Abstract This paper discusses literacy issues for children living in Australia. The paper begins by examining the many differing conceptions of how to define literacy and exactly which elements constitute the amorphous area of literacy. Then, the paper looks at the varying types of literacy teaching in schools. The paper also discusses the intense scrutiny that the subject of childhood literacy is coming under in Australia. Reports of declining literacy levels led to a perception of a "literacy crisis", which has prompted government officials to take action. This paper also explores those steps.
From the Paper "The importance of spoken language should not be underestimated in the acquisition of literacy. Obviously, the need for literacy will not be relevant to societies where there is no written form of their language, therefore the following discussion will be limited to societies with written forms of their language thus leading to expectations of literacy. Whilst spoken and written language are interrelated, there are also differences between them. The first difference is that spoken language predates written language in history (Stubbs, 1980, p.25). Naturally, it is not possible to make an assertion as to the time differential, however it is logical to state that people have always needed to be able to orally communicate."
Abstract Stuttering is a communication disorder that interferes with a child's ability to speak fluently. It is characterized by the prolongation or blockage of sound, repetition, syllables or words, and its course can be cyclical, with the frequency and severity of the stuttering changing dramatically over time. This paper provides an overview of stuttering in preschool-age children, including how a stutter develops and how children are assessed.
Paper Outline:
General Description of the Disorder
Stuttering in Preschool-age Children
Patterns of Stuttering
Development of a Stutter
Assessment of Preschool Disfluent Children
Predictive Factors of Preschool Children Who Will Have Persistent Stuttering
References
From the Paper "Trautman says that there is also some research suggesting that children who have a behaviorally inhibited temperament might be at increased risk for stuttering (e.g. children who appear to be more sensitive to changes and tend to cry more often). In addition, Trauman notes that some parents have reported changes in the fluency of their child's speech after (non-related) treatment with stimulant medications, such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) and some asthma medications. However, she says that she knows of no clinical evidence supporting these observations."
Abstract In this paper the author reviews the gratitude expressed in D.H. Lawrence's poem "Piano", Anne Bradstreet's poem "To My Dear and Loving Husband," and Toni Morrison's writing "Nobel Prize Speech." He highlights how the dictionary definition of gratitude as meaning thankfulness is not enough to justify the depth of the word. But, in poetry the word gratitude, becomes much more. The author describes how, in each poem the gratitude expressed can relate to the whole story and life of a person. One of the examples he gives is D.H. Lawrence's poem "Piano", which he describes as a nostalgic view of the gratitude Lawrence has for his mother's relationship. The author also relates to the other poems and their more deep meaning of gratitude which is expressed. In conclusion he reiterates that the dictionary meaning of gratitude is not enough, especially in poetry, as there is much more to the word.
From the Paper "At first glance, Bradstreet's poem looks only like a love song; it does not outwardly thank anybody. However, a closer reading reveals not only its theme of gratitude, but also the notion that viewing the poem under the guise of its first appearance oversimplifies the poem and hides its complexity. Indeed, "To My Dear and Loving Husband" is written in rhymed couplets and is a mere 12 lines long. Nevertheless, it is clearly an illustration of the Puritan belief that wealth is a measurement of blessing (Ryken 20). Specifically, Bradstreet says, "Love is greater "than whole mines of gold/ Or all the riches that the East doth hold" (lines 5-6), thereby acknowledging that her greatest wealth is love."
Tags: love, eternity, benefit, emotional, personal, reader, words
Abstract This paper examines what influenced the evolution of the many different dialects of 5th Century France into the three main dialects of medieval France. France and provides evidence of the differences in phonology between them. It also looks at the geographical and political factors which influenced this development.
From the Paper "To understand how the different dialects came about, we need to look a little further back in history to around the 5th Century. The collapse of the Roman Empire and subsequently the time of the Germanic invasions led to the beginnings of the linguistic disparity between North and South. As the Romans retreated, many 'barbarian' tribes ventured into Gaul, adopting the lands abandoned by the Romans. Celts and Vikings settled in the far North-West, but the majority of the invaders came from Germany. The Franks and the Burgundians settled primarily in the North and the South East, but the Visigoths even went as far as the South West. "
Abstract The growing consensus is that the use of authentic materials in the English Language Teaching (ELT) classroom is beneficial to the learning process. The paper shows that, for this purpose, the crucial role played by texts in ELT reading exercises has come under closer examination. Which type of ELT textbooks is more appropriate for present needs: The "authentic" or "non-authentic" reading materials? The paper shows that the trend seems to move away from the grammar-based pedagogic content of non-authentic text in favor of authentic text, which simulates the real world outside the classroom. By working on a "living" language as used by the community, this could give learners the feeling that they are in touch with reality and thus increase their motivation for learning.
From the Paper "Clayton, Fomo defines authentic texts as "genuine samples of language in use," which are not produced specifically for the purpose of language teaching. This text, sometimes spoken and sometimes written, simulates and uses the language of the real world, which is adapted in the classroom for its relevance to the students' social milieu. The objective is to develop the students' language skills for the real world, and bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and the students' capacity to participate in real-life events."
Abstract This paper explains that Japanese case particles, which are morphological markers that indicate the relation of the noun phrase to the predicate, are crucial factor for both comprehension and production of the language; however, it is a very difficult area for adult learners to master. The author points out that the subjects for this qualitative study were selected at random from students whose native language is English and who were currently taking a third semester of a formally instructed Japanese course. The paper recommends instructional techniques based on the findings such as the use of diagnostic tests for recognizing the natures of learners' confusion and creating productive lessons to clarify the confusion. Many charts, tables and graphs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Difference and Difficulty
Literature Review
Definitions of Japanese Case
Research on Acquiring Case Particles by Adult English Speakers
Verbal Protocol: An Effective Mean of Obtaining Valuable Information
Research Questions
Methodology
Research Design
Subjects
Test Survey
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Findings
The First Question: Why are Some Particles Troublesome?
Second Question: Does Subjects' Confidence Reflect the Accuracy in Use of The Particles?
Third Question: How do the Subjects Determine Which Particle to Use?
Discussion
Pedagogical Implication
Teach schema: What Goes with the Particle
Diagnostic Test: To Know What They Don't Know
Provide Meta-Linguistic Instruction: Teach Semantic Role of Particles
Make the Lesson Memorable
Conclusion
From the Paper "An interesting fact is that the other two problems with 100% accuracy have somewhat similar properties as well. The verb, imasu 'to exist,' is also a stative verb, which is means existential. The adjective, daisuki desu 'to be favorite,' is usually translated into English as "I like something." This verb and adjective also take a semantic object accompanied by the subject marker ga. However, in these questions, subjects had no confusion over use of o and ga. It turned out that the first two uses of ga are very familiar ones to the subjects, and they seem to have almost memorized the combination. This fact will be illustrated and discussed in a later section."
Abstract This paper is a linguistic analysis of the German language. It compares German with Dutch and Afrikaans. The varieties of the German language; divisions into North Germanic and West Germanic are all discussed.
From the Paper "The German language bears many similarities to other Germanicl anguages such as Dutch and Afrikaans. Standard German is spoken with auvular R although the alveolar pronunciation is used in many of the standard German ..."
Abstract This paper examines ESL strategies for learning disabled students including language differences versus learning disabilities; special education strategies; strategies for the ESL and learning disabled students. The conclusion names effective strategies including instructional conversations, wordless books, T-charts, keywords and self-monitoring.
From the Paper "This literature review concerning the topic of ESL strategies for learning disabled students addresses the following areas relevant to this study ..."
Abstract This paper provides a critique of an article, "The Language of Yankee Cultural Imperialism", on the implications of how Yankee-speech became recognized as the highest standard of American English.
From the Paper In "The Language of Yankee Cultural Imperialism" Frazer shows that the residue of original Puritan colonization pushed westward from Massachusetts Bay and beyond out of which developed what came to be recognized as Yankee culture ..."
Abstract This paper presents a discussion of how "slang," a sociolinguistic phenomenon, can be correctly understood by English language learners. It looks at the linguistic features of slang and the need for effective communication for new immigrants to the United States.
From the Paper "This research examines linguistic features of slang and ways in which it affects the language experience of English language learners ELL. The research will set forth the context in which slang becomes relevant to andre aches meaning with ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the development and structure of Bajan, the Creole language of Barbados. It examines the development of the Barbadian culture that gave rise to Bajan. It highlights the linguistic components of Bajan. The author also focuses on Bajan as a rhotic language.
Abstract The paper begins with discussing the origins of the Spanish language. It continues to argue that the beginnings of Spanish do not lie in the Iberian Peninsula. It concludes with an examination of the influence of Arabic and Latin on the transformation of the Spanish language.
From the Paper "Spanish is like all other idioms spoken in the world today a dynamic and ever-changing language. This is only to be expected. As the world changes around us we need new ways of talking about that world and so we change our language to meet those needs. This is ..."
Abstract This paper analyzes the language of Ingrian, one of the languages of Russia. The paper explains that only 302 people speak Ingrian and that UNESCO classifies it as a seriously endangered language. The author also discusses syntax and morphology.
From the Paper "Ingrian one of the languages of Russia is an endangered language. When a language is classified as endangered it means that the language is in danger of extinction. Languages become extinct for a variety of reasons ..."
Abstract This argumentative paper adopts the position that U.S. legislators must pass legislation that exonerates business owners from being sued for discrimination by non-English speakers because of the implementation of English-only policies in the workplace.
From the Paper "There is a ridiculous notion floating around liberal circles and even government agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that mandating English-only workplace environments somehow represents discrimination ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the meaning of phonetics and its importance to teachers. It researches the international phonetic alphabet and its uses. The author explores language and linguistics and creates new words for new products which are English and non-English in nature.
