December 2011


    Assimilate and Thrive

    December 2011 Cover

    As we continue to struggle with our economy, it’s hardly surprising that the traditional scapegoats – immigrants – are being targeted as contributors to economic decline. However, international diasporas may hold the key to recovery and their assimilation, despite the critics, is following the same pattern of every immigrant influx.

    U.S. exports to Spanish-speaking countries far exceed those to China which must be attributable in part to the cultural and linguistic bonds between Hispanic Americans and their trading partners. With the latest increase in Asian immigration (see page 11), we can also expect that the accompanying cultural knowledge will boost exports to that continent. It may even be argued that this nation owes its history of economic success to the international perspectives afforded by continuous immigration flows. More.

     

    IN THIS ISSUE:

    Basa Bali
    Laetitia Chanèac-Knight and Alissa Stern outline their plan to preserve Balinese with the help of modern technology

    Reading for Pleasure
    Stephen Krashen explains why we should stop scolding teenagers and their schools

    Ludicrous Learning
    Just in time for the holidays, Language Magazine presents a showcase of gift ideas for the ludic learners in your lives

    2012 Year Planner
    Follow language-related events, observances, conferences, workshops, award and grant deadlines all year long

    Despite Economy, Study Abroad is on the Rise
    Kristal Bivona unwraps the latest report on Americans studying abroad

    Last Writes Richard Lederer and sesquipedalian English