NewBee: Context-Free Grammar (CFG) of a New Programming Language for Novice Programmers

Learning programming and using programming languages are the essential aspects of computer science education.Students use programming languages to write their programs.These computer programs(students or practitioners written)make computers artificially intelligent and perform the tasks needed by the users.Without these programs,the computer may be visioned as a pointless machine.As the premise of writing programs is situated with specific programming languages,enormous efforts have been made to develop and create programming languages.However,each program-ming language is domain-specific and has its nuances,syntax and seman-tics,with specific pros and cons.These language-specific details,including syntax and semantics,are significant hurdles for novice programmers.Also,the instructors of introductory programming courses find these language specificities as the biggest hurdle in students learning,where more focus is on syntax than logic development and actual implementation of the program.Considering the conceptual difficulty of programming languages and novice students’struggles with the language syntax,this paper describes the design and development of a Context-Free Grammar(CFG)of a programming language for the novice,newcomers and students who do not have computer science as their major.Due to its syntax proximity to daily conversations,this paper hypothesizes that this language will be easy to use and understand by novice programmers.This paper systematically designed the language by identifying themes from various existing programming languages(e.g.,C,Python).Additionally,this paper surveyed computer science experts from industry and academia,where experts self-reported their satisfaction with the newly designed language.The results indicate that 93%of the experts reported satisfaction with the NewBee for novice,newcomer and non-Computer Sci-ence(CS)major students.

An Entertaining Example of Using the Concepts of Context-Free Grammar and Pushdown Automation

A formal-linguistic approach for solving an entertaining task is offered in this paper. The well-known task of the Hanoi towers is discussed in relation to some concepts of formal languages and grammars. A context-free grammar which generates an algorithm for solving this task is described. A deterministic pushdown automation which in its work imitates the work of monks in solving the task of the Hanoi towers is built.

Video events recognition by improved stochastic parsing based on extended stochastic context-free grammar representation

Video events recognition is a challenging task for high-level understanding of video se- quence. At present, there are two major limitations in existing methods for events recognition. One is that no algorithms are available to recognize events which happen alternately. The other is that the temporal relationship between atomic actions is not fully utilized. Aiming at these problems, an algo- rithm based on an extended stochastic context-free grammar （SCFG） representation is proposed for events recognition. Events are modeled by a series of atomic actions and represented by an extended SCFG. The extended SCFG can express the hierarchical structure of the events and the temporal re- lationship between the atomic actions. In comparison with previous work, the main contributions of this paper are as follows： ① Events （include alternating events） can be recognized by an improved stochastic parsing and shortest path finding algorithm. ② The algorithm can disambiguate the detec- tion results of atomic actions by event context. Experimental results show that the proposed algo- rithm can recognize events accurately and most atomic action detection errors can be corrected sim- ultaneously.

Context-free Grammars for Triangular Arrays

We consider context-free grammars of the form G = {f → f^b1＋b2＋1g^a1＋a2, g → f^b1 g^a1＋1},where ai and bi are integers sub ject to certain positivity conditions. Such a grammar G gives rise to triangular arrays {T（n, k）}0≤k≤n satisfying a three-term recurrence relation. Many combinatorial sequences can be generated in this way. Let Tn （x） =∑k=0^n T（n, k）x^k. Based on the differential operator with respect to G, we define a sequence of linear operators Pn such that Tn＋1（x） = Pn（Tn（x））. Applying the characterization of real stability preserving linear operators on the multivariate polynomials due to Borcea and Br？ndén, we obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for the operator Pn to be real stability preserving for any n. As a consequence, we are led to a sufficient condition for the real-rootedness of the polynomials defined by certain triangular arrays, obtained by Wang and Yeh.Moreover, as special cases we obtain grammars that lead to identities involving the Whitney numbers and the Bessel numbers.

Predicting RNA Secondary Structure Using Profile Stochastic Context-Free Grammars and Phylogenic Analysis

Stochastic context-free grammars （SCFGs） have been applied to predicting RNA secondary structure. The prediction of RNA secondary structure can be facilitated by incorporating with comparative sequence analysis. However, most of existing SCFG-based methods lack explicit phylogenic analysis of homologous RNA sequences, which is probably the reason why these methods are not ideal in practical application. Hence, we present a new SCFG-based method by integrating phylogenic analysis with the newly defined profile SCFG. The method can be summarized as： 1） we define a new profile SCFG, M, to depict consensus secondary structure of multiple RNA sequence alignment; 2） we introduce two distinct hidden Markov models, λ and λ＇, to perform phylogenic analysis of homologous RNA sequences. Here, λ＇ is for non-structural regions of the sequence and λ＇ is for structural regions of the sequence; 3） we merge λ and λ＇ into M to devise a combined model for prediction of RNA secondary structure. We tested our method on data sets constructed from the Rfam database. The sensitivity and specificity of our method are more accurate than those of the predictions by Pfold.

From Theoretical Grammar to Grammatical Competence:An Empirical Study

In China,English teachers usually take a three-step approach to grammar teaching,namely,the presentation—practice—production principle(3P Principle).This method consists of both“morphology”and“syntax.”It adopts the traditional mode of grammar teaching,including knowledge presentation,grammar exercises,and grammatical competence production,which will inevitably lead to time consumption and low efficiency in grammar learning.This study is about cultivating English majors'grammatical competence through the theoretical mode of grammar teaching.The research results show that the theoretical mode of grammar teaching helps cultivate learners'grammatical competence.

A Study of English Grammar Teaching and Cultural Introduction from the Perspective of Applied Linguistics

Grammar teaching is the main content of university English teaching,and the quality of teaching will affect the effect of university talent cultivation.Based on the perspective of applied linguistics,it is crucial to use cultural introduction teaching for English grammar teaching.This paper will combine the basic concepts of applied linguistics and cultural introduction teaching,analyze the role of using the cultural introduction teaching method to innovate grammar teaching mode under the perspective of applied linguistics,and put forward a scientific English grammar teaching strategy with the goal of improving teaching quality.

An Investigation on the Influence of Middle School Students'Grammar Learning Self-efficacy on Their Learning Performance

In middleschool English teaching,grammar instruction has always been an important and challenging aspect.Due to the strong influence of grammar explanation in Chinese,learning English grammar may be affected by negative transfer from their native language,which could pose certain obstacles to English acquisition.Self-efficacy,as a major emotional factor influencing learners'internal regulation strategies,has attracted wide attention from researchers both domestically and internationally for its impact on learning performance.High self-efficacy helps learners develop a more positive mindset towards learning,thereby contributing to improved learning performance.Therefore,this study focuses on investigating the relationship between grammatical self-efficacy and learning performance of English grammar among middle school students.This research contributes to a complementary understanding of grammatical self-efficacy among educators,enhancing their teaching skills,and effectively guiding students to learn English grammar with a more positive and healthy mindset,presenting a future grammar instruction in middle school English teaching.

Study of Problem-Based Learning in English Grammar Teaching

This thesis took students from Grade one of Xuancheng No.3 Middle High School as the research objects,mainly employing the classroom observation,the questionnaire,and test to investigate the effect of problem-based learning method in English grammar teaching.The findings are as follows:(a)the scores of students in the experimental class obviously improved;and(b)compared with the traditional teaching method,the application of problem-based learning method in grammar teaching can stimulate students’interest in learning.To sum up,this method can improve students’English competence and learning interest significantly,which suggests it can be applied in grammar teaching.

A Study of Nominal Predicate Sentences Under the Framework of Cognitive Grammar

Cognitive grammar,as a linguistic theory that attaches importance to the relationship between language and thinking,provides us with a more comprehensive way to understand the structure,semantics and cognitive processing of noun predicate sentences.Therefore,under the framework of cognitive grammar,this paper tries to analyze the semantic connection and cognitive process in noun predicate sentences from the semantic perspective and the method of example theory,and discusses the motivation of the formation of this construction,so as to provide references for in-depth analysis of the cognitive laws behind noun predicate sentences.

A Semantic Look Into English Verbs and Its Implications for Grammar Teaching

Among the different parts of speech in each language,verbs are usually the most complicated and difficult to understand and master.This paper attempts to classify and analyze English verbs from a semantic perspective,esp.to have a semantic analysis of the grammatical concept of the progressive aspect of English verbs,so as to raise students’awareness of the relationship between semantics and grammar,and thus to help students have a deeper understanding and mastery of the grammatical rules in future English teaching.

A Comparison between Deductive and Inductive Approaches for Teaching EFL Grammar to High School Students

This study had the purpose of testingtwo methods for teaching grammar in Englishasa Foreign Language(EFL)class:the deductive and inductive approaches in terms of effectiveness and rapport.This research was conducted in a public high school in Ecuador.Seventy students enrolled in the second year of senior high school participated.One in-service teacher taught the EFL classes during the process of intervention(10 weeks),and two EFL teachers observed all of these classes and recorded the information by filling in observation sheets.The students were administered grammar pretests and post-tests in order to assess their grammar knowledge.The results of the tests showed a significant difference in the scores in favor of the inductive approach.After the statistical analysis of the data obtained from the tests and observation sheets,we concluded that the inductive approach is more effective for teaching grammar in the EFL classroom in terms of instruction and rapport.

“行为本位”与口语语法研究

行为是举动与活动的连接点,行为实施是口语交际的基本目的。鉴于行为在口语互动中的基础性作用,口语语法研究宜秉持“行为本位”观,将行为作为语言功能描写的观测点。基于该研究理念,本文构建了一个行为体系,将其分为评价、传情、际构、问答、求予、协商、讲述、推理等八大基本类型,并进行二级、三级、四级分类。在“行为本位”观下开展口语语法研究可重点关注三种范式:行为的资源形式与位置分布、行为的类型归属与解构分析、行为的包装设计与动态征用。

形状文法审美下的七曲山文昌文化之纹样衍生设计研究

目的为促进七曲山景区文昌文化和景区自然资源的可持续性发展,提高景区文化宣传价值和经济价值,建立景区文化自信,提出一种基于形状文法的纹样衍生设计方案。该方案既包含形状文法的秩序之美,又融合景区的自然特征,可与景区相关产品设计进行有机融合,形成特色文创产品。方法筛选、整理、分析素材,形成感性词汇。结合文昌文化特征元素及关联传统纹样设计图元因子,并运用用户感知评价、层次分析矩阵等进行图元因子排序。随后,运用形状文法设计纹样创新图案,以相关文创产品进行设计验证。结论纹样方案包含七曲山景区特征,拓展了形状文法审美外延,形成秩序与自由的对比之美。该方案可有机融合于景区文创产品设计中,从而有效宣传景区文化,提高旅游和经济价值。

语义制约语法刍议

语法问题说到底是语义问题,语义对语法的制约不仅体现在词语、特殊句法结构中,还体现在语篇组织甚或语篇透露的“文化背景”上;不仅现代汉语语法受制于语义,古代汉语语法亦然。丰富的具体实例剖析展示了语义影响制约语法的丰富与复杂性,这也造成“似乎至今没有人深入探究过语义和语法的关系”的窘境。然而,认识“语义制约语法”很重要,这就要求研究者在考察、描写或解释某个语法现象时自觉地追究语义是如何制约语法的。

生成语法研究的科学史及其理论贡献——《言语的神秘性》评述

在《言语的神秘性》一书中,作者指出,人类的语言能力有坚实的生物学基础,生成语法研究应做且能做的是构建一种理论,为句法的神经生物学研究开疆拓土,这对生成语法研究的未来走向具有重要的启示意义和引领作用;另外,当下流行的AI技术难以揭示内嵌于人类大脑中普遍语法的本质特征,因此人们对语言技术的狂热是盲目且错误的。

基于形状文法的金秀瑶族服饰纹样在文创女包中的设计应用

为挖掘金秀瑶族服饰纹样在女包设计中的应用与创新,实现民族文化与文创产品的交流融合,结合形状文法对金秀瑶族的服饰纹样进行深入探讨。首先,通过实地考察,并选择具有代表性的金秀瑶族服饰纹样,根据其艺术特征进行归类,并从中提取造型要素,构建出初始纹样的素材库;其次,应用形状文法推演规则,使初始纹样经过演化和转换并生成新纹样,遵循现代设计手段将其应用于女包中;最后,采用模糊综合评价法对设计方案进行评价,选出最佳设计方案。验证了金秀瑶族服饰纹样在文创女包设计中的可行性,同时也为民族风格的文创产品设计提供了更加客观的设计方法,也对传承和创新金秀瑶族传统文化具有意义。

基于形状文法的威县土布纹样再生设计应用研究

目的为了威县土布文化传承与发展,提升威县土布文化产业的经济和社会价值,提出基于形状文法的威县土布纹样创新方案。方法首先对采集到的威县土布纹样数据进行了提取、筛选和合并;其次抽取核心纹样,利用形状文法进行基本图形元素的设计;最后通过形状文法演化基本图形元素并进行新的纹样方案设计。结论这一方案设计不仅保留了威县土布的传统民间文化特征;同时紧跟时代的步伐,与当代审美相契合。将创新纹样和设计产品进行有机结合,形成威县土布特色文创产品,宣传威县土布,树立民族自信。

“大语法”关照下汉外词汇比较

汉语“大语法”超越主谓结构,以对话为基础,以对言格式为主干。韵律和词汇都是大语法的有机组成部分。词汇的汉外比较有利于真切认识汉语的词汇特色和构造运作之道。与英语相比较,逻辑要素在汉语里的习惯表达倾向于成对的语词,这一比较更能揭示汉语大语法“对言对思”的特性。“语义的不确定性”是语言的正常特性,符合语言交际和语言演化的一般规律。从词汇意义和语法意义的“不确定性”出发,确立汉语词汇和语法共同的“名动包含”的格局,这就开启了把名词和动词视为“对等项”的可能,为汉语大语法超越主谓结构创造了学理条件。确立汉语“名动包含”格局还有助于我们从汉语出发反观印欧语,从而加深人们对人类语言本质的认识。

近三年汉语方言语法研究的动态与展望

近三年来,在国家各项政策的大力支持和汉语方言学界全体学者的共同努力下,汉语方言语法研究继续向前推进,在区域方言语法深度研究、多功能词及其语法化、参考语法、接触语言学、地理语言学、方言语法特征语料库建设等领域取得了一系列显著成果。当前汉语方言语法领域呈现出的发展动态,也为今后的研究提供了新的思路:须重视汉语方言语法的系统性及方言语法内部的比较,要加强汉语方言语法调查工具书的编纂,推进海外汉语方言语法研究的深入,促进方言语法研究与其他学科领域的结合。汉语方言语法研究任重而道远,大有可为。