers and non-native speakers with extensive exposure to the second language culture. Subjects were 199 advanced speakers of English as a Second Language, enrolled at the college level in the United States. Their native…

Sample lessons and instructional materials from a Japanese bilingual/bicultural elementary school program are presented. The lessons are designed to integrate Japanese language instruction with content instruction, using thematic units related to the core curriculum. The ten lessons are organized by target grade (K-5), and describe classroom…