| Papers [1-14] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 8] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 —> | Search results on "LANGUAGE ACQUISITION APES": |
|
|
Language Acquisition in Apes, 2002. This paper studies the theory of how apes acquire language skills and how they process input from humans. 2,998 words (approx. 12.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 61.95 »
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract The paper looks at a few studies conducted on apes and their ability to acquire language. The writer addresses the hypothesis that if researchers can learn how apes acquire language skills and how they process input from humans, it should be possible to communicate with them in a meaningful way. The paper presents a method of study, introducing the hypothesis and the test for reaching a conclusion.
From the Paper "The design of the study would involve a comparison of the methods by which children and apes acquire language skills. The apes and humans tested would have to be raised from birth by the same caregivers and given the same exposure to language, either acquired by listening to it or acquired in specific teaching sessions. Learning of words and their association with objects would be studied first, then sentence recognition would be studied. Controls would be used to ensure that words and sentences were really recognized, and not just remembered by rote or by cues given unknowingly by the caregiver. These would involve presenting words or sentences in different orders, and varying the order of words in sentences."
| |
|
A Common Language: Communication Between Humans and the Great Apes, 2002. A discussion of the sign and symbol-based language experiments conducted with great apes over the last forty years, including criticisms, findings, and implications. Addresses projects with gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and bonobos. 6,395 words (approx. 25.6 pages), 15 sources, £ 102.95 »
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract This paper addresses a number of different language experiments that have been performed with all four species of great apes - gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and bonobos, and the advantages, disadvantages, and relative success of each, including conducted experiments. The author discusses the physical limitations of the apes, the advantages of using sign language as opposed to keyboard and symbol-based language, and criticisms brought up by various skeptics. The paper also mentions other types of cognitive activities in which the apes have participated, including painting and learning a system of economic exchange.
From the paper:
"The Koko Project is currently the longest running and most successful of all the ape language projects. Patterson's goal was for Koko [the gorilla] to learn 200 signs ? she now knows over a thousand, and understands at least 2,000 words of spoken English. She asks questions, she lies, she tells stories, she uses the negative, she uses and understands abstract words like love, hate, and death, and she even tells jokes. One of the most famous incidents involves a conversation between Koko and one of her teachers regarding the color of her blanket. As she was getting ready to go to bed, the teacher asked Koko what color the blanket was. Koko responded "red," even though the blanket was white. The teacher admonished her and asked her again, refusing to believe that Koko would make such a simple mistake. Still, Koko responded "red," and repeated it several times. The teacher was perplexed. Then Koko pulled a tiny piece of red lint off the blanket, pointed to it, and signed "red," and started laughing her deep, breathy, gorilla laugh. Humor, then, is another quality we humans can no longer claim for ourselves alone."
| |
|
Language Learning in Other Species, 2005. A look at the attempts to teach English to animals, including monkeys and parrots. 4,766 words (approx. 19.1 pages), 28 sources, MLA, £ 84.95 »
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract This paper discusses how, although controversial in nature, the field of language acquisition and production in other species has spawned research on apes and other animals that are thought to possess advanced cognitive functions. The paper shows that, while conclusive evidence agreed upon by even the majority of experts in this area has yet to emerge, the work to date has provided an interesting look into the communication and language structures of not only human language used by other species, but also their own native languages. This paper presents the literature in the field and frames it in the assumption that language is a cognitive system requiring specific characteristics for development and use.
From the Paper "What is language? Language is a method of organizing words to form coherent thoughts and facilitate communication, whereas simple communication includes not only these coherent thoughts but also emotions and nonverbal cues (Sternberg, 2004). The organization is key, as without it language falls into the realm of simple communication. Alternate definitions of language have posited that merely a means of communication is sufficient to apply the term language (Language, 2000), psychologists generally avoid this lay definition and include additional complexity requirements to the definition. While some have argued that mere language alone is not sufficient to explain our unequaled success as a species and our unique thought processes (Bickerton, 1990), many theorists believe it to be vital element distinguishing ourselves from other species. "
| |
|
Do Apes Speak?, 2007. An in-depth examination of the speech and comprehension present in apes. 5,036 words (approx. 20.1 pages), 27 sources, MLA, £ 88.95 »
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract The paper provides an extensive literature review on the topic of communication among apes and discusses how it seems clear that apes can acquire some form of language and communicate with humans. The paper reveals that there is also evidence that apes may have a form of language of their own by which they communicate with each other. The paper discovers that apes would not normally acquire such capabilities on their own, but they can be trained to use language and respond to its meaning.
Outline:
Introduction
Review of Literature
Conclusion
From the Paper "Research has been conducted for a long time on questions about the origin of language and how human beings first learned to speak. More recently, research has shifted to various primate studies as to whether or not other primates have what can be considered a language and in some cases whether apes can be taught to understand language and even to speak. Some of the early experiments in this area were seen as promising by some and as self-delusion by others, but the research continued and has produced a number of interesting results that may bring us closer to understanding the genesis of language and how widespread language is in the animal kingdom."
| |
|
Archaeology of Language Origins, 2000. This paper gives an archaeological perspective on the origins of language. The writer employs graphs and photographs to trace the source of language in the human brain. 2,922 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 48 sources, MLA, £ 59.95 »
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract The paper looks to answer the following questions: Can apes or any other non-humans use symbols or language? How does our understanding of the relationship between mind and brain help us to investigate which fossil hominins first used language? What do we know of the brains of fossil hominins and the constraints on brain size increase? What is language ?as we know it??
From the Paper "A symbol is considered to be something that ?stands for something else? (Davidson & Noble 1993). Davidson and Noble also suggest a second criterion, that is, symbols as accepted by social custom or convention. A ring worn on a finger can symbolize marriage, (although the social convention varies within groups of people) and is an example containing both criteria. The second criterion cited above stems from Wittgenstien?s ?private language argument?."
| |
|
The Acquisition of France Telecom S.A and Orange Plc, 2002. The merger and acquisition between two European Telecommunication companies 3,260 words (approx. 13.0 pages), 15 sources, MLA, £ 64.95 »
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract This report consist of six parts -
The first part briefly analyzes the market position of sample cross-border acquisition companies: France Telecom and Orange Plc and finds out their pre-acquisition industry aspect.
Second part determines the motives for merger and acquisition of these two companies. How synergy plays an important role in this stage.
Third part finds out the respective strategies each company adopted, how acquirer uses proper tactics to takeover other one and how the vulnerable company defenses its position. Within this, the report also presents the decision making that why the Board of Directors of the target company would accept the bid.
Fourth part reviews the possible methods that the companies could use to finance the merger or acquisition.
Fifth part analyzes the market share movement in terms of pre-merger, during merger, and post-merger. And also according to the chart to find out if the merger or acquisition benefits to shareholders.
Final part discusses the possible factors besides the market share movement that influence shareholder wealth. In some extent analyze if the merger or acquisition served to help the maximization of shareholder wealth.
Table of Contents
Executive summary
Introduction
An overview of the pre-merger market positions
Motives for the merger and acquisition
The defences and attack strategies
Financing methods of merger and acquisition
Share price analysis
Evaluation of merger and acquisition
Conclusion
Reference
Bibliography
From the Paper "Market power exists when the firm can sell its products over the existing competitive market price or when its manufacturing, distribution, and service costs are lower than competitors?. Michael A. H. Jeffrey S. H. R. Duane I. (P151, 2001) argued that the effectiveness of decisions made and actions taken result in the firm developing market power in terms of both revenues and costs. Market power is a product of the firms? size, the degree of sustainability of its current competitive advantages, and its ability to make decisions today that will yield new competitive advantages for tomorrow."
| |
|
Culture and Language Acquisition, 2008. This paper examines how language acquisition can be improved by incorporating cultural acquisition into the curriculum. 1,263 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 10 sources, APA, £ 29.95 »
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract The paper evaluates the literature on the subject of culture acquisition in the language classroom and its importance. The paper shows how a sociocultural perspective is crucial to the success of language acquisition efforts since learning styles have a cultural component. The paper concludes that encouraging cultural acquisition must stand as an important component in the language classroom.
From the Paper "Culture plays an important part in any educational setting, though its effects are particularly noticeable in the language classroom. Traditionally language acquisition is simply considered to be a matter of memorizing vocabulary and learning new grammatical structures. But language is much more complex than this, and true proficiency in a language requires a more sophisticated understanding of the underpinnings of the language being taught. In particular, research has repeatedly confirmed that language and culture and intricately linked with one another (Giambo et al., 2006). In order to become proficient in a new language, instructors must take into account cultural considerations when teaching to students of various cultural backgrounds."
| |
|
Craig Stanford?s "The Hunting Apes", 2002. Explains and critiques the subject of Craig Stanford's book, "The Hunting Apes: Meat Eating and the Origins of Human Behavior". 1,515 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 34.95 »
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract This paper discusses the premise of Stanford's book, "The Hunting Apes", which contends that early human social formations were predicated on the acquisition and sharing of meat. The paper explains how Stanford, after exploring the role of female and male apes as hunters and consumers of meat, arrived at the conclusion that the acquisition and sharing of meat contributed to a ?might-makes-right? form of patriarchy.
From the Paper "Over the course of the last 100 years, consensus has varied greatly with respect to the emergence of mankind in Africa; especially with respect to temperament. These theories have met with everything from hearty praise to scornful denunciation; the book jacket to ?African Genesis,? published in the 1950?s, includes the opinion of the New York Times: ?The theories are wildly wrong.? One of the most controversial subjects has been man?s diet, and how that has had a bearing on the evolution of mankind. This is the subject of Craig Stanford?s ?The Hunting Apes,? which portrays early human social formations as being predicated on the acquisition and sharing of meat."
| |
|
Second Language Acquisition (SLA) Theories, 2003. A comparison of theories pertaining to second language acquisition (SLA). 2,189 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 7 sources, APA, £ 47.95 »
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract Second Language Acquisition is a field of inquiry that abounds in theories, while at the same time no single approach has adequately explained how language acquisition takes place. One reason for this might be that linguists interested in SLA have been trained in different disciplines, such as linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics and neurolinguistics. The paper explains that, naturally, they have approached SLA from very different perspectives and treat all the variables involved in the learning process differently. The situation appears to be very confusing and frustrating. All the present theories, hypotheses, and models are all preliminary work done toward the ultimate goal of a true theory. The paper shows that in this sense, the different approaches taken by linguists and researchers are never worthless. They have uncovered bits and pieces of the whole complexity of language acquisition. Hopefully, the continuing and combined efforts made by linguists and researchers will lead to the ultimate success of establishing the true theory in language acquisition as well as in SLA.
From the Paper "Linguistics is one of the newest fields of scientific inquiry. It was developed into an independent discipline of social science in the United Sates first ?as an offshoot of anthropology? in the first half of the twentieth century in an attempt to investigate into the disappearing American indigenous languages (Lakoff, 2000, p. 2-3). Traditionally, it has been concerned with the analysis of language, namely its phonology, morphology and syntax. Following this tradition, Norm Chomsky in the 1950s put forward his milestone transformational generative grammar (TGG), which assumed ?an ideal speaker-listener, in a completely homogeneous speech-community? unaffected by any external factors in his exploration of the Universal Grammar (UG), the general rules of language (Chomsky, 1965, p.3). This is basically an asocial or theoretical view in linguistic studies as opposed to the social view which claims knowing a language also means ?knowing how to use that language?(Wardhaugh, 2002, p.3) in social contexts. Adopting either or both of the two views, linguistics and researchers alike have postulated a multitude of theories, approaches, and models in the inquiry into the nature of language and language acquisition, which appear to be conflicting ones fighting against one another."
| |
|
Theories of Second Language Acquisition, 2002. Discusses theories second language acquisition from a North American point of view. 2,900 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 13 sources, £ 73.95 »
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract The linguistics of second language acquisition is discussed from a North American point of view, i.e., the continual presence of newcomers who need to acquire a command of the English language. A research deficit is explained which relates to differing cultural origins and English L2 vocabulary acquisition.
| |
|
Language Acquisition, 2002. A discussion of two competing approaches on the theory of language acquisition. 2,816 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 11 sources, MLA, £ 57.95 »
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract This paper examines the fierce debate between the rationalist and the empiricist theorists on the issue of language acquisition which has captured the imagination of the linguistic world for decades. It looks at how although the rationalists? concept of specific language mechanisms in the brain has prevailed for many years, new research by connectionist theorists has tilted the balance towards the empiricists? approach. It provides a detailed comparative analysis of these two competing approaches and explores their application in children?s discourse to assess their validity. It also discusses the work by the connectionist theorists and the implications on the future of linguistic research in the area of first language acquisition.
From the Paper "In Chomsky?s (1972) original conception, the mind of children is analogized to a black box called the ?Language Acquisition Device? (LAD). This box contains all linguistic principles that do not derive from the interaction with the environment. In Chomsky?s (1981) ?Principles-and-Parameters Theory? and his subsequent work, his version of how children utilize their linguistic knowledge to acquire language in their specific environments is presented. Before their interaction with the environment, children possess an ?universal grammar.? With exposure to specific linguistic environments, all children need to do is to set the switches on certain parameters that correspond to their language (in Hirsh-Pasek & Golinkoff, 1996, pp. 31-2)."
| |
|
HP Acquisition of Compaq, 2003. This report analyses the Hewlett-Packard acquisition of Compaq. 4,140 words (approx. 16.6 pages), 21 sources, APA, £ 99.95 »
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract This report analyzes the Hewlett-Packard acquisition of Compaq. The focus is on the strategic planning process associated with the acquisition. The perspective of the analysis is Hewlett-Packard's and the conclusion is that Hewlett-Packard's strategy was effective and appropriate and benefited the company.
| |
|
English Language Acquisition, 2007. This paper discusses cooperative learning and language acquisition for English language learners. 2,844 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 9 sources, MLA, £ 58.95 »
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract In this article, the writer points out that research study has shown that cooperative learning environments are more conducive to English language learning than are other learning environments. The writer explains that, in other words, it is easier for students to learn the English language in a relaxed cooperative learning situation than in the formal classroom instructional environment. This work attempts to discover, through a qualitative review of literature and a qualitative method of applied case study through the instrument of the survey/questionnaire, to understand this phenomena in the acquisition of the English language by students in the school and classroom environment. The writer concludes that the cooperative classroom in English language learning has been shown to be effective in a student's acquisition of the English language.
Outline:
Introduction
Statement of Problem
Literature Review
Research Objectives
Hypothesis/Research Questions
Research Design
Assumptions and Limitations
Data Analysis (Questionnaire - Primary Data)
Limitations/Research Ethics
Conclusions
From the Paper "It is assumed that the teachers in the survey know what cooperative learning actually is and that the teacher has used it consistently for at least one semester of the school year prior to the conduction of this study. It is further assumed that the students interviewed in this survey are not schooled in what cooperative learning actually is in terms of theoretical framework and case study research or techniques or methods of delivering instruction and that their view will be unclouded by this aspect of the learning environment. Limitations exist in this study in that there may be other varying factors that influence the acquisition of the English language, however this research proposal has attempted to allow for that in the instrument used for gathering data or the survey/questionnaire through asking relevant questions as to the home environment and other factors in the life of the student that might be the factor for more success in language acquisition in the school environment."
| |
|
Computer Assisted Language Acquisition, 2004. A review of three articles concerned with CALL (Computer Assisted Language Acquisition). 3,267 words (approx. 13.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 64.95 »
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract This paper examines how computers are now part of the foreign language classroom, how they assist instructors in the development of lessons and classroom materials and provide students with a supplementary form of instruction. It critically evaluates the efficacy of CALL (Computer Assisted Language Acquisition) through an examination of four research articles with a focus on the implications of the studies on SLA (Second Language Acquisition). The articles are "Evaluating the Integration of Technology and Second Language Learning" by Bonnie Adair-Hauck et al. , "Comparing Face-to-Face and Electronic Discussion in the Second Language Classroom" by Mark Warschauer and "Computer Generated Error Feedback and Writing Process: A Link" by Judy F. Chan.
Outline
"Evaluating the Integration of Technology and Second Language Learning"
"Comparing Face-to-Face and Electronic Discussion in the Second Language Classroom"
"Computer Generated Error Feedback and Writing Process: A Link"
Conclusion
From the Paper "The primary purpose behind the Adair-Hauck et al' (1999) study was to test the hypothesis that students engaged in 'TELL components, in lieu of one class period a week would perform French tasks in all the skills as well as students meeting four times a week (p. 279).' Also under investigation was the potential effects TELL could have on foreign language motivation, how TELL influenced students perceptions of meeting their learning goals, how TELL modified the roles of teacher and learner, and, more generally, if TELL is an effective curricular design for achieving L2 development. The rationale behind the study came from the authors' assertion that few empirical CALL studies address the question, 'What kind of software, integrated how and into what kind of syllabus, at what level of language learning, for what kind of language learners, is likely to be effective for what specific purposes? "
|
|
|