Bilingualism in the US essays

Bilingualism in the US essays Bilingualism has had a bad rap lately. Prop 227, the Unz Initiative, successfully passed removing bilingual education from California schools replacing it with English immersion. For some reason, Americans feel that only one language is necessary and that language is English only. Although the general consensus is to remove any form of bilingualism in this country, research has shown that being bilingual is not bad but is actually a good trait to have. Bilingualism is defined as people who use two languages in the course of their every day life are not identical to those people who use only one language to communicate. For bilingual individuals their two languages form a unitary whole (Valdes, 6). What that means is that anyone who can effectively communicate in two different languages is bilingual. Whats added to the definition is an aspect that creates a separation between a mere familiarity with two languages and full communicative skills in two languages. That is important because there are two kinds of bilingual people: elective bilinguals and circumstantial bilinguals. Elective bilinguals are those who choose to become bilingual by taking classes to learn a foreign language (Valdes, 12). Those are people who took French or Spanish in high school or any other form of educational environment. Circumstantial bilinguals are those who learn another language in order to survive (Valdes, 12). These are usually immigrants f rom foreign countries with different languages. The biggest difference between the two is choice. Elective bilinguals choose to be bilingual while circumstantial bilinguals have no choice. This is important because this paper focuses on circumstantial bilinguals because I will emphasize on the uniqueness of the immigrant experience and why that uniqueness should be embraced rather than shunned. Richard Rodriguez in his book Hunger of Memory writes about his experience as a second-generation Me...

Scandinavian Hero Beowulf Essays

Scandinavian Hero Beowulf Essays Scandinavian Hero Beowulf Essay Scandinavian Hero Beowulf Essay Scandinavian Hero Beowulf BY Rya-FreiJ Rya FreiJ Mr. Hamas English Honors 3 20 November 2013 The Undercover Wulf Beowulf, the Old-English epic poem, is characteristic of its Nordic-Germanic roots as a tale of a great Scandinavian hero Beowulf, who saves a neighboring kingdom from the wrath of the destructive, blood-thirsty monster, Grendel, and eventually becomes the king of his own people, the Geats. Closely related to modern day tribal and gang customs, it is questioned as to whether Beowulf should be considered a hero. He proves to be a great warrior and protector by killing three terrorizing beasts, a rovider by bringing back great treasures from each of his exploits, and faithful by always looking out for his tribe and fghting in their honor. The true question to be asked is, can tribal mentality produce a worthy hero? The answer is, yes. Steven Pressfield further explains what tribal mentality actually is in his article Tribes, Gangs, and Terrorists. Although Beowulf had done shameful things in the past, Beowulf is still considered a Viking hero and a modern hero because of his actions through the story such as strength, which prove that tribal culture and mentality can roduce a worthy hero. In the days of Beowulf and the Vikings, a hero was a man who was strong and courageous, willing and able to protect his tribe and provide for his people. Even today, the meaning of this word translates into the same category of definitions. A hero now is considered for the brave things they have done and selflessness that they possess. The narrators portrayal of Beowulf is nothing but heroic from his first mentioning, where he is described as [The] mightiest man on earth, (97), The noble warrior, (314), and The man whose name was known for ourage, the Great leader, (340-341). Anglo-Saxon warriors had to be stoic, and they had to appear fearless at all times. This relates to Beowulf because both showed no fear or sorrow. He kept his word and did not complain, no matter how impossible their tasks seem. Also in the article Tribes, Gangs, and Terrorists explains, The foe is granted full honor as a fghting man and defender of his home soil and values. Honor is one of the main characteristics in a hero that is presented to the world today, so how is tribal mentality different than the mentality than a hero? Actions of a erson describe whether a person is considered a hero, not their mentality. In Beowulf, Beowulf fights three different monsters. The first monster he fights is Grendel, the second is Grendels mom, and the third is a dragon. When travelling to Hrothgars land to slay the beasts, it shows as to how he and his men feel towards the monsters. Tribes are hostile to all outsiders, Steven Pressfield explains. Taking into consideration that the monsters are considered outsiders to Beowulf and his men, his heroic reaction to save his allies and companions expresses how the tribal system s connected to the thought that modern tribal mentality can produce a worthy hero. Each fght shows an important part of Beowulf. The fght with Grendel and Beowulf exhibits Beowulfs sheer strength and power which is explained in the quote, The encountered in any man on the face of the earth (749-752). Beowulf survives a handgrip that is supposedly tighter than anything he had ever encountered. In the second fight, Beowulf struggles against Grendels mom. Grendels mom grabs Beowulf a lot and Beowulf struggles to escape every time. When he hit Grendels mother with his sword, it bounces off and does merely nothing. This fight shows Beowulfs weaknesses and struggles. In the third and final fight, Beowulf and a small army fight a dragon. This happens nearly fifty years after the fght with Grendel and his mom. That final day was the first time when Beowulf fought and fate denied him of glory in battle, (2571-2573) is the first battle Beowulf had ever lost. If slaying three infamous hell bound creatures was not heroic, than what else is? Tribal mentality bands together beliefs, morals and the survival of their group. They are narrow minded, irrational, and closed to outside interference. They move and respond as a group. They tend to be very basic, killing anything that threatens their closed group. The article Tribes, Gangs, and Terrorists written by Steven Pressfield explains, Tribes prize loyalty and cohesion. Beowulf valued a sense of community and camaraderie. Anglo-Saxon and tribal behavior and goals are quite similar. After Beowulf passes away, Wiglaf announces that there will not be peace or pact-keeping of any sort from the Swedes, (2922-23) because that was what Beowulf wants. He does not wish to see his empire that he made crumble into oblivion. This also represents the revenge, which is a main part in the tribal culture. Any insult to honor must be avenged, (Pressfleld, 2011, pg. 1). Swedes had been insulting and harassing the Geats for a while by then, so with Beowulf gone, it was time for the team to take revenge. Just like modern heroes today. Heroes know when to take revenge for the loved ones that they have lost but in the right way. Beowulf took the lives of the monsters out of revenge and for the safety of everyone that surrounds him and the people that he cares about. The epic poem Beowulf focuses on the hero. Throughout various generations and cultures, people have had an image of the archetypal hero. The Anglo-Saxon ideals of heroism were strength, bravery, and loyalty, which were exactly the qualities that Beowulf possessed. Beowulf, as a result, is an icon of his ancient Germanic heritage. He imitates the world around him by reflecting past traditions of heroes and mirrors their characteristics and actions. With him, his honor and pride make him not only a hero of his own time, but also a hero for generations to come. In all, tribal mentality whether centuries old compared to modern day does produce a worthy hero; heroes that can and are willing to protect the people that they love and surround them.

Technology in Classroom Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Technology in Classroom - Essay Example Since the advent of computers, information revolution is creating tools that promise assistance in the intellectual dimensions of our lives. With the introduction of technology the classrooms which were passive have become active learning centers. The highly interactive nature of computers enables students a high level of involvement in learning. Today's students have mastered a large variety of tools that we will never master with the same level of skill. From computers to calculators to camera phones, these tools are like extensions to the human brain. Educating and evaluating student without these tools makes no more sense to them. (ascd.org, 2007). PowerPoint presentations are easy to obtain, modify, and create. They are versatile and a great asset to any classroom. Good presentations may take time to produce or adapt, but they can be shared and used year after year. They can be used for whole class presentations and reviews, for drills, or for individual work. Data projectors can be used in many locations (e.g. classrooms, conference rooms, lecture theaters, etc) for professional development of staff, sharing of educational resources, students presenting their work to a class. Demonstrating new software. Projecting live video of experiments. Teaching about contemporary internet in general, students will be able to show their work in full screen. Technology helps students in curriculum-free programs such as the common tool-type applications for exploring ideas and relationships with data; engaging in problem solving, locating, organizing data and presenting information; creating reports and various types. With the help of technology in team-based projects can be worked on within the classroom, with increased supervision from the teacher. Many books and journals will be available on-line i.e., in the e-library. Students are getting hands-on experience of concepts that were difficult and impossible in traditional classroom. The data analysis and interpretation is vital in many disciplines. The technology has efficiently solved this problem. Many new fields are possible only through the use of such technology. By the usage of modern technology students have become more familiar with the knowledge-management skills. Technology-usage skills are also developed in the students with a more professional environment offered by the classroom. The presence of technology in the classroom reflects the dramatic rise in the availability of readily-accessible knowledge and communication tools online in the workplace. Faculty can share their discipline specific uses of technology such as the use of online databases. Team-based projects can also be worked on within the classroom, with increased supervision from the teacher. Students are able to develop communication skills within the class. Students have a h abit of relying on a very informal writing style with instant Messaging; the use of notebook computer can be used in the coming future to develop professional writing skills. (itc.udayton.edu, 2006) Regardless of whether it is multiplication or exercises or spelling, there are certain facts that children must learn through memorization in their early education. And the key to learning these is

Wilkerson Company Variance Analysis Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Wilkerson Company Variance Analysis - Case Study Example However, one cannot give the real reasons behind this loss without first analyzing the data and comparing it with the standard target set by the company. If we look at the data we might see that the variance between the actual and targeted price may have caused the profit to decline. We can see that the company was able sell valves at a price which was $.15 below the budgeted price. Since the total production of valves was 7500 units, the company incurred a negative variance of $1125. Similarly, if we look at the data of pumps, we can, again, see that there has been a massive variance among targeted and actual price. This variance amounts to $20.69 for each unit the company sells. Therefore, total variance based on the production of 12500 is $258625.This is a negative variance and it has resulted in the budgeted profit to go down. However, there is good news for the company in their third product flow-controllers, as the price of this product is rising. Therefore, the variance in this case is positive which is a good sign for the company. The variance in this case is $9.62. The total effect of this variance is $38480. From the above information, it can be said that the company should focus more on producing flow controllers than other products because of rising prices in this commodity which will ultimately lead to higher profits for the company. Now, let's look at the machine hour variance. ... This means that highest degree of efficiency is being maintained in machine processes. Similarly, same degree of efficiency is being maintained in the production of pumps and flow-controllers. This shows that there is been absolutely no variance among the actual and budgeted financial indicators, and the company is doing well here. Wilkerson management is also using the direct material very efficiently and there's no direct material usage variance. Now, let's look at the gross profit margin of products that are produced by Wilkerson Company. In case of valves, we can see that there's a little change in this ratio. The budgeted margin was 35% whereas Wilkerson Company's actual margin is 34.9%. This small decrease in profit margin is a result of declining prices. The company is selling its products at 15 cents less than the budgeted price due to competition in the market. According to Randall (1996) there are various factors which might cause the company's gross profit margin to decline. These factors include: failure to control the cost of manufacturing, bad supervision of employees and wastage of resources etc. Looking at the gross-profit margin pumps, the budgeted gross profit margin was 35%, whereas Wilkerson's actual gross-profit margin is around 19% only. This massive decline again has been caused, again, by the price decline that has taken place in the industry due to stiff competition. As a result, firm has experienced ma ssive reduction in gross profit margin. However, if we look at the data of flow-controllers, there has been an increase in the profit margin to 41% from the budgeted margin of 35%. This again is a result of

Chapter question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Chapter question - Essay Example age, compatibility, complexibility, trialability, observability, impact on social relations, reversibility, communicability, time, risk and uncertainty, commitment and modifiability† (Edberg, p. 59). Relative advantage defines the measure of effectiveness and efficiency of a proposed innovation with respect to the old technology. A significant relative advantage will therefore motivate a faster adoption of the theory. Complexibility refers to the level of ease of applying a proposed technology. While a complex technology may delay implementation due to lack of implementation resources and determination of certainty over the technology, a less complex technology can be immediately implemented (Edberg, p. 59). Triability however defines the ability to test the technology, practically, before its adoption. Where such practical tests are possible, decision can be made on whether to adopt the technology or not. In cases where such tests are not possible, alternative approaches must be devised and this may delay adoption of the proposed technology. The impacts that the technology can have on the society are also important in determining how fast it can be implemented. This is because social responsibility measures must first be put in place before implementation of the technology. The other factors can also either speed up or delay implementation (Edberg, p.

Creative Imaging within Misleading Advertising in Military

Creative Imaging within Misleading Advertising in Military  ­Review of literature This chapter provides a discussion of the related concepts linked to the aims and objectives of the research as highlighted in Chapter 1. An initial mindset diagram (figure 1) highlighted relevant areas. The concepts or ideas have now been prioritized to include the following. The purpose of the literature review is to show an understanding of the basic concepts of the research and to highlight possible areas for the primary research. To begin with the concept of misleading advertising in the military is addressed for this chapter, Advertising is one of the crucial recruiting tools used by the military services in support of the all-volunteer force.   I feel strongly that the military isnt being advertised appropriately, whenever the real horrors of war are kept secret to todays society. Recruiters using advertisement in the military Military recruiters depend on the immature status of their prey to capture them with false promise. The highest calling of any society is to protect the youth from any danger. Our society today is failing to recognize this call. Clinic Rutgers school of law (2008) highlights that Recruiters insinuate themselves in teenagers lives without their parents knowledge. The interest of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children-is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized in our countrys laws. These fundamental rights include a constitutionally protected zone in which parents can direct the upbringing and education of children under their control, without hindrance from the government. https://law.newark.rutgers.edu/files/u/MilitaryRecruitingReportConLitFinal.pdf Sackett (2004) states that In the late 1990s, the U.S. armed forces struggled to meet their recruiting goals and in some cases fell short. This led to the question of how the recruiting process and the recruiters job could be better supported in order to ensure that force strength, force quality and the required skill mix of personnel will be available to meet every changing security and defense challenges.   Military officials recognized that a fundamental understanding of the youth population and of the effectiveness of various advertising and recruiting strategies used to attract them would be extremely valuable in addressing these questions. Clinic Rutgers school of law (2008) highlights that Funding for military recruitment is on the raise. The 2009 military advertising budget totals $20.5 billion. This money is used for slick ads and video games designed by the same marketing firms that create commercials for major corporations, such as Coca Cola, McDonalds and Nintendo. I find this very paragraph very interesting as it talks about different advertising firms that done commercials for Coca Cola which is very different from the ads for the military. https://law.newark.rutgers.edu/files/u/MilitaryRecruitingReportConLitFinal.pdf The military has a comfortable relationship with the entertainment industry for many years now, providing open door base material, contact and consultation to movie studios. Evans (2008) quotes We may think that the content of American movies is free from government interference, but in fact, the Pentagon has been telling filmmakers what to say and what not to say for decades. Its Hollywoods dirtiest little secret. http://www.ringnebula.com/Oil/recruiting-children.htm This message evaluates the property of advertising on recruiting, given that quantitative estimates of the relative helpfulness of Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and joint advertising programs. The findings indicate the army services achieve enlistments from extra advertisement, and the goods of any branch do not seem to come at the cost (in terms of lost recruits) of any other. Sackett (2004) wrote the development of an advertising campaign for the military. The framework involves (1) tracking the competitive environment for military recruitment to detect factors affecting youth understand and views of military service; (2) examination of audience member beliefs, goals and language; (3) development of a range of message strategies for military recruitment (4) allocation of resources to advertising message strategies. Here I have included an image that I have collected off Google Images of a soldier in duty. The Photographer and Director have been very creative and smart with their work. They have modeled this person to look controlling and passionate in their act of duty. The image gives a real surreal atmosphere with the dark gloomy and moody colours. The settings surrounding this soldier are making him stand out even more. The facial expression shows deep concentration. He is alert and ready for combat but what these television ads never show is any actions or glimpse of battle, just a proud soldier holding a weapon. Video Games       After discovering their use as both recruitment and as military training, The military has reinforced progress of PC war game software, for example; Close Combat: First to Fight this game was created by the military, and targeted for teens. Military recruiters ability to affect young people is seriously enhanced by fascinating imagery shown in the various promotional materials that they bring to schools, including brochures, DVDs, and video games. Dertouzos (2003) points out In recent years, the Department of Defense (DoD) has been spending more than $100 million annually on advertising to support recruiting. It talks about them being successful with involving the youth within the military. For example here is Dertouzos (2003) stating that Advertising has been effective in increasing numbers of high quality enlistments ie, high school seniors or graduates who score in the upper half of the Armed Forces Qualification Test. Evans (2008) highlights that Another success story, in terms of the number of teens and young adults participating, is the US Armys video game project Americas Army, accessed by several million players as of 2007. Americas Army is a highly graphic, fast paced and graphically violent battle simulation for youthful players. The army states that the game is for growing adults, but it is freely available on the Internet without age restriction and is widely distributed to children. http://www.ringnebula.com/Oil/recruiting-children.htm Sackett (2004) highlights the importance of targeting young people The youth population should be a key objective for the military. I included this paragraph from Evaluating Military Advertising and Recruiting book because it will be very helpful when I go to write my next chapter, it talks about the military targeting the youth as their main components to join the military. Military video games are the main tool of educations future by irritating men to bring out all real rampages. Gunter (1998) points out that Throughout the 1990s, increasing numbers of newspaper headlines have highlighted scare stories about violent and horrific video games, aimed at children and teenagers, with themes that emphasize murder and mayhem. It shows that video games within the military has gone viral throughout the social media and can be accessed by any person at any age which is concerning. This is a worrying issue that needs to be spoken out for they are giving the wrong message out to the young men and women to advertise the military. Video games have the attention of the youth and can educate as well as entertain. Its good enough for entertainment, but should war be sterilized and glorified in this way? No it should not! The real horrors need to be made very public and clear. The military advertisement is very clever because how they use the creative side to military video games is the intense graphics. It automatically grabs the viewers attention straight away. They include and pay so much attention to detail that its distracting you from the main message. As you can see I have included a few photographs at the bottom of this section of different military games that I collected off Pinterest. The bold and sharp colours catch your eye immediately which pulls the audience in. They use creative imaging by include so much detail within the background with explosives / smoke and fire, making the soldiers look extremely powerful that nothing could harm or come in contact with them, but in reality they would be killed immediately. With all the smoke blocking and distracting their sight and concentration, that would be giving their enemy an opportunity to shoot and kill. I find it interesting that they have managed to set two different scenes within the creative imaging for example in the other photograph, I find it has a very relaxed and peaceful appearance compared to the graphics beforehand. The colours are a lot more dulled down and calm and dont have such excitement added to the atmosphere, the designers has paid a lot of attention to detail trying to suit the viewers needs by making them comfortable with the games due to the graphics. Though the intense graphics do not betray the truth to the realities of war. Women in the Military Many debate that due to recent conflict, women already serve in combat roles, their service is not formally acknowledged, it obstructs their qualified development and admission to some benefits. Clinic Rutgers school of law (2008) argues that Recruiters give female students the impression that they will be out of harms way. While women do not serve in front line combat positions, they work some of the most dangerous jobs at the front lines. Female students are not informed about the dangers of sexual assault and harassment. Of women receiving care from the Veterans Administration, 23% reported sexual assault and 55% reported harassment during their service. Furthermore, women report higher rates of psychological disorders than men. https://law.newark.rutgers.edu/files/u/MilitaryRecruitingReportConLitFinal.pdf I have included two photographs of women in the military that I collected from Pinterest. What stands out about these two photographs is the person behind the uniform. How these photographs relate to the creative imaging side is how the Photographer have directed these women and modeled them as a strong independent solider. But what these photographs never show is women in their act of duty in the military lifestyle. On the second photograph I find it has a very intense atmosphere with the dark moody background colour, it really sets a strong contrast between the soldier and the background. It makes her personality stand out and her facial expression show more, it almost has film scenery to this photograph with the bold graphics. Mental Health One area of the military that needs to be addressed is the mental health that effects the soldiers lifestyle during and after war. Mental health is a big part of our lives for it reflects on how we control our thinking and the way we react to life.   For it helps decides how we adapt to a variety of requirements, connect to others and make choices. Mental health problems are not a sign of weakness. The reality is that it affects the strong and the brave just like everyone else. Scott (2013) states One in three returning warriors has or is likely to develop serious mental health and / or psychological issues that make it difficult for them to adjust to a normal environment. Mood disorders may affect anyone at any time, but soldiers are at a particularly greater threat for developing conditions such as major depression disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As I was collecting my research I came across a list of the most common side effects of Depression disorder and Post-traumatic stress disorder that Scott (2013) included; Excessive Fatigue (tiredness) Concentration problems Irritability Vision change Reduced reaction time Decision-making difficulties Decreased memory and forgetfulness Attention and concentration difficulties Confused about recent events Repeating of thoughts and questions Personality changes Impulsiveness Anger Feeling as though a certain event is happening again Having nightmares of terrifying events and night sweats Feeling distant from those you previously felt close to Feeling more aggressive or even violent Contemplating suicide Feelings of guilt Sadness Depression Nervousness Changes in sleep patterns I have included two photographs that I researched online the internet (Google Images) that relate to this section on Mental Health. These two photographs give a different message each. One shows a soldier fighting against mental health and the other shows a soldier breaking down from fighting against mental health. For the first poster, the designer has used creative imaging by using typography. The typography is large and bold and contrasts strongly against the background. The colours that have been used on the background have an interesting effect to the poster, the smoky pattern brightens it up against the black. The design is succesful is a sense with all the colours and large text making it eye catching to the viewer. The designer has been creative by modeling the soldier as if he is screaming / shouting, has an intense appearance to the image. For the second poster the designer has created completely different scenery, it gives a more depressing emotion with the dark dull colou rs used within the background. This photograph is successful as it sums up a big percentage of a soldier struggling against is his own mental health, not being able to cope with the wars they have witnessed.   

Free Merchant of Venice Essays: The Price is Right :: Merchant Venice Essays

When I first read The Merchant of Venice, I had a lot of mixed reactions. One of them, surprisingly enough, was that it was too short! How can this be? We all know that Shakespeare's plays are notoriously too long. In reading it over, I think this perception comes from a number of sources. One is the idea that the two story lines, that of Portia and her suitors and that of Shylock and his money-grubbing ways, are only loosely held together by the title character, Antonio. The other reason is that when we finally get to the trial scene, the supposed highlight of the play, we notice that the trial is only a very small part of the whole play. It is not "what the play is about" in my opinion. Many people have suggested that the play should have ended after the trial, that the final scene served no purpose. I saw it more like the hurriedly thrown together conclusion to a choppy paper. We have talked about cut versions of literature as they make their way to the screen. This seems to me as though it is a choppy version of an idea that didn't work out as well as the playwright had hoped. As I read even more closely, I may find I change my mind. Since it didn't seem to be about what I thought it was supposed to be about, I decided to try to figure out what it really is about. Based on my current understanding (subject to further enlightenment), the play is (at least partially) about the merchandising of people. People can be bought or sold for "Three thousand ducats, well" (Act I Scene 3 Line 1), or "chests of gold, silver and lead" (I.ii.30). Every one has a price. All are bought or sold at one time or another. Let's look at some of the leading characters and see what price they require. Antonio sells "a pound of his flesh" for "three thousand ducats" in Act I Scene 3. Bassanio sells his marriage vows to repay the lawyer/ judge for defending Antonio (Act IV Scene 2). Grationo sells his vows, by giving away the ring that represented them, and his friendship to Bassanio at the same time. Portia sells herself as property in marriage