El Dia y Mi Libertad (The Day and My Liberty).

A collection of 99 writings in Spanish, predominantly poetry, by Puerto Ricans in a correctional institution, is presented here. The introduction gives the following information: (1) a "quantitative profile," including information on the education, age, and scores on selected tests of the inmates; and (2) a "qualitative profile," including historical and sociocultural information and interpretation of it. Cultural and linguistic differences of Puerto Ricans are discussed as well as the difficulties they experience in adapting to mainland United States culture and standards. Educational factors such as a complex system of testing that was conceived with a different audience in mind are noted. This collection of poetry and prose is intended as a demonstration of the depth of the authors' thoughts and the power of their feelings as well as a general profession of their humanity and their attachment to human and social values. The writings have been kept untouched. It is noted that they could constitute material for the study of Puerto Rican as a dialect of Spanish. For this reason a chart of linguistic variations is provided. (Author/AMH)