Tracy O'Brien
Tracy O’Brien’s work experience, education, and volunteer activities have all been focused on education and language and literacy development. She completed a Masters degree in Linguistics at Memorial University of Newfoundland during which she wrote a number of articles and academic papers covering issues related to child language development, language disorders, and second language learning. Over the past fifteen years, she has taught and tutored students on English writing skills and has worked with children and adults who have been diagnosed as having a reading disorder.
Tracy is a freelance writer, passionate about child development, languages, self-improvement, and social media. She regularly participates in writing seminars and courses, writes book reviews, and maintains a personal website.
She lives in North River, Newfoundland & Labrador with her charming daughter, VERY supportive spouse, and two noisy dogs.
Latest Articles
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Research Methods in Second Language Acquisition
Researchers examine mistakes made by people who are learning language. What are the learners' errors and what do they reveal about second language acquisition (SLA)?
Mar 17, 2009
- Tracy O'Brien
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Has Kanzi the Bonobo Really Learned Language?
Kanzi is purportedly the first non-human animal to have learned language without explicit training. What comprises his language and how valid are the researchers' claims?
Mar 9, 2009
- Tracy O'Brien
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Language Learning in Bonobos and Chimpanzees
Kanzi, a male bonobo, surpassed all other apes not only by learning more language, but by learning it without explicit training, like a human child does.
Feb 28, 2009
- Tracy O'Brien
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Types of Dyslexia
Despite the prevalence of dyslexia, there is still confusion about its definition. Three major subtypes of this language processing deficit have been identified.
Feb 28, 2009
- Tracy O'Brien
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Male Bonobo Named Kanzi Learned Language
Kanzi is a male bonobo and the first non-human animal to have learned language without explicit training, just like a human child does.
Feb 28, 2009
- Tracy O'Brien
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Language Research with Chimpanzees
Since the early twentieth century, researchers have been studying whether or not primates can learn human language, primarily by adapting forms of sign language.
Feb 27, 2009
- Tracy O'Brien
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How to Write an Essay Outline
When students begin with a detailed outline, their writing improves. The five paragraph essay outline is useful for middle school essay topics and college essay topics.
Feb 27, 2009
- Tracy O'Brien
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How to Choose a Topic for an Essay
Students can develop strong middle school essay topics and college essay topics by brainstorming, asking good questions, and building coherence.
Feb 17, 2009
- Tracy O'Brien
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Free Time for Parents
Unfortunately, personal time is usually overlooked when children are born. Here are five suggestions that will help you gain some personal time.
Dec 9, 2008
- Tracy O'Brien
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What do Linguists Do?
Linguists study the structure of languages and apply their knowledge in careers as diverse as teaching, forensic science, and computer programming.
Dec 2, 2008
- Tracy O'Brien
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