The Development of the American Language – 2381 Words | 123 Help Me
- Rhetorical Analysis Of Do You Speak American
analytical essay
In “Do You Speak American?” by Robert MacNeil, MacNeil uses outside sources, personal anecdotes, and familiar diction in attempts to prove that the transformation of American English is a positive outcome and should be accepted.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how robert macneil wrote “do you speak american?” to reach his audience, the educated and/or interested people of the united states who have some form of interest in the modern english.
- Analyzes how john simon uses formal language, authority, and jargon to prove that proper english should be taught effectively in the education system.
- Analyzes how douglas mcgray uses “lost in america” to point out that policy makers and educators should accept foreign diversity to keep the united states competitive against other countries.
- Analyzes how robert macneil wrote “do you speak american?” to reach his audience, the educated and/or interested people of the united states who have some form of interest in the modern english.
- Analyzes how john simon uses formal language, authority, and jargon to prove that proper english should be taught effectively in the education system.
- Analyzes how douglas mcgray uses “lost in america” to point out that policy makers and educators should accept foreign diversity to keep the united states competitive against other countries.
- Introduces macneil, robert, simon, john, and mcgray, douglas. “why good english is good for you.”
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- Communication Breakdown: An Analysis of Regional Dialects in Blues Music
analytical essay
One of the many permutations that language has made is into what is collectively known as English. This particular tongue was brought to the British Isles in the Sixth Century CE by Northern Europeans or “Germanic” people. (Kemmer) It followed English colonists around the world, including areas in North America, which will be the subject of this essay.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that instrumental music has intrinsic value, but the implementation of words that are spoken or sung creates a new genre, and an aesthetic. blues music is one of america’s greatest exports.
- Explains that language is the ever-changing medium by which human beings communicate ideas. this ability is what differentiates us from other animals.
- Explains that english was brought to the british isles in the sixth century ce by northern europeans or “germanic” people.
- Explains that instrumental music has intrinsic value, but the implementation of words that are spoken or sung creates a new genre, and an aesthetic. blues music is one of america’s greatest exports.
- Explains that language is the ever-changing medium by which human beings communicate ideas. this ability is what differentiates us from other animals.
- Explains that english was brought to the british isles in the sixth century ce by northern europeans or “germanic” people.
- Explains that the west african slaves that were brought to the american south to work in an agricultural context developed and adapted the english language with their own dialects. this language is used in blues music, which remains one of america’s most important contributions music in recent history.
- Explains that african american vernacular english, or ebonics, is prevalent in blues music. though its roots are not recorded well, it is believed that it developed as a “creole” language.
- Explains that the language itself is affected by how much contact there is with speakers of the root language. john rickford categorizes basilect, mesolect and acrolect speakers.
- Argues that the language continuum of african american vernacular english is in flux due to the contact with speakers of the standard language. popular culture can be the vehicle that this change can ride on.
- Analyzes the freudian connotations of the term “lawdy mama” in aave, or what could be termed as “blues-speak.”
- Analyzes how the adjective “lawdy” is a permutation of the colloquialism “lordly momma” which does not have an immediate apparent meaning.
- Explains that african american vernacular english’s contact with standard british english is well documented in the short example mentioned above. this is just more compelling evidence that even parent languages can be altered given the correct influx of culture and usage.
- Analyzes how the history of blues music has been a parallel journey with that of african americans in the american south.
- Explains that blues came out of a hybridization of slave hymns and west african rhythms, in the fertile mississippi delta, which stretches from the mouth of the mississippi river to about memphis, tennessee.
- Analyzes how robert johnson’s classic “me and the devil blues” is a dark track about impending doom and belief that he is evil.
- Explains the blues pattern of repetition, where a phrase is stated over the “i” chord for four measures and then restated over “iv”.
- Explains that the last sentence of a blues verse is normally response to the phrase that is repeated earlier in the verse. the chording beneath this response is varied, but is called the “turnaround.”
- Analyzes how johnson’s use of african-american vernacular english dictated how he chose to convey the story.
- Argues that johnson’s reference to walking side by side with “the devil” is a metaphor for his alcohol abuse. the turnaround phrasing, “and i’m going to beat my woman ’til i get satisfied,” is troubling for modern scholars.
- Explains that son house was a delta blues musician, and had many songs that are now blues standards. he pastored baptist church for several years before leaving because of an affair.
- Analyzes how “preachin’ blues” does not follow the chording pattern that “me and the devil blue” follows. it stays on the “i” chord the entire song.
- Explains that the usage of “gonna” and “wanna” should be addressed and analyzed.
- Analyzes how the irony in house’s lyrics makes his music something that lasts. saying something like that in the 1930s was not considered mainstream.
- Opines that muddy waters, also known as mckinley morganfield, deserves illumination. he helped invent the electric blues in the 1950s and helped shape the guitar techniques of many other artists.
- Analyzes how waters performed a song called, “i’m your hoochie cooooochie man,” written by willie dixon in 1954. the entire song is an extended metaphor about sexual intercourse.
- Analyzes how “got” is often substituted for “have” in a linking verb slot to complete pattern v sentences.
- Explains that blues music and african american vernacular english are inextricably linked. the english language is constantly in flux and will continue to be influenced by aave.
- Cites baker, ginger, jack bruce, and eric clapton. disraeli gears. polydor (uk), 2004.
- Explains that the creole origins of african american vernacular english: evidence from copula absence.
- Describes the names of muddy waters, little walter, otis spann, jimmy rogers and elgar edmonds in “trail of the hellhound: delta blues.”
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- Language Differences in America
explanatory essay
America is a country of immigrants. Lots of people from other countries are coming here each year. Most of these people don’t know the language, so they face a lot of difficulties at first. Even after they’ve been in the country for quite a while they still have an accent and sometimes their grammar usage is not perfect. Often people, who were born and raised in the United States, cannot understand what people with different dialect or accent are saying, so that creates problems and uncomfortable situations for the immigrants. Sometimes people with an accent would be treated differently, as if they were not as intelligent or as smart as others. I am foreign myself and I can tell from my personal experience that it is really hard to start a new life in another country. Amy Tan in her “Mother Tongue” describes an example of the situation like this, when Amy Tan’s mother’s CAT scan results were lost and hospital would not apologize to her. All of this was because of Amy’s mother’s dialect, but when Amy, who speaks a perfect English, herself talked to the hospital “ lo and behold – we had assurances the CAT scan would be found, promises that a conference call on Monday would be held, and apologies for any suffering my mother had gone through for a most regrettable mistake.” Sometimes it is necessary for the people to understand that person, who has a dialect or an accent, is not that much different from them and that person has to be treated equally, as well as someone without an accent.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that america is a country of immigrants, who don’t know the language, so they face difficulties at first. people with different dialects and accents are treated differently.
- Narrates how their first days were hard. they didn’t know anyone, and were not used to many traditions.
- Opines that the american society should not think of immigrants as unworthy of their attention and respect. kristina nunley, a freshman at oakland university, is right.
- Explains that america is a country of immigrants, who don’t know the language, so they face difficulties at first. people with different dialects and accents are treated differently.
- Narrates how their first days were hard. they didn’t know anyone, and were not used to many traditions.
- Opines that the american society should not think of immigrants as unworthy of their attention and respect. kristina nunley, a freshman at oakland university, is right.
- Explains that different people come to america because of different traditions, religion, lifestyles, and other things, but all of them are trying to start a new life.
- Narrates how amy tan’s mother, who isn’t good in english, often asks her or her dad to call instead of answering the phone because of her pronunciation.
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- Appalachian English and its Influence on George Thorogood
analytical essay
Vajda, Edward. “Linguistics 201: The Dialects of American English.” Linguistics 201: The Dialects of American English. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Mar. 2014. .
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the differences between standard american english and the appalachian english used throughout the song.
- Analyzes how the vocal absence of the end letter /t/, known as the “syllable-final consonant cluster”, is evident in the speech and phonetic spelling.
- Analyzes thorogood’s use of the word slide> as an informal and unconventional slang term.
- Analyzes the differences between standard american english and the appalachian english used throughout the song.
- Analyzes how the vocal absence of the end letter /t/, known as the “syllable-final consonant cluster”, is evident in the speech and phonetic spelling.
- Analyzes thorogood’s use of the word slide> as an informal and unconventional slang term.
- Admits that they have been guilty of viewing those who speak in an appalachian dialect as lazy or uneducated. however, as a result of their research, they found the dialect to be fascinating and as equally effective as sae.
- Explains that the first white settlers in appalachia were the so-called scotch-irish. the british colonization of north america led to the formation of several dialects, including the colloquial phrase wanna.
- Explains denham, kristin e., and anne c. lobeck. linguistics for everyone: an introduction.
- Summarizes the results of the harvard dialect survey, which was conducted by the national council of teachers of english.
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- Fishing in the North Atlantic
analytical essay
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition. 1992. Houghton Mifflin Company. Published on Microsoft Bookshelf ’94 CD-ROM, 1994. Microsoft Corporation.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that ocean fishes have been consumed by humans beyond their maximum sustainable yields for years and the atlantic cod and squid are two examples.
- Explains that the overfishing crisis took on headlines back in the early 1990s. the current seafood production and human dependence upon it are enormous.
- Analyzes how c. j. corkett criticized the graham-schaeder model of fish accounting, which is a pragmatic theory based on ideas that function as guides of action.
- Explains that ocean fishes have been consumed by humans beyond their maximum sustainable yields for years and the atlantic cod and squid are two examples.
- Explains that the overfishing crisis took on headlines back in the early 1990s. the current seafood production and human dependence upon it are enormous.
- Analyzes how c. j. corkett criticized the graham-schaeder model of fish accounting, which is a pragmatic theory based on ideas that function as guides of action.
- Explains that when a scientific survey ship sets sail to see the fisheries, they collect data by catching fish at the survey site.
- Explains that the atlantic cod is a demersal fish living on the north american coast and the east and west coasts of greenland extending for variable distances to the north.
- Explains that the canadian fisheries in the atlantic ocean have collapsed. overfishing of the ocean diminished the resilience of fish stocks until they can no longer replenish the population.
- Analyzes how the spread of military technology into the fishing industry virtually started a war against fish. radar helped the navigation of fishing boats in adverse weather.
- Explains that the oxygen level in the ocean northeast of newfoundland where cods live was monitored. the temperature of the water had a great effect on the percent saturation of oxygen in water.
- Analyzes how a recent report by gillis and peterman on population estimation illustrates that numbers can be deceptive. competition between fishers, the schooling behavior of declining populations, and commercial fishermen’s behaviors were the factors that effected the cpue data.
- Explains that there are natural fluctuations of food supply in any given ecosystem. capelin, a species of fish that composed the primary food of mature cod, were absent due to anomalies in water temperature in the early 1990s.
- Explains that cod growth rates are physiologically limited by cold temperatures on the northern grand banks. if the colder water suppresses biological functions, the growth rate of the fish will slow down.
- Explains that the modern approach to avoid overfishing is to establish the amount of maximum sustainable yield.
- Explains how the local government tried to save the salmon population around ireland by buying out the entire industry.
- Opines that only prohibition of fishing can rebuild fisheries. callum roberts found that a completely closed marine reserve has good regenerative power.
- Opines that co-operative, politically independent agencies should be established to solve the overfishing crisis.
- Opines that overfishing has taken away many fisheries around the world. the limited knowledge and data gathered during the recoveries in the early twentieth century may be over exaggerating their recovery.
- Explains that the peruvian anchovy fishery, after its collapse in the early 1970s, has recently undergone a dramatic recovery.
- Explains the signs of overfishing, such as the lack of catch for fishers, and the sudden boom of other marine species that the fish preyed on.
- Describes how bottom trawling simulates the disturbance created by fishing on the spawning shoal of cods.
- Explains that human selectivity toward big fish cut down the reproduction ability of cod, hampered the fecundity of the stock, and misinformed governments allowed fishers to keep on fishing beyond the safe limit.
- Compares the effects of overfishing on coral reefs to deforestation on dry land.
- Explains that the hunt for squids began in the 1980s when the more profitable fishes were disappearing.
- Cites baker, beth, berman, markager, martinez, and montecino for their work on overfishing and the state of the oceans.
- Explains the relationship between atmosphere, ice cover, and ocean off labrador and newfoundland from 1962 to 1992.
- Cites schneider, methven, dalley, smith, gavaris, stephenson, lane, and lane. fisheries management science: a plea for conceptual change.
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- The Rhetorical Analysis Of Do You Speak American?
analytical essay
In the article “Do You Speak American?,” Robert MacNeil is trying to reach the american public, especially those who do not have a complete understanding of the ongoing changes that are happening to the English that is spoken throughout the United States. He uses a multitude of examples to prove this very fact. For one he wants to inform the people that one reason for this change is that average people now have more influence in the way language is spoken.Which to him is a good thing. He enjoys the new evolution that American English has undertaken. He believes that it is a step in the right direction. Another, example he uses are the changes different regions and/or group of people have made on the English language. He uses the different accents and dialect to show the growth and improvement that occurred. Even though, some linguist view these changes as wrong, MacNeil views them as necessary and as something that is unique to the United States. In essence, a necessary growth that only makes the United States grow into a better country. Thus, making it more diverse.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how robert macneil’s article, “do you speak american?”, aims to reach the american public, especially those who don’t understand the ongoing changes that are happening to the english language.
- Analyzes how macneil uses outside sources to prove his point of the ongoing evolution that started to form in american english.
- Analyzes how macneil uses familiar diction to connect with his audience and prove that the evolution of english in the united states is a good thing.
- Analyzes how robert macneil’s article, “do you speak american?”, aims to reach the american public, especially those who don’t understand the ongoing changes that are happening to the english language.
- Analyzes how macneil uses outside sources to prove his point of the ongoing evolution that started to form in american english.
- Analyzes how macneil uses familiar diction to connect with his audience and prove that the evolution of english in the united states is a good thing.
- Analyzes how macneil uses the structure and organization of his work to make it easier for his audience to follow.
- Analyzes how macneil uses personal anecdotes to connect with his audience at a personal level.
- Analyzes how macneil uses a friendly tone to connect with his audience and make the english language easier to understand for the average reader.
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- Robert Macneil’s ‘Do You Speak American?’
analytical essay
In Robert MacNeil’s “Do You Speak American?’, John Simon’s “Why Good English is Good for You.”, in addition to Douglas McGray’s “Lost in America.”, they respectively have diverse themes within a conversely common link, which is the English language’s evolution. Similarly discussed are the ramifications that these changes have had or will have upon the different cultures found in the United States. Each author’s parallel interpretation is that informally spoken English has ingrained itself into societies and that these idioms create cultural barriers. These barriers variety from economic status, social status and lastly how the United States population performs in an international
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how macneil’s “do you speak american?” and simon’s “why good english is good for you” have diverse themes within a conversely common link.
- Analyzes how macneil’s “do you speak american?” and simon’s “why good english is good for you” have diverse themes within a conversely common link.
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- Native American Language
explanatory essay
Even other influences contributed and played a part in the development to Amerienglish such include: the Chinese, Japanese, Puerto Rican, Cuban and French Canadians. Taking into consideration the numerous divergent influences, it is clear to see why the United States has developed so many variations of Amerenglish, with each “standard” variation serving validity in their own respective
In this essay, the author
- Explains how the american indians were able to leave their mark in the process of assimilation. europeans and native americans had linguistically reciprocal relationships that was often related to trading.
- Explains that the first peoples contributed verbally to the american language, especially terms for new world vocabulary. the largest number of nouns borrowed into english from native terms come from various algonquian languages.
- Explains how the europeans have influenced the native american language. words such as ‘buffalo’ have also been shared among different languages.
- Explains how the american indians were able to leave their mark in the process of assimilation. europeans and native americans had linguistically reciprocal relationships that was often related to trading.
- Explains that the first peoples contributed verbally to the american language, especially terms for new world vocabulary. the largest number of nouns borrowed into english from native terms come from various algonquian languages.
- Explains how the europeans have influenced the native american language. words such as ‘buffalo’ have also been shared among different languages.
- Explains that the united states has developed many variations of amerenglish, with each “standard” variation serving validity in their respective areas.
- Opines that language endangerment is a huge issue for native americans who have managed to hold onto their native tongues.
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- American Dialects
comparative essay
Not all individuals who speak a specific language communicate that language in the exact same way. A language may be divided into several diverse dialects. Three things are required for a brand new tongue to evolve: the passage of time, a collection of individuals that live near each other, and the segregation of this group from other groups.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that not all individuals who speak a specific language communicate that language in the exact same way. a language may be divided into several diverse dialects.
- Compares the pronunciation of american english in eastern new england and new york city.
- Explains that terminology is the analysis of words and the uses of those words.
- Explains that not all individuals who speak a specific language communicate that language in the exact same way. a language may be divided into several diverse dialects.
- Compares the pronunciation of american english in eastern new england and new york city.
- Explains that terminology is the analysis of words and the uses of those words.
- Explains that idioms are closely related to american slang. they are an expression of two or more terms that signify something completely different from the implication of the individual terms.
- Explains that american languages come in many different flavors. the way you speak is influenced by where you were born and what kind of environment you are raised in.
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- American English
argumentative essay
I believe that most of us must have this experience that when we look up a word in a dictionary we’ll find the word “BrE’ or “AmE” marked behind the very word. “BrE” here means British English (herein called BrE) while AmE means American English (herein called AmE). So I can say that AmE has been more and more popular throughout the English–speaking countries, especially among the young people. To a certain extend it has become more common than BrE.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that ame has become more popular in english-speaking countries, especially among young people.
- Explains that the formation of ame can be traced back to the 17th century, when the englishmen began to establish colonial land.
- Explains that noah webster wrote that america should have its own system no matter in aspect of politics or language, which is a kind of honor.
- Explains that ame has become more popular in english-speaking countries, especially among young people.
- Explains that the formation of ame can be traced back to the 17th century, when the englishmen began to establish colonial land.
- Explains that noah webster wrote that america should have its own system no matter in aspect of politics or language, which is a kind of honor.
- Explains that america used to be a colony of england and the former was oppressed greatly by the latter. after independence, american people acquired freedom in politics and wanted independence of language.
- Analyzes how historical, technological, and political changes bring about an increasing number of new words.
- Explains that rapid growth of science and technology breeds new words or gives the old one a new meaning (semantic change).
- Explains that special events involve political events, such as watergate, and the wars are another source of ame.
- Compares bre and ame pronunciations, stating that pronunciation is the main point.
- Explains that ame is always more simple than bre in spelling by omitting one or two letters.
- Explains that englishmen are conservative, whereas americans are casual. they like to use /a:/, which is easier to pronounce.
- Opines that english is an international language, and that it’s important to know the differences between ame and bre, but to use it and accumulate it is more important.
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- Lost In America Rhetorical Analysis
analytical essay
Robert McNeil’s effectively uses expert opinions, personal anecdote and metaphors to inform how and why American English is evolving and proves to instructors, linguists and researchers that these changes are beneficial allowing a more diversified English language to emerge.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how douglas mcgray’s article “lost in america” focuses heavily on the problem of isolationism in the u.s education system in order to convince his audience to integrate multicultural education into the american academic system.
- Analyzes how douglas mcgray employs rhetorical choices juxtaposition, illustration, and metaphor to persuade teachers, curriculum planners and legislators to implement multicultural studies in the american educational curriculum.
- Illustrates how different cultures in the u.s have contributed to the intensification of new dialects and diversity in english to persuade his audience that these changes are advantageous and should be embraced while still respecting formal english.
- Analyzes how douglas mcgray’s article “lost in america” focuses heavily on the problem of isolationism in the u.s education system in order to convince his audience to integrate multicultural education into the american academic system.
- Analyzes how douglas mcgray employs rhetorical choices juxtaposition, illustration, and metaphor to persuade teachers, curriculum planners and legislators to implement multicultural studies in the american educational curriculum.
- Illustrates how different cultures in the u.s have contributed to the intensification of new dialects and diversity in english to persuade his audience that these changes are advantageous and should be embraced while still respecting formal english.
- Analyzes how robert mcneil’s uses expert opinions, personal anecdote and metaphors to inform how and why american english is evolving and proves that these changes are beneficial allowing a more diversified english language to emerge.
- Analyzes how simon persuades his audience that proper english is under threat and people must stop its slow death. he directs his article to individuals with college level education or higher.
- Analyzes how john simon uses metaphors, firsthand evidences and similes to persuade college students, teachers, and linguists not to discriminate and improve communication efficiency and critical thinking.
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- book review
analytical essay
Southern English was one of the variations that were focused in on in this text. Hudley and Mallinson (2011) identified that the South is one of the most populated areas of the United States but at the same time also has on…
In this essay, the author
- Explains that hudley and mallinson (2011) took an in-depth look at language variations in the united states and how they affect educators.
- Explains that hudley and mallinson (2011) take a multicultural approach to teaching standard english which they refer to as school english.
- Analyzes how hudley and mallinson (2011) identified that the south is one of the most stigmatized language variations in the united states. they outline the features of southern english and suggest how to relate this feature to standardized english.
- Explains that hudley and mallinson (2011) took an in-depth look at language variations in the united states and how they affect educators.
- Explains that hudley and mallinson (2011) take a multicultural approach to teaching standard english which they refer to as school english.
- Analyzes how hudley and mallinson (2011) identified that the south is one of the most stigmatized language variations in the united states. they outline the features of southern english and suggest how to relate this feature to standardized english.
- Analyzes how hudley and mallinson (2011) discuss the negative connotations that come along with speakers of this variation of english.
- Analyzes how hudson and mallinson (2011) discuss the implications for students in regards to assessment. they identify how the standardized tests that most students are faced with are often linguistically and culturally biased.
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- When English Is Not a Choice: A Social Conflict Analysis of the English-Only Movement
analytical essay
The earliest English-only movement dates back to 1807, when Louisiana adopted English as its official language in its constitution. In 1980, Dade County, Flori…
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the english-only policy opposes multiculturalism and rejects foreign cultures.
- Cites batalova, jeanne, and aaron terrazas. frequently requested statistics on immigrants and immigration in the united states.
- Explains henderson, wade, and edward chen, “the “english-only” movement.” api movement. n.p., 9 sept. 2007.
- Explains that the english-only policy opposes multiculturalism and rejects foreign cultures.
- Cites batalova, jeanne, and aaron terrazas. frequently requested statistics on immigrants and immigration in the united states.
- Explains henderson, wade, and edward chen, “the “english-only” movement.” api movement. n.p., 9 sept. 2007.
- Explains that the english-only movement is experiencing its second resurgence since the 1980’s.
- Analyzes how the english-only policy persecutes linguistic minority groups through education.
- Cites mohanty, a. k., mcconnell-ginet, miller, and whitman. language and poverty, bristol, uk, 2009.
- Cites portes, alejandro, “the engilsh-only debate” in seeing ourselves: classic, contemporary, and cross-cultural readings in sociology.
- Describes u.s. english’s definition of official english, and explains that wiley, terrence g., authored language in the usa: themes for the twenty-first century.
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- English: The Official Language of the United States
opinion essay
The United States is made up of many different ethic groups. These groups vary from Latinos, Asian American, African American, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and etc. These ethnic groups come into America speaking many different languages. However, many people are still surprised to learn that the United States has no official language. Many assume that English is the official language of the United States. But despite efforts over the years, the United States has no official language. Because the United States has no official language, it is suffering with large costs. These large costs will lead us on a road to wasteful government expenses, language battles that fuel ethnic resentment, and in the long run serious ethnic and linguistic separatist movements. An official English legislation is the answer to the problem.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the united states is made up of many ethnic groups, including latinos, asian american, african americans, pacific islanders, and native americans. an official english legislation is the answer to the problem.
- Opines that a multilingual government is not cheap and makes it easy for immigrants to function in their native language.
- Analyzes how the statistics of those not speaking english could lead to the idea that english is diminishing in certain sections of the united states.
- Explains that the united states is made up of many ethnic groups, including latinos, asian american, african americans, pacific islanders, and native americans. an official english legislation is the answer to the problem.
- Opines that a multilingual government is not cheap and makes it easy for immigrants to function in their native language.
- Analyzes how the statistics of those not speaking english could lead to the idea that english is diminishing in certain sections of the united states.
- Opines that robert d. king’s article “should english be the law?” suggests that the american people should relax and luxuriate in our linguistic richness and our tolerance of the different languages.
- Opines that america needs to make a change to declare english as the official language of the united states, but it would only apply to government.
- Proposes an amendment to the constitution of the united states establishing english as the official language. this would be more serious than any bills.
- Proposes the english language unity act of 2011 to reduce government multilingualism. the bill would require the united states government to conduct most of their official business in english.
- Explains that the idea that language policy should only apply to government is the best way to get english as the official language of the united states.
- Opines that the government needs to act on this issue, and states like alabama, alaska, arkansas, california, colorado, florida, georgia, hawaii, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, louisiana, massachusetts, mississippi, missouri, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, north carolina,
- Opines that the united states would benefit from lower costs, and the american people would be able to communicate and learn more efficiently with and from each other.
- Opines that making english the official language is an emotional and controversial issue for many americans. however, there is still that issue that english is starting to diminish in the united states.
- Explains the english language unity act introduced in the 112th congress.
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- Development of the English Language
analytical essay
The settlement of the British Isles by north Europeans followed by Norman French paints the backdrop to this essay which will focus on the period between the early 15th and 17th centuries, when a ‘standard’ English evolved. It will show that modern-day English is very different to that first introduced to the British Isles, but by identifying changes through time, its continuity can be demonstrated. Finally, it will suggest that present day English is in a position analogous to that which existed before the Norman invasion, when there were many varieties and dialects, and that this may lead to its decline as a global language, due to decreasing intelligibility.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the settlement of the british isles by north europeans followed by norman french paints the backdrop to this essay, which will focus on the period between the early 15th and 17th centuries.
- Explains that the beginnings of english can be found in the 5th century by north and west german ethnic groups who brought their ‘indigenous dialects’.
- Explains that the norman invasion of 1066 ad began a period of two centuries in which french was the official language of england, resulting in the introduction of many words with french or latin roots.
- Analyzes how the settlement of the british isles by north europeans followed by norman french paints the backdrop to this essay, which will focus on the period between the early 15th and 17th centuries.
- Explains that the beginnings of english can be found in the 5th century by north and west german ethnic groups who brought their ‘indigenous dialects’.
- Explains that the norman invasion of 1066 ad began a period of two centuries in which french was the official language of england, resulting in the introduction of many words with french or latin roots.
- Explains that the modern and late modern english periods start in the mid 18th century with the industrial revolution in britain when english becomes increasingly the lingua-franca of commerce, technology and communications.
- Analyzes how translations from the bible of genesis, chapter 3, verse 1, made in the late 14th and 17th centuries, show that although the latter is nearer to modern english, it still has the archaic words ‘ye’ and euery.
- Analyzes how shaw’s play pygmalion exposes the ambivalence between ‘correct’ pronunciation and position in english society, leading to a consideration of the standardisation of english.
- Explains that caxton introduced the printing press to england in the 1470’s and chose a variety of english most likely to be comprehensible nationally, again that of educated londoners.
- Explains that colonial expansion, slave trade, and trading with the ‘new’ world resulted in new forms of english. the roots of today’s american english can be traced to the south western accent spoken by the pilgrim fathers.
- Explains that a small island on the northern edge of continental europe was the birthplace of an english language. its continued position of preeminence is uncertain and unpredictable, considering commercial globalisation and instant worldwide communications.
- Cites beal, j. (2012), ‘a national language’ in seargeant, p., and swann (eds.) history, diversity, change (u214, english in the world), milton keynes.
- Cites leith, d., seargeant, p. and swann, j. (eds) history, diversity, change (u214, english in the world), milton keynes, the open university.
- Explains that english: a linguistic toolkit (2012), (u214, worlds of english, dvd rom), milton keynes, the open university.
- Explains the oxford dictionary of quotations’ ‘pygmalion’ at http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/search_results.html, accessed 9 march 2012.
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