Piaget
Stages in cognitive development:
Birth to 2 years = object permanence
2 to 7 years = pre- operational stage
7 to 11 years = concrete operational stage
11 above = formal operational stage
At each stage a child gradually improves their ability to distinguish technical factors and debate possibilities and consequences. They become able to explain in a thoughtful fashion changes around them.
Chomsky
Children are born with an innate understanding of language use meaning that they are biologically pre-wired to easily learn universal grammar and language. They already have the ability to understand the worlds languages fixed principles such as verbs,nouns and sentence structures such as interrogatives.
Vygotsky
The zone of proximal development.
Children begin with the assisted stage where they learn language with the help of an educated adult. The assistance over time becomes more minimal and the child begins to learn independently with the confidence to endeavour to learn more.
BF Skinner
Operant conditioning.
This is where adults use schedules of reinforcement such as congratulating their child when they are successful in spelling a word correctly, while giving negative reinforcement for a misspelling.
Bruner
Children pursue the ability to learn language with the aim of getting what they want and being able to ask for such things as food or hugs.
Personal theory
I agree that all the theorists are correct to a large extent although that they are all also complimented by one another. They all, combined together, factor into the whole portrait of how a child learns how to read, write and speak. Some of these theories can however be criticised such as Piaget, in the case that the stages could vary depending on various children's brain development paces. I agree with BF Skinners Operant conditioning theory over the others because I believe that children strive to impress and please their parents and to receive as much adoration for what they do as they possibly can.
Monday, 6 October 2014
Sunday, 5 October 2014
Advertisement analysis
ARC have reached out to their customer base through paying for this advertisement to be in a national magazine. ARC specialise in purchasing homes from prospective buyers who are contemplating moving. All of the linguistic devices used in the advertisement are used to manipulate the reader into considering the opportunity and service they are providing. The eyes are instantly drawn to the large bold font saying 'NO BRAINER.' at the top of the picture. This not only links to the image of the scarecrow below in a comedic fashion because of course a scarecrow is made of straw, but also conveying the simplicity of the possible business arrangement. This simplistic concept is an intellectual choice for ARC taking into consideration the prospective customers. They are likely to be people who are in need of haste when selling their home and are already weighed down with other financial complications. The image shows a clear sunny day implying that this business venture is a positive choice. Sunshine is often used in advertisements to promote a positive nature and the clearness of the day implies the clearness of the opportunity, once again supporting the simplistic notion. The sue of the pronoun 'you' implies that the reader has the choice and that ARC won't take any of that independence away. The customer always wants to be the one in control of their finance. Below that is a list of features that this company can provide. The list repeatedly uses the negative lexical choice 'NO' in bold capitals which ironically is usually used to present negative factors in the business, however in this case its used to emphasise the benefits of working with ARC with features such as 'No risk' promoting financial security which is what ARC know the customer wants. ARC use an interrogative sentence with 'What have you got to lose?' which implies that it would be senseless for the customer to not partake in a seemingly safe, required business. This interrogative is followed by a complimentary declarative sentence 'We're outstanding in our field' which conveys ARC's confidence. This implies that ARC are skilled at what they do and provide a quality service, it wouldn't be unusual for a sole trader to use such a sentence due to the capabilities of lying however in this case the collective pronoun 'We're' is used which shows that more than one person working for ARC knows that they are 'outstanding'. The use of the Email address and the phone number on the side of the page just below the logo provides an official, trustworthy presentation which once again reinforces a trusting relationship between the customer and business.
Monday, 29 September 2014
Child language acquisition -H/W video and notes
Humans when under observation are victim to the 'Hawthorne effect'. This is when people change their behaviour when the know they are being watched. The first segment of the video is of a family recording the language change of their child however the adults would likely behave differently knowing they are also being observed leading to a lack of realism and a possible unreliability.
Chomsky argues that we are all born with an innate knowledge of the English language. This informs us that we all have the capabilities to learn how to speak and that these capabilities are activated when we grow and begin to learn. The fact that other animals cant speak in the same technical way as humans supports Chomsky's theory because it implies that they don't have the innate knowledge to allow them to speak. The video used evidence from X-ray scans to show how dogs don't have the vocal chords and passageways to vocalise in as many different ways as humans can therefore restricting their communication.
To speak humans use several different parts of their bran which all work in unison. Without all of these parts active communication wouldn't be possible in the same way. This supports Piaget's cognitive theory which states that are brain takes time to develop and it is only when the cognitive part of our brain is fully ready that we gain the capabilities to reach our limit. Without all of the areas in the cognitive section active we cannot reach that limit.
It has been found through case studies that after a certain point in the development process children and adults find it far harder to learn a language. This can be seen in the case of Genie,who was over the course of thirteen years locked away in the dark, unable to learn in any way or form. She once released tried to learn the English language but wasn't capable of fully unlocking it. This supports Vygostsky who stated that children require a certain level of social interaction for language development. Genie, having been restricted from such interaction, suffered as a consequence and was unable to learn all that was to learn.
Chomsky argues that we are all born with an innate knowledge of the English language. This informs us that we all have the capabilities to learn how to speak and that these capabilities are activated when we grow and begin to learn. The fact that other animals cant speak in the same technical way as humans supports Chomsky's theory because it implies that they don't have the innate knowledge to allow them to speak. The video used evidence from X-ray scans to show how dogs don't have the vocal chords and passageways to vocalise in as many different ways as humans can therefore restricting their communication.
To speak humans use several different parts of their bran which all work in unison. Without all of these parts active communication wouldn't be possible in the same way. This supports Piaget's cognitive theory which states that are brain takes time to develop and it is only when the cognitive part of our brain is fully ready that we gain the capabilities to reach our limit. Without all of the areas in the cognitive section active we cannot reach that limit.
It has been found through case studies that after a certain point in the development process children and adults find it far harder to learn a language. This can be seen in the case of Genie,who was over the course of thirteen years locked away in the dark, unable to learn in any way or form. She once released tried to learn the English language but wasn't capable of fully unlocking it. This supports Vygostsky who stated that children require a certain level of social interaction for language development. Genie, having been restricted from such interaction, suffered as a consequence and was unable to learn all that was to learn.
Friday, 20 June 2014
Language & technology essay
Language & Technology
This extract is from a transcipt taken from video highlights recorded at the 2010 paralympic world swimming championships. The purpose of the transcipt is to inform and the audience are the public watching this on their television, computer, or on any other technological device.
The discourse structure of the extract follows the common conventions of televised commentaries. This discourse consists of multiple people, in this case the presenter, commentator and Mallory Weggman the paralympic swimmer. The commentator is the one who speaks the most because he is guiding the show and the other speakers. His job is to inform the viewers on what is happening at that second in time. What is different about this transcipt is the lack of interruptions. The reason for this is due to the apparent transitions between sections. Between each person speaking, the camera either changes to a different location or 'lively music plays' alongside a 'variety of images' to likely allow time for the speaker to prepare, or to display to the viewer events that have occurred earlier in the day. This is one of the main benefits of technology, the fact that it allows both images and words to be recorded, and through the use of transmitting all this information to a television it is visually illuminating current events. This would support David Crystals new guise theory because it is different visually than it would be written down. Also the spontaneity of a live recording contrasts to a written text. David Crystal's new guise is in effect due to the rapid improvements in technology.
This extract is from a transcipt taken from video highlights recorded at the 2010 paralympic world swimming championships. The purpose of the transcipt is to inform and the audience are the public watching this on their television, computer, or on any other technological device.
The discourse structure of the extract follows the common conventions of televised commentaries. This discourse consists of multiple people, in this case the presenter, commentator and Mallory Weggman the paralympic swimmer. The commentator is the one who speaks the most because he is guiding the show and the other speakers. His job is to inform the viewers on what is happening at that second in time. What is different about this transcipt is the lack of interruptions. The reason for this is due to the apparent transitions between sections. Between each person speaking, the camera either changes to a different location or 'lively music plays' alongside a 'variety of images' to likely allow time for the speaker to prepare, or to display to the viewer events that have occurred earlier in the day. This is one of the main benefits of technology, the fact that it allows both images and words to be recorded, and through the use of transmitting all this information to a television it is visually illuminating current events. This would support David Crystals new guise theory because it is different visually than it would be written down. Also the spontaneity of a live recording contrasts to a written text. David Crystal's new guise is in effect due to the rapid improvements in technology.
Language & Gender
A surgeon's care
This extract, taken from the Mills and Boon novel 'A Surgeon's Care' involves one man and one women. The man is instantly depicted as the most powerful, through his position in the hospital. The 'famous Professor Chadwick', a man already renowned for his work in the surgical profession is described in a detailed fashion, with the author Lucy Clark explaining how he will repair the 'open reduction and internal fixation of a fractured tibia simplistically'. The post-modifier 'simplistically' shows his professionally and skill in his work, something we aren't told about the other female doctor. The pre-modifier 'fractured' emphasises the extent to the patients injury which in turn emphasises his skill. This follows the male stereotype that it's men who save the day. Professor Chadwick's eyes are described as an 'icy blue' which supports the emotionless representation given in much literature and society alike. However this 'icy blue' 'thawed a little' implying that inside he is emotionally warm challenging the known stereotype but following more closely to the new image of a new man, someone who is more in touch with their feelings. Although his gaze does only thaw a 'little' which also tells the reader that he is careful to maintain his emotions. And the fact that their eye contact is quickly 'broken' emphasises this point.
Dr Chadwick 'demanded' 'where on earth is Dr Hatfield?'. This interrogative sentence depicts the doctors power. The fact that he 'demanded' his point shows that he has dominion over his co-workers and feels free to speak to them in such a sudden and rude manner.
This extract, taken from the Mills and Boon novel 'A Surgeon's Care' involves one man and one women. The man is instantly depicted as the most powerful, through his position in the hospital. The 'famous Professor Chadwick', a man already renowned for his work in the surgical profession is described in a detailed fashion, with the author Lucy Clark explaining how he will repair the 'open reduction and internal fixation of a fractured tibia simplistically'. The post-modifier 'simplistically' shows his professionally and skill in his work, something we aren't told about the other female doctor. The pre-modifier 'fractured' emphasises the extent to the patients injury which in turn emphasises his skill. This follows the male stereotype that it's men who save the day. Professor Chadwick's eyes are described as an 'icy blue' which supports the emotionless representation given in much literature and society alike. However this 'icy blue' 'thawed a little' implying that inside he is emotionally warm challenging the known stereotype but following more closely to the new image of a new man, someone who is more in touch with their feelings. Although his gaze does only thaw a 'little' which also tells the reader that he is careful to maintain his emotions. And the fact that their eye contact is quickly 'broken' emphasises this point.
Dr Chadwick 'demanded' 'where on earth is Dr Hatfield?'. This interrogative sentence depicts the doctors power. The fact that he 'demanded' his point shows that he has dominion over his co-workers and feels free to speak to them in such a sudden and rude manner.
Whore analysis
Whore
When does the OED
citation first record the appearance of the word in printed text?
1050 - 1100
What type of text did
it first appear in?
a1100 Aldhelm
Glossesi. 2940 in A. S. Napier Old Eng. Glosses (1900) 79/2 Prostituta pellax, i. meretrix quæ prostat,
i. mendax, leas fyrnhicge, hore. It first appeared in a very old glossary.
Where does the word
come from?
Germany
Has the word always
been ‘gender’ specific?
No, when it was used in the Germanic form it was spelt
‘horaz’ for men and ‘horon’ for women
Has the primary
meaning of the word changed over time?
The word has only changed in orthographic characteristics
but maintained the same semantic characteristics. It has always been on a high
level of pejoration, however it has now become more general having only been
used in the past for a prostitute. These changes became more prominent in 1275.
Has the spelling of
the word changed at all?
Yes. It has changed multiple times through the cultural
influences.
Does the word exist
in more than one word class?
It can be used as a verb ‘whoring’
It can be used as a proper noun ‘whore’
Does the dictionary
definition match your understanding of the word?
Yes.
Host analysis
Host
When does the OED
citation first record the appearance of the word in printed text?
1290
What type of text did
it first appear in?
First appeared in an issue of ‘south England legendary’
Where does the word
come from?
The word was originally French
Has the primary
meaning of the word changed over time?
It originally in 1290 meant ‘an armed company of men’
however as time continued is adapted to mean both someone who hosts a gathering
and someone who is possessed by a spirit.
Has the spelling of
the word changed at all?
Yes having originally been spelt ost.
Does the word exist
in more than one word class?
It can be a verb ‘to host’
It can be a proper noun ‘the host’
Does the dictionary
definition match your understanding of the word?
Yes
Dog analysis
Dog
When does the OED
citation first record the appearance of the word in printed text?
1000 - 1050
What type of text did
it first appear in?
c1225 (▸?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 213 His [sc. the devil's] teð beoð attri as of amad dogge. dauið
iþe sauter cleopeð him dogge
Where does the word
come from?
Origin of the word is unknown, but it is presumed to be old
English with Germanic influences.
Has the word always
been ‘gender’ specific?
No the word has always been used for both genders, although
the female dog is also called a ‘bitch’.
Has the primary
meaning of the word changed over time?
The word has maintained the same general meaning, as in a
domesticated animal, or one used for hunting. However now it is sometimes used
to refer to someone who is excessively sexually active or someone who is
relentless in finding out something.
Has the spelling of
the word changed at all?
It was originally spelt Docgena which changed to doggue
which became dogge which changed to doge which became dog.
Does the word exist
in more than one word class?
It can be used as a verb ‘to dog’
It can be used as a concrete noun ‘dog’
Does the dictionary
definition match your understanding of the word?
Yes it does although now it is occasionally used to refer to
people aswell.
Soldier analysis
Soldier
When does the OED
citation first record the appearance of the word in printed text?
1300
What type of text did
it first appear in?
Cursor Mundi
Where does the word
come from?
France
Has the primary
meaning of the word changed over time?
It originally meant in 1603 ‘a man of military skill’
whereas now it can be for both men and women.
Has the spelling of
the word changed at all?
Yes. From soudier, saudier, sodyer to soldier.
Does the word exist
in more than one word class?
It can be used as a proper noun ‘soldier’
Does the dictionary
definition match your understanding of the word?
Yes. 'Someone involved in the military'
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