Linguistics and Language Essay

What will be covered in this class? †¢ How do we produce and recognize speech? †¢ How do we perceive words, letters, and sentences? †¢ How do we learn and recall information from texts? †¢ How can we improve texts to make them easier to understand? †¢ How does the brain function to process language? †¢ What are the causes and effects of reading disabilities? †¢ Is there language in other species? Central themes in psycholinguistics 1) What knowledge of language is needed for us to use language? Tacit (implicit) knowledge vs. Explicit knowledge  Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ tacit: knowledge of how to perform something, but not aware of full rules †¢ explicit: knowledge of the processes of mechanisms in performing that thing 2) What cognitive processes are involved in the ordinary use of language? How do we understand a lecture, read a book, hold a conversation? Cognitive processes: perception, memory, thinking, learning Some definitions of basic components of language: Semantics: The meaning of words and sentences Syntax: The grammatical arrangement of words in a sentence or phrase Phonology: The sound pattern of language Pragmatics: How language is used in a social context  Examples from psycholinguistics Parsing garden path sentences The novice accepted the deal before he had a chance to check his finances, which put him in a state of conflict when he realized he had a straight flush. 1) The defendant examined by the lawyer turned out to be unreliable 2). The evidence examined by the lawyer turned out to be unreliable The process of parsing is the process of making decisions The effect of prior knowledge on comprehension The procedure is actually quite simple. First you arrange things into different groups. Of course, one pile may be sufficient depending on how much there is to do. If you have to go somewhere else due to lack of facilities, that is the next step; otherwise you are pretty well set. It is important not to overdo things. That is, it is better to do too few things at once than too many. In the short run this may not seem important, but complications can easily arise. A mistake can be expensive as well. At first the whole procedure will seem complicated. Soon, however, it will become just another facet of life. It is difficult to foresee any end to the necessity for this task in the immediate future, but then one never can tell. After the procedure is completed, one arranges the materials into different groups again. Then they can be put into their appropriate places. Eventually they will be used once more, and the whole cycle will then have to be repeated. However, that is part of life. Bransford & Johnson, 1973 Recall: No context: 2. 8 idea units out of a maximum of 18 Context afterwards: 2. 7 idea units Context before: 5. 8 idea units Child language development How many words do you know? Hint: Dictionary has about: 450,000 entries Test high school graduates: How many words do they know? About 45,000 english words About 60,000 including names and foreign words. The average six year old knows about 13,000 words. Learning about 10 words per day since age 1. (One every 90 minutes) How much do we have to teach children to learn language? Do you have to teach a child to walk? Is it the same way of learning a language? My teacher holded the baby rabbits and we patted them I eated my dinner A brief history of psycholinguistics Wilhem Wundt (early 1900s) Interest in mental processes of language production †¢ Sentence as the primary unit of language †¢ Speech production is the transformation of complete thought processes into sequentially organized speech segments. Behaviorism (1920s-1950s) †¢ Rejected the focus on mental processes †¢ Measurement based on objective behavior (primarily in lab animals) †¢ How does experience (reward and punishment) shape behavior? B. F. Skinner: Children learn language through shaping (correction of speech errors) Associative chain theory: A sentence consists of a chain of associations between individual words in the sentence What’s wrong with the behaviorist approach? Noam Chomsky (1950s – present) 1) Colorless green ideas sleep furiously 2) Furiously sleep ideas green colorless. 3) George picked up the baby. 4) George picked the baby up. Almost every sentence uttered is a new combination of words The Poverty of stimulus argument: There is not enough information in the language samples given to children to account for the richnes and complexity of children’s language The pattern of development is not based on parental speech but on innate language knowledge Linguistic Diversity vs. Linguistic Universals Linguistic diversity There appears to be a lot of diversity among languages Even within languages there is diversity When are two languages different? We speak the same language if we can understand each other  Exceptions: Norwegian and Swedish Cantonese and Mandarin Dialects within languages: The myth of pure language How/why do languages change? Why does there seem to be a â€Å"correct† English? Members of the dominant (most powerful) sub-culture tend to speak one dialect and may punish those who do not Linguistic Chauvinism Belief that one’s own language/dialect is the best of all possible languages Black English Vernacular (BEV) Study by William Labov Interviewed African-American street youth You know, like some people say if you’re good an’ sh*t, your spirit goin’ t’heaven . . . ‘n if you bad, your spirit goin’ to hell. Well, bullsh*t! Your spirit goin’ to hell anyway, good or bad. [Why? ] Why? I’ll tell you why. ‘Cause, you see, doesn’ nobody really know that it’s a God, y’know, ‘cause I mean I have seen black gods, white gods, all color gods, and don’t nobody know it’s really a God. An’ when they be sayin’ if you good, you goin’ t’heaven, tha’s bullsh*t, ‘cause you ain’t goin’ to no heaven, ‘cause it ain’t no heaven for you to go to. †¢ Place holders: â€Å"There† vs. â€Å"It† in the copula †¢ Copula: â€Å"Is†, â€Å"Was† optional †¢ Negatives: â€Å"You ain’t goin’ to no heaven†. BEV just as linguistically complex as Standard American English We don’t see/understand the complexity in other languages Moral: All languages seem to permit as wide range of expressions as others Linguistic Universals What is in common with all languages? Sentences are built from words based on the same physiological processes †¢ All languages have words †¢ All humans have ways of making sounds. †¢ Languages tend to use a small set of phonemic sounds †¢ Phoneme: The minimal unit of sound that contributes to meaning How many phonemes in a language? †¢ English: 40 phonemes †¢ Range: Polynesian 11 to Khoisan 141. Discreteness Messages in human language (e. g. speech sounds) are made up of units of which there is a discrete (limited) number Arbitrariness The relationship between meaningful elements in language and their denotation is independent of any physical resemblance between the two. Words do not have to look or sound like what they describe Openness †¢ New linguistic messages are created freely and easily †¢ Languages are not constrained in a way so that there are a limited number of messages that can be created. †¢ Linguistic Productivity: The ability to understand and create an unlimited number of sentences. The question studied by psycholinguists is â€Å"how to characterize and account for the creativity to construct and create an infinite number of sentences given the limited capabilities of the human brain† Duality of Patterning Language involves relating two different kinds of patterns or forms of representation †¢ A phonological system †¢ A semantic system These two systems use very different types of codes, although there is a phonological representation for each item in the semantic system Phrase structure Information on how a sentence is grouped into phrases. The quiet boy ate the red apple A set of Phrase Structure rules: PS 1 S (sentence) ————-> NP + VP PS 2 NP (noun phrase)————-> det + (adj) + N PS 3 VP (verb phrase) ————-> V +NP PS 4 N (noun) ————-> boy, dog, man, book PS 5 V (verb) ————-> ate, broke, kissed PS 6 adj (adjective ————-> quiet, red, happy, wormy PS 7 det (determiner) ————-> a, the We use â€Å"lexical-insertion rules† to put words into the structure. Phrase-structure rules provide a good account of phrase-structure ambiguity. They are broiling hens Morphology Morphology is the component of grammar that builds words out of units of meaning (morphemes) A morpheme is the smallest meaningful unit of language How many morphemes? bird firetruck undereducated unmicrowaveability Insights from American Sign Language (ASL) Unlike speech, signs are expressed in visual or spatial form Do a lot of the same grammatical concepts hold? Arbitrariness ASL possesses iconicity signs can represent objects or actions to which they refer. However, the degree of iconicity has declined over the years Duality of Patterning signs are composed of smaller elements that are meaningless Example: 3 parameters †¢ 19 values of hand configuration. †¢ 12 values of place of articulation †¢ 24 values of movements Meaningless patterns can be combined in various ways to from ASL signs. What about â€Å"openness† and â€Å"discreteness† within ASL? Transformational Grammar (Chomsky 1950s) Language: an infinite set of well-formed sentences Grammar: A finite set of rules that generates sentences in the language How do we know that a grammar is a good theory of language? Three criteria: Observational Adequacy: A grammar is observationally adequate if it generates all acceptable sequences and no unacceptable sequences. Descriptive adequacy: A grammar must also explain how a sentence relates to other sentences that are similar & opposite in meaning. The ball was caught by John John caught the ball The ball was not caught by John Explanatory adequacy It is possible for multiple grammars to attain observational and descriptive adequacy. Which is the correct/best one? Children learning language are presented with many samples of language and must determine the grammar from these samples. There must be some innate language constraints that help children determine the correct grammar. There exist Linguistic Universals that are common to all languages. The fact that there are similarities in languages is based on the fact that languages are determined by the nature of the mental structures and processes which characterize human beings A Grammar must explain the role of linguistic universals in language acquisition Deep and Surface structure Deep structure: The structure of the sentence that conveys the meaning of the sentence. Surface Structure: The superficial arrangement of constituents Deep structure ambiguity: A single surface structure that is based on two different deep structures Flying planes can be dangerous. Phrase structure rules would not be able to account for the differences in meaning Sentences can have similar phrase structure, although their underlying structure is different: John is easy to please John is eager to please Sentences can different surface structure, but similar deep structure Arlene played the tuba The tuba was played by Arlene Transformational Grammar A two part process to derive a sentence 1) Use Phrase-structure rules to generate the underlying tree structure (deep structure) 2) Apply a sequence of transformational rules to the deep  structure to generate the surface structure of the sentence Transformations occur by adding, deleting or moving constituents John phoned up the woman John phoned the woman up Phrase structure approach: Two different rules VP –> V + (particle) + NP VP –> V + NP + (particle) Each sentence is derived separately, using different phrase structure rules. Transformational grammar approach: One rule V + particle + NP –> V + NP + particle John phoned up the interesting woman John phoned the interesting woman up John phoned up the woman with the curly hair John phoned the woman with the curly hair up. Restrictions on transformations The particle-movement transformation can not be applied to pronouns John called them up *John called up them Example 2: Passive transformation NP1 + V + NP2 –> NP2 + be + V + en + by + NP1 Arlene played the tuba The tuba was played by Arlene Psychological Reality of Transformational Grammar If using language is a process of converting the deep structure to the surface structure, then the number of transformation rules applied should affect how long it takes to process a sentence. However, experiments do not consistently show that this holds true Current theories of grammar Lexical-Function Grammar  Made up of three components: a constituent structure, a functional structure, and lexical entries Constituent Structure: Similar to phrase structure Functional Structure: All the information needed for semantic interpretation John told Mary to leave Bill Predicate tell (subj, obj, V-comp) Tense Past Subj John Obj Mary V-comp predicate leave subj Mary obj Bill Lexical Entries Lexical entries contain information about: †¢ the forms of the word †¢ the kinds of sentences into which they fit, †¢ arguments and semantic roles Mary kissed John John was kissed by Mary Entry for â€Å"kiss† includes underlying semantic structure  kiss: (agent, patient). Forms of the word kiss: agent = subject: patient = object (be) kiss: agent=object: patient = subject Major significance of LFG Most of the explanation of how we process language is based on the lexicon (where we store information about words) . Government-Binding Theory or Universal Grammar Chomsky’s view of innate grammatical mechanisms. In GB theory, grammar is modular. Grammar due to interaction of several independent subsystems, or modules. Each module is fairly simple and performs part of the task But all modules interact in order to constrain the rules made by the other modules in the grammar. Implications We all inherit a universal grammar that can be set to different parameter values. These parameter values correspond to different languages. As we get experience with a language, we acquire these parameter values, and thus the language upon which it is based. Research methods in Psycholinguistics How do we observe, collect information on phenomena related to psycholinguistics? Naturalistic Observation Observing information in a non-experimental setting Slips of the tongue Phonological switching: Crushing blow –> Blushing crow semantic replacements: blond eyes for blond hair. Language Acquisition The use of language over time Data from naturalistic observation Rich, but hard to analyze Controlled experiments Goal: test an empirical hypothesis Hypothesis: A chapter will be easier to understand if each section starts with a summary of what will be said. Independent Variable: Variable that is manipulated to test the hypothesis. Dependent Variable: Variable representing the behavior we want to measure Control Variables: Other variables we need to control in order to see the effect of the independent variable Subjects: Who is going to participate in the experiment? Analysis: How do we know if there are differences bewteen the two chapters? The Human Information Processing System What psychological mechanisms are involved in using language? The Sensory store Processes incoming information from the environment †¢ Individual sensory stores for each sense †¢ Information retained for a short duration The visual sensory store Experiments by Sperling (1960) X M R K C N J P V F L B The partial report technique Auditory sensory store Experiment by Darwin, Turvey & Crowder (1972) 3 digits or letters auditorally presented to each ear and center at the same time. What is the use of the sensory store? It maintains information long enough so that we can do additional processing to it. Working memory or short term memory (STM) STM used to describe the fact that it holds information for a short time, while working memory refers to the processing capacity. STM works as a temporary holding place for intermediate decisions. Limited in size. Chunking Working memory: there is a limited amount of processing capacity that you can use as you perform a problem Long term memory Knowledge of how to do things, things we have learned, grammar rules, personal memories. All knowledge that is not active. Information that becomes active is retrieved from LTM and put in STM. Anything we learn is first processed in STM and some of it is put into LTM Episodic vs. Semantic Memory distinction Semantic memory †¢ Organized knowledge of words, concepts, symbols and objects. motor skills, general knowledge, spatial knowledge , social skills. †¢ All information is organized semantically, but not tagged based on when it was learned. Episodic memory †¢ Holds traces of events specific time and place. †¢ Memory of personal experiences. Interaction between semantic and episodic memory. What does the organization of the information processing system have to do with language processing? Pattern Recognition Parsing/understanding sentences in working memory This is a long sentence and yet somehow you can keep it all in working memory The organization of Long Term Memory That cat plays really cool jazz Serial vs. Parallel Processing Serial processing: One process working at a time Parallel Processing: Multiple processes working at a time In a serial model of language processing, individual modules would work one at a time to process the information. A parallel model would say that the processes happen at the same time. Parallel models as neurally inspired models of cognitive processes Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up processing Cognitive processing occurs at levels Bottom-up processing is done in such a way that all processing occurs starting from the lowest level processes and proceeds onto the higher level processes Higher level processes do not influence any of the processing done at the lower levels Top down processing: Information at the higher levels influences processing at the lower levels. Advantages and disadvantages of Top-Down processing Automatic vs. Controlled processes We have a limited amount of processes that we can do at a time. Controlled processing: Processes that require a substantial amount of cognitive processing. Automatic processing: Processes that do not require a substantial amount of cognitive processing. The role of practice in automatic processing The Stroop effect Putting it all together: Cognitive processes in action The novice accepted the deal before he had a chance to check his finances, which put him in a state of conflict when he realized he had a straight flush. The Internal Lexicon How are words stored? What are they made up of? How are word related to each other? How do we use them? Internal lexicon The representation of words in long term memory Lexical Access: How do we activate the meanings of words? Aspects of Meaning Reference: The relationship between words and things in the world Things in the world are referents of a word My dog has fleas My dog is from Mars But not all reference can be mapped to concrete things Abstract words: Love, Justice, Equality Non existent objects: Unicorn, Martians Meaning is not restricted to the real world, but also imaginary worlds Sense: The relationship of a word with other words in the language Student at NMSU vs. Undergraduate at NMSU Synonymy (same meaning) Car Automobile Antonymy (opposite meaning) Happy Sad Incompatibility (do the words contradict each other? ) John is happy vs. John is sad Hyponymy (are they part of the same class? ) A dog is an animal, Bowser is a dog, Denotation vs. Connotation Denotation: The objective meaning of the word Connotation: The aspect of the meaning beyond its explicit meaning Bachelor Spinster Hungry Starving The Mental Representation of Meaning The representation of the meaning of a word is based on the semantic features of that word. We acquire the meaning of a word by learning its semantic features Children make semantic mistakes Verbs of possession. We understand more than the meaning, we have knowledge of the relations between these words sold vs. paid give vs. receive lose vs. find Prototypes: Some members of a category are better instances of the category than others Apple vs. pomegranate What makes a prototype? More central semantic features What type of dog is a prototypical dog What are the features of it? We are faster at retrieving prototypes of a category than other members of the category Semantic Networks. Words can be represented as an interconnected network of sense relations †¢ Each word is a particular node †¢ Connections among nodes represent semantic relationships Mental models: A model/understanding of how the world works and how pieces of textual information fits in with it. John is sitting in a chair. That chair is on a table. The table is blue and round. John has red hair. The structure of the Internal Lexicon How do these pieces of semantic information relate to each other? Semantic verification task An A is a B An apple is a fruit A robin is a bird A robin is an animal A dog has teeth  A fish has gills A fish has feathers An apple has teeth NMSU is in New Mexico Harvard is in California Use time on verification tasks to map out the structure of the lexicon. Models of the Lexicon Collins and Quillian Hierarchical Network model Lexical entries stored in a hierarchy, with features attached to the lexical entries Representation permits cognitive economy Testing the model Sentence Verification time Robins eat worms 1310 msecs Robins have feathers 1380 msecs Robins have skin 1470 msecs A category size effect: Subjects do an intersection search Problems with Collins and Quillian model . 1) Effect may be due to frequency of association 2) Assumption that all lexical entries at the same level are equal The Typicality Effect Which is a more typical bird? Ostrich or Robin. A whale is a fish vs. A horse is a fish Major conclusions of the model: 1) If a fact about a concept is frequently encountered, it will be stored with that concept even if it could be inferred from a more distant concept. 2) The more frequently encountered a fact about a concept is, the more strongly that fact will be associated with the concept. And the more strongly associated with a concept facts are, the more rapidly they are verified. 3) Verifying facts that are not directly stored with a concept but that must be inferred takes a relatively long time. Spreading Activation Models (Collins & Loftus) †¢ Words represented in lexicon as a network of relationships †¢ Organization is a web of interconnected nodes in which connections can represent: categorical relations degree of association typicality Retrieval of information †¢ Spreading activation †¢ Limited amount of activation to spread †¢ Verification times depend on closeness of two concepts in a network Context effect in spreading activation models Present either: Murder is a crime or Libel is a crime Then get verification time for Robbery is a crime Subjects faster when they see Murder than Libel. Why? Advantages of Collins and Loftus model †¢ Recognizes diversity of information in a semantic network †¢ Captures complexity of our semantic representation †¢ Consistent with results from priming studies Lexical Access What factors are involved in retrieving information from the lexicon? Semantic Priming Meyer & Schvaneveldt (1971) Lexical Decision Task Prime Target Time Nurse Butter 940 msecs Bread Butter 855 msecs Evidence for associative spreading activation. Ratcliff and McKoon (1981) Subjects study and memorize The doctor hated the book Task: â€Å"Was this word from the sentence you memorized? † Prime Target Time None Book 667 msecs Doctor Book 624 msecs Word Frequency Does word frequency play a role in lexical access? Lexical Decision Task: gambastya, revery, voitle, chard, wefe, cratily, decoy, puldow, raflot, oriole, vuluble, booble, chalt, awry, signet, trave, crock, cryptic, ewe, himpola mulvow, governor, bless, tuglety, gare, relief, ruftily, history, pindle, develop, gardot, norve, busy, effort, garvola, match,sard, pleasant, coin, maisle. Lexical Decision is dependent on word frequency Eyemovement studies: Subjects spend about 80 msecs longer fixating on low-frequency words than high-frequency words Morphological Structure So we strip off the prefixes and suffixes of a word for lexical access? Decision = Decide + ion Lexical Decision Tasks: Prime Target Time Nurse Butter 940 msecs Bread Butter 855 msecs Evidence for associative spreading activation Ratcliff and McKoon (1981) Subjects study and memorize The doctor hated the book Task: â€Å"Was this word from the sentence you memorized? † Prime Target Time None Book 667 msecs Doctor Book 624 msecs Word Frequency Does word frequency play a role in lexical access? Lexical Decision Task: gambastya, revery, voitle, chard, wefe, cratily, decoy, puldow, raflot, oriole, vuluble, booble, chalt, awry, signet, trave, crock, cryptic, ewe, himpola mulvow, governor, bless, tuglety, gare, relief, ruftily, history, pindle, develop, gardot, norve, busy, effort, garvola, match,sard, pleasant, coin, maisle. Lexical Decision is dependent on word frequency Eyemovement studies: Subjects spend about 80 msecs longer fixating on low-frequency words than high-frequency words Morphological Structure So we strip off the prefixes and suffixes of a word for lexical access? Decision = Decide + ion Lexical Decision Tasks: Presented subjects with a sequence of words to study Examined the probability of recognizing words over 14 days Performance systematically decays over time Negatively accelerated decay. Bahrick (1984) Student’s retention of spanish-english vocabulary items from 0 to 50 years Power law of decay Review on the internal lexicon Aspects of meaning: Reference and Sense Denotation and Connotation What is the mental representation of meaning? Models of the Lexicon Hierarchical Network Model Spreading Activation Model What factors are involved in retrieving information from the lexicon? Semantic Priming Word Frequency Morphological Structure Lexical Ambiguity Retention of lexical items.

Racism in America Today Essay

Racism has been a terrible problem in American society for hundreds of years. Racism issues are not limited to one specific race, but include all races. It is the responsibility of the people of this nation to address racism and learn to accept and embrace each other for our differences, and allow this great nation to become even more united for our sake and the sake of future generations. To eliminate racism it is imperative to know first, where racism started and how it has developed, why it continues to be present in our nation today, and what we must do as a people to overcome this major problem. History The Middle Passage was the system set up as a form of triangular trade that forced millions of innocent humans from their homes in Africa, and forced them to become slaves as part of the Atlantic slave trade. These people were essentially traded as slaves for materials, food, supplies etc. Many of the enslaved Africans were shipped to the Caribbean and the Americas. The Middle Passage route began in Europe where they left with the manufactured goods and headed to Africa. The goods were then traded for the slaves, and then the ships set off for the Americas and Caribbean islands (Stoddard). After the trading was done there the ships would return back to Europe. According to Elizabeth Mancke, and Carole Shammas authors of, â€Å"The Creation of the British Atlantic World,† they write, â€Å"An estimated 15% of the Africans died at sea, with mortality rates considerably higher in Africa itself in the process of capturing and transporting indigenous peoples to the ships. The total number of African deaths directly attributable to the Middle Passage voyage is estimated at up to two million; a broader look at African deaths directly attributable to the institution of slavery from 1500 to 1900 suggests up to four million African deaths. † Historian Lisa Vox expounds on the origin of slavery in North America in her article â€Å"The Start of Slavery in North America. † Vox states that, â€Å"Historians normally date the start of slavery in the North American colonies to 1619. That year, a Dutch ship carrying African slaves docked at Point Comfort, which served as Jamestown’s checkpoint for ships wanting to trade with the colonists. The crew of the Dutch ship was starving, and as John Rolfe noted in a letter to the Virginia Company’s treasurer Edwin Sandys, the Dutch traded 20 African slaves for food and supplies. † It was not until the early nineteenth century that this practice was banned with a hefty penalty for those individuals that were found participating in it. Other groups of people were affected by racism as well. When Christopher Columbus landed in the Americas in 1492, he discovered the Native American Indians which he referred to as â€Å"savages. † The Europeans deemed the Native Americans as uneducated, uncivilized creatures, and treated them as such. Native Americans were manipulated and taken advantage of by the European people, and treated more like animals than human beings. This was another historical beginning of racism in America. As America began to flourish in the mid nineteenth century, many immigrants (Irish, Chinese, Norwegians, and the Italians to name a few) flocked to the New World to seek fortune and freedom. The accumulation of many different cultures, beliefs, and ethnicities resulted in nicknaming the United States as the â€Å"melting pot. † While they were all united in their resolve to be free and determined to live the â€Å"American dream,† prejudices began to form as one race considered itself superior to the others. Americans were not happy that there were others so willing to take low pay for the jobs that they were scarcely available. There was low tolerance for different cultures and beliefs. Immigrants sought refuge and segregated themselves from one another by forming their own communities, thus resulting in â€Å"Little Italy† and â€Å"Chinatown† etc. Prejudices dissolved somewhat with the initiation of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, along with the Bill of Rights. The Emancipation Proclamation was released in 1863 at the conclusion of the Civil War; however, slavery was not made illegal everywhere in the U. S. until the Thirteenth Amendment took effect in December 1865. Even though slavery was outlawed, there continued to be a strong segregation between the whites and African Americans. Although the Constitution states that â€Å"all men are created equal,† Latinos, Native Americans, African Americans, and other ethnicities were not receiving this kind of treatment. During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s, many groups were formed to combat this problem of inequality. Groups such as the Black Panthers, and the Japanese American Citizens League sought to protest to gain equal rights. Such Civil Rights leaders like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. participated in nonviolent protesting to fight for these rights. In Alabama Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white person and was arrested for it, this lead to the Montgomery Bus Boycott where African Americans refused to use the buses for almost a year, and then the state ruled that it was unconstitutional to have segregated buses. It was through leaders and acts like the one just mentioned that have ended segregations and given equal rights to all Americans. Post- Racial In 2008 after Barack Obama was elected president, during the time leading up to his inauguration, it was said that many people heard for the first time, the term post-racial. The term post-racism represented a new era initiated by putting the first African-American president in office. Several people expected, believed, hoped or wanted that this new presidency would change how racism was viewed and experienced in this land of the free and home of the brave. Many individuals wanted to be able to come to this country and be a part of the great opportunity that is presented in America. They wanted to embrace a country with freedom and with a democratic government. These are a few of the things that people from other countries can only hope for and dream that someday they might make the money for the documentation and be able pay for the trip over to this land of opportunity. There are many who make the trip with expectations in their heads of how wonderful it will be upon arrival to the United States. Unfortunately not all of these individuals receive a warm welcome upon entry to this country. Racism happens to every race. Depending on what race someone might be, or what town or city that person may go it is very possible that they will feel that they are not wanted there. In the following example Kevin Merida, a writer for the Washington Post, writes about an incident in his article, â€Å"Racist Incidents Give Some Obama Campaigners Pause. † While campaigning for Barack Obama in Indiana, Danielle Ross and her group experienced a horrible response that none of them expected. Ross recalled on that day that, â€Å"The first person I encountered was like, ‘I’ll never vote for a black person. † This does not sound like racism is out of our mists. On a National Public Radio broadcast, Rebecca Roberts interviews Ralph Eubanks author of â€Å"The House at the End of the Road. † Roberts asks Eubanks to define post-racial and his response is as follows, â€Å"I think there are two popular definitions of post-racial. I think the first definition is that we are – it’s where race is no longer an issue or an impediment to progress in American society. I think that’s one way that it is often defined. Another way that it is defined is that moving – that post-racial means a color-blind society where race is not an issue. We are all Americans, and we’re just completely color blind. So, there are issues with both of those definitions, and where we’re actually moving is somewhere in between those. † For a majority of Americans, this is the goal that is in the back of their minds. Every man is created equal; everyone has the same rights, and is not judged by the color of skin they were born with. This great nation has taken steps in that direction. America is not the same place as it was in the 1950’s. Members of minority groups are not invisible like they were back then. Eubanks talks more about how he does not think that there will ever be a post-racial society because of our demographics. He believes that a post-racial society is something to always hope for, and strive towards, but pictures a multi-racial society with many different components to it. And a lot of that depends on, over the next 20 years, where our demographics take us (Roberts). Striving towards the ideal of having a color blind society will not come to past by evading the issue. Stopping racism When the topic of racism comes up many may think, â€Å"Oh no, here we go again, someone else complaining about racism. Or, why do we have to talk about this? Isn’t it time we moved on? † This may be a very uncomfortable the topic for countless American, but this is a conversation that needs to happen and continue to happen until this problem ceases to exists. It won’t disappear just because we choose not to mention it. Tim Wise, writer for timwise.org, talks about the problem of racism here in America in his article â€Å"Denial, Evasion Won’t Solve Racism. † Wise says that, â€Å"Indeed, the problem is not talking about racism but racism itself: Contrary to popular belief, race is not merely a card played by those who wish to stir up resentment. Instead it is a real and persistent determiner of who has what and why in this country. † Nobody can help what family they are born into, or what color their skin might be. Looking at the issue of race from a spiritual stand point, we are all sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. Why would one human being think less of the other? The golden rule says that we do unto others like you would want them to do unto you. These are simple solutions to a giant problem. Like mentioned earlier, many are tired of hearing about these things, but however tired many are of hearing about this, people of color are more sick and tired of living it. Conclusion To eliminate racism it is imperative to know first, where racism started and how it has progressed so that mistakes from the past can be avoided. By understanding why it continues to be present in our nation today, one can understand that there are significant changes that need to take place in order for this problem to be overcome. In concurrence with Wise, â€Å"until whites join with our black and brown brothers and sisters to put an end to the kind of racial inequity described above, we’ll continue to be confronted with the uneasy conversations, as well we should be. † It will take courage, consistency, and time just as it has already, but we are making progress and in due time this nation will become all that our founding fathers dreamed it would be. Works Cited Mancke, Elizabeth and Shammas, Carole. The Creation of the British Atlantic World. 2005, page 30-1. Merida, Kevin. â€Å"Racist Incidents Give Some Obama Campaigners Pause. † Washingtonpost. com. Web. 13 May 2008. Roberts, Rebecca. The ‘Post-Racial’ Conversation, One Year In. Interview with Ralph Eubanks. National Public Radio: 2010. Print. Stoddard, B. , Murphy, D. Ph. D. â€Å"The Issue of Slavery†. Netplaces. com. Web. 25 April 2012 Wise, Tim. â€Å"Denial, Evasion Won’t Solve Racism. † Lexington Herald-Leader. 10 Nov. 2003.

Support the Rights and Safety of Children and Young People

1. Paula may feel she is stupid, worthless and alone. Paula may feel like running away to escape what she is going through because she believes no one understands what she is going through or that no one will believe her story. Paula may feel sometimes killing herself is another way out. She is probably scared what her father would do to her if she told someone or what everyone else would think of her. Paula more than likely believes it her fault, no one will believe her, no one will understand, she feel all alone and she just wants to feel like a normal teenager.2. – Self- destructive behaviour e.g. drug dependency, suicide attempts and self- mutilation. Anorexia or over- eating Sexual knowledge or behaviour inappropriate for the child’s age Bruising or bleeding in genital area Bruising to the breasts, bottom, lower abdomen or thighs Adolescent pregnancy Persistent running away from home  ¾. – use a calm, reassuring voice Give support to the child by demonstra ting that you believe their story Provide comfort, verbally and agreed appropriate physical contact Do not express negative suggestions such as judgement, doubt or shock Be honestBe professional as possible Let them talk at their own pace, no interruptions, silence Make notes that are relevant to the situation Tell the child it’s not their fault and they did the right thing by tell someone Tell them it is never okay for adults to harm children Let them know what happens now Inform people who can help assist the child Tell them it’s okay to be concerned about what will happen5. Paula may become pregnant, she may run away from home, she may harm herself or attempt to commit suicide, Paula may turn to alcohol and or drugs, Abuse may to her to hurting her father or other people and she may also turn to abuse later in life and do it to someone else.6. a) – find a private place to talk – Tell Anna it’s okay and none of this is her fault – let Anna talk at her own pace, do not interrupt or be judgemental – Ask questions to clarify information – use a calm, reassuring voice and talk at the child’s development level – tell Anna you believe her story – keep emotions under control – offer support – take note during if its okay with the Anna if not after the disclosure ïÆ' ¼B) – Don’t ask questions that may make Anna feel guilty or inadequate – try and find proof of Anna’s story – don’t say you won’t tell anyone or that everything will be okay now – don’t express doubt, judgement or shock – don’t draw conclusions, engage others in discussion or accuse parents – don’t tell people that don’t need to know Anna’s disclosure only people that can help Anna. – don’t talk about your personal feelings about Anna’s story in front of her ïÆ' ¼7. – Anna needâ₠¬â„¢s immediate help, talk to someone that can help her – She needs support – Anna needs someone she can trust and talk too8. In this case study there are 3 forms of abuse. Sexual abuse, physical abuse and emotional abuse.9. The children’s rights in this case study are that by law we have to provide Anna and Paula with the freedom and opportunities to express their views and that by law must consider their views in a meaningful way. Anna and Paula have the right to participate in decision making about their  future.This means that Anna and Paula must be given where possible the opportunity to express their views freely and those views are taken into consideration when decisions about their future are being made. There for organisations that work with children and young people need to listen to what children and young people say and taking their views into account in design, development and delivery of services and policies.10. I would talk to the supervisor ag ain but express my views and concerns strongly. I would talk to her about ethics and that you cannot ignore indicators of risk of harm as well as by law you have to obey the child’s rights and consider their views or stories seriously and in a meaningful way. I would hold off on the report but closely monitoring Anna and privately say to her that she can talk to me about anything anytime. I would look for indicators of risk of harm and if I did see signs I would then talk to Anna about it and if need be from there take things to the supervisor again and then formally make a report.11. Monitor Anna closely look for and signs she is being harmed, I would continue talking to Anna and building trust between each other and when I believe I’ve seen or heard enough I would discuss the situation strongly to my supervisor then make a decision from there.12. Go over the evidence you have and the recordings you made, multiple times until you’re highly satisfied that you ha ve a strong case to take to your supervisor. You always have to take every allegation seriously and examine it thoroughly before taking it further.

Why There Should Be a Drastic Reform to the Public Education System Essay

Why There Should Be a Drastic Reform to the Public Education System - Essay Example Drastic reforms in the education system would help improve the quality of school education. In this context, school education can be defined as a laborious means of learning. This notion is justified by the articles ‘Against School’ and ‘Learning to Read’ that illustrate the poor state of school education in modern society. School education is illustrated as a poor way of educating individuals, because the tedious aspect of learning does not serve to accomplish the objective of learning as an enjoyable concept, but rather a factor that must be executed to make citizens become literate. Lawrence W. Reedla in his essay â€Å"A new Direction for Education Reform†, argues that a new exciting direction will offer great success to the education system. Education is an instrument of the societal social order and so when the society changes, even education and its approach also need to change. Education roots penetrate deep into many aspects of the society an d are subject to a number of forces, including political those that sometimes threaten the performance of the sector. Despite the significance of education, public education has been neglected and faces many problems and thus needs drastic reforms to change the system. This paper looks at some of these problems which call for drastic change in the public education system. ... to provide tools that can be used to improve education system in all public schools and provide equal resources and funding for all institutions to improve performance of public schools in all regions of the country. The articles ‘Against School’ and ‘Learning to Read’ contrast in terms of the content and ideologies posed in each. The first article, ‘Against School’, illustrates how school is a tool that is formulated to fulfill an objective, rather than create a concept that is essential, as well as enjoyable, for students. It also provides evidence why school education can be labeled as a poor educational system. ‘Against school’ provides the aspect of the problems that ails the school system and its effects on students which is usually poor performance. A change is thus needed in the public education system to find ways or ways of teaching that can encourage students to get involved in the earning process by developing interest t hrough enjoyment. The article is ‘Boredom is a common condition for schoolteachers’; this paper demonstrates a major problem with school education (167). The methods used to teach are tedious and can affect how individuals will learn concepts and ideologies that relate to various topics and subjects. This highlights that teacher get tired of teaching, and from time to time, they are unable to teach students in accordance to expectations. It brings the idea of taking children to school into question, because they do not normally enjoy their experience in school. Students are more likely to resent school, and hate education in general. (170). Learning to read by Malcolm X illustrates that if learning is implemented under the right conditions, it can be an enjoyable experience referring to the feeling he got when learning in

Racism Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Racism - Term Paper Example One time in history, when the Portuguese discovered the sophisticated African tribes, they were impressed as well as threatened by their complex societies. These same tribe were later transferred to America as slaves. From the civil war to the 1920's there was very little racial uprising. Lynchings were a common practice but the Blacks kept to themselves. In Tulsa Oklahoma, in 1921, the Black responded to a white mob, this was the first riot to be noted in a newspaper. When oil was discovered both whites and blacks became prosperous. As there was much migration from other cities, crime and poverty were rampant. The "poor white" felt that the colored people did not have the right to be wealthy as they were inferior. Individual harassment or everyday racism started well before a young colored man was wrongly accused of having touched a white girl in an elevator, the impetuous for a group of white men to join together with a common idea. Each generation uses the same principal of the us e of everyday racism transferred into group racism. Introduction Each decennia has had it's own personal face of racism. It has changed depending on the social, political, historical arena. What is important to note, there is always a weaker group and a dominant group which is determined by prejudice, financial differences or inequalities. The 1920's has been chosen as a starting point of this document as it is a turning point in the political arena of the 20th century in racial discrimination. The first significant riot occurred in the 1920's for the first time since the Civil War. This is a historical analysis of the many different faces of racism in the United States since the 1920's. One example will be taken from each generation to be analyzed and a conclusion will be drawn as to how it has been carried into the next generation. A final conclusion will be made showing by comparing examples of racism in over 100 years, one can conclude that it is as much a phenomena of society a s it is a human behavior to want to differentiate from the other and make yourself feel superior. Racism is as individualistic as is group orientated. Definition The initial definition of the word racism implied that each individual group showing a differentiation from the general population was divided into a separate group. The group could be based on geography, ethnic, origin, religion or any other specific criteria. The sociological definition of the word racism is the hatred of one person or group by another or the profound belief that the group you represent has an ethnic superiority over another group.(Ekhart 2007) Any factor can provoke another person or group into racism. The significance of racism in the United States has changed the political arena and helped change the Constitution.(Rubel) The turning points of the 1920's The 1920's newspapers reported that the Tulsa Race Riot was set off by a mob of 100% Americans on a wild rampage. Nothing was reported in the newspaper at the time as to the reasoning or what actually happened. It was only recently that the president of the National Association of Colored Peoples, Walter F White published The Eruption of Tulsa analysis giving the reasons for one of the first riots since the Civil War. The population of Tulsa changed from a sleepy western town to a vibrant rich oil town over night. From 18 000 people ,the population grew to 90 000. As a

Gay rights Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Gay rights - Essay Example The main difference most probably is the treatment of the society towards the issue specifically since through the course of the movement’s history it had evolved in stages of prohibition, being trivial, being hated and being accepted and even legal (Andryszewski, 2000). Prior to openly promoting and fighting for gay rights, the gay people are also active promoting and fighting for other related civil issues. It can then be considered that their own situations inspired them (Clendinen & Nagourney, 2013). Based on another author, there are already initiatives toward gay civil rights fifty years before it had been given attention in the United States. The Scientific Humanitarian Committee which is considered as the forerunner of the rights of gay people was established in Germany with the visions of actively promoting gay civil rights, abolition of laws against gay people and information dissemination and education regarding gay people. It was then suppressed and halted during the period of the Nazis. In 1950, the Mattachine Society started the move in the United States although in 1924 the Society for Human Rights was established by Henry Gerber and in 1940 the Veterans Benevolent Association was established in New York City (Marcus, 2009). One of the most evident rise of the gay rights movement occurred in the middle of 1960s through the Stonewall event following the trend for the black civil right movement. The said group focused on ceasing the homosexual discrimination. It can be considered that during that year, there had been an epiphany and the gay population cannot wait to stand their ground and achieve their own rights. In the 70s, different institutions and mainstream organizations supported the fight by being against all forms of discriminations targeting the gay men and lesbians. Through the year 1969-70, gay liberation or â€Å"gay pride† became a highly popular and talked about social concept with active appearances in all forms of

Leading Figures in American History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Leading Figures in American History - Essay Example Benjamin Rush - Monticello, Sep. 23, 1800) perfectly reveal his visionary ideas. He believed in an ever changing society, in the power of every new generation to make better laws, better constitutions, he believed in a form of progress which can only become possible if the man has the freedom of thinking and expressing ideas. If he came to our century he would realize that he had given America an identity and drafted the individuality of this nation. The Declaration has been the foundation on which his descendents continue to build the dream. Benjamin Franklin was acknowledged by many writers as a "versatile genius "as he had notable achievements in many areas. He was prolific not only in writing, but also in science, as he invented The Franklin stove, bifocals, a flexible catheter and the lightning rod. As a statesman and politician he is known as the only person who signed three major documents in the American history: the Declaration of Independence, the peace treaty with Britain, and the Constitution. He would proudly read his ideas and principles in today's Constitution, the most important book in the American legislation, to the writing of which he actively participated almost 250 years ago. Frederick Douglass, another remarkable figure in the American history, once said: "What was possible for me is possible for you. Do not think because you are colored you cannot accomplish anythingSo long as you remain in ignorance, so long will you fail to command the respect of your fellow men." He was a freethinker who really believed in the power of knowledge and fought for equal rights among all people, becoming a leader in the abolitionist movement and the first black citizen who hold a high rank in the American government. The present would offer him his envisioned perspective of this nation, where the Afro-Americans have equal rights, and unlimited, in any form, possibilities in the actual emancipated society.Abraham Lincoln had a difficult task to accomplish in leading the country through the Civil War. "With malice toward none, with charity for all" (Second Inaugural Address, Mar.4, 1865), he led his fight for the abolition of slavery. He spoke the words later, but they had been living in his dream long before they were expressed. Were he able to join us today, he would see a united nation, the greatest power in the world, who adopted his beliefs and struggles to act accordingly, by giving fair opportunities to all his people. Elizabeth Cady Stanton dedicated her life to the constant fight for women's rights especially for the right to vote. Gifted with a brilliant mind she had to suffer because she was born in a time when women had no right to receive proper education and had no political power. She struggled to put an end to this unjust situation, but unfortunately she died before her dream came true. Nevertheless, it did come true, 20 years after her death, and nowadays, America has a new, moral and ethical face to show to this brave freethinker. Her fight was not in vain, the American women won their right to express themselves not only in politics but in all other existing areas. These were the promoters of the freedom of thinking, they put the basis of a country where racial, sexual and religious discriminations no longer exist. Devoted to their dream, they would see it come true if the time machine drove them to the present, because

Contemporary issues in human resource management Assignment

Contemporary issues in human resource management - Assignment Example The study aims at highlighting the contemporary issues involved in human resource management, such as discriminations, job stress, safety issues, emotional labour, diversity, and employee burnout. In this report specifically the issue of Virgin Australia Airline has been chosen and their new policy of not allowing male passengers to sit beside children, as they are considered unsafe. This policy was regarded as a discrimination approach of Virgin Airlines, by its male customer. In such cases the role of human resource management and the department needs to be evaluated. Human resource management (HRM) plays a very important role in the development of modern economies. The difference between developed and developing countries lies in difference in their human resources, otherwise most of the resources are same. It has been seen that though exploiting the financial, physical, natural resources are very important in modern times, but none of them are as important as committed and efficient work force. It is often said that most of the development come from the human minds (Robbins, and Coulter, 2008, p. 366-367). The traditional importance of HRM was due to the recruitment and selection process which they handled, but now a strategic approach of HRM in administration, personnel management and other accomplishments have made the role of HRM momentous in organizations. There are numerous additional roles that the human resource department of the company has to supervise along with staffing and selection of the employees. These roles includes training the employees, monitoring performance of the employee for appraisal, job analysis, ascertaining the remuneration for a particular job position.., allotting incentives for good performance, taking care of the employee benefit policies of the company, acting as a communication channel between the employees and the top level management, developing employee welfare, safety and health care plans, taking care of promotions, transfers, maintaining industrial relationships, handling the issues of the Trade Union, solving disputes within the employees or departments, assessing the ethical issues in the department or organization, etc (Aswathappa, 2008, p. 5-6). The human resource department also has the responsibility to ensure that gender discrimination does not prevail in the organisation on the basis of gend er, according to the Civil Rights Act 1964 (Kurtz, and Boone, 2008, p. 54). Problem Areas This section involves the contemporary issues of human resource with respect to Virgin Australia Airline. The company has recently reviewed its policies in which they have restricted men to sit beside children on the flights. The policy

Historic accuracy of the movie 300 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Historic accuracy of the movie 300 - Essay Example The third correct historical accurate aspect of the movie concerns the words Spartan mothers tell their sons as they go to war: â€Å"Come back carrying your shield, or being carried upon it.† In the movie, Spartan Queen Gorgo {played by Lena Headey} says these words to her husband King Leonidas {played by Gerard Butler} as he prepares to lead his 300 Spartans to war against the Persians (Borza) The first historical inaccuracy in the movie concerns the size of the Persian army lined up against the Spartans in the epic battle of Thermopylae. The movie trailer mentions: â€Å"They {the Spartans} were 300 men against a Million.† The movie relies on the classical historian Herodotus, who estimated the Persian army at 1,700,000 soldiers collected from 46 nations. However, keeping in mind the population structure of the Achaemenid Persian Empire of that era, modern European scholars like Ernst Obst, William Woodthorpe Tarn and Robert von Fischer are in total agreement that the acceptable number was between 100,000 to 200,000. Even if 1,700,000 troops were somehow collected, it would be a monumentally huge logistical miracle to coordinate, put into position and effectively control the massive number of troops from so many nations given that computers and communication technology did not exist at that time. Secondly, if a 1,700,000 strong army had traveled the long distance from Asia to Greece in the absence of the railway and telegraph, the prevalent logistics and supply would be unable to provide sustenance for them (Farrokh). The second historical inaccuracy relates to weapons and armory. Firstly, the swords of both Greeks and Persians are depicted as traditional in size. In historical records, the Persian swords during that time were shorter and resembled daggers, while the swords of the Greeks were longer than traditional swords. The short size of

Chapter4 summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Chapter4 summary - Essay Example Similarly, philosophy has its own set of principles that differentiate conflicting ideas (Stewart, & Blocker, 2001). The rise of western philosophy brought about a significant shift in philosophy and reasoning. In particular, the shift induced the appeal of reason from mythological criteria. An appeal to reason is the idea of making logical analysis before making a decision. Emotions do not comprise logical reason, in the sense that they compel one to make hasty decisions. Thus, the appeal to reason is the universal sense of correctness. However, different people have different measures for correctness as well as reasoning. The nature of a problem explains the existence of varied reasons. For instance, most people will disagree on a particular political agenda but agree on 5+7 = 12. This introduces the issue of reasonable decision or specifically what reason is. Reason is the basis of decisions making and, it reflects on the fairness of ideas or conclusions. Therefore, a reasonable person is one who judges his reasons and determines the most appropriate ones. Application of reasoning in decision-making is an appeal to concentrate on an issue. The study of logic and the connection between logic and reasoning is the foundation of philosophy. Science is also established on the appeal to reason; however, unlike philosophy, science utilizes empirical facts. For instance, a scientist must verify a claim through experiments before he or she can declare them the absolute truth. On the other hand, philosophers attempt to articulate our beliefs and assumption on nature. Thus, philosophers are preoccupied with theories that prove certain facts, instead of creating new theories. Philosophy’s chief tool is reason and, therefore it is not an empirical subject (Stewart, & Blocker, 2001). Since ancient times, people have been compelled to live according to reason. Socrates once said that life without reason is not worth living. Therefore,

Properties of Language, According to Linguistics Essay Example for Free

Properties of Language, According to Linguistics Essay Language, we use it everyday, but what exactly defines â€Å"language? † Are there generalizations to be made of all languages? Does everyone learn language same way? What are the rules of language? â€Å"What is Language? † by Neil Smith and Deirdre Wilson answers these questions and more by highlighting the three major theories of modern linguistics. The first modern linguistic theory claims that language is govern by grammar and that grammar is a set of rules with two functions: identifying possible sentences in a given language and dictate the pronunciation meaning of a sentence in a given language. The first function provides fluent speakers the ability to understand every conceivable sentence in their language even if they never heard it before sentences. This creative quality to produce infinitely many sentences is unique to language. The second function provides fluent speakers of different dialects to communicate with each other using the grammar rules of their shared language. The two functions of the first modern linguistic theory provides effective communication between two parties and acknowledgment of it is vital in first understanding language. In part with the first modern linguistic theory’s definition of grammar is that each person’s linguistic grammar is entirely unique to him or herself, because everyone learns grammar differently due different external factors. Everyone absorbs different linguistic speech patterns from their external environment during infancy and adds it to his or her own unique grammar customs, habits or conventions. These differences are even more prominent in patients of aphasia, a language disability that breaks up certain parts of their grammar creating difficult to understand or entirely incoherent sentences. People with aphasia create their own linguistic systems, sometimes being completely incompatible with the common linguistic systems of their receivers, causing misunderstandings. Generally, the only two instances of completely unique linguistic systems are when infants first learn language and patients with aphasia. The study of these two instances are vital in understanding the degree of uniqueness a linguistic grammar systems. The second modern linguistic theory claims that grammar is psychologically real and unconsciously known. However, the idea that grammar is unconscious knowledge is a controversial one. The opposition argues that sentence understanding is formed from using analogous sentences the listener has already heard and understood. It is not unconscious knowledge, they claim, but conscious identification of previously understood sentences. However, that does not explain the creativity of forming entirely new sentences or understanding the meaning of a never heard before sentence. For example, Noam Chomsky’s famous line, â€Å"Colorless green ideas sleep furiously† understandably sounds English and follows the grammatical rules of English, but makes no semantic sense. The opposition’s claim should be understood as â€Å"previously experienced analogous rules are used to understand language. † This would be classified under grammar rules. This explains how students first learn a language by identifying patterns through multiple experiences with the same kind of sentences. L inguists, however, research existing patterns from recognizing sentence patterns that are psychologically valid, i. e. significant generalizations and sentence patterns that arose by accident or by coincidence, i.  e. accidental generalizations. Significant generalizations are formed from existing rules, such as using â€Å"mister† for a man and â€Å"miss† for a woman. Accidental generalizations are any rules that are not the currently valid linguistic rules and are formed from chance events from using rules during early development of the language or change from outside influences. A child might make an accidental generalization of â€Å"mister† and call a woman â€Å"mister,† which would be very inappropriate and incorrect. Through intensive research, linguists are able to identify which generalizations are accidental or incorrect and create generalizations that are correct. The third modern linguistic theory by Noam Chomsky claims that people learn certain language forms instinctively. Chomsky discovered this parallel from the fact that all languages are very similar to each other. A few universalities shared by all languages discovered by linguistics are that all languages have vowels, consonants, nouns, verbs, affirmative sentences, negative sentences and interrogative sentences. A study done by Russell Tomlin in 1986, London, is that 45% of all languages share the â€Å"subject-verb-object† sentence structure and 42% share the â€Å"subject-verb-object† sentence structure. Very few languages, for whatever reason, have the verb or object first, which would indicate that the formation of language favors the subject first and that most languages are predisposed to having a subject first in a sentence. Language, whether we completely comprehend its inner workings or not, is constantly a prevailing aspect of our daily lives. We use language unconsciously, and yet because of this aspect, it is very difficult to fully classify rules of language. Thankfully, we can analyze various instances of unique grammar formation to further clarify our generalizations of languages and through these generalizations, find universalities of all languages. What is language, you ask? Language is a beautiful study of unique linguistics systems, interplaying with each other to create powerful communication.

The way four poets write about events which have happened to them Essay Example for Free

The way four poets write about events which have happened to them Essay In this essay I am going to compare four different poems on the theme of events that have occurred and how they are displayed. I will explore the different methods and techniques used by the poet to convey the story and event. I am going to compare, The Affliction of Margaret, On my first Sonne, Mid-Term Break and Cold Knap Lake. In The Affliction of Margaret, the tone is set almost immediately, because the reader is asked a question, Where art thou, my beloved Son this is the first line of the poem and it suggest that the character has lost her son, because she is questioning where art thou, from this we see that the poem is based on a mother and son theme. Where art thou, worse to me than dead? here the poet questions the audience, by using a rhetorical question, this technique involves the read more emotionally. The quotation shows that her son is missing, and the idea that it is on the same level of being dead, if not worse because having your child missing, creates a false hope that they will return, whereas knowing they are dead, will allow you to come to terms with it, and your mind will be at peace even though there has been a indescribable loss. The length of this poem supports the theme of the poem, because there are 11 stanzas which are fairly long. This unusual size for a poem support the idea that the poets mind is not at rest, so he keeps going on and on, whereas if she knew her son was dead, she would not go on. The idea that Margaret does not care about her pride pride shall help me in my wrong all she wants is his son back shows the strength of the relationship the mother and son had. seven years, alas! this states that the boy has been missing for 7 years, which creates a depth of pain, because she has been wondering with her mind not at rest about her sons being. Why am I ignorant? this supports the idea of not knowing because she is questioning why she cant accept that her son may never return. In the second stanza, we are told that he was her only son, no tidings of an only child this make the poem more emotional because we are left with the idea that Margaret is left alone. In the second stanza shes feels tricked with thoughts of happiness and be for evermore beguiled. Each stanza in this poem has a different tone on the same theme, an example of this is in the second stanza, there is a tone of being tricked and miserable, whereas in the third stanza, Margaret begins to praise her son Ingenuous, innocent, and bold. in the sixth stanza there is a feeling that she may have accepted her son is gone, because she is almost writing a letter to her child, saying how she should be thought of think not of me with grief and pain. The seventh stanza suggest a idea of heaven and god fowls of heaven shows how she wishes her son could simply fly home, but is tied down to the earth chains ties us down by land and sea. The poem is long because of her uncertainty. On my first Sonne is similar to The Affliction of Margaret because they are both about children, but this is different because the boy has died, and is not missing. Knowing your child is dead removes all the thoughts and questions running through the mind of the parent. There is no chance that the child will return so it also removes any hopes, where as having your child missing, creates a hope that they will return, or several scenarios are created such as Whats happened to my son?, all the bad things that may of happened. All these negative images develop in the mind, when thinking about a loved one that has gone missing. In On my first Sonne contains several methods to explain the event that has happened, Farewell, thou child of my right hand this tells the reader that he has already lost a child. This poem is fairly emotional and plays with the concept of death. Jonson refers to his son as a sin my sinne was too much hope of thee this shows that Jonson has accepted the death of his son. Seven yeeres thowert lent to me, and I thee pay this shows that Jonson feels that his son was lent to him from God, and his death was just him returning to where he belonged and his death was meant to be. The tone of this poem is much more subtle and peaceful; it is based on how his son was a blessing etc, whereas in The Affliction of Margaret the tone and theme are unsettled and static, because there is a sense of anxiety and distress, because the boy is missing. Ben Jonson sees his son as a piece his best piece of work his best piece of poetrie. Due to his death, Jonson may never enjoy his life again for the fear that he might loose his loved ones as what he loves may never like too much. This is the last line of the poem and suggests the end, because he said he will never be too happy again. So the peak of his life has passed, the poem seems to suggest that Jonson is jealous of his son, and wishes for death so they can be together. The techniques in this poem create a sense of peace and justice, because Ben Jonson is talking about how his son is a blessing and linking him to God. The event of the death of his son is told in a very positive and poetic way. The poem flows smoothly, and contains rhyming couplets; on the other hand in The Affliction of Margaret the event is reflected in a negative way. I have no other earthly friend this is the last line of the poem and shows the depression and sadness in Margaret, she feels alone and isolated from the world, because her son was more then a son but also a best friend, so she has lost more then just a son. In mid-term break, the tone of the poem is set in the second line of the first stanza. Counting bells knelling classes to a close here Heaney uses alliteration, this emphasizes the sounds of the bells at the funereal. The first stanza begins with morning I sat all morning and only two lines away At two oclock this shows how hours have been spent waiting. The first stanza gives the reader the tone and format of the whole poem. The second stanza begins with the image of the father crying, I met my father crying this suggests to the reader that it is a rare event because there is a comment about how he takes normal funereal in his stride and do not create a emotional problem for him, always taken funerals in his stride this shows the strong effect death can have on anyone emotionally. A four foot box, a four for every year this represents the death of a four year old child, because he is saying a foot for every year. So the reader understands this as a four year old child has died. This poem reflects on the funeral in a subtle way, the poem does not contain many emotional feelings, and is fairly neutral. The poem is written more as a story then anything else. The poem is very descriptive of the funeral and contains ideas and imagery that have a greater representation. In Cold Knap Lake there is tone of death straight away, pull a drowned child from the lake the death of a child signifies destroying pureness, because children are clean and unspoilt, also describing the death drowned adds a element of struggle, because drowning is seen as a very painful way of dying. The poem is very descriptive and contains metaphors that create images in the readers mind. Blue-lipped and dressed in waters long green silk this is a very imaginative way of describing a young girl that has just be found dead. Long green silk represents see weed. My mother gave a strangers child her breath this means that the girl was brought back to life by Gillian Clarkes mother, because she was resuscitated. The idea that she was brought back to life, and when she arrives home is beaten by her father, creates several ideas in the readers head, either the girl is being taught a lesson, that she should not be so careless, or she is being abused; this technique involves the reader more. The poem ends on a morbid tone, in that lake with poor mans daughter. In all four poems there is a sense of death, and the poets are all telling a past event, in The Affliction of Margaret its about her missing son, and all her problems, and her unsettled mind, in On my first Sonne, there is a sense of peace and the rush and uncertainty in The Affliction of Margaret is not there, because Ben Jonson has accept the death of his death, and has justified it, by seeing his son more as a blessing, then a person. Mid-term break is also based on the same theme of death, because it is about a funeral, and the effects is has caused, and in Cold Knap lake, the event is the discovery of a dead girl that is brought back to life. All the poems use metaphors, personification to bring the poem to life to explain their personal events.

Zara Fast Fashion: Case Study

Zara Fast Fashion: Case Study Describe how Zara uses technology to improve operational responsiveness to customer expectations, and at the same time to reduce costs in certain areas. Zaras main strategy is to give a quick answer to end consumer demands and anticipate consumer trends through information technology and human resources. It operates on the basis of heavy backward vertical integration, working its way from the end consumer all the way back to the manufacturing and distribution. It ensures a very tight control of production through simple and effective IT systems as well as a high tech distribution center (DC.) It realizes cost optimization on its basic items for production and also time optimization in terms of speed to market of its fashion items making use of technology. Zara adapted to trends and differences across markets by interacting regularly with the store managers using the PDA and phone systems to get updates on customer feedback, fashion sense etc. The Point of Sale system (POS) in the store computers also provided valuable sales data to the distribution center which had a mobile tracking system that docked hanging garments in appropriate bar coded areas. The various garments were given Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) and orders were placed from the hand-held computers in the stores twice a week or more, to the distribution center where if particular items were in short supply, allocation decisions were made on the basis of historical sales levels and other considerations. After the orders were approved, the warehouse issued lists for delivery to the stores. Zara design teams tracked customer preferences and used sales information such as sales analysis, store trends and product life cycle information from the store managers, based on a consumption information system to transmit repeat orders and new designs to internal/external suppliers and the DC. The design teams thereby bridged merchandising and the backend of the production process and they developed the right products within the season to meet consumer demands. Zaras product development teams attended high fashion fares and exhibitions to translate the latest seaso nal trends into the designs. Hence, a super fast rate of operational responsiveness to customers was maintained and the DC was more of a place to merchandise than merely for storage. Technology also helped keep Zaras costs under control. By using the POS systems in store computers, handheld PDA devices for store managers and phone systems, accurate information regarding orders required were transmitted to the DC. The SKUs ensured accuracy in terms of which products needed to be produced and in what quantities and the DCs could use all this information and feedback from the design teams to make orders of the right quantity of each kind of product. Thus, inventory costs were very low, runs were limited and production costs were maintained at very manageable levels in spite of the large number of new items that are continuously produced. Zaras factories were also heavily automated, specialized by garment type and focused on the capital intensive parts of the production process, like pattern design and cutting as well as final finishing and inspection. A Just-in-time system was installed in collaboration with Toyota in these factories and this helped in faster comple tion of work and controlling of costs through continuous improvement processes. Management Information System technology plays a crucial role in Zaras customer responsiveness and cost control measures. From what you see in the case, does Zara price to market or on the basis of other factors? Zara always followed a market based pricing method. In each country, Zara always placed more focus on the market prices (local pricing levels) rather than on its own costs to forecast prices of items in particular markets. These forecasts were later overlaid on cost estimates that included all considerations such as distance, tariffs, and taxes and so on to see whether the potential market could achieve profitability in a year or two of opening the first store. Zara followed a different pricing strategy in each country, for example, in Italy and Paris the focus was more quality oriented and so the price of the same items were much higher, however, in Germany where consumers are price sensitive the items were lesser priced. This figured in the different marketing strategy followed in each country. Zara controlled its costs through its production and distribution processes and was positioned in many countries as high fashion at affordable prices which though were centrally determined, much lower than competitor prices for comparable products in its major markets. Percentage margins still held up, this was possible because of the direct efficiencies of short, vertically integrated supply chain, reduced advertising costs, and markdown requirements. Thus Zara competed at reasonable prices through a cost leadership strategy, completing Porters generic strategy through differentiated products and broad segmentation. Zaras customers in many countries bore the extra costs of supplying the items from Spain though the prices were market based, for example, prices were 40% higher in Northern Europe and 70% higher in the Americas than in Spain. This could be seen on the garments price tag which was an atlas to the customers. These higher prices outside Spain affected Zaras positioning overseas as high end instead of mid market range products to better validate the price differences. Like in Mexico where the target consumer base is narrow, it is geared towards the upper and middle class that knows fashion. Moreover, as in Europe, the artificial scarcity that Zara creates of its products in its stores urge the customers to pay the price and buy rather than wait it out. Markdowns are very low for Zara in Europe and elsewhere, 15-20% of its sales as compared to 30-40% for its European peers. Zara does not completely compete on basis of price as the usual Zara customer is not that price sensitive; instead, it competes on fashion and its quick response capability. Zara (2010) has just launched an on-line, e-retail distribution service. For an apparel retailer what are the advantages and disadvantages of online distribution? Can Zara make it work? Inditex has long used the internet to promote its various lines and corporate image and is also popular on Facebook, where it has 4.5m fans. Its Smartphone application, launched about a year ago, has been downloaded by 2m people. Zara can very easily make its online e-retail distribution service work successfully. Familiarity with the Zara stores thus provides name recognition for the online retail site, and the combination of customer data gathered by the store and the online retail site (through Google Analytics, for example) could lead to substantial personalized marketing efforts, using various channels. With Zaras policy of a lean advertising budget, an online retail portal will add greatly in terms of branding and awareness. Zara had initially decided not to sell clothes on the internet since the returns rates were too high. However, as of September 2010, Inditex put Zara branded products online for its customers, waiting for online demand to build. Customers can choose from the usual range of paying methods and opt either for a free store pick-up or paid-for postal delivery. The online return and exchange policy is identical to the store system, with shoppers given 30 days to change their minds. iPhone and iPad applications that allowed purchasing will soon be available and online sales will help Zara reach potential customers who have no easy access to physical stores. For an apparel retailer, the advantages of online distribution would be providing convenience to the shoppers to buy from the comfort of their home, save on travel time and costs and have easy access to the products. Customers will have 24 hour access to the shopping platform online and make better buying decisions through online chat and discussion. Researchers identify convenience as a fundamental objective related to online shopping (Schaupp Belanger, 2005). This is relevant to 72% of online shoppers claim that they would rather surf online than go to retail store to attain information about a product (Lokken et al., 2003). Costs on human resources (Vendors, shop assistants, managers) can be saved by the retailer and customers can make relaxed wise buy decisions without pressure from vendors. Infinite shelf space will be available in that, products available at all store locations and around the world without geographical boundaries, to the customers to choose from. Comparison sh opping in terms of styles and prices will be easier on the online portal than in the store for the consumer. Boston Consulting Group analysts Evans and Wurster theorize that the three main strategic draws of online retail are reach, affiliation and richness. Reach is defined as access and connection: how many customers a business can access and how many products it can offer. Moreover, a retailers range of product offerings was traditionally limited by the size of its stores and the cost of carrying inventory while online retailers as intermediaries between customers and suppliers need not necessarily have an inventory at all, only a catalog, often transparent to the customer. Affiliation refers to whose interests are represented by the online retailer who can treat the products from their various vendors more objectively, providing more objective information and better product comparisons for their customers. Richness refers to the depth and detail of information, about products and about customers. Evans and Wurster argue that traditional retailers still are at an advantage to supply expe rt information about products to their customers, and that they also are still in a better position to gather information about product sales and customer profiles and buying patterns. Online retailers are quickly catching up, however, gathering data about customer browsing behavior, purchasing history, and demographics. Online retailers are subsequently able to use this data to provide their customers with a fully customized online shopping environment, including individualized web pages, targeted ads and offers, and specific product suggestions, something traditional retailers cannot effectively do at their retail outlets. Some of the disadvantages of online retail would be the difficulty to gather trend information, product sales and customer suggestions. Zara could remedy this by using analytics and customer feedback forms online that are user friendly and attractive. The experience of shopping in a Zara store would be lost, but Zara would need to make its retail platform very interactive and spellbinding. Zaras prime store locations cost a lot of investment, and the advent of online shopping could mean cannibalization of its retail outlet sales and a waste of upkeep costs, this could put Zara into a fix. Customers will not be able to touch and try the product like they can in an actual store, [t]he likelihood of purchasing on the Internet decreases with increases in product risk (Bhatnagar, Misra, Rao, 20000, p. 100). Apparels in particular had negative rating in online shopping because of it is difficult to feel and see the texture of colour online that is incomparable to going to a retail store. The biggest drawback itself would be the concept of infinite shelf space that an online distribution will bring, for Zara. Being a company that thrives on the creation of artificial scarcity of its products, the online distribution channel will have to be very carefully controlled to ensure that customers buy the products with the same fervour as when they visit the store, knowing that it might not be available the following week. Zara can remedy this situation by advertising only a limited number of units of each product online so customers will know if the numbers are dwindling and that they need to act fast in order to acquire the product just as in the case of the actual store.

Economic Repercussions of Tourism in the Caribbean Essay -- Economics

Economic Repercussions of Tourism in the Caribbean The tourism industry is one of the largest contributors to the world GDP. It employs millions worldwide and provides a livelihood for nations and individuals alike. Focussing on a more specific economy - the economy of the Caribbean - a similar picture emerges. Much of the population has found employment in industries directly related to tourism and many more have done so in industries indirectly related to tourism. Albeit, there lurks a reality that defies this rosy illusion. The adverse effects of tourism on the economy are many and significant. In the long run, few clear advantages are visible. For countries of the Caribbean, that support their total national revenue figures primarily with tourism dollars, many challenges confront them. Commercialization of the local culture is probably the most visible change imposed by tourism. In an attempt to cater to the needs of the tourist culture, higher priority has been awarded to the capitalistic pursuits of wealth. All in exchange for age-old customs rich in heritage and traditions, they have replaced liquid assets for one that made the locals unique among all others in the world, their identity. Encouraging Americanized methods have rendered many of these ways of life obsolete. Tradition with regards to clothing styles, food, music, religion, and many other customs have begun to disappear from the lives of the people, all in the interest of the economy. There is no economy in the world that can claim to be immune from the occurrences of the natural elements. Droughts, floods, storms any many other natural disasters constitute as only one factor that incur profound impacts on the economies. The shock m... ...Asia, enjoys tremendous newly attained prosperity, and possesses a capitol that is regarded as an urban financial hub of the highest caliber. The tourist sector has developed as a result, especially business tourism. But these tourists do not come to take advantage of the weather and natural sites; rather they come to admire the accomplishments of the Malay. This tourism acts as a simple boost to the economy, not a lifeline. Changes in the volatile market of tourism will not adversely impact the country. The Caribbean nations should take example of the success of the Asians in transforming their countries into booming developing countries from their poverty stricken and technologically impaired plight only decades ago. Domestically owned corporations and far greater emphasis on technological and other industrial fields is vital to their successful future.

Sociology vs. Cultural Anthropology Essay -- Sociology Essays

The research methods in sociology and anthropology are similar yet follow a specific set of guidelines for each. Each field approaches research in a similar fashion but the methodology and intentions can differ. The differences reflect the distinct differences that are present in sociology and anthropology. The way that an anthropologist approaches a problem and attempts to solve it is different than a sociologist because of the discerning basis of their knowledge. Some of the research methods require a researcher to be up close and personal with subjects while in other methods the subject don’t even realize they are being observed. From these research methods, sociologists and anthropologists draw conclusions from their observations. Sociological research methods include experiments and social surveys. Experiments are carefully designed investigations in which the variables being studied are controlled and the researcher obtains results through precise observation and measurement (Tischler, 2007). The researcher then studies those measurements to determine the impact of the variables. Experiments are designed to simulate real-life under controlled circumstances to the absolute best of the researcher’s ability. Advantages to conducting an expirement are that variables can be isolated and controlled and are the perfect setting for testing cause -and -effect relationships. However, most things that sociologists study can not be studied in a â€Å"lab†. There are 3 different types of experiments; Laboratory, natural and field experiments. In a ‘lab’ setting the subjects are in a contained setting. Natural experiments come from actual occurrences and this creates a sort of living and bre athing laboratory. Natural disasters provid... ...r, 2007). Many of the theories and concepts between sociology and cultural overlap because on a very basic level it is people being studied and their behaviors in the past and present. Using the methods of research, researchers can make predictions about society in the future. Works Cited Research Methods. (n.d.). Eastern Oregon University - Home. Retrieved January 3, 2011, from http://www2.eou.edu/~kdahl/methdef.html Sociological Research Methods. (n.d.). Sociological Research Methods. Retrieved January 3, 2011, from www.fdbond.com/Sociology Sociological Research Methods : SparkCharts. (n.d.). SparkNotes: SparkCharts. Retrieved January 4, 2011, from http://sparkcharts.sparknotes.com/gensci/sociology/section12.php Tischler, H. L. (2007). The Sociological Perspective. Introduction to sociology (9th ed., pp. 9-10). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.

Colonial Differences Essay -- essays research papers

The differences in development between the New England colonies and the Chesapeake or Middle colonies occurred for a many number of reasons. First, they were different people. They come from different places and had different ways of life. Not only did the two regions both have different governing systems, but they were also driven to the New World by different religions or incentives. Even their slight economic differences helped to shape the individuality of the two areas.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most could probably see that is was painfully obvious as to who the religious fanatics were. New England’s colonists seemed to have a more religious tone, than did that of the Middle or Southern regions. The Puritans, who had apparently come to America to escape ridicule and religious persecution, were taking up on that very idea, punishing all those whom did not share in their ideas. They were stiff, strict people and did not allow for much, but the main idea is that they were driven by a higher power, God. This made the Puritans successful Massachusetts’s colonists in that they were strong-willed and willing to make their government work. The type of government chosen by the Puritans worked well, a theocratic environment. A theocracy is defined as government of a state by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided. According the John Winthrop, who was to be their governor for some number of years, it seemed that t heir grand purpose in A...

The Dead Towns Of Kola

Gently stepping upon the gravel of the old roads, the old wind roared from the sea, bringing punishing gusts of fine sand and gravel from the beaches far away. Grass lands surround what was a thriving town full of life, now dead with not a soul around, the land reclaimed by nature, and scared by the permanent skeletons of ancient buildings without a purpose. The old base is still there, with high walls and concrete bunkers laughing menacingly in the face of nature, its large guns frozen in rust, still facing out to sea, waiting to defend against those who never arrived in the ever relentless, raging wind. A shadow moves rapidly in the distance, a small hare speeding through the grass, poking its nose up and sniffing the air, checking the salty breeze for dangers. Startled by a small bird over head, it darts off running against the furious winds, past the old buildings, along the deserted streets. The signs of the old shops glare down onto the street their windows ravaged by cracks and diseased by time, standing in linear patterns like a gallery of despair, long tender branches thudding against them in the ever relentless, raging wind. Gently floating down, a fleck of paint lands on the table inside the abandoned farm house, this large structure once home to the generations of family who lived here, now occupied by the generations of animals left behind. Another gust blows in violently and viciously shaking the antique structure, forcing dust from the beams in the roof, a single shingle stolen from the roof by the ever relentless, raging wind. Walking towards the naval bases of the beach, the sights amaze, the bodies of ships scattered upon the sands, steadily dying in the dismantling salt waves. The boats of the industry left to rot amongst the rocks and the ever relentless, raging wind. Viciously rattling the chains on the gates the wind stops for a while, just enough time for the loud crash of a fishing crane to fall from its boat and fill the air with its resonating boom, this is quickly replaced with the sounds of the ever relentless, raging wind. The great white sands on the beach contrast with the blood red grass of the dunes, their usual green blades poisoned by the red rust of the dying ships in the bay. A small pair of pointed ears pops up protruding from the poisoned plants. The hare has come back this time grazing upon the rust red plants away from the tiny town and the ever relentless, raging wind. Standing tall with the harsh grey fortress, a single flag still flies amongst the torn shreds of others, its blood red colours standing battered from its 20 years of isolation, guarding over its fortress with its single red star, its hammer, its sickle, honouring the united nation that forgot it, still bearing its insignia. Further into the base through the fallen chain gates lies a grounded submarine, half sunken into the asphalt ground, a memorial to those lost in a war forgotten, reclaimed by natures penetrating grass, and tree's blowing with the ancient flag, in the ever relentless raging wind.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Throughout the many genres of filming, D. W Griffiths’ (David Llewelyn Wark) film, Intolerance (1916) encouraged the beginning of a unique genre of filming; Art House. Art house film’s individuality of filming is targeted at a smaller market audience. Unlike Hollywood cinema, Art house uses a unique strategy of capturing the audience by crossing boundaries and making the basis of the storylines harder to predict, leaving the audience puzzled throughout, and usually after the film has ended.The tale of Joel and Clementine in the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind shows the director Michael Gondry’s ability to withhold the events of a unique romance and shape it into a genre of Art house through its representations and languages. Michael Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was released on March the 19th 2004 in North America with a production budget of $20 million and grossed over US $70 million worldwide. The title is taken from the poem Eloisa to Abelard by Alexander Pope, the story of a tragic love affair, where forgetfulness became the star's only comfort.The storyline basis begins with Joel suffering with a heavy break-up with Clementine, a dysfunctional free spirit who decides she wants to erase every memory of her and Joel together. When Joel learns this, he makes his way to the memory erasing company Lacuna Inc.  ® and has the procedure done on himself. As he undergoes the process, he realises he wants to keep his recollections of Clementine and subconsciously avoids the erasure of Clementine from his memory.Typical Hollywood films are limited in their use of camera angles to suit the scene, genre, and storyline, whereas Art house films are unrestricted with plenty of variety of angles, shots, and scene layouts. Gondry filmed in a near-documentary style, giving a large range of camera angles. In the scene where Joel is under the table, in discussion of Joel and Michael Gondry, the table was set up to be hei ghted differently, and furniture was made larger towards the back of the set to give the effect that Joel was miniature.The director chose to make the film in a non-chronological order, with many of the more imaginative sequences being set deep in Joel's mind, as he invades his own memories to keep them from slipping away. Other effects used were in-camera tricks of the eye and lense of the camera used. According to the end credits, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was filmed in and around Brooklyn, Manhattan, Montauk, Mount Vernon, Wainscott, and Yonkers, New York and also in Bayonne and West Orange in New Jersey.The unusual layout of the scenes were arbitrarily set in a way which confuses the viewer and puzzles their mindset on the events occurring throughout the movie. Art house Cinema is a genre in which specific events occur without reason throughout the many films of Art house, and in which are never explained throughout the entire film. The symbolism Gondry has created t hroughout the film would not usually relate to the conventional Hollywood films. Within most Hollywood films, scenes are set to suit to the stereotypical genre. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind uses many scenes with critical symbolism, such as the use of sand.The use of sand throughout the erasure of Joel’s memories of Clementine reflects upon the Storyline as its constant use of sand in the scenes symbolise Joel’s memories of Clementine are literally slipping through his mind just as sand slips through an hour glass. Another important use of recognised symbolism was throughout the entire subconscious mind of Joel, in which Clementine’s hair was the colour set of the season. For example, throughout the memories of summer, Clementine’s hair was Tangerine and brightly coloured, as summer is bright, and the scene appears to have a lot of brightness.Throughout the genre of typical Hollywood films, the scenes would not appeal as much and have such recogni sable symbolism, as Art house Cinema’s genre permits to give as much symbolism to the audience as possible, just like an art painting, there must be symbolism to the painting or it will not have its own individual theme. Usually an Art house film would be completely not recommended for children, most art house films are rated MA 15+ and also the scenario would completely be misunderstood, in the sense that they would not grasp any of the concepts, symbolism, which all forms the understand of an Art house film.Considering Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is an MA15+ (R 18+ USA) the viewing is for the eyes of young adolescents in which whether their maturity level will provide meaning and understanding of the film. For the viewer’s attention to be grabbed, they must be pulled in by the unsolved mysteries which the film usually withholds, for example, why a certain event occurred, why a specific scene was in there. As Art house films usually structure their design in peculiar ways, they don’t rarely expose the mystery, and questions pondering in the minds of the audience unlike the typical, large marketed, Hollywood films.Art house films generate their storylines fictionally, and usually surreal, with writers who have a vast imagination. Art house is the epitome of rule breaking, fantasy and fictional characters. The audience views a style that not only frees the limits of a story line, but manipulates and shapes the minds of the audience to be captured in the film. The director, Michael Gondry designed Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind through obscure and surreal techniques, and undeniably provides an example of an Art House film. The film exhibits representations and languages that all form appropriately into the genre of Art house. BIBLIOGRAPHY ttp://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Art_film – What is art house films, founder of art house, beginner etc. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Eternal_Sunshine_of_the_Spotless_Mind#Film_settin g_and_locations – Release, gross http://www. filmeducation. org/pdf/film/EternalSunshine. pdf – Technology used, Budget for movie & estimated budget http://hollywoodjesus. com/eternal_sunshine. htm – Symbolism http://alisonsdirectorstudy. weebly. com/1/post/2010/03/symbolism-in-eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind. html – Symbolism http://www. imdb. com/title/tt0338013/ – Rating http://hhsdrama. com/documents/LectureEternalSunshine. pdf – basic research Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind The movie â€Å"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind† is the story of a guy, Joel, who discovers that his long-time girlfriend, Clementine, has undergone a psychiatrist's experimental procedure in which all of her memory of Joel is removed, after the couple has tried for years to get their relationship working right. Frustrated by the idea of still being in love with a woman who doesn't remember their time together, Joel agrees to do the procedure also, to erase his memories of Clementine. The movie takes place mostly in Joel's mind, which follow his memories of Clementine backwards in time as each recent memory is replaced, and the process then goes on to the previous one and then erased. Once the process starts, Joel realizes he doesn't really want to forget Clementine, so he starts sneaking her away into parts of his memory where she don't belong that changes other things about his memories also. â€Å"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind† is dealing with the ideas of ownership, truth, time, and presence. For example ownership is represented of having the memory of the one person, truth is shown through spirituality, time is shown by the existence of their memories, and presence is brought out through Joel’s mind of Clementine. The character who is most present in their life is Clementine because she is being present, occurring, and existing in Joel’s mind. The character that is most aware of time is Joel because of the existence and events of Clementine. The central theme of â€Å"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind† is unavoidable romance, but with a difference. The love itself, when it’s finally won, isn’t appealing. It’s not even likely to last, but being in love is the only way these characters feel alive and no void in their brains can get over that. The statement of â€Å"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind† is time because of the events in the past, present, an future of Joel and Clementine’s memories, but also willingness to skip across the memories of forgetting.