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Language and Mathematics, 2006.
Discusses the similarities between natural human languages and mathematics.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
Normally, natural human languages and mathematics are regarded as being diametrically opposed to one another. Mathematics is formal and is marked by precision; the objects of theory must be carefully defined so that the informal can be formalized. Natural human language on the other hand is flexible, and one term can denote not just multiple meanings but opposing ones as well. This paper explains that, in spite of these differences, human language and mathematics actually share common ground such as the fact that both human language and the language of mathematics actually have a precise formal structure.
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'Bilingual Language Processing', 2006.
A critique of an article entitled "Bilingual Language Processing".
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 1 source, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper summarizes the rationale behind the investigators' research presented in the article "Bilingual Language Processing" as well as the research outcome and the investigators' conclusions on how bilingual subjects process language. The paper also points out some concerns over the methodology employed and how future studies might be able to avoid these (e.g. concerns over sample size, devices used, etc.).
From the Paper
"The investigators in the study "Shared and separate systems in bilingual language processing: Converging evidence from eye tracking and brain imaging" sought to prove that initial parallel processing of language occurs in bilinguals, only to later on default to processing in discrete cortical centers (Marian, Spivey & Hirsch, 2002). This article tackles two distinct concerns regarding language processing in bilinguals: the first being whether one or both languages were [simultaneously] processed and whether discrete cortical regions existed for each language or shared common regions within such areas as the inferior frontal gyrus (ibid.). According to their review of literature, the question of whether parallel processing versus "serial" processing, wherein the lexicon not utilized is shut off in favor of the other, remained unresolved..."
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Contemporary Language, 2006.
This paper examines the development of language in relation to society today.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that contemporary language often gives us important insights into our society and culture. This is not surprising; the paper explains how after all, our words are shaped by our society and culture and our society and culture in turn shape our words. In fact the two are so integrally related that it is very much a chicken and egg situation; it is difficult to say which comes first.
From the Paper
"Language progresses with the development of society, with the result that every time Oxford University Press publishes an update of their authoritative dictionary, they need to add in new words that have been coined due to popular discourse."
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French as a Global Language, 2006.
This paper argues reasons for the French language to be considered as a global language.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
In this article examines the language of French and argues that French is a major or global language. The writer firstly defines the expression global language and explains that there are believed to be approximately 6700 languages in the world. To prove this argument, five characteristics of French are used to demonstrate that it is a global language.
From the Paper
Human beings speak a tremendous number of languages. According to Professor Mary MacKeracher, "There are about 6700 languages in the world". Just because there are a large number of languages in the world does not mean that they are all equal in terms of numbers of speakers or distribution. Some languages such as English are spoken by a large number of people in many different countries. Other languages are spoken by a small numbers of people in relatively small geographic areas. Languages with large numbers of speakers and a wide geographic distribution are generally known as major or global languages. There are a number of languages that could be ... "
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Familiarity, 2005.
Research on the topic of familiarity.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 3 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper devises a research project on fluency and familiarity in memory. It is based on an earlier study in which the researchers argue that the feeling of familiarity is caused by a perception of discrepancy instead of on fluency as such, though earlier researchers had postulated fluency as the reason for familiarity. It explains that those earlier researchers had found that subjects tended to have feelings of familiarity when they had less trouble processing information so that they then thought they had experienced the information before.
From the Paper
"This research is based on a previous experiment by Whittlesea and Williams (2001) in which the researchers argue that the feeling of familiarity is caused by a perception of discrepancy instead of on fluency as such, though earlier researchers had postulated fluency as the reason for familiarity. Those earlier researchers had found that subjects tended to have feelings of familiarity when they had less trouble processing information so that they then thought they had experienced the information before. In two earlier studies, Whittlesea and Williams had found that the feeling of familiarity was rather based on a discrepancy between how they actually perform and how they expect to perform on a given stimulus in a given context."
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Evolution of Language, 2005.
This paper examines the various models of how language developed.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 11 sources, $ 97.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses language acquisition and the evolution of language, describing models that have been proposed for the evolutionary development of the human language faculty and for the processes involved, with some empirical support for the different models. The paper concludes that the issue remains unresolved as far as deciding on one specific model over all others.
From the Paper
"Language acquisition has been much studied as to ways in which speakers learn language in the first place, then learn other languages if they do and add words to their store of knowledge as an ongoing process. Another issue has been the origins of language of any sort, extending back as far in the historical record as possible and then considering how human beings may have first started communicating using a language. Different models have been proposed for the evolutionary development of the human language faculty and for the processes involved, with some empirical support for the different models. The issue remains unresolved as far as deciding on one specific model over all others. One view of the origin of language is discussed by Hewes 1992 and the idea that the first human language was primarily gestural, following the way various primates communicate (1992:65)."
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Can Chimpanzees Talk?, 2005.
This paper examines speaking to chimpanzees and the approaches debated today.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the largely North American pursuit of debating whether the chimpanzee can be taught to speak. The paper explores the numerous experiments and hypotheses and the contention among social scientists. The paper describes how this work has continued since the 1950s and with earlier behavioral work in the 1930s, yet chimpanzees show little aptitude or interest in speaking with Homo sapiens.
From the Paper
"The human enterprise of teaching chimpanzees to communicate in English has continued, as a venture of psychologists, as well as primatologists. In the 1920s and 1930s, Robert Yerkes examined the behaviour of chimpanzees in their African habitat, noticing that they would imitate his actions but not the sounds he made. Before long, the first of what has proven a succession of husband and wife chimpanzee-parents and language teachers materialized as in Kellogg & Kellogg who, in the early 1930s, stated that the vocal apparatus of the chimpanzee had made their teaching efforts impossible."
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Effects of Language, 2005.
This paper provides an analysis of cultural language theories by comparing two pieces of literature.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the essay "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan in comparison to the work "If Black English isn't a Language, Then tell me, what is?" by James Baldwin. The paper first summarizes the two essays, and then compares their usage of examples and the tone of each author. The paper concludes that Amy Tan's work is more effective because of the success of these factors.
From the Paper
"Amy Tan describes the effects of language as based upon personal experiences, while James Baldwin describes the linguistic heritage of his language upon the society and culture of African Americans. As thus, in some regards, they remain difficult to compare or contrast. However, Amy Tan's effectual use of specific examples and her tone throughout the piece contributes to making her piece, "Mother Tongue," clearer than "If Black English Isn't a Language, Then Tell Me, What is?" by James Baldwin. In "Mother Tongue," Amy Tan describes the effect of language--in all of its atmospheres--on her childhood and the early parts of her career. She conveys the multiple versions of English which she utilizes daily, from the 'simple' English she employs with her mother or Chinese family to the standard, grammatically wrought English of formal writing."
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Language Biography and Analysis, 2005.
This paper presents an interview with a person who grew up speaking more than one language.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 4 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
The goal of the exercise is to elicit a language autobiography, an account that focuses on the language experiences of someone who has grown up with more than one language. The paper explains that these language experiences may be tied to different speakers, places or both. The person selected was a woman who emigrated from Greece immediately following WWII. The paper also includes a transcription of the interview.
From the Paper
"Me: First, let me say how much I appreciate your taking the time for this interview. Yia-Yia: It's my pleasure. When Kali asked me if I'd be interested in speaking with you, I thought it would be a good experience for both of us. Me: It's interesting that you should say so. Why is that? Yia-Yia: We Greeks can be very insular, even when we live in other countries. It's always good to have the opportunity to clear up some misconceptions, especially when most Americans only have information about the Greek culture through church festivals. Me: Believe me, I'm glad to have the opportunity. So, my first question for you is, what languages do you currently speak? Yia-Yia: I speak mostly Greek and English, of course and some French. I learned some French by staying in Rheims with family after the war."
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Chimpanzee Talk, 2005.
This paper explores the possibility of speech in chimpanzees.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper describes the ongoing interest to chimpanzee's language ability, although they are a largely non-verbal species, who communicate by way of gestures. The paper explains that efforts to teach chimpanzees to speak, as they are almost 100 per cent genetically similar to Homo sapiens, are hoped to produce knowledge of human language acquisition, in the beginning and subjects of language development.
From the Paper
"Marcel Danesi summarized post-World War II efforts to teach chimpanzees to speak, led by the 1960s research of Allen and Beatrix Gardner of the University of Nevada, that centered on their female subject "Washoe" which commenced when the chimpanzee was almost one year of age. (2004: 42, Gardner:1975) Washoe proved capable of using 132 signs of American Sign Language (ASL) within five years. Moreover, Washoe could combine signs to express sets of syntactic relations. The same was accomplished by four other chimpanzees taught ASL that, along with Washoe, were analyzed by Roger S. Fouts. (1996)"
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The Acquisition of Language, 2005.
This paper explores the wonder of language acquisition in our lives.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 2 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the different forces which makes language such a central role in our lives. The paper looks at how we gain our language skills, how we deal with these language skills socially and culturally and how they define us communally and individually. The paper looks, finally, at how we form our perceptions of ourselves in this world.
From the Paper
"For many people, the acquisition of language occurs so naturally and happened so long ago, that it is a process that they rarely consider. It might cross one's mind when one has a baby or meets someone with a language disability, yet, these thoughts usually recede in accordance with our busy schedules. However, the acquisition and development of language is so intricate and amazing that it is rather amazing it occurs so naturally overall. Language is responsible for a large scope of our human abilities, and thus it is our task to fully examine our language and communication capacities in regards to our development of language."
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Communications in Canada, 2005.
An examination of communication in Canada through the use of language.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 7 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that language not only allows humans the ability to communicate but also - through the complex and layered sign systems that make up language - shapes our understanding of the world around us, and reflects the systems of power and control that exist within this social world. The paper examine how humans acquire language and the consequences this acquisition has for individuals and society.
From the Paper
"Communications in Canada:"
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Language Development, 2005.
An analysis of the effects of low income on the language development of preschoolers.
3,150 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 10 sources, $ 124.95
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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). "
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Social Change Reflected in Linguistic Change, 2005.
A discussion of different social and linguistic values found in Canadian society, with particular emphasis on "Glocal English".
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses social change, reflected in different social and linguistic values. It discusses the changing Canadian English in French, in relation to "Glocal English", but also, the effect of multiculturalism, in the many languages spoken in large cities. The paper presents an interview with this in mind, indicating adjustments made by native English speakers in Toronto, without thinking, due to the many citizens who do not know English well. The paper concludes that "Glocal English" and Americanization are present, but also, this other fascinating phenomenon of social and linguistic change.
From the Paper
"Social Change Reflected in Linguistic Change. Introduction Social change indicates linguistic change, and notably, in an officially bilingual Canada whose English and French populations have seen the infusion of dozens of other languages, many of them that remain in daily use. In Metropolitan Toronto, one-half of the population was born beyond Canada and one grows accustomed to expecting that a stranger to whom one speaks will speak English as the second, third or perhaps fourth language. Another change pertains to both English and French Canada in the arrival of terms and pronunciations considered American and towards a more American idiom of Canadian English."
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Cultural Identity, 2005.
An analysis of language as a definition of cultural identity, focusing on school-aged children.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on language as it defines cultural identity. The paper examines the lives of individuals that have experienced a cultural separation from society, discovering their personal and cultural identities through language. The paper then further discusses how school age children develop their attitudes about their lives and the world through the acceptance by society of their cultures and their languages of origin.
From the Paper
"Language As a Definition of Cultural Identity Individuals that are born into specific cultures are taught through the practices of the culture how to relate to one another, what is acceptable in society, and what their roles are within the constraints of the cultural system. Just as children comprehend gender specifics from their interactions with parental figures from the time that they are born, culture becomes a significant part of the identity of the child because until socialization with the rest of the world begins with school enrollment, the child understands the world specifically through the culture that he or she is associated with. Language is a significant part of that cultural identity. Regardless of the language, each culture communicates with one another with variations of the proper spoken word, such as through slang, phrases, or abbreviated words."
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