Abstract This paper summarizes the rationale behind the investigators' research presented in the article "Bilingual LanguageProcessing" as well as the research outcome and the investigators' conclusions on how bilingual subjects processlanguage. The paper also points out some concerns over the methodology employed and how future studies might be able to avoid these (e.g. concerns over sample size, devices used, etc.).
From the Paper "The investigators in the study "Shared and separate systems in bilingual language processing: Converging evidence from eye tracking and brain imaging" sought to prove that initial parallel processing of language occurs in bilinguals, only to later on default to processing in discrete cortical centers (Marian, Spivey & Hirsch, 2002). This article tackles two distinct concerns regarding language processing in bilinguals: the first being whether one or both languages were [simultaneously] processed and whether discrete cortical regions existed for each language or shared common regions within such areas as the inferior frontal gyrus (ibid.). According to their review of literature, the question of whether parallel processing versus "serial" processing, wherein the lexicon not utilized is shut off in favor of the other, remained unresolved..."
A proposal to identify current initiatives intended to provide improved naturallanguage search capabilities and discussion of how this can be applied to Linden Lab's "Second Life" virtual community.
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of virtual communities on the Internet. It specifically looks at "Second Life," which was established by the San Francisco-based company Linden Lab in 1999 and which was first made available to public users in 2003. The paper then proposes to identify current initiatives intended to provide improved naturallanguage search capabilities and to determine the impact of these improved search capabilities on Web content. Finally, the paper discusses how this can be applied to "Second Life." The paper contains images and figures.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background
Objectives
Approach
Current Status
Study Data
From the Paper "Furthermore, Powerset anticipates that within the next 5 years or so, Web users will be able to search for what they want by asking their questions in ways that resemble human-to-human interactions and will not be limited in what they can search for and the pace of development for even more refined natural language searches thereafter will accelerate. According to Pell, "Want to know why the bluebird sings? Forget the keyword hunt; simply go to your search engine, ask your question, and get a straight reply. There are already people tracking the length of the average query, and it's been steadily increasing from two words to three words, steadily approaching four words. There'll be a crossover point where queries expressed in regular English will exceed the proportion that use keywords" (quoted in Tucker at p. 15). Once this transition has been reached, more and more companies are expected to invest in natural language technologies, further contributing to improvements in natural language search capabilities (Tucker). This author also notes that the road to ubiquitous computing will be characterized by a move away from keyboarding to voice commands where users can simply state what they want and receive the desired information (Tucker)."
Abstract This paper argues that American Sign Language is the ultimate mode of communication for the deaf community. It explains that like any other language, ASL changes and evolves to meet the needs of those who use it. The same as no two hearing people pronounce a word exactly alike, no two deaf people sign exactly alike. It concludes that American Sign Language is a complete, naturallanguage that is growing everyday.
From the Paper "American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language used by the deaf people in America and parts of Canada. Deafness, by definition, is the inability to hear spoken language, to discriminate and reproduce speech (Neisser 8). Because they weren?t able to understand sound or speech, ASL was developed by American Deaf people to communicate with each other and exists as long as there are Deaf Americans."
Abstract This paper looks at how there is no best way to teach language and how many methods have been adapted and modified throughout the years to find what style best accommodates the need of the learner. It shows that when teaching language, it is imperative that the teacher provides a safe and comfortable learning environment and treats language learning as a social process where comprehensible input is a must when expecting comprehensible output from the students. It explores three methods used to teach language acquisition, the natural approach, communicative language teaching and grammar translation. It outlines each method and includes a discussion of the various techniques utilized for that method. It will also compares while contrasting the three methods and focuses on the various needs of the student.
From the Paper "The linguistic part of human communication is only a part of the total picture that humans use to relay messages to each other. ?At least one applied linguist has gone so far as to claim that, "We communicate so much information non-verbally in conversations that often the verbal aspect of the conversation is negligible" (Rodgers, 2001). Even with all of the body language that is involved with communication, language teaching has chosen to restrict its attention to the linguistic element of human communication, even when the approach is labeled Communicative. The methodological proposal is to provide instructional focus on the non-linguistic aspects of communication, which includes rhythm, speed, pitch, intonation, tone, and hesitation phenomena in speech and gesture, facial expression, posture, and distance in non-verbal messaging. When using the Communicative Language method, the teacher's role is to act as a needs analyst and task designer while the learner is in the roles of improviser and negotiator."
Abstract This paper analyzes chapter 13 of Daniel Dennett's book "Darwin's Dangerous Idea" which speaks on the evolution of language. The paper discusses how the book presents a lengthy discussion of many opposing arguments to language creation based on Darwin's theory of evolution. The paper shows how Dennett particularly focuses on Noam Chomsky's refutation of the existence or involvement of Darwinism ideas on language creation. Dennett's position asserts that language has evolved because of the many processes organisms, particularly human beings, had experienced. - based on Darwin's popular ?natural selection process.?
From the Paper "After Dennett has presented his position in the first part of the chapter, he shifted the book's discussion to the opposing arguments of philosophers and scientists about the creation of language. Dennett particularly focused on Noam Chomsky's ideas and theories on how language was created. The main argument presented by Noam Chomsky against the Darwinian theory-based evolution of language is that ?? language didn?t really evolve but just rather suddenly arrived, an inexplicable gift, at best a by-product of the enlargement of the human brain.? Chomsky presented his argument based on the "adaptations" that the human brain had undergone, later developing what Chomsky termed as "specialized organ" solely functioning to facilitate language and its processes. Chomskian Linguistics centers on "language learning", or the learning of language through a set of rules already set in human minds. This set of rules came from the "specialized organ" of language faculty Chomsky has formulated, and is labeled as the ?Universal Grammar.? "
The following paper examines the computer language, SQL which stands for "Structured Query Language" and shows how this computer language allows a user to pose complex questions of a database.
2,380 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 4 sources, 2003, $ 72.95
Abstract This paper examines how SQL is designed to work with relational databases and contends that it is essential to understand the nature of relational databases to understand both the way in which SQLs work and why there is a need for SQLs to begin with.
From the paper:
?It should be noted that there are related variations on SQL statements. For example, instead of using an SQL statement, it is possible to represent queries in tabular form; this is also known as the query-by-example (or QBE) and it creates a display that is in empty tabular form, which then requires the searcher to enter the search specifications into appropriate columns. The program then constructs an SQL-like query from the table and executes it (http://cloud.al.ru).?
Tags: databases, company, algorithms, accuracy, processing, system
Abstract This paper discusses how, as one of the most comprehensive websites available for both IT professionals and those companies looking to invest in and integrate an enterprise software system into their companies, ITToolbox and its ancillary sections offers a wealth of product, solution, process reengineering, and hands-on insights on how to gain the greatest impact from using IT technologies. The balance of navigational design with depth of content makes this site specifically one of the best knowledge bases in this industry.
Outline:
Summary Description
Overall Look and Feel and Apparent Target Audience
What the Site Does and Does Not Give You
Why The Site Will or Will Not Be Used As Part of a Professional Resources List
What Information Was Expected To Be Found and Was Not There
Links from the Site That Are Helpful
Additional Notes Regarding the Site
Bottom Line Evaluation
From the Paper "The overall look and feel of the site successfully positions itself across a range of highly technical technology implementers and users, up through the layers of management responsible for keeping IT systems functioning and integrated together, finally to the C-level executives responsible for making IT align with corporate strategies. What further underscores the ease of use as found on the site includes the use of a graphical, columnar approach to organizing navigational elements on the left pane of the window, browse options in the middle of the page by both type of content and by topic, and across the top of the page, illustrates of new posts in Blogs, Groups, Wiki, and White Papers. In short the organization of the site allows a reader to find any item of interest, anytime through this navigational structure. "
Problems & opportunities in creation of computer language simulating ordinary English. Looks at applications, examples, grammar and Turing test for artifical intelligence. Includes an abstract.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 8 sources, 1993, $ 79.95
From the Paper "Abstract:
The development of natural-language processing, or the ability of computers to respond to commands or other inputs couched in ordinary English, has been one of the central challenges of computer science, and one closely related to the issue of artificial intelligence (Goshawke, Kelly, and Wigg, 1987). The general problem of natural-language processing has not yet been solved, but elements of natural-language processing have been employed in a highly useful category of applications known as expert systems.
Introduction:
When the first electronic digital computers were introduced in the late 1940s, their ability to swiftly perform elaborate sequences of calculations--for example, predict the trajectory.."
Abstract This paper relates that one often hears people say, "I am good with languages but useless at math" and vice versa as if the two were entirely opposite ways of thinking. The author points out that closer examination of human language and mathematics reveals a surprising number of similarities. The paper states that the most obvious similarity between the two is that both natural human languages and mathematics have a formal syntax i.e. a set of rules that governs them.
From the Paper "Human languages and mathematics seem on the face of it to be very different things. One often hears people say "I am good with languages, but useless at math", and vice versa, as if the two were entirely opposite ways of thinking. However, closer examination reveals a surprising number of similarities. The most obvious similarity between the two is that both natural human languages and mathematics have a formal syntax, i.e. a set of rules that governs them. In the case of language, this is a set of rules that governs how the words may be put together. "
Abstract The paper examines the role of language in the development of human nature, with particular reference to the function of thought. The paper shows that our nature is largely the consequence of the social interactions that we experience as we develop our lives and not the result of some wide ranging and all encompassing human nature. The paper goes on to to show how, while language is indeed an essential component in the production of thought, it is nonetheless incapable of explaining human development and outcomes in every instance.
From the Paper "What is it that makes who we are? Moreover, how can we account for the varied and differing actions of human beings and the general development of the human race as a whole? These are questions that have plagued academic authorities since the time of the ancient Greeks. Every academic discipline has in some measure or another attempted to explain and account for the essential features that make human beings distinct from other forms of life. In particular, sociologists have traditionally taken a central role in explaining the issues above. Above all, sociologists attempt to explain the world in which we live through the social actions and effects that we all encounter. 'No man is an Island' is certainly central to this conception. The society in which we live directly affects the manner of our development as a human being and thus can also affect out 'nature'."
Abstract This paper discusses certain theories of second language acquisition especially about the development of grammar over time. The author review theories of Long, Anderson, Vygotsky, Bialystok, and Pulvermuller and Shumann. The paper relates that these theories do not necessarily contradict each other but do emphasize different parts of the process, such as some theories emphasize the neurological process while others emphasize interaction with other speakers.
From the Paper "The theories of Long, Anderson, Vygotsky, Bialystok, and Pulvermuller and Shumann all explain second language acquisition (SLA) with a different emphasis, but interestingly, not all of these theories are mutually exclusive. That is, because some of them simply emphasize different parts of the process as being of primary importance, or they see the process as happening in a certain part of the consciousness, rather than directly contradicting one another. However, it would be an exaggeration to say that these theories complement and complete each other and give us a complete picture of language acquisition."
Abstract This paper begins by illustrating the process most commonly used to remove hydrogen sulfide from natural gas. The paper then goes on to describe an alternative method used for the removal of hydrogen sulfide and describes the benefits of this method, as well as some of the problems associated with it. Additionally, the paper points out that the water content of natural gas is an important engineering consideration concerning the sweetening process and presents an overview of the properties of pure acid gases and water and hydrogen sulfide. The paper then goes on to outline and explain additional processes and engineering considerations concerning the removal of hydrogen sulfide and includes some cost estimates and comparisons of the processes.
Properties of H2S and CO2
Vapor / Liquid Properties of Pure Compounds
Vapor / Liquid Phase Behavior
Acid Gas Compression and Dehydration
Metallurgy
Acid Gas Dehydration
Acid Gas Injection Facilities
Cost Comparisons with Small Scale Sulfur Recovery Options
Operating Costs
From the Paper "Sour natural gas contains hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which has to be removed to meet specifications for sales gas. Sour natural gas also contains carbon dioxide (CO2). The removal of CO2 and H2S, usually called acid gases, from sour natural gas is generally accomplished by means of a regenerative solvent. There are several amine solvents used for this purpose. Upon regeneration of the solvent, the acid gases are liberated, and are usually sent to a modified Claus plant, where the H2S is converted to elemental sulfur (Canjar & Manning 1967). The acid gas stream to the modified Claus plant consists of H2S, CO2, water vapor and minor amounts of hydrocarbon gas."
Abstract This paper explains that language arts can benefit from the use of technology when teachers incorporate it into their daily instruction for such uses as providing study guides, quizzing students, enhancing the subject, supporting individual students and involving parents with their children's learning. The author points out that the use of technology in the language arts department can be especially perilous or productive depending on the way it is used and the competence of the teacher using it because language arts is a more subjective academic subject than math or the sciences and is opened to more misinformation from the Internet. The paper concludes that the use of technology in teaching has been studied from many different angles in many different manners, but the focus has rarely been on the attitudes and beliefs held by English teachers in the use of technology in the classroom. The paper includes two illustrations.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Case History of Technology and Language Arts
The Impact of Technology on Education
Obstacles to Using Technology
Technology and Language Arts
Conclusion
From the Paper "The meta-analysis also focuses on writing skills for students who do and do not use computers and word processors for their writing. It determined that students who learn to use word processing for their writing needs learn better writing skills than those who do not use word processing programs for their writing needs. In light of this, it is surprising to find so much resistance in the current educational field regarding the use of technology in teaching and specifically Language Arts."
This paper argues in favor of the deaf or hard of hearing using American Sign Language or their native language over oralism or other methods of communication.
Abstract This paper explores the tradition of oralism vs. American Sign Language (ASL) in the West. Specifically the researcher proposes that deaf and hard of hearing students should be afforded opportunities to learn using their native language or American Sign Language. Forcing students to adopt other methods of learning including oralism or Signing Exact English (SEE) may promote frustration and inhibits learning in the classroom. This paper reviews the potential merits and demerits of each tradition, highlighting the significance of providing students with resources to use ASL in the classroom.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Personal Philosophy
The Essential Nature of Human Beings
Basic Meaning or Purpose of Life
Determination of Morality
Constancy of Life: Unchanging or Always Changing?
Philosophy of Education
My Perception of an Educational Philosophy
Why do you need a Philosophy?
What has been the Basis or Source of your Educational Philosophy?
How has your Philosophy Changed or Evolved over Time?
My formal Ideological and Philosophical Orientation
The Purpose of Education, Teaching and Schooling
Are Students Intrinsically Motivated to Learn?
Should Schools Address Human Differences such as Multiple Intelligence, Learning Styles etc. ?
Topics
Knowledge and Content
Knowledge with Knowing
My Conceptual Framework for Improving my Practice
Theoretical Framework for Improving Practice
Skills Competencies Necessary
Educational Skills Required
Communication Skills and Content
Nonverbal Communication Skills
Verbal Communication
Influence of Interpersonal Relationships
Importance of Self-Identity
Peer Relations
Influence of Support Networks
Knowledge and Learning
Direct vs. Indirect Learning
Direct vs. Indirect Communication
Conclusion
Reference
From the Paper "Many consider American Sign Language (ASL) the standard language beneficial for hard of hearing and deaf citizens. However, oralism shares a rich history much the same as ASL, and many often argue the potential merits and demerits of using one vs. another in an educational and communicational context. Wilcox & Peyton (1999) recognize that ASL is a fully developed language with unique grammar requirements distinguished from the English language (Coltrane, 2006). Oralism contrarily, involves lip reading to understand speech instead of using ASL to communicate with one another (Coltrane, 2006). This study will help review the merits and demerits of each, questioning whether one vs. the other is more beneficial for promoting communication and sharing among the deaf or hard of hearing community, or whether a combination of both may result in less frustrating choices among the hard of hearing and deaf community. "
Abstract This paper discusses language acquisition and the evolution of language, describing models that have been proposed for the evolutionary development of the human language faculty and for the processes involved, with some empirical support for the different models. The paper concludes that the issue remains unresolved as far as deciding on one specific model over all others.
From the Paper "Language acquisition has been much studied as to ways in which speakers learn language in the first place, then learn other languages if they do and add words to their store of knowledge as an ongoing process. Another issue has been the origins of language of any sort, extending back as far in the historical record as possible and then considering how human beings may have first started communicating using a language. Different models have been proposed for the evolutionary development of the human language faculty and for the processes involved, with some empirical support for the different models. The issue remains unresolved as far as deciding on one specific model over all others. One view of the origin of language is discussed by Hewes 1992 and the idea that the first human language was primarily gestural, following the way various primates communicate (1992:65)."
