Abstract This paper analyzes John F. Kennedy's inaugural address given on January 20, 1961. It discusses the style of the speech, particularly his effective use of oratory and rhetorical techniques. It looks at the way in which his language and also his unique voice and persona caused the words to remain in the listeners' mind. The paper also discusses Kennedy's body language and attire while delivering his speech. It combines all of these aspects to describe the success of his presentation.
From the Paper "What is most striking about the speech is how much it asks of its listeners. It is easy to listen to, because of its effective use of oratory and rhetorical techniques, like rhetorical questions, parallel sentence structure, and intense, physical images that paint a picture for the listener. This is especially important in an age before television was common in all households, to satisfy listeners far away as well as the immediate, watching audience of the speech in front of the Capital. Yet the speech also demands that young Americans press themselves to answer the call to liberty, to pick up the set-down torch of the previous generation, and bear the burden of giving back to their nation. The effectiveness of the speech was sufficient that Americans listened with pleasure not simply to the image of themselves they wanted to have of peaceful and freedom-loving people, but that they were also inspired to exceed their own comfort zones and the expectations they had for their future."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the short story, "Envy; Or, Yiddish in America" by Cynthia Ozick. According to the paper, the story reveals the author's nuanced feelings toward the disappearance of the Yiddish language and culture. The paper discusses how, although on the surface "Envy" seems mostly critical of Yiddish writers-- as if they either are talentless or almost betray the Jewish community--its underlying message is that a once vibrant community has been destroyed to such an extent that its survivors are hopeless unless they are able to escape it. The paper reports that the story is about the need to rebuild in order to preserve at least some aspect of the Yiddish community Ozick loves and respects.
From the Paper "Ozick structures her essay around the claim that "in order to believe in the real possibility of translation, the translator must believe in certain impossible theses... [which are] important, useful and false" (Metaphor and Memory 200). The first false premise a translator must accept is that poems are "uncovered" rather than translated "because without this belief a translation can never be seen as a thing achieved, concluded finished" (Metaphor and Memory 200). Thus, the hack fails even Ozick's first premise for translation. Although Ozick's essay focuses on poetry, the hack's translation methods stray so far from those suggested by Ozick that it is reasonable to conclude Ozick disapproves of the hack's technique. The hack continues to search for synonyms until Ostrover chooses one to his liking--she strays from Ozick's ideal in which a work is "uncovered" and the translator determines the final form of the work."
Tags: Yiddish assimilation Jewish Judaism, Holocaust Jacob Glatstein Isaac Bashevis Singer Diaspora
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses construction grammar. According to the paper, construction grammar (CxG) is a usage-based framework, and it endeavors to treat all types of expressions as equally central to capturing grammatical patterning.
Outline:
Fillmore's approach to Construction Grammar
More cognitive approaches to Construction Grammar
Towards a "Fluid" Construction Grammar
From the Paper "A. Radical Construction Grammar (Croft): all constructions are language-specific; all categories are defined by constructions; constructions are the primitive units of language. This kind of CxG takes into account cross-linguistic factors, dealing with the internal structure of constructions. Radical CxG is non-reductionist: constructions are not derived from their parts, but the parts are derived from the constructions. Radical CxG is opposed to the idea that syntactic categories, roles, and relations are universal. Moreover, they are not only language-specific, but also construction-specific. Instead of syntactic relations, Radical CxG rather talks about semantic relations. Indeed, it is closely related to cognitive linguistics."
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that "Bilingual/Bilingue" by Rhina Espaillat is a depiction of a girl growing up in a Spanish speaking household in the United States. The writer notes that through excellent language choices and the successful use of literary devices, Espaillat captures the difficulties of living in an English speaking country while coming from a Spanish speaking home. The writer describes that "Bilingual/Bilingue" is a personal account of the realities of bilingualism, and shows how it is possible to overcome language and cultural barriers to learn a second language. The writer concludes that real life examples and the girl in "Bilingual/Bilingue" both show that the original language remains a part of one's culture and identity and that language barriers are an obstacle, but not a permanent one.
From the Paper "It is out of this fear that he resists English in the household, but his daughter, who studies English extensively in and outside of the house on her own, comes to become more than proficient in English. She realizes what her father does not, that language is not a divisive force, and that she can express herself fully in English, her second language. Thus Espaillat is writing on the success people can achieve in learning and living in the United States as a bilingual individual. Language will not divide her from her father, and she can become a successful English poet growing up in a Spanish household. The cultural and linguistic challenges she faced she was able to overcome."
"Espaillat's perspective on the issue of bilingualism individually and as a society is backed up by both empirical and qualitative research. In fact, although Espaillat's childhood experience was many years ago in the 1930s, issues she faced and issues she overcame are relevant to this day. For instance, a 2007 study on bilingual Latino and Latina adolescents evaluated the role of the Spanish language and bilingualism for both gifted and non-gifted students. This study found that for these bilingual students, regardless of level of academic achievement, that Spanish was their native language."
Abstract This paper discusses the relevance of the Whorfian Hypothesis (WH) - also referred to as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis - to language learning, in particular for the person who learned (or is learning) English as a second language. It looks at how there are conflicting views on the meaning of and application of WH - and on the value of this hypothesis about language. It reviews the available literature on the subject and offers value judgments on the significance of WH in various applications and learning environments.
From the Paper "The operating hypothesis put forward was that a movie created entirely by this group might reveal "aspects of cognition and values that may be inhibited, not observable, or not analyzable" when the process of investigation relies on "verbal exchange" conducted in the language of the investigator. Moreover, producing film images then sequencing those images by editing, cutting and pasting, just might help researchers understand better the WH. Another operating theory here is that by treating the visual as though it were a language, and then following up by comparing the two "linguistic structures" (visual and verbal) - believing that both make statements about cognition and culture "across two modes" - may provide a context in which the Whorfian manner comes clearer into focus. "
Abstract This paper explains the developmental history of our ever-changing English language. It includes French, British, Spanish and Italian influences on English. The paper discusses differences between written and spoken language and how slang, jargon, euphemisms, cliches and idioms can make English a difficult language to learn. The paper cites several examples of well-known cliches and jargon and explains their origins.
From the Paper "In most languages there is a distinction between that which is written and that which is spoken, a difference between literature and colloquial speech. In written literature we can see the broad outlines of history, but the language of literature has historically been that of the ruling class. The spoken language, the common everyday speech, reveals the intimate, familiar lives of the people, even when reading and writing were limited to the upper classes. In his 1888 book, The Queen's English: A Manual of Idiom and Usage, Dean Henry Alford described the difference between written and spoken English at that time:
We must distinguish between the English which we speak, and that which we write. Many expressions are not only tolerated but required in conversation, which are not usually put on paper. Thus . . . everyone says 'can't', . . . 'won't' [and] 'isn't', . . . but we seldom see these contractions in books, except where a conversation is related. (Alford 57)"
Abstract This paper discusses the debate over whether African authors should write their original books in their native language when relating the African experience. It discusses whether this adds to the experience of the book and if writing it in English causes it to lose its cultural identity. The paper specifically looks at the debate from the points of view of Kenyon author Ngugi Wa Thiongo'o and his Nigerian contemporary Chinua Achebe.
From the Paper "Sullivan (81) concludes her article on the language debate between such authors as Ngugi and Achebe and whether or not books should be written in the native language or that of the colonist by looking at the way the world is changing today and in the near future. First, she states that monolingualism has never been as usual in Africa as it is in Europe. Thus, Africa may best serve its own interests by giving people the opportunity to develop the personal language portfolios they will anyway continue to acquire. Multilingualism can be seen as a potential strength, not a divisive factor. English only one of the many languages in which Nigerians choose to express themselves."
Abstract This paper is a comparative analysis of various types of story transmission; specifically oral tradition, gossip and urban legends. The paper offers discusses and offers definitions of oral history, gossip, folklore, oral tradition, rumors and urban legends. The paper describes how and why story transmission has changed over the centuries. The paper examines some of the pros and cons of the different types of human communication.
From the Paper "Languages are not static and lifeless, they are alive - sloughing off unnecessary waste even as they are growing, expanding and regenerating. This constant change and flexibility enables language to thrive and remain useful. As a language experiences metamorphoses, the methods of application flourish as well, increasing communication capabilities and consequently maximizing potential benefits as well as negative possibilities."
Abstract The paper relates that the continuance and historical understanding of the remaining approximate 200 tribal languages in Alaska is a significant cultural and educational concern for the American Indian and Alaska Native societies. The paper looks at the Yupik language in order to determine how to study and preserve it. The paper presents a research proposal to contrast and compare Yupik tales to other tales from the Native-Americans, the Anglo-Europeans, Africans and the Asians. This would allow an examination of the differences and similarities between cultures.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Research Proposal
From the Paper "Languages have subtle nuances that cannot be translated. They embody the philosophy of a people. This information is gone when its language disappears. Linguists now believe that half the languages spoken today will disappear within the next century. This is true for some Yupik Eskimo communities in Alaska, where just 20 years ago all of the children spoke Yupik. Now, the youngest speakers of Yupik in some of these communities are in their 20s, and the children speak only English (Robins; Alaskan Native Language Center)."
Abstract This research paper analyzes the specific challenges educators face when teaching bilingual children with special education needs. Specifically, it attempts to address whether early intervention for at-risk bilingual children with disabilities and other handicaps or other specific tools and academic strategies will improve learning outcomes. The paper also provides statistics on the unique challenges educators must address when working with special education bilingual students.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Problem Statement
Background
Preliminary Literature Review
Methods
Theoretical Framework & Data Collection
From the Paper "Amato & Baca (1989) note that throughout history bilingual education has shifted multiple times, from "nonbiased native-language assessments" to specific services directly related to a student's special needs and bilingual ability (168). Many consider the field of bilingual special education one that is emerging and growing. Baca & Cervantes (1989) note a need for a bilingual special education "interface" exists that incorporates training for special education students and teachers (168). Amato & Baca (1989) observe that certain teacher competencies are clearly necessary for bilingual special education teachers, competencies that must be more clearly defined. Neuman & Roskos (1997) and other researchers including Gonzalez-Bueno (2003) suggest promoting literacy among bilingual special education students should be a primary concern for educators. They suggest use of a bilingual alphabet will help facilitate this process."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that 'Todesfuge' or Death Fugue is one of Paul Celan's earliest creations, and, at the same time, one of his best-known works. Roughly speaking, the writer points out that the poem describes the experience of the Holocaust, from one of the horrifying concentration camps. The writer maintains that the most interesting aspect of the poem is however the way in which Celan translates the experience into language. The writer points out that the text has been sometimes criticized because it transposes the hard reality of the Holocaust in a highly aesthetic manner, which seems, at first sight, to divert the attention from the atrocities of death and of the concentration camp. However, the writer concludes that the gist of Celan's Todesfuge is the aesthetic representation of the Holocaust experience and that through symbols and metaphorical oppositions, Celan translates the terrible experience of the Jews during the Nazi regime.
From the Paper "There is obviously no easy or direct way to talk about such a dehumanizing experience as that of the slow torture that the Jews had to endure in the death camps. Language inevitably fails to convey the horrors by itself. But the language used in Celan's poem, as well as the structure of the text form the core of an artistic experience that translates the reality of the Holocaust in a very effective way. Thus, Celan's Todesfuge reveals the nightmarish Jewish experience during the Nazi regime through its musical form, which superimposes two opposed realities, that of death and that of love and beauty."
"Therefore, the most powerful effect of the text is given by the sharp contrast between two contradictory realities which are united in the structure of the poem through the musical rhythm that imitates a fugue. First of all, the lack of punctuation and the frequent and rhythmical repetitions of the same phrases or metaphors throughout the poem, make the text resemble a fugue."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that symbolic words, phrases, acts, objects and the characters in this story are part of the power that is generated in Tom Whitecloud's narrative. The writer points out that Whitecloud's use of metaphor also is part of what captures a reader's attention to detail. By painting such a lush picture of all the wonderful seasonal changes that are part of fall, by mentioning bears, loons, the tracks in the snow that indicate deer and rabbits have passed through, Whitecloud builds up the drama about the white man and how his "civilization" or "society" has taken over the reins of power. The writer concludes that the author shows that just a nod of the head and a sparking eye are all the communication that is necessary to show that the natural world is alive and well.
From the Paper "By painting such a lush picture of all the wonderful seasonal changes that are part of fall, by mentioning bear, loons, the tracks in the snow that indicate deer and rabbits have passed through, the chipmunks and squirrels - this all builds up the drama for the fact that the white man and his "civilization" or "society" has taken over the reins of power. White men want Indians to be like "them" - and they are "always dissatisfied" because if you give them a hill they want a mountain. Native Americans just want the world in its lovely simplicity, they want the natural world that has brought them so much peace and happiness."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses a reality that affects thousands of parents who face the problems of raising their child bilingually. The writer looks at how parents can assure that their child are able to speak their mother-tongue when living in a foreign county. This essay addresses the challenge that faces families from all ethnic groups and races; that of assuring bilingual efficiency. The writer maintains that the process of language learning, even for young children, can be extremely stressful, and the impact of both negative and positive attitudes from peers, family, and the surrounding society can be significant. The writer concludes that early exposure to the language has been proven beneficial, and can strengthen motivation and facilitate learning.
Outline:
Introduction
Looking At the Issues
From the Paper Why do parents wish to raise their children bilingually? Language is cultural identity, and, for most parents who are from different racial backgrounds, the desire to teach their children their mother-tongue is based on the recognition that in achieving this, they are not only bringing the child's two cultures together, but also enabling a sense of both duality and international awareness that is unattainable in a monolingual world. It introduces the child to different cultural expectations, worldviews, and concepts. Therefore, for parents who are committed to this initiative, raising children bilingually is not only both challenging and rewarding, but is also a task that is practical and accessible. However, there are many people who feel that raising children bilingually can cause social, cultural, and personal development problems within the child (Maria Estela Brisk, et al, 2004).
This paper looks at the assessment method used for assessing the writing skills of children in elementary school, known as the six traits writing system.
Abstract The paper discusses the six traits writing system which identifies six common traits of good writing in order to provide an assessment of elementary writing. The paper looks at some commonly agreed upon definitions of the six traits. The paper points out that not all six traits are used by all teachers or across all grade levels, as some traits develop later than others. The paper relates that this system has improved the teaching of writing, because it identifies and defines a more objective manner of assessment.
From the Paper "The Six Traits Writing System was developed during the 1980s to cope with a situation where assessment of elementary writing was neither standardized nor reliable. The teachers across the country cooperated and devised a system which identified six common traits of good writing. These include: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation (in the 6+1 model). (NW Regional Education Laboratory 2006) The model uses these traits to assess the different characteristics of good writing. The definitions of these traits of good writing are shared and modified as needed, but by using a shared definition of each trait, an easily understandable method of assessment can convey exactly what the assessment means for each child, and enable better teaching of writing skills. The number of traits assessed may vary from four to seven, depending upon the type of writing, the context and the children being assessed."
Tags: ideas, organization, voice, word, choice, sentence, fluency, conventions, presentation
Abstract In this article, the writer points out that 'Bilingual/Bilingue', by Rhina Espaillat is an invitation into a young girl's world as she grows up in a Spanish household, yet in an English speaking country. The writer notes that carefully weaving English with Spanish words for emphasis, Espaillat paints a picture of a girl forced to speak Spanish while yearning for English. The truth of the matter is that one cannot force a language out of one's heart, and even though the young girl is forced to speak Spanish in her home, her English words are just as meaningful as her Spanish. The writer maintains that 'Bilingual/Bilingue' is a statement on the flaws of forcing a native language upon someone, or perhaps of excluding a language from someone's life, as in the end it is what is in one's heart that is the true meaning of the language.
From the Paper "With the problem established, the fourth stanza quotes the father as to what he is intends to do about the problem. He insists for his daughter to speak English outside the home and Spanish within. By maintaining that Spanish be spoken at home, the father is attempting to remain a part of his daughter's life as a Spanish speaker himself. He does not want English coming into his home and have a language barrier between himself and his daughter and establishes the rule. This division of the two languages, however, to the daughter is like dividing her world in two as Spanish and English are both important to her and what follows in the poem is a reaction to the rule her father has established."
