Uncovering the Logic of English: A Common-Sense Solution to America's Literacy Crisis

Uncovering the Logic of English: A Common-Sense Solution to America's Literacy Crisis
Author: Denise Eide
Publisher: Logic of English, Inc
Total Pages: 204
Release: 2011-01-27
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1936706075

"English is so illogical!" It is generally believed that English is a language of exceptions. For many, learning to spell and read is frustrating. For some, it is impossible... especially for the 29% of Americans who are functionally illiterate. But what if the problem is not the language itself, but the rules we were taught? What if we could see the complexity of English as a powerful tool rather than a hindrance? --Denise Eide Uncovering the Logic of English challenges the notion that English is illogical by systematically explaining English spelling and answering questions like "Why is there a silent final E in have, large, and house?" and "Why is discussion spelled with -sion rather than -tion?" With easy-to-read examples and anecdotes, this book describes: - the phonograms and spelling rules which explain 98% of English words - how English words are formed and how this knowledge can revolutionize vocabulary development - how understanding the reasons behind English spelling prevents students from needing to guess The author's inspiring commentary makes a compelling case that understanding the logic of English could transform literacy education and help solve America's literacy crisis. Thorough and filled with the latest linguistic and reading research, Uncovering the Logic of English demonstrates why this systematic approach should be as foundational to our education as 1+1=2.

An Historical Study of English

An Historical Study of English
Author: Jeremy Smith
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 194
Release: 2003-09-02
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1134787324

Through his analysis of selected major developments in the history of English, Jeremy Smith argues that the history of the language can only be understood from a dynamic perspective. He proposes that internal linguistic mechanisms for language change cannot be meaningfully explained in isolation or without reference to external linguistic factors. Smith provides the reader with an accessible synthesis of recent developments in English historical linguistics. His book: Looks at the theory and methodology of linguistic historiography . Considers the major changes in writing systems, pronunciation and grammar. Provides examples of these changes, such as the standardisation of spellings and accent and the origins of the Great Vowel Shift Focuses on the origins of two non-standard varieties; eighteenth century Scots and twentieth century British Black English.This book makes fascinating reading for students of English Historical linguistics, and is an original, important and above all, lively contribution to the field.

English for Academic Study: Vocabulary

English for Academic Study: Vocabulary
Author: Colin Campbell
Publisher:
Total Pages: 189
Release: 2009
Genre: English language
ISBN: 9781859644881

English for Academic Study: Vocabulary English for academic study: Vocabulary provides students with systematic practice in using key academic words from the 300 word families and illustrates how to use the information in a dictionary to make a more effective and appropriate use of their vocabulary. Intended for self-study outside formal classes, the book includes a complete answer key as well as an achievement test that can be used before or following the course to test students' knowledge and progress. The design of the material is based on work carried out on pre-sessional courses at the University of Reading's Centre for Applied Language Studies. It is supported by an extensive review of research into EAP methodology and reflects the most recent developments in language teaching for academic purposes. The 2009 edition of EAS Vocabulary has been fully revised for ease of use. As well as a new format, the Study Book now comes with a book map and a comprehensive glossary of terms. Each unit has weblinks offering additional information and activities, related to both vocabulary skills and the topics covered in the units. A dedicated website, www.englishforacademicstudy.com, offers further teacher resources. This book can be used in conjunction with the following books in the English for academic study series, also published by Garnet Education: EAS Reading, EAS Writing, EAS Extended Writing & Research Skills, EAS Listening, EAS Speaking and EAS Pronunciation. Key Features Academic vocabulary from approximately 500 high-frequency word families taken from both the General Service List and the Academic Word List Two-part structure, with vocabulary topic analysis followed by focused practice Systematic practice in the use of dictionaries encourages learner independence Study tip and language note boxes give essential self-study tips for revising For self-study or class use Diagnostic test for self-assessment and improvement

Studying English

Studying English
Author: Robert Eaglestone
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 183
Release: 2015-11-06
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN: 1135043175

Clearly focussed on the needs of students, Robert Eaglestone and Jonathan Beecher Field have revised the best-selling Doing English specifically for English literature courses in America. Studying English presents the ideas and debates that shape literary studies in America today. This overview of the discipline explains not only what students need to know, but how and why English came to be the way it is. This uniquely comprehensive guide to the subject gives students the background they need to understand and enjoy their studies more fully. The book covers arguments about criticism and theory, value, the canon, Shakespeare, authorial intention, figural language, narrative, writing, identity, politics and the skills that are learned from studying English for the world of work. In a clear and engaging way, Robert Eaglestone and Jonathan Beecher Field: Orient you, by exploring what it is to study English in America now. Equip you, by explaining the key ideas and trends in English in context. Enable you to begin higher level study.

A Background To The Study Of English Literature (Rev. Ed.) (2 Edition)

A Background To The Study Of English Literature (Rev. Ed.) (2 Edition)
Author: Birjadish Prasad
Publisher: Macmillan
Total Pages: 304
Release: 2000-02
Genre:
ISBN: 9780333932957

This comprehensive study of English literature continues to be popular among students even fifty years after it was first published. The simplicity and directness of explanations of the various terms and concepts, its wealth of illustrative examples enabl

Perception of English

Perception of English
Author: Anita Dewi
Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Pub
Total Pages: 211
Release: 2014
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 9781443868129

There has been a significant increase in the number of English speakers globally, with the majority of them being non-native speakers who rely on diverse varieties of the language. Throughout its history, English has been disseminated through a number of processes, ranging from colonialism to globalisation. This has ultimately resulted in the formation of various relationships between English and target communities. English has also spread to countries where Muslims constitute the majority of the population. As religious teachings are embedded in local or national cultures, and thus result in non-homogeneous Islamic communities across the globe, it is a frequently used oversimplification to conclude that English consistently stands in opposition to Islam in every Islamic society. Given such misperceptions, studies directed towards perceptions of English in Indonesia, the fourth most populated country and the largest Muslim community in the world, are particularly important. This book examines a variety of perceptions of English in this context, focusing on staff and students at universities in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Five research questions were used as the basis for conducting this study, which analyse the themes of English and its acceptance in Indonesia; English at the tertiary level; the roles of English; English in relation to identity; and the perception of World Englishes. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study was carried out at nine public and private universities with differing religious viewpoints - namely, secular, Catholic, and Islamic. There are five different groups of participants for individual interviews and questionnaire surveys: students, English language lecturers, non-English lecturers, and leaders at each of the nine universities. The results reveal that English is viewed as a tool and asset for advancing knowledge, facilitating international communication, gaining global competitiveness, and improving employment opportunities. However, perceived tensions between English and Indonesian constantly occur throughout all facets of the study. Even though Indonesian people's "repository of cultural identity" (Tan and Rubdy, 2008, p. 5) is located within local languages rather than in Indonesian as the national language, the Indonesian language actually unites them as one people and differentiates them from people of other nations. This suggests a demand for a "contemporary global linguistic ecology" (Phillipson and Skutnabb-Kangas, 1999, p. 20). In such ecology, English would keep developing in a way that does not impact negatively on the national language. Indeed, such demand for a balance between English and Indonesian is politically desirable.