The context and processes of language acquisition in bilingual, bicultural British-Pakistani and British-Asian children (ages 2-19) attending a school for severe learning difficulties (SLD) were investigated. The first study compared 20 children with SLD who had a proficiency in speaking English and in their mother tongue (Urdu, Punjabi, Hindko, or Pushto). In the second study, the language acquisition processes were observed in 10 children who initially attended the nursery department and were not talking in any language. In the third study, a video was made of early language and communication in two British-Asian infants with SLD. The video was shown to mothers of children with SLD, who had widely varying reactions to the ideas conveyed and play activities shown. Results of the studies indicate that school support of mother tongues was highly important in facilitating some children's language acquisition. Knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of teachers and families appear to be crucial in providing or hindering access to mother tongue learning. Suggestions are made for enhancing awareness of the linguistic and cultural issues among school management, staff, and families; for improving school practice, largely by better use of existing resources; and for further research. Appendices include information about bilingualism and bilingual education. (Contains over 700 references.) (Author/CR)