Immigrant short story Essay example -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It started like any other day up on the hills of Rhein, but that day had the scent of freedom floating in the air. The journey ahead of me had been teasing me for weeks, I was just so anxious to get away and start all over again. I had made certain arrangements before I left, our family dog was not allowed on the ship that we were going to be arriving in America, so I had my parents take care of the dog for us. It was a hard thing to do seeing that the dog had become more than just a pet to the children and I, for we almost would recognize him as a family member. Most of our possessions we were able to keep with us, but we had to keep the load light since it was going to be a tight stay in the steerage. I wasn’t sure of what to expect in America, but my friend Niva had been writing me ever since she had arrived in America; begging me to witness the splendor of freedom given, and the different way of living. I was easy to be convinced into going because it s eemed like nothing was really happening in my life, and I was desperate for a change.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The sea breezes were dancing around me as I waved goodbye to my ma and pa. Tears streamed down my face as I looked at what I was going to be leaving, it was my life and my past. Each of the children were given a photograph of the last time we were all together, including our dog Marcy and my ma and pa. Their small hands drifted in the breeze while waving goodbye to everything they knew in this world, for they had not yet been to another country before, nor had they ever left the world of Rhein. As the ship set sail, it was almost as if we were breaking away from reality. It was a scary thought to start all over but I was willing to put myself through any circumstances to get me away from Rhein. I was tired of the living conditions of Rhein, and I knew America offered better schooling for the children. It was a risky change in my life and the children’s, but I knew as soon as the ropes were untied and we started to drift away, that there was no turning back.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When the shore of Rhein was distant in our path, I thought it was a good time to go to our room on the ship. I kept my children close to me for I was unsure of these strangers that crowed the halls. After going down many stair wells into the bottom the ship, we had arrived at... ...th green shutters beside the windows. With one ring of the door bell, the door shot upon and Niva came running out. Happy tears filled our eyes, for it had been several years since we had last seen each other. She took us up to her apartment space, and there we shared all the great things and not so great things that had occurred in our lives while we were apart. The children swarmed the apartment and were racing around exploring each room, almost as if there was a hidden treasure in each. The rest of the night we all relaxed over a nice meal and listened to Niva’s funny stories of getting lost in the huge city.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For a long time I was unsure of if I wished to stay in New York, or if I wanted to explore more of America and go south or west. But, since Niva had already put in a good word for me at many shops, I decided to stay because I had already so much going for me. From time to time I wrote back to my ma and pa to share with them all of my experiences in America, and I would always leave room for the children to write also. Life was so much better here in America, and each day was another piece to make a difference in my new life, our second chance.

A True Hero

Anonymous Prof. Smith 2 October 2011 A True Hero Soaring through fiery infernos, slaying dragons, rescuing the damsel in distress; heroes are stereotypically viewed as those who go through a heart-pounding adventure to save the love of their life. However, this does not always have to be the case, especially in real life. Although some may disagree, Gilgamesh is a hero is his own right because of his bravery, perseverance and loyalty. Just as Gilgamesh has these attributes of a hero, I believe my Grandfather contains these attributes too. My Grandfather, who is my mother’s father, went through a lot in his life to illustrate how he obtained my reverence towards him and why I believe he is a modern-day hero. Bravery is the key component that all heroes share. Without bravery, those defined as heroes would have been unable to overcome obstacles or take chances in their path of life. Determined to prove himself as the mightiest being, Gilgamesh showed his bravery by slaying Humbaba. While my grandfather failed to slay any massive beasts, he confirmed his bravery through other means. My grandfather first stunned me with his bravery when he shared his stories of being in the Navy. This is really impressive to me because I would never have the guts or strength to be able to handle the Navy and serve our country at the risk of sacrificing my life. Both Gilgamesh and my grandfather showed their bravery because they were able to stare death in the eye, and survive. It is also necessary that heroes maintain the ability to persevere or else heroes would be non-existent. Perseverance is the driving force that motivates heroes to keep going even in the face of adversity. If heroes lost perseverance, their journey would end when an obstacle blocked their path. It is a true hero who stands up in the face of adversity and continues to push forward to the finish line. Gilgamesh showed his perseverance after Enkidu died. Faced with adversity, Gilgamesh never took no for an answer as he searched for the key to immortality. Just as Gilgamesh showed perseverance, so too has my grandfather. My grandfather is an avid businessman and has been faced with many obstacles. In business, high risk equals high reward, but high risk can also induce high failure. My grandfather has always told me â€Å"Failures define who you are† because it tests your character. Throughout his career he has faced failure, understood how it felt to own nothing through bankruptcy, but he has never given up. His perseverance through failure made him stronger and led him the successes he was able to obtain. No matter the obstacle, Gilgamesh and my grandfather persevered through difficult times, never gave up, and came out on top. Finally, loyalty is another important trait heroes share. Loyalty is the fundamental reason as to why many heroes are brave and persevere. Whether it is loyalty to a loved one, family, a friend, or even their city, loyalty keeps heroes persevering and motivated. For Gilgamesh, Enkidu was his loyal companion. Their loyalty towards each other was un-measureable and their friendship was unbreakable. When Enkidu passed away, Enkidu inspired Gilgamesh to journey for immortality. My grandfather’s loyalty was persistent throughout his life towards my grandmother, his kids, and even his grandchildren. From the time he met my grandmother he was always completely loyal to her. Through good times and bad they were always at each other’s side. When he had kids it was the same way and even today he shows his loyalty to his grandkids by attending their sporting events or just being there for support. Bravery, perseverance, loyalty: three key components to be recognized as a hero. Each trait plays off the other, but a true hero exemplifies all three. While soaring though fiery infernos, slaying dragons, and rescuing the damsel in distress may be exciting, becoming a hero isn’t as difficult as fairytales make it seem. To be a true hero, ultimately all that is required is a strong and courageous heart, a never-give-up mentality, and faithfulness to all those important in your life. Acquiring these attributes is easy to do and make you a hero in anyone’s eyes, even if it’s just your grandson’s.

Self Reflection - 1662 Words

Self-Reflection Journal Number One Social work education enables professionals to explain and define clients’ experiences, problems, and issues. The levels are micro, mezzo, and macro. For example, the micro level consists of age, gender, income, health, spirituality, emotions, and cognitions. The mezzo level includes neighbors, co-workers, local economy, resources, church, family, and work. The macro level refers to politics, economics, community, culture values, history, government services and resources, discrimination, and oppression (Rogers, 2016). Social workers use these levels to conceptualize clients’ problems (Rogers, 2016). These external analysis, overlaps and interact with each†¦show more content†¦In order to understand the depth of my problems, I need look at the economy. Why am I making $16 an hour? Why is the cost of education so high? Can an intervention on the macro level raise minimum wage in Connecticut. Personal Triggers People’s income or way of life in terms of money, is not a result of them being unsuccessful. Some people are more privilege compared to others. Freire’s (2000), stated that â€Å"the oppressors do not perceive their monopoly on having more as a privilege which dehumanizes others and themselves†¦for the having more is an inalienable right†¦if others do not have more, it is because they are incompetent and lazy.† This quote brought forth a memory that triggered an emotional response such anger and feeling diminished. Some social groups, for example, white males, are privileged members of society compared to a black or white female. Frye, (1983), stated in the bird cage scenario that you cannot observe one wire at a time and try to figure out an escape. You have to look at the cage as a whole to understand why the bird is unable to get out. For example, women are less privilege than men. According to Frye (1983), â€Å"a network of forces and barriers which are systematically related and which conspire to the immobilization, reduction, and molding of women and the lives we live†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This form of institutional oppression canShow MoreRelatedReflection On Self Development Through Reflection1854 Words   |  8 PagesSelf-development through reflection is a key issue of education and learning (Kennison, 2012), where you learn through experience (Tashiro, Shimpuku, Naruse and Matsutani, 2013), learn to self-evaluate (Duffy, 2013), identify gaps in knowledge and detect where further training or study is required to improve practice (Olarerin, 2013). Ultimately reflection is thought to be constant learning from practice, thus refining knowledge and experiences and putting them into practice (Naidoo, 2013). WithinRead MoreSelf Reflection Essays817 Words   |  4 Pages  on   Self- ­Ã¢â‚¬ Observations   and   Self- ­Ã¢â‚¬    Reflections    Maximum   1000   words   each   term    The   purpose   of   these   three   reports   is   to   demonstrate   how   you   have   used   the   learning   journal   to    develop   your   self- ­Ã¢â‚¬ awareness   from   term   to   term.   (See   Section   11   about   the   Learning   Journal)    Each   report   is   due   at   the   first   class   meeting   after   each   reading   week.    Guidelines:    The   Reports   should   include   your   reflections   about:Read MoreSelf Reflection : Self Esteem956 Words   |  4 PagesSelf-esteem is the comprehension of self-acknowledgement from the self and from others. Factors contributing to overall self-esteem includes; Self-worth, Self- tolerance and belief in oneself. (SOURCE4) Self-esteem is thought to begin as early as life and continue throughout existence with various changes as age progresses. (SOURCE#2) A sense of self-esteem outside of the norm can lead to problematic life occurrences. Both high and low self-perception can intervene with everyday life. People withRead MoreA Reflection On Self Esteem1054 Words   |  5 PagesSelf-esteem is a term used to describe how a person judges themselves in terms of being valued, accepted and worthy. This evaluation of one’s self is extremely important as a child moves through each stage of development. It can determine a child’s future success or fai lure. A positive self-esteem allows one to make gains in achievement through hard work and effort. They are prone to accepting new challenges and working hard to attain a goal. If they fail, they learn from their mistakes and formRead MoreReflection Paper On Self Esteem1571 Words   |  7 PagesMy overall score from the quiz was a 53. According to the results I am on the higher end of the moderate self-esteem. I agree with the assessment, under the context that self-esteem is interchangeable with the concept of self worth. Worthiness, generally speaking, is a immensely broad subject that lends itself exclusively to ones mental fiber and is either bolstered or berated by societal influence. Under those terms, I agree with some reservations. In the way I have understood the reading and reflectRead MoreReflection About Self Compassion1310 Words   |  6 PagesSelf Compassion and love are two things everyone needs to discover. When you discover the true concepts and apply them to your everyday life your outlook on life can be transformed. Using the concepts from the book â€Å"Self-Compassion† by Kristin Neff, I will discuss the idea of self-compassion and provide examples of my life experiences and strategies that I have used. Then I will use the concepts from the books â€Å"Lovability† by Robert Holden and â€Å"Whatever Arises Love That† by Matt Kahn to discuss theRead MoreReflection On Self Fulfilling Prophecy1044 Words   |  5 PagesSelf- fulfilling prophecy Journal #1 Being human comes with more complication from within. What we know of perception to life itself is short lived and long standing no matter the outcomes of our character. Self-fulfilling prophecy is presented in two different ways; one occurs when your own expectations influences your behavior. The second occurs when the expectations of one person governs another’s actions. Everyday our impressionable make-up is being challenged by our inner most thoughtsRead MoreSelf Reflection : Self-Reflection1436 Words   |  6 PagesSelf-Reflection This spring semester I have evolved as a writer and reader. This course has refreshed my memory with basic essential writing techniques and it has made me more proficient when it comes to writing. When it came to writing essays, I use to be so scared to turn them in. I was never a good writer and composing an essay was usually extremely tough. I would have multiple people proofread my essays, but I still doubted my work. Now when it comes to writing essays I feel more confidentRead MoreReflection Of Self Reflection And Self Restraint962 Words   |  4 Pagesthe new moon. This month is fundamentally a time where followers of the Islamic give up food, drinks, sex, smoking etc. for the main purpose of self reflection and self restraint. Prominent practices during Ramadan include, sawm, praying and reciting the Quran. All of the previously mentioned practices are believed to connect to spiritual reflection, self improvement and increased worship. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is both a duty and a great worship. The fast otherwise known as sawm whichRead MoreReflection On Self Reflection809 Words   |  4 PagesSelf-Reflection The purpose of this paper is to explain how I will plan to implement effective choices in improving a change in personal behavior and the improvement tours my fitness attitude. Wellness has a broader definition, than health, which it’s definition is the absence of disease and wellness is defined as the optimal health and vitality to living a healthy and fulfilling life. Also, is a process in which we become aware and we make choices to a better lifestyle. Maintaining an excellent

From Movements to Parties in Latin America. The Evolution...

The author analyzes how indigenous people’s movements in Latin America transformed into viable political parties. For her, these new parties are good for the democracy because they enrich and enhance the legitimacy of the political and electoral system. She assumes that the primary link between state and society are the parties and its accountability impact on the institutions. She proves that the crisis of the traditional parties and the transformation of the historical electoral constrains were determinant factors that contributed to ethnic party formation and consolidation. Van Cott conclusions were based on the study of six countries: Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela as successful cases, and Peru and Argentina as failed†¦show more content†¦Therefore, the asked question is under which conditions ethnic parties tended to merge and to endure? To untangle this question the book uses primary and secondary sources. The primary ones are the result of several years of field work in situ in the mentioned countries, except Argentina; and the secondary ones are an exhaustive review of the scholarly over democratic regimes and electoral systems, political parties and ethnic parties, and social movements in the international and national levels. While doing this, she builds her own basic category of analysis: the ethnic party. An ethnic party is defined as any political organization with a strong ethnic component: ethnic leaders, majority of ethnic members, or have ethnic or cultural related core demands. Within these strictures, she explores intrinsic and external reasons for party formation. When the indigenous communities realize that they could keep their traditions, their land, and basically, their autonomy, and at the same time be politically independent not a convenient minority for the left or for the dominant parties; they were internally ready to face the changes coming from the outside. This consolidation process takes approximately four to ten years when the social movement shapes itself and recognizes its capacity and political possibilities. The external circumstances got more attention from the author. The permissiveShow MoreRelatedStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesOrganizational Behavior This page intentionally left blank Organizational Behavior EDITION 15 Stephen P. Robbins —San Diego State University Timothy A. Judge —University of Notre Dame i3iEi35Bj! Boston Columbus Indianapolis New York San Francisco Upper Saddle River Amsterdam Cape Town Dubai London Madrid Milan Munich Paris Montreal Toronto Delhi Mexico City Sao Paulo Sydney Hong Kong Seoul Singapore Taipei Tokyo Editorial Director: Sally Yagan Director of Editorial Services:

A Theory Of Sexism As Ambivalence Toward Women And...

Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop a theory of sexism devised as ambivalence toward women and validate a corresponding measure, the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI). Past research on sexism has been predominantly conceptualized as hostility toward women. However, from a historical and contemporary perspective, images of women have not been strictly negative. Within the realm of sexism, images of women can also be seen in a â€Å"positive† manner. Therefore, Glick and Fiske (1996) investigated the multidimensionality of sexism by examining both the hostile and benevolent aspects of sexism. Step 1: Item Generation Glick and Fiske (1996) used deductive methods to develop their preliminary scale items. The item generation process was guided by theory definitions of hostile sexism, benevolent sexism, paternalism, gender differentiation, and heterosexuality. Taking these theories into account, Glick and Fiske (1996) labeled the two sets of related sexual beliefs (hostile and benevolent) as ambivalent sexism. Furthermore, their theory of ambivalent sexism shares some similarities with past research on ambivalent racism. The initial item pool consisted of 140 items on a five point likert scale. Hinkin (1998) suggests that the statements of the items should be as simple and short as possible, something that Glick and Fiske (1996) did seem to keep in mind. Double-barreled and leading questions / statements also seemed to be avoided for the most part. Hinkin alsoShow MoreRelatedStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesOverview 23 †¢ Inputs 24 †¢ Processes 25 †¢ Outcomes 25 Summary and Implications for Managers 30 S A L Self-Assessment Library How Much Do I Know About Organizational Behavior? 4 Myth or Science? â€Å"Most Acts of Workplace Bullying Are Men Attacking Women† 12 An Ethical Choice Can You Learn from Failure? 24 glOBalization! Does National Culture Affect Organizational Practices? 30 Point/Counterpoint Lost in Translation? 31 Questions for Review 32 Experiential Exercise Workforce Diversity 32 Ethical Dilemma

Learning English A Lesson in Language and Culture Free Essays

string(125) " forms is intensely debated in Britain, where the world’s richest history of English has led to much linguistic diversity\." To those outside the educational system, the teaching of language may seem to be a simple communication of skills from one person to another.   For those involved in education, however, language instruction has long been linked to cultural bias and social engineering, leading to debates over the notion of a â€Å"neutral language.†Ã‚   Such a language would facilitate the exchange of objective concepts such as spelling, grammar, and pronunciation without imposing subjective cultural constructs such as beliefs abut class, gender, and religion. We will write a custom essay sample on Learning English: A Lesson in Language and Culture or any similar topic only for you Order Now As languages originate and develop in response to needs and conditions all too human, and therefore highly emotional, it is unlikely that any truly neutral language exists, and this is particularly evident when we consider the English language. The teaching of English has sociocultural implications that extend far beyond the learning environment, and this is best demonstrated by examining the relationship of Standard English to other varieties of English as well as to other languages being taught. The distinction between standard and vernacular forms of a language is based on the perceived differences between the educated and the uneducated.   The term â€Å"standard,† when used to describe language, generally refers to that form of the language that is used for formal and written applications by those who occupy the highest ranks of society.   Rules governing its usage tend to be rather strict and resistant to change. In contrast, a vernacular is the colloquial language used informally by a group of people, much less rigid in its forms and much more liable to change.   An online version of the Oxford English Dictionary, the recognized authority on the English language, exemplifies this divisiveness in its definition of the noun â€Å"vernacular† as â€Å"the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people of a country or region.†Ã‚   Aligning the vernacular form with so-called â€Å"ordinary† folks naturally infers a similar association between the standard form and less ordinary people, the literate elite who use it. This lofty status is often justified by reference to the wealth of classical literature, historical documents, and scientific/technical writings that exist in both British and American Standar1d English.   An understanding of Standard English provides access to these canons and to the educational systems that utilize them.   These systems offer the knowledge and expertise necessary for the highest levels of professional and intellectual achievement.   Simply put, a better than average knowledge of Standard English offers a better than average chance at attaining prominence in highly skilled and specialized areas such as education, business, or technology (Brindley 208). Whether this effect is seen as favorable or unfavorable depends, as most things do, on the perspective through which it is viewed.   Any experience that affords people greater personal control over important life issues may seem universally appealing, yet insistence upon teaching only Standard English has evoked considerable controversy (Brindley 205).   Those who advocate the teaching of Standard English writing in a way that emphasizes its reliance on stringent rules and formats have been accused of perpetuating a desired status quo (Brindley 226-227). By learning Standard English, students are carrying on a long tradition of literary scholarship that has yielded many important intellectual gains and brought the western world to the forefront in industry and science.   Detractors see the teaching of Standard English as an imposition of social norms that depend on conformity and narrow-mindedness.   By forcing people to think in constrained ways about language, teachers are hindering both creativity and individuality for the sake of convention (Bourne 243). Such adherence to uniformity often puts the learner in an uncomfortable and confusing situation, as when the home background and the educational environment clash in terms of language.   Katharine Perera describes the difficulties encountered by children being taught Standard English while living in homes and neighborhoods where the vernacular is the mode of expression. For them, a change in their manner of speech represents an invalidation of their customary way of life and may create barriers between them and their peers.   The experience of speaking one way with friends or family who share their idiom, only to then be told by teachers that this language is wrong, forces most children to reluctantly choose one identity at the expense of the other (cited in Brindley 212). Concern over this loss of identity has fueled heated disputes in â€Å"mother-tongue† contexts, where English is taught as a first language and some form of it is used by much of the population as a native language (Brindley 206).   Davis and Watson report that in Australia, post-war migration increased the nation’s multiculturalism while weakening the influence of a common British legacy.   Responding to the resultant search for a national identity, the Australian curriculum acknowledges the relationship between this identity and language yet also recognizes the diversity that exists within â€Å"Australian Standard English† (cited in Brindley 206). The Australian Education Council’s statement on the English curriculum sets Australian English apart from American or British English chiefly by differences in vocabulary and pronunciation, and describes this national variety of English as a combination of the Standard Australian English used in schools and several vernacular forms, any one of which a student may use at home.  Ã‚   The curriculum statement also advises that Standard Australian English should be taught as an extension of local idioms and not as a replacement for them. Although the report further stresses importance of Australian Standard English because of its role in educational structures, professional fields, and spoken communication, it also recognizes the value of vernacular forms and the cultural backgrounds they represent.   Its national plan for teaching English also notes that language changes in respect to context and purposes, and it urges that students be made aware of this fact so they can apply their language skills accordingly.   The Council also officially confers equal status to standard and local forms of English, viewing neither one as inherently superior to the other (cited in Brindley 207) Sue Brindley relates that the issue of the relative worth of different language forms is intensely debated in Britain, where the world’s richest history of English has led to much linguistic diversity. You read "Learning English: A Lesson in Language and Culture" in category "Essay examples"   Standard English is an integral part of the official school curriculum, yet there is no consensus about exactly what constitutes standardized English and how it is connected to a student’s home variety (Brindley 208).   A Department for Education and Welsh Office statement cites strict observance to rules of vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and pronunciation as the distinguishing features of Standard English to be taught in England and Wales, yet this description is too vague to give a precise definition. Although the British policy encourages the use of standardized language for both written and spoken applications, it also recognizes that spoken English is more spontaneous and therefore less apt to conform to the same rigorous criteria used in more carefully planned written applications (cited in Brindley 210).   By associating Standard English with qualities like precision and clear diction, the British curriculum contradicts the viewpoint of many linguists and educators, as well as the sentiments expressed in the Australian English statement, by implying that school-sanctioned standardized forms are linguistically superior to other varieties (Brindley 211).   The obvious counterpart to this attitude is a belief that vernacular forms of English are inferior. Brindley speaks of educators who are concerned that such a prejudicial position will necessarily lead to a gradual erosion of the traditional cultural values that underlie the home life of those whose first language is the vernacular. Some teachers have taken it upon themselves to teach Standard English in a way that does not discriminate against home-based language varieties and, by extension, their associated ways of life. In this manner, they hope to allow students to derive the benefits inherent in a multicultural approach: a greater fund of knowledge about languages, a richer social experience, and a keener appreciation of different manners of thinking (212-213). In countries where the native language is not English, there is every bit as much controversy regarding the cultural aftereffects of learning English.   For people living in geographical areas marked by poverty and need, an education in English may be seen as a way to rise to the echelons of power and privilege.   Yet for those already enjoying that power and privilege, the promotion of English for the masses may be seen as either a welcome conversion or a dangerous threat.   Anthea Fraser Gupta’s account of the spread of English in colonial India traces the complicated history of the English empire’s influence over native Indians.   When Great Britain officially endorsed the teaching of English to Indians, the intent was to introduce not only the language of the United Kingdom but also its cultural and religious values. British officials were in effect attempting to create darker-skinned versions of themselves, seeing the inculcation of western ideals as a means of eradicating a way of life that they considered idolatrous, immoral, and unrefined ( 190-191).   At the same time, Indians in positions of power worried that giving the lower classes a glimpse of what was possible through an English education worked against their interests.   S.N. Mukherjee (cited in Gupta 192) reports that the Calcutta upper classes feared that those below their social rank would become dissatisfied with their inferior status. More than a hundred years after the events chronicled in Gupta’s account, teachers of English still encounter resistance from pupils who either feel that language is being forced upon them or resent social exclusion from English-speaking society (Bourne 243-244)..   Despite this, Jill Bourne informs us that the current trend in non-English speaking countries is to incorporate English language lessons into the primary school system.   Even in Malaysia, where this is not endorsed, private schools offer English instruction to students whose wealthy parents are willing to pay for what they perceive as an important step on the road to social success (244). Several countries, including Germany, the former Czech Republic, Hungary, Malay, and Hong Kong, have implemented some form of what America calls Language and Content Teaching, which blends language instruction with course content.   The focus is shifted from the English language to the curriculum material, which is presented through the medium of English.   However, in most parts of the world where English is taught, the emphasis remains on English as a subject itself (Bourne 244).   This suggests that for most nations, what is truly being sought is not an adoption of English values but the attainment of proficiency in a language that offers access to more profitable pursuits. It is easy to understand why countries such as Hong Kong, whose economy is deeply invested in international commerce, would feel pressured to acquire English fluency.   English is a major language of trade, and an inability to speak it proficiently is a definite disadvantage in the business arena.   This becomes clearer when we consider it on a smaller, more personal scale.   Anyone who has spent time among people who shared a common, foreign language knows the frustration and stigmatization that can result from an inability to communicate easily and appropriately with others. There is a natural human desire to feel connected to others in some way, and language provides an excellent means of achieving that sense of belonging.   When essential life factors such as economic, social, and professional standing are at stake, language becomes even more crucial. This relationship between modes of communication and key life issues is precisely why the concept of a neutral language is a hypothetical one.   The teaching of any language involves the transmission of much more than rules about grammar and pronunciation.   It inevitably requires some measure of cultural change on the part of the learner, and in the case of English instruction those changes can have profound effects upon many major aspects of life.   For this reason, educators and students alike must respect the various forms of language as reflections of valuable cultural and social traditions. Works Cited Bourne, Jill. â€Å"English for Speakers of Other Languages.† Learning English: Development and Diversity. Eds. Neil Mercer and Joan Swann. UK: The Open University, 2002, 243-270. Brindley, Sue, with contributions from Swann, Joan. â€Å"Issues in English Teaching.† Learning English: Development and Diversity. Eds. Neil Mercer and Joan Swann. UK: The Open University, 2002, 205-228. Gupta, Anthea Fraser. â€Å"English and Empire: Teaching English in Nineteenth Century India.† Learning English:   Development and Diversity. Eds. Neil Mercer and Joan Swann. UK: The Open University, 2002, 188-194. â€Å"vernacular.† Compact Oxford English Dictionary. 2005. http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/vernacular?view=uk (3 Dec. 2005). How to cite Learning English: A Lesson in Language and Culture, Essay examples

Can We Save Planet Earth free essay sample

These megacities affect every aspect of the planets assets. The toxic effects of the industrial revolution have significantly imprinted our planet! This type of pollution is constantly being released into the atmosphere, twenty four seven, to maintain electricity, not to mention all the other industrial processes taking place for manufacturing of all the items every person on the plant uses daily. I have personally experienced the horror of the toxins of industrialization; I once lived in an industrial town on Lake Erie, in Ohio. All of my family that lived in this area, died there, from various types of cancers. Some days I could not see two feet out the front door. I moved to Florida, but most of my family lived and died there. Now in my home state of Florida, the Elkhorn coral is endangered with white spot disease caused by bacteria. Research has found that this type of bacteria is responsible for killing many corals in the shallow reefs of the Florida Keys. This particular bacterium is found in the intestines of both humans and animals. This articular bacterium is only affecting one species of coral, the once common Elkhorn coral. This type of coral is now hard to find in the Florida waters and will soon be in the endangered species category. Another major cause of marine pollution is oil spills, and the tedious work of cleaning them up. One study examines the development of safeguards against marine oil pollution in Alaska since the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, in which oil spilled from the tanker Exxon Valdez. Busengerg, G. ((2009), May). The potential threat of marine pollution caused by offshore oil and gas development activities in reas like the South China Sea are killing the sea life, and destroying the oceans, Song, Y. ((2008), April-Jun). Oil spills are usually unintentional releases of liquid petroleum at sea. Even small amounts of petroleum hydrocarbons hurt marine life and seabirds. Oil is heavier than water and soaks into the seabed and usually takes years to dissipate. Some popular ways to clean up the spills are dredging, skimming, dispersing, and bioremediation, but time is the only real effective method. Just killing sea life and polluting the land and waters in my home state of Florida. This oil pill will prove to be worse than the Exxon Valdez spill of 1989. The land and the oceans, as well as the atmosphere have been polluted. The water pollution is so great in the South China Sea, they are harvesting dead fish. Just imagine having to take the risk of eating dead fish because the pollution has killed the sea life, and that is all that is all that is left in the polluted oceans for food to feed your family, not to mention this is how most of the people native to this area make a living. These Chinese people rely on the sea life in the oceans for commercial trade to support their families. If this water pollution is not stopped, this area could become a starving society, like is prevalent in Africa. It is further alleged the atmospheric pollution has affected the earths climate and ozone layers. Some studies show over the past century, greenhouse gases and other air pollutants released into the atmosphere have been causing big changes like global warming, ozone holes, and acid rain. It is quite controversial as to the validity of societys toxic trends being responsible for climate changes. Without human presence on earth would the climate be changing, or is it Just propaganda from our overnment to hide information from us, or control our thinking? Is there actually a hole in the earths ozone layer? If this is a fact, what is the cause? Some argue; it is a natural transition of the earth over hundreds of thousands of years. However tragic, these stats and opinions are good food for thought! Ozone is an unusual type of oxygen molecule, which protects us from ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. That is why holes in the ozone layer are very bad news. The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). Retrieved from: Some scientists say the earths climate is warming! During the 20th Century, Earths average temperature rose 0. 60 Celsius (1. 1 OF). ). Scientists are finding that the change in temperature has been causing other aspects of our planet to change. The effects of global warming are far reaching say some. I encourage you to do more research on this subject before making a final decision. Make an informed intellectual decision after weighing all the facts, not Just concluding from one sided biased opinions. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency is very aware of the pollution issues and has been monitoring and putting laws in effect for many years. Retrieved from: Milagro, (Windows to the Universe) Under the Clean Air Act, EPA sets limits on how much of a pollutant is allowed in the air anywhere in the United States. Although national air quality has improved over the last 20 years, many challenges remain in protecting public health and the environment. There are multiple other environmental agencies at work to stop the toxic trends, such as DEFRA, Global Atmosphere Watch, Greenpeace, National Ambient Air Quality Standards, and Clean Air Act. Also the Clean Water Act, Kyoto Protocol, Water Pollution Control Act, and the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Below is a photo of the air pollution in Mexico City. It is unthinkable to have to live in this unhealthy condition, remember this is the area the recent Swine Flu, (HI NI) originated. I think this is a wake up call!! years from the late 1970s to the late 1990s but have actually been cooling the last eleven years. The global warming and subsequent cooling were even predictable due to hundreds of years of historical trends and observation of the impact of variations in solar activity on global temperature. Europe, North America and many other area of the Earth have recently experienced a score of unusually low emperatures. So where is the global warming that we are preparing for? If the past is a predictor of the future the earth is headed into a 30 year period of global cooling.