Abstract The linguistics of second language acquisition is discussed from a North American point of view, i.e., the continual presence of newcomers who need to acquire a command of the English language. A research deficit is explained which relates to differing cultural origins and English L2 vocabulary acquisition.
Abstract The phenomenon associated with the mystery of the use of proper names has been debated by philosophers for over a century. Philosopher G. Frege provided one of the most profound theories to this problem in that he showed that senses, as well as references, played a vital role to our understanding of names. For J.S. Mill, a proper name was an essentially meaningless mark that people used in order to connect certain ideas and things in their minds. According to Mill, the function of proper names was not to get certain general information across to anyone, since names did not really carry any meaning in and of themselves. They were simply used to allow people to be make some kind of sense out of their conversation.
Abstract This paper discusses the history of the word "court", where it came from and how the definitions have changed over the years. There are many different spellings and by using them in the sentence, the paper shows the different uses of the word.
Abstract This paper will discuss the book "The Spell of the Sensuous" by David Abrams and seek to understand his definitions of language in chapters three and four in this book. By studying 'The Flesh of the Language' and the 'Animism of the Alphabet', we can understand how this magician/ philosopher brings us to a new realization of the way perception can be realized.
Abstract Although many professionals and business entities appear to have developed a knack for cross-cultural communication, the truth is that successful communication is the result of a well thought-out strategy without which significant trouble may occur resulting in loss of revenue and credibility of organizations and their products.
Abstract This paper begins by explaining that the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is one of the most interesting and influential theories in the field of linguistics and anthropology. The idea that language actually forced people to think in different ways is both fascinating and controversial. The paper shows the ways that this hypothesis opens our understanding of the link between culture and knowledge. The paper includes direct quotes from the hypothesis which it then explains and expands upon.
From the Paper "The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis "postulated that language not only provided a means of communication but also shaped peoples" perceptions of the world? (McGee and Warms 2000: 370). The hypothesis drew heavily from the ideas and techniques used by linguists, with the methodological concepts developed by the Prague School of Linguistics in the 1920's providing valuable insights into the importance of understanding the conceptual frameworks formed by, and expressed through, the native language (McGee and Warms 2000: 369). The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis was the most influential anthropological adaptation of these linguistic principles, the hypothesis having an enormous impact on anthropology providing a methodological framework emphasising cultural and linguistic relativity, and influencing several schools of anthropological thought."
Abstract This paper questions the policies of the U.S. government in making English the only official language of the U.S. The paper shows how federal regulations, such as Executive Order (EO) 13166, impose too high a cost and burden to serve the needs of a small interest group and, in some instances, make it more difficult for LEPs to obtain access to the very services that they are intended to facilitate.
Contents:
Introduction
Research
Summary
From the Paper "Advocates of bilingual education state that these programs teach English in the most effective manner. They believe that English-Only instruction can leave LEP students languishing behind their native English speaking peers. They state that children who can?t understand what their teacher is explaining have a very tough time doing well in school, and many of these kids drop out at an early age."
Abstract This paper examines how laughter can be an important tool for teaching and how one of the areas in which it can be especially helpful in teaching students is that of ESL, or English as a second language. It looks at how understanding humor requires an analysis of language on the level of syntax, grammar, and semantics, and unlike other exercises that require an equal amount of linguistic "work", in the case of humor there is a reward, "getting" the joke. It also discusses how the complexity of humor that combines cultural, ethnic, national. and religious backgrounds can help the second-language learner to recognize that humor contains many hidden cultural meanings and, therefore, functions as a social unifier within groups.
From the Paper "Puns can server as useful "pedagogical tools for several functions. . . . enlarging vocabulary and in explaining the anomalies of English spelling, syntax and phonology" (Monnot, 1974, p. 71). Teaching bilingual students requires a great deal of flexibility on the part of the teacher. This is especially true if there are several different cultures and languages represented in any given classroom of the second language learners. Monnot (1974) recognizes that ESL classes usually require special emphasis on cultural background as well as the language being spoken."
Abstract Describes the birth defect known as cleft palate, the problem it presents, and its treatment. Discusses difficulties experienced by infants born with cleft lips or palates, reconstructive surgery, and orthodontic surgery.
From the Paper 'A cleft is a birth defect that occurs when the tissues of the lip and/or palate of a fetus do not properly fuse early in the pregnancy. A cleft palate, in which the roof of the mouth abnormally opens into the floor...'
Abstract Discusses disorders of expressive phonology (the speech-sound system), identifies key aspects of assessment of clinical intervention targeting children with phonological deficits, and the identification of children with speech problems.
From the Paper "Disorders of expressive phonology (i.e., disorders of the speech-sound system) have been identified by Lewis, Freebairn, and Taylor (2000) as the most prevalent communication difficulty observed in young children. "
Abstract Discusses Chinese and English as official co-languages, Hong Kong's trilingual and biliterate population, pre-colonial Hong Kong and the development of "Pidgin" English, and Britain's goals in colonial Hong Kong.
From the Paper "In 1990, Hong Kong was selected as one of the 15 centers around the world to have its English language studied. As explained on its cultural website, The International Corpus of English (ICE) explains..."
Abstract Discusses how words are used, the emphasis on grammar, not acceptance of new words. Looks at Simon Winchester's account of how the "Oxford English Dictionary" (OED) came into being. Discusses Samuel Johnson's dictionary.
From the Paper "This research takes the form of an informative essay on the subject of the distinction between prescriptive and descriptive language use. The topic of research was chosen based on Winchester's account of how the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) came into ..."
Abstract This study focuses on the importance of having a well-developed, bilingual fiction collection in school libraries to support, enhance, and motivate the English as a Second Language (ESOL) student population. The writer believes that by having a bilingual selection of fiction material available in school libraries from the elementary level on will encourage the ESOL student population to read and learn English more swiftly without causing them to lose their motivation and general interest in reading. The writer asserts that, currently, the educational system supporting ESOL students lacks sensitivity of approach and consideration for what students actually desire to read.
From the Paper "Many students gain experience of the English language from experiences acquired outside of the classroom. Therefore it is important to provide students with opportunities to select materials to read for pleasure and learning outside of the classroom. These materials should be diverse in nature and representative of the unique population ESOL students represent. It is crucial while still young that student's gain a liking for and desire for reading. Acquiring reading comprehension skills is crucial to successful attainment of fluency in any language. Fiction materials provided to students within the library in both their native language and English will allow students to learn English in a non-pressure, exciting manner that corresponds directly to their likes and interests. Providing such materials also sends a message to students that their individual choices and desires are respected. This in turn will lead to higher sense of self esteem and interest, and further motivate students to continue reading and practicing their English speaking abilities inside of and outside of the classroom."
Tags: language, motivation, education, school, literate, book
