Words in action

Gesture ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline A. de Nooijer ◽  
Tamara van Gog ◽  
Fred Paas ◽  
Rolf A. Zwaan
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
First Language ◽  
Object Manipulation ◽  
Instructional Condition ◽  
Motor Activation ◽  
Within Subjects ◽  
Skills Learning ◽  
Abstract Verbs ◽  
Verbal Definition

Research on embodied cognition has shown that action and language are closely intertwined. The present study seeks to exploit this relationship, by systematically investigating whether motor activation would improve eight-to-nine year old children’s learning of vocabulary in their first language. In a within-subjects paradigm, 49 children learned novel object manipulation, locomotion and abstract verbs via a verbal definition alone and in combination with gesture observation, imitation, or generation (i.e., enactment). Results showed that learning of locomotion verbs significantly improved through gesture observation compared to verbal definitions only. For learning object-manipulation verbs, children with good language skills seemed to benefit from imitation and enactment, while this appeared to hinder children with poor language skills. Learning of abstract verbs was not differentially affected by instructional condition. This study suggests that the effectiveness of observing and generating gestures for vocabulary learning may differ depending on verb type and language proficiency.

Meta-analysis of the neural representation of first language and second language

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 799-819 ◽  
Author(s):  
RAJANI SEBASTIAN ◽  
ANGELA R. LAIRD ◽  
SWATHI KIRAN
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Functional Neuroimaging ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
First Language ◽  
Likelihood Estimation ◽  
Neural Representation ◽  
Second Language Processing ◽  
Meta Analyses

ABSTRACTThis study reports an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of published functional neuroimaging studies of bilingualism. Four parallel meta-analyses were conducted by taking into account the proficiency of participants reported in the studies. The results of the meta-analyses suggest differences in the probabilities of activation patterns between high proficiency and moderate/low proficiency bilinguals. The Talairach coordinates of activation in first language processing were very similar to that of second language processing in the high proficient bilinguals. However, in the low proficient group, the activation clusters were generally smaller and distributed over wider areas in both the hemispheres than the clusters identified in the ALE maps from the high proficient group. These findings draw attention to the importance of language proficiency in bilingual neural representation.

scholarly journals The potential for genetic adaptations to language

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 529-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Pagel ◽  
Quentin D. Atkinson
Keyword(s):  
Social System ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Human Language ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Skills Learning ◽  
Learning And Performance

AbstractWe suggest there is somewhat more potential than Christiansen & Chater (C&C) allow for genetic adaptations specific to language. Our uniquely cooperative social system requires sophisticated language skills. Learning and performance of some culturally transmitted elements in animals is genetically based, and we give examples of features of human language that evolve slowly enough that genetic adaptations to them may arise.

PETAH as Malay Language Learning Tools to Improve Communication Skills

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 62
Author(s):  
Noor Azam Abdul Rahman ◽  
Noraziah Mohd Amin
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Learning Tool ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Learning Aids ◽  
Foreign Speakers ◽  
Skills Learning

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of the Malay language learning tool called PETAH to improve its communication skills. Learning aids are among the important elements to improve one's language skills, especially for second or foreign speakers. Past studies conducted by researchers like Fa'izah et.al (2010), Khuzaiton (2012) and others have proven that there are issues of communication among speakers of languages ​​other than English in the non-Malays in Malaysia. Based on these issues, the main objective of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of the use of PETAH learning aids on improving the communication skills of students who use it. This study uses a quantitative research method that uses a questionnaire containing 25 items aimed at the effectiveness of the use of PETAH learning aids. This questionnaire instrument was used to get feedback from respondents after they used PETAH learning aids. Data from the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS version 21. The results showed that the majority of respondents (mean values ​​ranging from 3.35 to 4.71) agree that PETAH learning tools have improved their effectiveness in communication Malay language, especially if used continuously. In conclusion, a learning tool PETAH has a good impact on the improvement of communication skills of Malay language among non-Malays speakers in Malaysia.

First language effects on the identification and evaluation of second language speech

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-194
Author(s):  
Anne-France Pinget
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
First Language ◽  
Language Aptitude ◽  
Content Type ◽  
It Impacts ◽  
Language Effects

Abstract In Belgium, Dutch as spoken by Francophone learners is relatively frequent in political, commercial or educational contexts. While the characteristics of this second language (L2) variety have been studied extensively, there is to date no systematic report of how it is evaluated by either native speakers of Dutch or non-natives. Previous studies conducted in other language contexts have found that non-natives tend to be very critical towards L2 accents similar to their own. The main goal of the present study is to investigate the extent to which the listener’s first language (L1) impacts ratings of the fluency, accentedness and comprehensibility of L2 Dutch as spoken by Francophone learners and how it impacts the identification of the speakers’ L1. Specifically, we compared ratings by three groups of listeners: Francophone learners of Dutch, native speakers of Belgian Dutch and native speakers of Netherlandic Dutch. Moreover, the extent to which three additional cognitive and environmental factors influence L2 ratings is examined: listeners’ familiarity with the L2 variety, their language aptitude and language proficiency. The results show that the majority of native and non-native listeners recognized the speakers’ L1 (French). Non-native listeners perceived L2 speech as less fluent, less comprehensible and more accented than natives did, which corroborates the previously reported critical attitudes towards a shared L2 accent. Moreover, subtle differences in accent and fluency ratings were found between the Netherlandic Dutch and the Belgian Dutch listeners. No clear effects of other cognitive and environmental factors appeared in the ratings.

The Sign Language Skills Classroom Observation: A Process for Describing Sign Language Proficiency in Classroom Settings

2000 ◽  
Vol 145 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
June B. Reeves ◽  
William Newell ◽  
Barbara Ray Holcomb ◽  
Michael Stinson
Keyword(s):  
Sign Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Classroom Observation

scholarly journals Improving English Language Proficiency of Graduate Students by Online Learning Apps available on Smartphone

2019 ◽  
Vol IV (III) ◽  
pp. 535-543
Author(s):  
Shahida Naz ◽  
Mamuna Ghani ◽  
Shahid Nawaz
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language Skills

The field of digital literacy is developing rapidly; consequently, the interest of researchers has also shifted now. The current research study was to explore the role of online learning Apps available on smartphones in improving graduate students' English language proficiency. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in this study. Data were collected through a questionnaire that had close-ended and open-ended questions. Questionnaires were distributed among 480 graduate-level students studying in 6 universities of Punjab, Pakistan. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 22.0) to find out results in the form of Percentage, Mean Score, Standard Deviation by applying the Independent Sample T-Test. The results of the study demonstrated the potential of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) as an anticipatory approach to improving English language skills. Results showed that students were pleased to use smartphones to improve their English language proficiency. They responded positively about the role of smartphones in improving English language skills. On the basis of findings, the researcher concluded that smartphone plays an important role in improving students' English language proficiency.

scholarly journals What happens to international students’ english after one semester at university?

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 4.1-4.17
Author(s):  
Neomy Storch ◽  
Kathryn Hill
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Language Test ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
The Impact

There is a common expectation, particularly amongst international students, that studying in an English-medium university should automatically produce a significant improvement in their English language skills. However, there is growing evidence to suggest that this is not necessarily the case.This paper reports on a study which investigated the impact of one semester of study at a university on the English language proficiency of a sample of 40 international students. This was measured by comparing the students’ scores on a diagnostic English language test at the beginning and end of their first semester. A comparison of discourse measures of writing in terms of fluency, complexity and accuracy was also undertaken. Background information, including details of ESL support, if any, was collected for all participants via questionnaires, and interviews were conducted with a subset of the participants.It was found that studying in an English-medium university generally led to an improvement in English language proficiency. The paper identifies a number of factors which appear to support language development, as well as factors that may inhibit it.

Phonetic, Phonological, and Language Skills of Children with a Cleft Palate

2003 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 460-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Morris ◽  
Anne Ozanne
Keyword(s):  
Language Development ◽  
Cleft Palate ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Expressive Language ◽  
Speech Development ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Language Abilities ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Language Measures

Objective To evaluate the language, phonetic, and phonological skills at age 3 years of two groups of young children with a cleft palate, with different expressive language proficiency at 2 years of age. Design Two groups of children with a cleft palate with differing abilities in early expressive language skills were identified at age 2 years. Comparisons across groups were made over a range of speech and language measures at age 3 years. Participants Twenty children with cleft palate were allocated to two groups dependent on expressive language abilities at age 2 years. One group had normal language development, and the second group had been identified as having significantly delayed (8 to 12 months’ delay) expressive language development. Main Outcome Measures The children were assessed at 3 years of age using standardized assessments and spontaneous speech samples. Comparisons between the two groups were made on a range of language measures including comprehension, expressive language, and speech. Results Group differences were found on both language and speech abilities at age 3 years. Significant group differences were found in expressive language, percentage of consonants correct, phonetic inventory, and phonological process usage. The group with delayed early expressive language abilities at 2 years continued to have expressive language difficulties at 3 years of age and had more disordered speech development, compared with the nondelayed group. Conclusions A subgroup of children with a cleft palate was identified who exhibited delays in early expressive language and continued to have delayed language and disordered phonological patterns at a later age. Support for three possible etiologies including a structural/anatomical deficit, cognitive/linguistic delay, or language/phonological disorder are discussed.

Dynamic Assessment of Learners of a Spoken Language

2021 ◽  
pp. 87-99
Author(s):  
Natalie Hasson
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Dynamic Assessment ◽  
First Language ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Test Taker ◽  
Learning Potential ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Assessment Of Learning ◽  
Language Difficulties

Dynamic assessment (DA), or the assessment of learning potential, is becoming recognized as an alternative method that has wide application within the assessment of language. In moving away from comparison to normative data, the assessment enables a wider range of children to be assessed, including all of those for whom the norms do not apply, such as children with autistic spectrum conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), hearing loss, and bi- or multilingual children. In addition to differentiating language difficulties due to lack of experience with the target language from developmental language disorders (DLD), the DA procedure contributes a considerable amount of qualitative information about the learning skills of the test-taker. This chapter reviews the multiple models and methods of DA and the work that has been done to develop tools to assess language skills in first language learners.

scholarly journals Variability of ESL Learners' Acquisition of Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency: What Can We Learn From Achievement Measures?

2003 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hetty Roessingh ◽  
Pat Kover
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Academic Language ◽  
First Language ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Academic Language Proficiency ◽  
Achievement Measures ◽  
First Language Proficiency ◽  
Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency ◽  
Esl Learners

With the revamping of the Canada Immigration Act in 1985, the demographic profile of new arrivals to Canada took a marked shift to place a priority on better educated, business-class immigrants. Most of these immigrants are from the Pacific Rim, and they have high expectations for the academic achievement of their children in the Canadian school system. The purpose of this study was to look at age on arrival and first-language proficiency of these children, as these factors interact with instructed ESL support on achievement measures in grade 12. Analysis of the data reveals that although all learners benefit from structured ESL support, it is the younger-arriving ESL learners who have the most to gain, even after many years of little or no support. We note that all ESL learners, regardless of age on arrival, struggle to acquire the cultural and metaphoric competence that is beyond the linguistic threshold required for success, but nevertheless central to successful engagement in a literature-based program of studies.

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