Abstract This study explores elementary Arabic heritage students' use of English as a first language (L1) to learn Arabic as a second language (L2). Far from being restricted to "good language learners" or certain corners of academia, L2 acquisition and learning occurs in a wide variety of settings. The literature review is divided into three major parts. The first part is a concise history of Arab immigration to the United States. The second part is a short description of the Arabic language, its origins and characteristics. The third section of the literature review explores previous studies and research of the manner in which L1 supports the learning and acquisition of L2.
The basic hypothesis that is tested is as follows: If the students retrogress as they use their first language to learn the second one, it is clear that there is interference in the long run. However, if the students show overall progress in the long run as they use the first language to learn the second one, there is no significant interference. The results of the study predict that students will show overall progress as they use the first language to learn the second one. Finally, the study results have significant implications for future research in languages and teaching methods.
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Part I. Historical Background Surrounding the Arab Immigration
Part II. The Arabic Language
Arabic Language and Identity
Part III. Use of a First Language (L1) to Support the Learning and Acquisition of a Second Language (L2)
Brief Historical Background
Second Language Learners
Mismatch Hypothesis
The Natural Order Hypothesis
The Input Hypothesis
Environmentalist Theory
The Threshold Theory
Underlying Proficiency Hypothesis
Analysis of Literature Review
Arguments against L1 & L2 Learning
Significance of the Study
Data Collection
Study Participants
Methodologies
Procedure
Scheduling
Presentation of Analysis of Results and General Summary of Findings
Interview Analysis
Importance of the Study Results
Conclusion
From the Paper "Finally, there remain as many questions as answers, such as whether English will ultimately take over advanced education, as well as serving for international communication. Additionally, will the status of Arabic change, will its official role be implemented, and will the Arabic minority maintain their language? It remains to be seen whether language policy and planning are able to effect such a complex situation, whether language decisions can have effects on the social and political context, or whether they are in fact driven completely by external political and economic forces (Spolsky & Shohamy, 1997). We know that the linguistic repertoire of a country is a reflection of a myriad of political, demographic, cultural, religious and economic factors (Spolsky & Shohamy, 1997).
A review of the related research and proposed study reveals that unraveling the sociocultural and political influences on the second language learner is no small task. In addition, there is tremendous variation in the contexts within which both individuals and groups acquire a second language ("The Diversity Kit," 2002). Educators face the challenge of understanding those contexts, what motivates individuals, the relationship between first and second languages, and the academic environment, as well as the different demands placed on the second language learner in a classroom setting ("The Diversity Kit," 2002). Some researchers have posited that teachers understanding of the second language acquisition process will guide their instructional strategies toward ways to accommodate second language learners in their various developmental sequences. "
Abstract This research paper examines the attitudes of Arab-American students since September 11, 2001. The paper looks at the backgkround of Americans who come from Arab and Muslim countries. The paper also studies the status of Arab Americans before and after the 2001 terrorist attack on the U.S. The paper concludes with an examination of the effect of U.S. foreign policy on Arab-American students. The paper includes results of interviews with Arab American college students.
From the Paper "The terrorist attack which took place in the United States on September was responsible for the development of new and negative attitudes toward Arabs and Muslims in the United States. However Susan M. Akram states..."
Tags:Arab-Americans, September 11, 2001, democracy, discrimination
Abstract This paper explains that Pan Arabism is an ideology encompassing Arab regional unity in the Middle East, which has risen and declined over the past several decades. The author points out that the modern version of Pan-Arabism was first promoted by Amir Hussein, who sought independence from the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of a state of Arabia. The paper stresses that Pan Arabism didn't really emerge as a regional force until after the Second World War, when the Baath Party was founded in Syria.
From the Paper "Pan Arabism is an ideology encompassing Arab regional unity in the Middle East, and has risen and declined over the past several decades. The modern version of Pan-Arabism was first promoted by Amir Hussein, "who sought independence from the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of a state of Arabia." But Pan Arabism didn't really emerge as a regional force until after the Second World War, when the Baath Party was founded in Syria. The emerging Baath Party government in Damascus sought to unite all Arabs in the Middle East through secular appeal and featured socialist and fascist policies."
Abstract This paper explains that the image the West has of the Arab world has always been formed to a certain extent by misperception and misunderstanding. The author points out that religious, cultural and political tensions, which have ebbed and flowed over the centuries between the West and the Arab world ,have been due to real grievances on both sides. The paper states that much of the mutual enmity between these two civilizations has arisen because Arabs and Westerners simply don't understand one another very well.
From the Paper "The image the West has of the Arab world has always been formed to a certain extent by misperception and misunderstanding. The religious, cultural, and political tensions which have ebbed and flowed over the centuries between the West and the Arab world have been due to real grievances on both sides, but much of the mutual enmity between these two civilizations has arisen because Arabs and Westerners simply don't understand one another very well. September 11, 2001 was a defining moment, for the West reacted dramatically to the al Qaeda terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. The negative image many Westerners already had of the Arab world was reinforced by the carnage unleashed on America that autumn morning."
Abstract This paper presents an understanding of how the Arabic qualities of Islam helped it spread so quickly and successfully. The writer details for the reader the Arabic connection to the faith of Islam and the ways that connection assisted in the growth of the faith itself. It studies the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center and discusses its possible causes.
From the Paper "Following the attack on America on September 11, 2001 members of the Islam faith suffered worldwide backlash when it came to light that the terrorists claimed to be Muslim. Since that day Islam leaders have worked diligently to remind the world that true followers of Islam could never do what the terrorists did and that Islam is a kind and gentle faith. Islam is a worldwide faith that has grown quickly in many nations. Part of the success in growth that Islam has enjoyed can be directly attributed to the Arabic qualities of the faith."
Tags: Islam, Arabic, faith, Muslim, religion, terrorists, attack, America
Abstract The Arabs in Israel belong to the larger Palestinian/Arab community, but instrumentally, they belong to Israel as their state of citizenship where they must have their daily needs met. While they enjoy a range of rights, they do not have equal rights with Jews since Israel is a state of the Jewish people. Discrimination against the Palestinian citizens has been reconciled with Israeli democracy on the basis that the Palestinians are a potential threat to the security of the state.
Abstract This paper explores the emergence of the Arab people after Islam and Mohammed. The paper begins by looking at historical tensions in the region and the structure of the new Arabic Empire. The paper also discusses religion and rivalries in the region.
From the Paper "Albert Hourani traces the emergence of the Arab people to the religious movement initiated by the Prophet Mohammed beginning in the early seventh century and located on the margins of the Byzantine and Sasanian empires..."
Abstract This paper analyzes the Arab immigration into Michigan during the 20th century. It includes a detailed description of Arab immigration in the Detroit and Dearborn areas. The author also discusses changing views of ethnic identity and assimilation.
From the Paper "The history of Arab immigration in Michigan particularly the Dearborn and Detroit areas illustrates similar challenges and experiences as those faced by other waves of immigrants in United States History ..."
Abstract A discussion about how words are stored in memory and retrieved. The author discusses how the mental lexical is organized focusing on the priming paradigm method, which entails looking for stimuli that facilitate word retrieval. This is a review of the relevant literature including a proposition of alternative instruments to be used as well as a pilot experiment using the proposed instrument. Main focus is on Arabic speakers.
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. The Present Paper
4. Metodology
4.a. Stimuli and Design
4.b. Participants and Procedure
5. Results and Discussion
From the Paper "How is our mental lexicon organized?" Is this an abstract theoretical question that belongs solely to the domain of linguistics? In my opinion it does not; this question may have practical consequences too. Take for instance language learning: knowledge about the way the mental lexicon is organized might serve in constructing better learning programs. For example, if we knew that morphological knowledge of language learners facilitates their learning, it might be required to focus on this aspect when constructing a teaching program. And in fact, psycholinguistic literature does report a facilitating effect of morphological knowledge (Mimouni et al 1998, Deutsch et al 1998 and Frost et al 1997)."
Abstract This paper traces the 9/11 terrorist attack to the United States, support of Israel in the 1967 War with her Arab neighbors, the historical facts of the war and the nations' political goals then and now.
From the Paper "Since September 11th, and a subsequent international crackdown on terrorism and all entities that support, harbor or commit acts characterized as terrorism, confrontation between Israeli and Palestinian forces has become a detail of daily life. Likewise, so have much of the violence, death and destruction on both sides of the battle line. Israelis act on the pretense of defense, exacting military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza strip, in order to control the mounting terrorism that has threatened the Jewish state from within its own borders. Palestinians struggle for international recognition, independent statehood and liberation from Israeli possession. But the everyday intensification of conflict in the region is murky at best, as both sides operate without a credible solution, and accusations collect support on both sides. And while the shortsighted may regard this circumstance as a relatively new one, aftermath of recent tensions in the region and the election of a far right administration in Ariel Sharon, a perusal of the circumstances surrounding the end of the 1967 War will suggest that many of the specifics overarching this conflict are now at least thirty-five years of age."
Abstract This paper traces the development and history of the Arab American Female in educational institutes and suggests that face a lot of prejudice from both their family and peer groups as they try to adjust.
Abstract This paper states that, although there are significant political, cultural, historical and geographical aspects of the dispute over the "Holy Land", the Israeli-Arab conflict is based on deeply rooted religious beliefs and attitudes held on all sides. The author stresses it is essential to understanding of the basic beliefs of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, their similarities and differences, conditions for the permissibility of war and killing and the significance of the Holy Land. The paper concludes that when religion is involved a peaceful reconciliation can come from the differing faiths only when their interests are combined.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Judaism
Christianity
Islam
Conclusions: Is Peace Possible?
From the Paper "Islam shares some key beliefs with the other two faiths. For example, Muslims believe in the total "unity" of God much like in the Jewish faith. Further, Muslims also share the same Prophets with Judaism and Christianity. These include Adam, Noah, Moses, Isaac, Jacob, and Jesus (whom they regard as a prophet, and not divine). Further, they also believe that Jesus was born of a virgin birth just as in Christianity. Even in areas of practice, Islam shares some striking similarities with the other faiths. For example, Muslims do not eat pork (like observant Jews), and they also share many of the same moral rules (no sex outside of marriage, the prohibition of killing and stealing, etc.). However, Islam differs radically from Judaism and Christianity in that it does not allow the drinking of alcohol, does not observe the Sabbath on the same day, and considers Jewish and Christian believers to be in grave error due to their rejection of Jesus and Muhammad as legitimate prophets."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of land degradation in the Arab region over the past 70 years. This paper reviews the various reasons and causes of this land degradation, focusing on the increase in population who require water for human consumption and agriculture, land for agriculture and land for their livestock.
From the Paper "Land degradation in the Arab region is primarily the result of a surge in the population growth in the past several decades. As the population had increased within the Arab region the need for water for human consumption, grazing land, and agriculture has risen. In an area that was already dry and naturally scarce in water supplies this added requirement for water has led to severe issues concerning the natural water sources and their ability to sustain the Arab civilization over time. Furthermore, cultivation of marginal land, as well as deforestation has created a situation in which natural trees and foliage have been depleted from the land surface, adding to the landmasses that are dry. As these dry land masses, or deserts are increased in the Arab lands the water is absorbed into the ground and the loss of foliage eventually leads to a loss of water."
Abstract This paper explains that the currently diverse trends in Arabic popular music signify that a deep social change is occurring within the Arab world, changing social values, tastes, and even methods of expressing political and social objection and protest, both against the West and against Arab governments. The author points out that Arabic music is becoming increasingly influenced by Western rhythms and forms, and some Arabic music videos reflect liberal Western sexual attitudes. The paper also relates that the Arabs are imposing themselves on Western music by using Western rhythms and styles, but sometimes with very Arabic lyrics, which are anti-Western, to protest against American influence over the Arabs.
From the Paper "On the one hand, this has attracted a significant Western audience to Arabic music for the first time ever while, on the other, has aroused religious anger among certain groups in the Arab World. Jim Bessman remarks on this phenomenon in "Arabic Music Moves West." According to his observations, the reason why the United States music market has opened up to Arabic music is that this music has become more familiar to the Western ears in rhythm, beat and singing style. However, in the Arab world the traditional and religious groups in the societies are strongly opposed to the westernization of Arabic music."
Abstract This paper looks at the implications for the Arab peoples of the concept of the Arab nation and Arab nationalism. The paper discusses how this concept affects the politics of the Arab nations, looks at how attainable the Arab nation really is, and discusses the real obstacles to achieving Arab unity. The paper includes a complete outline and an annotated bibliography.
From the Paper "The Arab nation, or Arab World, does not actually exist as a united country, but as a dream in the hearts and minds of many of the citizens of the twenty two Arab countries that form this nation. The fact that the Arab nation does not exist, could serve as an argument against the notion of Arab nationalism. Quite simply, how can Arab nationalism be real or taken in a serious sense when there is no Arab nation? Even though this question is a natural and logical one, considering that the reference is to feelings of nationalism for a nation that does not exist, it ignores one important historical fact. That is, the Arab nations did once exist, and was once united under a single powerful empire. Although it does not presently exist, as a geographic and political reality, the Arab nation has survived in terms of a shared language, culture and history, common traditions and beliefs, and most importantly united goals and ambitions. Therefore, while one has to concede to the fact that the Arab nation is not a nation in the traditional sense of the world and that attempts at creating this nation over the past decades have failed, the fact is that the Arab nation and Arab nationalism are real, have powerful psychological attraction for Arabs, and have been the basis of popular Arab ideologies; and the failure to achieve the goal of Arab unity has mainly been due to the reluctance of the individual Arab leaders to give up their dictatorship powers in favour of power-sharing with other leaders."
Tags: politically geographically united common descent homegeneity language history, tradition
