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Mass Media and Semiotics, 2008.
A discussion of semiotics and consumption in the age of mass media.
2,199 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper essay examines how the study of the sign and semiotic theory may be applied to mass media texts and, in particular, to television. The paper argues that, while there exist two distinct textual forms in television media - advertising and programming - a semiotic analysis reveals the ways in which these forms structurally reinforce each other in creating a semiotics of consumption for the mass media audience. The paper explains that the particular signs, signifiers and referents may change over time as television mythologies evolve, but a constant through this entire evolutionary process has been the "language of consumption". The paper looks at how semiotics allows us to understand how the medium of television operates in our collective consciousness.
Outline;
Introduction
The Sign and its Field of Study
Television and Semiotics
Television and the Culture of Consumption
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Given the prominence of mass media in our society, it is perhaps not surprising that semiotics should have focused considerable attention upon the most dominant of these media: television. The field of media semiotics, as pioneered by French semiotician Roland Barthes, has focused particular attention upon the production of meaning in the area of pop culture in which television assumes obvious prominence (Danesi 240). Barthes argues that the "semiotic method" takes the form of two investigative processes:
- the study of the historical (and thus highly connotative) origin of meaning systems;
- unraveling the nature of signification in human activities, whether it manifests itself as a word, a novel, a TV program, or some other human artifact."
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Language, Media and Power, 2008.
An analysis of the origins of language and its evolution across time and media from linear text to visual political hegemony.
3,151 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the origins of language and its relationship to human societies and media. The paper argues the thesis that language is not simply a vehicle for communication but also a means for the control of the world around us and its social orders. The paper then looks at contemporary mass media, popular culture and their employment for political purposes. The paper explains that the complex structures of signification of language texts in mass media is essential to understand and resist their deployment as vehicles of power and control. In conclusion, the paper shows that as political culture draws upon popular culture to achieve its mythologizing effects, it becomes imperative that media literacy be achieved in order that the mass media audience at least has the possibility of interrogating media messages and asserting their identities as citizens rather than consumers.
Outline:
Introduction
Language and the Earliest Human Societies
Language, Media and the Construction of Human Societies
Visual Mass Media and Multi-textual Communication
Conclusion
From the Paper
"This insight is critical to understand the structural convergence of media and language in human civilization. Language is more than simply a system whereby particular vocal utterances contain socially-agreed meanings. From this perspective, the origins of language and media of communication have been recognized as being key determining factors in the construction of human societies from earliest times. Whether in oral, literate or digital societies the manner by which language is used to communicate thoughts and ideas has played a major role in the design and workings of those societies. While most people use the term language in reference to the various spoken languages developed in societies around the world, in reality language is much more complex. It is a system of signs - communicated usually through vocal speech - which are commonly agreed to have an "objective" reference (Berger and Luckmann 36)."
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Bilingual Education, 2008.
An analysis of the positive effects of bilingualism and why Canadian immersion programs have been so successful compared to their American counterparts.
2,177 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the research on bilingualism. It argues that the research clearly shows that bilingualism is desirable and therefore that it should be promoted, preferably by making its benefits more widely known. The paper discusses possible reasons why Canadian immersion programs have been so successful while similar attempts at immersion in the USA (with minority children) have often been quite unsuccessful.
From the Paper
"Moreover, as we have seen above, the evidence from Canada shows that bilingualism can often be very useful for children, promoting their competence and achievement in the classroom, as well as their intelligence on all measures. However, it must be conceded that the playing fields in the USA and Canada are different, in that in the Canadian situation, children are electing to immerse themselves in a second language, rather than attempting to hold on to their mother tongues while simultaneously learning English - as is often the case in the USA. It may well be that the relative lack of success in the US context is a direct result of the fact that immigrant children often face other barriers, such as poverty. This is not the case in immersion programs in Canada, where the children are usually neither immigrants nor living with other impeding factors such as poverty. It is argued that the evidence regarding bilingualism that stems from the Canadian context does not have these extraneous variables, and thus can be regarded as more reliable."
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Integration of Non-English Speaking Students, 2008.
A case study presentation of the language and cultural issues that exist in terms of integration of new non-English speaking students into a school.
3,082 words (approx. 12.3 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a case study of a girl who emmigrated from Cambodia to Canada. It describes the issues that are related to her integration into a new school in Canada. The paper begins by presenting the case study. It discusses the background of Cambodia and why the girl's family chose to leave. The paper then looks at the traditions and the behavior of the girl and describes the language issues that she has on arrival in Canada. Finally, the paper discusses goals for language development and adjustment into the school.
Table of Contents:
Introduction - Chantrea's Background
Behaviors, Attitudes & Traditions
Language
Goals for Language Development
Activities / Strategies Regarding the "Four Strands of Language Arts"
Adjustment in the Classroom
From the Paper
"It is important that Chantrea should maintain a sense of pride in her culture whilst she assimilates to Canadian life. Many Cambodian immigrants escape the oppressive governmental regime to flock to North America, though this does not mean the Cambodian culture and traditional values should be forgotten. Chantrea may be able to join up with an after-school group, such as the equivalent of the Khmer Emerging Education Program (KEEP) in the United States (World, 2003). Such groups boast teachers which aim to "breathe life into literary figures and historical accounts, using movies, photographs, personal stories, and textbooks" from Cambodian sources. Learning about the Cambodian cultural background on a continuing basis will help the child also form a strong bond with her family and their origins."
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Metaphors in Daily Life, 2008.
A paper describing the meaning and use of metaphors in all forms of communications.
3,255 words (approx. 13.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 93.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at definitions of metaphors, their usefulness or lack thereof, and the basics of communication theory and how metaphors work in conjunction with that theory. While acknowledging that metaphors are good in that they describe a feeling that might not be communicated in another fashion, the paper also looks at whether it might be possible to educate the receiver of these metaphores that it might be prudent to implement some basic communication theories before swallowing metaphors "as true fact'.
From the Paper
"Metaphors go through every form of communication in daily life. Since everything from politics, to science, to internet based research, entertainment, to speaking day to day with friends, neighbors and academic professionals involve spoken or written communication, metaphors permeate every facet of our lives.
"With that being the case, we need to understand them, and that is the purpose behind this paper, Metaphors in Daily Life. This paper looks at definitions of metaphors, if any exist, their usefulness or lack thereof, and the basic of communication theory and how metaphors work in conjunction with that theory. Do they have a relevance when the recipient of the conversation does not share the same experiences as the deliverer of those messages, or are they lost with no relevance because there is not enough literal meaning in which to extract meaningful interpretation?"
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Teaching Language Arts, 2008.
This paper is a discussion by a science major on issues of teaching language arts presented through a professional portfolio.
3,500 words (approx. 14.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 98.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses four aspects of a professional portoflio addressing language arts teaching: promoting interest in a book, a double-entry journal, evaluation of student writing, and selecting professional resources. The paper also refers to a proposed five-year plan towards professional development so that language arts become more familiar and includes questions the author believes are important regarding future teaching practice, particularly in the preparation of classes.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Four Aspects of a Professional Portfolio
Module I - Promoting Interest in a Book
Module II - A Double-Entry Journal
Module III - Evaluation of Student Writing
Module IV - Selecting Professional Resources
Three Big Ideas for the Future
I - Assessing Students
II - Promoting Listening Skills
III - Writing Strategies
Five-Year Development Plan
Questions to Ask Myself
From the Paper
"The student should feel that he or she can err on the side of English using words of one syllable, as long as the meaning is cogent, as opposed to feeling that he or she must use the latest phrase or terminology learned. There needs to be reinforcement, too, of the world as often without 'Spell check' and towards appreciation for what a person knows how to write by hand, spotting errors in time, or what might be expressed differently to better effect. Students learn that there is more to writing than word processing, in effect, as it is an intensely creative activity."
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"Jacob", 2008.
An analysis of Maria Campbell's poem "Jacob".
869 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at Maria Campbell's "Jacob" and explores how her work captures the rhythms and echoes of non-elite speech. The paper discusses Campbell's utilization of the oral family history, a mode of communication popular among native cultures, that was intended to resist the conventions and paradigms established by the dominant western society. The paper describes the poem as poignant and transgressive snf devoted to breaking free of the literary "mold" put into place by those who effaced the cultures which preceded them in North America.
From the Paper
"Maria Campbell's elegant poem, "Jacob", captures the rhythms and echoes of speech in a way that more conventional and "esoteric" poetry does not. First of all, the poetry uses the vernacular of one who is little-schooled in the art of speaking formal, "white man's" language. Examples of this abound: there are frequent substitutions of "dat" for "that" (Campbell, lines 3, 6, 10, 11 and 15) and "dah" for the article "the" (Campbell, lines 22-24 and 28). Going further, the article invariably uses the term, "dey" in place of the English pronoun, "they" (Campbell, lines 19, 26, 32 and 34). Why Campbell would resort to this is a question that does not yield any definitive answers - but a number of possibilities."
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Teaching Grammar - Focus on 'Aspect', 2006.
An examination of the 'aspect' feature of English grammar and how this is taught.
2,427 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the grammatical errors evident in a fictional letter from "Betula" to "Andrea". The paper explains that although the grammatical mistakes (in the letter) are varied, the paper focuses primarily on the letter's problem of incorrect 'aspect', and attempts to analyze how Betula's grammatical aspect problems can be categorized and corrected. The paper also explains the types of tense expressed under 'aspect'.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
What is Aspect?
Types of Tense Expressed Under Aspect
Analysis of Betula's Essay in Terms of Aspect
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In laymen's terms, aspect is really the grammatical aspect of a verb, which characterizes the temporal flow of one's writing. However, it is different from the concept of "tense" alone: although tense describes whether an action or event has occurred in the past, present, or future, aspect determines whether it happened only once, whether it happens continually without stopping, whether it happens on an intermittent basis or whether it continues to happen now (Lynch). An example of different aspects are the statements "I skip" and "I am skipping", both of which lend to different interpretations of tense."
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Language and Culture, 2008.
This paper compares two articles on the cultural significance of language; "Decolonizing the Mind" by N'gugi wa Thiong'o and the "Intellectual Savage" by Jamake Highwater.
1,088 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper examines two articles, "Decolonizing the Mind" by N'gugi wa Thiong'o and the "Intellectual Savage" by Jamake Highwater. The paper explains how the articles discuss how language becomes the means through which a cultural reality is transmitted, thus controlling language is one means by which colonial usurpers can control self-imagery and self-awareness. The paper is of the opinion that both articles do a commendable job of highlighting the inter-relationship between language and culture.
From the Paper
"In her article, "Decolonizing the Mind," N'gugi wa Thiong'o writes about her childhood speaking Gikuyu in her native Africa. In particular, she devotes time to recollecting how, as a small child, she listened to tales about how the weak hare could outwit the beasts of prey - the lion, the leopard, and the hyena - and stay alive in a hostile world. Not to be overlooked, she comments at length upon the different types of human beings who emerged in anthropocentric tales and how some were cruel, selfish and opposed to all that might foster a stronger community, and how others were kind, giving and individualistic; in assessing the narrative, it is evident that Ngugi wa Thiong'o is comparing the beasts of prey with colonizers eager to take over her native land. More than that, those stories impressed upon her the power of language - its cadence, rhythm, inflection, its suggestive power - and how language could bind a community together. Later though, this harmony would be broken when Englishmen took over the school system and made it a serious penalty for any child to be speaking the native Gikuyu language instead of the alien, oppressive English of the colonizers."
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Theories of Speech, 2008.
This paper critically examines several theories of speech as a form of communication.
1,347 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the article "Linguistics in Action" where Susan Ehrlich offers insight into the interrelationships between culture and language. The paper then reviews Roger Farr's article "Protest Genres and Pragmatics of Dissent" where he looks at dissent strategies, Marie Annharte Baker's article "Borrowing Enemy Language: A First Nation Woman Use of English" where she discusses language as a tool of oppression and colonialisation and Janet Giltrow's article "Academic Reading" which focuses on the first person narrative.
From the Paper
"One of the things that differentiate humans from other animals is our ability to communicate with each in a variety of very effective ways. Of these communication methods, speech is the method that most effectively distinguishes us from other animals, and which, arguably, has been most important in our progress to our dominance of all other species. However, speech is so ubiquitous that we seldom pause to think about how it works. However, some linguists and other theorists have paused to think about it, and have come up with interesting theories about how language works."
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Language, Thought and Perception, 2008.
An analysis of the influence of language upon thought and perception, and the influence of thought and perception upon language.
1,968 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
How much does our language influence what we can think and perceive? Indeed, does our language control what we can think and perceive? Conversely, do our thoughts and perceptions influence or even control our language? This paper explores these questions, and shows that - while it is difficult to say which comes first, as the process is clearly somewhat circular - it does seem that culture influences language more than language influences culture.
From the Paper
"Theories such as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which combine linguistic relativity and linguistic determinism, are useful in that they remind us of the relationships between culture and language. For example, in Canada the many aboriginal languages have died - and in terms of this hypothesis, this is one of the important reasons why aboriginal cultures are under threat. On the other hand, in South Africa, despite decades of colonial rule and then apartheid, the indigenous languages, such as Zulu and Xhosa, remained very strong. This was reflected in the fact that the indigenous cultures remained very strong - so it is certainly possible that the survival of the languages enabled the survival of the cultures. "
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Global Call Centers, 2008.
This paper looks at the effects of placing business call centers in different locations around the world.
1,224 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the development of call centers as part of the customer service network for major companies today is part of the process of globalization. The writer points out that technology makes it possible for a call center to be anywhere in the world and still communicate with the customer to provide answers to questions, assistance with technical problems and all of the benefits of customer service by telephone. The writer discusses that many callers remain unaware that they are talking to someone in a distant part of the world, while others who are more aware will note differences in language and accent and will realize that the call center is not in their local area at all. The writer concludes that the economic disruption is real as call centers in North America are disappearing in favor of cheaper centers in other countries. The writer maintains that though efforts are being made to hide the fact by training workers in these centers, some linguistic elements remain to differentiate these workers from others.
From the Paper
"No matter how well coached these workers may be, though, they often do not sound like Stockton or Dubuque. This may not be a major setback given the fact that many North Americans come from different parts of the world and use many accents. These workers often do not use the right slang terms or do not understand them when they hear them. They may read addresses from a computer screen and mispronounce place names that Americans would not. They tend to be well trained in certain types of business and technology, and many computer firms use such call centers and place them in India because that country also has a technologically educated population segment that can understand what customers want and how to explain technology to them. Such workers often speak better about technical matters than business issues and use the right terminology for the technology involved even when they do not use the right word in normal conversation."
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