Irish and Scottish Gaelic

2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seán Ó Riain

This survey discusses the motives and consequences of the 13 June 2005 decision to include Irish among the EU’s official and working languages, and the 15 July 2008 decision to upgrade the status of languages recognised by law in the UK, such as Welsh and Scottish Gaelic. It also looks at the current state of Irish and Scottish Gaelic. Irish’s new EU status coincides with increased support at the top political level in Ireland. A tentative conclusion is that this happy coincidence could enhance the practical role of Irish, which in turn could exercise a knock-on positive effect on Scottish Gaelic. The continuing decrease in the use of Irish by young people in the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking regions), due to the unrelenting pressure of English, is a matter for deep concern, as is the failure of the authorities over many years to appreciate that language use, and not just language learning, needs to be planned. This may now be changing: expanded use of Irish in the electronic media, the structures put in place by the Official Languages Act of 2003, and Irish Government work on a 20-year strategic plan for Irish, together with continuing progress at EU level, give grounds for hope. To sum up: much has been done, but much remains to be done.

Author(s):  
Stella Hadjistassou ◽  
Maria Iosifina Avgousti ◽  
Petros Louca

While the debate on breakthrough technologies has focused on inept, dexterous, and socially transforming technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistants and robot dexterity, in second/foreign language learning, particular emphasis is placed on AI, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). This study takes a closer look at the role of three newly developed AR applications in promoting a better understanding of complex concepts such as the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), strategies in dealing with disruptive students, and an immigrant’s perspective in moving to a foreign country with no knowledge of the language(s) spoken in that country. The AR applications were developed and implemented during intercultural exchanges among students enrolled in academic institutions in the UK and Cyprus. The aim was to develop AR applications that were geared toward the learning needs of future language teachers and examine what students could achieve through the use of these applications during goal-driven tasks and activities.


Author(s):  
Ruth Swanwick

This chapter proposes a pedagogical framework for deaf education that builds on a sociocultural perspective and the role of interaction in learning. Pedagogical principles are argued that recognize the dialogic nature of learning and teaching and the role of language as “the tool of all tools” in this process. Building on established work on classroom talk in deaf education, the issues of dialogue in deaf education are extended to consider deaf children’s current learning contexts and their diverse and plural use of sign and spoken languages. Within this broad language context, the languaging and translanguaging practices of learners and teachers are explained as central to a pedagogical framework that is responsive to the diverse learning needs of deaf children. Within this pedagogical framework practical teaching strategies are suggested that draw on successful approaches in the wider field of language learning and take into account the particular learning experience and contexts of deaf children.


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle C. Brennan ◽  
Alison J. Cotgrave

Purpose – Despite the surge of interest in construction sustainability and the many Government initiatives encouraging reform in the UK construction industry (CI), the prevalence of sustainable development (SD) in the industry is still largely lagging behind that of other industries. Given the amount of focus and activity identified nationally in this area, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the reasons why this is not being translated into action and to seek counsel from industry professionals as to how they believe change can be achieved with a particular focus on how they believe higher education institutions (HEIs) can contribute. Design/methodology/approach – An explorative, qualitative study using three focus groups was of construction professionals. Findings – Despite a lack of action, many in industry support sustainability and actively attempt to engage in sustainable practices but a number of barriers preclude successful implementation. Government initiatives are having a positive impact, with participants believing that both Government and HEIs are imperative in driving the sustainability agenda forward. Research limitations/implications – Whilst limited in scale, this paper highlights the current state of the CI in relation to SD and evidences that progress is being made albeit slowly. The findings may help both Government and HEIs alongside industry in achieving how this can be overcome. Originality/value – Previous research in this area has generally adopted a quantitative approach. Adopting a qualitative approach provides a more in depth view as to why the status quo remains with regards to SD in the CI.


2014 ◽  
pp. 1745-1764
Author(s):  
Billy Brick

This paper seeks to assess the potential for Social Networking Sites (SNSs) to play a role in language learning in the UK Higher Education (HE) sector. These sites are characterised by certain features including learning materials, synchronous and asynchronous video and text chat facilities, a peer review feature, and some sites also incorporate an award system, in the form of points (http://www.livemocha.com) or ‘berries' (http://www.busuu.com). This serves to motivate participants by rewarding them for their progress and for their peer review activities. In order to consider if, or how, to integrate SNSs into the UK HE curriculum it is important to consider the views of practitioners and learners towards such sites and whether they consider them to have a potential role in HE language education. The paper will report on the outcomes of two small research projects which have sought to establish the view of both practitioners and students towards SNSs in the HE context. When considered overall the practitioners were more positive about the site than the learners.


2020 ◽  
Vol 187 (8) ◽  
pp. 318-318
Author(s):  
Carol Gray

BackgroundInformed consent from the client is required before veterinary professionals may administer treatment or perform surgery on an animal patient, except in an emergency. This study investigates the potential role(s) of the consent form in the consent process in the UK.MethodsThematic analysis was carried out on the text contained in 39 blank consent forms sourced from veterinary practices in the UK. Analysis was conducted at the levels of topical survey and thematic summary.ResultsConsent forms were used to authorise procedures, to define proposed treatment, to offer or recommend additional procedures, to convey the risks of treatment and to document the client’s financial obligations. None of the forms analysed provided sufficient space to document the accompanying conversation. Notable omissions from the submitted forms included options for treatment and benefits of treatment.ConclusionsThe consent form acts as a record of the procedure to be performed, the associated costs and the status of the person giving consent. However, from this analysis, it often fails to record the detail of the consent discussion, an essential part of the consent process. A proposal for an improved version of a veterinary consent form is provided.


2010 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Peccei ◽  
Helen Bewley ◽  
Howard Gospel ◽  
Paul Willman

We map changes in the pattern of information disclosure by management to employees over 14 years in the UK, using the Workplace Employment Relations Survey (WERS) panels for 1990—8 and 1998—2004. We use time-lagged probit regression to explore antecedents and outcomes of disclosure over the two periods, focusing on the effects of voice mechanisms on disclosure and on the impact of disclosure on performance.The results show a significant increase in disclosure over the first period but a levelling off in the second. Neither union recognition nor direct participation had a significant impact on disclosure in either period. Joint consultation did, however, have a significant positive effect on disclosure, but more so in the first than in the second period. In addition, prior disclosure had a positive effect on subsequent disclosure. An explanation of trends in terms of lock-in and institutional decoupling is developed. Disclosure has a positive effect on financial performance.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S48-S48
Author(s):  
R. Penades

Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) deals with the cognitive impairment, which is one of the most disabling symptoms of schizophrenia. Unfortunately, the understanding of its neurobiological correlates is far from complete. Neuroimaging studies have shown that CRT is able to induce neurobiological changes although the results have not always been enough replicated. The most commonly reported changes were those that involved the prefrontal and thalamic regions. Additionally, structural changes were described in both the grey and white matter, suggesting a neuroprotective effect of cognitive remediation. Neuroimaging studies of cognitive remediation in patients with schizophrenia suggest a positive effect on brain functioning in terms of the functional reorganisation of neural networks. From a different perspective, some changes in serum levels of Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been described. However, our replication of this trial has not been able to find any significant differences. So, nowadays the status of BDNF as a biomarker of cognitive recovery is possibly premature. One possible explanation can be the role of genetics and their different polymorphisms. COMT and BDNF polymorphisms could be accounting for the different outcomes of CRT. Moreover, some studies suggested a role of genes affecting dopamine modulation on outcomes of cognitive remediation.Disclosure of interestThe author declares that he has no competing interest.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-91
Author(s):  
Marcin Jarzynowski

: The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the current state of technology transfer in Poland by examining various stages of the process and indicators associated with different actors involved. In order to examine the role of technology in polish enterprises, it takes into account different forms of intellectual property, both created and acquired in Poland. Data taken into consideration include domestic and external sources, focused on the years 2013 - 2017. The main sources of the statistics are the Polish Patent Office and the Central Statistics Office. : Phenomena observed in the data are supported and elaborated by domestic research articles concerned with technology transfer and open innovation. The most striking feature of such juxtaposition is the fact, that some of the indicators presented in the article are surprisingly low, considering overall economic situation. : All of the above represents the context of the Open Innovation Network project, which is also presented in the paper. Interpretation of the presented results is included in the discussion section. Some of the indicators confirm the status of polish economy as moderately innovative, however trends in performance of a small group of technical universities show a promising development in the field of technology transfer.


Author(s):  
Wai Meng Chan

The nature of learners’ interactions with the computer has received thus far relativelylittle attention in computer assisted language learning (CALL) research. In particular,few studies have investigated the role of metacognition, acknowledged in cognitiveand constructivist learning theories as an important factor contributing to thelearning outcome, in the processing of CALL tasks. This chapter reports on a qualitativestudy that examined the relationship between subjects’ metacognition and theirinteractions with a German language CALL grammar exercise. The data collected seemto indicate that the effective use of interactive aids is dependent on the extent oflearners’ metacognitive knowledge. Conversely, it was observed that interactive aidshad a positive effect on learners’ metacognition by supporting their strategy use andhelping them build new metacognitive knowledge. Excerpts from subjects’ think-aloudreports and retrospective interviews will be presented to illustrate these insights.


Author(s):  
Colin Faragher

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. Public Law Concentrate looks at all aspects of constitutional law including sources, rule of law, separation of powers, role of the executive, constitutional monarchy, and the Royal Prerogative. It also discusses parliamentary sovereignty and the changing constitutional relationship between the UK and the EU together with the status of EU retained and converted law under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 as amended by the 2020 Act, the Agreement on Trade and Cooperation effective from 1 January 2021, and the European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020. Also covered are: administrative law, judicial review, human rights, police powers, public order, terrorism, the constitutional status of the Sewel Convention, legislative consent motion procedure, use of secondary legislation by the executive to amend law and make regulations creating criminal offences, especially under the Coronavirus Act 2020 and the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, the separation of powers implications of Henry VIII Clauses, the constitutional role of the Horuse of Lords in scrutinizing and amending primary legislation, the Speakers’ Ruling in the House of Commons on Points of Order and the Contempt of Parliament Motion, whip system, back bench revolts, confidence and supply agreements in government formation, and current legislative and executive devolution in Northern Ireland. The book additionally examines the continuing impact of the HRA 1998 and the European Court of Human Rights on parliamentary sovereignty and the significance of the 2021 Independent Review of the HRA.


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