Abstract African American Vernacular English (AAVE) is the dialect of English used by most African-Americans in familiar and informal settings . Although the language spoken by African-Americans in different parts of the United States exhibits some regional variation, the dialect has fairly uniform characteristics. It has a well-formed grammar and an interesting, though controversial, history. Dismissed as 'bad English' by some, it has evoked considerable debate interest among academics and linguists many of whom recognize its importance, especially as a medium of instruction for the African-Americans. This paper explores the origins of AAVE, discusses whether the dialect is a creole, investigates its similarity with other creoles and examines its grammar.
From the Paper "There is some controversy about the origin of AAVE. Some people believe that the Black people, who were brought to America as slaves, picked up English from the 'English-speaking' Southerners they came in contact with. The proponents of this theory, also known as the dialect hypothesis, note that the AAVE and the English spoken by the American Southerners have many features in common, such as the Southern Vowel Shift, vowel lowering, and double modals. (Sidnell, background) The theory contends that the white Southerners in the 17th century spoke a distinct "Virginian" dialect that had its origins in a family of regional dialects spoken in the south and west of England in counties such as Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Wiltshire, Oxford and Gloucester during the 17th century. (Williams, 24) Although the use of such a dialect in polite conversation quickly disappeared in England by the end of the 18th century, most of its characteristics persisted in the American South. According to this theory, the 'incorrect' English picked up by the Blacks from the Southern whites was passed down through subsequent generations. In other words, this theory (also known as the 'dialect hypothesis') about the origins of AAVE contends that the present form of the dialect is simply "bad English" and has nothing to do with the native, Western African languages of the slaves. In answer to the question as to why this type of English does not currently exist among its originators, the proponents of this theory argue that most people avoid using "bad" English when they get educated. They contend that the Englishmen from the south and west counties of Britain and the white Southerners discontinued the use of such an 'incorrect' form of English after being educated; the African Americans continued to persist with such 'bad' as they did not benefit from similar education. (Ibid.)"
Abstract This paper provides the different techniques that are necessary for excellent information communication. It defines what a composition is and what it is used for.
From the Paper The whole idea of communication is basically to deliver a clear message to the audience. Before starting any communication process, the writer should analyze his topic and establish his goal. In order to do so, he has to answer the following questions: what, where, when, why, who and how. Secondly, the writer has to find out the level of intelligence of his audience. This mainly helps a writer to decide what level of language he can use.
Abstract A look at the effects of propaganda during war with special reference to the war in Kosovo. The writer argues that opinions do not simply exist; they are always formed. Usually, it is propaganda that produces the most effective results and especially when the question of concern is war. Both NATO and Slobodan Milosevic took advantage of propaganda using the media as a communicator.
From the Paper "Everybody pretends to know the truth about this war. Yet, they all have difficulties defining truth. The reason is that people confuse knowing the truth with having an opinion. And opinions do not simply exist; they are always formed. Usually, it is propaganda that produces the most effective results. This war was not an exception."
Abstract This paper discusses phonemes and how they apply to the English language. The author traces changes in this language beginning with Old English and moving through Middle English to present-day English, and provides examples of changes in each. The author also explains why only forty-four out of a possible three hundred phonemes are used in present-day English.
From the Paper "A phoneme, as defined by Crystal is, "The smallest contrastive unit in the system of a language"(456). There are approximately three hundred phonemes in existence that are shared by the five thousand plus languages of the world. The English language only uses forty-four of the three hundred total phonemes. Some languages require more than forty-four phonemes and some require less in order to function. The truth is that none of the world's languages use the three hundred available phonemes. Languages use only as many as they need in order to be understood. The reason that the English language uses a mere forty-four phonemes is very simple; that is all that it needs. However, the number of phonemes in our language has changed, and it will probably change in the future. It is important to examine the reasons for change and discuss why the number of English phonemes is so limited."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of how to deal with the issue of hate speech. The author looks at the Constitution, specifically at the contradictions between the 14th Amendment and the concept of freedom of speech. The author looks at some of the commentary written by Jon Locke, or Jon Stuart Mill, and even Aristotle, on the problem of freedom of speech. The author presents historical and modern-day examples of some of the conflicts that have occurred in trying to determine the parameters of freedom of speech, and hate speech in our society.
From the Paper "John Locke would probably have weighed in on the importance of limiting the speech before it gets to the point where person feels that he or she is endangered. His empirical system of philosophy emphasized the importance of the experience of the senses in pursuit of knowledge rather than intuitive speculation or deduction. Having come into this world with our minds entirely free of innate conceptions, Locke argued that all human thought is based upon experience. And it is the experiences of minorities within American culture that makes them fear the consequences of hate speech; they have learned through their experiences in the world that bigoted speech easily and often turns into bigoted action (Dunn 48). Another essential part of Locke's philosophy was that all persons are born equal, which would no doubt incline him to value the equal protection of each person under the rule of law (Dunn 121)."
Abstract The author of the paper shows that even though most people acknowledge that words can do real harm, many continue to insist that sexist language is a trivial concern. This paper looks at the reasons why it is important to be careful about the language that we use. It is all too easy for opponents of care in language to toss off concerns about bias as "political correctness". But it is important that the rest of us insist that "political correctness" can be viewed another way: As basic courtesy and civility. The paper uses several examples to demonstrate sexist language.
From the Paper "The first comes from my high school, where one of the teachers a man ; would always scoff at requests by students that he not used biased language. ;I never feel left out when people talk about men; as meaning all of humanity; he would say. I know that they;re talking about the species as a whole, not just people with Y chromosomes. He was, it should be noted, speaking without any apparent irony. He never seemed to be able to appreciate the fact that while he might not feel left out, women and girls would."
Abstract This paper first introduces this method of teaching English to minority groups in the United States. It then looks at debates among academic about the effectiveness of this method and whether traditional bilingual methods of teaching are preferred. The writer explains the unique characteristics of this method and the advantages thereof to minority groups. It explains how the immersion approach is also used in Canada and compares this to the United States. It finally presents three various models of immersion approach teaching.
From the Paper "Immersion approach is being widely used today in American schools for the purpose of teaching English to children of minority communities. It has been noticed that because of traditional bilingual educational methods, children whose first language was not English were unable to acquire proficiency in English language. This dismal performance of bilingual education resulted in the adoption of immersion program which was designed by Canadian educators in 1960s. The program has now turned into a political issue as some quarters feel it is rather imperialistic an approach. But the success of this method has left many critics speechless but still it is important to implement immersion in such a manner that children would become not only proficient in English but would also be able to read and write in their native language."
Tags: teaching, methodology, immersion, english, language, foreign, canada, america
Abstract This paper is aimed at educators of middle and high schools. The paper discusses the importance of effectively combining reading and writing instruction with content instruction. The writer compares educational methods of the 1950's to those of today, stating the obvious improvements today. This paper emphasizes the responsibility of all teachers to understand how they can enhance and help develop their students? reading and writing skills.
From the Paper "Learning to read and write are complementary skills. While in the younger years, writing depends on reading skills, by middle and high school, they are complementary skills: reading is necessary to do writing assignments, while writing about what has read increases comprehension of the reading materials. For this reason, separating reading and writing instruction from content areas is arbitrary and will eventually interfere with the students? progress in those content areas."
Abstract This is a paper that researches the different forms of business communication, including the transmission of ideas and messages over great distances. The author discusses the role of both verbal and non-verbal communication in the workplace, including body language and how different interpretations of language can lead to misunderstandings in the business world. The tone one uses, either verbally or electronically is an intricate piece of the business puzzle and can make or break any deal. The author also details the importance of communicating clearly and concisely in the global world of business where often different dialects can cause unnecessary confusion.
From the Paper "Upon hearing this, the employee may interpret this to mean he/she is not working hard enough and get upset. This is a misconception of non-verbal messages. As a result of this, people need to watch not only the words and phrases they use, but also the tone of their voice. An employee should consider the tone of their message, whether depending on who they are speaking to and when. Tone is present in all communication activities. Ultimately, the tone of a message is a reflection of the speaker and it does affect how the listener will perceive the message. Tone can sometimes be difficult to consider when it is presented over a technological medium. Unarguably, however, tone can be presented via writing an e-mail message, over the phone, or through a video conference. It is still possible to express tone while using a form of technology."
Abstract The paper argues that supposedly, in America one has a right not to be discriminated against for marital status, sex, race, religion, age or handicaps. It maintains that these laws mostly apply to people who are minorities, and are over forty, and married people with kids and for a Caucasian, who is single to admit that she or he was discriminated against is obviously considered politically incorrect. The purpose of this paper is to discuss what is political correctness, how much is too much, and exactly, when and where being politically incorrect is applicable.
From the Paper "Over caution, about being politically correct will cause the person in question some concerns about what really is said outside of their presence. Minorities, handicapped people and disadvantaged people are not as concerned about what is politically incorrect as what some white people are. African Americans, are not overly concerned about a particular racial term, and in Nigeria, it is a hi-status characteristic. Here in America, where it is an offensive word, it should not be said, in private or in the African American 's presence."
Abstract This paper studies the Disney film "Pocahontas" from the standpoint of linguistics students. The dialect of each character is identified and classified, and put in perspective with the others. The native dialects and ethnicities of the actors providing the voices are taken into account as well. The paper illustrates Disney's ability to play into our preconceived ideas about how we should speak and how it relates to other aspects of our lives, including sexuality.
From the Paper " ?In sixteen hundred seven we sail the open sea, for glory, God, and gold and the Virginia Company.? So begin the opening lines of Disney's ?Pocahontas,? just to give a bit of background for the children in the audience who have not yet had American History. In the film ?Pocahontas,? Disney makes a very sincere effort to promote diversity and racial acceptance, and to dispel common stereotypes about Native Americans. At the same time, however, and perhaps unintentionally, they perpetuate other linguistic stereotypes, as I intend to show."
Results of brief research project to determine whether teen-age slang can be understood by non-adolescents. Key features of slang. How slang words & expressions change meanings over the years.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, 2001, $ 63.95
From the Paper "Slang is a term that refers to words and phrases that deviate dramatically from the style and uses of the standardized language. Because slang is an unconventional language that reverberates with irreverence and rebellion against mainstream perceptions, it has been appropriated by adolescents for many generations (?What is Slang,? pp. 1-2). In fact, teenagers have contributed significantly to slang by creating their own version, teenage slang, which prevents adults in their lives from understanding their communication with their adolescent counterparts.
The focus of the research project in this paper is to determine whether teenage slang is a distinctive language that cannot be understood by non-adolescents. Furthermore, the specific features of the changes in teenage slang throughout the years..."
From the Paper "LANGUAGE ARTS IN MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION
A wide variety of factors combine to cause difficulties for schools serving multicultural communities. Therefore, the range of competencies, both professional and personnel, required of personnel serving in such schools is also wide. Student attitudes in such schools often reflect conflicting values toward education, and educational personnel must be prepared to deal with these values, in order to preclude the development of barriers between the students and the schools (Grant, 1992). If students feel that they have little opportunity, regardless of education, to make significant achievements in society, they are not likely to place a high priority on academics. Educational personnel must also be prepared to deal with a variety of degrees of parental support for the educational process in schools ..."
Abstract The paper explores the mental aspects of language acquisition, storage, production and comprehension. It begins with a definition of "psycholinguistics" and a clarification of terms. The paper then outlines the history of this field of study, looking at some of the personalities that influenced its development. Chomsky's language acquisition theory is explained, other divergent theories are mentioned, and commonalities between the theories are discussed. The paper lists and explains the four main aspects of language acquisition and discusses the "critical period" in childhood for learning a language. The paper concludes by discussing the psycholinguistics? relationship to reading and to writing.
From the Paper "Psycholinguistics gives a comprehensive and viable understanding of human language development. The most famous psycholinguist theorist, Noam Chomsky, has argued convincingly that human children develop language abilities according to a predetermined universal deep structure or grammar. The psycholinguistic approach provides invaluable tools for teaching children to read, write, and speak."
Tags: mental, Chomsky, theory, commonality, critical, period
Sociocultural & linguistic influences of SLL & effects on teaching & teacher's role, emphasizing communicative over grammatical approach. Research, feedback, models and techniques.
3,600 words (approx. 14.4 pages), 21 sources, 1994, $ 127.95
From the Paper " Introduction
Snow (1993) has noted that most of the people in the world are at least somewhat bilingual; many others are multilingual. In other words, most people have learned at least one language in addition to their native language. Lambert (1990) has introduced an important distinction in bilingualism, one that has implications for the field of second language learning.
Specifically, Lambert (1990) states that there are two kinds of bilingualism. The first is additive bilingualism in which an individual acquires proficiency in a second language with no loss in his or her first language; in other words, both languages are associated with prestige and respect much as are people in Quebec, Canada who speak both English and French.
The second kind of bilingualism is subtractive bilingualism.."
