Abstract This study examines how production and perception of Englishvowels are affected by one's native language, specifically among Mandarinspeakers. The paper examines the specific relationship between Mandarinspeakers' production and perception of Englishvowels and their mastery of the English language, including their comprehension of intonation and pitch. The author hypothesizes that Mandarinspeakers' would experience more difficulty mastering Englishvowels 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)."
Abstract This paper discusses phonemes and how they apply to the English language. The author traces changes in this language beginning with Old English and moving through Middle English to present-day English, and provides examples of changes in each. The author also explains why only forty-four out of a possible three hundred phonemes are used in present-day English.
From the Paper "A phoneme, as defined by Crystal is, "The smallest contrastive unit in the system of a language"(456). There are approximately three hundred phonemes in existence that are shared by the five thousand plus languages of the world. The English language only uses forty-four of the three hundred total phonemes. Some languages require more than forty-four phonemes and some require less in order to function. The truth is that none of the world's languages use the three hundred available phonemes. Languages use only as many as they need in order to be understood. The reason that the English language uses a mere forty-four phonemes is very simple; that is all that it needs. However, the number of phonemes in our language has changed, and it will probably change in the future. It is important to examine the reasons for change and discuss why the number of English phonemes is so limited."
Abstract The debate over whether or not English-only policies are justified in the American workplace is sure to continue; however, there is no clear-cut guidelines to determine whether or not a company should have an English-only policy. The best advice to date is to limit the implementation of an English-only policy unless there is a clear business necessity that presents justification for having one. This paper presents an overview of the English-only debate in the United States, including background information and arguments made by proponents and opponents. The paper closes with a set of guidelines for organizations deciding to either maintain or implement English-only policies and recommended alternatives to English-only policies in the American workplace.
From the Paper "English-only is an extremely broad term. For the purposes of this paper English-only policies are the entire spectrum of language policies enforced in the workplace that either promote the usage of English or restrict the usage of non-English languages in some way. In the broader English-only debate there are other terms used to differentiate the specific type of policies enforced. In governmental legislation, an English-only law would be a law allowing ?"only"? English usage and no usage of other languages. On the contrary, an Official English policy or law would make English the official language of use, but not restrict the usage of languages other than English. The fact that many individuals involved in English-only debates are using the same terminology to refer to different types of policies adds to the confusion. It also helps explain why, in the court rulings, it is almost impossible to provide a clear definition of why certain policies are legal and others are illegal (Hoffman, 2001, p. 3). In the United States, neither the constitution nor the federal law codifies English as the nation?'s official language (Santoro, 1999, p. 890). So contrary to belief of many, English is not the official language of the United States. However, twenty-three states have active Official English statutes and others are pending (Crawford, 2002). But even these statutes vary enormously. Some state statutes simply declare English as the official language of the state in sort of a symbolic gesture; much the same way state birds are named (American Civil Liberties Union, 2002). Other states, such as Arizona, which has the, ?"the most restrictively worded official-English law"? (Arington, 1991), take their statutes much more seriously. Some state and local language laws have gone as far as to restrict the governments from providing emergency services such as police lines in non-English languages (American Civil Liberties Union, 2002)."
Abstract This paper presents an examination of the English language and its origins. The author traces through the three stages of Old English, Middle English, and Modern English and examines the development of language.
From the Paper "The English Language has been built on the backs of great nations and as these nations rose they brought with them a language that has evolved over many generations and is spoken all over the world. The history of the English language is an extensive and colorful one that has filled the lives of the linguistic scholars who have studied it with many hours of reading material. The English language and its origins will be traced through the three stages of Old English, Middle English, and Modern English. The stages will be studied in order to understand what influences have played a key role in the development of English. Also in this paper a look will be taken at the ways slang, jargon, and Colloquialism continue to the changes that English is even now under going."
Tags: development, english, history, midle, modern, old, language, words
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?"
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."
Abstract This paper discusses the development of England as a national entity which paralleled the development of ideas of "Englishness", of what constituted British society and the British soul, often contrasted with what was not English. This paper states that the idea of what constitutes England and Englishness can be traced through historical shifts as England developed as a unique entity. Furthermore, this idea can be considered in terms of political and social commentary from different ages, the literature of the time that reflected the same ideas, and the way these ideas helped form the Britain of today.
From the Paper "Certainly, the image created in the poem is of a society in disarray, but it is also a society where the truth can be found, where there are institutions dedicated to assuring that the truth is revealed, and that is a society where there is a good element as well as a bad. The sense of the poem is really that in spite of the lapses at the top, the run-of-the-mill people like the ploughman see the truth and uphold the values of society and of the church, or at least attempt to do so. In this aspect of the work, the poet shows a connection to long-standing traditions that indeed suggest that "The more things change, the more they remain the same." England by this time was established as a political entity, a social construct, and a developing philosophy based on Christian principles married to many of the ideas of chivalry offered first by the French and then adapted to the British experience."
Tags: history, society, englishness, literature, politics, development
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."
Abstract The author of the paper discusses the clear importance of learning fluent English as a way to integrate into American society and advance in life. He studies the opinions of ESL instructors who commented on the importance of English fluency and the difficulties faced by new immigrants wishing to become Americans without losing their heritage.
From the Paper "Census figures show there are 329 different languages spoken in the United States today including English. Even so, 97% of Americans speak English "well" or "very well." (Census 5) Immigrants who stay with others from their country and speak their native language at home are less likely to speak English fluently. This creates an economic factor because it is more difficult for them to find career positions. Instead, they are stuck in low paying jobs where the language is not a barrier. Those who propose English as the official language of the U.S. are not anti-immigrant. They are concerned with statistics from the Census bureau that predict by the year 2050 there will be over 21 million people unable to speak English in the United States. (Census 6) "
Tags: British, Empire, U.S., English, Foundation, census, foreign, language
Abstract This paper discusses the English studies and language instruction in Japan from a business point of view. It explores the relation of the English language to the Japanese economy. It expands on the use of "Japlish." The author also discusses the cultural barriers.
Abstract This paper discusses whether English should be the law in the U.S. The paper concludes that English should be recognized as the official and legal language of the United States. The paper also includes policy issues.
From the Paper "Should English Be the Law? America prides itself on being a melting pot, a nation largely composed of immigrants who regardless of how long they or their family may have been in the United States came to this country from some place else."
Abstract An examination of the difficulties and strategies involved in teaching English grammar, especially to grade-school and high-school students. The paper emphasizes the different teaching theories of people such as Theodore Hipple, Arno Jewett, and Alan Puves.
From the Paper "Modern grammar usage is ever changing as new methods once thought incorrect are now becoming acceptable. One way in which future English teachers can help students to see, understand, and learn from their mistakes is through grammar portfolios. Generally, a student may have many grammatical errors in a first draft of a piece of writing. If a student is able to see incorrect and corrected mistakes, he or she is more likely to improve his or her future pieces of writing more efficiently."
Abstract This paper presents a brief discussion of Sir Herbert Reed's classic book on effective English writing, which helps develop effective communication. The paper also includes information on the life and work of Herbert Reed.
From the Paper "Sir Herbert Read's book English Prose Style gives valuable insight into reading and writing English prose. One of the best features of this book is the excellent examples he provides, and graphic explanations of the dynamics of the examples."
A discussion on the challenges of teaching bilingual education ? which can also be phrased as the challenge of educating students with limited English proficiency.
Abstract The following paper examines the complex task of teaching grammar and syntax and instilling an appreciation for nuance and vocabulary choice to children from less educationally privileged areas. This paper examines the programs developed by three different states ? Florida, Texas, and California ? to help educate students with limited English proficiency, looking at both the technical aspects of each program and the larger educational philosophy espoused by each bilingual program.
From the Paper "States with large immigrant populations such as Florida, Texas and California have traditionally made substantial efforts to teach non-English-fluent students English so that these students can succeed in the United States, where a knowledge of English is necessary for many professions. Because the task of teaching English to immigrants or first-generation Americans is a complex one both linguistically and culturally, most states structure their programs to take a number of years. California's recent attempts to trim the time required to attain full fluency in English to one year is problematic within this context and seems likely to continued to be challenged, either by continued reworkings of Proposition 187 or by entirely new pieces of legislation."
Abstract Sir Charles Eastlake and Mrs. Merrifield added much, perhaps indirectly, to our knowledge of 19th century English artists' techniques. This paper examines their milieu, and how they gained interest in the painting that they wrote upon, along with their published contributions to fine art scholarship. Both authors are looked at in the light of a particular cultural and intellectual environment.
