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Teaching the English Language, 2007.
A look at language development in school-aged children.
940 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses four aspects of learning English. The paper explains that many students today are from different nationalities and backgrounds, with different cultural ideas and English as a second language. The paper addresses the language and cultural boundaries that exist in many schools between teachers and students. The paper looks at the problem of dyslexia, a lack of phonological awareness and problems with syntax and/or semantics. The paper points out that it is important to teach children about figurative language and how to use it correctly; including metaphors, idioms and proverbs. The paper also talks about the use of conjunctions and independent and dependent clauses that are of importance in school-age learning.
From the Paper
"The diversity that is being seen more and more today in schools would be thought to be good, but it can actually be difficult for students. This is largely because most teachers in this country are white and speak English as their only language. In contrast to this, their students are from many different nationalities and backgrounds. They also have different cultural ideas and many speak English as a second language, and often not very well. There are more and more immigrants coming into this country today, and so there are many more children that must be taught. These children are getting an education, but there is some concern over whether they are really getting the high quality of education that they want and need because of language and cultural boundaries that still exist in many schools between teachers and students."
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Advertising, 2006.
A look at the use of text in advertising.
3,844 words (approx. 15.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 105.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the art of advertising and the role that text plays in the advert. The paper focuses specifically on a Volvo advert, which profoundly illustrates the interaction between text and image to convey a message. The paper further discusses the issues of subcultures and the portrayal of subcultural issues in this advert and the media.
From the Paper
"In examining the range of readings that the text generates across an audience, it becomes obvious that, especially when the ad is shown to people outside of the subculture towards which it was initially aimed, even this small amount of text can be interpreted in many ways, and it can impact the reader in a multitude of ways. For some readers, the text serves to clarify the sexual reference in the image. For others, it clarifies another non-sexual interpretation of the image. Other readers are confused by the text and do not find it to clarify the message of the ad at all, while others believe the text was only included to help less witty readers get the joke. For certain readers, the smaller text has a significant impact on the message of the advertisements, while other readers ignore it completely. The following examples of reactions from different readers show the wide range of readings possible for this small amount of text."
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Phonological Awareness, 2007.
An analysis of the value of phonological and phonemic awareness to teaching reading to children.
1,614 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the effects on children's developmental progress when they are given systematic explicit instruction in phonemic awareness. It discusses the ways in which phonological awareness and phonemic awareness, including how to teach and assess them, has made an extremely valuable contribution to understanding how to teach reading to all children, including children with learning disabilities or delays in early reading.
From the Paper
"Other findings reveal that opportunities to play with language result in the development of phonemic awareness (Wasik 2001). In one 1987 study, young children who were knowledgeable about nursery rhymes and who had opportunities to manipulate sound in language also had well-developed phonemic awareness (Wasik 2001). Nursery rhymes are a natural way to expose children to words that sound the same, and research suggests that by learning rhymes, poems, and jingles, children develop awareness of sounds in words (Wasik 2001). Therefore, natural play with language can encourage children to attend to the sounds that words make (Wasik 2001). Research demonstrates that teaching phonemic awareness to 1st and 2nd graders who have had difficulty reading resulted in significant improvements in their ability to read and spell words, thus it is important for adult to create opportunities for children to learn phonemic awareness (Wasik 2001)."
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Mandarin Speakers' Production of English Vowels, 2007.
An analysis of Mandarin speakers' production and perception of English vowels and their mastery of the English language.
1,526 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This study examines how production and perception of English vowels are affected by one's native language, specifically among Mandarin speakers. The paper examines the specific relationship between Mandarin speakers' production and perception of English vowels and their mastery of the English language, including their comprehension of intonation and pitch. The author hypothesizes that Mandarin speakers' would experience more difficulty mastering English vowels if their exposure to the English language encompassed one year or less.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Previous studies suggest that multiple factors affect speakers' ability to produce sounds and their perceptions of sound. Various studies including that conducted by Boroditsky (2001) suggest that how one speaks affects many aspects of their livelihood including how one views or perceives the world. Further studies suggest that when compared with native English speakers, Mandarin speakers tend to refer to different concepts in different ways, including describing time in different manners (Boroditsky, 2001). The results of this study are relevant as they suggest that language is a "powerful tool shaping thought" and that one's native language "plays an important role in shaping thoughts and thought processes" (Boroditsky, 20)."
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Primate Language, 2007.
An examination of language development, focusing on primates' ability to communicate.
838 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
The paper examines how language educators and researchers continue to debate how language is developed in humans. The paper further examines the differences between humans and other higher primates regarding language. The paper explores how, in order to gain more insight on how language evolved in early humans, researchers closely study language acquisition in primates.
From the Paper
"What Stokoe finds most interesting is the turning of the head, just as signers of American Sign Language turn their head and gaze to mark a change from one part of a complex structure to another. Concludes Stokoe: Children are fortunate that elementary sign language preceded spoken language. As people get older, they forget how they used their bodies, eyes and heads. However, once speech is acquired at another stage and a person is fully articulate, it is still possible to go to "Nevada or Oklahoma and enter into conversation with a chimpanzee." "
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Functional Assessment and Intervention System, 2007.
An analysis of the importance of functional assessment and intervention systems for English language learner (ELL) students.
1,487 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper identifies and evaluates the assessment evaluation test called FAIS, or Functional Assessment and Intervention System, as it relates to English language learner (ELL) students. The paper concludes that functional assessment and intervention systems offer a new guiding light for the future of ELL students and, as a result, all schools should be prepared to meet the challenge of an increasingly diverse student population, including many students who are not proficient in English.
From the Paper
"Other problems affecting a functional assessment of ELL learners would have to do with student absences due to illness, suspension, an inability to meet with parents or siblings, or school cancellations. The lack of an individual functional analysis is a criticism that could be directly applied to the ELL student, because in their case, a better intervention plan could be written based on an individual analysis only. Research estimates that the future of "bilingual education" will directly affect one out of four public school students and have a significant impact on almost every school (E-Source Online, 2005). In such cases, interventions derived from functional assessment could also be subjected to further experimental tests, including an analysis of variables in single-participant designs (Schcill, 1996). Finally, during the process of implementing a functional assessment and intervention system, teachers and educators must develop multi-step programs that utilize existing skills and the theory that knowledge of the functions causing learning problems can be used to shape more effective learning potential."
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"Hearing Lips and Seeing Voices", 2007.
An overview of this study on speech communication.
985 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper presents an overview of the journal article "Hearing Lips and Seeing Voices" by Harry McGurk and John MacDonald which was published in 1976. This was a groundbreaking study in the subject of verbal communication, that examined the ways in which verbal communication relies on not only auditory input, but visual input as well. The paper shows that this went against the common belief that verbal communication uses sound alone.
Outline:
Presentation
Discussion Questions
Works Cited
From the Paper
"One of the most interesting things revealed about verbal communication during this study is related to the different error rates among the different age groups. During the audio-only portion, preschool children had the highest error percentage, reporting the incorrect syllable nine percent of the time, while older children and adults were correct almost all of the time. However, when presented with conflicting auditory and visual input, the preschool children and school-age children had a much lower error rate than the adults."
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The Subjugation of Women, 2007.
This paper analyzes the domination of language in "The Handmaid's Tale," by Margaret Atwood.
1,067 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper describes the setting of Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel "A Handmaid's Tale" where women are prevented from voting in elections and even from reading or writing. The paper shows how within Gilead itself, Atwood's fictional setting, both language and its repression are continually and deliberately used to maintain power over the women. Atwood's Gilead has its own new vocabulary, inflected with words, phrases and word-usages designed to reinforce the skewed attitudes and values of the established order. The paper's analysis illustrates how a loss of linguistic freedoms leads easily to the repression and loss of other freedoms as well.
From the Paper
"In The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood describes the nightmarish potential of a complete reversal of all of the progress in women's rights made during the 1960's and 1970's women's rights movement. Within Atwood's fictional setting, Gilead, right-wing religious extremists seize power, and then based their new leadership on a "return to traditional values", e.g., male hegemony over women by men. Abortion is now illegal again; as is birth control."
"Women are prevented from voting in elections, and even from either reading or writing anymore. Women are instead, again, quite simply, now present for the subjugation by, and the pleasure of men."
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Primary Language and Academic Results, 2007.
A discussion on the correlation between primary language and academic results.
7,147 words (approx. 28.6 pages), 49 sources, MLA, $ 159.95
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Abstract
The paper researches the correlation between primary language and academic results. The paper performs the research on groups of students, using interviews, as well as other methods. This study examines whether students perform better academically when involved in activities in the cultural setting of both the primary and the secondary language; and if the use of both languages on a consistent basis increases the academic performance of the students.
Outline:
Chapter I:
Objective
Hypothesis
Research Questions
Methodology
Importance of the Study
Organization of the Remaining Chapters
Chapter II:
Literature Review
Students Experience Loss Of L1 In The Learning Of L2
Overview Of Second Language Acquisition Theory - Five Stages Of Development
Chapter III:
Review Of Literature Reviewed In This Study
Chapter IV:
Findings
Recommendations
Bibliography
From the Paper
"Hakuta, Ferman, and Diaz (1986) argued that the research on bilingualism that was conducted earlier had "failed to distinguish between the different levels of bilingualism." (Garcia-Vazquez, 1997) Current research has as its' focus the cognitive development of languages among all children." (Garcia-Vazquez, 1997) Recent research has found evidence for positive relation between bilingualism and reasoning abilities among children. Such reasoning abilities are inclusive of "nonverbal problem solving skills, divergent thinking skills, and field independence." (Cummings, 1976; as cited by Garcia-Vazquez, 1997) The research of Bialystock, 1986a and 1986b indicates that additive-bilingual children out-perform monolingual counterparts on tasks requiring high levels of cognitive control." (Garcia-Vazquez, 1997)"
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Teaching the English Language in the US, 2007.
This paper discusses important factors in teaching English as a second language in the United States.
4,752 words (approx. 19.0 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 122.95
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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."
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The Changing Language of English, 2007.
This paper discusses how the English language has developed into a uniquely expressive language.
1,211 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper illustrates how, ever since its multiple origins in the mouths of many persons and on many national soils, the English language has been changing and evolving in a positive fashion. The paper contends that the changing nature of English vocabulary and grammar should be viewed in a positive fashion, rather than an incorrect use of the English language. The paper shows how the nature of human life is always changing and English must convey the increasingly complex nature of our technical world, as well as the rich ethnic and regional diversity of America today. The paper discusses how English unites business people all over the world although each country speaks a different type of English.
From the Paper
""Now, I do not know what white Americans would sound like if there had never been any black people in the United States, but they would not sound the way they sound," writes James Baldwin in his essay "If Black English isn't language, then tell me what is." (Baldwin, 1979) English is a language of multiple origins, an Indo-European language with Norman, French, Germanic, and Native American words and influences. It is spoken all over the world from the "damp little island" of England, where to "open your mouth in England means you "have confessed your parents, your youth, your school, your salary, your self-esteem, and, alas, your future," in Baldwin's words, to the streets of America where Blacks and other groups that supposedly do not speak standard English are really making a fundamental contribution to the creativity of an ever-changing language."
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Academic Outcomes using DIBELS, 2007.
This paper discusses the use of DIBELS (dynamic indicators of basic early literacy skills) for predicting academic outcomes.
9,984 words (approx. 39.9 pages), 35 sources, MLA, $ 202.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer examines whether the use of the different DIBELS measures and the results are reliable in predicting the academic outcomes of a bilingual student. An evaluation of the different literature that concerns this study and other related issues are used to attain this objective. The writer maintains that the continuing research on the reliability and validity of the DIBELS measures clearly shows that it is a reliable source in predicting the academic outcomes of the students. The writer points out that the results obtained from the students are valid such that a comparison with other measures may be encouraged for more validation of results. The writer concludes that using the DIBELS in identifying the possible academic outcomes of English language learners is a helpful tool in assessing their English language proficiency.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Methodology
Results and Discussion
Conclusion and Recommendation
References and Works Cited
From the Paper
"The increasing population growth among immigrants plays an important role in the demographic changes in the United States' school system. Given that the conditions regarding the students' English proficiency - which is a vital element in their academic performance - is not given proper attention, the country may not be able to produce competent students and human resources. This is the reason why the US educational system now works directly in its English language programs, which is a challenging task for them. In Los Angeles, there are already some eighty different languages spoken throughout the Los Angeles school system that addresses this issue.
In addition, in order to develop the US's human resources potential will mean keeping their educational opportunities open to minorities and to educationally disadvantaged students. The manner in which the US government addresses this issue will help shape their economic status and competitive position in the world. It will also affect the social and economic well being of every American in the United States. Emphasis on language training and the preparation of our youth for future jobs will be a critical task for the decade of the 90s."
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English as a Second Language, 2006.
An in-depth look at the levels of anxiety experienced by students learning English as a second language.
8,948 words (approx. 35.8 pages), 23 sources, MLA, $ 186.95
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Abstract
This study provides a comparison of language learning anxiety between language learners being instructed by both native and non-native English as a second language teachers in Taiwan today. This paper uses a critical and comprehensive review of the peer-reviewed and scholarly literature to develop the background and resources needed to answer the study's guiding research questions. The paper provides a summary of the research, important conclusions and salient recommendations in the concluding chapter.
Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1:
Definition and Overview of Anxiety
Language Anxiety and ESL Instructors
Chapter Summary
Chapter 2: Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-Gathering Method and Database of Study
Chapter 3: Data Analysis
Chapter 4: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper
"According to these authors, "Motivation, it now appears, is but one of many individual variables that influence the success of language learning. Anxious students can filter their language learning experience through such thick shielding that often immense amounts of comprehensible input result in limited intake. Risk-takers in terms of language learning progress more quickly and experience greater enjoyment than do their non-risk-taking peers" (emphasis added) (Leaver & Shekhtman, 2002, p. 15). In the classroom setting, a number of interpersonal and small-group issues can enhance or impair the efforts of any individual student in the "visible classroom" (the overt relationships) who reacts poorly to the "invisible classroom" (ubiquitous but covert group dynamics), to use the concept and terminology advanced for this purpose (e.g., the significance of small-group dynamics and rapport may be greater than many teachers realize) (Leaver & Shekhtman, 2002).
The vast majority of research on these variables has been conducted on groups of students with mixed backgrounds and at lower levels of proficiency. Based on their lengthy experience and empirical observations, our seventeen-year experience in extensive and intensive work with Superior-level students, learners at this level, especially those studying in courses and groups, tend to have a different set of anxieties, most of which are more closely tied to linguistic aspects of job performance than to the intellectual risk-taking required of language learning in general (Leaver & Shekhtman, 2002)."
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Second Language Retention, 2007.
A literature overview of attrition and retention of second/foreign languages.
1,487 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the attrition and retention of languages. In the paper, attrition refers to a gradual or marked loss of the understanding ,or the ability to converse and communicate, in a language. The paper examines language retention, which is the way that language is acquired and maintained. The paper further examines the way that this retention is affected by various linguistic, socio-linguistic and psychological factors.
From the Paper
"Another theory that is encountered in the literature on second language learning is the Frequency of Use theory. The theory refers to the view that things learn best are most often retained. A study by de Bot, Gommans, and Rossing (1991) of Dutch learners in a French environment found that language attrition was related to the amount of contact that the Dutch learners had with other people who spoke their language in the French environment. "They discovered that the length of time away from the Netherlands would not cause attrition for this generation of immigrants if they had many regular first language contacts."
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ESL Education, 2007.
This paper provides a comparison of language learning anxiety between students of native and non-native ESL teachers in Taiwan.
3,541 words (approx. 14.2 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 99.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses what link, if any, exists between student learning anxiety and native versus non-native teachers in the EFL / ESL classroom environment. The study identifies key issues surrounding this question in an attempt to identify what factors contribute to Taiwanese students' increases in language learning anxiety. Further, it investigates these issues with the intention of fleshing out valuable knowledge for future research and educational advancement. The writer concludes that this comparison of language learning anxiety between students of native and non-native ESL teachers in Taiwan intends to seek out what problems exist in the current system. The writer points out that by identifying and examining such problems, administrators can make educated decisions in the recruiting of foreign or native teachers to their ESL / EFL programs.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions
Definition of Terms
Limitations of the Study
Summary
References
From the Paper
"Taiwan is experiencing an increase in English learners. As a result, a higher number of English language teachers are necessary. To meet this need, many foreign teachers specializing in ESL / EFL have flocked to Taiwan to teach classrooms full of English learners. For a variety of reasons, most of these English learners experience an Americanized version of English language training. Lou and Chism relay this Americanized English learning with the inability of young Taiwanese students to make associations between their own culture and experiences and English. This Americanized learning is in part due to the use of American written and published EFL textbooks. Yet, in classrooms where English is taught by a foreign ESL / EFL teacher, it is difficult to know whether the textbooks or the foreign teachers create difficulty in establishing successful language connections."
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