Monday May 28, 2012

Silvafan's past comments

  • 26

    Silvafan

    If I was from Fukushima and directly affected by the disaster, I would be little a pi#^ed off by this. I might feel they were trying to exploit my loss for the personal gain of those with ties to the Japanese Olympic committee.

    I can't imagine people in Fukushima who lost everything and facing difficulties everyday thinking "You know life is really bad for me now but it will be so much better if the Olympics would come to Tokyo 8 years in the future."

    Posted in: Hosting 2020 Olympics would aid healing process - Tokyo bid chief

  • -1

    Silvafan

    Wow, we were planning on going there because we heard the food was good. Guess not!

    Posted in: 68 people suffer food poisoning at Hotel New Otani in Tokyo

  • 0

    Silvafan

    Sony will lose again because like others have said "They are too reactionary." Just too slow on the draw these days especially when other companies have a big headstart.

    Posted in: Sony straps on Internet-linked wristwatch

  • 6

    Silvafan

    Look for the rise of amputated hands in the future!

    Posted in: Bank to install palm-reading ATMs

  • 13

    Silvafan

    @gg2141

    You just described the entire Republican field except for Ron Paul!

    Posted in: Santorum ends campaign, leaving field to Romney

  • 1

    Silvafan

    @Ka chan

    Un-covered Cop or maybe non-under covered cop.

    "21 Jump Street" gone wrong? LOL!

    Posted in: Policeman in schoolgirl uniform arrested for flashing

  • 0

    Silvafan

    There is one guy who dresses this way near my station. He sometimes hangs out at the McDonald's probably because the kids hangout there too. He doesn't look like he has evil intent but more like he is envious of them. Unfortunately, we all know infatuation that goes to the extreme can turn to perversion or violence at the drop of a hat so be on the alert.

    Posted in: Policeman in schoolgirl uniform arrested for flashing

  • 1

    Silvafan

    @MustardKing

    But what I can say for myself is that I was strongly focused early in learning to NOT translate. I recognized that as an impediment to fluency right away.

    Despite you understanding the idea it is important to automatize you L2, my point was unless you are a true Bilingual(2+ languages, 4skills to the same level of Native, and exposed to them at an early age) there will always be some translating going on.

    The notion that since you dream in a Second language means you have reached high level doesn't hold water. It can show you are improving but more often you are just strongly focused at least that moment of learning the language.

    A late learner can reach a high level close to a True Bilingual or Native but can never be one because I think another aspect that I think hasn't been discussed much here is identity. For identity, I think being exposed at an early age is definitely important.

    Posted in: Languages and a switch in my head

  • -2

    Silvafan

    @Frungy

    In short, if Silvafan's "interlanguage" theory was correct then the brain would actually show higher total levels of activity in lower proficiency second language speakers as the brain first translated the word from the L2 to the L1, and then activated all the information normally associated with the L1 concept. Instead we see the reverse pattern, with low-level L2 speakers exhibiting lower levels of brain excitation. Only in high-level L2 speakers, do we see equivalent levels of activity. In short, "interlanguage" theory just doesn't measure up to the physiological evidence.

    You still don't understand Selinker' Interlanguage theory. Which shows flaw in your logic. His theory doesn't state lower level learner's have high brain activity because they are translating. Of course they don't . That wouldn't make sense because lower level students would have command of the lower level processes like lexicon, syntax, morpho-syntax, or sound system. They won't be translating much because their isn't much knowledge to translate. There efforts will limited to "lower level skills". There L1 will be interfering a lot with their L2. Thus, their interlanguage will be far removed from the target of Native- like language. By comparison the high level student would have more brain activity and focus on more "higher skills" because they can do more because they have the lower level process mastered already. Their interlanguage will be closer to the target of Native like language. Translating is apart of interlanguage but it isn't the only thing that takes place within a learner's interlanguage.

    If anything your physiological evidence example didn't disprove Selinker's theory but actually supported it. You are off on this one.

    Furthermore there are changes in grey matter density and some structural reorganisation, but there is no additional structure in the brain that specifically deals with second (or subsequent) languages. [Nature (2004) 431, 757]

    Once again, read his work because he doesn't claim their is an additional physiological structure in the brain. He said their is an additional psychological structure in the brain for language learners. There is restructuring like you already said. That interlanguage is the learner's own unique language that mediates between their l1 and l2.

    An amusing conceit from someone who's post consists of opinions and believes that forum chatter is the same as research.

    The forum example is just to show others have had the same experiences and have discussed the topic in depth coming up with the same consensus as me and others.

    and dreaming in a foreign language is a sufficiently common predictor of proficiency that it merits inclusion in standardised language history questionnaires [Behavior Research Methods, Volume 38, Number 2, 202-210].

    Being common doesn't mean a good predictor. For example, The MLAT is a commonly used test for language aptitude. It has also been show that it isn't a good predictor of proficency. The same can be said for TOEIC.

    Dreaming doesn't show a person is proficient in a language. The dreaming experience show your focus on the language but your proficiency is almost always lower.

    You are trying to attack the interlanguage theory of SLA to try and show I'm incorrect. However others here have also pointed out the same faulty logic on the same points as me while discussing interlanguage which you have agreed was correct. So why keep trying?

    I do see you don't really understand Selinker's theory on Interlanguage in SLA or just don't like it but your bias of it doesn't take way it's value in SLA because your so called evidence actually doesn't contradict his theory. You are off on this one.

    If you would get your head out of your behind you could actually see that. :)

    Posted in: Languages and a switch in my head

  • -2

    Silvafan

    @USNinJapan2

    @Cleo: I also think that what you're describing here are those unfortunate 'half' and international school-educated kids who never mastered either language properly and can only speak using bits and pieces of both. They are indeed unintelligible.

    You are right! They are not true bilinguals. Those kids are creating their own type of pidgeon or creole language. It is similar to what learners of a second language do when trying to communicate in that L2 language while striving to become fluent. (interlanguage)

    I personally feel it is the fault of the parents in those instances.

    Posted in: Languages and a switch in my head

  • 0

    Silvafan

    @GaijinTechie

    Silvafan, almost everybody gives opinions with no evidence. It is not good conduct. But giving evidence of personal linquistic experience is rather difficult, wouldn't you say?

    I definitely agree with you.

    Unfortunately, I'm not the one trying to insult people on the thread calling them novice. It sounds like some people are coming from disciplines like Computer science or Psychology. Which I understand but even when terminology is similar the exact meaning doesn't always transfer over when crossing different disciplines just like lexicon in two languages. Which is evident in Frungy's understanding of the topic. A bit much on his part wouldn't you say?

    @Oikawa

    The status of being a "native speaker" is I think profoundly overrated linguistically, in the sense that I believe it would be quite possible to attain the same level of proficiency starting at a later age if only we could shed our inhibitions and learn like children do, and/or go through the whole education process from a later age.

    Sorry to have to say it. We can reach a level close to Native like ability later in life but we can't learn a second language they a young child acquired their first or multiple languages. The only way possible for adults is a more explicit approach. (conscious effort to constantly improve) I'm not talking about reaching functional ability but Native like. Even with that knowledge for certain age groups there is still a plateau which mean the time it takes can be longer or shorter depending on the person. Even memory capacity that is definitely affected by age can influence ones ability in a Second language later in life.

    Posted in: Languages and a switch in my head

  • 0

    Silvafan

    @Frungy

    Silvafan, the main problem with your comment is that you fundamentally misunderstand the term "interlanguage", which can also refer to the mediatory phase between receiving an input and "coding" it to a word (e.g. seeing an apple and then attaching the label apple to it).

    Yes we are talking about language so here is the definition of interlanguage that runs parallel to my examples and shows how incorrect you are once again.

    DEFINITION:

    An interlanguage is an emerging linguistic system that has been developed by a learner of a second language (or L2) who has not become fully proficient yet but is approximating the target language: preserving some features of their first language (or L1), or overgeneralizing target language rules in speaking or writing the target language and creating innovations. An interlanguage is idiosyncratically based on the learners' experiences with the L2. The concept of interlanguage is closely related to other types of language, especially pidgins and creoles. Each of these languages has its own grammar and phonology. The difference is mostly one of variability, as a learner's interlanguage changes frequently as they become more proficient in the language. Interlanguage is based on the theory that there is a "psychological structure latent in the brain" which is activated when one attempts to learn a second language.

    The example of dreaming in a different language is critical (and well documented) and is a good practical example of how someone's primary coding language for an input (situation, event, etc) has been in that language.

    Once again, you don't know what you are talking about.

    EVIDENCE:

    Steve Kaufmann, author of The Linguist, founder of thelinguist.com, and speaker of nine languages, offers his opinion on the topic: "In my experience it does not mean much. It sometimes happens to me, I think it reflects the fact that we are really committed to the language, listening to it, and wanting to speak it. In our dreams we are not inhibited so we do well." In an online forum (http://forum.wordreference.com/archive/index.php/t-245778.html), people seem to share the opinion that dreaming in a foreign language doesn't mean you have the language down solid. Citing their experiences, they seem to agree with Kaufmann that people dream in the foreign language when they're studying focusing on it intensely.

    Other than other personal accounts, I couldn't find any research that pointed to a correlation between dreaming in a foreign language and ability in that language.

    In summary, yes, I can agree with research, especially when there is an equally large body of research that holds a different position (such as in the case above), and when the person I'm arguing with is clearly a novice in the field and fails to grasp the full implications of their position.

    I didn't realize this was a pissing contest but I just shown with research and credible examples your logic is flawed by your ego from the start.

    Next, time bring real proof not just opinions. Only a novice with very little knowledge on the subject gives opinions with no evidence.

    "You want run with the big dogs then stop pissing like a pup!"

    Posted in: Languages and a switch in my head

  • 1

    Silvafan

    @Frungy

    This isn't entirely true, I've only been here for 6 years and often the Japanese word or phrase comes to me first and I have to pause to think what the English equivalent is, for example "dochii demo ii" is roughly equivalent to "as you like", or "you choose", or "whatever", but has a completely different nuance, and so I don't translate it. Yes, in my brain it is connected to all those other phrases, but that's what the brain is, a network of connections. That doesn't necessarily mean that my first language (English) connections supercede my fourth language (Japanese) in all >respects.

    Actually papasmurfinjapan is actually right on this. There is tons of research on Second Language Acquisition, Bilingualism, Trilingualism and etc to back it up.

    Your ability to do what you do in your self example is because for non true multi lingual individuals (early start) it depends on your Lang Apt, previous experience with language, relationship of L1 to L2 and your effort with the language.

    There is research to prove if a child learns a second language before a certain age then there will be no translation between languages or interlanguage. That doesn't mean a late learners can't with effort, consistency, lots of time and luck reach a level close to a native speaker. This means their interlanguage (translation work) is very close to a native a speaker and the rate of processing is really fast or has been automated (less thinking) with good accuracy. You are still translating but using less brain power to do so.

    Furthermore the assumption that fully bilingual children are "translating" is likewise incorrect

    He is also right about this. If bilingual, trilingual or etc. learn for instance a vocabulary word especially something technical later in life in one language then later learn it in the other languages then interlanguage will take place. It is a proving fact. The difference is the multilingual individual already have a lot of the lower level processes master like listening, sound system, syntax and high frequency vocabulary words. This would speed up the interlanguage process. That is what it means to be in the flow state with any skill. Mastering lower level processes to the point of them being unconscious. Language, sport, music or just walking!

    You can't argue with sound research!

    Posted in: Languages and a switch in my head

  • -2

    Silvafan

    @YuriOtani,

    Wish we could send ALL of them from Okinawa, Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines. Since there is so much space there, they should bot be a bother. Also now that it is not against regulations the Marines can have a gay old time. Also the Aussies are more like Americans and the military spouses can stop complaining about our vending machines. I think selling alcohol from them is the best! Go to Australia and don't come back!

    You do realize if Americans left Okinawa and near by islands would become part of China after they put a serious whipping on the Japanese forces? Japan doesn't even have the balls to reclaim their islands up North from Russia.

    Where would you condemnation be then?

    Posted in: First contingent of U.S. Marines arrive in Australia

  • 0

    Silvafan

    @SmithinJapan

    So you're not blaming TV, but you're blaming TV. Glad we're clear. Like I said, your grandparents probably blamed the ball-point pen for the ruin of society, and at some point before that someone blamed electricity -- everyone blames something other than the real reasons.

    Once I again, I didn't say it was the whole reason why these things happen but it does contribute to it. For some reason you can't seem to get your head around that so you keep repeating it over and over again with nothing new to add. Is this personal for you or I am hitting to close to home for you? Here is some research on the subject to show I'm not pulling this out of the sky with SOURCES.

    (2003) Recent research has shown that connections between children playing violent video games can cause later aggressive behavioral problems. In retrospect studies have also shown a twelve percent increase in aggressive behavior after watching violent television as well. Some parents and psychologists have said that there are children who benefit from the proficiency and coordination of playing video games while others disagree. Critics of video games claim that watching violent television is less detrimental due to the children not physically playing out the violence. Research has also shown heavy viewers, which is four or more hours a day, put in less effort at school, have poorer reading skills, play less friendly with friends, have fewer hobbies and activities, and are more likely to be overweight. The American Psychological Association says there are three major effects of watching violence in the media (i.e.: video games/television) children may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others, children may be more fearful of the world around them, and children may be more likely to behave in aggressive or hurtful ways toward others.

    Cesarone, Bernard, 1994, Video Games and Children ERIC Digest

    Child Development Institute, 2003, Video Games and Children

    Ivory, James D., 2001, Video Games and the Elusive Search for their Effects on Children: An assessment of Twenty Years of Research

    Villani, Susan, 2003, Media Violence: More than Just Child’s Play? Facts of Life: Issue Briefings for Health Reporters vol. 8, no. 10. >

    SmithinJapan: You have something a little more credible to offer than just common sense on this one? Or do you believe the researchers got it wrong and you know better on this?

    I know you are an intelligent guy but you are barking up the wrong tree on this one my friend!

    Posted in: Oakland shooting suspect upset about expulsion, teasing

  • 0

    Silvafan

    @Cletus

    LOL, thats a good one. You come out making nonsense statements and showing you know little to nothing about the region, let alone the country and you expect people to not respond.

    Not MustardKing's first time and it won't be his last time :)

    Posted in: First contingent of U.S. Marines arrive in Australia

  • 0

    Silvafan

    @SmithinJapan

    People who bring video games into the argument are the same people who blamed TV for everything when it came out, and the people who blamed the ball-point pen before that.

    I'm not blaming TV but I do believe TV and videos games can desensitize people to acts that would have in the past been considered more horrific. For example, butchers could easily do to dead people what they normally do to other kinds of animals in their shops. Especially if they have no connection to that person. That is how TV and video games can affect generation of folks already socially awkward and have little guidance.

    Are their other variables at play?
    yes, course.

    Are their a lot similarities between the examples I listed? Most definitely. All Asian, All were teased, At least 3 were from Virginia, All within the last 3 years, total of 50 people dead because the examples I provided.

    I'm not saying profile and stereotype all Asians like racists do but there is a correlation with these examples that do identify a recent trend. (MustardKings words)

    The history of mass shootings in the US is not complicated. It's membership of perpetrators are a finite group.

    Whether it is a short or long term trend it is there and should be used like others as tools to identify and hopefully solve any problematic trends. Definitely, not to be used as a reason to discriminate against one group.

    If this was a conversation about suicides in Japan then it would probably seem like it makes more sense to a lot more people on here.

    @Bebert61

    Four or five incidents involving Asian males (one who was an al Qaeda agent) doesn't change the FBI statistics that show Asians are the least violent of the ethnic groups in the United States, including caucasians.

    That is what makes the connection so easily identifiable.

    Posted in: Oakland shooting suspect upset about expulsion, teasing

  • 3

    Silvafan

    @Mustard King

    If something is popular with a group, such as "young Asian males" (your words) you are claiming that it might not be a trend? Good luck with that.

    You are right two does not make trend. So.......

    On April 3 of 2009, Jiverly Antares Wong (evidently Chinese) killed fourteen people, including himself at a Binghamton New York immigration center. Just days later, 69 year old John Suchan Chong (sounds Chinese) attacked KoreanAm campers at the Kkottongnae Retreat Camp in Temecula about 85 miles from Los Angeles. He killed one woman before being bludgeoned himself by other campers. The once beloved handyman pled not guilty, explaining “he was unhappy with the other volunteers because he felt they treated him disrespectfully and did not do their fair share of work.” At least he doesn’t hate babies.

    By comparison, Major Nidal Malik Hasan (technically of “Western Asian” descent) killed 13 at Fort Hood which everybody EXCEPT the Obama administration from the FBI to the Pentagon called the deadliest terrorist attack since 9/11. I suspect both Fort Hood and the Mumbai massacres were inspired as much by Cho in its methods as by radical Islam in motive.

    Other Koreans who made the news was James Jay Lee who used pistols and an explosive device to take hostage at the Discovery Channel headquarters

    Now the federally funded National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (Start) at the University of Maryland has declared that the Discovery attack qualifies as terrorist act, and is the first case they’ve seen of what looks like an environmentally inspired suicide bomber in the world. Including Lee, that’s four Angry Asian Men right killing nearly 50 people in 3 years. That far exceeds the total of 13 at Fort Hood and 2 at the Little Rock recruiting station that have been even claimed by the radical Jihad.

    Suspect One L. Goh mentioned to police is that he was upset over being asked to leave several months ago and hated students who taunted him for his terrible English. That’s pretty much the same story Seung-Hui Cho whose only complaints seemed to be to get back at those who made him an outcast. Still, Goh, Cho and Jame Jay Lee were all from Virginia.

    How was that MustardKing? You want to give it a go now? ;)

    Posted in: Oakland shooting suspect upset about expulsion, teasing

  • 0

    Silvafan

    >

    Is this becoming a trend amongst certain males simply because of things like video games and violence on TV? >

    Posted in: Oakland shooting suspect upset about expulsion, teasing

  • 0

    Silvafan

    @MustardKing

    Who said trend? Don't put words in my mouth! Wake up yourself.

    Posted in: Oakland shooting suspect upset about expulsion, teasing

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