Friday, January 31, 2020

Attitudes to Language Essay Example for Free

Attitudes to Language Essay Language clearly plays a major role in all aspects of society. The most obvious is its social role of allowing people to relate to each other in all facets of their lives: to share information, emotions and ways of life. We use language as a means of navigating our daily lives and it plays an integral role in most of our interactions. Perhaps for this reason, French is regarded as an elegant and romantic language, while German is considered to be guttural. Additionally, ever since mankind evolved into different language communities, it is commonplace for people to adopt various attitudes towards the language(s) spoken by others, as well as towards the dialects of the language they speak. These attitudes are motivated by different factors, including pride in or shame regarding one’s own language, confidence or embarrassment about how one sounds, nationalism and a sense of personal dignity, one’s status and values as well as the prestige some languages are given in international interactions. A well known attitude is the desire for foreign speech patterns; another is the rejection of certain dialects. People form impressions of your personality, emotional state, geographic origin, education, experiences, age or socioeconomic status from the language you use and the way you use it. We often witness the amusement of an audience when someone speaks in the creole, for not only does the system of sound evoke laughter, but the assumption that the speaker is an uneducated serf is then made. Ridicule and contempt for the vernacular, creoles and dialects are common responses from some members of society, even within the Caribbean society, where dialects are rich, strong and the first language. Dialects develop under various circumstances as well as geographical locations and are varieties of languages. A creole could be a dialect within a language. Because of our history, people of the region tend to place a high premium on the standard languages (the language of power and economic might). Many  people believe that upward mobility is largely dependent on one’s ability to fit in with the predominant socioeconomic class, and language is the main signifier of this fit. Many Caribbean writers have described scenarios of people who went overseas, were generally expected to return with a new command of the target language and often demonstrated their new found ‘status’ by emphasizing their foreign accent of ‘twang’. While some might be impress ed by the ‘twang’, others view such pretensions with derision. Attitudes to language may vary from one sector of the society to another and some people demonstrate self-conscious behavior when speaking the standard language. This is largely a result of the fact that in most societies one is often judged on the basis of the variety of language that one speaks. This is even more prevalent in societies with a colonial legacy, like the Caribbean, where certain dialects are associated with the institution of slavery or conquest. Increasingly, educators are becoming aware that a person’s native language is an integral part of who that person is and marginalizing the language can have severe damaging effects on that person’s psyche. Many linguists consistently make a case for teaching native languages alongside the target languages so that children can clearly differentiate among the codes ( a term used synonymously with language or dialect but generally refers to a linguistic system of communication. A code can also be non-linguistic such as a dress code or code of conduct) and hence be less likely to mix the two. This approach has been adopted in Haiti, where schools teach both Standard French and French Creole (Haitian) and children are expected to be fluent in both. Additional prominence has been given to Caribbean Creoles with the publication of Creole dictionaries and with the translation of the New Testament from the Christian Bible into French Creole in St. Lucia. A similar project is under way in Jamaica. While attitudes to local dialects have been slowly changing, many people still associate the use of Creole with negative images and believe that its use should be relegated to specific circumstances and occasions. However, the fact that non-standard language varieties are the most widely spoken in the Caribbean makes them the choice of persons trying to get information to large sections of the society. For example, many advertisers use the Creole language to ensure that their message appeals to most people. At the same time, because of the prestige attached to the standard language, it tends to be the language of choice on formal occasions, like church services. A language variety is usually chosen because of its perceived social functions. You may have noticed that, the more formal the occasion, the more likely the use of the standard language, while for everyday interaction, popular music or emotional appeals, people tend to gravitate towards the non-standard varieties. You would have noticed that, even in a formal situation, non-standard dialect might be used for anecdotes, to inject humour or in a quotation. In the Caribbean, people switching from one code of language to another, often without thinking. However, there are times when the use of standard langue would seem totally out of place and would even interfere with semantics. For example, folk stories, folk songs and proverbs seem to lose a certain essence when translated into standard. The role of language as a vehicle for sharing culture is indisputable. Caribbean writers, singers and oral poets have played a major part in fostering acceptance of the Creole languages of the region, by incorporating them into their work and exposing them to the world. Nonetheless, negative attitudes to these languages persist in the minds of many.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Babe Ruth :: essays research papers

Career Highlights Began his career as a left-handed pitcher with the Boston Red Sox in 1914, compiling a 78-40 record Converted to a hitter in 1919 because of his great hitting ability During the 1919 season, he set a new home run record (29) and led the league in runs, RBI's, and slugging percentage. That winter Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees He led the league in home runs in 8 of the next 10 years He bested his own home run record by hitting 60 in 1927. Quote about The Babe "... I've seen them; kids, men, women, worshippers all, hoping to get his name on a torn, dirty piece of paper, or hoping for a grunt of recognition when they said, 'Hi-ya, Babe.' He never let them down; not once. He was the greatest crowd pleaser of them all." - Waite Hoyt, teammate of Babe Ruth Career Totals During his illustrious career he: Played a total of 20 seasons. Led the league in home run 12 times, in runs 8 times, in RBI's 6 times, and in slugging 13 times. Ended with a lifetime batting average of .342 Is the all-time leader in home run percentages (1/8.5 AB), walks (2056), and slugging (.690). Is 2nd all-time in home runs (714), runs, and RBIs Quote from The Babe "The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime." - Babe Ruth Did You Know? Babe Ruth is credited with the invention of the modern baseball bat. He was the first player to order a bat with a knob on the end of the handle. Louisville Slugger produced the bat which he hit 29 home runs in 1919. Babe Ruth was one of only two people (Reggie Jackson being the other) to ever hit three home runs in a World Series game and is the only one to do it twice (1926& 1928). Babe Ruth and Ralph Kiner ranked first and second respectively as the outfielders with the highest average home runs per at-bat. Babe Ruth led the American League in home runs 12 times. Babe Ruth holds the record for the longest complete game victory in World Series history. In 1916, as a member of the Boston Red Sox, Ruth went 14 innings to defeat the New York Giants 2-1.

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

News Analysis

This article by Caren Bohan is entitled â€Å"Clinton, Obama prepare for battle in Wisconsin.† The newsworthiness of the piece has been determined by the fact that it immediately concerns the American people. It also involves proximate issues that have to do with the up-coming presidential elections and is concerned with the selection of the two persons who will vie for the presidency later in this year. The conflict level of the situation is high. Hilary Clinton, who had been in the lead for the democratic candidacy, has now lost that lead as Obama has recently won in eight states in a row (Bohan 2008). The story, found on a Canadian website (Canada.com) is placed in the world news section as a high-priority story. This has been determined by the fact that as a close neighbor who shares a border, the political news that highly concerns United States citizens is also of great concern to the readers of this news site. The headline is clear and to the point, depicting precisely the next step in the battle between the two candidates. The image of Barack Obama is found within the article, and is well-placed at the top. Another image, one of Hilary Clinton, is also readily accessible by clicking on links associated with â€Å"more pictures† (Bohan, 2008). The candidates’ business in Wisconsin is given in detail, but only Hilary Clinton is strictly quoted in the article, as it was indicated that Obama tried to avoid the press. However, quotations are given concerning Obama’s business as identified by his spokesman Bill Burton. The overall impact of the story is that Obama’s popularity in the United States is strengthening, leaving Hilary Clinton feeling threatened. The reporters refer to her strongly appealing for the help of some of her supporters, and imply that her statement â€Å"I’m feeling good today† represents a concealment of her anxiety. Because this democratic race represents a major political event, it can be noticed that care is taken to provide in-depth analysis of the candidates’ positions and what that might mean for their prospects. The story also had an eye to the future, with predictions made (or suggested) about up-coming and related political events. This demonstrates the impact that the outcome of this important political event is likely to have on the future of America. Reference Bohan, Caren. â€Å"Clinton, Obama prepare for battle in Wisconsin.† Canada.com: where   Ã‚   perspectives connect. Canwest Publishing.

Monday, January 6, 2020

Tuesdays with Morrie Essay - 659 Words

At first glance, the movie, Tuesdays With Morrie, appeared to be a movie about an ex-student learning a final lesson about life from his dying ex-professor. But, as the movie progressed, I felt it was actually a movie about two dying men. Morrie, the old professor, was in the final stages of ALS and physically dying. Mitch, the former student was a commitment-phobic living an unfulfilled life and spiritually dying. Spiritual death is reversible, so Mitch tried to gain some of the wisdom and learn some of the lessons that Morrie had already learned in his happily fulfilled life. On the other hand, physical death is irreversible and Morrie realized that his time was growing short. He had concerns, such as becoming increasingly dependent on†¦show more content†¦In fact, his job was his main priority. Maybe he was afraid to face his fears and kept his mind off of them by absorbing himself in work. But, Morrie made Mitch face those fears, taught him that love was the most importa nt and powerful force in life and without it, we’re nothing. Mitch ultimately realized that his priorities were backwards and sought more meaning in his life. He learned to take time for others, especially Janie, and show affection. Love and commitment no longer scared him and he was able to savage his relationship. Morrie essentially saved Mitch’s relationship with Janine and made him realize that there was more to life than just work. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Mitch helped improve Morrie’s final days because he was very ill and required physical and emotional help. Physically, he was unable to do things like move, dress himself or even cough. He feared loosing his independence. But, Mitch, his wife and his caretakers relieved those fears. They helped him with his physical and emotional needs. He was constantly surrounded by people, who loved and cared for him. In a way, he was able to live the life he had through Mitch. Everyone needs someone to talk to and Morrie was no exception. Conversations with Mitch forced him to think about some of the adversities in his own life such as his strained relationship with his father. Morrie’s father had been a cold, distant man who easily detached himself from people. His detachment was evident when heShow MoreRelatedTuesday with Morrie2551 Words   |  11 PagesAlbom, and Morrie who is the main subject. Their relationship starts when Mitch is in college while Morrie is his sociology professor. Morrie seems to be a man who wants to leave a legacy behind after he dies since he has been told by the doctor that his life is coming to an end. Mitch considers it a privilege meeting someone who teaches about life and offers solutions to life challenges. As Morrie happens to meet with Mitch, his past student and friend, they plan to start meeting on Tuesdays and MitchRead MoreTuesdays With Morrie By Morrie1882 Words   |  8 Pages Tuesdays with Morrie tells th e real story of Morrie Schwartz. Morrie was a university professor who was dying of ALS (Lou Gehrig s disease). Instead of being afraid of death, he faced it head on and decided to make the most of his time left. After seeing a Nightline episode featuring his old professor, Morrie, the author, Mitch, decides to pay his old professor a visit. Mitch is intrigued by Morrie s attitude towards death and his life lessons, so he decides to visit Morrie again next TuesdayRead MoreTuesdays with Morrie Essay1074 Words   |  5 PagesCameron, discuss how effectively Mitch Albom, author of Tuesdays with Morrie, uses plot and story, character development, point of view, theme, and symbols to convey his mesage. Include your personal thoughts and views, as well as textual references, to support your opinions. In Mitch Albom’s Tuesday’s with Morrie, Albom detailed his personal experiences with his professor Morrie Schwartz. Mitch also expressed how influential Morrie was to his friends, relatives, patients, and coworkers. WithinRead MoreTuesdays with Morrie Essay1149 Words   |  5 PagesTuesdays with Morrie. The symbolic interactionism is an excellent sociological perspective that allows us to focus on micro activities and to analyze our society which is the product of everyday’s life. Tuesdays with Morrie is more than a simple book, more than a romance one; it is a great book that teaches us many of life’s greatest lessons. An analysis of this book using the SI perspective and concepts such as meaning making, status, impression management, looking-glass self, role taking, roleRead MoreTuesdays with Morrie Essay812 Words   |  4 PagesThe focus throughout Tuesdays with Morrie was on life. Many might see it as the story of death, but it is actually the story life. Morrie might talk a little on how he meets death, but what he is talking about is living at the end of his life. Mitch writes, â€Å"Now here we were . . . . . . Dying man talks to living man, tells him what he should know.†(Albom, 133) When a timer is placed on Morrie’s remaining days, he obtains a dying man’s perspective on what is truly important in life, and how to incorporateRead MoreTuesdays With Morrie Analysis771 Words   |  4 Pageshad kept hidden†(Albom 64). This quote is from Tuesdays with Morrie, It is talking about how the main character Mitch Albom puts himself in Morries Schwartz’s shoes. Morrie had a disease called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impact physical functions. Morrie is Mitch’s old college professor. They meet on tuesdays at Morries house to talk about his life lessons that he has learned over his lifespan. Morrie teaches people to live through loving what heRead MoreSummary Of Tuesdays With Morrie1487 Words   |  6 PagesTuesdays with Morrie was awakening, yet, heartbreaking and I couldn’t put the book down. It was a story of friendship that turned to love, a story of family, a story of trust, and a story of death. As I read each page, I felt closer to Morrie Schwartz as if I knew him personally. Morrie, the main character in the book, was a kind, sensitive soul. He believed in humanity, and enjoyed sharing his wisdom with others. As a sociology professor at Brandeis University he taught and mentored many studentRead MoreEssay on Tuesdays with Morrie577 Words   |  3 PagesTuesdays with Morrie The setting is late of 1979. A young boy visits with an elderly man every Tuesday to be enlightened on the meaning of life. His name is Mitchell, but friends call him ?Mitch.? The greatest lesson of life is life. Professor Morrie Schwartz is a special teacher, not only is he an instructor, but a mentor and a friend. He is a small elderly man with thin gray hair who dresses casual in old gray sweatshirts. Morrie was a dancer and also a prominent doctor of sociology. He wasRead MoreSummary Of Tuesdays With Morrie1945 Words   |  8 PagesAphorism Narrative Aphorisms are statements of observations that express an opinion or remarks of wisdom. Tuesdays With Morrie is a book about a man who’s dying from ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis which is a â€Å"progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.† (What Is ALS?) Morrie uses aphorisms quite frequently to accept his future and make peace with the past. The two aphorisms I chose are about making your life as fulfilling as possibleRead MoreTuesdays With Morrie Character Analysis707 Words   |  3 Pagesso afraid to show their emotions? In the book Tuesdays with Morrie, there is a man named Morrie who teaches people to be more open rather than afraid to give their love to others, and to be able to receive ones outgoing love. Morrie teaches Mitch showing his emotions is natural and it’s what every living thing does. Morrie tells his student Mitch â€Å"The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and let love come in.†(Albom 53) Morrie says â€Å"people should not be scared or nervous