| Papers [77-95] of 306 :: [Page 5 of 17] | | Go to page : <— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 —> | |
|
|
Bilingual First Language Acquisition, 2002.
An examination of early language development theory for potential bilingual children.
7,808 words (approx. 31.2 pages), 35 sources, MLA, $ 169.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the criteria for measuring early language development, the concepts associated with ascertaining a child?s developmental progress, the research supporting the prevailing theories and the significant findings inherent in credible research in these areas. It discusses how all over the globe young children seem to effortlessly acquire two or more languages at one time, while some uphold the belief that children who are exposed to multiple languages too early may experience developmental language delays and/or confusion. It evaluates how scientific research has attempted to examine whether young bilinguals can ascertain that they are acquiring two separate and distinct languages early on.
Outline
Introduction
Research and Analysis
Bilingual Paradox
Bilingual Deficit Hypothesis
Unitary Language System Hypothesis
Bilingual Advantage Hypothesis
Differentiated Language System Hypothesis
Vocabulary Development
The MacArthur CDI
Linguistic Milestones
Lexical Identifiers
Neutrals
Translation Equivalents
Interlocutor Sensitivity
Language Choice
Codemixing
Parental Discourse Strategies
Early Constraints
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper
"The line of thought that resembles popular opinion about whether or not children should be raised bilingual from birth is called the ?Bilingual Paradox?. It is a paradox because there are conflicting contemporary theories about whether or not it is the preferred method of introducing two languages. While much research shows that, by several measures, children who are exposed to two languages simultaneously between the ages of zero and three achieve major milestones within the same timeframe and with similar results as monolinguals, the contemporary line of thought has been to teach a child one language early on, reserving the introduction of a second language for the later school years. The thinking associated with the latter opinion is that introducing two languages early on will confuse the child, or that the child will be disadvantaged in mastery of one or both languages. There are, however, steps parents can take early on based on proven research to give their child an advantage in learning language skills. Methodologies, tools, timing mechanisms and support strategies have been developed through testing and observation that aids children in successful and timely language development, specifically in the adoption of multiple languages."
| |
|
Hermeneutics: A Critical Approach to Literature, 2002.
Examines the study of Hermeneutics and how this philosophy can be used to analyze literature from a different perspective.
2,014 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper defines Hermeneutics as "the theory or philosophy of the interpretation of meaning". This paper examines the origins of this philosophy in order to better understand its uses today. After discussing the major contributors to the development of this study, the paper mentions some writings which provide a hermetical analysis of literature. These include Leonard Orr?s "De-structuring the Novel: Essays in Applied Postmodern Hermeneutics" and Hans-Georg Gadamer's "Dialogue and Dialectic: Eight Hermeneutical Studies on Plato".
From the Paper
"Furthermore, hermeneutical criticism is often compared to a dialogue. The reader and the text respond to each other until understanding is reached. This hermeneutic conversation avoids the one-sidedness that is associated with other critical approaches. Gadamer believes that it allows the interpreter to use questions as the "universal mediator in the dialectic between the prejudice prior to the encounter with the work and the new element which denounces it . . .?(Orr Dictionary 231). Theorists refer to the conversation between the interpreter and text as spiel (game or play). But David Haliburton warns that calling this interaction play does not ?reduce it to a hedonistic pastime . . . playing is a high and serious act" (Orr Dictionary 232). And unlike other types of play, such as chess, the game is an ongoing process that never ends."
| |
|
Contractarianism & Neo-Intuitionism in Ethics, 2002.
This paper explains the terms contractarinism and neo-Intuitionism and gives an overview of their positive and negative characteristics with regards to ethics.
994 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 35.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
Contractarianism is a form of social contract, one which nonetheless is a tacit one. The writer looks into this term and follows with a comparison to neo-Intuitionism. In the end we see that the bottom line for the compatibility of intuition with ethics rests upon the condition that, while intuitions can be useful, they must never be our final arbiters.
From the Paper
"If we expect from others only that they not interfere with our activities?save if those activities threaten to harm them?then we can say that they are honouring our negative right to liberty. A negative right amounts to being a right to non-interference; that is, that people not do certain things. Positive rights, on the other hand, require that we do something for, or provide something to others. In a sense, however, positive rights include negative rights, since positive rights are simply added on. A note of caution though: the more positive rights which are added?and this is why the earlier qualification ?in a sense??the greater the chances that negative rights will be usurped."
| |
|
Rhetoric, 2002.
This paper discusses the philosophies of Mikhail Bakhtin.
1,230 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 41.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the beliefs and philosophies of the rhetorical theorist Mikhail Bakhtin. Amongst the ideas examined are Bakhtin's belief that everything ideological possesses a meaning which is indicated by a sign and how he unified physical utterance and the written word. The author also identifies which of Saussure's ideas Bakhtin accepted and which he rejected.
From the Paper
"Mikhail Bakhtin, in his rhetoric, mixes literary criticism with rhetoric, following in the footsteps of Saussure and others in this regard. At the same time, Bakhtin rejected many of Saussure's ideas, such as that "the meaning of discourse is to be found in the psychological processing of signs" (911). Saussure's approach is also known as Structuralism and has been applied to a wide variety of forms of human communication. In literary criticism, for instance, the Structuralist approach owes much to linguistic studies and to ideas about language in general. Bakhtin in his literary criticism rejected the distinction between literary and ordinary language and so attacked the existing Russian Formalist school. The Formalists sought to isolate the text, while Bakhtin did not."
| |
|
John Locke's "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding", 2002.
This book presents a review of the psychological work of John Locke, concerning the workings of human congition.
1,035 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper begins by discussing Locke?s refutation of ?innate understanding?. It looks at Locke?s explanation of the concept of and ?idea?, distinguishing between ?simple? and ?complex? ideas. It lists the division of simple ideas into four categories and also brings in the three steps involved in the creation of simple ideas. It discusses the procedures involved in complex ideas and then moves on to the connection between ideas and language, and the relationship of these processes with knowledge. The paper concludes with a synopsis and evaluation of Locke?s theories.
From the Paper
"Locke has explained his theories on how the human mind is developed and nurtured. Due to man?s unique ability to perceive and to process information differently from another, it is unimportant if a person is associated with the same man as another or with the same immaterial substances as another. Locke has made it very clear that a human mind is as blank as a sheet of white paper waiting to be written upon. The perceptions and discernment of the mind determine what knowledge a person may have and how he uses it."
| |
|
Cryptography, 2002.
An overview of the science of cryptography - the creation of a pattern by switching letters around.
2,770 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 82.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
Kids decoder rings in cereal boxes, the puzzles in the comic pages of the daily newspapers and high-tech encryption all have something in common, they are all variations of cryptography. The paper shows how, ever since the early days of civilization, people have been trying to encode massages to keep secrets from falling into the hands of the wrong person. Today the science and math of cryptography go way beyond switching letters around according to a certain pattern, but if a person remembers that the basic idea is the same, cryptography can be a fascinating endeavor into math, science, and even into language itself. This paper reviews the history of cryptography and the many things encryption has been used for in the past. It then looks at how encryption is used in modern times and for what purposes. The paper explains cryptography from a mathematical point of view, following the development of encryption and cryptography mathematically. Finally, it looks at the future of this science.
From the Paper
"One of the most important developments came in the form of the Wheel Cipher. The Wheel Cipher was created by Thomas Jefferson, possibly with the help of Dr. Robert Patterson, a mathematician at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1913, Captain Parket Hitt reinvented the Wheel Cipher in strip form. This lead to the creation M-138 -A, used in World War II. Just a few years later in 1916, Major Joseph O. Mauborgne ut Hitt?s strip cipher back into the wheel form, strengthened the alphabet construction, and produced the device that would lead to the M-94 cipher device. These devices, along with encryption courtesy of the Navajo people, helped the allies defeat Germany, Japan, and Italy in World War II."
| |
|
Military Jargon in Modern English, 2002.
How military jargon and slang has impacted the modern English language.
1,487 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper studies the origins of military jargon and measures the influence of military jargon and slang on the English language. It shows how the conquesting armies of the colonial British government adopted many phrases, words and slang which have made their way into everyday spoken English. It compares how British soldiers and American soldiers, when interacting in the World Wars, transfered military slang between each other.
From the Paper
"The English language has been going through the evolution process for hundreds of years. A number of words that were not recognized a few hundred years back are now commonly used. English has been continuously changing for centuries because of several reasons. Influence of other societies and cultures on English is the primary reason for this continuous change. Moreover, several military adventures conducted by the British Empire, which led to the expansion of the United Kingdom to almost one fourth of the earth?s surface, also significantly influenced the English language. During these military operations, several English soldiers were exposed to some new cultures and societies. As a result of the influence from other cultures, they started using jargons and slang in their conversation, which were primarily adopted from several foreign languages. Similarly, American soldiers also adopted some jargons and slang during the Wars fought by American Army. "
| |
|
"A Journey into the Deaf-World", 2002.
A review of the book "A Journey into the Deaf-World" by Harlan Lane, Robert Hoffmeister and Ben Bahan about Deaf-World culture.
1,725 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 55.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper examines the book "A Journey into the Deaf-World" by Harlan Lane, Robert Hoffmeister and Ben Bahan. It discusses how the book covers many technical issues in detail, but the underpinning for all of it is that the Deaf-World is its own unique culture with its own unique language and is every bit as much of a subculture as it is to be African-American or some branch of Hispanic. It looks at how the beliefs of people in the Deaf-World about their culture and language are challenged by people charged with helping them: educators, psychologists, audiologists, social workers and others all tend to think of hearing loss as a disability. It provides a detailed history of sign language and the use of ASL (American Sign Language).
From the Paper
"Many people in the Deaf-World object to this view. They know the richness of their language and understand its cultural significance, which the authors broke out into several sections. They note that ASL is a symbol of identity for people in the Deaf-World. In addition, it is the only language they can use to communicate with each other. It binds them together. One fear the Deaf-World has is that forced oral communication will undermine their culture, because it will force deaf people with no sign language skills to talk only with non-deaf people."
| |
|
Fiction vs. Non-fiction, 2002.
A discussion of reading comprehension and the differences in comprehension of fiction versus non-fiction reading.
4,050 words (approx. 16.2 pages), 9 sources, $ 109.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper starts with a general discussion of reading comprehension and its importance for academic success. Factors involved in reading comprehension, such as phonological memory and word recognition, are examined, as well as other influential forces, such as time limitation and silent reading are outlined. Then the topic of comprehension of fiction versus non-fiction material is explored through a review of the relevant literature.
From the Paper
"Literacy and reading comprehension are subjects that have been explored for decades. Through these explorations we have discovered that comprehension is an essential component in the ability of a person to succeed in academia and in life. Comprehension is defined as ?the act or action of grasping with the intellect?the capacity for understanding fully.?(The Dictionary) Comprehension is important because it allows us to gain knowledge of new concepts; without comprehension it would be impossible to learn anything.
"This discourse will present a literary review of the aforementioned topic so that we can understand comprehension and the effect of comprehension on academic success. The literature presented will seek to display this information in a manner that will inform and enlighten.
Reading comprehension covers a broad range of topics. For the purposes of this literary review we will seek to explain what comprehension is and the effect that fiction and nonfiction works have on comprehension. This review will use a wide range of sources including journals, digests and academic studies."
| |
|
The Three Paradigms of Spelling Instruction, 2002.
This research paper uses Taylor-Heald?s article on ?Three Paradigms of Spelling Instruction in Grades 3 to 6? as a basis for identifying each of the methods.
2,065 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 65.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The following paper describes each method in the article by Taylor-Heald, where three paradigms are identified as the traditional, the transitional and the student-oriented. Each of these paradigms is a model for teaching children the basic and fundamental concept of spelling. This paper examines how each method is utilized and also discusses Taylor-Heald's view on each of the methods. After looking at each of the methods separately, the writer examines, briefly, the major differences between the methods. It then discusses the implications of each of the methods, including how each method is used and the benefits of each method. This also includes looking at various other research studies that offer perspectives on the teaching of spelling. Finally the paper concludes by showing how the student-oriented approach does appear to be the most promising approach, just as Taylor-Heald suggests.
From the Paper
?The traditional paradigm, as the name suggests, is the main method of instruction that has been used in the American school system to teach spelling and also to teach the basics of language. The method is based on students being taught vocabulary in the form of words that do not relate to each other. These words are random and have no relationship to each other, or to anything else being taught to the students. The teacher gives these words to the students, with the students expected to memorize them and the students are tested on this at the end of the week.This approach assumes that students know nothing at the beginning and that all information must be given to them. This includes the idea that children have no knowledge of words, sounds or language.?
| |
|
Theory of Universal Pragmatics, 2002.
The following paper examines and critically analyzes Jorgen Habermas? theory of universal pragmatics.
2,300 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 70.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the study of general and universal aspects of language with specific reference to Jorgen Habermas? rules for using and understanding language rationally. The goal of universal pragmatics is to identify and reconstruct conditions of possible understanding. The advantages and disadvantages of Habermas? ?Universal Pragmatics? are discussed. It is of the writer?s opinion that Habermas' emphasis on systematization and organization at times forces linguistic phenomena into pre-established categories, which leaves little room for nuances, details or humanly necessary embellishments.
From the Paper
?This concept when adequately applied extends across the boundaries of culture and language, e.g. two Englishmen would use the same formulations to communicate in English, as would two Frenchmen?in French.? In this seminal work, in the book, ?Communication and Evolution of Society,? Habermas provides a simple construct for ideal communication (Habermas 1979). Throughout ?What is Universal Pragmatics?? he maintains that all the complexities of sentence structures and their utterances are successfully communicated if an original intent is adhered to. Habermas maintains, that each form of communication, direct and otherwise, is to reach understanding. Such a pure communication is only possible if it is conducted?in a nutshell?clearly and honestly.?
| |
|
English Dialects, 2001.
A comparison between Standard English and African-American Vernacular English (AAVE)
950 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper analyzes an English dialect, the African-American Vernacular English and compares it to the Standard English. It also analyzes how and in what ways it differs from the Standard American English.
From the Paper
"The African American Vernacular English, in short known as the AAVE, was previously famous as the Black English Vernacular or Vernacular Black English. Though this dialect has some very unique features but it has some common aspects that are also the part of other varieties of dialects in the U.S region. The African American Vernacular English has once been a very hot topic in the public debates as well as among the sociolinguists.
It will be quite difficult to estimate as to how many individuals speak African American English as there is a little confusion about it. some people use some unique characteristics of the pronunciation and vocabulary of this variety but they do not use the grammatical aspects of this variety. The majority of sociolinguists believe that the term of African American Vernacular English can be used only for those varieties of dialects that use the unique features of grammar which we will discuss here and compare it with the Standard American English "
| |
|
The Development of Old French, 2001.
This paper examines the development of the Old French language before and after the Oaths of Strasbourg.
2,800 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 83.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
An insight into the history of Old French and how this language was developed and influenced by Latin. It examines the effect of the Oaths of Strasbourg on the growth of Old French as well as different considerations which effected Old French.
From the Paper
"The evolution of Old French language began in 52 Before Christ when Julius Cesar held the power over the continents of the Gaul. According to Columbian Encyclopedia, Gaul was under the Roman Empire in the first and second century. With the strong influence it brought, Latin spoken by the Romans gradually replaced the Gaelic, a Celtic language as the Gaul?s mother tongue, for a long time. Latin became the national language, spoken widely among people and became the root of recently spoken languages through Europe, including English (Le Tacon). "
| |
|
Literacy in the Aegean Bronze Age, 2001.
This paper looks at literacy in the Aegean Bronze age by studying their scripts and drawings.
2,715 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 81.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
A study of the literacy culture of the Bronze Age society and how the scribes and drawings were a reflection of the society. A technical analysis of linguistics in the pre-historic culture is included.
From the Paper
"Anthropologists and archaeologists call certain societies ?iron age? or ?bronze age.? In doing this they recognize that the properties of the main metal used by a society?s technology greatly affect both its use and through this the nature of that society. For instance, bronze unlike iron is too soft to be used for ploughing; it is an alloy. Bronze can be smelted at lower temperatures than iron which need specialized supplies of charcoal. All these facts affect societies which use bronze and iron. For example, since bronze cannot be used for ploughing these societies cannot produce in many regions the large agriculture surplus iron societies can; since bronze requires tin bronze age societies had to trade, etc. (Claiborne, 1974) I believe the same parallel exists between the different characteristics of different writing systems and its use as a communication technology in a society. "
| |
|
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
»
Click here to show/hide summary
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."
| |
|
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
»
Click here to show/hide summary
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."
| |
|
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
»
Click here to show/hide summary
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)."
| |
|
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
»
Click here to show/hide summary
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)."
| |
|
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
»
Click here to show/hide summary
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."
|
|
|