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Bilingual Policies, 2004.
An analysis of the option of official bilingualism in America.
1,344 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the phenomenon of bilingualism. The paper examines the Spanish-speaking, Puerto Rican population of America. The paper explores the option of the United States becoming officially bilingual. The paper presents several controversies that surround the issue of whether the United States should be officially bilingual or not.
From the Paper
"Americans can see some effects of bilingualism as official policy by looking at the packaging of many things sold in the United States, because much of that packaging already contains two languages -- English and French. This is because Canada is officially bilingual, and anything sold in Canada must be labeled in both languages. First examination of this marketing practice suggests that recognizing the presence of two languages in a country may be good for business, as people speaking both languages can shop with ease."
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Animal and Human Language, 2004.
This paper discusses that human and animal languages are not fundamentally different in type, but differ in degree.
1,745 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 8 sources, APA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the three elements of language ? abstractness, grammar, and cultural ramifications ? are not unique to human language, but merely more advanced or merely more evident from our perspective than the language of animals. The author points out that chimps and parrots in laboratory settings seem capable of grasping abstract terms (such as ?mad? or ?bad? or ?blue?), generating new combinations of words to express new ideas, and referring to distant events or objects. The paper relates that animals may be more driven by instinct than by learned behavior, yet they show a propensity, in many cases, to learn language.
From the Paper
"Grammar is one of the strictest supposed differences between human and animal languages. Grammar involves the organization of discrete words into complex sentences that have specific required orders and syntaxes. Even human sign language tends to require certain specific syntaxes. While animals appear capable of understanding syntax, there is little evidence that they use it in communication (though it is difficult to prove a negative). According to one influential chimp research, Terrace, ?No chimpanzee has learned sign language. They?ve certainly learned some gestures, but sign language is not just a system of gestures. It?s a full, grammatical language with its own systematic grammar, like Latin.? The lack of grammar is evident in cases such as that of Koko, one of the stars of the talking-chimp movement."
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Logical Fallacies, 2004.
A look at the application of logical fallacies with three examples known as 'straw man', 'equivocation', and 'ad hominem'.
1,057 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 26.95
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Abstract
Logical fallacies are methods of argumentation or persuasion that, in simplest terms, look or sound good, but do not stand up to critical analysis. This paper explains that, although there are more, three very commonly used examples of logical fallacies are 'straw man', 'equivocation' and 'ad hominem'. It shows how these fallacies are frequently used to get people to agree to desired proposals or plans. They are often used when those doing the proposing either are not sure their facts are strong enough to get cooperation or those doing the proposing are sure that people will not agree because the proposals are not honest/necessary or useful to begin with.
From the Paper
"The straw man fallacy includes such approaches as stereotyping, caricaturing, name-calling, slanted language or deck-stacking. Basically the idea is to portray your opponent as weak so that your own arguments look stronger. Reporting the opposing views in overly simplified terms or in concepts that are absurd are relied on to make the opinion or position offered by those employing the technique, seem stronger and more sensible."
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Yiddish, 2004.
A study of the Yiddish language and its use today.
1,813 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the Yiddish language, which originated in Eastern Europe and was brought to the Western World towards the end of the 19th century. The writer includes a history of the language and shows which Yiddish words have become common used words in the English language today. Finally, the paper offers some data collected by a study at Columbia University about the dialect.
From the Paper
"The Yiddish dialect is commonly used in the American language. There are dozens of Yiddish words that have been assimilated into American slang speak. Yiddish has impacted American culture in a variety of ways. Yiddish culture, drama and writing influenced the American theatre scene and a large body of literary works through the early 1900s. It was in fact greatly popularized during this period of time, and many Yiddish playwrights and poets were well known and respected within the United States. However of late the press suggested that Yiddish is steadily declining within the United States, to the point of virtual extinction."
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Language Acquisition, 2004.
This paper discusses various theories of how language is acquired.
1,375 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the study of sociolinguistics begins with understanding how the individual conceptualizes and accumulates the knowledge of a language. The author points out that the basic theory is a child attains the knowledge of language through experience with others around them by seeing verbal interaction and then, as part of their maturation process, begins to replicate the behavior. The paper relates that, in his theory of cognitive development, Piaget evaluated language development, an intelligent action, as a function of adapting to one's environment.
From the Paper
"In short, the child receives direct and indirect feedback and modeling in order to learn the habits and ability of language. The child first learns individual sounds, and attempts to find commonalities within the sound patterns, and then puts the common sounds together into specific words which obtain meaning through usage. The specific methods by which these abilities are passed along from adult to child are called linguistic theory, and there are a handful of major theories of language acquisition."
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Cognitive Psychology Meets the Lexicon of Linguistics, 2004.
Explains the cognitive processes of understanding sentences with anaphoric references.
1,853 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the use of anaphors, an element of language that can only be understood contextually, in the English language. More specifically, an anaphor is defined as an element of speech that depends for its reference on the reference of another element. The paper looks at the syntactic constraints on anaphoric reference and how the use of anaphors can completely change the meaning of a sentence. Also discussed is the importance of sequencing in language and how anaphors refer to sequential aspects of language patterning.
From the Paper
"One could argue, of course, that either way, this is irrelevant, as the two ideas are interrelated?when boring people visit one?s home, life often feels quite boring, just as visiting boring people can itself be quite boring! However, to determine the precise semantic meaning in a sequential fashion, one must understand the context the speaker is speaking from. Is it that dear Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob are boring people, and the speaker finds these unwelcome visiting relatives to be unpleasant intruders in his or her happy home? Or is the speaker dreading suffering through a visit to these two individuals? home for a dreary Thanksgiving of dry talk and dry turkey?"
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The Meaning of the Word "Implication", 2004.
Looks at John Corcoran's work on the true definition of the word "implications" in all its variations.
2,916 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 12 sources, APA, £ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper summarizes, analyzes, and critiques John Corcoran's work, in which he puts the different definitions of the word "implications" into distinct, well-defined, recognizable contexts. The paper reviews Corcoran's work from the perspectives of history, logic, philosophy, and linguistics.
From the Paper
"In his paper, Corcoran lists several ?implication? phrases in common English usage which presuppose that the premise ?A? is true and that validates the conclusion B. Corcoran also critiques the philosopher/mathematician Frege in that Frege?s thesis on logic is constrained by his instincts. Corcoran avers that Frege included pure logic in his thinking and did not make room for deduction as a major contributor to the concept of implication. ?Frege's strategy was to show that no appeal to intuition is required for the derivation of the theorems of number theory. This in turn required that he show that the latter are derivable using only rules of inference, axioms, and definitions that are purely analytic principles of logic(Ref)??which he did not."
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Role of Language in Cultural Identity, 2002.
Discusses whether Ebonics should be implemented in the American educational system.
2,143 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 48.95
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Abstract
Perhaps more than any other debate in education, the study of language brings up questions of power and identity. How teachers and classmates view the home language of students and their families plays a major role in teachers' expectations and respect for a student's culture, as well as how easily the student will be able to learn and meet long-term educational goals. The paper shows that solving the complex social and economic problems in the U.S. that limit the educational opportunities of African Americans, particularly males, is not an easy task. Still, many educators are introducing new practices targeted specifically to the unique needs of this group. The paper shows that many researchers agree that one of the first steps that must be taken in advancing the educational level of African-American students is to implement Ebonics into inner city curricula. This paper examines the role of Ebonics in cultural identity in an effort to determine whether or not Ebonics should be implemented in classrooms or curricula.
From the Paper
"By implementing Ebonics into school curriculums, teachers are fine-tuning the learning process towards the unique needs of African American students, rather than drilling them on the proper use of grammar and dialect. For example, teachers could use mini-lessons according to the dialect learning needs that students demonstrate. If the students agree that Standard English is appropriate for classroom interaction and for writing, lessons like these would help students reach their language development goals."
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Language Acquisition, 2002.
A discussion of different methods for teaching a second language.
2,301 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 12 sources, MLA, £ 50.95
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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."
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Bilingual First Language Acquisition, 2002.
An examination of early language development theory for potential bilingual children.
7,808 words (approx. 31.2 pages), 35 sources, MLA, £ 121.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the criteria for measuring early language development, the concepts associated with ascertaining a child?s developmental progress, the research supporting the prevailing theories and the significant findings inherent in credible research in these areas. It discusses how all over the globe young children seem to effortlessly acquire two or more languages at one time, while some uphold the belief that children who are exposed to multiple languages too early may experience developmental language delays and/or confusion. It evaluates how scientific research has attempted to examine whether young bilinguals can ascertain that they are acquiring two separate and distinct languages early on.
Outline
Introduction
Research and Analysis
Bilingual Paradox
Bilingual Deficit Hypothesis
Unitary Language System Hypothesis
Bilingual Advantage Hypothesis
Differentiated Language System Hypothesis
Vocabulary Development
The MacArthur CDI
Linguistic Milestones
Lexical Identifiers
Neutrals
Translation Equivalents
Interlocutor Sensitivity
Language Choice
Codemixing
Parental Discourse Strategies
Early Constraints
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper
"The line of thought that resembles popular opinion about whether or not children should be raised bilingual from birth is called the ?Bilingual Paradox?. It is a paradox because there are conflicting contemporary theories about whether or not it is the preferred method of introducing two languages. While much research shows that, by several measures, children who are exposed to two languages simultaneously between the ages of zero and three achieve major milestones within the same timeframe and with similar results as monolinguals, the contemporary line of thought has been to teach a child one language early on, reserving the introduction of a second language for the later school years. The thinking associated with the latter opinion is that introducing two languages early on will confuse the child, or that the child will be disadvantaged in mastery of one or both languages. There are, however, steps parents can take early on based on proven research to give their child an advantage in learning language skills. Methodologies, tools, timing mechanisms and support strategies have been developed through testing and observation that aids children in successful and timely language development, specifically in the adoption of multiple languages."
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Hermeneutics: A Critical Approach to Literature, 2002.
Examines the study of Hermeneutics and how this philosophy can be used to analyze literature from a different perspective.
2,014 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, £ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper defines Hermeneutics as "the theory or philosophy of the interpretation of meaning". This paper examines the origins of this philosophy in order to better understand its uses today. After discussing the major contributors to the development of this study, the paper mentions some writings which provide a hermetical analysis of literature. These include Leonard Orr?s "De-structuring the Novel: Essays in Applied Postmodern Hermeneutics" and Hans-Georg Gadamer's "Dialogue and Dialectic: Eight Hermeneutical Studies on Plato".
From the Paper
"Furthermore, hermeneutical criticism is often compared to a dialogue. The reader and the text respond to each other until understanding is reached. This hermeneutic conversation avoids the one-sidedness that is associated with other critical approaches. Gadamer believes that it allows the interpreter to use questions as the "universal mediator in the dialectic between the prejudice prior to the encounter with the work and the new element which denounces it . . .?(Orr Dictionary 231). Theorists refer to the conversation between the interpreter and text as spiel (game or play). But David Haliburton warns that calling this interaction play does not ?reduce it to a hedonistic pastime . . . playing is a high and serious act" (Orr Dictionary 232). And unlike other types of play, such as chess, the game is an ongoing process that never ends."
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Contractarianism & Neo-Intuitionism in Ethics, 2002.
This paper explains the terms contractarinism and neo-Intuitionism and gives an overview of their positive and negative characteristics with regards to ethics.
994 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
Contractarianism is a form of social contract, one which nonetheless is a tacit one. The writer looks into this term and follows with a comparison to neo-Intuitionism. In the end we see that the bottom line for the compatibility of intuition with ethics rests upon the condition that, while intuitions can be useful, they must never be our final arbiters.
From the Paper
"If we expect from others only that they not interfere with our activities?save if those activities threaten to harm them?then we can say that they are honouring our negative right to liberty. A negative right amounts to being a right to non-interference; that is, that people not do certain things. Positive rights, on the other hand, require that we do something for, or provide something to others. In a sense, however, positive rights include negative rights, since positive rights are simply added on. A note of caution though: the more positive rights which are added?and this is why the earlier qualification ?in a sense??the greater the chances that negative rights will be usurped."
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Rhetoric, 2002.
This paper discusses the philosophies of Mikhail Bakhtin.
1,230 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the beliefs and philosophies of the rhetorical theorist Mikhail Bakhtin. Amongst the ideas examined are Bakhtin's belief that everything ideological possesses a meaning which is indicated by a sign and how he unified physical utterance and the written word. The author also identifies which of Saussure's ideas Bakhtin accepted and which he rejected.
From the Paper
"Mikhail Bakhtin, in his rhetoric, mixes literary criticism with rhetoric, following in the footsteps of Saussure and others in this regard. At the same time, Bakhtin rejected many of Saussure's ideas, such as that "the meaning of discourse is to be found in the psychological processing of signs" (911). Saussure's approach is also known as Structuralism and has been applied to a wide variety of forms of human communication. In literary criticism, for instance, the Structuralist approach owes much to linguistic studies and to ideas about language in general. Bakhtin in his literary criticism rejected the distinction between literary and ordinary language and so attacked the existing Russian Formalist school. The Formalists sought to isolate the text, while Bakhtin did not."
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John Locke's "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding", 2002.
This book presents a review of the psychological work of John Locke, concerning the workings of human congition.
1,035 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper begins by discussing Locke?s refutation of ?innate understanding?. It looks at Locke?s explanation of the concept of and ?idea?, distinguishing between ?simple? and ?complex? ideas. It lists the division of simple ideas into four categories and also brings in the three steps involved in the creation of simple ideas. It discusses the procedures involved in complex ideas and then moves on to the connection between ideas and language, and the relationship of these processes with knowledge. The paper concludes with a synopsis and evaluation of Locke?s theories.
From the Paper
"Locke has explained his theories on how the human mind is developed and nurtured. Due to man?s unique ability to perceive and to process information differently from another, it is unimportant if a person is associated with the same man as another or with the same immaterial substances as another. Locke has made it very clear that a human mind is as blank as a sheet of white paper waiting to be written upon. The perceptions and discernment of the mind determine what knowledge a person may have and how he uses it."
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