Overview
All languages have rules. We learn these rules throughout our lives. Some of these rules are more innate, such as understanding how to use the correct words and verb tense in conversation. Other rules are more academic, such as how to use specific terminology in an academic paper. Learning the rules and traits of a language helps us to be better communicators.
Prepare
One way to learn more about your own native language is to learn about another language. To prepare for this assignment:
- Select a language other than your native cultural language. This may mean a dialect commonly used by smaller groups of people, and meanings may not be easily understood by others.
- Research your chosen language to learn more about its phonology, semantics, and syntactics.
Instructions
After you have researched a language other than your native language, create a short presentation in which you accomplish the following:
- Provide examples for the traits of phonology, semantics, and syntactics.
- Explain what a language suggests about its culture.
- For example, the English language borrows extensively from other languages and tends to reflect the melting pot nature of U.S. culture.
- Discuss communication issues that arise because of the differences in languages.
- Present coherently to support a central idea in appropriate format.
- Maintain a steady pace and good eye contact, and practice your speech before you record.
- To submit your recorded presentation, upload your recorded video file or narrated PowerPoint file to the assignment dropbox. Select Assignment>Upload>Drag a file or Choose File>Submit Assignment.
- You may also use Kaltura to record your presentation. For information about how to record with Kaltura, review the tutorials on the Using Kaltura resource page. Embed your Kaltura recording in the message box in the assignment dropbox. For instructions on how to do this, refer to the resources on the Using Kaltura Campus page. Refer to Using KalturaLinks to an external site. for more information. Make your presentation public in Kaltura and submit the link in the assignment area.
Additional Requirements
- Length: Record 3–4 minutes using a webcam or built-in camera.