Posts by mark taslov

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  • Up Front: The Holland Diaries, Pt 1,

    There is some conditional support for the Critical Period Hypothesis. But note:
    - Human brain development is gradual and doesn't suddenly stop, so instead of a set "critical period" after which language learning becomes impossible , we may have a "sensitive period" after which language learning is less efficient (so requires more effort).
    - Different aspects of language may have different "sensitive periods": e.g.
    nativelike phonology (accent) in L2 is extremely difficult after about age 6;
    nativelike L2 syntax becomes progressively harder after about age 8-10;
    whereas learning new words is possible at any age.
    - Different learners may show "sensitive periods" to different extents: some people may have little or no loss of sensitivity to language input. [Hence there are some reported cases of adult learners reaching nativelike proficiency in a L2.]
    - The "sensitive period" for language may last longer if the environment continues to provide new opportunities for learning additional languages starting from childhood. [E.g. the Vaupes region of the Amazon basin, a multilingual society in which new languages continue to be learned throughout life.]

    Thanks for posting that Linger. I had always felt a little disheartened by those 'rumours'. So when I first moved here, one of my primary goals was to test that theory first hand. Meaning I have had to force myself to refrain from active study for the last 6 years, also meaning this year I have to start to learn to reading and writing, to keep in step with the local education system. I'm happy to report that my language ability is not significantly worse than a 6 year old either Phonologically and syntactically. But my most notable weakness is proper noun retention. I'm certain that by the time these kids reach 8 or 9, I'll have been left behind, unless I make a concerted effort, which I don't really have the time for or energy for.

    Recently I've been passing on the English to a 2 year old at the local dairy; just bits and pieces when I go in to buy beer. I'm astounded by the leaps he makes. Though his entire vocabulary consists of"hello,hi,how are you? good,1,2,3", I'm hoping to get him to 10 before the end of the month. small pleasures...

    Main observation, in keeping with your handout Linger, is the ability to learn language varies hugely from person to person, a factor far more relevant than the 'peak age' theory, and also that the other 'rumour' re; females being better equipped to learn language holds true for the most part, at least in my experience.

    Te Ika-a-Māui • Since Mar 2008 • 2281 posts Report

  • Up Front: The Holland Diaries, Pt 1,

    Beautiful post Emma, it's truly moving. It filled me with the deepest respect for you and your family, and strong sense of regret for some of those flippant comments I ignorantly made about their education. I also feel a renewed sense of appreciation of the sounds I can hear. thank you. I'd love to have seen that production of Oliver Twist.

    Te Ika-a-Māui • Since Mar 2008 • 2281 posts Report

  • Hard News: Get yer avatars out,

    I think Simon's right. I doubt that the hyperbole you referred to helped the campaign much.

    exactly.

    Te Ika-a-Māui • Since Mar 2008 • 2281 posts Report

  • Hard News: Get yer avatars out,

    Lol@Islander :D. Thanks bro. To be honest, I wholeheartedly support the intent in preventing the implementation of this legislation . and In all fairness to to the CFF, I'm not entirely sure it was them that posted that, it was 'clovenhoof', whose only connection to the CFF was Matthew Holloway's post below reading

    "Thanks for helping spread the word clovenhoof :)"

    .

    I just don't feel that, this kind of misrepresentation helps the cause much.Just as I'm just not convinced that this-

    Currently if the police want to search your house or tap your phone or internet they'd need to present evidence to a judge, however with this proposed treaty then any copyright holder would be able to bypass the court and monitor your internet connection, your friends internet connections, and your travels overseas - all in the name of protecting artists work. As artists, we're not quite convinced that the protection our work's copyright warrants this kind of activity.

    -Is as specifically relevant to the artists that the CCF is recruiting, as it is part of a larger battle. Having said that I signed up.

    Te Ika-a-Māui • Since Mar 2008 • 2281 posts Report

  • Hard News: Get yer avatars out,

    Well for example, if you follow the link, you'll find a banner posted by the Creative Freedom Association, under the headline,**"Artist not a criminal",**, followed by flashing Guilt upon accusation, Accused murderer? Accused Arsonist? Accused filesharer?

    Pretty outlandish hysterical connections being made there for legislation that criminalizes no one, by the group that spearheaded the campaign against this legislation. Sure you may get your internet connection cut off but in anyway comparing having your internet cut off to being branded a murderer or an arsonist, is completely over the top.

    So where you say Simon;

    God god, its probably the piece of dirt that's furthest from being a police state on this planet....please...this sort of stuff helps nobody

    I'd have to disagree, that this kind of rhetoric, has been invaluable in disarming the passers of this legislation however temporarily.

    http://www.nzmusic.com/blog/clovenhoof/artist_not_a_criminal_say_no_to_the_guilt_upon_accusation_law

    Te Ika-a-Māui • Since Mar 2008 • 2281 posts Report

  • Hard News: Get yer avatars out,

    "police state" based on some of the rhetoric thrown around against this legislation.

    Te Ika-a-Māui • Since Mar 2008 • 2281 posts Report

  • Legal Beagle: Three strikes (w/ updates),

    Mark - a reason was given for the suppression:

    An interim order for name suppression was continued as the matter was to go before the High Court following an appeal by the defence.

    I read this as: the judge refused to continue name suppression, but having been advised an appeal against that refusal would be made, made an interim order so that the appeal wouldn't be fruitles

    I don't feel comfortable with this reasoning

    Is the issue the name "three strikes" or the legislation itself?

    The name obviously.

    Te Ika-a-Māui • Since Mar 2008 • 2281 posts Report

  • Legal Beagle: Three strikes (w/ updates),

    But yes, whole heartedly, three strikes? Why not just change the county's name New Illinois...

    a little imagination from legislators could go a long way.Instead of Franchise deals.

    Te Ika-a-Māui • Since Mar 2008 • 2281 posts Report

  • Legal Beagle: Three strikes (w/ updates),

    < I'm pretty comfortable with our jury system, and a system that allows judges who have heard all the evidence to ... um ... actually judge</quote>

    There's something about having convicted musicians serving four years prison sentences for sexual violation whilst having name suppression upheld that goads me to uncomfortably question some of the judges judgment.

    Te Ika-a-Māui • Since Mar 2008 • 2281 posts Report

  • Hard News: Get yer avatars out,

    Te Ika-a-Māui • Since Mar 2008 • 2281 posts Report

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