diff --git a/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete-trigger.ts b/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete-trigger.ts
index 22dd34265699..71f9573909fb 100644
--- a/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete-trigger.ts
+++ b/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete-trigger.ts
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ import {ConnectedPositionStrategy} from '../core/overlay/position/connected-posi
 import {Observable} from 'rxjs/Observable';
 import {MdOptionSelectionChange, MdOption} from '../core/option/option';
 import {ENTER, UP_ARROW, DOWN_ARROW} from '../core/keyboard/keycodes';
-import {Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {Subscription} from 'rxjs/Subscription';
 import {Subject} from 'rxjs/Subject';
 import 'rxjs/add/observable/merge';
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ export class MdAutocompleteTrigger implements ControlValueAccessor, OnDestroy {
 
   constructor(private _element: ElementRef, private _overlay: Overlay,
               private _viewContainerRef: ViewContainerRef,
-              @Optional() private _dir: Dir, private _zone: NgZone,
+              @Optional() private _dir: Directionality, private _zone: NgZone,
               @Optional() @Host() private _inputContainer: MdInputContainer) {}
 
   ngOnDestroy() {
diff --git a/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete.spec.ts b/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete.spec.ts
index f7ca92a28b8a..b304066a1218 100644
--- a/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete.spec.ts
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import {NoopAnimationsModule} from '@angular/platform-browser/animations';
 import {MdAutocompleteModule, MdAutocompleteTrigger} from './index';
 import {OverlayContainer} from '../core/overlay/overlay-container';
 import {MdInputModule} from '../input/index';
-import {Dir, LayoutDirection} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality, Direction} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {FormControl, FormsModule, ReactiveFormsModule} from '@angular/forms';
 import {Subscription} from 'rxjs/Subscription';
 import {ENTER, DOWN_ARROW, SPACE, UP_ARROW} from '../core/keyboard/keycodes';
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ import 'rxjs/add/operator/map';
 
 describe('MdAutocomplete', () => {
   let overlayContainerElement: HTMLElement;
-  let dir: LayoutDirection;
+  let dir: Direction;
 
   beforeEach(async(() => {
     dir = 'ltr';
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ describe('MdAutocomplete', () => {
 
           return {getContainerElement: () => overlayContainerElement};
         }},
-        {provide: Dir, useFactory: () => {
+        {provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => {
           return {value: dir};
         }},
         {provide: ViewportRuler, useClass: FakeViewportRuler}
diff --git a/src/lib/core/bidi/dir.ts b/src/lib/core/bidi/dir.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..7d40c28d499b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/core/bidi/dir.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+import {
+  Directive,
+  HostBinding,
+  Output,
+  Input,
+  EventEmitter
+} from '@angular/core';
+
+import {Direction, Directionality} from './directionality';
+
+/**
+ * Directive to listen for changes of direction of part of the DOM.
+ *
+ * Would provide itself in case a component looks for the Directionality service
+ */
+@Directive({
+  selector: '[dir]',
+  // TODO(hansl): maybe `$implicit` isn't the best option here, but for now that's the best we got.
+  exportAs: '$implicit',
+  providers: [
+    {provide: Directionality, useExisting: Dir}
+  ]
+})
+export class Dir implements Directionality {
+  /** Layout direction of the element. */
+  @Input('dir') _dir: Direction = 'ltr';
+
+  /** Event emitted when the direction changes. */
+  @Output() change = new EventEmitter<void>();
+
+  /** @docs-private */
+  @HostBinding('attr.dir')
+  get dir(): Direction {
+    return this._dir;
+  }
+
+  set dir(v: Direction) {
+    let old = this._dir;
+    this._dir = v;
+    if (old != this._dir) {
+      this.change.emit();
+    }
+  }
+
+  /** Current layout direction of the element. */
+  get value(): Direction { return this.dir; }
+  set value(v: Direction) { this.dir = v; }
+}
+
diff --git a/src/lib/core/bidi/directionality.ts b/src/lib/core/bidi/directionality.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..0111925ac4b1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/core/bidi/directionality.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+import {
+  EventEmitter,
+  Injectable,
+  ModuleWithProviders,
+  NgModule,
+  Optional,
+  SkipSelf
+} from '@angular/core';
+
+import {Dir} from './dir';
+
+export type Direction = 'ltr' | 'rtl';
+
+/**
+ * The directionality (LTR / RTL) context for the application (or a subtree of it).
+ * Exposes the current direction and a stream of direction changes.
+ */
+@Injectable()
+export class Directionality {
+  value: Direction = 'ltr';
+  change: EventEmitter<void> = new EventEmitter<void>();
+
+  constructor() {
+    if (document) {
+    // TODO: handle auto value -
+    // We still need to account for dir="auto".
+    // It looks like HTMLElemenet.dir is also "auto" when that's set to the attribute,
+    // but getComputedStyle return either "ltr" or "rtl". avoiding getComputedStyle for now
+    // though, we're already calling it for the theming check.
+    this.value =
+      (document.body.getAttribute('dir') ||
+      document.documentElement.getAttribute('dir') ||
+      'ltr') as Direction;
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+@NgModule({
+  exports: [Dir],
+  declarations: [Dir],
+  providers: [Directionality]
+})
+export class BidiModule {
+  /** @deprecated */
+  static forRoot(): ModuleWithProviders {
+    return {
+      ngModule: BidiModule,
+      providers: [DIRECTIONALITY_PROVIDER]
+    };
+  }
+}
+
+export const DIRECTIONALITY_PROVIDER = {
+  // If there is already a Directionality available, use that. Otherwise, provide a new one.
+  provide: Directionality,
+  deps: [[new Optional(), new SkipSelf(), Directionality]],
+  useFactory: function (parentDirectionality) {
+    return parentDirectionality || new Directionality();
+  }
+};
diff --git a/src/lib/core/bidi/index.ts b/src/lib/core/bidi/index.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..710b9a4f28d5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/core/bidi/index.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+export {
+  Directionality,
+  BidiModule,
+  DIRECTIONALITY_PROVIDER,
+  Direction
+} from './directionality';
+export {Dir} from './dir';
diff --git a/src/lib/core/core.ts b/src/lib/core/core.ts
index 5f6ebe2731c2..9278e579c7d4 100644
--- a/src/lib/core/core.ts
+++ b/src/lib/core/core.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import {NgModule, ModuleWithProviders} from '@angular/core';
 import {MdLineModule} from './line/line';
-import {RtlModule} from './rtl/dir';
+import {BidiModule} from './bidi/index';
 import {ObserveContentModule} from './observe-content/observe-content';
 import {MdOptionModule} from './option/option';
 import {PortalModule} from './portal/portal-directives';
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import {MdRippleModule} from './ripple/index';
 
 
 // RTL
-export {Dir, LayoutDirection, RtlModule} from './rtl/dir';
+export {Dir, Direction, Directionality, BidiModule} from './bidi/index';
 
 // Mutation Observer
 export {ObserveContentModule, ObserveContent} from './observe-content/observe-content';
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ export {CompatibilityModule, NoConflictStyleCompatibilityMode} from './compatibi
 @NgModule({
   imports: [
     MdLineModule,
-    RtlModule,
+    BidiModule,
     MdRippleModule,
     ObserveContentModule,
     PortalModule,
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ export {CompatibilityModule, NoConflictStyleCompatibilityMode} from './compatibi
   ],
   exports: [
     MdLineModule,
-    RtlModule,
+    BidiModule,
     MdRippleModule,
     ObserveContentModule,
     PortalModule,
diff --git a/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.spec.ts b/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.spec.ts
index 3af7f42e7911..5bcaac109164 100644
--- a/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.spec.ts
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import {ConnectedOverlayDirective, OverlayModule} from './overlay-directives';
 import {OverlayContainer} from './overlay-container';
 import {ConnectedPositionStrategy} from './position/connected-position-strategy';
 import {ConnectedOverlayPositionChange} from './position/connected-position';
-import {Dir} from '../rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality} from '../bidi/index';
 
 
 describe('Overlay directives', () => {
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ describe('Overlay directives', () => {
           overlayContainerElement = document.createElement('div');
           return {getContainerElement: () => overlayContainerElement};
         }},
-        {provide: Dir, useFactory: () => {
+        {provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => {
           return dir = { value: 'ltr' };
         }}
       ],
diff --git a/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.ts b/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.ts
index e643256c11cf..3c03a7689725 100644
--- a/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.ts
+++ b/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.ts
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ import {
 import {PortalModule} from '../portal/portal-directives';
 import {ConnectedPositionStrategy} from './position/connected-position-strategy';
 import {Subscription} from 'rxjs/Subscription';
-import {Dir, LayoutDirection} from '../rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality, Direction} from '../bidi/index';
 import {Scrollable} from './scroll/scrollable';
 import {coerceBooleanProperty} from '../coercion/boolean-property';
 
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ export class ConnectedOverlayDirective implements OnDestroy {
       private _overlay: Overlay,
       templateRef: TemplateRef<any>,
       viewContainerRef: ViewContainerRef,
-      @Optional() private _dir: Dir) {
+      @Optional() private _dir: Directionality) {
     this._templatePortal = new TemplatePortal(templateRef, viewContainerRef);
   }
 
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ export class ConnectedOverlayDirective implements OnDestroy {
   }
 
   /** The element's layout direction. */
-  get dir(): LayoutDirection {
+  get dir(): Direction {
     return this._dir ? this._dir.value : 'ltr';
   }
 
diff --git a/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-state.ts b/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-state.ts
index 09676cce9ede..055b87b4577c 100644
--- a/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-state.ts
+++ b/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-state.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import {PositionStrategy} from './position/position-strategy';
-import {LayoutDirection} from '../rtl/dir';
+import {Direction} from '../bidi/index';
 
 
 /**
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ export class OverlayState {
   minHeight: number | string;
 
   /** The direction of the text in the overlay panel. */
-  direction: LayoutDirection = 'ltr';
+  direction: Direction = 'ltr';
 
   // TODO(jelbourn): configuration still to add
   // - focus trap
diff --git a/src/lib/core/rtl/dir.ts b/src/lib/core/rtl/dir.ts
deleted file mode 100644
index 05eaef60c2d2..000000000000
--- a/src/lib/core/rtl/dir.ts
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,62 +0,0 @@
-import {
-  NgModule,
-  ModuleWithProviders,
-  Directive,
-  HostBinding,
-  Output,
-  Input,
-  EventEmitter
-} from '@angular/core';
-
-export type LayoutDirection = 'ltr' | 'rtl';
-
-/**
- * Directive to listen for changes of direction of part of the DOM.
- *
- * Applications should use this directive instead of the native attribute so that Material
- * components can listen on changes of direction.
- */
-@Directive({
-  selector: '[dir]',
-  // TODO(hansl): maybe `$implicit` isn't the best option here, but for now that's the best we got.
-  exportAs: '$implicit'
-})
-export class Dir {
-  /** Layout direction of the element. */
-  @Input('dir') _dir: LayoutDirection = 'ltr';
-
-  /** Event emitted when the direction changes. */
-  @Output() dirChange = new EventEmitter<void>();
-
-  /** @docs-private */
-  @HostBinding('attr.dir')
-  get dir(): LayoutDirection {
-    return this._dir;
-  }
-  set dir(v: LayoutDirection) {
-    let old = this._dir;
-    this._dir = v;
-    if (old != this._dir) {
-      this.dirChange.emit();
-    }
-  }
-
-  /** Current layout direction of the element. */
-  get value(): LayoutDirection { return this.dir; }
-  set value(v: LayoutDirection) { this.dir = v; }
-}
-
-
-@NgModule({
-  exports: [Dir],
-  declarations: [Dir]
-})
-export class RtlModule {
-  /** @deprecated */
-  static forRoot(): ModuleWithProviders {
-    return {
-      ngModule: RtlModule,
-      providers: []
-    };
-  }
-}
diff --git a/src/lib/grid-list/grid-list.ts b/src/lib/grid-list/grid-list.ts
index 8da4a76bceae..9d5ac4161ce1 100644
--- a/src/lib/grid-list/grid-list.ts
+++ b/src/lib/grid-list/grid-list.ts
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ import {MdGridTile} from './grid-tile';
 import {TileCoordinator} from './tile-coordinator';
 import {TileStyler, FitTileStyler, RatioTileStyler, FixedTileStyler} from './tile-styler';
 import {MdGridListColsError} from './grid-list-errors';
-import {Dir} from '../core';
+import {Directionality} from '../core';
 import {
   coerceToString,
   coerceToNumber,
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ export class MdGridList implements OnInit, AfterContentChecked {
   constructor(
       private _renderer: Renderer,
       private _element: ElementRef,
-      @Optional() private _dir: Dir) {}
+      @Optional() private _dir: Directionality) {}
 
   /** Amount of columns in the grid list. */
   @Input()
diff --git a/src/lib/menu/menu-trigger.ts b/src/lib/menu/menu-trigger.ts
index b611138e935e..40478db4359d 100644
--- a/src/lib/menu/menu-trigger.ts
+++ b/src/lib/menu/menu-trigger.ts
@@ -14,8 +14,8 @@ import {MdMenuPanel} from './menu-panel';
 import {MdMenuMissingError} from './menu-errors';
 import {
     isFakeMousedownFromScreenReader,
-    Dir,
-    LayoutDirection,
+    Directionality,
+    Direction,
     Overlay,
     OverlayState,
     OverlayRef,
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ export class MdMenuTrigger implements AfterViewInit, OnDestroy {
 
   constructor(private _overlay: Overlay, private _element: ElementRef,
               private _viewContainerRef: ViewContainerRef, private _renderer: Renderer,
-              @Optional() private _dir: Dir) {}
+              @Optional() private _dir: Directionality) {}
 
   ngAfterViewInit() {
     this._checkMenu();
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ export class MdMenuTrigger implements AfterViewInit, OnDestroy {
   }
 
   /** The text direction of the containing app. */
-  get dir(): LayoutDirection {
+  get dir(): Direction {
     return this._dir && this._dir.value === 'rtl' ? 'rtl' : 'ltr';
   }
 
diff --git a/src/lib/menu/menu.spec.ts b/src/lib/menu/menu.spec.ts
index 849e84a8aa76..8b623e862959 100644
--- a/src/lib/menu/menu.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/menu/menu.spec.ts
@@ -19,12 +19,12 @@ import {
 } from './index';
 import {OverlayContainer} from '../core/overlay/overlay-container';
 import {ViewportRuler} from '../core/overlay/position/viewport-ruler';
-import {Dir, LayoutDirection} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality, Direction} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {extendObject} from '../core/util/object-extend';
 
 describe('MdMenu', () => {
   let overlayContainerElement: HTMLElement;
-  let dir: LayoutDirection;
+  let dir: Direction;
 
   beforeEach(async(() => {
     dir = 'ltr';
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ describe('MdMenu', () => {
           document.body.style.margin = '0';
           return {getContainerElement: () => overlayContainerElement};
         }},
-        {provide: Dir, useFactory: () => {
+        {provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => {
           return {value: dir};
         }},
         {provide: ViewportRuler, useClass: FakeViewportRuler}
diff --git a/src/lib/module.ts b/src/lib/module.ts
index 245574325ebe..9fe15b186cd5 100644
--- a/src/lib/module.ts
+++ b/src/lib/module.ts
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import {NgModule, ModuleWithProviders} from '@angular/core';
 
 import {
   MdRippleModule,
-  RtlModule,
+  BidiModule,
   ObserveContentModule,
   PortalModule,
   OverlayModule,
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ const MATERIAL_MODULES = [
   MdTooltipModule,
   OverlayModule,
   PortalModule,
-  RtlModule,
+  BidiModule,
   StyleModule,
   A11yModule,
   PlatformModule,
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ const MATERIAL_MODULES = [
     MdTabsModule.forRoot(),
     MdToolbarModule.forRoot(),
     PortalModule.forRoot(),
-    RtlModule.forRoot(),
+    BidiModule.forRoot(),
     ObserveContentModule.forRoot(),
 
     // These modules include providers.
diff --git a/src/lib/select/select.spec.ts b/src/lib/select/select.spec.ts
index b53781ede656..5593b7b77202 100644
--- a/src/lib/select/select.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/select/select.spec.ts
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ import {OverlayContainer} from '../core/overlay/overlay-container';
 import {MdSelect, MdSelectFloatPlaceholderType} from './select';
 import {MdSelectDynamicMultipleError, MdSelectNonArrayValueError} from './select-errors';
 import {MdOption} from '../core/option/option';
-import {Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {
   ControlValueAccessor, FormControl, FormsModule, NG_VALUE_ACCESSOR, ReactiveFormsModule
 } from '@angular/forms';
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ describe('MdSelect', () => {
 
           return {getContainerElement: () => overlayContainerElement};
         }},
-        {provide: Dir, useFactory: () => {
+        {provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => {
           return dir = { value: 'ltr' };
         }},
         {provide: ViewportRuler, useClass: FakeViewportRuler}
diff --git a/src/lib/select/select.ts b/src/lib/select/select.ts
index 55dd43557a05..fd8be0329eb0 100644
--- a/src/lib/select/select.ts
+++ b/src/lib/select/select.ts
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ import {
 import {MdOption, MdOptionSelectionChange} from '../core/option/option';
 import {ENTER, SPACE} from '../core/keyboard/keycodes';
 import {FocusKeyManager} from '../core/a11y/focus-key-manager';
-import {Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {Observable} from 'rxjs/Observable';
 import {Subscription} from 'rxjs/Subscription';
 import {transformPlaceholder, transformPanel, fadeInContent} from './select-animations';
@@ -303,7 +303,8 @@ export class MdSelect implements AfterContentInit, OnDestroy, OnInit, ControlVal
 
   constructor(private _element: ElementRef, private _renderer: Renderer,
               private _viewportRuler: ViewportRuler, private _changeDetectorRef: ChangeDetectorRef,
-              @Optional() private _dir: Dir, @Self() @Optional() public _control: NgControl,
+              @Optional() private _dir: Directionality,
+              @Self() @Optional() public _control: NgControl,
               @Attribute('tabindex') tabIndex: string) {
     if (this._control) {
       this._control.valueAccessor = this;
diff --git a/src/lib/sidenav/sidenav.ts b/src/lib/sidenav/sidenav.ts
index 520b572c449f..8f6714e07c67 100644
--- a/src/lib/sidenav/sidenav.ts
+++ b/src/lib/sidenav/sidenav.ts
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ import {
   NgZone,
   OnDestroy,
 } from '@angular/core';
-import {Dir, MdError, coerceBooleanProperty} from '../core';
+import {Directionality, MdError, coerceBooleanProperty} from '../core';
 import {FocusTrapFactory, FocusTrap} from '../core/a11y/focus-trap';
 import {ESCAPE} from '../core/keyboard/keycodes';
 import 'rxjs/add/operator/first';
@@ -349,12 +349,12 @@ export class MdSidenavContainer implements AfterContentInit {
   /** Whether to enable open/close trantions. */
   _enableTransitions = false;
 
-  constructor(@Optional() private _dir: Dir, private _element: ElementRef,
+  constructor(@Optional() private _dir: Directionality, private _element: ElementRef,
               private _renderer: Renderer, private _ngZone: NgZone) {
     // If a `Dir` directive exists up the tree, listen direction changes and update the left/right
     // properties to point to the proper start/end.
     if (_dir != null) {
-      _dir.dirChange.subscribe(() => this._validateDrawers());
+      _dir.change.subscribe(() => this._validateDrawers());
     }
   }
 
diff --git a/src/lib/slider/index.ts b/src/lib/slider/index.ts
index 7fccc53ea96e..63611eca6f3c 100644
--- a/src/lib/slider/index.ts
+++ b/src/lib/slider/index.ts
@@ -4,11 +4,11 @@ import {CommonModule} from '@angular/common';
 import {FormsModule} from '@angular/forms';
 import {CompatibilityModule, GestureConfig, StyleModule} from '../core';
 import {MdSlider} from './slider';
-import {RtlModule} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {BidiModule} from '../core/bidi/index';
 
 
 @NgModule({
-  imports: [CommonModule, FormsModule, CompatibilityModule, StyleModule, RtlModule],
+  imports: [CommonModule, FormsModule, CompatibilityModule, StyleModule, BidiModule],
   exports: [MdSlider, CompatibilityModule],
   declarations: [MdSlider],
   providers: [{provide: HAMMER_GESTURE_CONFIG, useClass: GestureConfig}]
diff --git a/src/lib/slider/slider.spec.ts b/src/lib/slider/slider.spec.ts
index 4cb452fe5e37..232e34ebec01 100644
--- a/src/lib/slider/slider.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/slider/slider.spec.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import {Component, DebugElement} from '@angular/core';
 import {By, HAMMER_GESTURE_CONFIG} from '@angular/platform-browser';
 import {MdSlider, MdSliderModule} from './index';
 import {TestGestureConfig} from './test-gesture-config';
-import {RtlModule} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {BidiModule} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {
   DOWN_ARROW,
   END,
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ describe('MdSlider', () => {
 
   beforeEach(async(() => {
     TestBed.configureTestingModule({
-      imports: [MdSliderModule, ReactiveFormsModule, FormsModule, RtlModule],
+      imports: [MdSliderModule, ReactiveFormsModule, FormsModule, BidiModule],
       declarations: [
         StandardSlider,
         DisabledSlider,
diff --git a/src/lib/slider/slider.ts b/src/lib/slider/slider.ts
index 32822f257ccd..ab995162d71a 100644
--- a/src/lib/slider/slider.ts
+++ b/src/lib/slider/slider.ts
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ import {
 } from '@angular/core';
 import {ControlValueAccessor, NG_VALUE_ACCESSOR} from '@angular/forms';
 import {coerceBooleanProperty, coerceNumberProperty, HammerInput} from '../core';
-import {Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {
   DOWN_ARROW,
   END,
@@ -378,7 +378,8 @@ export class MdSlider implements ControlValueAccessor, OnDestroy {
   }
 
   constructor(renderer: Renderer, private _elementRef: ElementRef,
-              private _focusOriginMonitor: FocusOriginMonitor, @Optional() private _dir: Dir) {
+              private _focusOriginMonitor: FocusOriginMonitor,
+              @Optional() private _dir: Directionality) {
     this._focusOriginMonitor.monitor(this._elementRef.nativeElement, renderer, true)
         .subscribe((origin: FocusOrigin) => this._isActive = !!origin && origin !== 'keyboard');
     this._renderer = new SliderRenderer(this._elementRef);
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.spec.ts b/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.spec.ts
index a205922ff0f1..08d4bed8ebd0 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.spec.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import {async, ComponentFixture, TestBed, flushMicrotasks, fakeAsync} from '@angular/core/testing';
 import {Component, ViewChild, TemplateRef, ViewContainerRef} from '@angular/core';
 import {NoopAnimationsModule} from '@angular/platform-browser/animations';
-import {LayoutDirection, Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Direction, Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {TemplatePortal} from '../core/portal/portal';
 import {MdTabBody} from './tab-body';
 import {MdRippleModule} from '../core/ripple/index';
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import {PortalModule} from '../core';
 
 
 describe('MdTabBody', () => {
-  let dir: LayoutDirection = 'ltr';
+  let dir: Direction = 'ltr';
 
   beforeEach(async(() => {
     dir = 'ltr';
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ describe('MdTabBody', () => {
         SimpleTabBodyApp,
       ],
       providers: [
-        { provide: Dir, useFactory: () => { return {value: dir}; }
+        { provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => { return {value: dir}; }
       }]
     });
 
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.ts b/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.ts
index 09cb9084e2b5..9eccbcb5885f 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.ts
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ import {
   transition,
   AnimationEvent,
 } from '@angular/animations';
-import {TemplatePortal, PortalHostDirective, Dir, LayoutDirection} from '../core';
+import {TemplatePortal, PortalHostDirective, Directionality, Direction} from '../core';
 import 'rxjs/add/operator/map';
 
 /**
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ export class MdTabBody implements OnInit, AfterViewChecked, AfterContentChecked
   }
 
   constructor(
-    @Optional() private _dir: Dir,
+    @Optional() private _dir: Directionality,
     private _elementRef: ElementRef,
     private _changeDetectorRef: ChangeDetectorRef) { }
 
@@ -185,7 +185,7 @@ export class MdTabBody implements OnInit, AfterViewChecked, AfterContentChecked
   }
 
   /** The text direction of the containing app. */
-  _getLayoutDirection(): LayoutDirection {
+  _getLayoutDirection(): Direction {
     return this._dir && this._dir.value === 'rtl' ? 'rtl' : 'ltr';
   }
 
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.spec.ts b/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.spec.ts
index 89d931d4c108..9b19a5e92cc8 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.spec.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import {async, ComponentFixture, TestBed} from '@angular/core/testing';
 import {Component, ViewChild, ViewContainerRef} from '@angular/core';
-import {LayoutDirection, Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Direction, Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {MdTabHeader} from './tab-header';
 import {MdRippleModule} from '../core/ripple/index';
 import {CommonModule} from '@angular/common';
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ import {Subject} from 'rxjs/Subject';
 
 
 describe('MdTabHeader', () => {
-  let dir: LayoutDirection = 'ltr';
+  let dir: Direction = 'ltr';
   let dirChange = new Subject();
   let fixture: ComponentFixture<SimpleTabHeaderApp>;
   let appComponent: SimpleTabHeaderApp;
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ describe('MdTabHeader', () => {
         SimpleTabHeaderApp,
       ],
       providers: [
-        {provide: Dir, useFactory: () => {
+        {provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => {
           return {value: dir,  dirChange: dirChange.asObservable()};
         }},
         {provide: ViewportRuler, useClass: FakeViewportRuler},
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ class SimpleTabHeaderApp {
   focusedIndex: number;
   disabledTabIndex = 1;
   tabs: Tab[] = [{label: 'tab one'}, {label: 'tab one'}, {label: 'tab one'}, {label: 'tab one'}];
-  dir: LayoutDirection = 'ltr';
+  dir: Direction = 'ltr';
 
   @ViewChild(MdTabHeader) mdTabHeader: MdTabHeader;
 
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.ts b/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.ts
index 3fee07a9f749..82e763eba8cf 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.ts
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ import {
   AfterContentInit,
   OnDestroy,
 } from '@angular/core';
-import {RIGHT_ARROW, LEFT_ARROW, ENTER, Dir, LayoutDirection} from '../core';
+import {RIGHT_ARROW, LEFT_ARROW, ENTER, Directionality, Direction} from '../core';
 import {MdTabLabelWrapper} from './tab-label-wrapper';
 import {MdInkBar} from './ink-bar';
 import {Subscription} from 'rxjs/Subscription';
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ export class MdTabHeader implements AfterContentChecked, AfterContentInit, OnDes
   /** Event emitted when a label is focused. */
   @Output() indexFocused = new EventEmitter();
 
-  constructor(private _elementRef: ElementRef, @Optional() private _dir: Dir) {}
+  constructor(private _elementRef: ElementRef, @Optional() private _dir: Directionality) {}
 
   ngAfterContentChecked(): void {
     // If the number of tab labels have changed, check if scrolling should be enabled
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ export class MdTabHeader implements AfterContentChecked, AfterContentInit, OnDes
     this._alignInkBarToSelectedTab();
 
     if (this._dir) {
-      this._directionChange = this._dir.dirChange.subscribe(() => this._alignInkBarToSelectedTab());
+      this._directionChange = this._dir.change.subscribe(() => this._alignInkBarToSelectedTab());
     }
   }
 
@@ -257,7 +257,7 @@ export class MdTabHeader implements AfterContentChecked, AfterContentInit, OnDes
   }
 
   /** The layout direction of the containing app. */
-  _getLayoutDirection(): LayoutDirection {
+  _getLayoutDirection(): Direction {
     return this._dir && this._dir.value === 'rtl' ? 'rtl' : 'ltr';
   }
 
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-nav-bar/tab-nav-bar.ts b/src/lib/tabs/tab-nav-bar/tab-nav-bar.ts
index 6bc6d6dec836..b15f2c4d9781 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-nav-bar/tab-nav-bar.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-nav-bar/tab-nav-bar.ts
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ import {
 import {MdInkBar} from '../ink-bar';
 import {MdRipple} from '../../core/ripple/index';
 import {ViewportRuler} from '../../core/overlay/position/viewport-ruler';
-import {MD_RIPPLE_GLOBAL_OPTIONS, RippleGlobalOptions, Dir} from '../../core';
+import {MD_RIPPLE_GLOBAL_OPTIONS, RippleGlobalOptions, Directionality} from '../../core';
 import {Subscription} from 'rxjs/Subscription';
 
 /**
@@ -37,9 +37,9 @@ export class MdTabNavBar implements OnDestroy {
 
   @ViewChild(MdInkBar) _inkBar: MdInkBar;
 
-  constructor(@Optional() private _dir: Dir) {
+  constructor(@Optional() private _dir: Directionality) {
     if (_dir) {
-      this._directionChange = _dir.dirChange.subscribe(() => this._alignInkBar());
+      this._directionChange = _dir.change.subscribe(() => this._alignInkBar());
     }
   }
 
diff --git a/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.spec.ts b/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.spec.ts
index a6c9699f3f7d..4cc786e6408a 100644
--- a/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.spec.ts
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ import {By} from '@angular/platform-browser';
 import {NoopAnimationsModule} from '@angular/platform-browser/animations';
 import {TooltipPosition, MdTooltip, MdTooltipModule, SCROLL_THROTTLE_MS} from './index';
 import {OverlayContainer} from '../core';
-import {Dir, LayoutDirection} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality, Direction} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {OverlayModule} from '../core/overlay/overlay-directives';
 import {Platform} from '../core/platform/platform';
 import {Scrollable} from '../core/overlay/scroll/scrollable';
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ const initialTooltipMessage = 'initial tooltip message';
 
 describe('MdTooltip', () => {
   let overlayContainerElement: HTMLElement;
-  let dir: {value: LayoutDirection};
+  let dir: {value: Direction};
 
   beforeEach(async(() => {
     TestBed.configureTestingModule({
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ describe('MdTooltip', () => {
           document.body.appendChild(overlayContainerElement);
           return {getContainerElement: () => overlayContainerElement};
         }},
-        {provide: Dir, useFactory: () => {
+        {provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => {
           return dir = { value: 'ltr' };
         }}
       ]
diff --git a/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.ts b/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.ts
index f0b258e19a7f..9aa3924413ba 100644
--- a/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.ts
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ import {
 import {MdTooltipInvalidPositionError} from './tooltip-errors';
 import {Observable} from 'rxjs/Observable';
 import {Subject} from 'rxjs/Subject';
-import {Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {Platform} from '../core/platform/index';
 import 'rxjs/add/operator/first';
 import {ScrollDispatcher} from '../core/overlay/scroll/scroll-dispatcher';
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ export class MdTooltip implements OnInit, OnDestroy {
     private _ngZone: NgZone,
     private _renderer: Renderer,
     private _platform: Platform,
-    @Optional() private _dir: Dir) {
+    @Optional() private _dir: Directionality) {
 
     // The mouse events shouldn't be bound on iOS devices, because
     // they can prevent the first tap from firing its click event.
@@ -370,7 +370,8 @@ export class TooltipComponent {
   /** Subject for notifying that the tooltip has been hidden from the view */
   private _onHide: Subject<any> = new Subject();
 
-  constructor(@Optional() private _dir: Dir, private _changeDetectorRef: ChangeDetectorRef) {}
+  constructor(@Optional() private _dir: Directionality,
+              private _changeDetectorRef: ChangeDetectorRef) {}
 
   /**
    * Shows the tooltip with an animation originating from the provided origin