Suchergebnisse

This article focuses on authenticity of second language identity which has been at issue. Previous research of the authenticity of second language identity has revealed that second language identity may be inauthentic due to the impact from social context and the individual's competence and desires. The discussion in this article aims at exploring causes for the possible inauthenticity of second language identity further. The discussion is carried out in a theoretical framework consisting of Sociocultural Identity Theory of Second Language Learning and Identity Theory. It is revealed that besides individual learners' insufficient second language proficiency to support their free expression, contributive factors include: their possible disadvantageous position in power relations in a second language context, the lack of immediate and realistic social context, and the possible imagined membership in the target language community in a foreign language context. Based on the discussion, suggestions are made for second language teaching and learning practice.

Party Capability Theory hypothesizes that parties with greater resources, usually "repeat players," fare better in the judicial system and are better able to influence legal changes than "one shotters." The theory also points out that "parties who have lawyers do better." The theory has become most influential since its publication and has been tested by several studies. However, its importance has not been addressed in the accounting academic arena. The intent of this inquiry is to generalize Party Capability Theory to federal tax cases. The research sample consists of 1,010 trial court cases, 744 federal appellate court cases, and 29 U.S. Supreme Court cases rendered in 1992-2006. Summary statistics indicate that around 34.5% of trial court cases and 16.4% of federal appellate court cases involve pro se litigants. Success rate analysis indicates that the presumed stronger party does win more often in court than the presumed weaker party. However, logistic regression results show the opposite direction. That is, the presumed weaker litigant is positively correlated with case results and the presumed stronger litigant is negatively associated with case results. Surprisingly, pro se representation is positively associated with case results and it reaches a statistically significant level in trial courts. The findings of this study have practical implications for those subject to litigation.

This article describes the Chinese laws of marriage and divorce under the People's Republic of China and traces their historical antecedents. The actual laws are included at the end of the article in the appendixes. Fascinating changes are occurring in China and are documented in this article.