Abstract The paper discusses how, in his essay "Politics and the English Language", George Orwell focuses on the function of language as a powerful tool that can easily be abused. The paper then examines Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" that also illustrates how language can be manipulated and abused. The paper explains how Swift's projector proves Orwell's theory that we can manipulate language and, as a result, language becomes a major factor in human thought.
From the Paper "Language is more than words. Language is a tool that can be used in a variety of ways to achieve a variety of purposes. In his essay, "Politics and the English Language," George Orwell focuses on the function of language, emphasizing that it is a tool by which we can wield much power. He observes that language has been used as a creative tool and a manipulative tool. One of the first premises of Orwell's essay is that language and thought are connected. He writes that an "effect can become a cause, reinforcing the original cause and producing the same effect in an intensified form, and so on indefinitely" (Orwell 317). This influence works both ways. "If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought" (324). This premise is powerful in that it not only suggests that thought can influence language but it emphasizes what we already know - that individuals can be influenced by language."
Abstract The paper provides a literature review on the evolution of language in humans and primates that explores why man is overtly superior to non-Homo sapiens. The paper reveals current findings that have demonstrated that chimpanzees can communicate verbally. The paper proposes a study that will identify brain activities occurring in chimpanzees and localize areas involved in the production of verbal language.
Outline:
Review of Related Literature
Objective of the Proposed Study
Study Design
From the Paper "Numerous studies have been conducted to further understand the unique ability of man to use language as a tool for communication. Common issues have been attempted to answer by developmental scientists and psychologist with regards to the evolution of language in humans and primates (Pinker and Jackendoff, 2004). One of these issues is to discern which components of language are learned from the environment, and which are innate in man and other species. The influence of one's external surroundings - education system, interaction with others, and ability to pick up a new language system - has been dissected. At the same time, the biological and neurological characteristics of man have been investigated to understand why man is overtly superior to non-Homo sapiens. These characteristics innate in man must be contributory to the development of a highly sophisticated language system."
Abstract This paper conducts a critical review of the work of Nuria Sagarra and Matthew Alba entitled "The Key Is in the Keyword: L2 Vocabulary Learning Methods with Beginning Learners of Spanish" published in the Modern Language Journal in July, 2006. The paper first explains that, in their article, Sagarra and Alba report a study, which investigated three methods of learning vocabulary and their effectiveness among 778 beginning second language (L2) students. After reviewing the article, the paper concludes that the significant finding is that the primary difference between the methods of learning was the result of the type of treatment instead of internal differences in the words used. Based on the article, the paper then applies the findings to the classroom by stating that the most beneficial way for teachers to help their students develop a stable, comprehensive vocabulary is to incorporate keywords into reading, listening and speaking tasks.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Article Review
Cognitive Models and Lexical Processing
Depth Processing
Lexical Processing Enables Deeper Processing at Early Stages
Limitations in Previous Study Findings and Adjustments to Overcome Limitations
Rote Memorization, Semantic Mapping, and Keyword Mnemonics Explained
Associative Models
Comparison of the Three Methods for Vocabulary Learning
Differentiation of Mnemonic and Non-mnemonic Elaboration Techniques
Analysis of Article
From the Paper "Sagarra and Alba present as well as compare the three methods for learning vocabulary that have been stated including rote memorization, the keyword method and a non-mnemonic technique of semantic mapping. It is related that previous studies have attempted variations of the keyword method for the purpose of identifying the most effective application of this method. One group of studies made an examination of the impact of facilitation on keywords that were experimenter-provided versus those that were learner-generated"
Tags: vocabulary memorization, semantic mapping, mnemonics, time constraints
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that research findings have demonstrated that best practices exist in the instruction of students diagnosed with learning disabilities in reading. This work identifies and reviews those best practices in what is a synthesis of the findings in this area of study.
Outline:
Objective
Significance of Study
Methodology
Introduction
Literature Review
Findings
Bibliography
From the Paper "Stated as best practice for instructional guidelines are the following:
(1) Before reading: (a) use explicit instruction to preteach unfamiliar important words from the text; (2) have students use mapping techniques, such as Semantic Mapping, to help them think about new word meanings; (c) help students relate new vocabulary to their prior knowledge and experiences.
(2) During reading: (a) have student add new words and concepts to their maps; (b) use content-area word walls as a resource; (c) teach students to use word parts such as prefixes and suffixes to read new words; (d) teach students how to use the context of expository text to figure out word meanings; and (e) expand on word meanings that were defined in the textbook to ensure students' understanding of the new words."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses whether nature, especially gardens, has a special place in Katherine Mansfield's work. After a closer look at a selection of her stories, the role of gardens and their symbolic meanings are examined. As the description of nature, often gardens and their flowers, constitute a considerable part of Mansfield's stories, her personal connection to nature is also taken into account. Finally, expression through the language of nature is analysed.
Outline
Introduction
Descriptions of Gardens
Descriptions of Landscapes
Symbolism
Nature Images in Language Choice
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Katherine Mansfield grew up near the coast, surrounded by New Zealand's varied landscapes. However, she did not take the beauty of nature for granted. In fact, she paid attention to the details of nature and appreciated the landscapes. On her Urewera camping trip in 1907 she makes notes of the landscapes she sees, writes letters to her friends and family and experiments with literature (Scott 1997). Her notebook is a mix of notes about her trip, poetry, short stories and letters. It shows that Mansfield felt and inhaled the nature, rather than describing it as an external observer. She was part of the landscapes in which she stayed. It is likely that her conscious and close observation of the New Zealand nature strongly contributes to the descriptions in her short stories. Even when Mansfield lives abroad, she remembers the landscapes of New Zealand so vividly, that she can portray them very accurately in her stories."
Abstract The paper offers an introduction to the article by Aikhenvald entitled "Multilingualism and Ethnic Stereotypes: The Tariana of the Northwest Amazonia" and explains the main arguments presented. The paper then focuses on the weaknesses of the article as well as the interesting points that can be noticed.
Outline:
Introduction
Main Arguments
Weaknesses
Interesting Points/Support
Questions
From the Paper "Aikhenvald (2003) touches upon a range of sociolinguistic topics in her article. The main focus is the use and choice of language in a rather special multilingual speech community and its contribution to the reproduction of ethnic stereotypes associated with each language. As Aikhenvald gives a detailed introduction to the topic and provides much background information on the Tariana, the article is easy comprehensible and suitable for any Linguist or Linguistics student. The discussion of the topic offers an interesting combination of sociolinguistic concepts such as code-mixing and code-switching, repertoires, identity, prestige and respect of the languages and their speakers, as well as rules for language choice."
This paper studies the writing styles of Mark Twain concentrating on controversial aspects and elements of satire in his work 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the unique writing style of the American novelist and humorist Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name, Mark Twain, is known for its humor, and for its many and varied, satirical and sarcastic literary elements. The writer points out that Mark Twain's writing style, especially within the greatest, critically speaking, of all of his literary works, his novel, 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' is controversial, however, due to his frequent use of the word "nigger" to describe black people, and to describe the runaway slave Jim in particular. In this essay, the writer analyzes satirical, sarcastic and controversial elements typical of Mark Twain's writing style, especially as these pertain to his controversial novel 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'.
From the Paper "Mark Twain's novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn contains myriad personal and social conflicts, mainly on the part of its narrator, Huck, between what his conscience tells him and what society of the time (the pre-Abolition American South) believes. This conflict that runs through the book is, in fact, the root of much of Mark Twain's satire, sarcasm, and irony within it, in terms of the book's playful yet (underlying) serious tone, as well as its controversial content. The story of Huckleberry Finn's secretive and often dangerous trip down the Mississippi River, accompanied by Miss Watson's now-escaped slave Jim ..."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that while many consider the classroom to be a common ground that provides the same opportunity for all students, some students face a more challenging learning environment from the moment they step into the classroom because of the language barrier. Focusing on students in third year classrooms, the writer discusses that students' use of formulaic language quickly makes native speakers assume ethnic characteristics and, therefore, subjects the formulaic language speaker to potential stereotyping, teaching, and persecution. As the opportunities for students to take classes in a variety of locations and countries around the world increases, so too increases the number of students who suffer academic and social woes because they use formulaic speech instead of the standard language of instruction. The writer concludes that while the adverse effects of using this language may have strong implications for a child's education, teachers can also use the situation as a teaching opportunity for both ethnic stereotyping and linguistic skills.
From the Paper "Although it has been recently publicized in the United States, this problem is not unique to Americans. Instead, as the world becomes more of an international marketplace, education has become a good traded on that market. For instance, the European Union has made it easier for students to traverse country boarders in pursuit of a better education; international schools have arisen in Asia, Eastern Europe, and in other locations; and international exchange programs allow students to travel freely across the world to learn. Even in their own country, many students' use of non-standard language variations--such as dialects--makes it difficult for them to have an understanding of the standard language. Students in these situations, who speak the language of instruction only as a second or third language, often use formulaic language to get by."
Abstract The paper describes the article "When Language Intervenes" by Nancy L. Oliva as a short yet compelling article, where Oliva provides an eye-opening scenario related to the existing language barrier between nurses and their foreign-born patients. The paper then relates Oliva's logical steps and processes that health care providers like nurses and medical facilities can follow in order to help alleviate this language barrier.
From the Paper "In today's United States, there is an ever-growing problem in the field of professional nursing related to the language barrier between nurses, physicians, medical technologists and their patients, most of whom, depending on where one might be practicing, are Hispanics and Asians with limited efficiency in the English language. Under normal conditions, such as when an Hispanic or Asian patient is experiencing a minor medical problem, this language barrier may not be cause for much alarm, but when such patients are experiencing major medical problems and/or conditions, this language barrier can lead to unexpected and often tragic results. Exactly how to solve this language barrier is the focus of the article "When Language Intervenes" by Nancy L. Oliva, a doctorate candidate in the School of Nursing at the John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing, located at the University of California, San Francisco."
A review of the article "Mommy and Me: Familiar Names Help Launch Babies Into Speech-Structured Segmentation" by Bortfeld, Morgan, Golinkoff and Rathbun.
2,014 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 0 sources, 2009, $ 63.95
Abstract This paper offers a background of the study "Mommy and Me: Familiar Names Help Launch Babies Into Speech-Structured Segmentation" and then explains the study's specifics. The paper details the three experiments that would test the relationship between sentence segmentation and known words strengths in six month old children. The paper then looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the study and at the implications of the study's findings. Lastly, the paper explains why this article is of significance to parents and professionals everywhere.
From the Paper "In their article, Mommy and Me: Familiar Names Help Launch Babies Into Speech-Structured Segmentation, Bortfeld, Morgan, Golinkoff, and Rathbun discuss infants' grammatical development with a specific emphasis on sentence construction. The article's four authors are representatives of three prominent United States' universities, Texas A&M University, Brown University, and the University of Delaware. Together, the four authors sought to answer the research question: "How do infants find the words in the tangle of speech that confronts them?" (298). By discussing the background of the study and the study's specifics, readers can make informed judgments as to the strengths and weaknesses of the study, theoretical perspective of the authors, and implications of the study's findings."
Abstract The paper discusses the importance of language diversity and critical thinking in the occupation of nursing. The paper then looks at how language skills are crucial to the critical thinking process while critical thinking skills are indispensable to any logical discussion. The paper concludes that since our society is increasing in ethnic diversity, the ability to communicate effectively in more than one language is becoming correspondingly more important, especially at work.
Outline:
Metaphorical Observations in the Hospital
Introduction - The Importance of Language Diversity and Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking in Persuasion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Working in a hospital is often extremely rewarding but just as often, it can be frustrating and depressing, depending on specific occurrences and interactions with patients, coworkers, and hospital administrators. Appreciative patients who progress toward recovery and cooperative coworkers make for a rewarding shift; unappreciative patients, worsening symptoms, and uncooperative coworkers can make the day feel endless as though the nursing station clock is standing still. In some ways, whether one has a day full of positive experiences or negative experiences is completely out of one's hands, much like the weather dictates a good or bad hair day."
Abstract This paper examines the effectiveness of bilingual learning through reflecting on the history of bilingual education. The author includes a description of the state's purposes and objectives within bilingual programs, discusses the sociological issues within language learning, and how this affects self and group identities. The paper also addresses the outcomes of bilingual education, including the ways in which it has changed since its conception, before addressing whether or not bilingual learning has been successful.
Outline:
Introduction
Bilingual Education in History
The Results of Current Research
The Duel Language Program and TESOL Initiatives
Conclusion
References
From the Paper " The language rights of minority students and their access to equal opportunities in education have long been social issues throughout many parts of the world. During the past few decades, the increasing demographic shifts and the establishment of civil rights movements within many Western societies have raised the profile of such issues. In the United States, the issues surrounding bilingual education has been strongly debated among educators, politicians, and other concerned groups. This is due to a persistent tension between those who view the United Sates as a pluralistic nation with a common national identity and those who consider it as being a mosaic of people groups with individual cultures, customs, and values. The American education system, consequently, has been host to this tension, which has manifested itself within education policy through the issues surrounding language, despite the fact that the majority of school introduced bilingual education during the 1960s and 1970s."
Abstract This paper discusses the relationship and compatibility between literary criticism and psychoanalysis. To do so, it examines the underlying dynamics within the two disciplines. The paper concludes that there are numerous instances in which literary criticism and psychoanalytic theory converge, most notably in regard to the understanding of language.
From the Paper "When considering the compatibility of psychoanalytic theory with literary criticism, one must recall that both disciplines are inherently unstable in their content. What can be considered stable, however, is the way in which the disciplines discover and expand knowledge. Neither discipline lays claim to a definite knowledge that is transferred from one to the other, while their theories are constantly being challenged and reinterpreted; what may appear compatible now is subject to change. In that sense, psychoanalytic theory and literary criticism can neither be considered compatible nor incompatible in their entirety. Rather, psychoanalysis is best regarded as a fluid tool that contains a number of similarities and intersections of thought with literary criticism. To reframe the question of compatibility, we could ask: At what points can psychoanalysis supplement literary criticism, and vice versa?"
Abstract This paper looks at how "Tongue-Tied: The Lives of Multilingual Children in Public Schools" addresses the different injustices suffered by multilingual children in the American school system. The paper explains the main implication of the work that the current method of incorporating ESL students into the school community renders them tongue-tied in their native language and/or culture, and does not enable these students to truly realize their academic and personal potential. The paper highlights the main message that America is a nation founded upon individualism, not assimilation, and creating an individualized and pluralistic approach is more effective for the school system and the students' education.
From the Paper "One of the more interesting features of this work is the fact that it does not present its argument in the form of a singular or even multiple essays, but instead uses personal essays as well as data-based research to substantiate its claims. This is to break down conventional means of chronicling academic performance, and to illustrate the emotional costs of forcing children to choose between English and their home language and culture. The diverse personal narratives chronicle the often painful experiences of bilingual or bi and multicultural children within a system that does not understand their needs. Both essays and academic sources compiled within the text show how the process of language acquisition is never culturally neutral. Rather, the system's implied need for children to acquire a new language is often rooted in colonial or post-colonial motivations, and there is an assumption that English is not simply necessary, but is superior to that of the child's home language. Thus the act of speaking English becomes a way for the state to forcibly sever the child's connection to his or her home."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the fact that different cultures embrace different customs, practices and values is nothing new, but the fact that US schools have become increasingly multicultural environments suggests that these fundamental differences may be playing a role in the performance evaluation process as well. Moreover, the writer maintains that the diverse nature of the American classroom indicates that some teachers are faced with more difficulties in delivering educational services than others, and the highly subjective nature of the performance evaluation process creates some additional challenges as well. These and related issues concerning diversity issues in the nation's schools that tend to affect teacher-staff performance evaluations are discussed further in this article, followed by a summary of the research and salient findings in the conclusion.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Performance Evaluation in Diverse Academic Settings
Impact of Performance Evaluation on Job Performance
What Can Be Done?
Conclusion
From the Paper "In this environment, it might be plausible to suggest that teachers should receive an outstanding performance evaluation just for showing up day after day, but the nation's students - and teachers - deserve far better than this minimal level of performance of course, but assessing performance in any environment is a challenging endeavor and it is little wonder that educators are likewise faced with some profound performance management issues as well. Alas, measuring the effectiveness of one teacher's performance compared to another's is fraught with opportunities for misjudgments and misinterpretations of isolated incidents, anecdotal accounts from peers and others, as well as the entire gamut of educational needs brought to bear on teachers as they address the academic and behavioral diversity in schools that serve the most challenged students."
