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The Cantonese ge3, 2008.
A descriptive overview of the usages of the grammatical marker ge3 in Cantonese.
5,319 words (approx. 21.3 pages), 31 sources, APA, $ 131.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the nature of the grammatical marker ge3 in Cantonese from a Cantonese perspective. The author describes the various constructions in which ge3 can appear, and discusses the similarities among some of these constructions. The paper organizes the researched data according to whether there is a nominal element after ge3, and according to whether the pre-ge3 element denotes a proposition or a property. The author identifies the usages of ge3 in conditionals and contrastive topic clauses as being also adnominal usages and describes the differences in phonology and usage between the predicative-ge3 and the assertive-ge3. The author concludes with the hope that the findings of this paper will provide new perspectives in the understanding of similar grammatical markers in Cantonese as well as in other languages.
Outline:
Introduction
An Overview of the Various Usages of ge3
Interaction Between Assertive-ge3 and Predicative-ge3
Similarities Between Conditionals, Contrastive Topic Clauses and Assertive Sentences
Ge3, gam2 and Demonstratives
Ge3 and gam2
Gam2 and Demonstratives
Ge3 as a Defective Indexical
Ge3 and Demonstratives
Conclusions
From the Paper
"In other words, conditionals, contrastive topic clauses and assertions are similar in that in all three cases, the constructions make the contents they denote into the shared presuppositions of all the conversation participants. In view of the fact that all these three constructions involve the use of ge3, I assume that ge3 is related to the function of making the speaker's propositions into shared presuppositions in these three constructions. In conditionals (contrastive topic clauses included), ge3 makes the pre-ge3 proposition presuppositional to all the interlocutors. Similarly for assertive-ge3, it brings the proposition denoted by the pre- ge3 sentence, which is only the speaker's presupposition at the point of utterance, into the common ground. For this reason, sentence-final ge3 yields an intersubjective 'I tell you' or 'believe me' effect."
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Sociocultural Failures in Intercultural Communication, 2008.
The paper investigates the difficulties and problematical nature of communication between individuals when major cultural differences exist between them.
3,167 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
In the paper, the author discusses the difficulties that can arise when individuals from different cultures attempt to communicate. Cultural differences can cause misunderstanding, tension and even hostility often based purely on a misconception as to what the speaker intended or how his words were perceived by the listener. The writer describes extensively communication difficulties between people from a Western culture (Australian) and from an Asian culture (Japanese) and gives examples of many areas of misunderstanding. He further states that whilst it is neither possible nor desirable to eliminate cultural differences, we should be aware of their existence and take care to minimize the lack of understanding that may result from them.
Outline:
Introduction
Case Study: Japan and Australia
Analysis
Conclusion
References
From the Paper
"Sociocultural failures are something which are unavoidable in intercultural communication. The limitation of language due to its ambiguity, the lack of intersubjective understanding due to different origins, differences in self-identity, differences in context culture system, differences in the way people see things which are virtuous or not, are all factors that cannot be eliminated, which contribute to sociocultural failures. Those factors exist by nature. It is futile to try to omit those differences."
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Language: Learned or Innate?, 2008.
This paper explores the debate concerning language ability; is it innate or does it have to be learned?
1,436 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the arguments of those who believe that language is a biological ability and those who argue that it is an acquired skill or that the ability evolved over time. The paper concludes that although culture, environment and reinforcement have a large part in developing a person's ability to communicate, the ability itself would not come about without the initial presence of an innate ability to form speech and present ideas.
From the Paper
"The issue of language ability being innate or learned is in essence, a special case of the nature vs. nurture debate. Some people believe that language is a biological ability, or a gift from God that is wired into our being. Others believe that it is an acquired skill or that the ability evolved over time. Nevertheless a fascination with this concept is nothing new, as the ability to communicate through the complex rules and regulations that define language is in essence human's unique gift. Interest on the ability to learn a language has existed since the fourth century, where Plato pondered upon the origin of words and their meanings (Bloomfield, 1933)."
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The Birth of Sociolinguistics, 2008.
A comparison of the articles "Dell Hymes, Kenneth Burke's 'Identification,' and the Birth of Sociolinguistics" by Jay Jordan and "Do You Speak American?" by John Baugh.
1,040 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Dell Hymes and Kenneth Burke offer compelling insight into the foundations of sociolinguistics using the key term of "Identification". The paper then analyzes Jay Jordan's scholarly article "Dell Hymes, Kenneth Burke's 'Identification,' and the Birth of Sociolinguistics" and contrasts it to John Baugh's popular press article "Do You Speak American?" The paper shows how, while Jordan's article is based on hard research without taking any one side, Baugh's article on Ebonics is based on the author's opinions and fueled by media exposure and political impact.
Outline:
Background
Issue
Scholarly Article
Popular Press Article
Discussion
From the Paper
""Sociolinguistics is the study of the effect of any and all aspects of society, including cultural norms, expectations, and context on the way language is used. Sociolinguistics overlaps to a considerable degree with pragmatics" (Wikipedia). The study of sociolinguistics offers a view on how subtle or pronounced language variation can be a result of social variables such as ethnicity, religion, status, and level of education (Wikipedia). The importance of the study of sociolinguistics can be applied to a variety of applications; from legal precedence in a court of law to defining the true meaning, or as Kenneth Burke defined, the "identification" of the meaning of words in which context, setting, and other social factors are applied (Jordan)."
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Chicano English, 2007.
A discussion on Chicano linguistics and how it is unique and distinct, as it differs from both Standard Spanish and Standard English
2,093 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the origins, history, and evolution of Chicano English, described as a new and unique American dialect. The paper describes how the linguistic heritage of Chicano English, combined with unique phonetic qualities gave birth to a dialect which is directly descended from the immigrant experience. The paper concludes that the tapestry of forms ranging from the Spanish of the Ranchero experience, blended with the Americanization of the industrial revolution, and the modern urban experience all helped to create the amalgamation that is the Chicano dialect.
From the Paper
"A new foreword vision of prosperity was realized within the Mexican culture. Mexican immigrants desired to become integrated into American culture. This aspiration ultimately resulted in Hispanic participation in unions. "Additional evidence of this Americanization process was in the increased involvement in labor unions, especially the steel unions in the late 1930s, by Mexicans who participated not as Mexicans, but as American industrial workers". Obviously this type of integration into mainstream American culture would demand and that these first-generation Spanish speakers acquire Standard English in order to assimilate."
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Samuel Beckett's "Endgame", 2003.
This paper looks at how understanding the social and political context of the time of Samuel Beckett's play "Endgame" enhances the significance of the play's meaning.
2,298 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
The paper examines how the play "Endgame" is related to reality and discusses how it is haunted by the prospect of universal death. The paper looks at how "Endgame" is a play on language and shows how, ultimately, the play is a manifestation of the social and political context of the time.
From the Paper
"Samuel Beckett's theatre is widely assumed as a no-man's-land, a place at the end of the world, devoid of any humanity. The impression we are left with at the end of his plays is that of a timeless theatre, showing an essential and absolute humanity, which is hardly prone to historical upheavals, or even to historical variations. This is also true of Endgame, Beckett's third play, first written in French and performed at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in 1957. The play is haunted by the prospect of universal death. Indeed, Beckett imprisons his characters in a room which might be the only place on earth to house human life."
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The Portuguese Language (O Portugues), 2008.
A linguistic description of the Portuguese language, which ranks in sixth in the overall number of speakers of any language.
2,730 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 81.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Portuguese is an Indo-European language, which originated from the Vulgar Latin about two thousand years ago. The author points out that, as Christians conquered the peninsula, a lot of the grammar and words used in Spain and France greatly influenced the modern Portuguese language although the morphology and syntax were only slightly changed. The paper reports that Portuguese is a pluricentric language, which varies from its geographic locations but remains one language. The author describes its phonology, vowels, morphology, syntax, lexicon and pragmatics.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
History
Phonology
Vowels in Portuguese
Morphology and Syntax
Lexicon
Pragmatics
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Notice that there are actually three ways that one may say, "You make" in Portuguese. Vos fazeis is actually very archaic and is only used in Holy Scriptures or when praying to God. If you dare mention this, people would look at you very weird. It is similar to the use of ye in English which no one uses anymore (I hope not!). Now depending whether one is in Portugal or Brazil, the use of tu and voce varies. In the Portuguese spoken in Portugal, this dialect is considered as an honorable title. The pronoun voce is used when speaking to older people or when showing respect."
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In Defense of "Like", 2006.
This paper defends the current popular usage of the word "like" in the quotative format and as a hedge word.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the use of the word "like" in its two least popular meaning among English lovers and most common form among English speakers: the quotative, as in "and I was like, 'what?'", and the hedge word, as in "I like bombed on that exam". The author points out that, although she feels embarrassed about how her use of the word affects people's perception of her intelligence, she feels very strongly, as others do, that the current uses of the word "like" have very real, even innovative, purposes. The paper relates that the ability of "like" to indirectly quote or relay speech, behavior and thought with one word sets it apart from other words with similar functions. The author states that she sometimes uses the word to be purposely and purposefully imprecise. The paper concludes that informal usages of the English language help communicate sincerity and friendliness and demonstrate a natural process for the standard to eventually become archaic.
From the Paper
"But, despite what Lily Thorns may like to believe, the quotative and hedge-word "like" were not born of wealthy teenaged girls from Southern California in the 1980s. In the 1962 novel "A Clockwork Orange" by English author Anthony Burgess, the hedge-work "like" is also frequently used by the narrator, Alex - a young man of high intelligence, in fact. The usage is not exclusively American. I also notice it was used by my aunt and uncle, both of whom are in their 50s and were born and raised in Manchester (as was Anthony Burgess, for that matter), as a hedge word--although usually at the end of their sentences, much like the hedge-phrase "as it were". "
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Revival of the Kaurna Language, 2007.
This paper focuses on why the Kaurna language was revived and how it was accomplished.
1,781 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that the Kaurna language is one of the main languages spoken by Indigenous peoples in and around the Adelaide region of Southern Australia. The writer notes that after the colonisation of South Australia in 1836, the population of the Kaurna people declined rapidly as they suffered from the effects of disease and displacement. Subsequently their language and culture experienced serious hardship. The writer looks at the importance of the Kaurna language to its people and by studying the techniques used to awaken the language from its dormancy. The writer points out that the revival of the Kaurna language is still an ongoing process, though much progress has already been made. Kaurna is now taught at all levels of education throughout Southern Australia. The writer concludes that whilst many steps have already been laid out to ensure the survival of Kaurna, it is up to future generations to take them and keep the language alive.
Outline:
Why Revive a 'Dormant' Language?
The Kaurna Language Revival
Resurrecting the Kaurna Phonology
Kaurna for a New Generation
From the Paper
"These texts were essentially a written record of the language of the Kaurna people for the English speaking colonists to read. Whilst there was little public interest in the text at its time of publication, even more so when the use of Kaurna was forbidden by government bodies in subsequent years, this publication has become a major tool in the revival of Kaurna for today's generation."
"The reclamation of the Kaurna language began around 1990 with the writing of six songs in a National Aboriginal Languages Program (NALP)
funded songwriters workshop. This was the first time the language had been used again in a creative manner and these songs were subsequently published into a songbook.
"Several workshops on the Kaurna language were held over the following years along with the introduction of Kaurna to some South Australian schools, helping the language to gain recognition once again."
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False Memory Formation, 2008.
This paper discusses the effect of semantic relatedness on false memory formation.
1,337 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper describes a research that examined how some words can be falsely recalled during a memory recollection test. The writer explains that, in the research, one 23-year-old student completed an Internet based test that presented a sequence of words followed by a grid of 16 words. The writer notes that the participant selected which words in the grid had previously been shown. The participant correctly recalled 71.43% of previously presented words, 2.08% of non-semantically related words and 66.66% of semantically related words. The writer concludes that false memories are easy to create for words that are highly semantically related. The writer maintains that these results add weight to the semantic model of memory and arguments against other models of memory. Further, the writer notes that these results have important implications in the identification of suspects during criminal investigations.
Outline:
Abstract
Method
Results
Discussion
References
Appendix
From the Paper
"Endo and Masao demonstrated that knowledge about the false memory phenomena could alter results. They informed one group of participants about the false memory phenomena but not the other. Half of each group were then asked to respond within four seconds, the other within eight as to whether they 'remembered' seeing the word. Results showed that in the slow condition false memory rates were lower within the forewarned group compared to the uniformed group. However in the fast condition there was no significant difference between the forewarned and uninformed group. Thus in the current experiment the participant is likely to have made more errors had he been uninformed of the false memory phenomena and under time pressure. This would explain why these results do not vary more significantly in comparison to other research. Similarly how words are presented can affect results."
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