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Seeing Voices: A Journey into the World of the Deaf by Oliver Sacks, 2001.
Discusses 1989 book that focuses on the development of sign language. Differences between the pre and post-lingually deaf. Development of linguistic competence.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, $ 39.95
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From the Paper
"In his book, Seeking Voices: A trip to the world of the deaf, Oliver Sacks spends most of his time dealing with the development and of sign language for the deaf, and the fact that before the development of modern sign language, many deaf people were considered retarded because they were unable to communicate. Even with early versions of sign language, the deaf were limited in developing language skills because so much of language depends on "hearing" the spoken word - intonations, inflections, the emotions it contains, etc. These are difficult to convey in sign language. By its very nature, sign language is a kind of shorthand form of communication.
Many schools for the deaf teach their students to vocalize as well as use sign language because, while the deaf can converse fluently among themselves in sign language, most people in ..."
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Linguistics and Written Composition, 2001.
Analysis of systems of language, formal & informal, spoken & written language.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 10 sources, $ 71.95
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From the Paper
" Effects of Linguistics on Written Composition
Naomi S. Baron (1981) has commented that since the birth of nineteenth century comparative philology, the position of writing in linguistic analysis has tended to be tenuous at best. Most of the classical linguists made the primacy of speech in linguistic analysis overt and the discipline has tended to restrict its inquiry to spoken language. Written materials have been introduced into analysis only where necessary for diachronic study. Over time, however, says Baron (1981), many linguists have come to the conclusion that spoken, written, and sign languages should be seen as different linguistic means or modes of representing human experiences which people find it necessary to convey to one another. Baron (1981, p. 72) quotes Sapir in defining language as "a purely human and non-instinctive method of.."
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English as a Threat to Other Languages, 2000.
A paper which examines the economic reasons for the spread of the English language and the effect that this trend has on society.
1,070 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper covers the influx of English into most countries as the language of economics and commerce. The paper discusses the general fear that English could overwhelm most native tongues. The paper includes a graph of European language preferences from the Eurobarometer.
From the Paper
"Linguistics is the study of language. The world serves as a unique model for linguists due to the variety of methods of communication, whether spoken or not: sign language, isolated dialects, click languages, pidgins- they all offer a different vocabulary, system of grammar, and pronunciation. However the variety of the world's languages is being threatened, by a language that borrows from most of the Romance and Germanic languages of Europe: English."
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Disney Take On American History, 2002.
An analysis of the use of dialects and accents in Disney's "Pocahontas" to portray various ideas about character.
2,262 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the Disney film "Pocahontas" from the standpoint of linguistics students. The dialect of each character is identified and classified, and put in perspective with the others. The native dialects and ethnicities of the actors providing the voices are taken into account as well. The paper illustrates Disney's ability to play into our preconceived ideas about how we should speak and how it relates to other aspects of our lives, including sexuality.
From the Paper
" "In sixteen hundred seven we sail the open sea, for glory, God, and gold and the Virginia Company." So begin the opening lines of Disney's "Pocahontas," just to give a bit of background for the children in the audience who have not yet had American History. In the film "Pocahontas," Disney makes a very sincere effort to promote diversity and racial acceptance, and to dispel common stereotypes about Native Americans. At the same time, however, and perhaps unintentionally, they perpetuate other linguistic stereotypes, as I intend to show."
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The Ebonics Debate, 2002.
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.
1,850 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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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."
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Cerebral Function, 2002.
This paper discusses some of the important cerebral functions and also reviews the research carried out by psycho-linguist Barbara Lust.
690 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 24.95
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Abstract
The following paper examines the way in which Barbara Lust, a psycho-linguist dismisses the old notion that children learn language through copying and discusses her view that it is the brain of a child that prepares him for learning the intricacies of a language. The paper also addresses some other important functions including the ones performed by the frontal lobes.
From the Paper
"Cerebral functions are not exactly the easiest of things to grasp and comprehend, as brain itself is an organ full of intricate complexities. Brain is literally the main control room of the entire body and therefore whatever a man does, learns or says is directly or indirectly a function of the brain. It is therefore interesting to understand what are some of the most important and complex responsibilities of the brain.
One of the primary jobs of brain is to prepare us to react to what happens in our environment on daily basis. In other words, our brain is supposed to regulate our responses to circumstances, this is what keeps us alert and awake by storing recent memory in the frontal lobes of the brain which are often referred to as the Gatekeeper."
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The Study of Language, 2001.
The following paper examines the theories of bilingualism and multilingalism, language acquisition and language learning, making reference to a number of case studies.
2,790 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 83.95
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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."
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The Future of English and Mother Tongue, 2001.
This essay deals with shifts of languages other than English and the globalization of English.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 60.95
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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?"
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The History of the Portuguese Language, 2002.
A look at the Portuguese language from the start to modern times.
3,295 words (approx. 13.2 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 94.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the history of the Portuguese language from 218 BC to the present modern-day Portuguese. The paper also discusses the various Portuguese speaking countries and traces the language from its inception. Statistics and maps showing numbers and area distribution of the Portuguese language are also included.
From the Paper
"The Portuguese language, which evolved from spoken Latin, developed on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula (now Portugal and the Spaniard province of Galicia) included in the province the Romans called Lusitania. When the Romans invaded the peninsula in 218 B.C. the people living in the region adopted Latin, the Roman's language" (on-line, orbital). From then until the 9th century, all spoke Romance, which is a language representing an intermediate stage between vulgar or common Latin and modern Latin languages, which include Portuguese, Castilian (Spanish from Spain), French and Galician (on-line, cplp)."
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To Be or Not To Be, 2002.
A paper which presents a detailed examination of the semantics of the English language
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 80.95
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Abstract
In this detailed exploration into the semantics of English, this paper produces several examples to illustrate the foundational creativity of the language and its use of semantics in sentence structure and use.
From the Paper
"In the study of semantics in the English language, the history of the language and words is as important as the creativity of their use and meaning. The history of many words in the English language can be dated back to the Latin and Greek days of power. Many English words are derivatives of the Latin terms that were used. Today, the medical industry still uses words that are Latin derivatives when it comes to many diagnosis names and medications in that field. The semantics of the English language is also heavily involved with the creative use of words that have double and sometimes triple meanings. Very few languages have the ability or desire to use one word as a verb and a noun at the same time. Most language are firmly divided for the purpose of clarity but the English language semantics trusts that those using the language will be able to figure it out and be pleased with the results. The language itself has changed many times over the years."
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The Study of African-American Vernacular English, 2001.
A look at the language developed by the African-Americans and its move from a "slang" to a recognized dialect of English.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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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."
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Analysis of the Irish Language (Gaelige), 2001.
The past, present and future of the Irish language.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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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."
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Semantics and Cultural Analysis, 1999.
This paper looks at how language is defined by different cultures.
3,170 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper shows how cultural misunderstandings are often as a result of incorrect or incomplete translations. The writer explains that people are influenced by the culture in which they live and this helps form their impressions and the ways in which they communicate. Consequently, a metalanguage is required to enable people to discuss a specific language without their culture impacting upon it.
From the Paper
"Cultural differences, which upon careful analysis may not be very great, are often exaggerated by the language barrier thus making it hard to conduct a comprehensive cultural analysis. If a person were to attempt to analyse another culture purely in terms of their own culture, this would clearly lead to misunderstanding and a breakdown in communication. This cultural divide is reinforced by the differing languages spoken in the varying cultures being compared. Whilst in a cultural analysis cultures may not be directly compared, the person conducting the analysis is still influenced by the culture to which they belong. As language forms a part of the activities which people undertake in their cultures, language is obviously going to have a large impact upon the cultural analysis being undertaken. By this, I am referring to the fact that if the person conducting the analysis merely translates lexemes from another language into his/her own language, the analysis will be incorrect as the cultural concepts underpinning the languages will be different. Thus it becomes necessary to be able to give definitions in a consistent fashion which does not rely upon any particular cultural concepts."
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The "Critical Period", 2001.
This paper gives an evaluation of the theoretical claims, empirical evidence, and practical consequences associated with the concept of the critical period.
3,980 words (approx. 15.9 pages), 26 sources, MLA, $ 108.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the critical period hypothesis which suggests that languages cannot be learned after the age of twelve. However, an evaluation of evidence from many different sources suggests that this is not accurate. It examines sources such as: Studies of second language learning methods, wild children studies and the theories of Noam Chomsky and Stephen Krashen. Factors which make it easier for children to learn language, such as parentheses, are also discussed.
From the Paper
"The "critical period" hypothesis cites a commonly observable phenomenon, the fact that children find language learning much easier than adults, and learn language remarkably quickly, to claim that language learning is more difficult, or impossible after puberty. The concept of "critical periods" was initially introduced in the study of animal behaviour, where it was noticed that certain behavioural responses only emerged when stimulus was given within a particular time frame. This concept has been applied to many species, including humans, with regard to the development of specific emotional responses such as stress. In 1967 Lenneberg proposed that this concept also applied to human linguistic development, seeing language as a response, and exposure to language as the stimulus. There are two versions of this hypothesis: the "strong" version, which claims that no language acquisition is possible after puberty, and the "weak" version, which maintains that language learning will be much more difficult. A distinction is often made between "language acquisition", the way in which children unconsciously learn their native tongue, and "language learning" which implies formal instruction, and Lenneberg maintains this distinction himself."
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Argot: Language Used in Prisons Today, 2002.
An analysis of the language of thieves (argot) which is spoken is prison.
2,870 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 85.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes prison language, prison inmates and prison gangs. It looks at the use of such dialects in other cultures and situations and how they came about.
From the Paper
"In every culture, language differs in some manner, more in some than others. Language can be defined as a means of communication in which vocal sounds are combined into meaningful units to convey thoughts and feelings. Language can differ from culture to culture no matter how far apart they are from each other or how they differ. Take for instance, ebonics, a specialized language used solely by African-American people in the inner city, and although it is made up mostly of slang, it actually gets taught in some schools. People living in the same block may not understand the language, and the same can be said of prisoners located in our cities, who have their own language. In prison, inmates have a language that is entirely unique and cannot be compared to any other language, called argot, which would sound like meaningless babble to the common person, but this code is necessary knowledge to all prison inmates and guards."
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