Hayakawa family, childhood, and university education in Canada; PhD, 1934, University of Wisconsin; teaching, University of Wisconsin Extension, 1935-1939; Peters family of Illinois, marriage to Margedant Peters; Chicago: general semantics, Alfred Korzybski, Illinois Institute of Technology, 1939-1947; and Lazlo Moholy-Nagy; publication of Language in Action, 1941; Hyde Park, racial and ethnic groups, issues of concern in writing for Chicago Defender; founding International Society for General Semantics and journal ETC. A Review of General Semantics; child-rearing theories and practice; interest in African art, jazz; professor of English, San Francisco State College, 1955-1968, presidency, 1968-1973; campus, student political activities and strike, and public reaction. Interview with Hayakawa and STANLEY DIAMOND on U.S. English and bilingualism; background of relationship, further on San Francisco State and student unrest; reform of bilingual education, and ethnic support and opposition. Interview with Hayakawa and legislative director ELVIRA ORLY on U.S. Senate term, 1977-1983, Washington staff and campaign, issues and causes, public relations, effectiveness. Interview with administrative aide JEANNE GRIFFITHS. Interview with DAISY ROSEBOROUGH, Hayakawa housekeeper since 1948. Appendices include selected writings on art, communication, co-ops, political parties, race relations, and U.S. English.