Gestão das línguas no século XXI: para uma introdução à política linguística exterior

The objective of this work is to stimulate a debate about the idea of a possible foreign language policy. It seeks to do so from an overview of the structural changes of recent decades - those affecting the economy, information and communication technologies, geopolitics and identities - in order to draw attention to the renewed importance and the role that the language management issues are assuming in this new context. Considering the foreign language policy a theoretical and practical essential tool for the management of language in a globalized world, the focus of the discussion rests on four main aspects: the origins of the notion of foreign language policy; the relationship with the foreign policy of the State; its effectiveness through the intervention on corpus, status and acquisition of the language; and the possibility of their formulation by agents other than the State

Gestão das línguas no século XXI: para uma introdução à política linguística exterior

The objective of this work is to stimulate a debate about the idea of a possible foreign language policy. It seeks to do so from an overview of the structural changes of recent decades - those affecting the economy, information and communication technologies, geopolitics and identities - in order to draw attention to the renewed importance and the role that the language management issues are assuming in this new context. Considering the foreign language policy a theoretical and practical essential tool for the management of language in a globalized world, the focus of the discussion rests on four main aspects: the origins of the notion of foreign language policy; the relationship with the foreign policy of the State; its effectiveness through the intervention on corpus, status and acquisition of the language; and the possibility of their formulation by agents other than the State

Biogeochemistry of an Amazonian podzol-ferralsol soil system with white kaolin

The podzol-ferralsol soil systems, which cover great areas of Amazonia and other equatorial regions, are frequently associated with kaolin deposits and store and export large amounts of carbon. Although natural organic matter (NOM) plays a key role in their dynamics, little is known about their biogeochemistry. In order to assess the specific role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on NOM storage in deep horizons and to determine possible relationships between kaolin formation and DOM properties, we studied the groundwater composition of a typical podzol-ferralsol soil catena from the Alto Rio Negro region, Brazil. Groundwater was sampled using tension-free lysimeters placed according to soil morphology. DOC, E-H, p(H), and dissolved Si, Al3+, Fe2+, and Fe3+ were analyzed for all samples and values are given in a database. Quantification of other dissolved ions, small carboxylic acids and SUVA(254) index and acid-base microtitration was achieved on selected samples. Part of the DOM produced by the hydromorphic podzols is directly exported to the blackwater streams; another part percolates at greater depth, and more than 90% of it adsorbs in the Bh-Bhs horizons, allowing carbon storage at depth. Humic substances are preferentially adsorbed with regard to small carboxylic compounds. With regard to kaolin genesis, kaolinite precipitation is favored by Al release from NOM mineralization within the Bh-Bhs and kaolin bleaching is ensured by iron reduction due to acidity and relatively low E-H. Fe2+ mobility can be related to small E-H variations and enhanced by the significant concentration of small carboxylic acids. The long-term result of these processes is the thickening of the kaolin, and it can be inferred that kaolin is likely to occur where active, giant podzols are close to a slope gradient sufficient enough to lower the deep water table.

Calibration of a Species-Specific Spectral Vegetation Index for Leaf Area Index (LAI) Monitoring: Example with MODIS Reflectance Time-Series on Eucalyptus Plantations

The leaf area index (LAI) is a key characteristic of forest ecosystems. Estimations of LAI from satellite images generally rely on spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) or radiative transfer model (RTM) inversions. We have developed a new and precise method suitable for practical application, consisting of building a species-specific SVI that is best-suited to both sensor and vegetation characteristics. Such an SVI requires calibration on a large number of representative vegetation conditions. We developed a two-step approach: (1) estimation of LAI on a subset of satellite data through RTM inversion; and (2) the calibration of a vegetation index on these estimated LAI. We applied this methodology to Eucalyptus plantations which have highly variable LAI in time and space. Previous results showed that an RTM inversion of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) near-infrared and red reflectance allowed good retrieval performance (R-2 = 0.80, RMSE = 0.41), but was computationally difficult. Here, the RTM results were used to calibrate a dedicated vegetation index (called "EucVI") which gave similar LAI retrieval results but in a simpler way. The R-2 of the regression between measured and EucVI-simulated LAI values on a validation dataset was 0.68, and the RMSE was 0.49. The additional use of stand age and day of year in the SVI equation slightly increased the performance of the index (R-2 = 0.77 and RMSE = 0.41). This simple index opens the way to an easily applicable retrieval of Eucalyptus LAI from MODIS data, which could be used in an operational way.

Anisotropic Brownian motion in ordered phases of DNA fragments

Using Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching, we investigate the Brownian motion of DNA rod-like fragments in two distinct anisotropic phases with a local nematic symmetry. The height of the measurement volume ensures the averaging of the anisotropy of the in-plane diffusive motion parallel or perpendicular to the local nematic director in aligned domains. Still, as shown in using a model specifically designed to handle such a situation and predicting a non-Gaussian shape for the bleached spot as fluorescence recovery proceeds, the two distinct diffusion coefficients of the DNA particles can be retrieved from data analysis. In the first system investigated (a ternary DNA-lipid lamellar complex), the magnitude and anisotropy of the diffusion coefficient of the DNA fragments confined by the lipid bilayers are obtained for the first time. In the second, binary DNA-solvent system, the magnitude of the diffusion coefficient is found to decrease markedly as DNA concentration is increased from isotropic to cholesteric phase. In addition, the diffusion coefficient anisotropy measured within cholesteric domains in the phase coexistence region increases with concentration, and eventually reaches a high value in the cholesteric phase.

Investigating Avian Influenza Infection Hotspots in Old-World Shorebirds

Heterogeneity in the transmission rates of pathogens across hosts or environments may produce disease hotspots, which are defined as specific sites, times or species associations in which the infection rate is consistently elevated. Hotspots for avian influenza virus (AIV) in wild birds are largely unstudied and poorly understood. A striking feature is the existence of a unique but consistent AIV hotspot in shorebirds (Charadriiformes) associated with a single species at a specific location and time (ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres at Delaware Bay, USA, in May). This unique case, though a valuable reference, limits our capacity to explore and understand the general properties of AIV hotspots in shorebirds. Unfortunately, relatively few shorebirds have been sampled outside Delaware Bay and they belong to only a few shorebird families; there also has been a lack of consistent oropharyngeal sampling as a complement to cloacal sampling. In this study we looked for AIV hotspots associated with other shorebird species and/or with some of the larger congregation sites of shorebirds in the old world. We assembled and analysed a regionally extensive dataset of AIV prevalence from 69 shorebird species sampled in 25 countries across Africa and Western Eurasia. Despite this diverse and extensive coverage we did not detect any new shorebird AIV hotspots. Neither large shorebird congregation sites nor the ruddy turnstone were consistently associated with AIV hotspots. We did, however, find a low but widespread circulation of AIV in shorebirds that contrast with the absence of AIV previously reported in shorebirds in Europe. A very high AIV antibody prevalence coupled to a low infection rate was found in both first-year and adult birds of two migratory sandpiper species, suggesting the potential existence of an AIV hotspot along their migratory flyway that is yet to be discovered.

'Was hast du heute gelernt? ', ou o que você aprendeu hoje?: crenças discentes acerca do conteúdo programático de aulas comunicativas de alemão como língua estrangeira

O intuito do presente artigo é analisar os resultados de uma pesquisa conduzida junto a alunos de dois cursos de alemão como língua estrangeira. A investigação se insere no marco teórico dos estudos sobre crenças. Pretende-se pôr em relevo a percepção do alunado a respeito do conteúdo programático das aulas que frequenta - e, sobretudo, os valores e pesos que deposita sobre cada elemento que integra uma aula de língua estrangeira: de um lado, que importância dedica às atividades de desenvolvimento das "quatro habilidades" (ler, escrever, falar e ouvir), ao trabalho com a gramática, com o léxico e com aspectos inter e transculturais.

Aprendizaje integrado de contenidos de Geología con segunda lengua extranjera: aproximación al vulcanismo en 2º ESO

Máster de Formación del Profesorado en Educación Secundaria, Obligatoria, Bachillerato, Formación Profesional y Enseñanza de Idiomas

Research and theory driven insights: ten suggestions for L2 reading instruction

[EN]Research and theory on second language reading has reached heightened dimensions in recent years. It is through reading that learners access much information concerning the target language and culture, and consequently reading is an important part of almost all language programs across stages of acquisition. The purpose of this article is to offer informed suggestions for the foreign language instructor of reading. The ideas given in this paper constitute a collaborative project that developed as part of a graduate seminar on L2 Reading and Writing taught at Washington University in St. Louis.

Recursos prácticos para el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje del español en el ámbito universitario: una propuesta TIC para profesores

[ES]En los últimos años, los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje del español como lengua extranjera se han visto influidos por las tecnologías de la información y de la comunicación, generando un notable interés en docentes y alumnos. El uso didáctico de las TIC ofrece múltiples posibilidades en la clase de español como lengua extranjera (ELE). Nuestra propuesta recoge algunas estrategias de actuación en el aula, llevadas a cabo en la Universidad de Lieja (Bélgica), en la Universidad de Turku (Finlandia) y en la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (España) durante el año académico 2013/2014.[EN]In the last few years, the Spanish as a foreign language teachinglearning process has been influenced by information and communicationtechnology, which has created a notable interest amongst students and teachers. The pedagogical use of the ICT offers multiple learning possibilities inside the SFL classroom. Our proposal encounters different intervention strategies to be implemented in the classroom. These strategies were put into practice at the University of Liège (Belgium), at the University of Turku (Finland) and at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain) throughout the 2013/2014 academic year.

La competencia pragmática en el aprendizaje del inglés: importancia, desarrollo y propuestas de mejora en la Facultad de Filología (ULPGC)

[EN]In this paper we revise the concept of pragmatic competence and underline the recognized importance that it has in the process of teaching and learning a foreign language. The need to include explicit pedagogical instruction in the classroom is also approached. A revision of the syllabi used for the teaching of English in the Degree in Hispanic Studies at the Faculty of Philology (ULPGC) reveals some minor failure in the way the functional content is specified regarding pragmatic abilities. Some examples of how to deal with the development of pragmatic competence in the classroom, including ICT, are also presented, together with some suggestions to improve it.

PlayingCLIL, a new game-based methodology using drama pedagogy

[EN]Linguistic immersion programs are increasing nowadays. The concept of being bilingual, that started being used by schools for the elite in the 19th century, and that in the mid- 20th century became an educational option, has given raise to CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), a methodology through which students work in a bilingual environment, acquiring knowledge of curricular subject and developing their competences in a foreign language. In this teaching context started a new European project called PlayingCLIL. Six partners from different European countries (Germany, United Kingdom, Spain and Romania) are working in this project. Our main aim is to develop a new methodology to learn a foreign language combining elements from the pedagogic drama (interactive games) with the CLIL classroom. At present we are testing the games in different schools and high schools and we are compiling the results to be collected in a handbook (printed and e-book).

Turismo didáctico: Barcelona y el Quijote

[ES]Reflexionamos en este artículo sobre el concepto de “turismo didáctico o pedagógico” junto con el de “geografía cultural” como herramientas de aprendizaje del español como lengua extranjera a través de la obra maestra de Cervantes. Exploramos concretamente las posibilidades didácticas de los capítulos que ilustran el trasiego del hidalgo desde su natal Castilla-La Mancha (tradicional y castiza), hasta la moderna y cosmopolita ciudad de Barcelona. [EN]In this article we reflected on the concept of "educational or pedagogical tourism” along with "cultural geography" as tools for learning Spanish as a foreign language through the Cervantes masterpiece. We specifically explore the educational possibilities of the chapters that illustrate the movement of don Quixote, from his native Castilla - La Mancha (traditional and genuine) to the modern and cosmopolitan Barcelona.

Uso de textos musicales (canciones) en la enseñanza del inglés

[ES]El presente artículo de investigación tiene como objetivo principal evaluar cómo el uso de los textos musicales –canciones, como popularmente se conocen– influye en el aprendizaje del inglés como lengua extranjera. Una investigación llevada a cabo con estudiantes de una clase de 2º de ESO nos ha servido para confirmar las hipótesis que en un principio teníamos en lo concerniente a la adquisición de las ocho competencias básicas mediante tareas en las clases de lengua inglesa. Así, el diseño de rúbricas con unos criterios e instrumentos de evaluación específicos nos ha permitido evaluar el grado de adquisición de competencias básicas concretas. [EN]This paper focuses on the impact that the use of music texts –commonly referred to with the term ‘songs’– has on students in teaching English as a foreign language. Through a survey carried out with students of a 2nd year class of Spanish Secondary Education, our initial assumptions in terms of acquisition of key competences in English learning were validated. in acquiring specific key competences by using tasks, rubrics –consisting of detailed assessment criteria and tools– were designed and implemented as the assessment method in order for students to successfully attain specific learning objectives.

Il corpus DIRSI: creazione e sviluppo di un corpus elettronico per lo studio della direzionalità in interpretazione simultanea

Con questa tesi abbiamo messo a punto una metodologia per l'applicazione del "corpus-based approach" allo studio dell'interpretazione simultanea, creando DIRSI-C, un corpus elettronico parallelo (italiano-inglese) e allineato di trascrizioni di registrazioni tratte da convegni medici, mediati da interpreti simultaneisti. Poiché gli interpreti professionisti coinvolti hanno lavorato dalla lingua straniera alla loro lingua materna e viceversa, il fattore direzionalità è il parametro di analisi delle prestazioni degli interpreti secondo i metodi di indagine della linguistica dei corpora. In this doctoral thesis a methodology was developed to fully apply the corpus-based approach to simultaneous interpreting research. DIRSI-C is a parallel (Italian-English/English-Italian) and aligned electronic corpus, containing transcripts of recorded medical international conferences with professional simultaneous interpreters working both from and into their foreign language. Against this backdrop, directionality represents the research parameter used to analyze interpreters' performance by means of corpus linguistics tools.