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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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Holding Up "A House Divided" - Lincoln's Caution Regarding Emancipation, 2001.
The following paper discusses Lincoln's now-famous "House Divided" speech of 1858 which exemplifies the primary factors that strongly influenced him on both a personal and a political level.
2,380 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper explores Lincoln?s eloquence of language and simplicity of reason that brought him to the attention of the newly-formed political party known as the Republicans and prompted them to present him to a surprised Washington as their platform's candidate in the presidential election of 1860. The abolition of slavery and the events concerning this issue are discussed in detail.
Table of contents
A Personal View of A Divided Nation
A Pragmatic Policy Toward Emancipation
A Short Second Term
From the Paper
?Abraham Lincoln's election to the U.S. presidency occurred at a time when tensions between the Northern and Southern sectors of the nation had been embroiled in a bitter dispute regarding slavery for quite some time. By the time of the 1860 election, Lincoln's view on the institution of slavery was common and widespread knowledge within both the North and the South, and each of these sectors had both preconceptions and expectations of the new president's first official acts of office. Both sides, along with the majority of Washington officials, expected an immediate proclamation concerning the abolition of slavery. Both sides, as well as Washington, however, were yet again surprised, for the new president had on his mind and as his policy a more gradual and pragmatic emancipation plan.?
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Oral Reports, 2001.
An analysis of oral reports with respect to Robert Harris's article: ?Ideas for Enhancing Oral Reports".
1,055 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper analyses the presentation of oral reports in respect to Robert Harris' article: ?Ideas for Enhancing Oral Reports". Harris offers general advice that is applicable to all individuals who might be faced with giving an oral report. The paper details tips for ways to make oral reports a success. The author concludes that oral presentations can contribute to the education of both the giver and the speaker if both members of the ?dialogue? between audience and the giver of the presentation are attentive and make use of media beyond that of the simple spoken word.
From the Paper
"One of the most dreaded tasks a teacher can assign for some students is to give an oral report. The idea of getting up in front of people and speaking to them paralyzes them with fear. This can be true even if they are relatively extroverted and relaxed people in more informal social situations. To watch a person give a bad oral report can be almost painful as giving one. If one is in the audience, one is tempted to look away, to stare at one?s desk, rather than listening to information that is rambling, incoherent, and poorly presented. How does someone avoid giving such a poor report? In his article, ?Ideas for Enhancing Oral Reports,? located at the Virtual Salt Website on the World Wide Web, Robert Harris offers advice for those faced with such a task."
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Hate Speech, 2001.
An examination of how to deal with the concept of hate speech in our society.
1,235 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper is an in-depth examination of how to deal with the issue of hate speech. The author looks at the Constitution, specifically at the contradictions between the 14th Amendment and the concept of freedom of speech. The author looks at some of the commentary written by Jon Locke, or Jon Stuart Mill, and even Aristotle, on the problem of freedom of speech. The author presents historical and modern-day examples of some of the conflicts that have occurred in trying to determine the parameters of freedom of speech, and hate speech in our society.
From the Paper
"John Locke would probably have weighed in on the importance of limiting the speech before it gets to the point where person feels that he or she is endangered. His empirical system of philosophy emphasized the importance of the experience of the senses in pursuit of knowledge rather than intuitive speculation or deduction. Having come into this world with our minds entirely free of innate conceptions, Locke argued that all human thought is based upon experience. And it is the experiences of minorities within American culture that makes them fear the consequences of hate speech; they have learned through their experiences in the world that bigoted speech easily and often turns into bigoted action (Dunn 48). Another essential part of Locke?s philosophy was that all persons are born equal, which would no doubt incline him to value the equal protection of each person under the rule of law (Dunn 121)."
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Cross-Cultural Politeness Analysis with Brown and Levinson Model, 2000.
This paper examines cross-cultural politeness using the Brown and Levinson's model.
5,855 words (approx. 23.4 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 140.95
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Abstract
This paper is a critical analysis of cross-cultural politeness using the Brown and Levinson's model as a basis for defining and understanding politeness and applying it to three Asian languages: Chinese; Cantonese and Japanese.
From the Paper
"What is politeness? If I propose that 'politeness' be used as pragmatically terminology, the preferable definition is to be found in appropriateness. It can be also said to be universal only in the sense that every society has some sort of norms for the appropriate behavior, although these norms are vary. The primary purpose of this paper is to provide a cross-cultural context by applying a well-known Brown and Levinson's model (1978 and revised in 1987), which has been applied in various settings, from casual services, encounters to EFL classrooms. However, Brown and Levinson's model (1978) has been criticized for being too geared to Western (especially American) notions of "independence" and, hence, for its limited applicability in Asian contexts. I have attempted in the following by first giving a general and brief account for Brown and Levinson's model (1978), and then try to apply and analyze the Brown and Levinson's model (1978) in three Asian languages: Chinese; Cantonese and Japanese. "
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The Fallacies of Metalanguage and Scientific Language Construction, 2002.
This paper is a critique of Anna Wierzbicka's "Speech Acts and Speech Genres Across Languages and Cultures."
1,775 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the theories of Anna Wierzbicka and her use of a "metalanguage" in order to solve the ambiguities and culture-contextual problems inherent in language. The paper argues the absurdity of Wierzbicka's theory.
From the Paper
"In her piece, "Speech Acts and Speech Genres Across Languages and Cultures", Anna Wierzbicka attempts to construct a 'metalanguage' for linguists to define foreign terms and concepts. (1992) This metalanguage, as it was proposed, would eliminate the ambiguity of using culturally loaded words when attempting to define speech acts, genres, and events in other languages. While her initial premise concerning culturally loaded text was intriguing; the attempted creation of a pseudo-scientific 'metalanguage' was not only absurd, but also defied her own initial discussion on the specific cultural context of speech acts."
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Authority in Ethnography, 2001.
This is a critique of James Clifford and Michael Fisher's work on the authority of language and literary elements in ethnographic writing.
1,420 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper follows the historical development of Clifford's theory of ethnographic authority. It also attempts to expand upon these notions, especially as they pertain to developments in the last decade and the new notion of anthropologist as autobiographer. It discusses the evolution of this field, and how in the last few years an increasingly popular form of anthropology has centered around the use of autobiographical writing, and it's impact on the field.
From the Paper
"It appears almost as if, some twelve years after Clifford's article, the history of hermeneutics he discussed and critiqued has come full circle. The pronoun 'the' used in description has become 'I,' and the professionalization of anthropology has, while anything but disintegrated, at least had to re-recognize the power of voices outside its own. This adds an interesting new chapter to Clifford's discussion of hermeneutics. Not that all, or even a large amount, of anthropology has become autobiographical in nature. Nor does it mean that this is necessarily an all positive and un-critiqued movement. Not only is the idea of an autobiographer and self ethnographer not widely accepted, but there are still very few traditional ethnographic texts with a large voice by informants."
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Burke's Contributions to Rhetoric, 2001.
This paper discusses Kenneth Burke's contributions to rhetoric and its importance as a communicative tool.
2,890 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 7 sources, $ 85.95
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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."
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"Delia" by Samuel Daniel, 2001.
This paper discusses the importance of Samuel Daniel?s "Delia" through its structure and the creation of the modern sonnet.
2,810 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 8 sources, $ 83.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of Samuel Daniel?s "Delia" through its structure and the creation of the modern sonnet. The author explores Daniel's influences including Sir Philip Sidney and Shakespeare, and his use of the Petrarchan writing mechanisms. Further this paper examines the significance of the sonnet to the English Renaissance and European poetry.
From the paper:
"Samuel Daniel?s Delia presents to the modern reader a nearly perfect mechanism through which to contemplate the structure of the sonnet in English as it first came to be incorporated into the common practice of this language. His use of Petrarchan forms and metrical traditions demonstrates that the sonnet when it first entered into wide use in the Renaissance was indeed a direct carry-over from the Italian, a mimicking by English writers of the Italianate structure of neoclassicism, a harkening back to Rome and so to Athens."
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Ramus v. Quintilian: The Clash of Rival Fallacies, 2002.
An examination of the conflict and rhetoric clashes between Ramus and Quintilian.
1,405 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the battle between Peter Ramus and Quintilian. The author compares this battle to the one between Iran and Iraq and examines the way that the United States aided Iraq to fight Iran in the 1980?s because she wanted to even ground and protract the war to make sure both sides lost many lives. The author compares this situation to the one in the battle between Peter Ramus and Quintilian where a stalemate of winning arguments arises and both sides have lost.
From the paper:
"With the considerable lashing Ramus unleashes on Quintilian, one would expect ridiculous argumentation from the former and substantial rebuttal from the later. However, Ramus only emerges victorious on one front, the separation of morality and rhetoric. His second onslaught, conversely, never penetrates Quintilian?s solid wall of reason. Without invention, arrangement, and memory, rhetoric fails to persuade. With clear victory implausible for either party, witnesses to the squabble find themselves echoing the sentiment of Henry Kissinger: Quintilian and Ramus have both lost."
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English-Only Initiatives, 2001.
This is a persuasive essay that discusses the advantages of teaching solely in the English language in the U.S.
1,335 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 1 source, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the pros and cons of teaching solely in English in the United States. The author explains how the advantages convince us that we should adopt instruction in English nationwide in order to live up to our reputation as a land of equality among our residents. The paper also discusses how teaching in languages alienates English speakers from non-English speakers.
From the paper:
"In the United States, we residents are well known for our diversity and ability to accept many different things. The battle over the most effective way to teach our children has resulted in an ongoing debate between teaching in the English language or bilingual education. Not only has bilingual education been a failure in many parts of the country, but also a waste of precious financial resources. The prevailing language in the U.S. is English, and it has worked well to keep the country united. With a high number of diverse cultures cohabitating, the assortment of languages has served to promote ethnic elitism. Those who do not speak English fluently are incessantly among lower social classes."
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Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 2001.
Discusses the spread and decline of various languages.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the pros and cons of bilingualism focusing on the homogenizing of the world's languages and the struggle to keep some languages and cultures alive. It mentions the effects of colonial powers, the necessities of learning other languages for trade purposes and the reluctance of younger members of minority groups to learn their original tongue. Contains information such as the top nine countries language wise contain 3,300 languages. The paper also discusses the gradual process of change in a language.
From the paper:
?Bilingualism is a reality today and it will become a greater reality as time goes. The extent to which it is prevalent is evidenced by the presence of bilinguals in every country today, as well as in every social class and every age group. International travel, communication and the mass media, emigration and planetary economics have created a so-called global village whereby inhabitants speak more than their own native language."
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Linguistics, 2001.
The differences between American English and Canadian English.
3,000 words (approx. 12.0 pages), 13 sources, $ 88.95
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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]"
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Three Eras of Communication, 2001.
This paper will explain the nature of three eras of communication as reflected in a specific example taken from very recent, contemporary times.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The following paper discusses the "Three Eras of Communication,? that Sarah Russell Hankins? talks about in her essay. According to her essay, three eras of communication can be divided roughly as existing in three distinct eras or forms of idea transmission. The author discusses the primary orality era, the literary era and the secondary literary orality.
From the paper:
" The second of these eras is that of the secondary or literary era of communication. To a certain extent, to call this era secondary is disingenuous, as many cultures, such as that of the early Celtic culture in Ireland, never moved onto a literary form of communication, and obviously oral transmission occurs on a daily basis in literate cultures. However, Hankins' point is that the introduction of literacy changes the nature of both written and oral communication, as well as introducing a new venue for that communication. This era moves stretches through the invention of the first alphabet to the introduction of the printing press in the Middle Ages".
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