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."
Abstract The paper discusses how integrating different language teaching methods will have the benefit of catering to a wide variety of student needs; something that a single approach will probably not accomplish. The paper explores the methods of teaching the Slavic language to students where the proficiency level is basically non-existent. The paper selects nine different language teaching methods and determines which are most appropriate for such a language teaching course and also how they can be integrated to achieve optimal results. The paper's information for all the teaching approaches is derived from Dr. Jill Kerper Mora.
Outline:
Total Physical Response
The Grammar Translation Method
The Audio Lingual Method
The Communicative Approach
The Functional Notional Method
The Direct Approach
The Reading Approach
The Silent Way
The Community Language Learning Method
Conclusion
From the Paper "Globalization and the concept of the "global village", has brought about interesting developments in language teaching. It is currently recognized, for example, that contact with one or more natives from foreign countries during an average lifetime is more likely than not. Furthermore, the information age entails that knowledge from across the globe is integrated in the academic world. This implies that not all academic texts will be in English, and that some foreign language skills are necessary to access texts in certain fields. Finally, businesses generally offer expanded opportunities to those who are willing to relocate to foreign countries. The success of such ventures often depends upon an ability to communicate with the target country's native population. The question is therefore not so much whether foreign languages in a curriculum are important, but rather how they should be taught."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the importance of teaching methods used in theclassroom. The paper focuses on teaching English as a foreign language (EFL)and English as a second language (ESL) students. The paper reviews various listening skills that can be taught to language students to assist them in learning. The paper further discusses the issue of fluency between the teacher and student. The paper also takes a look at the problems relating to academic oral learning in the ESL classroom.
From the Paper " Other methods of improving student(s) listening skills include tests/quizzes that teachers can use in the classroom. These tests/quizzes can be found in a wide variety of places, especially with the advent of the internet. Many experts (presumably) have created websites that allow for lesson planning by teachers of ESL students that include both written and online quizzes which test for comprehension and improvement by the ESL students. Examples of the types of quizzes available include listening to a customer making a request and taking note of what is wanted, or listening to two people talking about a new job opportunity and get the details about the job offered and even listening to a woman asking a man questions for a survey while taking notes of his answers. These quizzes take into account the daily activities of the individuals 'normally' looking to acquire a second language. Other quizzes test on the listener's ability to recite about a man's trip to a foreign country that he has just returned from, choosing the correct conclusion based on what is heard and a listening guide that gives examples of symbol sounds by using representative words.
There are other methods of teaching ESL students in the classroom with one of the more interesting ways being a use of music to enhance the students learning process."
Abstract This paper defines literacy according to reviews of current literature. It shows how over time any definition of literacy must be dynamic, adaptable and comprehensive in order to be useful. It discusses the importance of understanding modern definitions of literacy in order to gain a deeper understanding of language and its role in a social context.
From the Paper "In the end, finding one's way around competing definitions of literacy is no easy job. Without question, literacy is a function of social demands and requirements that will inevitably change over time and across different cultural contexts. The result is that any working definition of literacy must take into account not only the functional aspects of language, reading, writing, and speaking, but also the social context within which that definition was created. The most useful approach to devising a definition of literacy is to allow for a continuum of literacies that can account for the various ways in which individuals use their own levels of literacy throughout their lives and in different social domains and contexts. Any other definition will be uselessly simplistic and difficult to employ in a critical or educational setting."
Abstract In this article, the writer studies the works of author Ross King. The writer notes that King is the author of the book 'Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling' and discusses the author rather than providing a book review. The writer looks at writing rules and style as they relate to King's writing. The writer points out that the topics King covers are interesting, his research comprehensive, and his writing flawless. Further, the writer notes that King is truly an excellent example of something of a popular historian, where art history becomes more interesting and where traditional ideas are challenged. The writer concludes that coupled with his knack as a historian for uncovering the truth and a unique perspective on history, King is a successful historical writer and will surely continue to be into the future.
From the Paper "There is no doubt that Ross King is an excellent writer. With a PHD in English Literature, he has studied the classics. And in writing about history he has taken his ability to a genre which is often overwhelmed with dry, lengthy discourse. But Ross is not so verbose, and carefully chooses his words and the anecdotes he adds. Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling was a best-seller, which his evidence of his popularity as a writer. The narrative of King's work weaves through various accounts which are like fiction but are really non-fiction. His writing style is simple and does not interfere with his historical portray. Often, clarity is preferred to language that can cloud the meaning to the words and the meaning of the text. Ross King's writing is historical narrative at its best."
Abstract This paper examines the evidence supporting the use of arts to teach English language learners (ELL). It discusses the use of arts as a creative and effective way to reach all students in the mainstream classes, but especially English language Learners. The paper begins by explaining the art-based style of language learning. It then develops a proposal for the study of this learning style.
Table of Contents:
Goal and Purpose
Review of Literature
Impetus
Procedure
Data Analysis
From the Paper "As a response to Gardener's theories of multiple intelligence many educators now believe through observation and research that the arts are an avenue that can precipitate learning in a diverse enough way to reach all types of learning styles and students coming from diverse backgrounds, with diverse intelligences. With the growing diversity in the California schools and the stress to create inclusive or mainstreamed classrooms the need to address this issue will become increasingly important, and answering that question with a multifaceted arts driven curriculum may enhance the skills of all learners."
Abstract The paper defines the concept of rhetoric as a strategy through which exploration of concepts can be achieved. The paper explores classic and modern rhetoric in order to achieve an understanding of rhetoric and its purpose. The paper outlines the transformations in the perception and use of rhetoric and shows how this tool of communication now helps to expand thought instead of being used specifically to convince others.
Outline:
Introduction
Classic Rhetoric
The Emergence of Modern Rhetoric
Conclusion
From the Paper "The emergence of rhetoric within ancient Greece came to pass after the popularization of sophist inquiry. Sophism as a debate tool enabled the speaker to argue any given point regardless of its factual accuracy, a process that empowered those engaged in the dialogue to explore all possible tangents leading from a core concept. Yet while sophism was powerful as a means of expanding the limits of thought, it was not appropriate as a means of identifying core truths within a debate. Following the works of Plato in which truth and internal integrity were championed as fundamentals of existence, sophism was not a sustainable concept."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that English Learners (ELs) are of particular concern for educators in recent years. The writer points out that though many problems exist in teaching children for whom English is a second language, reading comprehension is one of the greatest issues. The writer discusses that children who cannot understand and make deductions based on hearing or reading narrative texts have problems with comprehension in all other areas. The writer maintains that focusing on narrative text comprehension in younger ELs is therefore necessary in combating the overall problems associated with teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to young learners. The writer concludes that while the focus would obviously be to achieve fluency in young ELs, all students in a vocabulary intensive classroom with thoughtfully chosen reading narratives will benefit from greater comprehension, better cohesion as a class, and a more positive outlook on learning.
From the Paper "Richards, Leafstedt, and Gerber found that k-1 EFL students have poor phonological skills, rapid-naming abilities, invented spelling, and phonological spelling, leading teachers to refer many ELs to special education. However, only 2-5% of children have learning disabilities - a much lower number than those who are referred. Administrators must identify ELs who are not learning disabled and provide intensive reading and comprehension instruction. Intensive programs for younger ELs would likely include narrative texts since they are common for use at that age level. Slavinn and Cheung also recommend that administrators provide ample classroom support and training for EFL teachers."
Abstract This paper deals with the importance of language in the formation and establishment of a gay identity. It first follows Foucault's argument (language is a place of power where social norms are constructed) and then tries to identify how language can be subverted so that gays can reassess their own sense of identity.
From the Paper "So as to fully comprehend how a 'same-sex attracted' person can establish his/her own identity as s/he feels and senses it, we first need to see how language works, especially for those who do not seem to belong to the 'mainstream'. Indeed, what are at work within language are relations of power. What can thus be witnessed is the cultural, social and linguistic domination of one group over another. It seems that, from the beginning of humanity, men are the ones who dominate and it has been proven by feminists that women have been maintained under a linguistic yoke, among others. Suffice to think of the host of derogatory terms that can be used against women. And if we turn to 'homosexuals', we note the same phenomenon. An identity, i.e. a category, is created as less powerful - through the use of language as a system of representation - for heterosexual (men) to maintain their position of power. "
Tags: discrimination, oppression, Foucault, social, construction
Abstract The paper first tries to define slang and looks at its different characteristics such as level of informality. It discusses how it cannot be equated with words such as jargon and lingo. It also gives examples of certain types of slang such as French verlan and Cockney rhyming slang.
From the Paper "Nevertheless, the most prominent characteristic of slang seems to be its level of informality. This is actually the first connotation borne by the noun itself. I remember when I bought my very first English slang dictionary. The cover was depicting the 'ghetto' as it were, with a wall daubed with graffiti. The power of the image is such that it forces meaning - subjective connotations in fact - on you, thus depicting slang as the language of the street and making it an urban phenomenon, typical of 'bad' areas. But then, don't they use slang words in the countryside? Slang is actually a style category within the language, occupying an extreme position on the spectrum of formality: it is made up of highly informal words that constitute a deviation from standard language. As mentioned above, it seems to defy established forms and constituted authorities. "
Abstract In this paper, the writer researches the subject of reading comprehension at the third grade level. The particular issue of vocabulary has been selected to further focus this study. The writer notes that students at the third grade level appear to lag in their acquisition of vocabulary, which affects their reading comprehension at this level. The writer points out that due to the varied perspectives on teaching vocabulary, it would appear that a varied approach is needed in teaching vocabulary in terms of reading comprehension. The writer maintains that context, symbols and media all have a place in teaching vocabulary, although none of these things should take precedence over the others. The paper also includes appendix, definitions and additional sources.
Outline:
Problem Statement
Proof of the Problem
Chart #1a Vocabulary
Chart#1b Word Use
Chart #1c
Word Use
Chart #1d
Reading Comprehension
Goals and Objectives
Setting
School Community
Role of the Writer
Problem Rationale
From the Paper "Although this drop in proficiency is not as dramatic as noted across the state of Georgia, this drop should be taken as a suggestion that a problem may exist with student comprehension of the material being taught. It is interesting to note, however, that while the percentage of students meeting or exceeding the AYP requirements dropped, the percentage of students showing advanced proficiency actually increased. However, the total of 81.1% of students meeting or exceeding the AYP requirements is one that suggests that our students do not receive adequate Reading instruction. A goal of 100% reading proficiency does not seem unreasonable, if Magnolia Elementary School is going to prepare students to be competent individuals entering the business world."
Abstract In this article the writer notes that speech as a phenomenon is only characteristic of humans. The introduction of speech and language is an event that cannot be compared to anything in human history. The writer points out that speech and language opened the door for easy and clear communication, thus enabling the distribution of knowledge, feelings and experiences among individual humans. The writer discusses that language plays an important role not only on the broad level of human race as a whole, but also on the level of every individual in the human race. It is not a static phenomenon. The writer notes that language changes within societies we live in but also the individuals within the societies change the language as they move from one environment to another and as they gather new experiences and knowledge. The writer concludes that language is not only a medium of communication. It also has deep significance for the cultural and social identity of an individual.
From the Paper "The foundation of language and speech is of course in our physiological ability to express ourselves vocally. However, even though every one of us has this ability, we cannot start expressing ourselves verbally using spoken language from the moment we are born. We rather learn to speak, we learn to use the language in everyday life much like the humans did at some point in history. However, today we learn to speak with the help of our closest environment which is most often family. The first words or "vocal signs" we learn to use are often tied to the need for sharing our desires in the way most part of environment can understand and interpret. Simply by replacing mute, gesticulate "signs" of pointing, making faces or dancing, or "signs" of crying and grunting; with the "verbal sign" "angry" humans manage to establish contact with their broader environment."
This paper contrasts the definition of the grammatical term 'split infinitive' as presented in "Webster's Dictionary of English Usage", "The Guide to Canadian Language Usage" and "A Dictionary of Modern English Usage".
Abstract This paper explains that, by analyzing the similar and contrasting definitions of the use of the split infinitive, the reader can realize how different guides use different objectives to impart a meaning to various grammatical terms. The author points out that, in discussing the split infinitive, the "Webster Guide" makes a faulty assumption that popular literature and various theorists have defined the syntactical usage with a far wider meaning. The paper concludes that the definitions of the split infinitive as a misnomer appear logically and grammatically adequate in the "Webster Guide"; while the "Canadian Guide" provides a more detailed explanation of usage within certain styles of speech and writing. The paper includes several quotations.
From the Paper "In this manner, the term is being nullified since it does not really represent a technical "splitting" of the infinitive within a technical usage format. The appurtenant aspect of the infinitive provides a grammatical explanation of why the "Webster Guide" does not agree that the term is valid in language other than slang. However, the "Guide to Canadian English Usage" tends to propose that, although a split infinitive may not be a correct form of writing, it can still be seen as a definitive explanation for syntactical alignment of these words within a social and standardized written context:"
