Prescriptive And Descriptive Grammar

Prescriptive And Descriptive Grammar A pedagogical grammar refers to the modified approach that is now adopted in linguistics to facilitate the process of teaching an extra language. In broader spectrum it can be defines as the grammar that exists to help foreign language learners. Pedagogical grammar can be categorized into two distinct but interconnected theory areas. First of which is concerned with descriptive models can be integrated with pedagogical reference along with teaching materials that makes the process of learning easy and simple for the learner. Secondly premises about second-language achievement form the other category of pedagogical grammar. It provides the fundamentals about class attitudes and tactics. It in general guides students about grammatical concepts which appear to be insightful for a native speaker while extremely complicated for a non-native speaker. An indigenous English speaker needs less attention an instruction in correcting some obvious sentence structure mistakes. For instance he would be easily able to invert the words You do know me to form an appropriate sentence as Do you know me? However for somebody who is learning English as his second language would demand a detailed explanation about making this inversion. This fact becomes more lucid when the persons native language formulates question following a different way. Guiding about this particular area of grammar might appear monotonous and pointless for first-language speakers but it is an essential aspect of pedagogical grammar. ( Ortega, 2008) Pedagogical grammar introduces rules about correcting the language usage in communications. For instance it guides about the language that a doctor uses to check his patients and write his prescriptions. Similarly pedagogical grammar also deals with descriptive grammars teaching the speakers to have a strong grip over the language to make sure they use it frequently even without considering the proper rules before speaking. Summing up pedagogical grammar forms a border between the grounds of prescriptive and descriptive language. Using both approaches is vital to serve the purpose of pedagogical grammar that is to help non-native speakers use the language fluently. In order to make a learner perfectly skilled in his desirable language, it is important to make obey the rules of prescriptive grammar to improve his utterances. On the contrary by means of descriptive language the foreign language learners comprehend the way native speakers make use of the language. However it is necessary the learners make complete sense in his communication when using slangs or some other non-standard learning ways. Lexicogrammar is a term that is often considered unusual in the systemic functional linguistics. Basically it defines the level of linguistic structure wherein expressions or vocabulary, and grammar, or sentence structure come under the same heading. The words and grammatical structure are not considered independent variables at this level. In fact the modern concept is that both of them are mutually dependent that is one has a profound influence on the other. The similar relation between lexis and grammar has been discussed in many linguistic theories and approaches. This entry in particular will focus more on the systemic functional linguistics (SFL) as well as corpus linguistics (CL), because both these hypothetical-procedural frameworks have strong relation with applied linguistics. In both the cases lexicogrammar plays a vital role. For Instance; the Lexicogrammatical learning techniques should be implemented in classrooms on daily basis. This would enable the second language learners achieve the optimum result similar to those individuals who are learning their first language. In case the students are not told about the phrases used commonly in native English, they will definitely get confused when have a conversation with somebody. It is a fact that second language learners would not be able to think of the routine conversational phrases that the native speakers frequently use. Therefore they should be taught about this to make sure they also attain a native like fluency in their language skills. It has also been deliberated that the prescriptive grammar emphasizes more about grammatical errors and cohesiveness. It guides student about the appropriate grammar rules, probable error areas in terms oral and written communication. It includes all the flexible and necessary guidelines about the language. This parti cular type of grammar describes how people converse using correct sentence structure without considering the strict rules now and then. ( Lins, 2007) Provide your position toward the following statement by using theories and research results: L1-L2 differences cause learning difficulties. For example, is it true or do you agree or disagree and why? Evaluating the relationship between mother tongue (L1) and second language (L2) has been one of the most important subjects under discussion in the arena of second language acquisition (SLA) research. I do not comply with the statement that L1-L2 differences results in learning complications because there are also many other factors that affect the learning process directly. A major part of the discussion emphasizes on the transfer phenomena which is typically referred to the incorporation characteristics of L1 into the informative systems of L2 that the learner is trying to construct. During the time frame 1950s-1960, transfer is seen to be one of the main causes of learning difficulties. Following in 1970s L2 acquisition process was denied in all the places. After all this crucial points of transfer debate has been determined which states in spite of the possession of irritating and elusive character, transfer is considered to be the major factor crafting the learners inter-languag e performance. Moreover it is also becoming evident that transfer phenomena are not just limited to learners integration of L1 elements into their L2 production. It is also believed that transfer is caused by similarities and differences between languages. It is not restricted to the impact of L1 and L2 but also encompasses the influence of L2 and L3. (Cook, Long McDonough, 1979). In spite of extensive research done in this arena, there are still a lot of issues left unresolved such as nature of transfer, situations in which it occurs and related psychological processes. For instance effect of L1 on L2 performance is most prominent in the field of phonology wherein foreign accent is possibly the best demonstration of learners mother tongue in L2 speech. However the most research done on these phonological skills of L2 previously revolved around segmented issues. Therefore all the possible pro-sody was disregarded. The relation between the languages is known to very crucial as it determines the nature of second language acquisition. The acquisition of L1 and L2 did not differ then the research would only be about sub-field of language acquisition. It is actually a maxim that defines the features of L2 acquisition as the availability of another language with the presence of the first language in the same mind. Besides the characteristic of L2 community is define d as the supplementary usage of additional languages in association with the first language. Explain the notions of attention and noticing and their roles in L2 learning. Modern researchers state that noticing, which is defined as the level of attention and concentration, is a vital necessity for learning the grammatical forms of L2. This can be distinguished by its features such as a cognitive function called detection, consciousness and awareness. Both these elements are considered to be so essential that no innovative mental representation can be made in their absence. Moreover, according to many researchers and language instructors it is part of human skills and nature that he learns first languages more easily and effortlessly as in this case attention is not required along with awareness. On the contrary people learning second languages do not show such simplicity towards the learning process. They are not able to learn with the aid of detection only. Such difficulties and complications are more evident in learning grammar and cohesiveness of L2. The practical implementations seen in classrooms are generally noticeable. Here teachers and student s endeavor to use obscure cognitive processes that supervise both the processes of learning, attention and grammar learning.( Schmitt, 2010) Schmitt was the first person to conduct an effective research on the psychology associations with Second Language Acquisition (SLA). He claimed that the things that are noticeable are vital for L2 learning. He also hypothesized that noticing is an essential condition for this. Although many researchers considered noticing a vital component for L2 learning still the thoughts and opinions of other scholars differ in sense whether it is obligatory or not. Another factor considered to be important for L2 learning is attention, intentional or spontaneous. This human skill basically refers to his capability of concentrating on one task while paying no attention to the others. Subcategories of attention encompass alertness (eagerness to deal with a challenge), orientation (pathway of attention), detection (cognitive registration of a situation) and inhibition (negligence towards stimuli). The SLA theory states that one cannot learn anything from input unless it has formed the object of atte ntion. It is true that it is necessary for L2 learning to focus on cognitive activities in regards with specific stimuli over time. The issue that is debatable in this arena is whether or not this discernment shall be conscious. Noticing refers to assigning importance to one aspect as compared to others. It is a form of awareness which determines private experience of learner linguistically. It has also been deliberated by many researchers that noticing is important for changing input to intake in case of learning L2. Schmitt (2010) also described the minimum prerequisite of noticing as the attention paid to deal with grammatical components in input. This is done with the accomplishment of reporting threshold level of subjective responsiveness and knowledge about the experience.

Both Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne Essay

Both Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne may be classified as writers of the gothic fiction genre in English Literature. Gothic literature is characterized by themes of darkness, such as death, dread and decay. In Poe’s short story The Tell-Tale Heart, death is a central concern. The protagonist is simply obsessed with the idea of committing murder. Instability and insanity are also very typical of gothic fiction, and the protagonist embodies both qualities in spite of his repeated insistence that he is quite sane. The architecture in this story is also quite Gothic – it is falling apart and is quite gloomy and dim. The use of the floorboards to hide the old man’s body echoes the gothic elements of underground and subterranean activities in both the literal and metaphorical senses. The horrors and neuroses that occupy gothic characters are quite evidently present in Poe’s short story. The excesses of emotion and heightened sense of horror captured in the story is essential to a piece of gothic fiction. Hawthorne’s Young Goodman Brown uses the typically gothic instrument of dreams as a means of carrying forward the action in the text. Dreams also serve to heighten the element of the supernatural and horror in the gothic text. The presence of the typical damsel in distress female character i. e. Faith and the Devil itself are some of the typical Gothic elements in Hawthorne’s work. The concepts of the staff as a symbol of evil and other Christian references may be interpreted as Gothic in this short story. Goodman’s quest for Faith is symbolic and works throughout the novel aided by the various Gothic elements of dreams, trances and desperation. The story examines how Goodman can be anyone at all. The most terrifying realization is that anyone at all is capable of great evil. Gothic themes of isolation are explored to drive this point home. More than anything else, both stories serve to employ the gothic genre in order to explore human nature and the consequences of human action, especially crime and the psychological motivations behind it. They go beyond sensationalism and explore real human emotions and the human condition using the gothic genre to heighten the experience for the reader. They explore the broad concepts of human beings and society and the web of relationships and influences that co-exist because of them. In exploring perversions they actually delve deep into the human psyche and invoke the horror of Gothic fiction to analyze the horror possible in daily human contact and regular human thoughts. The failure of the protagonists to see the larger picture or recognize their own insanity and guilt as well as their deep realization of these feelings despite their denial of them are what make the Gothic elements in these texts so effective.

Public Schools vs. Private Schools Essay - 899 Words

Public Schools vs. Private Schools A good education is an essential part of a child’s development. Today, parents have a choice in their child’s education and can evaluate both public and private schools. Although both public and private schools provide education and opportunities for students, parents should evaluate the differences and choose the option that best suits their child and families’ needs. In this paper, I will compare and contrast five major areas that relate to public and private schools including class size, cost, curriculum, services, and teachers. One of the first major differences between public and private schools is class size. Public schools follow state and federal guidelines in regard to class size. Most†¦show more content†¦Another difference among public and private schools is the curriculum. Public schools must follow the curriculum that is outlined by the state. The state outlines a curriculum for each subject at each grade level (Great Schools Staff, n.d.). The state also mandates the assessments for each grade level (Great Schools Staff, n.d.). The curriculums are similar among different states in the hope that if a students moves mid year, they will remain on track for their new school. Private schools have the ability to set their own curriculum. Private schools might advertise specialized curriculums in order to entice students (Great Schools Staff, n.d.). For example, private schools that are religiously affiliated will have religious based classes in addition to their basic curriculum. This is something that parents need to consider too. Also, private schools determine their own assessments and do not have to participate in standardized testing. Special education services are another difference between private and public schools. Public schools follow state and federal guidelines and therefore must follow the special education laws (Great Schools Staff, n.d.). All students can attend public school andShow MoreRel atedPrivate Schools Vs. Public Schools1406 Words   |  6 Pagesthat private school is more expensive than public school, but has it ever occurred to you why it is like this? Private schools are not just trying to take your money, they are just trying to provide a quality education, without the government funding that public schools get. The tuition money goes to very important things; high quality teachers, better resources and the overall quality and stability of the institution. It is true that private school tuition is expensive, but private schools haveRead MorePrivate Schools Vs Public Schools1723 Words   |  7 Pagesthink of private schools they often think of a quality of education that cannot be found in a public school. Private school education is thought of to be so thorough and innovative that public vouchers are given to individuals just to attend. Many parents could rest easier at night if their kids could attend private school because for generations it has been d rilled into the psyche of many that going to private school is a sure way to have a good future. In actuality however, private schools are notRead MorePrivate Schools Vs Public Schools1428 Words   |  6 Pagesstudy in private schools, which almost represents the fifth of students in Saudi Arabia. Although a lot of families prefer to make their children study in private school, that does not mean they are completely satisfied about the schools’ quality and their children’ achievement (Al-Hagbani, 2013). Nevertheless, they still enroll their children in private schools, believing they will benefit more from studying in private schools than public schools. In addition, some parents believe that private schoolsRead MorePrivate Schools Vs Public Schools1207 Words   |  5 PagesAn Introduction of the Topic Private schools differ from public schools for many different reasons. The major difference is that the government, unlike private schools that are privately funded, funds public schools. Another difference would be that the private schools have more flexibility on what they can teach because the government does not fund them. One other difference that is very prevalent is the social goals of schooling. This topic is a very important issue that many parents struggle withRead MorePrivate Schools Vs. Public Schools998 Words   |  4 Pagesnation. People today might say that private schools are superior to public schools, saying that they are safer and a better environment to learn in. Some might say that a private school is a way of sheltering your child and not letting them experience opportunities and face many problems to learn from. There are many positives and negatives to both sides; it mainly depends on whom you are talking to. Some parents might want their child to go to a pri vate school because the class size is smaller andRead MorePublic Schools vs. Private Schools1027 Words   |  4 Pagesare things to consider before choosing to send your child to a public school or private school. Perhaps doing so would be much easier if you would take the time to research the differences between the two. Public schools are better than private schools because of the diversity, funding and extracurricular activities available. Eileen Gale Kugler, a national advocate for diverse schools, wrote an article about how the diversity in schools makes academic and social improvements. She recalls a memoryRead More Private Schools vs. Public Schools870 Words   |  4 PagesChoosing between a public or a private school for one’s education is as important as deciding where to invest one’s hard-earned money—the consequences influence one’s life forever. In the United States, it is the law for every child to be educated. However, the decision as to where to go for one’s education is up to each individual. There is a great deal of debate as to which is the better option: for-profit private schools or one’s local public school. Ultimately, the decision is made regardingRead MorePrivate Schools vs. Public Schools 1081 Words   |  5 PagesHave you ever attended a private institution? What was your experience like? Think back and compare it to your ideal public school, which on e happens to pale in comparison? Public schools, which are controlled by the government, and heavily influenced, by politicians and privateers, hurt your children, not allowing them to reap the full benefits of their growing mind. â€Å"Our schools have been scientifically designed to prevent over-education from happening. The average American [should be] contentRead MorePrivate School Vs. Public School1254 Words   |  6 PagesThesis: Private school students are more likely to have a better viewpoint in learning, a firm stance in education, and will be more successful in colleges than of public school students. I. Introduction A. Attention Getter: According to NCES data, 88 percent of private high school students apply to college, compared to 57 percent of public high school students. Every day parents contemplate whether to send their children to private or public school. There are many dangers that come with public schoolRead MorePrivate Schools Vs Public Schools921 Words   |  4 Pageschild’s education, parents want the best the school has to offer their children. Parents want a prosperous future for their child which is not only health, but a well-educated one. Education is of the utmost importance especially because it will impact the child the most in the long run. Private schools offer ample education opportunities. There are some factors to consider when choose a private school education over a public one. Many times, the private schools are religious are having certain beliefs

Compare how VOICE is presented in The River God (Stevie Smith), My Last Duchess (Robert Browning) and The Hunchback in the Park (Dylan Thomas) Free Essay Example, 1000 words

In the former, the River talks about ordinary, river experiences at the beginning, but mentions how he drowned a beautiful lady to keep her with him forever. The latter poem also starts out somewhat casually with the Duke discussing a wall-painting of his Duchess and how beautiful and jolly she is. As the poem progresses, the Duke’s intense jealousy and petty arrogance are revealed to have led him to order her death as he suspected her of infidelity. The two poems hence start out normal but take a turn for the macabre. The two masculine voices consider themselves to wield godly power and control the fate of others. They both seem to not only brazenly boast of, but take pleasure in murder. The tone of The Hunchback however does the opposite, starting out sad and depressing, but ending with a ray of hope for the hunchback as he loses himself in his imaginary world with his imaginary woman. The hunchback is not even regarded as human but more of an animal, as his abode is referr ed to as a â€Å"kennel†. He endures taunts and jibes from the boys in the park, his only respite being nighttime (TES 2011). We will write a custom essay sample on Compare how VOICE is presented in The River God (Stevie Smith), My Last Duchess (Robert Browning) and The Hunchback in the Park (Dylan Thomas) or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now As is the inherent nature of poems, the implications of the words used may not seem straightforward at first, but understanding the host of allusions, imagery and metaphors brings out the real meaning of the poem. The callousness of the River God may be borrowed from the Greco-Roman tales of gods such as Neptune, God of the Sea. The gods viewed humans as chess pieces and playthings for their amusement. The river holds these delusions of grandeur, believing he is the rescuer of the woman from her fear, when in fact he is the cause of it. He further justifies himself that she is just asleep, and that everyone above has forgotten about her. He keeps her captive on his â€Å"bed†, wordplay on both a â€Å"normal† or â€Å"marital† bed and the riverbed. He also indicates that he would never let her go, indicating the use of the same force by which he drowned her to keep her his. There is a hint that he knows what he did is not right, as the attempts at justifying hi s deeds show (TES 2011). My Last Duchess contains some of these themes as well. The male voice here is as drunk on power and seemingly, just as murderous, as the voice of the River God. The same theme of obsession and sexual jealousy shows up as the Duke complains that the â€Å"spot of joy† as the Duchess blushed and smiled was not caused by him alone. The poem makes it clear that the Duchess was a pleasant and sweet person who loved the simpler, natural things, the dropping of the daylight in the west, the bough of cherries, her white mule.