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The Changing Language of English, 2007.
This paper discusses how the English language has developed into a uniquely expressive language.
1,211 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper illustrates how, ever since its multiple origins in the mouths of many persons and on many national soils, the English language has been changing and evolving in a positive fashion. The paper contends that the changing nature of English vocabulary and grammar should be viewed in a positive fashion, rather than an incorrect use of the English language. The paper shows how the nature of human life is always changing and English must convey the increasingly complex nature of our technical world, as well as the rich ethnic and regional diversity of America today. The paper discusses how English unites business people all over the world although each country speaks a different type of English.
From the Paper
""Now, I do not know what white Americans would sound like if there had never been any black people in the United States, but they would not sound the way they sound," writes James Baldwin in his essay "If Black English isn't language, then tell me what is." (Baldwin, 1979) English is a language of multiple origins, an Indo-European language with Norman, French, Germanic, and Native American words and influences. It is spoken all over the world from the "damp little island" of England, where to "open your mouth in England means you "have confessed your parents, your youth, your school, your salary, your self-esteem, and, alas, your future," in Baldwin's words, to the streets of America where Blacks and other groups that supposedly do not speak standard English are really making a fundamental contribution to the creativity of an ever-changing language."
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Second Language Retention, 2007.
A literature overview of attrition and retention of second/foreign languages.
1,487 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the attrition and retention of languages. In the paper, attrition refers to a gradual or marked loss of the understanding ,or the ability to converse and communicate, in a language. The paper examines language retention, which is the way that language is acquired and maintained. The paper further examines the way that this retention is affected by various linguistic, socio-linguistic and psychological factors.
From the Paper
"Another theory that is encountered in the literature on second language learning is the Frequency of Use theory. The theory refers to the view that things learn best are most often retained. A study by de Bot, Gommans, and Rossing (1991) of Dutch learners in a French environment found that language attrition was related to the amount of contact that the Dutch learners had with other people who spoke their language in the French environment. "They discovered that the length of time away from the Netherlands would not cause attrition for this generation of immigrants if they had many regular first language contacts."
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Vivian Cook's Second Language User Model, 2005.
This paper discusses the application of Vivian Cook's second language user model to the acquisition of pragmatic competence in the teaching of second languages.
880 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the theory of multi-competence, developed and advocated by Vivian Cook, states that a human mind is potentially capable of possessing the linguistic competence of more than one language; thus, multilingual speakers are the norm. The author points out that, in terms of language teaching, the model of multi-competence can be applied mainly for an acquisition of sufficient grammatical competence, which apart from general data provision can be achieved through the setting of parameters. The paper relates that, since the primary goal of language teaching is to create successful L2 speakers, the teaching of pragmatic competence in a language should include cultural and inter-cultural studies, cognitive training and general input in that language.
From the Paper
"Yet it is important to point out that the way these two grammars co-exist in the same mind also implies its mutual interference and interdependence: at a certain level of acquisition, the two grammars must form a single language system rather than two separated systems. Thus, multi-competent state of mind represents, in fact, not a mere combination of two monolingual systems but rather a single language system, which can be described as an indivisible linguistic unity. This statement can serve as an explanation for the fact that the vast majority of the second language (L2) learners even on the advanced level are not able to produce language in the same way the native speakers do, since the multilingual language users have several interrelated languages in mind: In short the state of mind of a multilingual language user is just different from that of a monolingual."
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Linguistics and the Criminal Justice System, 2006.
This paper examines the connection between linguistic terminology and its effects on international law enforcement.
1,597 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the effect of language on international law enforcement. In particular, the terms "martyr" and "murderer" are considered. The author contends that the brain is at least partly fooled by this terminology. The paper concludes that law enforcement is done a disservice by using these terms, the result being that murderers are cut at least some psychological slack. It is a matter of justice being linguistically turned upside down.
From the Paper
"Elias told the tale of Rodney King. No matter what deeds of misdeeds King had perpetrated, when his beating by California police officers was caught on tape, there was abundant proof of excessive force being used to subdue the man. And yet, because of the continuing tough stance of the government in its attack on crime, the beating was seen as a reasonable response by many people. In the aftermath of such incidents, Congress wrote ever tougher crime bills which, Elias contends, "provided no new strategies" but instead "merely intensified what had already been tried and shown to fail: building more prisons, curbing defendants' rights, stiffening penalties, and so on. Yet despite such draconian measures, crime rates continue to rise, and the fear of crime has reached staggering levels" (1994, p. 3+)."
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Polish Syntax, 2006.
This paper discusses the Polish language and provides an introduction to the syntax of Polish.
3,020 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the Polish language which like other Slavic languages, represents an inflecting, or fusion type of language, in which single grammatical morphemes combine several functions: case, gender, and number in noun forms; person and number in verb forms. The writer claims that the Polish grammatical system closely parallels that of Russian.
Contents:
Introduction
Syntax in Polish Literature
Consider the Following Polish Examples (Giejgo 1981)
The Study and Results
Works Cited
From the Paper
"Because Polish retains a rich inflectional system, morphology is the main device for expressing syntactic distinctions. Word order has grammatical functions only to a limited extent, and hence it can serve other purposes, namely, it performs pragmatic functions. Deviations from the standard (unmarked) SVO order serve the purposes of topicalization; and combined with focal stress, word order expresses special emphasis on certain elements, in a way independent from discourse structure. Furthermore, the rich inflectional system makes it possible to apply ellipsis to a much larger extent than in English. Passive participles are used in passive voice constructions. In spoken language, however, these have a limited range of use, as word order flexibility is sufficient for expressing focus, and a number of subjectless active constructions can be used for subject downgrading. Those occurring in spoken language typically involve perfective participles, used in order to refer to a resulting end state of some action, performed by an unspecified agent which is either unknown or evident or simply irrelevant. These cannot be called truncated passives, as full passives are practically never used. They are rather a subclass of attributive sentences making statements about objects."
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Globalization and the Extinction of Small Languages, 2006.
A discussion of the effects of globalization on the world's small language groups and their cultures.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper examines globalization as the most important reason why small languages are dying out. Some believe that small languages fade into oblivion because local communities and educators do not stress the significance of keeping these indigenous languages alive. The author argues that youth is the vehicle through which languages can be kept alive and transferred to the next generation. The author argues, however, that most young adults are not really interested in preserving local languages or culture. Due to vast exposure, they have come under the spell of stronger languages and culture which is the primary reason we fail to notice the beauty and richness of local languages.
From the Paper
"The writer goes to explain why any language, strong or weak, big or small, minor or major is important. "It is not merely a writer's conceit to think that the human world is made of words and to remember that no two words in all the world's languages are alike. Of all the arts and sciences made by man, none equals a language, for only a language in its living entirety can describe a unique and irreplaceable world." (p. 43) He describes an experience where he realized that indigenous languages are far more colorful and expressive than the well-known widely spoken ones. Shorris comes to see why the existence of small languages is important and realizes that the extinction of these languages would be a huge loss to articulation and expression. "
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Bilingualism in the California Classroom, 2006.
An examination of how teachers should approach bilingualism both in and outside of the classroom.
965 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the challenges of bilingualism in a child's life. The author argues how the presence of two languages can impact expression in different settings and amongst different groups of people. This is especially true in the context of the classroom. The writer also considers dialects as a form of bilingualism. Teachers are encouraged to teach using standard English while respecting their students' linguistic diversity.
From the Paper
"Thus, bilingualism and diversity is a reality in the United States, and this is true, perhaps even more so, in California. Bilingualism alone produces not simply many languages but many dialects. Spanish is one of the most common languages other than English spoken in the United States. (Chaika, 1994, p.35) Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Dominican-American children may make up a teacher's classroom, and depending if these bilingual students are first, second or third generation, may speak with a different level of English and Spanish fluency. Between even their own forms of Spanish, however, there will many regional differences in dialect and vocabulary. Thus, teacher cannot even assume a natural cohesion between all Spanish speakers in the classroom, but approach every child from his or her own unique cultural and familial context."
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Communicative Language Teaching, 2005.
This paper is a literature review of communicative language teaching (CLT).
2,785 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 83.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that communicative competence is made up of four competence areas: Linguistic, which is knowing how to use the language's grammar, syntax and vocabulary; sociolinguistic, knowing how to use and respond to language appropriately; discourse, knowing how to interpret the larger context and to construct a coherent whole and strategic, knowing how to recognize and repair communication breakdowns by working around gaps in one's knowledge of the language. The author points out that communicative language teaching (CLT) began because educators and linguists were dissatisfied with the audiolingual and grammar-translation methods of foreign language instruction. The paper stresses that communicative language teaching places great emphasis on helping students use the target language in a variety of contexts and places great emphasis on learning language functions.
Table of Contents
Communicative Competence
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)
Principles and Characteristics of CLT
Communicative Activities
Teacher's Roles in Communicative Language Teaching
Implementation of CLT in ESL and EFL Countries
From the Paper
"Other research studies focus on the difficulty attributed to the English as a first language environment. In 1996, studies by Stapleton pointed out how Confucianism as a belief system appears to be in tension with underlying notions of communicative language teaching. In these studies, Stapeton examined the theory that Confucianism establishes the superior status and knowledge of the teacher over that of the students, thus elevating the role of the teacher above the students. In 1998, Li studied teaching and learning in China, concluding that local conditions seem to be detrimental to communicative language teaching methodology."
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Written Language Analysis, 2006.
A written language analysis of three separate newspaper articles about the March 21, 2005 Red Lake, Minnesota high school massacre.
2,615 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
Using Foucault's Theory of Language/Power Relationships, this paper analyzes the way that three different newspapers reported on the March 21, 2005 Red Lake, Minnesota high school shooting incident. The paper analyzes the way that each newspaper described the incident, the similarities and differences between the three descriptions and looks at which relationship(s) of power each of the three articles emphasizes within the language of the article itself.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Methodology
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Additionally, as Foucault (1970a; 1970b; 1972; 1980) suggests, discourse (language) is similar to a scientific system, or "discipline" that operates within a given social context or contexts (e.g., a work situation; a classroom; a written historical account; a newspaper article). Human discourses (e.g., spoken or written language) are never free, according to Foucault, of inflected, or implied, meaning(s) within that particular context(s). In other words, as Foucault (and later, Derrida, Fairclough, and others) asserted, discourse in never just written or spoken language that is neutral. Therefore, under Foucault's theory, there can be no such thing as completely neutral newspaper reporting, since language (that is, the written language by which the report is made) will always be inflected with meaning according to hidden (or not so hidden) relationships of language and power."
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Human Communication Analysis, 2006.
This paper analyzes the field of cybernetics and human communications while focusing on the views and opinions of linguistics expert Gregory Bateson.
1,817 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper details the published research relating to human communication analysis, based on intra-personal, interpersonal and group interaction. This paper details Gregory Bateson's perception and definition of second-order cybernetics which illustrates an interactive system wherein the individual is constantly in relation with his or her own social environment. This paper analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative realities objectified in the field of cybernetics. The writer of this paper contends and explains the manner in which cybernetics objectively looks into the social phenomenon of being studied, noting its nature and dynamics through subjective measures. This paper examines and explains the reasoning behind Bateson's cybernetics learning process, as detailed in his book "Steps to an Ecology of Mind." This paper also delves into Bateson's discovery which clearly identifies the processes involved while interacting with the self, another communicator and other people from varying cultures and with different values.
From the Paper
"While in Learning I the individual is just learning and developing communication skills, in Learning II, s/he must now be able to identify acts and meanings that belong or do not belong to his/her culture. As exemplified earlier, distinguishing between the different actions in which agreement or disagreement are expressed is a manifestation of learning at the second level, where the communicator now commits action based on the context or situation s/he is in. Thus, when the individual is in a Middle Eastern society, it is essential to adopt the culture's communication action of agreement and disagreement, which is opposite to the individual's American culture and upbringing. These adjustments made by the communicator is an illustration of contextualization, the commitment of proper actions and meanings in an altogether different culture and society."
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