Abstract This paper explores the psychological, linguistic and scientific elements involved in language acquisition. It explores the building blocks of language and the complex processes involved in learning a first language. The paper examines Celia Genishi's article "Young Children's Oral Language Development," Steven Parker's empirical study, "Language Acquisition" and Michael Gurian's book, "Boys and Girls Learn Differently". Each of these works addresses the issue of language and learning development in children and ultimately suggests different teaching methods, individualized approaches and the basic breakdown of learning language for the first time.
From the Paper "Steven Pinker, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology conducted an empirical study, titled "Language Acquisition" that closely examines different theories of learning that revolve around the acquisition of language. Pinker combines biology and psychology with teaching methods at home and in the classroom. Like Genishi, Pinker acknowledges that the English language is composed of simple structures and that these structures are one of the main components that help children learn their first language. However, Pinker is different than Genishi because he examines the question of success in the learning process. He explores what it takes for a child to succeed in the language acquisition process and why others cannot succeed (Pinker 2002)."
Abstract This paper explores the ways in which deverbalization affects both consecutive and dialogue interpreting and establishes whether or not it is a relevant skill in the interpreting process. It defines and illustrates Seleskovitch's influential theory of deverbalization and assesses its relevance to both consecutive and dialogue interpreting.
From the Paper "In the case of dialogue interpreting the interpreter takes meaning from the different socio-cultural backgrounds of the speakers, the subject being discussed and the reason it is being discussed. All these factors influence the sense that the interpreter takes from the exchange when reworking the text from the SL to the TL. It is clear that when involved in dialogue the role of the interpreter is much more active than when interpreting consecutively, therefore the general metaphor of the interpreter as a telephone , whereby the interpreter simply serves as a conduit between two people, does not apply."
Abstract This paper describes ways in which scholars link choice of language to personal identity and the social perception of one's identity. It argues that people make deliberate choices to represent themselves in a desirable manner.
Abstract This paper analyzes and compares the programs and services offered to English as a Second Language (ESL) students, referred to as English Language Learners (ELLs) in California. It also looks at teacher certification - CLAD for teaching these courses. It compares what the different courses contain and how successful they are.
From the Paper "English as a second language programs ESL vary from one school district to another but all have the goal of furnishing the student with the necessary skills in English to function successfully in the academic setting ..."
Abstract This paper provides rhetorical and cluster criticism of Colin Powell's keynote speech at the 1996 Republican convention. It discusses the central concept and themes of the speech. It explores how cluster criticism assists in understanding the speech and world view of the speaker. The author mentions key strategies in the process of cluster criticism.
Abstract This paper reviews the book, "Language Matters" by Donna Jo Napoli. It discusses the author's argument that a specific language mechanism exists for language learning that is independent of other types of brain functions.
From the Paper "Using a wide variety of sources that deal with different types of populations, Donna Jo Napoli argues that a specific language mechanism exists for language learning which is independent of any other type of brain functions. In the book "Language Matters" ..."
Abstract This paper answers a number of specific questions on aspects of language acquisition. It includes a discussion on implicational universals, euphemisms, slang and word borrowing. The author also explores language attitudes and conversation closings.
From the Paper "The phrase "I drink frequently coffee" is grammatically incorrect but the phrase "He is late frequently" is grammatically correct because an adverb of frequency always follows the verb "to be". The verb "to be" is an action verb so other action verbs ..."
Abstract This paper looks at bilingualism and whether children should learn two languages simultaneously or sequentially. The paper also explores the cognitive and social advantages gained by children that are bilingual.
From the Paper "A lot of younger Chinese in Hong Kong are bilinguals whose formal learning all takes place in English. Their Cantonese is influenced by the superordinate language English. These Cantonese-English bilinguals often resort to a mixed code of Cantonese-English when interacting among themselves. The use of the elements of English is sometimes so unconscious that it seems to fit perfectly well in speech. However they still use the Cantonese strategy to learn English. There are many cognitive and social advantages to bilingualism. The cognitive skills of bilingual children are enhanced..."
Abstract This paper presents an account of gender differences and the effect on students and teachers learning a second language. It looks at recent instructional dynamics and focuses on the Mexican American community.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine gender differences and the effect on second-language learning and teaching. The plan of the research will be to set forth the context in which gender second-language acquisition and instructional dynamics have gained currency in recent years and then discuss ways in which the interplay of these three elements are operationalized in the classroom ..."
Abstract In this article the writer discusses various ways that the media and the Goverment use language to describe terrorism and the war against it. The writer studies language used by the Bush Administration to enlist Americans in his war on terrorism.
From the Paper "While no single definition of terrorism has gained universal acceptance, terrorism can be defined as the use of violence or the threat of violence against civilians as a political social religious or ideological weapon to change the status quo through fear or coercion. Terrorism can be state sponsored or can be committed by non-government sponsored individuals or groups. William Greider suggests in 'The Nation' that when President Bush called Americans to enlist in the war on terror, very few Americans understood the consequences of this call to ... "
Abstract This article looks at Richard Rodriguez's "Aria", which is, essentially, the story of his own childhood as a Spanish-speaking boy who learned the intricacies of the English language under the most complex of circumstances. The writer explains that in revealing the hardships, both emotional and physical, that Rodriguez personally experienced as a non-English speaking child, he attempts to dispute the claims made by supporters of bilingual education - claims which call for the approval of the use of "family languages" in school settings. The writer exposes Rodriguez's emotions and feelings towards the English speaking world.
From the Paper "Early in Rodriguez's childhood, he realized that the world outside his home was far different than the world within it. Outside the safety of the soothing rhythms of his parents' Spanish tongues, he felt as if he were a visitor in a foreign land, yet upon return to his home, the feeling of security returned. He describes the inferiority in the tones of his parents in the gringo world as they struggled through fragments of phrases, comparing it to their gentle confidence of their words as they spoke, within the walls of their home, in Spanish, and he explains that the contrast of the two served only to further his fright of the English language."
Abstract Fierce debate rages in the U.S.A. today over the issue of bilingual education, as opposed to English immersion education. Research quickly reveals that there is a vast quantity of conflicting evidence on the issue. This paper evaluates the arguments in favor of each, and shows that in fact bilingual education is preferable. It shows that arguments such as the fact that English immersion is more successful, or more desired by parents, are not conclusively substantiated by research.
Abstract The paper shows that the mission of Toni Morrison is to see that black people have been able to restore the power of their speech on their tongue. She wants to see it restored through literature, which for centuries have represented emotions and experiences of the people who have suppressed the speech of black people. The paper shows that while other forms of art have lost their power, literature still holds promises of reversing the trend, enabling black people to revive their passion for language.
Abstract This paper discusses children from low income families, and language development in modern society. The paper examines the societal contention that children raised in poverty will develop inadequate language patterns as well as be candidates for special education programs when their school years commence. The research provides evidence that low income children may develop language complications because the resources for learning are not available to them.
From the Paper "Children learn language by sound or phonology that allows them to begin to form words, sentences, and structures that serve them in communication (Wright, 2004, p. 61). Children, by nature have a strong inclination to attempt to understand what things mean in order to function within their lives, and relate to the world around them (Athey, 1983, p. 197). It has been contended, however, that children of low-income families have historically suffered from language problems that begin in early childhood, and then progress throughout life because the society in which poor children are reared is absent of the verbal intricacies that children of higher income households are accustomed to."
Abstract This paper deals with the concepts of low income, language development and preschoolers. It thoroughly explains each concept and applies it appropriately. It then presents evidence with respect to current research investigations in the area as well as to improvements needed. The paper presents some case studies and draws the conclusion that low income familial status is extremely important with respect to language acquisition.
From the Paper "The Effects of Low Income on Language Development of Preschoolers The study of language development, one of the most fascinating human achievements, has a long and rich history, extending over thousands of years (Chomsky, 2000). As the nature-versus-nurture argument is inevitable to arise whenever human behaviors are discussed, it is not surprising that language experts have debated the relative influences of genetics and the environment on language development (Hulit & Howard, 2002). Among the various proposals concerning the mechanisms involved in acquiring a language, two opposing theoretical positions, the behaviorist and the nativist, are the most prominent and influential (Ayoun, 2003; Garton & Pratt, 1998; Owens, 2001). "
