Abstract This paper analyzes and examines the differences between American English and Canadian English. In Part II, the national language conflict in Canada is discussed. Part III evaluates the differences between American English and Canadian English are examined. Finally, this paper concludes with a recommendation for embracing bilingualism
From the paper:
"Modern Canada was born out of the Confederation of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario (formerly Upper Canada) and Quebec (formerly Lower Canada), under the 1867 Constitution Act.[1] The constitutional provisions for language were minimal.[2] The Constitution Act, 1867 provided for the use of English or French in the debates and the use of both languages in the records and journals of Parliament and the Quebec legislature, the publication of acts of both bodies in English and French, and the permission to use either language in any court of Canada or Quebec.[3]"
Abstract This paper examines the history of rhetoric and it's significance in early Greek and Roman civilizations that coincided with creation of democracy and the importance of public speech. It then shows Kenneth Burke's contribution to the new rhetoric as an argumentative weapon and his influence on the post-modern deconstructionism.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Section One: The Preceding Conversation
3. Section Two: Contribution to the Conversation
4. Section Three: Effect on the Conversation
5. Conclusion
From the paper:
"The word "rhetoric" has an old fashioned air about it. It calls up images of schoolrooms with children in ruffled collars and Latin grammars and not a laptop in sight for several centuries. But rhetoric is as alive as is language itself, and this paper examines the importance of rhetorical studies in helping each of us to become the best writers and speakers ? the best communicators ? that we can be. A historical study of changes models and standards in rhetoric can also provide us not only with a sense of how linguistic and especially English style has changed over the years as well as illuminating how our conception of language and its structure and function have changed as well. This paper engages in such an examination by focusing on the work of Kenneth Burke. We begin with a brief overview of the life of this man whose rhetorical work we will then examine."
Abstract A study of the literacy culture of the Bronze Age society and how the scribes and drawings were a reflection of the society. A technical analysis of linguistics in the pre-historic culture is included.
From the Paper "Anthropologists and archaeologists call certain societies "iron age" or ?bronze age.? In doing this they recognize that the properties of the main metal used by a society's technology greatly affect both its use and through this the nature of that society. For instance, bronze unlike iron is too soft to be used for ploughing; it is an alloy. Bronze can be smelted at lower temperatures than iron which need specialized supplies of charcoal. All these facts affect societies which use bronze and iron. For example, since bronze cannot be used for ploughing these societies cannot produce in many regions the large agriculture surplus iron societies can; since bronze requires tin bronze age societies had to trade, etc. (Claiborne, 1974) I believe the same parallel exists between the different characteristics of different writing systems and its use as a communication technology in a society. "
Abstract This paper analyzes an English dialect, the African-American Vernacular English and compares it to the Standard English. It also analyzes how and in what ways it differs from the Standard American English.
From the Paper "The African American Vernacular English, in short known as the AAVE, was previously famous as the Black English Vernacular or Vernacular Black English. Though this dialect has some very unique features but it has some common aspects that are also the part of other varieties of dialects in the U.S region. The African American Vernacular English has once been a very hot topic in the public debates as well as among the sociolinguists.
It will be quite difficult to estimate as to how many individuals speak African American English as there is a little confusion about it. some people use some unique characteristics of the pronunciation and vocabulary of this variety but they do not use the grammatical aspects of this variety. The majority of sociolinguists believe that the term of African American Vernacular English can be used only for those varieties of dialects that use the unique features of grammar which we will discuss here and compare it with the Standard American English "
Tags: vocabluary, didactic, education, primary, verbal, culture, gap
Abstract This essay focuses on the changes that the Irish language Gaelige underwent throughout the centuries. The main focus is on the history, but it includes the present and the future of the language. It looks at the linguistic roots of the language and the struggle to preserve it today.
From the Paper "The vernacular of a country tells a lot about the country's history, how it grew from just a piece of land to a country with a real story and background, it reveals the changes and influences from inside and outside the country. Ireland's language, Gaeilge, gives a good view of all the changes that have occurred throughout the centuries. It is a language that has resisted for a long time against the languages of invading nations, always changing yet never completely yielding. However, Gaeilge has now arrived at a point in which only a very small part of the Irish population still uses it daily, some even fear it will cease to exist in the future. In this essay there will be looked at the past, the present and the future of the Irish language."
The following paper examines the theories of bilingualism and multilingalism, language acquisition and language learning, making reference to a number of case studies.
Abstract The following paper examines the theories on language acquisition and looks at the useful distinction between acquisition and learning. The writer also comments on approaches and methods to teaching second and foreign languages. Lastly the writer comments on interference as a factor in language learning.
Table of Contents
Bilingualism and Multilingualism
Diglossia
First Language Acquisition
Using a text-mapping device to depict the important stages in first-language acquisition
Theories on how language is acquired
Innateness
Cognition
Input
Approaches and methods to teaching second and foreign languages
Interference as a factor in language learning.
From the Paper "Diglossia is the coexistence of two forms of the same language in speech community. The one form will often be the literary or prestige dialect, and the other one can be a dialect commonly spoken by most of the population. The term diglossia could also be used to indicate bilingualism, or the speaking of two languages by the people of the same community. An example for the first definition is the use of Dutch in Belgium. Dutch is one of the official languages in Belgium. Dutch-speaking Belgians are called the "Flemish" where the French-speaking Belgians are called "Walloons". Dutch spoken by Belgians is also referred to as "Flemish", which is not a literary form of the language, but a spoken "dialect". They are different varieties of the same language."
Abstract This paper examines the study of general and universal aspects of language with specific reference to Jorgen Habermas? rules for using and understanding language rationally. The goal of universal pragmatics is to identify and reconstruct conditions of possible understanding. The advantages and disadvantages of Habermas? "Universal Pragmatics" are discussed. It is of the writer's opinion that Habermas' emphasis on systematization and organization at times forces linguistic phenomena into pre-established categories, which leaves little room for nuances, details or humanly necessary embellishments.
From the Paper "This concept when adequately applied extends across the boundaries of culture and language, e.g. two Englishmen would use the same formulations to communicate in English, as would two Frenchmen"in French.? In this seminal work, in the book, ?Communication and Evolution of Society,? Habermas provides a simple construct for ideal communication (Habermas 1979). Throughout "What is Universal Pragmatics"? he maintains that all the complexities of sentence structures and their utterances are successfully communicated if an original intent is adhered to. Habermas maintains, that each form of communication, direct and otherwise, is to reach understanding. Such a pure communication is only possible if it is conducted"in a nutshell"clearly and honestly.?
This research paper uses Taylor-Heald's article on ?Three Paradigms of Spelling Instruction in Grades 3 to 6? as a basis for identifying each of the methods.
Abstract The following paper describes each method in the article by Taylor-Heald, where three paradigms are identified as the traditional, the transitional and the student-oriented. Each of these paradigms is a model for teaching children the basic and fundamental concept of spelling. This paper examines how each method is utilized and also discusses Taylor-Heald's view on each of the methods. After looking at each of the methods separately, the writer examines, briefly, the major differences between the methods. It then discusses the implications of each of the methods, including how each method is used and the benefits of each method. This also includes looking at various other research studies that offer perspectives on the teaching of spelling. Finally the paper concludes by showing how the student-oriented approach does appear to be the most promising approach, just as Taylor-Heald suggests.
From the Paper ?The traditional paradigm, as the name suggests, is the main method of instruction that has been used in the American school system to teach spelling and also to teach the basics of language. The method is based on students being taught vocabulary in the form of words that do not relate to each other. These words are random and have no relationship to each other, or to anything else being taught to the students. The teacher gives these words to the students, with the students expected to memorize them and the students are tested on this at the end of the week.This approach assumes that students know nothing at the beginning and that all information must be given to them. This includes the idea that children have no knowledge of words, sounds or language.?
Abstract The paper starts with a general discussion of reading comprehension and its importance for academic success. Factors involved in reading comprehension, such as phonological memory and word recognition, are examined, as well as other influential forces, such as time limitation and silent reading are outlined. Then the topic of comprehension of fiction versus non-fiction material is explored through a review of the relevant literature.
From the Paper "Literacy and reading comprehension are subjects that have been explored for decades. Through these explorations we have discovered that comprehension is an essential component in the ability of a person to succeed in academia and in life. Comprehension is defined as "the act or action of grasping with the intellect"the capacity for understanding fully.?(The Dictionary) Comprehension is important because it allows us to gain knowledge of new concepts; without comprehension it would be impossible to learn anything.
"This discourse will present a literary review of the aforementioned topic so that we can understand comprehension and the effect of comprehension on academic success. The literature presented will seek to display this information in a manner that will inform and enlighten.
Reading comprehension covers a broad range of topics. For the purposes of this literary review we will seek to explain what comprehension is and the effect that fiction and nonfiction works have on comprehension. This review will use a wide range of sources including journals, digests and academic studies."
A paper on the sociology and linguistic perspectives of "The Ebonics Resolution" a Californian plan to accept African-American language as the primary language of African-American students.
Abstract The paper shows that in 1996, the Oakland School Board in California passed the "Ebonics Resolution" - a plan to accept African-American language, termed Ebonics, as the primary language of African-American students and to implement a system to teach them in their primary language as a means of assisting them to learn standard American English. The paper discusses the debate that followed involving the public and the media. It shows that while the linguistic experts in the field were in support of the Ebonics Resolution, the Resolution had a significant social impact. By comparing the meaning of the issue from a sociological and a linguistic perspective, the paper shows the real issues involved in their entirety.
From the Paper "In the Ebonics debate the part of culture involved is language, a very basic component of our society. Language is something that is taken for granted, with the belief of the general population being that the accepted language is the correct one. The social rejection of Ebonics and the rejection of accepting it as a primary language can be seen as a form of the majority group of society asserting their own belief in their superiority. This is not necessarily representing that the majority group do not want to accept others. Instead it reflects the basic principle of society assuming that the majority group is correct."
Tags: LSA, dialect, communication, AAVE, ethnic, groups
Examines ideas of Ferdinand de Saussure, Jacques Lacan & Sigmund Freud related to linguistic, psychological & semiotic interpretations of the individual & culture.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 4 sources, 1996, $ 55.95
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine the theories of Ferdinand de Saussure, Jacques Lacan, and Sigmund Freud as they relate to linguistic, psychological, and semiotic interpretations of the individual and of the culture as a whole. The plan of the research will be to set forth a summary of Saussure's theory of semiotics and the outlines of Freudian psychological theory, and then to discuss the connection between the work of Lacan and Freud in regard to analysis of human subjectivity, as well as the connection between Lacan's work to linguistic theory in general and Saussurian semiotics in particular.
According to Saussure, language has a dual function. One is public, or a logical and social, while the other is private, imaginative, or psychological. It is in the second manner that creative and imaginative processes may surface, including the ..."
From the Paper "Language acquisition and vocabulary acquisition are governed by a number of factors. The development of vocabulary is also governed by factors in culture and psychology, and borrowing words form other languages depends on the proximity of the two language groups, the cogency of the new term, and other factors that have been studied and about which theorists have speculated. Language is a vital part of human life, and hundreds of different languages are in use in the world today. Yet much is not known about the origin of language, the way languages have developed, the relationships among certain languages, and even the manner of acquisition of language. Linguists have developed the idea of different families of language to show how certain existing languages developed from an earlier root, though whether all languages can at some point be traced back to a single.."
This paper explores the areas of linguistics and the history of the English language in terms of what an English teacher should know before teaching the subject.
Abstract This paper asks if future English teachers should study the history of English. The writer shows that teachers should have a knowledge of linguistics. Main points of the paper include: why English is complicated, why languages (especially English) change, grammar rules and problems, spelling history and problems, how dialects are developed and how they influence English in the classroom, semantic changes and more. The paper concludes that all these contribute to a better and more interesting English classroom.
From the Paper "The English language has a rich history, spanning centuries and passed on by different tribes. A lot of other languages, especially French, has had some influence on the English language. The language has undergone many changes in its history, including the Great Vowel Shift, which changed the way English was spoken. Some people who know more than one language have said that English is the hardest language to learn. As of today, many educated professors and acclaimed administration members probably don"t know the real reasons behind some grammar rules and depend on technology to correct their fragment sentences. What makes English such a hard language to learn and use, even for its native speakers" Will the knowledge of the history behind the English language enable teachers to help students master English? I believe that knowledge leads to understanding; therefore teachers with a strong background in the history of English will be better equipped to teach this difficult subject."
Abstract This paper discusses America's progressing desensitization to profanity and argues that this trend is not a bad thing. By comparing profane language from the past to modern usage, as well as using examples from television and movies, the author proves that it could be possible for the idea of bad words to be erased and replaced with the idea of bad connotation alone. Specific emphasis on the word "fuck". The paper includes a graph.
From the Paper ""Fuck [taboo]: v.t. To cheat, trick, take advantage of, deceive, or treat someone unfairly. Very common"? (Wentworth, 203-4) This is just around one-tenth of the definition of the word "fuck" from Harold Wentworth's Dictionary of American Slang. An interesting point to be taken from this partial definition is the seemingly paradoxical inclusion of both the ?[taboo]? tag for the word and the phase ?Very common.? Can a word really be taboo (forbidden/unmentionable) if it is in "very common" usage? Apparently it can. There are a huge amount of taboo "bad" words in the English language, words that are spoken with relative freedom but censored from media and prohibited in schools. This censorship, however, has been rapidly losing its importance in American society, with movies, television and everyday conversations becoming more accepting of these curse words that were once so feared. Many censorship activists say that this lax attitude toward profanity is a sign of the decline of American society, and that steps must be taken to set the United States back on track to being a less offensive country. I say, ?Fuck that.? Despite the negative connotation in which I just used the word, "fuck" and other profane words can be used with positive connotations, and thus it is not truly the words themselves that are disagreeable, but the connotation with which they are used. The desensitization of America to profanity is not a bad thing; it is possible, if trends continue, for the idea of bad words to be almost completely demolished and replaced by the idea of bad connotation."
Abstract In Roland Barthes' structuralist semiotic approach to sociology, it is clear that much insight into the character of society and culture can be derived by linguistic analogy. The paper shows that Barthes develops the view that language has a dual function that is public, available for all to see in a social context on one hand and on the other a psychological, i.e., private or imaginative, function. Creative and imaginative processes are associated with the impulse to respond to and express or interpret the public or social meanings that are made in and by language in its cultural function. The paper shows that much of what the individual experiences as either social or personal begins with language--identity, features of experience, narrative, communication with others and so on.
From the Paper "Thus Barthes looks at how linguistic forms, whether advertisements, art, rhetoric, or forms of social organization that function as communication, are actually used, with a view toward showing how their function indicates or signifies meaning for the (personal and private) experience of society. In other words, Barthes is looking at what social, public expressions intend to accomplish, with a view toward exposing the truth of or agenda behind those communicative processes. Signs and symbols, including language but also images, art, sounds, and so on, are the media of communication. The signs may be psychological or physical or both, and either manifestly or by way of some kind of code meant to convey (or conceal) meaning, these signs (signifiers) refer to or stand for (signify) some thing. The semiotic sociology, then, seeks to account for, or so to speak "decode," what is seen or expressed overtly. It is necessary because all linguistic designations come from somewhere."
