Some Reflections on the Relationships between Bilingualism, Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and Error Making in Teaching of English as a Foreign Language in Mali

This paper focuses on the relationships between bilingualism, intelligence quotient (IQ) and errors made by learners in their attempt to master the rules of the target language(s). The first part of the paper explains the true nature of bilingualism contrarily to the controversial and stereotyped definitions found in the previous literature of the 1950’s: the author refers to Weinreich’s and Suzan Ervin Tripp’s definitions and explains that bilingualism is an asset instead of being something negative. The second part deals with the elusive, multifaceted and controversial nature of the concept of intelligence quotient and as a result, the author talks about the different trends in the literature related to intelligence quotient (IQ) and  shows that the complex relationships between linguistic performance and intelligence quotient are co relational but not causal. The third part of the paper deals with the negative perceptions of mistakes and errors in second or foreign language learning. Actually, mistakes and errors are part and parcel of the learning process and must not be considered as signs of lack of intelligence on the part of the learners. Some interim constructions made by the learner are rather synonymous with linguistic creativity and the author alluded to the differences of perceptions between Anglophones and Francophones about the notions of mistakes and errors. In conclusion, the author urges learners and their parents not to have negative views about bilingualism, because he thinks that bilingualism is synonymous with linguistic creativity and open mindedness

Sociétés rurales et développement durable : transformations récentes des agricultures, stratégies paysannes et soutenabilité des systèmes ruraux en Afrique sahélo-soudanienne : cas du département de Bignona (Sénégal méridional)

Thèse numérisée par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal

Nodulation and nitrogen fixation of field grown common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) as influenced by fungicide seed treatment

A field experiment was conducted at Bel Air station, in Dakar using 15N isotope dilution technique and the non nodulating soybean (Glycine max) variety m129 as reference plant to test the compatibility of Dichlorofenthion-thiram (DCT) fungicide to the inoculation of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Paulista variety with both Rhizobium etli ISRA 353 and R. tropici strain ISRA 554. Nodulation was not induced with R. etli ISRA 353 and nitrogen fixation did not occur. With R. tropici ISRA 554, a decrease in nodulation was observed, but nitrogen fixation was not significantly different compared to that of the non DCT-treated common bean. (African Journal of Biotechnology: 2003 2(7): 198-201

Host-feeding patterns of Aedes (Aedimorphus) vexans arabiensis, a Rift Valley Fever virus vector in the Ferlo pastoral ecosystem of Senegal

Background: Host-vector contact is a key factor in vectorial capacity assessment and thus the transmission of mosquito-borne viruses such as Rift Valley Fever (RVF), an emerging zoonotic disease of interest in West Africa. The knowledge of the host-feeding patterns of vector species constitutes a key element in the assessment of their epidemiological importance in a given environment. The aim of this work was to identify the blood meal origins of the mosquito Aedes vexans arabiensis, the main vector of RVF virus in the Ferlo pastoral ecosystem of Senegal. Methodology/principal findings: Engorged female mosquitoes were collected in Younoufe´re´ in the pastoral ecosystem in the Ferlo region during the 2014 rainy season. CO2-baited CDC light traps were set at six points for two consecutive nights every month from July to November. Domestic animals present around traps were identified and counted for each trapping session. Blood meal sources of engorged mosquitoes were identified using a vertebrate-specific multiplexed primer set based on cytochrome b. Blood meal sources were successfully identified for 319 out of 416 blood-fed females (76.68%), of which 163 (51.1%) were single meals, 146 (45.77%) mixed meals from two different hosts and 10 (3.13%) mixed meals from three different hosts. Aedes vexans arabiensis fed preferentially on mammals especially on horse compared to other hosts (FR = 46.83). Proportions of single and mixed meals showed significant temporal and spatial variations according to the availability of the hosts. Conclusion: Aedes vexans arabiensis shows an opportunistic feeding behavior depending on the host availability. This species fed preferentially on mammals especially on horses (primary hosts) and ruminants (secondary hosts)

Solanum cultivar responses to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: growth and mineral status

A greenhouse experiment was carried out in a sandy soil with a low available phosphorus to evaluate responsiveness of four Solanum aethiopicum cultivars to indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Results showed clear interaction between genetic variability of cultivars and fungal isolates on shoot biomass and on mineral status. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can be ranked as Glomus aggregatum > Glomus mosseae > Glomus versiforme for improving yield as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium acquisition of Solanum cultivars. Key words: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Solanum aethiopicum, sterile soil, relative mycorrhizal dependency. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.2(11) 2003: 429-43