...Lingua Franca Humankind is rich with linguistic diversity. The widespread use of particular languages throughout the globe is attributed to several factors. Two of the most important are colonialism and international economic/political power. The dominance of English and Spanish colonial powers attribute to the linguistic formation of most of the Western Hemisphere. Imagine a world where the Axis of Evil triumphed during World War II. German, Italian and Japanese would likely be more prominent tongues on a global scale. The United States and United Kingdom have been high on the economic leaderboards for centuries, thus English has become a language of opportunity for people worldwide. Language on a global scale is an unseen, but well heard, struggle for power. Language is more than a means of verbal communication. A language can serve as a cultural vehicle that displays the global influence of a territory. Even it is possible for a language to carry multiple identities especially in context where people have social and cultural values they themselves create and at the same time are exposed to those social and cultural values they have no choice to avoid and; consequently become part of their identity (Dastgoshadeh, A., & Jalilzadeh, K, 2011). To most, learning English as an international language for the purpose of fulfilling communicative needs is a big threat to national, cultural and even religious identities as learning an international language causes people to lose...
Words: 2096 - Pages: 9
...LANGUAGE AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSIGNMENT Examine the socio-cultural and political and religious implications of English as a national language in a multi lingual society like Nigeria. What is Language? Hornby (2001:667) defines language as the system of communication in speech and writing that is used by a people of a particular country. Oderinde (2005) sees language as a “system and vehicle of communication. Language is a symbol used by members of a given society, both in written and oral form. What is a Nation and a National Language? According to the Oxford Learners Dictionary, a nation is also considered as a group of people with the same language, culture and history who live in a particular area under one government. Countries like Cameroun, France, Thailand, Switzerland, United States of America etc. are nation states . A national language is a language or language dialect that has some connection with a people and the territory they occupy. It can be described as a dominant language in a multilingual environment used for regional and nation-wide communication. French is used as a mother tongue and national language in France, Thai in Thailand, Urdu in Pakistan, English in the United Kingdom and English in Nigeria but some scholars have argued that Nigeria cannot be called a nation exactly because of the presence of various ethnic groups which have their own languages, Hausa, Yoruba and Ibo being...
Words: 1390 - Pages: 6
...Growing up Bilingual: A Spanish Heritage Speaker’s Views The role of bilingualism and multilingualism in a child’s growth and development is highly debated. On the one hand, there is a majority of people who grow up speaking multiple languages and dialects, while on the other hand, there are the minority who only grew up speaking one language. Through it all, there is a tension in the educational and societal ranks about whether or not there is an advantage to knowing a language beyond knowing what others are speaking. This is the story of a heritage speaker who grew up in a English-Spanish speaking household, and her views on this tension. Erin grew up in an English-Spanish speaking household, speaking in varying degrees of Spanish and English...
Words: 275 - Pages: 2
...The role of theory in research Division for Postgraduate Studies (DPGS) Post-graduate Enrolment and Throughput Program Dr. Christopher E. Sunday Outline Some definitions of ‘theory’. Some characteristics of ‘theory’. Theories vs. hypotheses. How to evaluate the quality of a theory or explanation. The dynamic relationship between theory and research. Deductive theory. Inductive theory. Example of theories relevant to a particular research question. Theories and findings related to second language learning. The Behaviourist Approach The Cognitive Approach Linguistic Universals Social Models The Humanist Approach Some definitions of ‘theory’ Theory is a model or framework for observation and understanding, which shapes both what we see and how we see it. Theory allows the researcher to make links between the abstract and the concrete; the theoretical and the empirical; thought statements and observational statements etc. Theory is a generalised statement that asserts a connection between two or more types of phenomena – any generalised explanatory principle. Theory is a system of interconnected abstractions or ideas that condenses and organises knowledge about the world. Theory explains and predicts the relationship between variables. Some characteristics of ‘theory’ Theory guides research and organises its ideas. The analogy of bricks lying around haphazardly...
Words: 1954 - Pages: 8
...Central and Eastern European countries like Poland and Romania are strong spots on the global outsourcing map Globalization & Integration Group Project Table of Contents Abstract 3 Introduction 3 Poland 4 Significant savings costs 5 Ability and quality of resources 5 Low risk location 5 Culture Similarity 6 Investment Climate 6 article 7 Romania 8 Government support and business environment 9 Quality of the language and educational skills 9 Low labor costs 10 Culture 10 Intellectual property security and privacy 10 article 11 Comparison 12 Cost competiveness 12 Resources and skills 13 Economic competitiveness 13 Regulation 13 Corruption perception 14 Legal protection 14 Conclusion 14 References 14 Abstract In this paper, we discuss why are the Eastern European countries like Romania and Poland potential destination for outsourcing. Given an economic condition, Geographical advantage, business environment and quality issue explanation of each country. Both countries are economically competitive in outsourcing market in Eastern Europe, promptly emerging as a favorite destination. Introduction Outsourcing is a practice used externally...
Words: 3215 - Pages: 13
...This is crucial because the ability is "responsible for selective and conscious cognitive processes to achieve goals in the face of distraction and plays a key role in academic readiness and success in school settings" (Lang). In today’s dominated society, being bilingual gives you a competitive edge when searching for jobs. Insiders agree that fluency in a second language can not only help you stand out among prospective employers, it can also open doors to opportunities that those without foreign language skills might miss. One of the most significant traits in human development is "how well equipped children are, beginning at birth, to accomplish the complex task of learning language" (Smith). In early childhood, it is easier to retain new words and sentences from the conversations and multilingual setting the child should be implicated in with their learning environment. "This collection of multilingualism projects, along with many research results from other labs across the world, affirms that children can learn more than one language, and they will even do so naturally if surrounded by the languages"...
Words: 509 - Pages: 3
...us that "humility" is the secret sauce of global leadership. One of this week's articles tells us that "judgment is what matters most." Richard Lyons tells us global leaders need to be “creative’ and “ambiguity tolerant”. The Jesuits seem to think self-awareness is the key. Another article tells us that multilingualism is important to seeing the world “through others’ eyes”. The Wall Street Journal article gives you very good advice about the kind of leader you want if you are climbing Mt. Everest. So, please tell me: 1. What exactly is it that the ethical and effective Global Leader should be trying to accomplish (Conquer emerging markets? Build a just society? Climb tall mountains?) 2. What are the key characteristics these leaders should have? The second assignment questions are tough. Not just because every articles had a different approach, but also because we are at week four and it seems to me that leadership is a real science, so it’s really hard to summarize my knowledge so far and to give a valid analysis about a great leader. But let’s try it. Since I attended a Jesuit high school and college in Hungary and the continuity of values plays a significant role in my life I feel good right now that I got the opportunity to study at Canisius. And it’s also very cool that we have a discussion like this. Sadly not in the Discussion Board, I’m really interested in about my classmate’s opinion. I, as a “product” of the Jesuit Education, strongly believe that develop...
Words: 994 - Pages: 4
...UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND LANGUAGE AND IDENTITY: INVESTIGATING THE LANGUAGE PRACTICES OF MULTILINGUAL GRADE 9 LEARNERS AT A PRIVATE DESEGREGATED HIGH SCHOOL IN SOUTH AFRICA. Submitted by: Nomakhalipha Margaret Nongogo Student Number: 0309644N Supervised by Dr Carolyn McKinney Research report submitted to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand in partial fulfilment of the degree of Masters of Arts in Applied English Language Studies. 2007 ABSTRACT This research report engages with the concern that African learners attending English medium, multiracial schools are losing their proficiency in African languages. In so doing, the report explores the language practices of four multilingual Grade 9 learners at a desegregated private high school in Gauteng. In a school environment that does not overtly support the use of African languages, I explore the extent to which multilingual learners use African languages in the school context, to position themselves and others, as an identity building resource, and the extent to which the use of African languages is implicated in their identities. I also explore the possible influence of the learners’ cultural and ethnic backgrounds on their language practices, and related to this, the expression of their identities. I look at how their language practices help them shift identities with space and purpose, and the contradictions therein. The study draws on poststructuralist theories of language and...
Words: 38460 - Pages: 154
...Module Code & Title:ed1045The Language of Multilingual Communities | Student Number:U1214407 | Date Due: | Assessment Word Count:2000 +/- 10% | Actual Word Count:1835 | Please reflect on your experiences in carrying out this assignment and complete the statements below. 1. In the process of doing the assignment I learned how to phrase questions to the informant and how to analyse the information given. | 2. What I found most difficult was maintain academic structure. | 3. I think the strength of this submission is the research done to gain an insight into the experiences of multilingual individuals. | 4. Feed forward – in future I will focus on the following areas in order to progress… | 5. What are you bringing forward from previous feedback that informs this work… | 6. Other comments | | By submitting this work, I acknowledge that I am fully aware of the following matters:- I. That the coursework deadlines are measured by the clock device in the Turnitin submission portal. II. That coursework submitted after the deadline will be marked as LATE. III. The instructions for carrying out this assignment. IV. The criteria by which this assignment will be marked. V. That I have the sole responsibility of ensuring that the work submitted is complete. VI. That I understand that failure to comply with UEL’s examination and assessment regulations will be considered grounds for failure in this coursework and potentially the programme...
Words: 2766 - Pages: 12
...究 生： 阿夏 指导教师： 安然 学 号： 201122800213 学 院： 新闻与传播学院 专 业： 传播学 华南理工大学研究生院 二〇一二年七月 Abstract The concept of "bilingualism" (two-, multilingualism) has become a symbol of the XXI century. Bilingualism is a way of thinking, perception of the world, self-identity. Open borders within the Schengen Zone, simplified procedure of obtaining temporary visas due to lack of human resources within the countries, etc. caused the significant increase of the immigration processes. Moving from one country to another, people are introducing traditions, lifestyle and language of the country of origin to the new ground. (Intensive processes of integration taking place in modern global community, could be characterized as comprehensive and multifaceted, and can be analyzed from different perspectives, theoretical frameworks and approaches. It should be noted that these processes determine the complex, multifaceted problems, among which there is a multilingualism, the most common variant of it - bilingualism. ) Bilingual education is a form of education in which information is presented to the students in two (or more) language (Bilingual education). English has been playing a central role in the cross-cultural communication as the common international language for linking people with different native languages. For children living in the 21st century, it is necessary to acquire communication abilities in...
Words: 3941 - Pages: 16
...Addressing the Minimum Core within Teacher Training Programmes Minimum Core References on Schemes of Work 1. Language and Literacy |Reference |Descriptor |Levels applicable |Portfolio evidence reference | |LA1: Personal, social and cultural factors influencing language, literacy learning and development | |LA1.1 |The different factors affecting the acquisition and development of language and |Diploma | | | |literacy skills | | | |LA1.2 |The importance of English language and literacy in enabling users to participate in |Diploma | | | |public life, society and the modern economy | | | |LA1.3 |Potential barriers that can hinder the development of...
Words: 1082 - Pages: 5
...Why do People Code-switch 1 Why do People Code-switch: A Sociolinguistic Approach Why do People Code-switch: A Sociolinguistic Approach Walid M Rihane Arab Open University Why do People Code-switch 2 Abstract This paper sets out at the beginning different definitions and approaches to the linguistic phenomenon - Code-Switching. Through my work, I will highlight five different factors that motivate code-switching in a bilingual speaker although the reasons for code-switching are many . I will talk about the role of ethnic solidarity, social class, topic, affection, and persuasion in motivating switching codes. I will use different approaches and case-studies conducted by researchers from inside and outside Lebanon to back up my discussion. Why do People Code-switch 3 Why do People Code-switch: A Sociolinguistic Approach 1. Introduction: A person is said to be multilingual if he or she is competent in more than one language. Multilingualism is usually the result of many factors, such as colonisation, intercultural marriage, cultural interaction, education, and many other reasons. The applied linguist Del Hymes defines communicative linguistic competence as, '[a person] acquires competence as to when to speak, when not, and as to what to talk about with whom, when, where, in what manner' (Hymes, 1979). In this way, a person who is capable of using appropriately two languages or more is said to be multilingual. Usually, bilinguals and multilinguals tend...
Words: 2441 - Pages: 10
...example PC manufactures in china may produce a computer for a price of $ 300; in our standard of developed countries it is extremely cheap. however in accordance to the poor countries ,economical factors and salary wages $ 300 could mount up to about 2 month of their average wage. This could cause a major problem for e-business as it could decrease the amount of global interaction or awareness. 2)Infrastructure Access to the internet in global developed countries is not a problem even if computers price have declined on increased. Having internet in developing countries is extremely common and in fact everywhere, from coffee shops to, malls, supermarkets and households. However when there is an insufficient infrastructure, a major role in e business could be inhibited globally. This meaning issues regarding internet access, including hardware and software as well as being able to communicate is a challenge and an obstacle to many e-business in developed countries. (Panagariya 2000). For example in...
Words: 1531 - Pages: 7
...Language planning and policy is the act through which a nation-state’s language is introduced politically and formally to serve a distinct purpose with official status. All groups, majority and minority, within the nation-state should ideally be represented by the chosen and implemented language. As Winsa notes “[There is] hardly any language planning that is independent of a multidimensional socio-political discourse” (Winsa, 1999). In theory, language planning and policy hopes to have a midline through which the selected language represents the citizens of the nation-state and also hold a level of prestige that is recognized politically. This essay will endeavour to examine the language planning policy of Sweden, and in particular evaluate such policy in its effectiveness as a language. English as a language has gained exponential attention world-wide for its dominance as a result of globalisation, this is particularly obvious when examining the language planning policies of the different nations of the world (Hult, 2012; Spolsky, 2004 in Hult, 2004). It can be argued that within Sweden the previously strong Swedish official language is now being threatened by the implementation of English (Hult, 2004). While Swedish is the singular recognized official language of Sweden, English has extreme prominence as a language of academic instruction and as aforementioned has been argued to be of threat to the Swedish language (Winsa, 1999). Since gaining membership to the European Union...
Words: 1568 - Pages: 7
...TEACHING THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS IN WISCONSIN: BACKGROUND AND CONTEXTS INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW Vinay Dharwadker Kerala and India are woven into the fabric of Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things. The novel assumes that its reader is familiar with many basic facts about these two places, especially their history and geography, society and culture, economy and politics. Roy grew up in Kerala, where her mother’s family had a home in the village of Aymanam, located on the outskirts of the town of Kottayam, on the other side of the River Minachil. Most of the action of The God of Small Things takes place in a village called “Ayemenem,” set near a river called “Meenachal.” Roy’s fictionalized village and river strongly resemble the real-life Aymanam and Minachil, and her narrative contains numerous references to the actual landscape of south-central Kerala, its people and their common customs, their music and dance, their religions and social organization, and their economic and political activities. The narrative also mixes its fictional elements with factual elements on a larger scale. Some of the novel’s “imaginary” episodes occur in the real town of Kottayam (about 2 miles from Ayemenem/ Aymanam, across the river) and in the historic port-city of Cochin (now Kochi, about 50 miles away to the northwest). The novel’s political discussion frequently blends fictional characters and organizations with real politicians and political parties: Comrade Pillai, for example, is an...
Words: 6809 - Pages: 28
