English Is a Funny Language Essay

side Is a Funny Language EssayDuring the mid-400s the coun demonstrate that we instanter c any Eng bolt down was part of the Roman Empire. It was a land full of temporary flummoxtlers and immigrants. Among those residing in England were a group of Germanic settlers, made up of Jutes, Angles and Saxons. These settlers immigrated to England from various parts of mainland nitrogen Western Europe and with them they brought a expression that provided the building blocks of position.The mixing of the Germanic settlers dialects with the actors lines of other immigrants led to the creation of Old face (the earliest form of face). This form of face was real contrasting than any form of incline that is spoken today and although it did consist of parts of speech that have more than or less similarities to modern side of meat. The phrase would be considered incomprehensible to the modern English babble outer. everywhere the next 600 years the delivery of English was grew by t aking talking to and expressions from the oral communications of the surrounding cultures. This was mostly due to more groups of commonwealth immigrating to England or in any(prenominal) cases, some groups invading the country.For pillow slip Roman missionaries who immigrated to England introduced many an(prenominal) religious words such as minster and alter and the Vikings who invaded England introduced words such knife, take and root.During the in-between Ages (c. 1000-1300) English started to significantly evolve. The Normans, who were the people of Normandy (a region in northern France) invaded England in 1066. This event led to the Latin and French run-ins heavily influencing the English speaking people and their phrase. Thousands and thousands of bleak words became integrated into the English linguistic process. The language of English was constantly evolving, creating what we call today Middle English, a form of language that closer resembles what we speak today.T his period was in like manner quite significant because during this eon London become the legal and trade center of Britain. The language of London (Middle English) became the standard language. At the time there were other languages and dialects and people began to realize that in order to gain political or economic power a individual had to be commensurate to communicate in English. many an(prenominal) traders began to use this standard form of English. These same traders began to spread English all over the world.In the mid-1500s, the United big businessmandom became a colonial powerhouse and the British Empire began to set up colonies all over the world. As the British empire continued to significantly grown and colonise the English language would spread further and further away from its birthplace.The growth of the British Empire, lead to English comely a part of Europe, North America, India, Africa, Australia and many other parts of the world. As the empire branched ou t, new words were taken from the local languages and incorporated into English.English served as the tongue franca for these colonies. The term lingua franca refers to the language that is used as the means of communication among speakers of other languages.Keep in mind that these places all(prenominal) had their own distinct indigenous languages, and in some cases multiple languages. However the incompatible cultures at heart these colonies would communicate in English.As this was happening, English continued to evolve into a closer version of Modern English. Also, some this time (1600s) some significant composings of English literature were written. An author known as William Shakespe ar was creating works that were gaining a lot of attention, these works were in English. Also, in 1611 the King James Bible was written in English. Unlike many other religious based books (not all) that were published in Latin and French, this parole was produced in English. This bible became the standard for the Church of England. English was becoming the language of religion.From the 17th century on, English continued to spread through British colonization. As new argonas were becoming British settlement, new pockets of the planet would begin to communicate in English.The industrial revolution occurred end-to-end the 18th and 19th century. This was a time where major expert advancements occurred in agriculture, manu itemuring, mining, and transportation. Machines were making life easier and producing goods at frequently faster rate. The industrial revolution began in the United Kingdom and then spread throughout Europe, North America, and eventually the rest of the world. every(prenominal) of this newly developed technology was having an affect on the socioeconomic and cultural conditions of the time. A significant majority of the inventors during this period were English speakers.Why English?English is a global language.English as a global language didnt happen o vernight, it was a long process. estimateing nearly the history of the language of English, what be the major factors that lead toEnglish becoming the lingua franca?It has nothing to do with how English bearings or its structure. If you cipher to the highest degree it, it is really a very confusing language compared some of the other languages in the world.Here are a few things to think slightly82% of the wide-cut world uses some form of English as means to communicate. There are scarcely 35 countries where English is not the starting signal foreign language.Over two billion people partake in some form of English skill education.Heres a question to ponder, which country currently has the largest amount of English langue leaners?The answer is China.The answer to Why English has a lot to do with the same reasons why English was able to spread internationally in the start-off base place.English represents chance.While peoples native language helps them navigate through t heir daily lives within their geographic area (city, town or country). The language of English represents an opportunity to become part of a global conversation.The four pillars to Englishs growth into a global languagePolitics, Economics, Technology and SocialPoliticsLooking back at history, one can point to the political factors as first reason why English was able to spread from a small island to all over the world. In modern history the people who held the majority of the worlds power were English speakers.Also, looking back at the last century, world power has shifted from the hands of the British into the hands of the Americans, another English speaking country.EconomicsThe economic influence on the English language is closely tied to the political factors. The 19th precept the growth of English speakers occur at much more rapid rate than the previous centuries. Much of this has to do with the fact that the most financially decent countries in the world during the 19th and 2 0th century were English speaking countries, the United States and Britain. If money does talk, during this time period it was speaking in (or erudition) English.These days, practically every trade centre in the world uses English this embroils countries that have a language other than English as the official language.TechnologyAs mentioned before, the industrial revolution had an enormous impact on the English language. British inventors came up with ways to mass produce textiles metals and glass. As well they innovated mining and they created the steam engine. If you did a web search on the products that were born out of the industrial revolution, you will be amazed how many came from English speaking countries.Here are some questions to think mostWhat web search alikel did you just use to find out more information?What are the must have technologies of this contemporaries? Where did many of them originate?How often do you see a product designed by Microsoft or Apple?SocialIf you take a look at how media is delivered you can see English is absolutely everywhere. Through social media, the world is rapidly becoming more and more interconnected. People are now take uping themselves as global citizens. World issues are discussed in English and by having a working knowledge of the English language, people feel that they too can share their thoughts on common issues that are shared throughout the world. This includes such issues as poverty, the economy, climate change, political struggles and human rights.Social and Technology approach shot TogetherEnglish is widely used on the internet for the same reasons why English became so widespread during the industrial revolution. The internet began in English speaking countries. To add to it, think about the rapidly increasing interest in social networking through the internet. speak out about the fact that Facebook was founded in the US in 2004 and since then has become one of the most visited websites in the wo rld. Also, Google is the most widely used search engine in the world, also created by Americans. bar English (S.E.) is the form of English that is generally accepted as the linguistic norm of an Anglophone country. But is speaking English that easy of a concept to wait?We have learnt that English was created through a mixture of numerous different dialects. As it grew throughout the world it continued to expand encompassing more and more words from other languages. Countries such as Britain, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa all are English speaking countries and yet their form of English isnt identical. In fact with in these countries there are various forms of English.Think about (and do a web search) on these termsHinglishGullahAnglo-ManxThese are just three of a huge sum of dialects of the English language and within some of the dialects there are sub-dialects.English goes well beyond standard English.Part 2How language works(and how confusing the English language really is)Time flies like an arrow fruit flies like a bananaThink about this questionHow would you define the word language?Language can be defined as any form of communication. Language can be oral and physical, it can be learned through shoot for instruction and it can also be biologically innate.The study of language is a very vast topic. Language is made up of numerous interconnected components and within each of those components there are many subcomponents (some of which have many subcomponents of their own).When people twaddle on the phone or talk over dinner they do not generally think about how they are communicating (language, volume, speed, intonation, gestures, etc), they think about what they are communicating (what you are trying to explain to the soulfulness you are speaking to).PhonologyPhonology is the study of sounds in a language. The study of phonemics offers us a better saying of how speech sounds relate to pronunciation.Languages are unique and e ach one has different a phonological system.Think about thisWhat is the English equivalent to this Hungarian phrase?Sok szerencst kivnokThe answer good luck.Languages have their own attributes in regards to word stress, rhythm, stresses and what sounds are used to produce specialized meanings.This is one of the reasons why learning a scrap language can be so difficult, what can be expressed in one syllable in one language may take many syllables in another.SemanticsLinguistic semantics is the study of the meaning of language. This involves how meaning is created by combining single words into bigger forms of text. If you break down a passage and actually think about each word on its own, it can get quite confusing. When learning a new language an English language prentice faces many linguistic semantic challenges that English speaks may not even take into consideration.Think about these sentencesThe winds blew the door open. / The road winds quite a bit.Or think about these sent encesThe answers on the exam were invalid. / The terrible injury left the man an invalid.These are only some of the challenges an English language learner faces, think about these words and their meaningsSynonymyWords that have the same meaningsExample happy and glad oppositeWords that have opposites meaningsExample hot and cold.PolysemyA word which has two or more related meaningsFor guinea pig, wood could refer to a piece of a tree or a geographical area that is consists of many trees.HomonymA word which has two or more meaningsFor sheath, a plant could be a factory in which products are made or a living organism such as a treeHomophoneDifferent words that are pronounced the same but spelled differentlyFor example two, too and toHomographDifferent words that are spelled the same but pronounced differentlyFor example minute and minutePragmaticsPragmatics is the study of the use of language. Pragmatics analyses the context of words and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the text. A sentence on its own can be quite misleading. Think about thisThe fish are ready to eat.Does this mean the fish are hungry or they have been cooked long enough that they are now edible?SyntaxSyntax is the study of the structure of language with a focus on how grammatically correct statements are formed.There are many syntactic categories including nouns, verbs, adjectives , prepositions and adverbsOrthographyOrthography is the study of letters and how they are used to express sounds and form words. Orthography takes a close look at the writing systems of a language. For English language instructors, English in written form can be area in which many learners struggle with. Many of the things that we write without even thinking about can cause great confusion to an English language learner.Take for exampleThe words boot, book, blood and brooch.All of these words use oo however each of them have different pronunciations for this vowel combination.Now look at these three wor dscheck, machine, characterIn each one the ch is pronounced differentlyAnother thing that pauperizations to be taken into consideration is the fact that not every language follows the same precedent of pronunciations.PART 3ESL and EFLsame same but different-Tinglish sayingEnglish as a Second Language (ESL) education refers to teaching English in a country where English is already an official language. For example, Canada, The United States, and Britain are countries that offer English language learners ESL programs.English as a impertinent Language (EFL) refers to teaching English in a country where English is not the most predominant language that is spoken. Due to Englishs place in the global scheme, EFL schools are quickly becoming popular all over non-English speaking nations.The biggest consideration an instructor must take into account is that EFL and ESL instruction does at times require different approaches to lesson planning. This is mostly due to the fact that English language learners living in an English speaking country are taking lessons as a means of linguistic survival. Although grammar is obviously an important part of English language learning, these savants may feel pressed to first learn how to communicate in a way that the people within their community understand them even if they are using broken English. These students are taking English lessons to open up more opportunities both financially and socially to themselves and possibly members of their families. ESL students will also have the opportunity to continuously practice their English outside of the classroom setting. As a result the instructor should consider which topics are the most necessary.EFL students may not feel the urgency to learn survival English right away. An EFL student may be partaking in English lessons for a future trip, to open up future social, academic and economic opportunities or for solely for enjoyment. There are a number of EFL academic institutions a round the world that cater to students who are taking English simply because it is their hobby.The distinction between blink of an eye and foreign language learning is what is actually being learned, where it is being learned and how it is learned.This course will dive deeper into what considerations should be taken into account when creating and delivering ESL and EFL lessons.Terminologybrb, ttyl ok? wow, I salve a ton of time with those acronyms. Stephen ColbertThere is a lot of terminology associated with English language instruction. English Speakers can fall under many different categories and there are many acronyms to describe the types of English speakers. The following section is a review of some of the most commonly used terms and acronyms.The language in which a person is learning is commonly referred to as the students target language while Native language is the term associated with a persons first language or sometimes referred to as their mother tongue.L1 is the abb reviation for first language spoken by an individual, also referred to as a persons mother tongue.L1 English refers to a person who uses English as their first language. L1 is a term that can be used for any language for example a person who uses French as their first language would be considered an L1 French speaker.L2 is an abbreviation for a persons second language, or a language that is not their L1. Someone who is referred as L1 Japanese and L2 English is considered a Japanese speaker who has a working knowledge of English.English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is a form of ESL/EFL instruction that focuses on academia. This would include subject areas such as writing formal reports, presentations for school related purposes and reading academic works.Some areas of the world may refer to EFL lessons as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL)( refers to the study of English for a particula r (usually job related) purpose. For example a course that focuses solely on English for the tourism industry.TOEFL is an official Test of English as a Foreign Language. This test focuses on English proficiency for international students who are interested in studying at an English speaking institution.TOEIC is the Test of English for International Communication. Originally used in Japan but now a worldwide tool, TOEIC is a standardized test (multiple choice) that is used to assess ones proficiency in English.Both TOEFL and TOEIC has become a recognized standard throughout the world.PART 4Principles of Second Language AcquisitionLearn a new language and get a new soul. Czech ProverbOver the last century, many linguists have researched and theorized on how people catch a second language. As a result, a number of theoretical frameworks have been developed. There isnt one accepted theory of language encyclopaedism but rather a variety of theories each with a different focus and dif ferent limitations. This section will briefly explore different theories of second language erudition.Chomskys Innate Cognitive Process TheoryDo you think an adult learns a second language the same way a child learns a first language? Why or why not?Professor Noam Chomsky is one of the most well-known professors of linguistic studies. Chomsky s works support a nativists theory that acquiring is actually in our genetic report and we are born with innate abilities known as an LAD (Language Acquisition plait). Language skill does not rely on formal instruction.In its simplest form, Chomskys theory is that we are born with the innate ability to learn basic language which include the rules of grammar. We develop our language skills by listening to the people who raise us. Infants and toddlers do not necessarily require someone to teach them language, as long as there is linguistic input around they will inevitably acquire language. The process of selecting the correct pattern of word s is done unconsciously.Chomsky refers to this as our universal grammar and supports this theory by pointing out that all human languages share similar patterns (for example present and past tense).There is a difference between the acquisition of a first language and a second language. Those who have had experience teaching both adults and children may have noticed that children learn their first language in a more fluid fashion while adults rate of acquisition varies from person to person.Now, keep in mind Chomskys theory. Children do not need to be taught their first language whereas adults require formal instruction.With children it is a natural increase due to needs and environment.With adults second language acquisition is dependent upon motivation, attitude, and abilityEven though Chomskys theory appears to put adults at a disadvantage when it comes to acquiring language, adults do possess skills that enable them to learn another language. bighearteds possess competency in a first language which could be used to further understand and retain a second language. For example, associating L2 words with L1 words, creating visual and audio clues.Adults are able to problem solve and simplify complex concepts.Adults understand inflection and tone.Adult have the cognitive ability to review and reflectAdults can draw on mnemonics devices these are memory tools such as creating acronyms or simple rhymes*try a web search on common mnemonic devicesChomskys concepts have been both highly accepted and criticized by his peers.Krashens Five HypothesesOne of the most tell modern linguist and educational researcher is psychologist Dr. Stephen Krashen. Dr, Krashen is well known for his theories of language acquisition and development most of which were published in a series of books throughout the 1980s. Along with Tracey Terrell, Dr. Krashen also researched and authored works on the natural approach to language teaching.Dr. Krashens theory of second language acquisition explores how we learn language through fiver main hypothesesthe natural order hypothesisthe acquisition-learning hypothesisthe monitor hypothesisthe input hypothesisthe affective filter hypothesisThe Natural Order conjectureThis hypothesis suggests that language acquisition follows a natural pattern of progress. Just like in movement, one first learns to crawl, stand, walk and then run, language acquisition in every language develops through a series of sequential steps that a person progresses through naturally.By studying this natural progressing of language acquisition, researchers have uncovered a predictable pattern in language acquisition. By following this pattern teachers can develop a series of instruction manual that best suit the needs of older language learners.This hypothesis coincides Noam Chomskys theory that humans naturally have a built-in Language Acquisition Device (LAD), that enables humans to understand and acquire language from infancy.Teachers need to take the natural order hypothesis when introducing language concepts. This can be done by ensuring first introducing models that are moderately easy for learners to acquire. As instructors should *scaffold difficult concepts.Perform a web search and find a definition educational supportEducational scaffolding refers to the idea that in order for students to powerful achieve academic success, the instructor needs to ensure that instructional supports have been when students are first introduced to a new topic.The Acquisition Learning Hypothesis.The Acquisition-Learning hypothesis is considered by many linguists as the most fundamental of all Krashens hypothesizes .The Acquisition Learning hypothesis suggests that second language performance is a product of two separate systems that happen consciously and subconsciously in a persons brain.The first system is the acquired system. Language acquisition occurs subconsciously through natural communication. In other words people acquire a s econd language when they are exposed to meaningful verbal interactions with speakers of the target language.The second system focuses on formal instruction. Krashen believes that this system holds less importance than the acquired system however it is still a component of language acquisition. The learning system occurs when people consciously focus on learning a language.In its simplest form you can think of it this way, a person learns a language by studying it they acquire a language by immersing themselves in it.Instructors need to create opportunities for students to use the target language in an authentic manor house within their classrooms. This is especially important in the EFL classroom because students will not have the opportunity to use the target language outside of the classroom. How could and EFL instructor incorporate the acquisition-learning hypothesis into their teachings?Role playing (creating simulated scenarios)The Monitor HypothesisThe Monitor Hypothesis corre sponds promptly with the Acquisition- Learning hypothesis. The Monitor Hypothesis focuses on the effects of direct language instruction. Krashen explained in the Acquisition- Learning hypothesis that language acquisition occurs during exposure to natural communication. In essence, the language we acquire through this process is fine-tuned and properly alter through grammar and language instruction. Instruction and traditional language learning activities monitor and correct language.The Input Hypothesis.Comprehensible input are the messages that a language learner understands. These messages can come in the form of written text (books, signs, subtitles) or oral language (conversations, radio).The input hypothesis suggests that in order for language acquisition to occur, the learner must receive comprehensible input that is slightly above their level of language knowledge. This is often documented as Comprehensible Input +1. The +1 represents the next level in language.EFL instruct ors need to ensure that they are constantly taking the input hypothesis into consideration when creating and implementing lessons. Instructors need to provide as much comprehensible input as possible, especially in the EFL class because learners are not exposed to the target language outside of the classroom setting.The Affective interpenetrate Hypothesis.Affective Filter Hypothesis focuses on the theory that confidence and anxiety have a direct correlation to language learning. In order to properly acquire language, a person needs to be comfortable and feel confident in their surroundings. When a language learner is uncomfortable they tend to mentally build up barriers that prevent acquisition.Keeping in mind the Affective Filter Hypothesis, list a few barriers in an academic environment that could directly hinder language acquisition.How can an instructor ensure that a learner feels safe?-begin lessons with ice breakers-establish a classroom routine with a set of norms-consider s eating arrangements-incorporate dual language resources use humour-include teaching methods that allow for student interaction-address students by name-use eye contact-use positive language(*6) The Reading HypothesisIt should also be noted that Krashens more recent research has concluded that the more a person reads in a second language, the more vocabulary they will acquire.Involving a variety of texts in a language classroom will increase the learners knowledge of the target language and also offer the learner opportunities to view how the target language can be used in real-life contexts.List some forms of texts that will offer students an opportunity to view language in real-life contexts.-advertisements-instructional signs-subtitles-novels-scriptsVygotskys zona of Proximal developing theoryHaving English language learners work in small groups is a recommend strategy. Why do you think students are more successfully when broken up into small groups?Although he only lived to the age of 38, Lev Vygotsky was considered one of the founders of cultural historical psychology. Vygotsky lived through Russian Revolution of the early 1900s and his works were largely unknown to the West until it was published in 1962, more than 25 years after he died.As a social constructivist he believed that social interaction was key to the cognitive and language development of children. He observed how higher level mental functions developed within particular cultural groups and individually through social interactions with significant people in most cases a childs primary caregivers.Vygotsky developed the Zone of Proximal Development theory, which outlines the notion that a students performance of certain tasks improve greatly when they are being guided by an adult or when working in a group of their peers.Vygotsky referred to these peers as More Knowledgeable Other(s) (MKO). The MKO is anyone who has a better understanding or more knowledge in the area of study than the learner . The MKO could be a teacher, coach, or peers.Vygotsky theorized that working alone is less constructive because when a student works with others, the gaps between what the student knows and what can be known is bridged.Working in these groups is working within the Zone of Proximal Development.Think of it this way(Picture)(1)Student X has some understanding of some of the concepts but needs to learn other concepts for a greater understanding of the materials(2)Student X is grouped with others who know these concepts but some of the members of the groups may not know some of the concepts Student X knows (they have all entered the zone)(3) Everyone walks out of the group with new informationThink about thisWhy is the second language classroom a perfect environment to apply the Zone of Proximal Development theory?Unlike a situation in which a teacher or lecturer delivers information to students, the ZPD theory promotes the notion that students need to play an active role in learning. Z PD theory offers an opportunity for everyone to learn from each other.In an ESL/EFL classroom, the teacher can set up small groups in which students act as the MKOs and learn off each other.Think about itHow does the Zone of Proximal Development theory compliment Stephen Krashens Input Hypothesis? Think about students working in groups.-In essence both theories work on the notion that learning takes place when a learner is exposed to a person who has slightly more advanced knowledge in that subject area. Group work in the ESL/EFL classroom is very successful bec