The marking of new information in children's narratives: a comparison of English, French, German and Mandarin Chinese*

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 591-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maya Hickmann ◽  
Henriëtte Hendriks ◽  
Françoise Roland ◽  
James Liang
Keyword(s):  
Mandarin Chinese ◽  
Information Flow ◽  
The Other ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Adult Age ◽  
Children's Narratives ◽  
New Information ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Functional Complexity

ABSTRACTThis study examines children's uses of nominal determiners (‘local markings’) and utterance structure (‘global markings’) to introduce new referents. Two narratives were elicited from preschoolers, seven-year-olds, ten-year-olds, and adults in English (N = 80), French (N = 40), German (N = 40), and Chinese (N = 40). Given typological differences (e.g. richness of morphology), these languages rely differentially on local vs. global devices to mark newness: postverbal position is obligatory in Chinese (determiners optional), indefinite determiners in the other languages (position optional). Three findings recur across languages: obligatory newness markings emerge late (seven-year-olds); local markings emerge first, including Chinese optional ones; local and global markings are strongly related. Crosslinguistic differences also occur: English-speaking preschoolers use local markings least frequently; until adult age global markings are rare in English, not contrastive in German and not as frequent in Chinese as in French, despite obligatoriness. It is concluded that three factors determine acquisition: (1) universal discourse factors governing information flow; (2) cognitive factors resulting from the greater functional complexity of global markings; (3) language-specific factors related to how different systems map both grammatical and discourse functions onto forms.

Lexical Arguments and Information Types in Malay Oral Narratives

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-97
Author(s):  
Siaw-Fong Chung
Keyword(s):  
Information Flow ◽  
The Other ◽  
Discourse Structure ◽  
Oral Narratives ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
The Core ◽  
New Information ◽  
Intonation Units ◽  
Locative Expressions ◽  
Transitive Verbs

The analysis in this paper was based on five Malay narratives of the “frog story”. In these narratives, the types of lexical arguments and their relations with information flow and topic continuity were analyzed. It was found that most narrators used one lexical argument in telling the frog story (e.g., sarang itu jatuh “the nest fell”). About 60% of the verbs in the narratives contained one lexical argument only. Some transitive verbs that usually require the presence of both lexical arguments were used with one lexical argument only when produced in speech (e.g., dia mencari ø di merata tempat “he searched (for) ø everywhere”). Objects were sometimes omitted, as their meanings could be predicted from previous context. Despite the omission of objects, transitive constructions still prevailed in the stories. The most frequently occurring lexical arguments were objects (O) (37%), followed by intransitive subjects (S) (29%) and transitive subjects (A) (27%). In addition, our results showed that new information in Malay was usually allocated to the core argument of the object and to locative expressions, indicating that most of the new information appeared at the end of a clause. On the other hand, topic continuity was held between the subjects in two continuous intonation units. This clear-cut division of discourse functions in the heads and tails of constructions was consistently found in the five pieces of narration. This observation not only showed how ideas could be continued in Malay oral narratives, but also contributes to the study of discourse structure in Malay.

On the ability to provide evaluative comments: further explorations of children's narrative competencies

1991 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 689-710 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Bamberg ◽  
Robin Damrad-Frye
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Quantitative Comparison ◽  
The Other ◽  
Children's Narratives ◽  
College Undergraduate ◽  
Picture Story ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Native English Speaking ◽  
Event Schemas

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the changing functions of evaluative devices in children's narratives. The evaluative devices included (a) references to ‘frames of mind’, particularly to emotions, (b) character speech, (c) ‘hedges’, (d) negative qualifiers, and (e) causal connectors. Narratives were elicited from a 24-picture story book. The subjects were three groups of native English-speaking Americans (12 per group): five- and nine-year-old children and college undergraduate students. A quantitative comparison revealed that (i) adults used evaluative devices three times as often as five-year-olds, and two-and-a-half times as often as the nine-year-old children; (ii) adults used significantly more references to ‘frames of mind’ and ‘hedges’ than the children; and (iii) whereas five-year-olds used each evaluative type equally often, nine-year-olds and adults used references to ‘frames of mind’ significantly more than the other four evaluation types. A second analysis, focusing specifically on the discourse functions of references to ‘frames of mind’ revealed that, early on, this particular device is used to express a local evaluative perspective on particular events, while with increasing age it is used to signal the hierarchial organization of the story events. These findings are discussed with regard to two non-linguistic developmental achievements, the formation of event schemas and the formation of a theory of mind.

scholarly journals Extreme weight control behaviors among adolescent athletes: Links with weight-related maltreatment from parents and coaches and sport ethic norms

2021 ◽  
pp. 101269022110186
Author(s):  
Véronique Boudreault ◽  
Marie-Pierre Gagnon-Girouard ◽  
Noémie Carbonneau ◽  
Sophie Labossière ◽  
Catherine Bégin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Control ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The Other ◽  
Weight Class ◽  
Psychological Violence ◽  
French Canadian ◽  
Adolescent Athletes ◽  
Weight Control Behaviors ◽  
Specific Factors

The use of extreme weight-control behaviors is prevalent among adolescent athletes and may result from individual and sport-specific factors. Weight-related maltreatment from coaches and parents, and conformity to sport ethic norms have recently been linked to the use of extreme weight-control behaviors. This study aims to investigate the role of sport ethic norms and weight-related maltreatment from coaches and parents in the use of extreme weight-control behaviors among adolescent athletes. A sample of 999 French-Canadian athletes aged 14–17 years competing in a variety of sports completed an online survey assessing extreme weight-control behaviors, weight-related maltreatment from coaches and parents, and conformity to sport ethic norms. A total of 16.9% of the adolescent athletes reported having adopted extreme weight-control behaviors during their athletic careers. Extreme weight-control behaviors were significantly more prevalent among girls (19.75% vs 9.7% in boys) and weight-class-sport athletes (44%). In addition, 7.4% of the sample experienced at least one type of weight-related maltreatment by coaches or parents. Sex, weight-related neglect by coaches and parents, and weight-related psychological violence by coaches explained 24.4% of extreme weight-control behaviors variance. Indeed, participants who engaged in extreme weight-control behaviors experienced significantly more violence than the other participants did. In contrast, no differences were observed between people who engaged in extreme weight-control behaviors and those who did not due to conformity to sport ethic norms.

scholarly journals Revisiting the quorum-sensing hierarchy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: the transcriptional regulator RhlR regulates LasR-specific factors

Microbiology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 155 (3) ◽  
pp. 712-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valérie Dekimpe ◽  
Eric Déziel
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Transcriptional Regulator ◽  
Homoserine Lactone ◽  
The Other ◽  
Virulence Determinants ◽  
Late Stationary Phase ◽  
Regulatory Systems ◽  
Specific Factors

Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses the two major quorum-sensing (QS) regulatory systems las and rhl to modulate the expression of many of its virulence factors. The las system is considered to stand at the top of the QS hierarchy. However, some virulence factors such as pyocyanin have been reported to still be produced in lasR mutants under certain conditions. Interestingly, such mutants arise spontaneously under various conditions, including in the airways of cystic fibrosis patients. Using transcriptional lacZ reporters, LC/MS quantification and phenotypic assays, we have investigated the regulation of QS-controlled factors by the las system. Our results show that activity of the rhl system is only delayed in a lasR mutant, thus allowing the expression of multiple virulence determinants such as pyocyanin, rhamnolipids and C4-homoserine lactone (HSL) during the late stationary phase. Moreover, at this stage, RhlR is able to overcome the absence of the las system by activating specific LasR-controlled functions, including production of 3-oxo-C12-HSL and Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS). P. aeruginosa is thus able to circumvent the deficiency of one of its QS systems by allowing the other to take over. This work demonstrates that the QS hierarchy is more complex than the model simply presenting the las system above the rhl system.

scholarly journals Contribution of the CK2 Catalytic Isoforms α and α’ to the Glycolytic Phenotype of Tumor Cells

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
Francesca Zonta ◽  
Christian Borgo ◽  
Camila Paz Quezada Meza ◽  
Ionica Masgras ◽  
Andrea Rasola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
The Other ◽  
Osteosarcoma Cell ◽  
Monomeric Form ◽  
New Information

CK2 is a Ser/Thr protein kinase overexpressed in many cancers. It is usually present in cells as a tetrameric enzyme, composed of two catalytic (α or α’) and two regulatory (β) subunits, but it is active also in its monomeric form, and the specific role of the different isoforms is largely unknown. CK2 phosphorylates several substrates related to the uncontrolled proliferation, motility, and survival of cancer cells. As a consequence, tumor cells are addicted to CK2, relying on its activity more than healthy cells for their life, and exploiting it for developing multiple oncological hallmarks. However, little is known about CK2 contribution to the metabolic rewiring of cancer cells. With this study we aimed at shedding some light on it, especially focusing on the CK2 role in the glycolytic onco-phenotype. By analyzing neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma cell lines depleted of either one (α) or the other (α’) CK2 catalytic subunit, we also aimed at disclosing possible pro-tumor functions which are specific of a CK2 isoform. Our results suggest that both CK2 α and α’ contribute to cell proliferation, survival and tumorigenicity. The analyzed metabolic features disclosed a role of CK2 in tumor metabolism, and suggest prominent functions for CK2 α isoform. Results were also confirmed by CK2 pharmacological inhibition. Overall, our study provides new information on the mechanism of cancer cells addiction to CK2 and on its isoform-specific functions, with fundamental implications for improving future therapeutic strategies based on CK2 targeting.

scholarly journals Abraham Lincoln

1882 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 312-343
Author(s):  
Isaac N. Arnold
Keyword(s):  
American History ◽  
Abraham Lincoln ◽  
The Other ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
The Republic ◽  
English Speaking World ◽  
The One

The noblest inheritance we Americans derive from our British ancestors is the memory and example of the great and good men who adorn your history. They are as much appreciated and honoured on our side of the Atlantic as on this. In giving to the English-speaking world Washington and Lincoln we think we repay, in large part, our obligation. Their pre-eminence in American history is recognised, and the republic, which the one founded and the other preserved, has already crowned them as models for her children.

A Newly Discovered Manuscript: Second Version of Syarh Rubai of Hamzah Fansuri Written by Syamsuddin Al Sumatrani

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-77
Author(s):  
Pramono ◽  
◽  
Sudarmoko ◽  
Keyword(s):  
The Other ◽  
Islamic Studies ◽  
New Information

In the paper we provide a report on the discovery of a manuscript containing Syarh Rubai of Hamzah Fansuri written by his disciple Syamsuddin Al Sumatrani, which was found in the Minangkabau area. The manuscript is a second and largerly independent version in comparison to similar manuscript that has been previously found and edited by Ali Hasjmy in Aceh. We identify differences between both manuscripts such as the presentation structure, introduction, colophon, the number of stanza, the date of writing, and dictions. The manuscripts reflect the polemic on wujudiyah between Hamzah Fansuri and Syamsuddin on one side, and Nuruddin Ar Raniri on the other side. Furthermore, the locations related to the manuscripts, Aceh and Minangkabau, show the spread of wujudiyah in the Malay world that add new information to the discussion on local Islamic studies. We argue that the newly found manuscript shows the spread of wujudiyah from Aceh to Minangkabau and the growing number of its followers in the region.

High-precision abundances of elements in stars with asteroseismic ages

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (S334) ◽  
pp. 166-169
Author(s):  
P. E. Nissen ◽  
V. Silva Aguirre ◽  
J. Christensen-Dalsgaard ◽  
R. Collet ◽  
F. Grundahl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Precision ◽  
Main Sequence ◽  
Potential Problem ◽  
Galactic Evolution ◽  
The Other ◽  
Main Sequence Stars ◽  
Refractory Elements ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
New Information ◽  
Oscillation Frequencies

AbstractHigh-precision abundances of elements have been derived from HARPS-N spectra of F and G main-sequence stars having ages determined from oscillation frequencies delivered by the Kepler mission. The tight relations between abundance ratios of refractory elements, e.g., [Mg/Fe] and [Y/Mg], and stellar age previously found for solar twin stars are confirmed. These relations provide new information on nucleosynthesis and Galactic evolution. Abundance ratios between volatile and refractory elements, e.g., [C/Fe] and [O/Fe], show on the other hand a significant scatter at a given age, which may be related to planet-star interactions. This is a potential problem for chemical tagging studies.

LIBERAL AND CONSERVATIVE VIEWS OF MARRIAGE

Think ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (34) ◽  
pp. 33-56
Author(s):  
Matthew Carey Jordan
Keyword(s):  
The Other ◽  
The World ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
English Speaking World ◽  
Zero Sum ◽  
Hearts And Minds ◽  
Successes And Failures

This essay is about liberal and conservative views of marriage. I'll begin by mentioning that I would really, really like to avoid use of the terms ‘liberal’ and ‘conservative’, but when push comes to shove, I know of no better labels for the positions that will be discussed in what follows. I would like to avoid these labels for a simple reason: many people strongly self-identify as liberals or as conservatives, and this can undermine our ability to investigate the topic in a sane, rational way. Politics, at least in the contemporary English-speaking world, functions a lot like the world of sports. Many people have a particular team to which their allegiance has been pledged, and the team's successes and failures on the field are shared in the hearts and minds of its loyal followers. In my own case – and here, I ask for your pity – I am a fan of the National Football League's Cleveland Browns. As much as I might wish things were otherwise, I rejoice in the Browns' (rare) triumphs and suffer when they lose (which happens frequently). I do not wait to see what happens in the game before I decide which team to cheer for; if it's an NFL game, and I see orange and brown, I know where my allegiance lies. Furthermore, I identify with my fellow Browns fans in a way that I cannot identify with followers of, say, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Clevelanders are my people. We share something, and what we share unites us in opposition to Steeler Nation. Their victories are our defeats. It is a zero-sum game: for one of us to win, the other must lose.

Corpora and intuition: a study of Mandarin Chinese adverbial clauses and subjecthood

Corpora ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
May L-Y Wong
Keyword(s):  
Mandarin Chinese ◽  
Semantic Function ◽  
Text Type ◽  
Corpus Linguistic ◽  
Semantic Classes ◽  
New Information ◽  
Theoretical Assumptions ◽  
Adverbial Clauses ◽  
Adverbial Clause ◽  
Linguistic Methods

This paper presents a corpus-based approach to investigating the distribution of adverbial clauses and their subjects (overt vs. non-overt) in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese. It argues that the choice of subject type is determined by three variables, namely, given-new information, semantic function of adverbial clause and text type. In written Chinese, the distribution of subject types varies across semantic classes of adverbial clauses, but not across text categories. The influence of semantic classes on the distribution of subject types, however, depends on text type. For the same semantic function, the decision as to whether to include a subject is governed by given and new information. In contrasting the distribution of subject types of adverbial clauses across speech and writing, it was found that both spoken and written Chinese use more overt subjects in clauses of reason. Methodologically, this study demonstrates how quantitative corpus-linguistic methods can be used to supplement introspective theoretical assumptions with authentic, observable evidence in order to gain better insights into the behaviour of adverbial clauses in speech and writing.

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