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The Impact of Language and Culture on Learning, 2008.
This paper examines the ramifications of language and culture on education.
1,024 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the various strategies that school systems have employed to better integrate native languages and cultures into their curriculum. The paper emphasizes the need for educational systems to develop an integrated learning system which addresses the learning needs and styles of all students rather than just the majority culture.
From the Paper
"The importance of understanding the impact that a student's native language and culture has on his or her ability to learn is critical in the success of the educational program the student is in. Zehler touches upon the importance and complexity of language and culture on educational success when she states that English language learners (ELL) have specific needs: "...they need to build their oral English skills. They also need to acquire reading and writing skills in English. And they must...maintain a learning continuum in the content areas (e.g., mathematics, science, and social studies)"(1994). Thus, educational programs and, indeed, systems must account for not simply for the ELL student's target language acquisition but the ELL student's entire curriculum base."
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The English Language, 2008.
Argues that the future of the English language promises to be an eventful one.
1,880 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper asserts that there is every reason to believe that the English language will continue to divide and sub-divide in much the same way as the ancient Indo-European language of which it is a descendant divided and sub-divided over time. The paper further asserts that one can reasonably expect to see the denotative and, especially, connotative meanings of words change as societal attitudes and perceptual paradigms change. Lastly, the paper asserts that, as society evolves and new innovations muscle their way to the fore, new words and expressions will enter the lexicon - helped along by the fact that English has always been very good at borrowing from other languages when striving to find an apt descriptor for a new "thing" or phenomenon. The paper concludes that, in the end, the English language will continue to grow more dynamic, larger, and will most likely continue to freely take from other languages.
From the Paper
"For instance, Fred C. Robinson writes that a statement such as King Edward's in Henry VI, "Warwick was a bug that feared us all," would be incomprehensible to today's readers without an appreciation of how the noun, "bug," and the past-tense of the verb "fear", which is to say "feared," have both changed in meaning over the centuries. To be specific, in sixteenth and early seventeenth century England - the England of Shakespeare's time - a bug meant "an object of terror, a bug-bear," and the verb, "feared," meant something quite a bit different than the common modern-day understanding which holds that the subject in the sentence is afraid of someone or something."
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Three Studies Addressing Psychology and Language, 2008.
This paper assesses three different articles on language, cognition and psychology and discusses just what the human mind really is.
3,656 words (approx. 14.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 101.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces three contrasting papers belonging to related fields of psychology. The writer looks at 'Representing Word Meaning and Order Information in a Composite Holographic Lexicon' by Michael N. Jones and Douglas J.K. Mewhort, 'Modeling the Successes and Failures of Interventions for Disabled Readers' by Harm, M.W., McCandliss, B.D. and Seidenberg, M.S. and 'An Integrated Theory of Mind' by Anderson, J.R., Bothell, D., Byrne, M.D., Douglass, S., Labiere, C and Qin Y. The writer notes that all the articles are interesting indications of how research in psychology varies strongly, according to the preparation and particular foci of researchers, how the human mind and its faculties are conceptualized, or what is considered salient. Examined, in turn, the three papers provide a glimpse of research or theoretical psychology that may not always sit well with a reader of different orientation. One sees a social scientific discipline that should continue examining and comparing its differences, avoiding too narrow approaches or realms of related study.
Outline:
Introduction
Michael N. Jones and Douglas J.K. Mewhort. (2007). Representing word meaning and order information in a composite holographic lexicon. Psychological Review, 114, 1-37.
Harm, M.W., McCandliss, B.D. and Seidenberg, M.S. (2003). Modeling the successes and failures of interventions for disabled readers. Scientific Studies in Reading, 7, 155-182.
Anderson, J.R., Bothell, D., Byrne, M.D., Douglass, S., Labiere, C and Qin Y. (2004). An Integrated Theory of Mind. Psychological Review, 111, 1036-1060.
Discussion
References
From the Paper
"Perhaps most student readers will have to take Jones & Mewhort's work at face value, unable to draw upon their level of expertise, or what the researchers' findings really mean, in terms of earlier research or what may stand to be learned of language, memory, or other brain function, or language development. It does seems that the human mind capable of language is forever at work, whether speaking or not, for example, towards eventual word order that shows the mind's ability to give its own cues or phrases or associated concepts from diverse places."
"The mind's speech patterns can be plotted for analysis, as Jones & Mewhort tell us is true, most often in relation to similar nouns or verbs or words coming to be predictable in phrases or their uses. When this article is reread, again there is the feeling of needing more information, or perhaps being helped by information on the applications of the research. For example, if memory that aids language is stored in a distributive way, then where in the brain, or according to which processes does this take place?"
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Computer-Assisted Instruction, 2008.
This paper discusses how computer-assisted instruction can aid in the teaching of language arts, focusing on the writer's personal experience with Skills Bank software.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper outlines computer-assisted instruction in the classroom, placing special attention upon the Skills Bank software this writer employs in her own work as a teaching aide working with high school students. The paper outlines the myriad benefits of the Skills Bank software and looks at how it serves to boost student self-confidence, enhance computer literacy, strengthen language arts skills, and does so without sacrificing high scholastic standards. Finally, the writer maintains that the software is excellent because it is also receptive to the needs of ESL students.
From the Paper
"Drawing upon my own knowledge of the software, I can state that the Skills Bank program allows for pre-test and post-test evaluations of students, provides numerous instructional and assignment options for both teachers (in the first instance) and students (in the second instance) and has the ability to produce comprehensive reports for teachers, students, and for school administrators. Not to be overlooked, the program interface is easy to use and students can usually utilize its various components without requiring the assistance of an instructor. In a related vein, the easy navigability of the program allows students to explore for themselves - something I have found to be a wonderful way of increasing their self-esteem. As an addendum, students learn to use the latest technology (and arguably the most important technology in our modern world) in a safe and supportive environment whenever they use Skills Bank software. "
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Acquisition of a Second Language, 2008.
An analysis of how we learn a second language and how the process of teaching a second language has changed in the past and may still change in the future.
3,245 words (approx. 13.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 93.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses some of the issues and processes addressed in studies of second language acquisition. It looks at the changes that teaching a second language has undergone over time and what can be expected in the future. The paper describes the basic issues of how we learn a second language and how we might facilitate the process in the future.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review of Literature
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Eckman, Highland, Lee, Mileham, and Weber (1995) point out that teaching of a second language has had different supports over the last few decades. It at first relied heavily on linguistic theory and on theories of learning, and in the 1960s and 1970s, teachers were trained in contrastive analysis and were often expected to write a contrastive analysis of a portion of the grammars of two languages, based on then-prevalent theories of language teaching. When the theoretical basis was shown to be inadequate, teaching based heavily on this model stopped. There was no concerted effort to evaluate the model. Teachers were then taught that repetition, drills, and memorization of dialogues were unnecessary."
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Seneca Language Preservation, 2008.
An analysis of the steps being taken in order to preserve the Seneca language.
2,288 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the process of recording the vocabulary and syntax of languages that may be disappearing from the lack of a population that speaks the language. It discusses the reasons why the preservation of languages is important. The paper focuses on the preservation of the language of the Seneca nation and what is being done in order to preserve the language.
From the Paper
"As noted, currently the Seneca language is on the verge of extinction. In September 1998, a school was established in which the primary focus was preserving the Seneca language and culture. The school is called the Faithkeeper's School. The founder of the school notes; "Our strong focus is to preserve and maintain the traditional Seneca language. . . Now, it is time to teach our children the language and the culture so this knowledge will carry on forever." The children in Faithkeeper's School are taught in the Seneca language and learn about their own history and culture at the same time."
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Mass Media and Semiotics, 2008.
A discussion of semiotics and consumption in the age of mass media.
2,199 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper essay examines how the study of the sign and semiotic theory may be applied to mass media texts and, in particular, to television. The paper argues that, while there exist two distinct textual forms in television media - advertising and programming - a semiotic analysis reveals the ways in which these forms structurally reinforce each other in creating a semiotics of consumption for the mass media audience. The paper explains that the particular signs, signifiers and referents may change over time as television mythologies evolve, but a constant through this entire evolutionary process has been the "language of consumption". The paper looks at how semiotics allows us to understand how the medium of television operates in our collective consciousness.
Outline;
Introduction
The Sign and its Field of Study
Television and Semiotics
Television and the Culture of Consumption
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Given the prominence of mass media in our society, it is perhaps not surprising that semiotics should have focused considerable attention upon the most dominant of these media: television. The field of media semiotics, as pioneered by French semiotician Roland Barthes, has focused particular attention upon the production of meaning in the area of pop culture in which television assumes obvious prominence (Danesi 240). Barthes argues that the "semiotic method" takes the form of two investigative processes:
- the study of the historical (and thus highly connotative) origin of meaning systems;
- unraveling the nature of signification in human activities, whether it manifests itself as a word, a novel, a TV program, or some other human artifact."
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Language, Media and Power, 2008.
An analysis of the origins of language and its evolution across time and media from linear text to visual political hegemony.
3,151 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the origins of language and its relationship to human societies and media. The paper argues the thesis that language is not simply a vehicle for communication but also a means for the control of the world around us and its social orders. The paper then looks at contemporary mass media, popular culture and their employment for political purposes. The paper explains that the complex structures of signification of language texts in mass media is essential to understand and resist their deployment as vehicles of power and control. In conclusion, the paper shows that as political culture draws upon popular culture to achieve its mythologizing effects, it becomes imperative that media literacy be achieved in order that the mass media audience at least has the possibility of interrogating media messages and asserting their identities as citizens rather than consumers.
Outline:
Introduction
Language and the Earliest Human Societies
Language, Media and the Construction of Human Societies
Visual Mass Media and Multi-textual Communication
Conclusion
From the Paper
"This insight is critical to understand the structural convergence of media and language in human civilization. Language is more than simply a system whereby particular vocal utterances contain socially-agreed meanings. From this perspective, the origins of language and media of communication have been recognized as being key determining factors in the construction of human societies from earliest times. Whether in oral, literate or digital societies the manner by which language is used to communicate thoughts and ideas has played a major role in the design and workings of those societies. While most people use the term language in reference to the various spoken languages developed in societies around the world, in reality language is much more complex. It is a system of signs - communicated usually through vocal speech - which are commonly agreed to have an "objective" reference (Berger and Luckmann 36)."
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Bilingual Education, 2008.
An analysis of the positive effects of bilingualism and why Canadian immersion programs have been so successful compared to their American counterparts.
2,177 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the research on bilingualism. It argues that the research clearly shows that bilingualism is desirable and therefore that it should be promoted, preferably by making its benefits more widely known. The paper discusses possible reasons why Canadian immersion programs have been so successful while similar attempts at immersion in the USA (with minority children) have often been quite unsuccessful.
From the Paper
"Moreover, as we have seen above, the evidence from Canada shows that bilingualism can often be very useful for children, promoting their competence and achievement in the classroom, as well as their intelligence on all measures. However, it must be conceded that the playing fields in the USA and Canada are different, in that in the Canadian situation, children are electing to immerse themselves in a second language, rather than attempting to hold on to their mother tongues while simultaneously learning English - as is often the case in the USA. It may well be that the relative lack of success in the US context is a direct result of the fact that immigrant children often face other barriers, such as poverty. This is not the case in immersion programs in Canada, where the children are usually neither immigrants nor living with other impeding factors such as poverty. It is argued that the evidence regarding bilingualism that stems from the Canadian context does not have these extraneous variables, and thus can be regarded as more reliable."
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Integration of Non-English Speaking Students, 2008.
A case study presentation of the language and cultural issues that exist in terms of integration of new non-English speaking students into a school.
3,082 words (approx. 12.3 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a case study of a girl who emmigrated from Cambodia to Canada. It describes the issues that are related to her integration into a new school in Canada. The paper begins by presenting the case study. It discusses the background of Cambodia and why the girl's family chose to leave. The paper then looks at the traditions and the behavior of the girl and describes the language issues that she has on arrival in Canada. Finally, the paper discusses goals for language development and adjustment into the school.
Table of Contents:
Introduction - Chantrea's Background
Behaviors, Attitudes & Traditions
Language
Goals for Language Development
Activities / Strategies Regarding the "Four Strands of Language Arts"
Adjustment in the Classroom
From the Paper
"It is important that Chantrea should maintain a sense of pride in her culture whilst she assimilates to Canadian life. Many Cambodian immigrants escape the oppressive governmental regime to flock to North America, though this does not mean the Cambodian culture and traditional values should be forgotten. Chantrea may be able to join up with an after-school group, such as the equivalent of the Khmer Emerging Education Program (KEEP) in the United States (World, 2003). Such groups boast teachers which aim to "breathe life into literary figures and historical accounts, using movies, photographs, personal stories, and textbooks" from Cambodian sources. Learning about the Cambodian cultural background on a continuing basis will help the child also form a strong bond with her family and their origins."
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