Samantha Redden
October 1, 2009
Dr. Hughes
Is language learned or biological?
The desire to communicate is an instinct to any animal, especially humans. This instinct is a biological trait passed down through generations. This trait is triggered when a child begins to observe and practice the language spoken around them. Because children easily pick up their language without extensive teachings, the desire to communicate is biological. However, considering the fact that children are taught their native language by being around and communicating with other natives; language is taught.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Language Authority In America
Jonathan Dishon
ENG 1101
Dr. Hughes
October 1, 2009
Of the roughly 307 and half million people in the United States 96 percent of them speak English, and of those, 82 percent speak English as their native or first language leaving about 14 percent that speak English as a secondary language and also around 17 percent that do not even speak English (D’Agostino). Now the United States has no official language to date, but I believe that the United States should strongly consider coming up with a national language while at the same time preserving the variety of languages that are intact and spoken today. The language authority would be set up to help establish a standard for all citizens in the United States, not to demolish all the other languages spoken in the United States. So I believe that the establishment of a language authority in the United States would greatly benefit the country as a whole.
ENG 1101
Dr. Hughes
October 1, 2009
Of the roughly 307 and half million people in the United States 96 percent of them speak English, and of those, 82 percent speak English as their native or first language leaving about 14 percent that speak English as a secondary language and also around 17 percent that do not even speak English (D’Agostino). Now the United States has no official language to date, but I believe that the United States should strongly consider coming up with a national language while at the same time preserving the variety of languages that are intact and spoken today. The language authority would be set up to help establish a standard for all citizens in the United States, not to demolish all the other languages spoken in the United States. So I believe that the establishment of a language authority in the United States would greatly benefit the country as a whole.
Tyler Benson
Ms. Hughes
10/1/09
Introduction:
Animal communication is something that has been proven over numerous tests and is a valid fact. Animals have the ability to recognize a certain tone, gesture, or posture but animals cannot understand the words we are producing during these actions. Animals are clever and many have proven that they can show us what they desire through sign language and other forms of communication. They may be able to express wants, but it is only through memorizing the right answer to a problem that we train them to solve. Animals cannot understand human language; they merely adapt to perform sophisticated tricks that appeal to the urge to personify. Survival and comfort are the only two things animals really care about and they will adapt in order to get it. If it means that a monkey must move its hands in a certain way to obtain food and shelter for survival and comfort it will eventually learn how to do it.
Ms. Hughes
10/1/09
Introduction:
Animal communication is something that has been proven over numerous tests and is a valid fact. Animals have the ability to recognize a certain tone, gesture, or posture but animals cannot understand the words we are producing during these actions. Animals are clever and many have proven that they can show us what they desire through sign language and other forms of communication. They may be able to express wants, but it is only through memorizing the right answer to a problem that we train them to solve. Animals cannot understand human language; they merely adapt to perform sophisticated tricks that appeal to the urge to personify. Survival and comfort are the only two things animals really care about and they will adapt in order to get it. If it means that a monkey must move its hands in a certain way to obtain food and shelter for survival and comfort it will eventually learn how to do it.
Intro to U.S. Official Language
Jackie Hand
Dr. Hughes
10/1/09
America: The melting pot. Apart from English, there are roughly 28 million people who speak Spanish natively. Also according to Borgna Brunner, “After English and Spanish, however, few realize that French is spoken regularly in more American homes more than any other language (1.6 million). More than a million Americans also regularly speak German, Italian, and Chinese. And among the top languages spoken by Americans at home is one that has been spoken in this country long before English and Spanish arrived Navajo.” (http://www.infoplease.com/spot/multilingual1.html) There are 175 Native American languages currently in the United States. Of those languages, only 20 of them are alive and well, 30 of them are partially still spoken, but about 125 of them will be lost within the next 20 years. It is apparent to anyone who lives in our great nation that English is the most popular language amongst our people, yet it is not our official language. But, history shows that many Native American people were forced to forget their heritages and learn English, “just because”. The United States would benefit from making English its official language because of the people here speak it, it unifies us as a nation, and it facilitates communication. However, this can be done in a way as not to force others to lose their heritage. And if we are unsure ourselves of a national language, then it is hypocritical of our leaders to force this certain one upon their very own citizens.
Dr. Hughes
10/1/09
America: The melting pot. Apart from English, there are roughly 28 million people who speak Spanish natively. Also according to Borgna Brunner, “After English and Spanish, however, few realize that French is spoken regularly in more American homes more than any other language (1.6 million). More than a million Americans also regularly speak German, Italian, and Chinese. And among the top languages spoken by Americans at home is one that has been spoken in this country long before English and Spanish arrived Navajo.” (http://www.infoplease.com/spot/multilingual1.html) There are 175 Native American languages currently in the United States. Of those languages, only 20 of them are alive and well, 30 of them are partially still spoken, but about 125 of them will be lost within the next 20 years. It is apparent to anyone who lives in our great nation that English is the most popular language amongst our people, yet it is not our official language. But, history shows that many Native American people were forced to forget their heritages and learn English, “just because”. The United States would benefit from making English its official language because of the people here speak it, it unifies us as a nation, and it facilitates communication. However, this can be done in a way as not to force others to lose their heritage. And if we are unsure ourselves of a national language, then it is hypocritical of our leaders to force this certain one upon their very own citizens.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)