Abstract This paper demonstrates why TPR is such an effective method for language instruction. The paper thoroughly examines the nature, principles, and practice of TPR among educators, pointing out along the way the primary reasons why it is a superior pedagogical method when contrasted with some other language education methods.
From the Paper "Language acquisition is fast becoming a major part of state-sponsored education. Increasingly diverse communities in the West have made it a requisite that schools understand and cater to the needs of students from other linguistic backgrounds. In addition, the ability to quickly pick up a second language in some parts of the world is important to future socioeconomic success. For example, in the United States, an ability to speak Spanish can be exceptionally beneficial for individuals working with the public. In the West and Southwest, this is particularly important and can mean the difference between securing a coveted job and not. The real question for educators is in determining what the best means of teaching languages is."
Abstract This paper is a summary and critique of the humorous grammar instruction book "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves" by Lynne Truss. The paper looks at the main points of the book, specifically focusing on the apostrophe and the comma, which are the most featured. The paper then evaluates the purpose of the book and how well Truss achieves her goal, and recommends the book to other college students.
From the Paper "Grammar might not be considered a pressing problem for most of society, but Lynne Truss, author of Eats, Shoots, and Leaves thinks it is. This humorous and educational book describes some of the major problems with grammar facing the English-speaking world today. This paper will look at this book in some detail, highlighting the essentials, followed by a discussion of its strengths and weaknesses, and an evaluation of its usefulness to others, especially college students. Truss introduces her topic by asking the reader to evaluate their gut reaction to many common grammar and punctuation mistakes we see in the mass media, shops and elsewhere in everyday life. She compares her reactions to signs advertising "DVD's," and "Book's" with that of the little boy in The Sixth Sense. She says of grammar sticklers like herself, "we can see dead punctuation" (Truss 3)."
Abstract The foreign language requirement has long been a component of formal education. The paper shows that several different methods exist for teaching foreign languages, including submersion and various levels of immersion teaching. In addition, foreign language teaching can be either language-driven or content-driven. This paper compares and contrasts the different methods of teaching foreign languages through immersion and submersion.
From the Paper "The language programs of the United States are based on Canadian French-language programs developed in the 1960's (Fortune and Tedick par. 3). Immersion, when used in teaching foreign languages, is the process of teaching the student using the language being taught for all or most of the school day."
Abstract This paper focuses on Starhawk's philosophy that language shapes consciousness and consciousness shapes reality. Within the paper it is shown that Starhawk's belief is that language can have a deciding factor on a person's perception of themselves, and through this perception they develop concepts of reality in their consciousness. Therefore, this perception then shapes their reality.
From the Paper "Reality, according to Starhawks, is a state in which we must find definition. It is how we define reality within our consciousness that ultimately determines the type of power that will control our lives. As individuals, what we perceive to be real will be. What we believe to be true will happen. The key to discovering a harmony in life is to come to the realization that people do have a final say in how their lives will be lived, and through the consciousness every individual can make that choice. To understand how this is possible the individual must first comprehend that there are powers in the world. Starhawks contends that there is the "power-over" which is any power that comes from outside of the individual that is controlling."
A review of several articles covering issues relating to interaction with hearing impaired individuals and the challenges that they face on a daily basis.
2,925 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 7 sources, 2005, $ 115.95
Abstract Because there is no single demographic for people with hearing loss, there is no single correct manner to interact with them or to assist them at work, school, recreation, or other activities of daily living. This paper reviews several articles on various aspects of interacting with the hearing impaired, as well as articles that examine issues that such individuals face in society today. In addition, this paper examines the historical focus on these issues, along with their relevance to vocational rehabilitation both at the present and in the future.
From the Paper "Who are the deaf and hearing impaired? Can we recognize them at a glance? Are they limited to any one age group, sex, race, or color? The answer to these questions would be "no." People with impaired hearing take part in the same activities as we all do, range from very old, to very young, and are represented in every racial and ethnic group. Hearing loss can be congenital, or it can be acquired by accident, disease, or age. Because there is no single demographic for people with hearing loss, there is no single correct manner to interact with them or to assist them at work, school, recreation, or other activities of daily living."
Abstract This paper compares the work "South Englishes, North Englishes" by Nuzhat Amin and "Why My Mother Can't Speak English" by Gary Engkent. This paper reviews the commonality of both, in that foreigners or those speaking with a foreign accent, are often not accepted fully into the society of the "new" country.
From the Paper "In comparing the Nuzhat Amin's "South Englishes, North Englishes" and Gary Engkent's "Why My Mother Can't Speak English" one becomes aware of some of the positive and negative effects of language on culture. These effects are often a result of what Amin describes as a "native speaker's" "views of language [which] often correspond to views of social status of language users" (Amin 159)/ As a result, those who speak with English with an accent or as in Engkent's story, someone who is unable or not willing to become fluent in the new language, are often placed in a position that sets them aside."
Abstract This essay examines what McGrath calls the "IV trickle" of modern language transformations. It discusses his arguments for such a claim as well as examines some slang examples that clearly indicate his train of thought. Lastly, it brings forth another example to illustrate McGrath's conclusions.
From the Paper "Language is often likened to a living creature, infinitely evolving yet with a solid, and even material, structure. The nature of this structure is tightly, and reciprocally, connected to the world in which language exists. Life and language evolve simultaneously. Some scholars postulate, however, that the nature of this evolution has recently changed. Gradual linguistic transfusion has been replaced by the more immediate concoction of slang words (McGrath). McGrath counters modern slang developments with historical analyses of linguistic evolution. He says that the English language is a "Frankenstein creature, originally built of spare parts." "
Abstract This paper discusses the works of Eva Hoffman, Malcolm X, and Maxine Hong-Kingman in relation to language. The paper further focuses on the writings of these individuals that expressed how language defined them as human beings, and how it further aided them in expanding their knowledge of the world. The paper examines how, through language, these writers were capable of expressing themselves in a manner that was accepted through society; yet, each grew to fully comprehend the origins of their lives, and embrace their individual characteristics that grounded them in the world.
From the Paper "Perceptions of other people may be made through their physical appearance, their attitudes toward life, or in the manner in which they speak. Language can be considered a barrier to understanding others, or a link to stereotypes of cultures that are not universally understood. Malcolm X believed that by not fully comprehending the English language he was forcing himself to be classified as an ignorant black man. Eva Hoffman contended that through her language origins it was difficult to be accepted in a society that was supposed to be welcoming all people. Maxine Hong Kingston believed that her alternative language was distasteful to many Americans, although it was undeniably part of who she had been born to be in the world."
Abstract In this article the writer looks at the use of phrases and passages throughout history in American society that suggest gender discrimination. The writer implies that such phrases reflect the belief that females possess a lower standing than men within society. The writer points out that it is society that has placed these gender specifications on individuals, and society that has maintained the division between the genders through its consistent acceptance of terms, phrases, or descriptive passages that have been handed down through generations of the American culture.
From the Paper "American society has come to use many phrases and descriptive passages throughout history that refer to gender in a way that draws a significant line between men and women and their roles within the social order. These phrases have emerged as a reflection of the societal belief that individuals of the female gender have a lower standing among people than men do because historically, (or throughout modernized society) it has been contended that women have less value in the world, and that men's views are more important."
Abstract This paper defines three words: skepticism, rhetoric, and sophism. It then combines these words into an essay. A sophist questions knowledge, but he or she is different than a skeptic. Another philosophical term is rhetoric. Rhetoric is used to persuade people to someone's philosophical view on a topic. Sophists used rhetoric in explaining their skepticism about life and different topics. "
From the Paper "Philosophical Skepticism and Rhetoric in Sophism Imagine believing that nothing exists and if something does exist, a person cannot know for sure, and if they cannot know for sure then they cannot teach it to others (Philosophy of the Sophists). People who thought this way were called Sophists. Another important philosophical term is skepticism. "Philosophical skepticism is a critical attitude which systematically questions the notion that absolute knowledge and certainty are possible" (Carroll). Another philosophical term is rhetoric, which means rhetoric. Rhetoric is used to persuade people to someone's philosophical view on a topic. Sophists used rhetoric in explaining their skepticism about life and different topics. Sophists wanted to know how a person can know something and whether what they learn can actually be truth. "The Sophists centered their efforts on the problem of knowledge as well as on the problem of morality and justice" (Classic Philosophers)."
Abstract This paper discusses social change, reflected in different social and linguistic values. It discusses the changing Canadian English in French, in relation to "Glocal English", but also, the effect of multiculturalism, in the many languages spoken in large cities. The paper presents an interview with this in mind, indicating adjustments made by native English speakers in Toronto, without thinking, due to the many citizens who do not know English well. The paper concludes that "Glocal English" and Americanization are present, but also, this other fascinating phenomenon of social and linguistic change.
From the Paper "Social Change Reflected in Linguistic Change. Introduction Social change indicates linguistic change, and notably, in an officially bilingual Canada whose English and French populations have seen the infusion of dozens of other languages, many of them that remain in daily use. In Metropolitan Toronto, one-half of the population was born beyond Canada and one grows accustomed to expecting that a stranger to whom one speaks will speak English as the second, third or perhaps fourth language. Another change pertains to both English and French Canada in the arrival of terms and pronunciations considered American and towards a more American idiom of Canadian English."
Abstract This paper argues that language not only allows humans the ability to communicate but also - through the complex and layered sign systems that make up language - shapes our understanding of the world around us, and reflects the systems of power and control that exist within this social world. The paper examine how humans acquire language and the consequences this acquisition has for individuals and society.
Abstract The paper examines the different forces which makes language such a central role in our lives. The paper looks at how we gain our language skills, how we deal with these language skills socially and culturally and how they define us communally and individually. The paper looks, finally, at how we form our perceptions of ourselves in this world.
From the Paper "For many people, the acquisition of language occurs so naturally and happened so long ago, that it is a process that they rarely consider. It might cross one's mind when one has a baby or meets someone with a language disability, yet, these thoughts usually recede in accordance with our busy schedules. However, the acquisition and development of language is so intricate and amazing that it is rather amazing it occurs so naturally overall. Language is responsible for a large scope of our human abilities, and thus it is our task to fully examine our language and communication capacities in regards to our development of language."
Abstract The paper describes the ongoing interest to chimpanzee's language ability, although they are a largely non-verbal species, who communicate by way of gestures. The paper explains that efforts to teach chimpanzees to speak, as they are almost 100 per cent genetically similar to Homo sapiens, are hoped to produce knowledge of human language acquisition, in the beginning and subjects of language development.
From the Paper "Marcel Danesi summarized post-World War II efforts to teach chimpanzees to speak, led by the 1960s research of Allen and Beatrix Gardner of the University of Nevada, that centered on their female subject "Washoe" which commenced when the chimpanzee was almost one year of age. (2004: 42, Gardner:1975) Washoe proved capable of using 132 signs of American Sign Language (ASL) within five years. Moreover, Washoe could combine signs to express sets of syntactic relations. The same was accomplished by four other chimpanzees taught ASL that, along with Washoe, were analyzed by Roger S. Fouts. (1996)"
Abstract The goal of the exercise is to elicit a language autobiography, an account that focuses on the language experiences of someone who has grown up with more than one language. The paper explains that these language experiences may be tied to different speakers, places or both. The person selected was a woman who emigrated from Greece immediately following WWII. The paper also includes a transcription of the interview.
From the Paper "Me: First, let me say how much I appreciate your taking the time for this interview. Yia-Yia: It's my pleasure. When Kali asked me if I'd be interested in speaking with you, I thought it would be a good experience for both of us. Me: It's interesting that you should say so. Why is that? Yia-Yia: We Greeks can be very insular, even when we live in other countries. It's always good to have the opportunity to clear up some misconceptions, especially when most Americans only have information about the Greek culture through church festivals. Me: Believe me, I'm glad to have the opportunity. So, my first question for you is, what languages do you currently speak? Yia-Yia: I speak mostly Greek and English, of course and some French. I learned some French by staying in Rheims with family after the war."
