1.2.1 Researching Current Language Debates

• Topical language issues refer to current debates and discussions around the use, evolution, and impact of language in society
• Match the resource type with an example:

  Academic journals ↔️ Linguistics Abstracts

  News and media ↔️ Online news sites

  Government reports ↔️ Publications from linguistic associations
• Credible and up-to-date sources are essential when researching a topical language issue
• Search strategies for researching topical language issues

  1️⃣ Broad searches with general keywords

  2️⃣ Targeted searches with specific keywords

  3️⃣ Lateral searches from cited sources

  4️⃣ Expert searches for publications by authorities
• Good keywords should be multifaceted, including both the language issue itself and related concepts
• When evaluating a source, the author's expertise, credentials, and affiliations contribute to their reputation
• Topical language issues are directly related to language use and change
• Name three academic journals or databases useful for researching language issues.

  Linguistics Abstracts, LLBA, MLA IB
• Match the search strategy with its description:

  Broad searches ↔️ Use general keywords to find a wide range of sources

  Targeted searches ↔️ Use specific keywords to find relevant, in-depth sources

  Lateral searches ↔️ Explore sources cited in initial results

  Expert searches ↔️ Search for publications by known authorities
• A source is considered high-quality if it is peer-reviewed, reputable, and current.

  True
• The quality of evidence in a source is a key factor in its evaluation.

  True
• Topical language issues must be grounded in real-world examples and evidence

  True
• Evaluating the reliability and relevance of sources helps develop a well-rounded understanding of the topic
• Match the source type with an example:

  Academic journals ↔️ MLA International Bibliography

  Online forums ↔️ Stack Exchange Linguistics
• Combining different search strategies can help uncover a diverse and credible set of sources
• Steps in using different search strategies for research

  1️⃣ Broad searches

  2️⃣ Targeted searches

  3️⃣ Lateral searches

  4️⃣ Expert searches
• Why is it important to check if a source is peer-reviewed?

  To ensure its quality
• What should you research to understand a topical language issue?

  Historical context, arguments, impacts
• Online language forums and discussion boards include Reddit r/linguistics and Stack Exchange Linguistics
• What is an example of a specific keyword for researching language issues?

  Gender-neutral language
• What is a key resource for collecting data on topical language issues?

  Academic journals and databases
• A source is considered reliable if it is peer-reviewed, reputable, and current.
• Data from credible and up-to-date sources is essential for researching topical language issues.

  True
• Match the source type with an example:

  Academic journals ↔️ Linguistics Abstracts

  News sources ↔️ Newspapers

  Government reports ↔️ Language policy publications
• Relevance ensures that the source directly addresses the research topic.
• News and media sources can be used to research language-related topics.


  True
• When analyzing a topical language issue, it's crucial to examine the different perspectives and arguments presented.
• Identifying stakeholders involves determining the key groups or individuals involved in the debate.
• Organizing research is essential for preparing a balanced argumentation.


  True
• A topical language issue should be engaging and thought-provoking for the reader.


  True
• Key resources for researching topical language issues include academic journals, news sources, and government reports.
• When researching a topical language issue, it's crucial to use credible and up-to-date sources.
• Good keywords for research should be specific, such as "gender-neutral language" rather than just language.
• Multifaceted keywords should include related concepts, such as "gender-neutral language" and "linguistic sexism."


  True
• What is the primary concern when assessing evidence quality in research?

  Research methods
• Match the source evaluation criterion with its description:

  Author Reputation ↔️ Expertise and credentials

  Evidence Quality ↔️ Research methods and data

  Publication Quality ↔️ Peer-reviewed and current

  Objectivity ↔️ Fair and unbiased
• When evaluating a source, it's important to consider the author's reputation, expertise, and affiliations
• When evaluating a source, objectivity refers to determining if the information is presented fairly and without bias
• Key steps in analyzing language and perspectives in topical language issues:

  1️⃣ Identify stakeholders

  2️⃣ Examine arguments

  3️⃣ Assess impacts

  4️⃣ Evaluate objectivity
• Objectivity in evaluating arguments requires looking for a balanced presentation of information


  True