Leila Shearon
Hughes
10.2.09
“Mamma” and “dada” are the most common first words that an English speaking baby verbalizes. Months before those particular words escaped the infants mouth he/she was already familiar with communication. “Ohh” and “awww” added with hand motions and other gesture to signal hunger or a want. As the baby is stepping into the world of more advanced language scientist and psychologist begin to pose questions. Is language a learned element of life or is it something that is merely learned? Dalrymple and Pinker are two of the many men and women that has studied and stated their views on this subject. Pinker states that language is biological, inherited from your parents. Dalrymple, on the other hand, argues that language is learned and does not occur “naturally”. The development of language in a human child is not strictly the work of neither nature nor nurture; it is a combination of both. Both aspects mix together and form one of the most important skills in the life of this child, language.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Introduction
Mary Elizabeth Lowe
English 1101
Hughes
10/1/2009
Language is a vital quality in humanity which conveys love and joy, hate and fear as well as an endless sphere of thoughts and emotions. One pressing question though, is how does this instrument called language come to be acquired so naturally in human beings? The possession of language uniquely distinguishes humans from all other species but how this superior mechanism is attained is surrounded in great debate. One explanation was spoken by Pinker as he said, “Language is a complex, specialized skill, which develops in a child spontaneously without conscious effort or formal instruction”
(Pinker, 3). An equally authoritative outlook states, “It is utterly implausible to suggest that imitation of parents has nothing whatever to do with the acquisition of language” ( Dalrymple, 3).While a number of individuals believe that language is either biological or learned, a more logical conclusion is a blend of both inheritance and learning. A biological neural program in each human being’s head is an innate essential for future language; however, it is equally vital to hear people speak in order to learn language and reach one’s linguistic potential.
English 1101
Hughes
10/1/2009
Language is a vital quality in humanity which conveys love and joy, hate and fear as well as an endless sphere of thoughts and emotions. One pressing question though, is how does this instrument called language come to be acquired so naturally in human beings? The possession of language uniquely distinguishes humans from all other species but how this superior mechanism is attained is surrounded in great debate. One explanation was spoken by Pinker as he said, “Language is a complex, specialized skill, which develops in a child spontaneously without conscious effort or formal instruction”
(Pinker, 3). An equally authoritative outlook states, “It is utterly implausible to suggest that imitation of parents has nothing whatever to do with the acquisition of language” ( Dalrymple, 3).While a number of individuals believe that language is either biological or learned, a more logical conclusion is a blend of both inheritance and learning. A biological neural program in each human being’s head is an innate essential for future language; however, it is equally vital to hear people speak in order to learn language and reach one’s linguistic potential.
Introduction: Learning Language: Biological or Cultural?
Jennifer Conley
Ms. Hughes
Paper Introduction
2 October 2009
Have you ever wondered where language comes from or how we obtain it? After many studies have been conducted about language the evidence supported by Steven Pinker and Theodore Dalrymple's theories appears more logical than others. As a well respected Harvard Professor of Psychology, Steven Pinker believes that language is a human instinct, wired into to our brains biologically. Contradicting Pinker's theory, Theodore Dalrymple believes that language is learner through our culture that surrounds us every day. While both theories have very compelling arguments and sufficient evidence to back them up some people would still disagree that just one of their theories is right. Language is biological in that the brain already has the capacity to learn language, but culture effects the way one actually speaks language.
Ms. Hughes
Paper Introduction
2 October 2009
Have you ever wondered where language comes from or how we obtain it? After many studies have been conducted about language the evidence supported by Steven Pinker and Theodore Dalrymple's theories appears more logical than others. As a well respected Harvard Professor of Psychology, Steven Pinker believes that language is a human instinct, wired into to our brains biologically. Contradicting Pinker's theory, Theodore Dalrymple believes that language is learner through our culture that surrounds us every day. While both theories have very compelling arguments and sufficient evidence to back them up some people would still disagree that just one of their theories is right. Language is biological in that the brain already has the capacity to learn language, but culture effects the way one actually speaks language.
Learning Language: Biological, Cultural, or Both?
Tyler Gunnin
English 1101
Dr. Hughes
10/2/09
Many of the people being born everyday are given the gift of language. As we develop and grow into mature human beings, that gift is finally unveiled to us. The knowledge of language is something that does not just breathe itself into our bodies on the day of our birth. Although it seems reasonable that the way we speak just appears to us naturally, there is the question regarding whether or not we pick up language biologically, from our parents, or culturally, from the world around us. The language we speak is given to us through the genes of our parents and the outside world's culture that we are presented to every day.
English 1101
Dr. Hughes
10/2/09
Many of the people being born everyday are given the gift of language. As we develop and grow into mature human beings, that gift is finally unveiled to us. The knowledge of language is something that does not just breathe itself into our bodies on the day of our birth. Although it seems reasonable that the way we speak just appears to us naturally, there is the question regarding whether or not we pick up language biologically, from our parents, or culturally, from the world around us. The language we speak is given to us through the genes of our parents and the outside world's culture that we are presented to every day.
The Recipe for Learning Language:intro
Rebekah Medford
October 2, 2009
Dr.Hughes
The Recipe for Learning Language
Introduction:
Looking into the recipe of learning language one will find two types of ingredients: biological and cultural. Many people believe that learning language is strictly biological, while others believe language is learned culturally. Derived from English naturalist, Charles Darwin, the concept of language as instinct or a biological trait has been researched and debated over by many linguists, including Steven Pinker. Pinker’s book “The Language Instinct” argues the point that at children are born with the innate ability to create language. In direct contrast to Darwin’s views and Pinker’s writings, there are likewise linguist who strongly believe that cultural is the main ingredient in learning language. Linguist such as Theodore Dalyrmple in his book “The Gift of Language” research different aspects of a person’s cultural that would affect their language ability. Limited vocabulary, parent’s education, the ability to express thought are topics Dalyrmple uses to provide evidence or verify his argument. Linguists from both sides of the argument have brought interesting views, examples, and evidence to defend their ingredient whether it be biological or cultural. In reality, the biological and cultural elements are blended together to create a unique, personal, learned language.
October 2, 2009
Dr.Hughes
The Recipe for Learning Language
Introduction:
Looking into the recipe of learning language one will find two types of ingredients: biological and cultural. Many people believe that learning language is strictly biological, while others believe language is learned culturally. Derived from English naturalist, Charles Darwin, the concept of language as instinct or a biological trait has been researched and debated over by many linguists, including Steven Pinker. Pinker’s book “The Language Instinct” argues the point that at children are born with the innate ability to create language. In direct contrast to Darwin’s views and Pinker’s writings, there are likewise linguist who strongly believe that cultural is the main ingredient in learning language. Linguist such as Theodore Dalyrmple in his book “The Gift of Language” research different aspects of a person’s cultural that would affect their language ability. Limited vocabulary, parent’s education, the ability to express thought are topics Dalyrmple uses to provide evidence or verify his argument. Linguists from both sides of the argument have brought interesting views, examples, and evidence to defend their ingredient whether it be biological or cultural. In reality, the biological and cultural elements are blended together to create a unique, personal, learned language.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Is language learned or biological? [intro]
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Blog for Oct. 2: Introductions!
For this week's blog, you will compose the introduction to your paper. As Hacker says, a good length for an introduction is between 50 and 150 words. Write an introduction and integrate your thesis into it.
This introduction needs to do several things. It needs to grab your reader's attention. You should establish the topic and show that you know something about the topic -- that is, you need to evince your academic credibility. Also, be sure that your writing leads up to your thesis statement(s) effectively.
This is a short assignment, but I expect you to work hard to polish this into a strong and interesting introduction! Finally, as this is a formal paper, make sure your writing is clear and conforms to Standard English grammar.
This introduction needs to do several things. It needs to grab your reader's attention. You should establish the topic and show that you know something about the topic -- that is, you need to evince your academic credibility. Also, be sure that your writing leads up to your thesis statement(s) effectively.
This is a short assignment, but I expect you to work hard to polish this into a strong and interesting introduction! Finally, as this is a formal paper, make sure your writing is clear and conforms to Standard English grammar.
Is language learned or biological?
Sam Redden
Is language learned or biological?
Thesis:
Considering the fact that children are taught their native language by being around and communicating with other natives; language is taught. However, because children easily pick up their language without extensive teachings, the desire to communicate is biological.
Quote 1: Harvey A. Daniels “Nine Ideas about Language” pg 19
“Children learn their native language swiftly, efficiently, and largely without instruction.”
This quote will be used to argue that when children learn language, there is more to it than merely being taught. They are not given lessons on grammar at age two, but they somehow still pick it up. This quote will help persuade readers that there is a role of biology in the development of a child’s native tongue.
Quote 2: Pinker “An instinct to acquire an art” pg 4
“We think that children pick up their mother tongue by imitating their mothers, but when a child says Don’t giggle me! or We holded the baby rabbits, it cannot be an act of imitation.”
I understand that most readers will need more persuasion to believe language is also biological than to believe it is learned by people around us. This quote will cause my readers to think about their arguments and consider my thesis more deeply.
Quote 3: Dalrymple “The Gift of Language” pg 4
“my mother, a native German-speaker, arrived in England aged 18 and learned to speak standard English without a trace of a German accent (which linguists say is a rare accomplishment) and without ever making a grammatical mistake. She didn’t imitate her parents, perhaps, but she imitated someone.”
This quote will be used to argue other point of my thesis. When learning a language, one typically repeats what they hear other speakers saying. I refuse, however, to write a paper about the hat Dalrymple has for Pinker. Dalrymple’s point will not necessarily used to contradict Pinker, but to aid in the construction of my paper.
Is language learned or biological?
Thesis:
Considering the fact that children are taught their native language by being around and communicating with other natives; language is taught. However, because children easily pick up their language without extensive teachings, the desire to communicate is biological.
Quote 1: Harvey A. Daniels “Nine Ideas about Language” pg 19
“Children learn their native language swiftly, efficiently, and largely without instruction.”
This quote will be used to argue that when children learn language, there is more to it than merely being taught. They are not given lessons on grammar at age two, but they somehow still pick it up. This quote will help persuade readers that there is a role of biology in the development of a child’s native tongue.
Quote 2: Pinker “An instinct to acquire an art” pg 4
“We think that children pick up their mother tongue by imitating their mothers, but when a child says Don’t giggle me! or We holded the baby rabbits, it cannot be an act of imitation.”
I understand that most readers will need more persuasion to believe language is also biological than to believe it is learned by people around us. This quote will cause my readers to think about their arguments and consider my thesis more deeply.
Quote 3: Dalrymple “The Gift of Language” pg 4
“my mother, a native German-speaker, arrived in England aged 18 and learned to speak standard English without a trace of a German accent (which linguists say is a rare accomplishment) and without ever making a grammatical mistake. She didn’t imitate her parents, perhaps, but she imitated someone.”
This quote will be used to argue other point of my thesis. When learning a language, one typically repeats what they hear other speakers saying. I refuse, however, to write a paper about the hat Dalrymple has for Pinker. Dalrymple’s point will not necessarily used to contradict Pinker, but to aid in the construction of my paper.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Language: have it or gain it?
Leila Shearon
9.25.09
Thesis
The development of language in a human child is not strictly the work of neither nature nor nurture; it is a combination of both.
Quotes
“For you and I belong to a species with remarkable ability…”
>>I decided to use this quote to state that the communication is more complex and advanced than that of animals. Since it is more complex it requires nurture for it to grow to its full potential. (Pinker page 1)
Language is not a cultural artifact that we learn the way we learn to tell time or how the federal government works. Instead, it is a distinct piece of biological makeup of our brains. (Pinker page 18)
“Language is a complex, specialized skill, which develops in a child spontaneously without conscious effort or formal instruction”(Pinker page 3)
>>I will use these quote to state the side that Pinker takes. His opinion is only half of what I believe is truth.
“I find it difficult to believe that this is entirely a coincidence and that imitation has nothing to do with it. Moreover, it is a sociological truism that children tend to speak not merely that language but the dialect of their parents." (Dalrymple page 4)
>>I will use this quote to state that culture and surrounding also has a part in the development of language in a child.
9.25.09
Thesis
The development of language in a human child is not strictly the work of neither nature nor nurture; it is a combination of both.
Quotes
“For you and I belong to a species with remarkable ability…”
>>I decided to use this quote to state that the communication is more complex and advanced than that of animals. Since it is more complex it requires nurture for it to grow to its full potential. (Pinker page 1)
Language is not a cultural artifact that we learn the way we learn to tell time or how the federal government works. Instead, it is a distinct piece of biological makeup of our brains. (Pinker page 18)
“Language is a complex, specialized skill, which develops in a child spontaneously without conscious effort or formal instruction”(Pinker page 3)
>>I will use these quote to state the side that Pinker takes. His opinion is only half of what I believe is truth.
“I find it difficult to believe that this is entirely a coincidence and that imitation has nothing to do with it. Moreover, it is a sociological truism that children tend to speak not merely that language but the dialect of their parents." (Dalrymple page 4)
>>I will use this quote to state that culture and surrounding also has a part in the development of language in a child.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Language Authority in the United States
Jackie Hand
Dr. Hughes
English 1101
Quote 2: “I’ll never forget, all the mothers were crying.”
I chose this quote because it shows the pain that these poor people had to go through. They were forced to send their children to these schools, and it is just so sad. It must have been terrible as a mother to watch your children be sent away where you KNEW that they were going to be abused.
Quote 3: "A great general has said that the only good Indian is a dead one," Pratt said. "In a sense, I agree with the sentiment, but only in this: that all the Indian there is in the race should be dead. Kill the Indian in him, and save the man."
Why should you want to ridicule someone for their heritage? That goes against everything that this country stands for. People came here to not be judged or punished for what they believe or how they speak, and without that we would not be what we are today. So why are we punishing the people who were here first?
Dr. Hughes
English 1101
Language Authority In the United States
Thesis statement: It is apparent that English is the language spoken by most people in this country. Yet, it has yet to be made into our “official” language. So, how is it, since we are indecisive ourselves, that we feel the right to force others to learn English? We, together as a country, need to make a decision on what to do about this situation. If it is necessary for others to learn English, then why not just make it our official language?
Quote 1: “Kill the Indian…save the man”
I chose this quote because it is the most ludicrous statement that I have ever heard. If we are really the “land of the free” then how can we say this about the very people who were here first? I think I’m going to use this quote as a basis for most of my paper because this is the very thing that I want to argue against.
Thesis statement: It is apparent that English is the language spoken by most people in this country. Yet, it has yet to be made into our “official” language. So, how is it, since we are indecisive ourselves, that we feel the right to force others to learn English? We, together as a country, need to make a decision on what to do about this situation. If it is necessary for others to learn English, then why not just make it our official language?
Quote 1: “Kill the Indian…save the man”
I chose this quote because it is the most ludicrous statement that I have ever heard. If we are really the “land of the free” then how can we say this about the very people who were here first? I think I’m going to use this quote as a basis for most of my paper because this is the very thing that I want to argue against.
Quote 2: “I’ll never forget, all the mothers were crying.”
I chose this quote because it shows the pain that these poor people had to go through. They were forced to send their children to these schools, and it is just so sad. It must have been terrible as a mother to watch your children be sent away where you KNEW that they were going to be abused.
Quote 3: "A great general has said that the only good Indian is a dead one," Pratt said. "In a sense, I agree with the sentiment, but only in this: that all the Indian there is in the race should be dead. Kill the Indian in him, and save the man."
Why should you want to ridicule someone for their heritage? That goes against everything that this country stands for. People came here to not be judged or punished for what they believe or how they speak, and without that we would not be what we are today. So why are we punishing the people who were here first?
Animals Are Capable of Communication Too!
Steven Holland
Engl 1101
Dr. Hughes
Blog 5
Thesis Statement- Many people don’t think that animals are capable of communicating with the human race. Animals can indeed communicate with humans through various methods other than speech. The inability to speak does not stop many animals from communicating with humans; especially if they are taught to communicate using sign language or some other method of communication.
Quote 1: “Yet we know that creatures are capable of communicating, certainly with other members of their own species. Is it possible that a creature could learn to communicate with humans using language?”(The Study of Language, George Yule)
This quote will essentially be used to introduce the topic and to make the reader think to himself, “can animals really communicate with humans? I wonder.”
Quote 2: “Riders can say Woah to horses and they stop"(The Study of Language, George Yule)
This quote shows that animals can understand human speech. It shows the possibility that humans can understand some form of language that an animal would be capable of using.
Quote 3: “Some of the forms appear to have been inventions by Washoe, as in her novel sign for bib and in the combination water bird, which would seem to indicate that her communication system had the potential for productivity.”
This quote proves that animals, chimpanzees in this instance, are capable of communicating with humans and developing their own form words that they have not been taught.
Engl 1101
Dr. Hughes
Blog 5
Thesis Statement- Many people don’t think that animals are capable of communicating with the human race. Animals can indeed communicate with humans through various methods other than speech. The inability to speak does not stop many animals from communicating with humans; especially if they are taught to communicate using sign language or some other method of communication.
Quote 1: “Yet we know that creatures are capable of communicating, certainly with other members of their own species. Is it possible that a creature could learn to communicate with humans using language?”(The Study of Language, George Yule)
This quote will essentially be used to introduce the topic and to make the reader think to himself, “can animals really communicate with humans? I wonder.”
Quote 2: “Riders can say Woah to horses and they stop"(The Study of Language, George Yule)
This quote shows that animals can understand human speech. It shows the possibility that humans can understand some form of language that an animal would be capable of using.
Quote 3: “Some of the forms appear to have been inventions by Washoe, as in her novel sign for bib and in the combination water bird, which would seem to indicate that her communication system had the potential for productivity.”
This quote proves that animals, chimpanzees in this instance, are capable of communicating with humans and developing their own form words that they have not been taught.
How do we learn language? Is language biological, cultural, or a combination of both?
Carmen Solis
Engl 1107
Thesis:
Pinker and Dalrymple explain thoroughly in their writing how language is developed in a human-being. Pinker states that language is something that comes naturally; while, Dalrymple explains that the cultural environment that one lives in has a great influence on the language. As a matter of fact, language's development is a combination of biological and one's surrounding.
Quotes:
“Indeed, you can posses all these advantages and still not be a competent language user, if you lack just the right genes or just the right bits of brain” (Chatterboxes, pg 54 by Pinker)
I will use this quote to state what Pinker thinks of how language is developed. This quote shows that Pinker takes the side that language comes from biological meaning. This quote has facts and it will give me a chance to combine with one of Dalrymple’s quote explaining how the cultural and biological are linked together to form and develop language.
“Language is not a cultural artifact that we learn the way we learn to tell time or how the federal government works. Instead, it is a distinct piece of biological makeup of our brains. Language is a complex…..process information or behave intelligently” (An instinct to acquire an Art, pg 18 by Pinker)
This quote gives an insight into why Pinker thinks language comes naturally. This quote explains exactly what he thinks. It would help the readers to understand his strong point of view. I will paraphrase and supply examples of his point-of-view. I will explain this quote more extensively and provide more information of why he thinks that way.
“It is utterly implausible to suggest that imitation of parents (or other social contacts) has nothing whatever to do with the acquisition of language. I hesitate to mention so obvious a consideration, but Chinese parents tend to have Chinese-speaking children…it is a sociological truism that a children tend to speak not merely the language but the dialect of their parents” (The Gift of Language, pg 4 by Theodore)
I will use this quote to explain what Theodore thinks about language. He is saying that if a child is around Chinese speaking parents, of course, he is going to learn Chinese because that is the language he is hearing. Basically, the environment that a child is surrounded by and the language that he/she is hearing will cause some effect on her language.
Engl 1107
Thesis:
Pinker and Dalrymple explain thoroughly in their writing how language is developed in a human-being. Pinker states that language is something that comes naturally; while, Dalrymple explains that the cultural environment that one lives in has a great influence on the language. As a matter of fact, language's development is a combination of biological and one's surrounding.
Quotes:
“Indeed, you can posses all these advantages and still not be a competent language user, if you lack just the right genes or just the right bits of brain” (Chatterboxes, pg 54 by Pinker)
I will use this quote to state what Pinker thinks of how language is developed. This quote shows that Pinker takes the side that language comes from biological meaning. This quote has facts and it will give me a chance to combine with one of Dalrymple’s quote explaining how the cultural and biological are linked together to form and develop language.
“Language is not a cultural artifact that we learn the way we learn to tell time or how the federal government works. Instead, it is a distinct piece of biological makeup of our brains. Language is a complex…..process information or behave intelligently” (An instinct to acquire an Art, pg 18 by Pinker)
This quote gives an insight into why Pinker thinks language comes naturally. This quote explains exactly what he thinks. It would help the readers to understand his strong point of view. I will paraphrase and supply examples of his point-of-view. I will explain this quote more extensively and provide more information of why he thinks that way.
“It is utterly implausible to suggest that imitation of parents (or other social contacts) has nothing whatever to do with the acquisition of language. I hesitate to mention so obvious a consideration, but Chinese parents tend to have Chinese-speaking children…it is a sociological truism that a children tend to speak not merely the language but the dialect of their parents” (The Gift of Language, pg 4 by Theodore)
I will use this quote to explain what Theodore thinks about language. He is saying that if a child is around Chinese speaking parents, of course, he is going to learn Chinese because that is the language he is hearing. Basically, the environment that a child is surrounded by and the language that he/she is hearing will cause some effect on her language.
Learning Language: Biological or Cultural
Mary Elizabeth Lowe
English 1101
Hughes
2/25/2009
Thesis Statement:
While a number of individuals believe undoubtedly that language is purely biological or learned, a more logical conclusion is in the blending of both inheritance and learning of language. A biological neural program in each human beings head is an innate essential for future language; however, it is equally vital to hear the voices of language in order to fully communicate and reach one’s linguistic potential.
Quotes:
“Language is a complex, specialized skill, which develops in a child spontaneously without conscious effort or formal instruction”
(Pinker, 3)
This quote will provide credibility due to the fact he is a well educated and published writer. This statement will be used to argue that language is an innate ability in all people. One does not necessarily need a formal education to communicate, but it is obviously quite helpful.
“It is utterly implausible to suggest that imitation of parents ( or other social contacts) has nothing whatever to do with the acquisition of language. I hesitate to mention so obvious a consideration , but Chinese parents tend to have Chinese-speaking children, and Portuguese parents Portuguese-speaking ones”. (Dalrymple, 3)
This remark about Chinese speaking children having Chinese parents provides a great amount of evidence that language is learned rather than solely biological. I was raised by English speaking parents and I speak English. If language was purely biological as some people think, why did I not learn Chinese instead of English?
Noam Chomsky basic argument is that there exists an innate language acquisition device, a neural program that prepares them to learn language (Kandel 638). http://www.duke.edu/~pk10/language/neuro.htm
This quote provides scientific evidence that in the brain there is the capacity to learn language. It is not so much that we are born speaking, but when we hear others speaking, the “neural program” in our minds enables us to pick up, repeat, and form unique sentences. Thus, a combination of biological and learned aspects are at work.
"No child would ever talk unless he were taught; and no child could be taught unless he already possessed, by inheritance, a particular series of nervous arrangements ready for training"(Marshall, 41). http://www.duke.edu/~pk10/language/neuro.htm
This is an expert opinion that states a child must be ready in his mind, with the needed “nervous arrangements” in order to further that already possessed skill of language through further instruction and teaching. Both steps are needed in language, inheritance and teaching.
English 1101
Hughes
2/25/2009
Thesis Statement:
While a number of individuals believe undoubtedly that language is purely biological or learned, a more logical conclusion is in the blending of both inheritance and learning of language. A biological neural program in each human beings head is an innate essential for future language; however, it is equally vital to hear the voices of language in order to fully communicate and reach one’s linguistic potential.
Quotes:
“Language is a complex, specialized skill, which develops in a child spontaneously without conscious effort or formal instruction”
(Pinker, 3)
This quote will provide credibility due to the fact he is a well educated and published writer. This statement will be used to argue that language is an innate ability in all people. One does not necessarily need a formal education to communicate, but it is obviously quite helpful.
“It is utterly implausible to suggest that imitation of parents ( or other social contacts) has nothing whatever to do with the acquisition of language. I hesitate to mention so obvious a consideration , but Chinese parents tend to have Chinese-speaking children, and Portuguese parents Portuguese-speaking ones”. (Dalrymple, 3)
This remark about Chinese speaking children having Chinese parents provides a great amount of evidence that language is learned rather than solely biological. I was raised by English speaking parents and I speak English. If language was purely biological as some people think, why did I not learn Chinese instead of English?
Noam Chomsky basic argument is that there exists an innate language acquisition device, a neural program that prepares them to learn language (Kandel 638). http://www.duke.edu/~pk10/language/neuro.htm
This quote provides scientific evidence that in the brain there is the capacity to learn language. It is not so much that we are born speaking, but when we hear others speaking, the “neural program” in our minds enables us to pick up, repeat, and form unique sentences. Thus, a combination of biological and learned aspects are at work.
"No child would ever talk unless he were taught; and no child could be taught unless he already possessed, by inheritance, a particular series of nervous arrangements ready for training"(Marshall, 41). http://www.duke.edu/~pk10/language/neuro.htm
This is an expert opinion that states a child must be ready in his mind, with the needed “nervous arrangements” in order to further that already possessed skill of language through further instruction and teaching. Both steps are needed in language, inheritance and teaching.
American Language Authority
Jonathan Dishon
ENGL 1101
Dr. Hughes
September 25, 2009
The United States has no official language to date. It also has no authority to consult when new words are formed. So as a citizen I believe that a national language should be developed, but at the same time we should not get rid of the diversity of languages we already have in existence in the United States. So a language authority in the United States that could establish a standard, but not obliterate the other languages, would greatly benefit the country.
Quote 1: “Every country struggles with the issue of “good language”- what constitutes the standard by which people can model their speech and writing, and judge that of others. Some countries have established official bodies, such as an academy or government agency, to provide guidance through pronouncements and publications.” (“Language Authority in America: In Grammar and Webster We Trust” by Russell Tabbert)
I will use this quote to back-up my decision to have a language authority established. The language authorities of other countries do not get rid of languages, but only set the standard of their own. They also establish pronunciations for words that are new so that they can incorporate them into their language.
Quote 2: “In the United States we have not followed this route, but have instead evolved something of a free-market academy. It operates through two highly competitive segments of the publishing industry. One of them produces monolingual dictionaries, many of which have Webster in their titles. The other publishes numerous books, articles, and columns dealing with the points of usage, that is, the sorts of things that many people refer to with the term grammar.” (“Language Authority in America: In Grammar and Webster We Trust” by Russell Tabbert)
This quote will allow me to show that the United States is already on the way to establishing an authority over language. While it is in the very early stages, it is a good start to becoming an academy or agency that could regulate the language.
Quote 3: “Today English is governed by a loose network of “language authorities,” whom linguist Steven Pinker calls “language mavens”: English teachers, editors, journalists, columnists on language, authors/editors of dictionaries, grammar and usage books, and style guides.”("Language and Authority" by Curzan)
This is another quote that shows how the United States is trying to establish an authority over its language. This shows the type of people who would most likely be considered to be assigned to the academy or agency that would govern the language of the United States.
ENGL 1101
Dr. Hughes
September 25, 2009
The United States has no official language to date. It also has no authority to consult when new words are formed. So as a citizen I believe that a national language should be developed, but at the same time we should not get rid of the diversity of languages we already have in existence in the United States. So a language authority in the United States that could establish a standard, but not obliterate the other languages, would greatly benefit the country.
Quote 1: “Every country struggles with the issue of “good language”- what constitutes the standard by which people can model their speech and writing, and judge that of others. Some countries have established official bodies, such as an academy or government agency, to provide guidance through pronouncements and publications.” (“Language Authority in America: In Grammar and Webster We Trust” by Russell Tabbert)
I will use this quote to back-up my decision to have a language authority established. The language authorities of other countries do not get rid of languages, but only set the standard of their own. They also establish pronunciations for words that are new so that they can incorporate them into their language.
Quote 2: “In the United States we have not followed this route, but have instead evolved something of a free-market academy. It operates through two highly competitive segments of the publishing industry. One of them produces monolingual dictionaries, many of which have Webster in their titles. The other publishes numerous books, articles, and columns dealing with the points of usage, that is, the sorts of things that many people refer to with the term grammar.” (“Language Authority in America: In Grammar and Webster We Trust” by Russell Tabbert)
This quote will allow me to show that the United States is already on the way to establishing an authority over language. While it is in the very early stages, it is a good start to becoming an academy or agency that could regulate the language.
Quote 3: “Today English is governed by a loose network of “language authorities,” whom linguist Steven Pinker calls “language mavens”: English teachers, editors, journalists, columnists on language, authors/editors of dictionaries, grammar and usage books, and style guides.”("Language and Authority" by Curzan)
This is another quote that shows how the United States is trying to establish an authority over its language. This shows the type of people who would most likely be considered to be assigned to the academy or agency that would govern the language of the United States.
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