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Grammar Program For English as a Second Language (ESL) Students, 1996. Proposes language skills acquisition program for at-risk 4th & 5th graders. Structure, lessons, budget. Includes chart. 2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 6 sources, $ 71.95 »
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From the Paper "A GRAMMAR MASTERY PROGRAM FOR AT-RISK ESL STUDENTS: A PROPOSAL
Introduction
This research describes and explains a program for elementary-level students. The research includes program description, organization, philosophy, applicable regulations, program budget, staffing, and parental participation.
Program
Type of Program
The program type will be language skills acquisition. The program will be based in information-science (IS) to provide for interactive instruction.
Purpose of Program
The purpose of the proposed program will be to enhance the teaching of .."
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Language & Immigration, 1996. Role of native & English languages in assimilation & success of immigrants, education & literacy, community programs, theories & methods. 3,150 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 10 sources, $ 111.95 »
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From the Paper Unlike many other countries, the United States has never established an official language, although paradoxically, Founding Father John Jay in the Federalist Papers "saw the English language as the tie that bound the federal structure together" (McKay & Weinstein-Shr, 1993, Autumn, 1993, p. 400). Even current literacy requirements for naturalization and permanent residency in amnesty situations were a relatively late addition to the entry and naturalization standards of what was often called a nation of immigrants. Until the beginning of the twentieth century, alternating periods of nativist sentiment failed to swamp an underlying belief that immigration was tied to the cultural history and destiny of the United States.
Immigrants were welcomed for their willingness to work, if not for their culture, and low educational standards and the need..."
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Teaching English & French, 1996. General & specific difficulties of teaching French to English speakers & vice-versa & recommended solutions. 2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 12 sources, $ 71.95 »
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From the Paper "This very short introductory paper briefly points out some of the major difficulties the French have in learning English and the English French. It also hazards some recommendations regarding the teaching of these languages. Suggestions are of a general nature, inasmuch as there are various levels of acquired and expected competencies for various age groups with various objectives and learning environments."
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Slang, 2001. Results of brief research project to determine whether teen-age slang can be understood by non-adolescents. Key features of slang. How slang words & expressions change meanings over the years. 1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, $ 63.95 »
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From the Paper "Slang is a term that refers to words and phrases that deviate dramatically from the style and uses of the standardized language. Because slang is an unconventional language that reverberates with irreverence and rebellion against mainstream perceptions, it has been appropriated by adolescents for many generations (?What is Slang,? pp. 1-2). In fact, teenagers have contributed significantly to slang by creating their own version, teenage slang, which prevents adults in their lives from understanding their communication with their adolescent counterparts.
The focus of the research project in this paper is to determine whether teenage slang is a distinctive language that cannot be understood by non-adolescents. Furthermore, the specific features of the changes in teenage slang throughout the years..."
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Disney Take On American History, 2002. An analysis of the use of dialects and accents in Disney's "Pocahontas" to portray various ideas about character. 2,262 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 70.95 »
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Abstract This paper studies the Disney film "Pocahontas" from the standpoint of linguistics students. The dialect of each character is identified and classified, and put in perspective with the others. The native dialects and ethnicities of the actors providing the voices are taken into account as well. The paper illustrates Disney's ability to play into our preconceived ideas about how we should speak and how it relates to other aspects of our lives, including sexuality.
From the Paper " ?In sixteen hundred seven we sail the open sea, for glory, God, and gold and the Virginia Company.? So begin the opening lines of Disney?s ?Pocahontas,? just to give a bit of background for the children in the audience who have not yet had American History. In the film ?Pocahontas,? Disney makes a very sincere effort to promote diversity and racial acceptance, and to dispel common stereotypes about Native Americans. At the same time, however, and perhaps unintentionally, they perpetuate other linguistic stereotypes, as I intend to show."
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Political Parties and Bilingual Education, 2002. An examination of the law passed two years ago in California which legislated bilingual education - English and Spanish. 3,851 words (approx. 15.4 pages), 17 sources, MLA, $ 105.95 »
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Abstract This paper analyzes the effectiveness of this law on the educational system as a whole and on individual students in particular. It looks at whether the expected benefits of bilingual education is realistic. The paper also examines the policies of various political parties towards this law in the context of their general political platforms. The writer examines whether the law passed in California is an ideal of the "melting-pot" phenomenon or not.
From the Paper "During the month of June, 2000 we observed the second anniversary of passage of California's Bilingual education. This ballot initiative that restructured education for language minority students was approved by a majority of the voters in the primary election of June 2, 1998. The new law became part of the Education Code in August, just before the beginning of the 1998-99 academic year. Since the newspapers and television programming have been awash in reflections on historical events, It is appropriate for us to take some time to analyze the impact of the anti-bilingual education initiative. Recently, the proponents of bilingual education have also been active in putting out articles and editorials touting the "success" of bilingual education in increasing test scores and redesignation rates for students. An editorial in the Orange County Register (May 18, 2000) called Bilingual education "one of the best things to happen to the state's immigrant students." "
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Political Correctness, 2002. A paper which examines what exactly constitutes political correctness. 1,325 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 44.95 »
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Abstract The paper argues that supposedly, in America one has a right not to be discriminated against for marital status, sex, race, religion, age or handicaps. It maintains that these laws mostly apply to people who are minorities, and are over forty, and married people with kids and for a Caucasian, who is single to admit that she or he was discriminated against is obviously considered politically incorrect. The purpose of this paper is to discuss what is political correctness, how much is too much, and exactly, when and where being politically incorrect is applicable.
From the Paper "Over caution, about being politically correct will cause the person in question some concerns about what really is said outside of their presence. Minorities, handicapped people and disadvantaged people are not as concerned about what is politically incorrect as what some white people are. African Americans, are not overly concerned about a particular racial term, and in Nigeria, it is a hi-status characteristic. Here in America, where it is an offensive word, it should not be said, in private or in the African American ?s presence."
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The Ebonics Debate, 2002. A paper on the sociology and linguistic perspectives of "The Ebonics Resolution" a Californian plan to accept African-American language as the primary language of African-American students. 1,850 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 59.95 »
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Abstract The paper shows that in 1996, the Oakland School Board in California passed the ?Ebonics Resolution? - a plan to accept African-American language, termed Ebonics, as the primary language of African-American students and to implement a system to teach them in their primary language as a means of assisting them to learn standard American English. The paper discusses the debate that followed involving the public and the media. It shows that while the linguistic experts in the field were in support of the Ebonics Resolution, the Resolution had a significant social impact. By comparing the meaning of the issue from a sociological and a linguistic perspective, the paper shows the real issues involved in their entirety.
From the Paper "In the Ebonics debate the part of culture involved is language, a very basic component of our society. Language is something that is taken for granted, with the belief of the general population being that the accepted language is the correct one. The social rejection of Ebonics and the rejection of accepting it as a primary language can be seen as a form of the majority group of society asserting their own belief in their superiority. This is not necessarily representing that the majority group do not want to accept others. Instead it reflects the basic principle of society assuming that the majority group is correct."
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The Words We Use, 2002. The importance of using correct words when speaking, especially when they are considered 'sexist language'. 2,000 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 63.95 »
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Abstract The author of the paper shows that even though most people acknowledge that words can do real harm, many continue to insist that sexist language is a trivial concern. This paper looks at the reasons why it is important to be careful about the language that we use. It is all too easy for opponents of care in language to toss off concerns about bias as "political correctness". But it is important that the rest of us insist that "political correctness" can be viewed another way: As basic courtesy and civility. The paper uses several examples to demonstrate sexist language.
From the Paper "The first comes from my high school, where one of the teachers a man ; would always scoff at requests by students that he not used biased language. ;I never feel left out when people talk about men; as meaning all of humanity; he would say. I know that they;re talking about the species as a whole, not just people with Y chromosomes. He was, it should be noted, speaking without any apparent irony. He never seemed to be able to appreciate the fact that while he might not feel left out, women and girls would."
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Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, 2001. An examination of the relationship between two forms of communication - verbal and non-verbal. 2,000 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 63.95 »
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Abstract The paper shows that when we think about communication, we think about the spoken word and that our thoughts are always about the words people use and their fluency of speech. Yet, at the same time, we are also taking in information from nonlinguistic sources. The author notes that people's mannerisms, clothing, and appearance are also important, as well as their tone of voice. Researches have estimated that, in face-to-face communication, as much as 90 percent of the social meaning may be carried in the nonverbal message and that facial appearance and response may contribute more to our meaning of their message than all their words. The paper explores the importance of both types of communication and how they are put across.
From the Paper "As popularly used, language refers to a system of words. This development is not surprising, since words distinguish human communication from that of lower animals. Words, as symbols, usually convey information in a quite deliberate, no instinctive way. For this reason, language is sometimes treated as a set of verbal symbols."
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The Study of Language, 2001. The following paper examines the theories of bilingualism and multilingalism, language acquisition and language learning, making reference to a number of case studies. 2,790 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 83.95 »
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Abstract The following paper examines the theories on language acquisition and looks at the useful distinction between acquisition and learning. The writer also comments on approaches and methods to teaching second and foreign languages. Lastly the writer comments on interference as a factor in language learning.
Table of Contents
Bilingualism and Multilingualism
Diglossia
First Language Acquisition
Using a text-mapping device to depict the important stages in first-language acquisition
Theories on how language is acquired
Innateness
Cognition
Input
Approaches and methods to teaching second and foreign languages
Interference as a factor in language learning.
From the Paper "Diglossia is the coexistence of two forms of the same language in speech community. The one form will often be the literary or prestige dialect, and the other one can be a dialect commonly spoken by most of the population. The term diglossia could also be used to indicate bilingualism, or the speaking of two languages by the people of the same community. An example for the first definition is the use of Dutch in Belgium. Dutch is one of the official languages in Belgium. Dutch-speaking Belgians are called the ?Flemish? where the French-speaking Belgians are called ?Walloons?. Dutch spoken by Belgians is also referred to as ?Flemish?, which is not a literary form of the language, but a spoken ?dialect?. They are different varieties of the same language."
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The Future of English and Mother Tongue, 2001. This essay deals with shifts of languages other than English and the globalization of English. 1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 60.95 »
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Abstract A personal opinion paper which addresses the following questions - Does globalization of English form a serious threat? Do languages other than English face a slow death? This essays argues the eminent future of English and mother tongue.
From the Paper "It appears that English is to become the main language in Europe, and perhaps the world. This topic has been discussed extensively and widely and there has been massive scientific research in recent years. I came upon the article ?The Great English Divide? merely by chance, and the discussion caught my particular interest, as I am a Dutch-speaking Belgian, living in multi-lingual South Africa and currently studying towards a degree in English. I surfed the Internet, and found hundreds of articles discussing this same subject. The articles of my choice are only a few examples. Professor David Crystal has nominated a book to the subject ?English as a global language? , where he researched these three questions: What makes a world language? Why is English the leading candidate? Will it continue to hold that position? David Crystal has written a number of books on the topic itself. My main interest is how this globalisation of the English Language will influence English as a language. Is the idea of globalisation of English not just a triumphalist notion? Will the increase of the use of English in non-English speaking countries change English vocabulary and grammar? Will the use of 'Fusion English' increase? Paradoxically, could it mean that the population of Europe will become monolingual and could therefore mother languages become extinct?"
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The History of the Portuguese Language, 2002. A look at the Portuguese language from the start to modern times. 3,295 words (approx. 13.2 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 94.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the history of the Portuguese language from 218 BC to the present modern-day Portuguese. The paper also discusses the various Portuguese speaking countries and traces the language from its inception. Statistics and maps showing numbers and area distribution of the Portuguese language are also included.
From the Paper "The Portuguese language, which evolved from spoken Latin, developed on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula (now Portugal and the Spaniard province of Galicia) included in the province the Romans called Lusitania. When the Romans invaded the peninsula in 218 B.C. the people living in the region adopted Latin, the Roman's language" (on-line, orbital). From then until the 9th century, all spoke Romance, which is a language representing an intermediate stage between vulgar or common Latin and modern Latin languages, which include Portuguese, Castilian (Spanish from Spain), French and Galician (on-line, cplp)."
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To Be or Not To Be, 2002. A paper which presents a detailed examination of the semantics of the English language 2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 80.95 »
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Abstract In this detailed exploration into the semantics of English, this paper produces several examples to illustrate the foundational creativity of the language and its use of semantics in sentence structure and use.
From the Paper "In the study of semantics in the English language, the history of the language and words is as important as the creativity of their use and meaning. The history of many words in the English language can be dated back to the Latin and Greek days of power. Many English words are derivatives of the Latin terms that were used. Today, the medical industry still uses words that are Latin derivatives when it comes to many diagnosis names and medications in that field. The semantics of the English language is also heavily involved with the creative use of words that have double and sometimes triple meanings. Very few languages have the ability or desire to use one word as a verb and a noun at the same time. Most language are firmly divided for the purpose of clarity but the English language semantics trusts that those using the language will be able to figure it out and be pleased with the results. The language itself has changed many times over the years."
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The Study of African-American Vernacular English, 2001. A look at the language developed by the African-Americans and its move from a "slang" to a recognized dialect of English. 2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 73.95 »
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Abstract This paper provides examples of the differences between standard English and African American Vernacular English (AAVE). It explains the development and history of this language and explores how it has been taught and passed down to the next generation. It also examines the roots and origins of AAVE and asks what the future holds.
From the Paper "There are a couple of theories as to the origin of African American Vernacular Englsh (AAVE). Some linguists believe that the language derives from West African languages. This dialect theory is based on the knowledge that most African Americans who were brought to the United States from Africa had to learn how to speak English by ear. The may have picked up some of the English words incorrectly and incorporated the incorrect words in their language. Another theory is called the creole hypothesis. This theory bases its origin on the thought that slaves developed the language themselves. The slaves, who came from many different countries in Africa formulated AAVE so that they may talk amongst themselves. They developed with is called a pidgin by combining words from their own language with new words from America. They used grammar and speech patterns that were known to them from their own language as well. The language was then indirectly taught, or passed on to their children and children's children. Future generations now know the AAVE language."
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Analysis of the Irish Language (Gaelige), 2001. The past, present and future of the Irish language. 1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 51.95 »
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Abstract This essay focuses on the changes that the Irish language Gaelige underwent throughout the centuries. The main focus is on the history, but it includes the present and the future of the language. It looks at the linguistic roots of the language and the struggle to preserve it today.
From the Paper "The vernacular of a country tells a lot about the country?s history, how it grew from just a piece of land to a country with a real story and background, it reveals the changes and influences from inside and outside the country. Ireland?s language, Gaeilge, gives a good view of all the changes that have occurred throughout the centuries. It is a language that has resisted for a long time against the languages of invading nations, always changing yet never completely yielding. However, Gaeilge has now arrived at a point in which only a very small part of the Irish population still uses it daily, some even fear it will cease to exist in the future. In this essay there will be looked at the past, the present and the future of the Irish language."
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Semantics and Cultural Analysis, 1999. This paper looks at how language is defined by different cultures. 3,170 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 91.95 »
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Abstract This paper shows how cultural misunderstandings are often as a result of incorrect or incomplete translations. The writer explains that people are influenced by the culture in which they live and this helps form their impressions and the ways in which they communicate. Consequently, a metalanguage is required to enable people to discuss a specific language without their culture impacting upon it.
From the Paper "Cultural differences, which upon careful analysis may not be very great, are often exaggerated by the language barrier thus making it hard to conduct a comprehensive cultural analysis. If a person were to attempt to analyse another culture purely in terms of their own culture, this would clearly lead to misunderstanding and a breakdown in communication. This cultural divide is reinforced by the differing languages spoken in the varying cultures being compared. Whilst in a cultural analysis cultures may not be directly compared, the person conducting the analysis is still influenced by the culture to which they belong. As language forms a part of the activities which people undertake in their cultures, language is obviously going to have a large impact upon the cultural analysis being undertaken. By this, I am referring to the fact that if the person conducting the analysis merely translates lexemes from another language into his/her own language, the analysis will be incorrect as the cultural concepts underpinning the languages will be different. Thus it becomes necessary to be able to give definitions in a consistent fashion which does not rely upon any particular cultural concepts."
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The "Critical Period", 2001. This paper gives an evaluation of the theoretical claims, empirical evidence, and practical consequences associated with the concept of the critical period. 3,980 words (approx. 15.9 pages), 26 sources, MLA, $ 108.95 »
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Abstract This paper studies the critical period hypothesis which suggests that languages cannot be learned after the age of twelve. However, an evaluation of evidence from many different sources suggests that this is not accurate. It examines sources such as: Studies of second language learning methods, wild children studies and the theories of Noam Chomsky and Stephen Krashen. Factors which make it easier for children to learn language, such as parentheses, are also discussed.
From the Paper "The "critical period" hypothesis cites a commonly observable phenomenon, the fact that children find language learning much easier than adults, and learn language remarkably quickly, to claim that language learning is more difficult, or impossible after puberty. The concept of "critical periods" was initially introduced in the study of animal behaviour, where it was noticed that certain behavioural responses only emerged when stimulus was given within a particular time frame. This concept has been applied to many species, including humans, with regard to the development of specific emotional responses such as stress. In 1967 Lenneberg proposed that this concept also applied to human linguistic development, seeing language as a response, and exposure to language as the stimulus. There are two versions of this hypothesis: the "strong" version, which claims that no language acquisition is possible after puberty, and the "weak" version, which maintains that language learning will be much more difficult. A distinction is often made between "language acquisition", the way in which children unconsciously learn their native tongue, and "language learning" which implies formal instruction, and Lenneberg maintains this distinction himself."
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Argot: Language Used in Prisons Today, 2002. An analysis of the language of thieves (argot) which is spoken is prison. 2,870 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 85.95 »
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Abstract This paper analyzes prison language, prison inmates and prison gangs. It looks at the use of such dialects in other cultures and situations and how they came about.
From the Paper "In every culture, language differs in some manner, more in some than others. Language can be defined as a means of communication in which vocal sounds are combined into meaningful units to convey thoughts and feelings. Language can differ from culture to culture no matter how far apart they are from each other or how they differ. Take for instance, ebonics, a specialized language used solely by African-American people in the inner city, and although it is made up mostly of slang, it actually gets taught in some schools. People living in the same block may not understand the language, and the same can be said of prisoners located in our cities, who have their own language. In prison, inmates have a language that is entirely unique and cannot be compared to any other language, called argot, which would sound like meaningless babble to the common person, but this code is necessary knowledge to all prison inmates and guards."
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