Abstract This paper provides examples of the differences between standard English and African American Vernacular English (AAVE). It explains the development and history of this language and explores how it has been taught and passed down to the next generation. It also examines the roots and origins of AAVE and asks what the future holds.
From the Paper "There are a couple of theories as to the origin of African American Vernacular Englsh (AAVE). Some linguists believe that the language derives from West African languages. This dialect theory is based on the knowledge that most African Americans who were brought to the United States from Africa had to learn how to speak English by ear. The may have picked up some of the English words incorrectly and incorporated the incorrect words in their language. Another theory is called the creole hypothesis. This theory bases its origin on the thought that slaves developed the language themselves. The slaves, who came from many different countries in Africa formulated AAVE so that they may talk amongst themselves. They developed with is called a pidgin by combining words from their own language with new words from America. They used grammar and speech patterns that were known to them from their own language as well. The language was then indirectly taught, or passed on to their children and children's children. Future generations now know the AAVE language."
Abstract This paper discusses phonemes and how they apply to the Englishlanguage. 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 serves as a guide for teaching students English as a second language. It is divided into three parts. The first part deals with the first three weeks of educating a group that has never before learned English. The paper explains the characteristics of the material intended to be taught. It also clarifies what one should do if the students made mistakes and deals with ways of encouraging students to talk. The second part of the paper explores the required environment for second language acquisition and the thirds part discusses factors that are beneficial for second language learning efforts.
From the Paper "First impressions are important in establishing a good relationship between teachers and students. Foreign students often come to the classroom with many fears. (Cary, 2000) Therefore, it is very important that the teacher establish a friendly, enthusiastic atmosphere free of any negative vibes. (Samway, 1999) Even though the students are afraid, this can be eased by a friendly smile and pleasant small talk. This is especially important before giving any sort of assessment test, which should be given during the first class of the term as part of class orientation."
Abstract This paper presents an examination of the Englishlanguage and its origins. The author traces through the three stages of Old English, Middle English, and Modern English and examines the development of language.
From the Paper "The English Language has been built on the backs of great nations and as these nations rose they brought with them a language that has evolved over many generations and is spoken all over the world. The history of the English language is an extensive and colorful one that has filled the lives of the linguistic scholars who have studied it with many hours of reading material. The English language and its origins will be traced through the three stages of Old English, Middle English, and Modern English. The stages will be studied in order to understand what influences have played a key role in the development of English. Also in this paper a look will be taken at the ways slang, jargon, and Colloquialism continue to the changes that English is even now under going."
Tags: development, english, history, midle, modern, old, language, words
Abstract This paper examines several factors that determine success in the English-as-a-second-language classroom. The author argues that English is the necessary skill by which immigrants integrate into American society. Additionally, the author cites the linguistic paradox that exists in American society-- on the one hand, it encourages and honors diversity while on the other hand it encourages foreigners to learn English to the exclusion of their mother tongue. The paper concludes by stating language learning must be focused on the individual's learning style and needs whenever possible.
Outline:
Introduction
Definitions and Theories of Culture and Learning
The Significance of Sociocultural Theory
Bibliography
From the Paper "Since its inception, the United States have been a mix of many cultures. At the time of the first colonialists, the country was seen as a place of opportunity and prosperity for any who would make use of the vast resources offered. The immigration trend, despite all evidence to the effect that the opportunities offered are indeed not as vast as believed at first, continues to this day. This has created some difficulty in terms of culture and language, as immigrants attempted to integrate themselves into the United States and its workplace and schools while attempting to retain some of the culture that was their own since birth. In the L2 classroom then, it is vitally important to take into account matters of culture and the influence of this on learning."
Abstract A personal opinion paper which addresses the following questions - Does globalization of English form a serious threat? Do languages other than English face a slow death? This essays argues the eminent future of English and mother tongue.
From the Paper "It appears that English is to become the main language in Europe, and perhaps the world. This topic has been discussed extensively and widely and there has been massive scientific research in recent years. I came upon the article "The Great English Divide" merely by chance, and the discussion caught my particular interest, as I am a Dutch-speaking Belgian, living in multi-lingual South Africa and currently studying towards a degree in English. I surfed the Internet, and found hundreds of articles discussing this same subject. The articles of my choice are only a few examples. Professor David Crystal has nominated a book to the subject "English as a global language" , where he researched these three questions: What makes a world language? Why is English the leading candidate? Will it continue to hold that position? David Crystal has written a number of books on the topic itself. My main interest is how this globalisation of the English Language will influence English as a language. Is the idea of globalisation of English not just a triumphalist notion? Will the increase of the use of English in non-English speaking countries change English vocabulary and grammar? Will the use of 'Fusion English' increase? Paradoxically, could it mean that the population of Europe will become monolingual and could therefore mother languages become extinct?"
Abstract This paper discusses the myths and misconceptions of EnglishLanguage Learners. The paper focuses on the training of Ell teachers, difficulties in teaching Ell and a brief discussion on strategies of effective Ell teaching.
From the Paper "During the last decade, the number of English Language Learners (ELLs) has risen significantly in classrooms all over the US with the increasing diversity of American society. ELLs, as a group, has consistently fared far worse in standardized testing than their peers, especially in the case of language arts tests. Essentially, state tests indicate that ELL students typically score..."
Abstract This paper is an extensive review of the ideas put forward in Lippi-Green's book, "English with an Accent". It begins with a short example of the extent of language discrimination. It continues to discuss why a stereotype of people who speak with an accent exists. It also explores the effects that communicating with "improper" English has on society. The paper explains that language is a flexible tool for denoting social status and social allegiances. The author concludes that language discrimination, although subconscious, should be brought to light and dealt with.
From the Paper " In school clarity of thought is linked to written language, and there is little effort to separate written from spoken. The aim is to make children active members of literacy communities rather than language communities. The silencing of voices considered unworthy or unequal is done by statements (such as, "It is inappropriate for a law student to ask a question in Hawaii'ian Creole English") (Lippi-Green, 1997, p. 107). A child in the classroom may be criticized for using vernacular English instead of Standard. At home the same child may be criticized for using Standard at the dinner table instead of the family's home language. The task for students is to discern when it is appropriate to use one or the other. "
Abstract This paper discusses the English studies and language instruction in Japan from a business point of view. It explores the relation of the Englishlanguage to the Japanese economy. It expands on the use of "Japlish." The author also discusses the cultural barriers.
Abstract This paper argues that English-only legislation in America does not recognize current national realities. Multi-lingualism is a fact in the United States, a result of a multi-ethnic population. This paper also explores why some minority groups are more reluctant to learn English, and the cultural implications of language. Finally, a comparison is made to previous generations of immigrants and their desire to integrate via the Englishlanguage.
From the Paper "However, the mainstream America of earlier times (and this is not just a linguistic problem) no longer exists. And identity and selfhood, which immigrants to America once strove, but do not always strive as much today, to make American through and through, run much deeper than just words one speaks, reads, writes, and understands. A real solution to the "English Only' dilemma (although probably equally impractical within America today) would be to discover ways, if any still exist, of recreating the burning incentive immigrants once felt to learn English quickly and well, in order to assimilate into mainstream American life. Perhaps, in today's fragmented, fractured (politically; socially; ideologically; and in terms of race and class, not just in terms of language) America, those incentives, for myriad reasons beyond the scope of this paper, have vanished. That, it seems, is the actual problem in America today. Multilingualism is just a symptom of that problem."
Tags: Mulitlingualism, Hispanic, official, language
Abstract This paper explains that bilinguals are not inferior to monolinguals in any way; however, there still exist various stereotypes against bilinguals, which range from the claim by professions, such as speech therapists and medical doctors, that hearing two or more languages in childhood causes language disorder and language delay to the idea that bilinguals are slow learners and are losers in life. The paper reports that in order to fit themselves into school and society, some young bilinguals begin to learn English and, as soon as they have learned barely enough to get by, use their home languages less and less until they gradually lose it totally: This phenomenon is first language loss. The author stresses that first language loss is not a "necessary or inevitable outcome" when children acquire a second language.
Table of Content
Introduction
Bilingualism
Types of Bilingualism
Studies on Bilingualism
First Language Loss
Process of First Language Loss
Consequences of First Language Loss
Fostering a Positive Linguistic Environment
Conclusion
From the Paper "From these accounts, it is apparent that two major consequences of first language loss lie on family relationship and the crises of self-image and cultural identity. As far as family relationship is concerned, there is a lot of "shame, anger, frustration, and embarrassment attached to the loss of a first language". To the individuals, a negative self-image was common, resulting either from coming from non-English speaking families or being an outsider of their own ethnic group. At the same time, these people are usually haunted by the uncertainty of their own identity, because they are unable to identify themselves with either their home language culture or the dominant English culture. Besides, along the process of growing up into monolinguals in English, they were all neglected, isolated, and despised in one way or another. Life has been a constant struggle to them simply because they happen to have been born into non-English speaking families."
Abstract This paper explains good and bad uses to which ambiguity in the Englishlanguage are put. The author argues that there is a linkage between language ambiguity and ethics. The paper presents examples of linguistic ambiguity.
From the Paper "Ambiguity as a linguistic and rhetorical strategy can take a variety of forms as Empson shows in "Seven Types of Ambiguity". It is important to recognize that Empson's study does not necessarily exhaust the subject of linguistic ambiguity when he identifies seven ..."
Abstract This paper examines the recent decline in the proper use of English writing within literature. Specifically, the paper makes reference to George Orwell's "Politics and the EnglishLanguage" which points out the poor quality of English usage today. The paper shows a number of examples where modern English differs from Standard English, as well as some general examples of bad English.
From the Paper "Orwell believes that the first terrible mistake made by modern writers is the use of old and almost dead metaphors. He is of the view that since writers no longer try to build their vocabulary or invent new and better phrases for themselves, they often use similes or metaphors that have become so dry and dull, that they do not serve their purpose and fail to excite the readers. He writes, ?there is a huge dump of worn-out metaphors which have lost all evocative power and are merely used because they save people the trouble of inventing phrases for themselves."
Abstract This paper explains that speakers of a language such as English in which the grammatical diminutive plays an insignificant part, the fact that other languages use the diminutive so frequently can seem rather quaint. The paper goes on to say that the diminutive is a highly useful grammatical structure, one that speakers of languages without a diminutive have to compensate for in various often less than elegant ways. This paper examines the grammatical diminutive in the Romance languages.
From the Paper "For speakers of a language such as English in which the grammatical diminutive plays an insignificant part, the fact that other languages use the diminutive so frequently can seem rather quaint. But the diminutive is, in fact, a highly useful grammatical structure, one that speakers of languages without a diminutive or with an anemic diminutive, as is the case in English, have to compensate for in various (often less than elegant) ways. This paper examines the grammatical diminutive in the Romance languages. We should begin by defining the grammatical..."
Abstract The author of the paper discusses the clear importance of learning fluent English as a way to integrate into American society and advance in life. He studies the opinions of ESL instructors who commented on the importance of English fluency and the difficulties faced by new immigrants wishing to become Americans without losing their heritage.
From the Paper "Census figures show there are 329 different languages spoken in the United States today including English. Even so, 97% of Americans speak English "well" or "very well." (Census 5) Immigrants who stay with others from their country and speak their native language at home are less likely to speak English fluently. This creates an economic factor because it is more difficult for them to find career positions. Instead, they are stuck in low paying jobs where the language is not a barrier. Those who propose English as the official language of the U.S. are not anti-immigrant. They are concerned with statistics from the Census bureau that predict by the year 2050 there will be over 21 million people unable to speak English in the United States. (Census 6) "
Tags: British, Empire, U.S., English, Foundation, census, foreign, language
