Project Implicit is an on-going, collaborative research effort by researchers at Harvard, the University of Virginia, and the University of Washington to measure implicit (i.e. outside of conscious control) feelings/associations on a variety of topics. I've taken some of their tests - which are called Implicit Association Tests, or IATs - before on multiple occasions, and it's always been an enlightening experience. I'd encourage you to visit the website to take a test or two. It's an eye-opener!
However, today a reference on www.edge.org to a 2008 Presidential Candidate IAT. The test didn't help me decide who to cheer for, but it was interesting to see how I subconsciously relate them to one another. Apparently, three of the candidates are fairly well tied in my unconscious mind!
Anyway, Project Implicit is fascinating in and of itself, and particularly so with this test that they've developed. Take a look!
Showing posts with label 2008 President Candidates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2008 President Candidates. Show all posts
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
What language(s) do you speak?
This is an interesting bit of info, that I found out about via Marginal Revolution, on the languages that the 2008 presidential candidates speak (in short, very few). After perusing the list, it got me thinking - if these "top dogs" in the United States can be so (relatively) successful by basically speaking only 1 language... what does this mean for younger generations?
Namely, I started thinking about my own language capabilities. I am fluent in English (or so I would like to think) and Spanish; I speak very limited French; I'm learning Mandarin (so far I can only count, so progress is slow). I grew up in a family where learning (and learning languages and cultures) was considered very important - what about you? And do you think it's important now? Personally I think learning at least Spanish is important if you're going to live in the United States for most of your life; if you're planning on doing business around the world, it doesn't hurt that over 20% of the world's population speaks Mandarin.
Another thought - maybe so few people in the US learn a second language because English is such a global language. But what if English loses its prominence (hard to fathom, but nothing is unlikely)?
Namely, I started thinking about my own language capabilities. I am fluent in English (or so I would like to think) and Spanish; I speak very limited French; I'm learning Mandarin (so far I can only count, so progress is slow). I grew up in a family where learning (and learning languages and cultures) was considered very important - what about you? And do you think it's important now? Personally I think learning at least Spanish is important if you're going to live in the United States for most of your life; if you're planning on doing business around the world, it doesn't hurt that over 20% of the world's population speaks Mandarin.
Another thought - maybe so few people in the US learn a second language because English is such a global language. But what if English loses its prominence (hard to fathom, but nothing is unlikely)?
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