Reading response #10 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reading response #10 - Assignment Example Skehan clearly explains that it is not impossible for children to become native speakers of a language that they would have considered as foreign in their homeland. Provided the child arrives before the age of 12 in the new country, his brain is still young and flexible enough to absorb the new language to the point where he will be able to pass for a native speaker. However, unlike Skehan, I do not believe that language learning can be measured by variables and testing methods. The reason I disagree with him is because the tests being conducted in order to gain an understanding of the way a child learns a language is quite outdated and not truly applicable in the modern educational system of the 21st century. Unlike decades past, ESL learners now have more opportunities for exposure to a new language that is not limited to the school setting. In fact, these language learners, thanks to the advent of the internet and social media, oftentimes find themselves already exposed to and learning a new language long before they need to formally need to learn the new language. Ema Ushioda and Zoltan Dorneye actually built a solid case for motivation as being a primary reason behind second language acquisition. For most adult English language learners, they only push themselves to learn the new language and work towards a proficiency in the English language because their survival depends upon it. Migrating a new country and being unable to communicate their thoughts and needs to those beyond their immediate family or community members almost certainly ensures that they will fail to succeed in the new life that they have chosen for themselves. As such, I would have to say that my exposure to L2 learners has proven that survival is a great motivation for them to succeed in acquiring their new language skills. Succeeding in learning the second language almost always proves to have a positive social, psychological,

Has or Can the West be a Chance for Islam Essay

Has or Can the West be a Chance for Islam - Essay Example They were naturally inspired by what they had known and experienced in their countries of origin" The democratic society that reigns in America makes major concessions and overtures to all forms of religious practices including education. However, one must address the obvious differences in the social doctrines of Islam and America. Whereas, America has the continuity of a successful democracy, Islam is subject to changes made by approved ulama (scholars). These scholars are often from the Middle East therefore, making changes that suit and reflect foreign sentiments towards American society. These factors have been a major contributor to the rise in terrorist affiliations amongst Western Muslims, as foreign Sheikhs and Mullahs have used aggression to permeate the social fabric of those who form the modern doctrine of Islamic jurisprudence and education in the Middle East. From there, this contaminated doctrine guides the societal pursuits of American Muslim groups. This catalysis effect has caused groups like Al Qaeda who represent the Wahabi sect of Islam which is made up of a minority of 10% of Muslims worldwide to have a dominant influence on what is taught in western madrassahs because of their significant influence in the Middle East that has been projected across over 60 nations abroad. These problems are greatly increased by the strategic alliance that seen Al Qaeda and their fellow Wahabi scholars join forces with Shia and Sunni scholars in the Middle East which represent the leadership of over 80% of Muslims worldwide. This reality brings serious questions to mind as to how to prevent terror from emanating from the Islamic curriculum of western Muslims who either brought this type of doctrine to America from overseas or seek guidance from those who are influenced by the same. Terror based Fatwahs have always benefited from these types of parameters that continue to control the 'Islamic education' in the west.Jones 3 Integration The problems noted in the education section clearly present very serious concerns in regard to integration. What type of integration will take place (terrorist intent or democratic reciprocity) It would be extremely nave for one to suggest that a 'Islamic education' that is contaminated by those with terrorist intent will not make allowances for societal catalysis effects that are negative and potentially lethal in every sense of the word. It is imperative that western Muslims make significant strides in the way of achieving scholastic autonomy in order to protect their educational system, as this will prove to be a critical step in terror prevention in addition to setting a new precedent in regards to those who think that western Muslims are puppets of scholars in the Middle East. This type of initiative will potentially save thousands of lives through the