《儿童读物杂志》(Horn Book)书评
All three books discuss contemporary issues of cultural and ethnic diversity that are particularly timely. Illustrated with poorly reproduced black-and-white photographs, the texts are clear and well documented; even when the tone is self-righteous or determinedly politically correct, the volumes offer much information to consider and to debate. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Choice 评论
Lang's small book, written simply and in the plain factual style of a selective news report, presents some of the highlights of our ongoing national debate on whether English should be our only language of official communication and public use. Specifically, should non-English speakers be obliged to learn to communicate in English, at the expense of their native language(s)? Should English-as-the-official-language supporters not be obliged or required to learn another language? Our national politics and recent political history are invoked throughout the study; one chapter deals with immigrants and their use of the English language, and others focus on the young immigrant in America (in recent times) and the English-only movement since 1980. The controversy over bilingual education is also treated, superficially, and the concluding chapter, "Striking the Right Balance," acknowledging Illinois Senator Paul Simon's efforts at reconciling opposing positions, attempts to give an overview of the situation. Core issues such as the mediocre level of English instruction at all levels are omitted and, despite its helpful illustration, end notes, glossary of terms, and "where to write" advisory, the book is not nearly as useful as the subject requires it to be. General audiences and lower-division undergraduates. S. I. Bellman; California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
