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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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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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