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English as the Official Language, 2005.
An opinion paper arguing that English should remain the official language of the United States.
845 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
The author of this paper disagrees with opinions that English should not be the official language of the United States. He shows that if English is not the official language, it makes learning it optional and in some cases, for non-English speakers, trivial. The author feels, however, that the United States government should offer federally-funded programs to help immigrants learn English. The paper examines several sources on the subject.
From the Paper
"Overall, I do not feel that any extreme is the right solution to a situation. I feel that in the United States, English is a common bond that allows people of diverse backgrounds to reach common understanding. However, I do not agree with the "English-only" movement. In my opinion, it is the extreme of English becoming the official language of the United States. I believe that anyone that resides in the United States should be able to speak proper English. But, people can still speak whatever language they choose at home and in private life."
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Lenneberg's Critical Period Hypothesis, 2004.
An application of Eric Lenneberg's critical period hypothesis to Russian immigrants in Germany.
2,901 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 86.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how in his fundamental work, "Biological Foundations of Language", the biolinguist Eric Lenneberg presents his critical period hypothesis on the idea that a certain age is appropriate for learning a language, so that it is impossible to achieve full competence before or after it. It attempts to demonstrate through the author's own survey how some teenagers are able to learn a foreign language and to talk accent-free, contrary to Lenneberg's hypothesis.
Outline
Introduction to the Critical Period Theory
When Does the Critical Period Start and Finish?
Russian Accent in Immigrants to Germany
Reference to Lenneberg
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Lenneberg subdivides the ongoing process of lateralization into five levels: an infant up to 20 months has identical hemispheres without functional differences; a toddler up to 36 months develops a preference for either the right or the left hand, but the responsibility for language still can easily switch an other hemisphere; a child up to 10 years is still able to reactivate language functions in the right hemisphere; in the early puberty - up to 14 years - the equipotentiality rapidly declines, and after that it is lost completely. Lenneberg talks about a "reactivation", not "creation" of the language function in the right hemisphere."
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Childhood Language Acquisition, 2005.
Examines the current state of research in childhood language acquisition.
1,655 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the psychological, linguistic and scientific elements involved in language acquisition. It explores the building blocks of language and the complex processes involved in learning a first language. The paper examines Celia Genishi's article "Young Children's Oral Language Development," Steven Parker's empirical study, "Language Acquisition" and Michael Gurian's book, "Boys and Girls Learn Differently". Each of these works addresses the issue of language and learning development in children and ultimately suggests different teaching methods, individualized approaches and the basic breakdown of learning language for the first time.
From the Paper
"Steven Pinker, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology conducted an empirical study, titled "Language Acquisition" that closely examines different theories of learning that revolve around the acquisition of language. Pinker combines biology and psychology with teaching methods at home and in the classroom. Like Genishi, Pinker acknowledges that the English language is composed of simple structures and that these structures are one of the main components that help children learn their first language. However, Pinker is different than Genishi because he examines the question of success in the learning process. He explores what it takes for a child to succeed in the language acquisition process and why others cannot succeed (Pinker 2002)."
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SACSA and ESL, 2005.
A contextual analysis of the ESL learner within the South Australian Curriculum Framework (SACSA).
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper contains a critical evaluation of the South Australian Curriculum Framework (SACSA) with the help of the "R-10 English Teaching Resource" document, geared towards the ESL learner. The key aspects of languages education reflected in the document are considered. The paper points out certain problems within the document: What is the ESL view of the document analyzed; are there any mismatches in the document from the ESL point of view; how does the curriculum document combine with the ESL teaching and learning context?
1. Introduction.
2. The Document Key Aspects of Languages Education.
3. The Learning-and-Teaching Context of the Document
4. Conclusion.
From the Paper
"The analysis of "R-10 English Teaching Resource" document is especially interesting from the view of an ESL learner as there are some mismatches in this particular part. The key decision makers about these mismatches are teachers who critically evaluate the document and make correct decisions on further teaching and learning development: "Thus, the teacher can learn the purpose of their learning a language, their favorite / least favorite kinds of class activities, and the reason why they learn a language" (Hismanoglu, 2000). The mismatches often result from the lack of cultural and sociological context knowledge of ESL learners, and teachers as the main decision makers should pay appropriate attention to it: "Language is culture. When a person decides to learn French, for example, he or she is not merely absorbing the linguistics of the language, but everything to do with French and France" (Tang, 1999)."
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A Lexico-Grammatical Analysis, 2003.
This paper is a Lexico-Grammatical analysis of a passage from Dr. Donald L. Botten's book, "Creative Happiness" (1997), which considers the text in its social and cultural context.
2,385 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper demonstrates that a lexico-grammatical analysis of textual content can provide some significant insights into how the author attempts to communicate concepts about the issues under discussion to the reader and how the reader manages to achieve an understanding of these ideas through various cultural and social components that make effective communication possible. The author points out that the world-view, which is shared by all members of a linguo-cultural community, allows the generation and comprehension in a subconscious insight process of metaphorical linguistic meanings. The paper relates that narrative frame, with Dr. Botten speaking directly to both potential clientele and clinicians in this segment of his book, "Creative Happiness", assumes the form of general and cordially delivered advice concerning what is required to better understand the problems associated with providing positive mental healthcare outcomes. Charts.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Analysis
Social and Cultural Context of the Passage
Analysis of the Language of the Text at the Clause Level
Register and Genre
Activity and Object Focus: Processes, Participants, and Circumstances
Discursive Analysis of the Text and Its Context
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper
"By culture, it is possible for the members of a speech community to orientate themselves with respect to social, moral and political values in their empirical and mental experience. Cultural categories such as Time and Space, Good and Evil, and so forth, are conceptualized in the subconscious knowledge of standards, stereotypes, mythologies, rituals, general habits and other cultural patterns. The anthropocentric approach in linguistics is focused on the elucidation of the everyday language world-picture. From this perspective, it is assumed that every language, especially with regard to its figurative meanings, is concerned with the reflection and extension of what Weisgerber called the Weltansicht, or 'world-view'."
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People, Culture and Technology, 2005.
This paper reviews various models of understanding the interaction of people, culture and technology.
2,015 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the two most common cognitive models for the interaction between technology, people and culture are Formalist/Humanist and Cyborg/Post-Humanist. The author believes that the Post-Humanist/cyclical model is superior to the linear models because the idea behind this model is that there can be no set cycle to human/ technological interaction; any number of interactions are possible and they can go in any direction. The paper relates that the three main reasons people use the writing technologies such as word processing are habit, convenience and availability. Charts.
From the Paper
"Communications technologies affect our social relations and cultural values. Often new technologies distance us from direct communication with each other. For instance, a phone call is only an auditory communication, which cuts out body language. Instant messaging contains only the words a person wishes to convey, cutting out tone of voice and other auditory cues. Email is even further removed, because it is so much less interactive. There is little possibility for instance for a heated dialog or a a quick two way discussion. The communication becomes less real, more distant and therefore arguably we believe less that there is another human being there and act accordingly... perfect example would be flames and porn ads. In one-on-one interaction people don't have the protection of anonymity that they do in an email or forum posting."
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Gender Issues in Translation, 2005.
A theoretical and practical discussion on how gender issues may influence translation practice.
2,896 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 14 sources, MLA, $ 85.95
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Abstract
Gender in translation has become an obvious issue in post-feminist era. This paper attempts to explore how gender issues may influence translation practice, by providing a theoretical discussion and practical examples.
From the Paper
"It is difficult to discuss the concept of 'non-sexist' language in languages that have masculine and feminine grammatical gender. It is important to distinguish between languages that show grammatical and pronominal gender such as French and German, and languages that show only pronominal gender such as English. The difficulties take place when translating from the language that shows grammatical gender to the language that shows pronominal gender. In Romance languages the 'sun' is feminine and the 'moon' is masculine, In Indo-European languages, the 'sun' is masculine and the 'moon' feminine. In Polish, 'sun' is neuter and 'moon' is masculine. In German, it is only when a woman gets married that she becomes feminine i.e. 'die frau'. Before that, she is simply neutral 'das Fraulein'."
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Hlonipha: Women's Language of Respect, 2005.
An analysis of the origin, function and characteristics of Hlonipha.
1,480 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 17 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how there adequate support to deduce that there still is a traditional language of respect, which is used by women in Nguni and Sotho cultures. It looks at how among the older women there is still a positive attitude towards the custom, although urbanisation and political and social change are responsible for a decline in the use of Hlonipha.
From the Paper
"Hlonipha - which derives from the root -hloniph- means 'respect', and it covers both linguistic and behavioural aspects. It is claimed that Zulu King Shaka arrived at a well after travelling a long distance. He wanted to name the place 'amanzi amnandi' or 'fresh sweet water'. Out of respect for his mother, whose name was 'Nandi', he named the place 'Amanzimtoti', inventing a new word. 'Toti' had thus become the hlonipha word for 'mnandi'. King Shaka may have been one of the first to use hlonipha, but this language of avoidance is predominantly used by married women. Men and children use hlonipha but to a lesser extent. The Nguni woman, on the other hand, is expected to hlonipha her whole life."
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Bilingualism in the U.S.A., 2005.
A short essay arguing for bilingual education in the United States.
954 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses growing diversity in the U.S. and the need to reshape our conception of literacy to include bilingualism. The paper confronts fallacies concerning bilingual education and the need to teach bilingually.
From the Paper
"As societies shift and flux with time, it is necessary to alter the guidelines for literacy accordingly. If, as a nation, the United States desires to maintain a proficient level of literacy amongst its population as a whole, then it must be willing to move forward and make the necessary changes. Such changes are clearly taking place now in the United States, in the form of increasing ethnic and lingual diversity. As has been shown, our brains are clearly capable of adapting to such a change. Bilingual education is the next step."
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Shakespearean and Modern English, 2005.
A comparative study between Shakesperean and Modern English through an act of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"
970 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the Shakespearean works dominate the final decades of the Renaissance not only literally but also linguistically. In particular, it looks closer at the linguistic nature of Act 2 Scene 2 from "Romeo and Juliet" (written between 1597 - 1599) as a variety of English. It shows how language variety is an important concept in sociolinguistics and looks at different languages which differ systematically.
From the Paper
"During Shakespeare's (1564 - 1616) years, England was a place of growth and change under the rule of Queen Elizabeth. Shakespeare was a man of the stage, working for the theatre company 'Lord Strange's Men' (page ix), which was the most popular company in London. He also worked at Queen Elizabeth's court during this time. His plays were written to be performed and to give an audience what they wanted: entertainment. Shakespeare drew his inspiration from a society which was in love with life and with man, and Romeo and Juliet was his first tragedy."
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Linguistic Ability, 2005.
Examining the roots of humans' linguistic ability.
1,503 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
Through an analysis of the language acquisition process and a brief review of experiments designed to teach chimpanzees complicated linguistic communication, this essay argues that language ability is both environmental and biological.
From the Paper
"At least the majority of us take our speech and linguistic abilities for granted. We rarely pause to consider why it is that man has the ability or capacity for complicated linguistic communication while other creatures, even those that most resemble human beings, do not. If the majority of us have not considered this question, a minority have. These are the anthropologists, the linguist and the psychologist. These three groups of academic researchers have examined the question of man's ability for complicated linguistic communication versus the inability of other creatures and have arrived at two different conclusions. Some have argued that the human ability for linguistic communication is a consequence of their having a unique biological ability for languages learning and communication. Others disagree, insisting that it is not a consequence of any inherent ability but of environmental training. As one tries to evaluate which of these points of views, or theories is the more accurate, on finds that evidence points in both directions, leading one to conclude that the unique human ability for languages is both biological and environmental in nature."
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How New Words Come into a Language, 2005.
Discusses the various ways that new words come into a language.
2,500 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This essay respectively discusses the various ways that word-formation processes come into a language namely; coinage, borrowing, compounding, blending, clipping, backformation, conversion, acronyms, derivation, prefixes and suffixes, infixes and multiple processes. Furthermore, this essay also discusses the implications of word formation for a language learning and teaching process.
From the Paper
"The study of language has become a subject of interest for many years. English for instance, has without a doubt become the global language. Whenever we turn on the news to find out what is happening from four corner of the world, local people are being interviewed and telling us about it in English. To be more specific, English is adopted as an internal lingua franca and second language for most Europeans (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Dutch, and France) although English is not treated as an official language in these countries. While in most Asian countries, having English is always associated with having a prestigious job and career. However, people do not realize that English has adopted enormous number of words from various countries in the world since the imperialism and trade kicked off. "
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English Only, 2004.
An analysis of the debate and controversy over whether the United States should have a national language.
2,646 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the issue of 'English Only' laws in America. The United States is a pluralistic society. It can be described as 'a melting pot' of languages and cultures. Language is a critical part of every culture and brings with it a strong sense of national linguistics, cultural identity, and individual perception. Language helps to tell who a person is, that person's values and beliefs. The paper contends that unity and disunity can be a result of the use of multiple and solitary languages. The paper explains that the welfare of the public can be greatly affected by language, as seen through the viewpoints of health care professionals and public educators presented in this paper.
Outline
Introduction
Linguistic Nationalism
Pluralistic Society
Language and Maintenance of Identity
Perception and the Role of Language
Single/Multiple Languages - Unity or Disunity
Stakeholders
Viewpoints from Health Care Professionals
Viewpoints from Public Educators
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Throughout the history of the United States there have been multiple languages spoken by different cultures. A "melting pot" of cultures (including languages) is what the United States has been known for. This linguistic diversity continues into our present day culture. Language is a critical part of every culture and brings with it a strong sense of national linguistics. A society's identity and perception revolve around their language. Multiple or solitary languages can bring either unity or disunity depending on the situation. In every society, the welfare and needs of the public is strived to be taken care of. When there are multiple languages spoken in a pluralistic society, the lack of communication can be a barrier for the populations needs."
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Men and Women Conversational Styles, 2005.
A research of the difference between men and women in language including a synopsis of the dominance and difference approach.
1,469 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 20 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how socio-linguistic study shows that men and women use language in different ways, which all too often leads to male-female mis-communication. It looks at how, although the dominance approach and the difference approach are the two main viewpoints in analysing gender and language, some linguists have taken a position somewhere in between the two. It explores these theories and concludes with the author's viewpoint on the subject.
From the Paper
"The dominance theory emphasizes the idea that linguistic differences in women and men's language exist as a result of men's power and women's subordination. The dominance approach considers linguistic differences to be a result of traditional social differences i.e. that of man in the role of power, and woman in the role of submission. Man's authority and woman's inferiority are mirrored through their linguistic behaviour. This research focuses mainly on a variety of features, such as the use of tag questions, interruptions, questions, standard forms and minimal responses."
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"Syntactic Structures", 2005.
An analysis of how Noam Chomsky's syntactic revolution overpowered B.F. Skinner and the behaviorist approach to language.
1,239 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
Prior to 1957, the two most popular ways of analyzing grammar were the methods of prescriptivism and structuralism, or structural grammar. The paper examines how all this changed with the release of Noam Chomsky's "Syntactic Structures" in 1957 in which he introduced a new way to analyze grammar called 'transformational grammar'. The paper discusses how Chomsky publicly destroyed Skinner's theories and argues that Chomsky's ability to explain certain quirks of the English language, such as ambiguity, and the behaviorists' utter lack of a retort, makes it clear that Noam Chomsky deserves his title as a living legend among linguists today.
From the Paper
"Chomsky makes clear that the input-output approach is better and different from the approach of the behaviorist, because he points out once again how it can handle certain nuances of the language such as ambiguities. "Whatever a habit-structure is, it's clear that you can't innovate by habit, and the characteristic use of language, both by a speaker and a hearer, is innovation" (103)."
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A Neutral International Language, 2003.
A look at the growing need for an international language in the current era of globalization and increased interaction between the global population.
3,556 words (approx. 14.2 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 99.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of communication between countries and government representatives that is efficient and effective and does not require the the aid of expensive translators. The paper further argues that the only way to achieve this important and essential efficient communication is through the adoption of a universal language, which all the people of the world understand and speak. Finally, the paper contends that such a language should be an artificial language, such as Esperanto, because it is politically neutral and not linked to any specific country, culture, or political ideology; is easier to learn than any other language; and is well-developed enough as a language to fulfill the action of communication for all purposes. A complete outline and an annotated bibliography is included with the paper.
From the Paper
"In the era of globalization and increase of interaction between the global population, the importance of an international language increases. The numbers reported by Kep Enderby, the author of "The Problem of Language In International Affairs," and a former government minister and judge, support this argument. Enderby informs readers that the world's 5.2 billion people speak 3,000 different world languages and 7,000 dialects (par. 2). As global cooperation is necessary, thousands of people from across the world attend over 2,000 international conferences a year (par. 26). Since they do not have a common language, at least four different languages are officially used, with translators still needed (Enderby par. 33). People and governments do not have a common language, and this results in misunderstandings, waste of time and waste of money. In the age where all countries are connected and dependant on one another, and where representatives of governments have to meet regularly and often, it is essential that communication between them is efficient and not requiring the aid of expensive translators. The only way to achieve this important and essential efficient communication is through the adoption of a universal language which all the people of the world understand and speak. Furthermore, a universal language will have the practical objective of giving all people, from all countries, a global identity. Most people agree with this idea but disagree on whether this universal language should be a natural language such as English, or an artificial one such as Esperanto. Although many people favor the adopting of English as an international language, believing that it is an obvious choice because it is already a popular and widely spoken second language, that is easy to learn, it is not a good alternative. The best choice for an international language is an artificial one like Esperanto because it is politically neutral, not linked to any specific country, culture or political ideology, is easier to learn than any other language, and is well-developed enough as a language to fulfill the action of communication for all purposes. However, the success of adopting Esperanto as a "lingua humana," like Gardner Ralph White calls it in "Towards the Construction of A Lingua Humana," (113) is greatly dependant upon its introduction into the educational systems of countries as a second language and the chances for its success are poor."
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Stuttering, 2005.
Discusses the importance of understanding the underlying psychological problems associated with stuttering.
2,966 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 16 sources, MLA, $ 87.95
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Abstract
This paper begins by examining the many and varied theories used to explain the causes of stuttering and then follows with an analysis of stuttering and its affect on academic achievement. The paper asserts that this analysis supports the argument that stuttering is primarily a psychologically-caused, linguistic impairment condition and that this knowledge is an important step towards reducing the academic difficulties faced by students who stutter.
From the Paper
"The majority of children learn language in what seems to look like an easy and natural process, characterized by different stages of fluency. At each stage of the language acquisition process, the child gains a larger vocabulary and a greater fluency. Because most children pass from one stage to another without difficulty few people, except linguists, psychologists and scientists, have considered the minority of children who do not acquire linguistic fluency, and do not speak in a clear and comprehensible way, although they may have the same language knowledge and vocabulary as do others of their age group. Among the various linguistic problems that a child may suffer from, reducing his ability to use language fluently and to communicate effectively, is stuttering."
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The Ebonics Debate, 2002.
An overview of the African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) debate in the American educational system.
2,136 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
In December 1996, the Oakland School Board decided that it was going to accept and recognize Ebonics, or what is known as African-American Vernacular English (AAVE), as a valid dialect and would use it in teaching African-American children. This paper examines the linguistic controversy surrounding this decision, showing the pros of using AAVE in schools across the United States.
From the Paper
"AAVE is a fact of life and it is creating a linguistic and cultural disunity in the United States by allowing teachers to stereotype black students and by ensuring that black students do not acquire Standard English fluency. The introduction of AAVE as a tool language of instruction simply means accepting that fact of life and using it to correct current problems facing African Americans in the educational system." Educational psychologists, such as William Labov, have determined that the primary obstacle to academic progress for most African American students is their inability to fully understand what is communicated to them or, in turn, communicate what they are thinking in a dialect that teachers can comprehend (10)."
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Discourse Differences between Men and Women, 2004.
A look at how men and women interact with each other through language.
1,738 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the different topics that men and women talk about. It shows the way they use words, phrases, statements, and questions in discussion. The paper then looks at how men and women construct their questions. This paper delves into that topic with multiple authorities illustrating it.
From the Paper
"Communication is one of the most evident differences between men and women. There are several differences between how men and women communicate. Some ways that men and women differ is in their topics of discourse, in the way they use vocabulary, in the topics they engage in, and in their filler words, phrases, questions, phonology and style in speech. Since men and women speak so differently from one another, gender influences the way people speak."
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