|
(2008, 3000 words)
The paper looks at various models explaining the process of bilingual learning, including the Revised Hierarchical Model proposed by Kroll, Asymmetry Model by de Groot, etc. The strengths and weaknesses of the models are identified to provide a more comprehensive explanation for the contradictions arising. Alternative theories are explored; the discrepancies of the Revised Hierarchical Model are highlighted.
(2007, 2500 words)
The paper examines the theory of narrative discourse reviewing the approaches to narrative by Fisher, Ryan, Hayden White and F.R. Ankersmit, etc. Key narrative concepts are discussed analyzing the features of narrative in cinema, fiction, advertising, games and television.
(2007, 3000 words)
Symbolic representation is necessary for many adult actions functions such as language and arithmetic. This capacity for symbolic play is developed largely through the use of representations in play such as pretend play and role-play. This paper describes various theories of play as set out by Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, Hutt and Bruce. The purpose of play is defined according to each of these theories and the role of play in cognitive and social development is explored.
(2007, 2400 words)
This paper looks at culture within the study of a foreign language, whether learning or teaching. It examines what the role of culture is in the experience of learning a foreign language. Is it a necessary part of the learning process, or is it simply a privilege to undertake such study. It holds the view that culture in an integral part of the learning process, and that culture and language learning or inextricably linked. Learning a language by rote or in a classroom is insufficient as it only affords the learner knowledge and a low level of understanding. If a study of culture is undertaken, both knowledge and a high degree of understanding is obtained, as it its found that meaning is dependent of on its social context. However, it does criticise the form of cultural learning as it reinforces and teaches vulgar and uneducated stereotypes that does and injustice to the target culture. It finds that cultural learning should not be undertaken by vague and inaccurate social situations but instead should be focused on the sub-cultural level where the majority of interactions take place. In that way the learner is better prepared to learn and cope with his or her experience in a new culture.
(2006, 1500 words)
The paper examines the Oakland School Ebonics controversy around the proposal to recognise African American Vernacular English (Ebonics) as standard American English. Social, ideological and linguistic aspects of Ebonics are discussed highlighting the anti-Ebonics campaign and reviewing different attitudes towards the issue.
(2006, 2500 words)
The paper examines the linguistic theories known as the Saphir-Whorf hypothesis and Steven Pinker hypothesis (based on ChomskyÌs theory) arguing whether language is acquired or essentially innate, and whether it is the language that influences a nationÌs culture or whether it is the culture that shapes the language.
(2006, 2500 words)
The paper examines the role of linguistics in police enquiries and in the courtroom reviewing literature on forensic linguistics and its areas relevant to law, i.e. voice identification, author identification and discourse analysis. Scepticism about forensic linguisticsÌ expertise is reviewed.
(2006, 1000 words)
The paper examines the linguistic theory of Ferdinand de Saussure discussing his synchronic approach to language as a system of signs, the differentiation between language and speech, etc. The ideas of Noam Chomsky, Roman Jakobson, Roland Bathes and other representatives of structuralism are discussed.
(2006, 4500 words)
The paper examines the history of political, religious, and social approaches to witchcraft focusing on the 16th century work The Discovery of Witchcraft by Reginald Scot. The representations of witchcraft in language are discussed looking at the outcomes of the metaphorical interpretations of the Bible by demonologists, the allegory of EveÌs temptation by the serpent, etc.
(2006, 3500 words)
The paper analyses the languages used in Kenya and Uganda, namely, Kiswahili and English. The socio-political background of the countries is described highlighting the features of their pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial linguistic environment and analysing positive and negative effects of the English language on the traditions of African life.
(2002, 900 words)
The paper analysis phonetic variations in vowel sounds in regional dialects of English based on the geographical origin and partly on age group of the informants.
(2004, 11000 words)
The dissertation aims to investigate the ‘English name phenomenon in Hong Kong describing the countrys background, the nature of ‘English name used as a greeting nickname instead of the real Chinese name and the reasons behind its existence. A literature review touches on Chinese cultural attitudes towards the name, linguistic and pragmatic aspects of the name, etc. Research methods include primary data collection (interviews, sampling) and secondary data analysis.
(2005, 4500 words)
The paper examines the socio-political implications of the German language spelling reform introduced in 1996 to simplify German orthographic standards (Rechtschreibung). A review of critical opinions on the reform is provided relating institutional measures undertaken to neutralize the debate and deal with the crisis.
(2006, 1500 words)
The paper examines the influence of language on environmental policy making outlining the strengths and weaknesses of the discourse theory and focusing on Hajers and Sabatiers models. Definitions of discourse are offered; its power in creating new meanings and identities is argued.
(2006, 2000 words)
The paper performs linguistic and literary analysis of Becketts works investigating the authors perception of the relationship between the language and the reality, and referring to the semiotic debate on whether something can exist without being named. Becketts style is discussed focusing on his use of syntax, metaphor, narrative point of view, etc.
(2005, 5000 words)
The paper addresses the issues of feminism in Angela Carters novel Nights at the Circus referring to Judith Butlers study Gender Trouble and the theory of performativity by Paulina Palmer. The main themes and images of the novel are reviewed focusing on the reflection of gender issues through the language.
(2005, 2000 words)
The paper looks at the meaning of the word combination ‘new war going into the connotations of novelty and analysing it as a contrast to the meanings of ‘old war in contemporary discourse. It is argued whether this re-definition of war corresponds to an ideological shift in attitudes to war brought about by globalisation.
(2005, 3800 words)
In this essay, it was shown that until recently, the number of Welsh-speakers had decreased in areas where the language is traditionally spoken. We looked at the best strategies that may help in terms of revitalisation of the Welsh Language and how to help the new generations could acquire the Welsh language in order to use it in different situations Furthermore, it was shown in this paper that the most important group in terms of keeping the Welsh-language alive are the young people, and also it was argued that mass media, culture and education in Welsh are a very important factors for the Welsh language, it was argues that Education, for example, must accompany measures, namely opportunities to use the language for leisure time activities and in informal circumstances in general.
(2005, 2000 words)
The paper gives an insight into the process of thought formation concentrating on the Language of Thought hypothesis (LOTH). The overview of the hypothesis is given and supplied with references to the opinions of various scholars. Syntactic constituent structure of sentences is argued in the light of language systematicity.
(2005, 2000 words)
The paper seeks to understand whether the ability of language acquisition is innate in human beings. The controversial issues of the nativist theory are discussed with references to Noam Chomsky, Lawrence and Margolis, etc. The existence of universal generative grammar and the possibility of logical deduction on the basis of language input in children are argued.
Page 2>Page 3>
|
