The Language Feed - January 9, 2005

[Harold F. Schiffman]

The Language Feed
January 9, 2005

This issue and archives can be read on the web at
http://mason.gmu.edu/~smorris2/feed

You may have noticed that there was no Feed on Friday. I know - this
probably absolutely ruined your weekend! I'm sorry. From now on, the
Feed will go out on Sundays. This is because I want to spend Fridays
snoozing. So look for your Feed late Sunday or first thing every Monday.
A great way to start your week off right. Right?
- Sally

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Lab rats demonstrate language skills
Al Jazeera, January 19
Rats can tell the difference between such languages as Dutch and
Japanese, according to researchers in Spain.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/881291F1-DE7C-4AE8-A0F4-37A30453F91F.htm


Herders' Whistled Language Shows Brain's Flexibility
National Geographic News, January 5
Shepherds who whistle to each other across the rocky terrain of the
Canary Islands off northwest Africa are shedding light on the
language-processing abilities of the human brain, according to scientists.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/01/0105_050105_whistle_language.html#main


Giving the lie to language myths
Gulf Daily News, January 9
Anyone with a passing interest in the history of the English language
knows that the word posh originally stood for port out, starboard home.
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=100906&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=27295

First language-skills survey in 50 years will grade nation
Asahi Shimbun, January 7
It may be time to dust off those old language texts. The first national
survey of adult Japanese language skills in 50 years could come as early
as 2006.
http://www.asahi.com/english/nation/TKY200501080117.html


Is the Arabic language 'perfect' or 'backwards?'
Daily Star, January 7
Among linguistic professors in the Arab world the debate is raging over
whether a modernization process is needed.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&article_id=11581


MK proposes declaring Hebrew the sole state language
Haaretz Daily, January 4
MK Arieh Eldad (National Union) suggested doing away with Arabic's
status as an official language of Israel on Tuesday, angering Arab
Knesset members.
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/523041.html


Language cops bust Quebec nurses
Globe and Mail, January 4
Two nurses at an English hospital have had their licences revoked after
failing a written French test even though Quebec faces a nursing shortage.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050104.wnurz0104/BNStory/National/


U.S. students may neglect native language
El Paso Times, January 4
Nelly Dominguez is proud of how much English her two sons have learned
in the year and a half since the family moved from Juárez into a South
Side home.
http://www.borderlandnews.com/stories/borderland/20050104-8116.shtml


A battle is joined in Texas over correct pronunciation
Minneapolis Star Tribune, January 9
Forget the Alamo. It is the letter "J" that is under siege in Texas, at
least to Mike Jackson, the mayor of this town near the old shipyards and
oil refineries of Houston. Nearly every day, Jackson said, he corrects
people who he thinks are mispronouncing the word "Jacinto."
http://www.startribune.com/stories/484/5173303.html


How y'all might could tell it's a Texan talkin'
Seattle Times, January 9
Turns out it's all in the y'all. If you ever find yourself in a group of
Southerners and want to find the Texan in the bunch, listen for the y'alls.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002146143_yall09.html


Learning Arabic Linked to US National Security
Islam Online, January 6
Drawing a linkage between awareness of the “strategic” language and
national security, the Bush administration and senior education
officials are intensely collaborating to foster study of the Arabic
language in American schools.
http://www.islam-online.net/English/News/2005-01/06/article03.shtml

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