As I Lay Dying1 essays

As I Lay Dying1 essays In the novel As I Lay Dying, by William Faulkner, there are several instances in which a pleasurable comment or action that is witty or humorous is made by a character. However, there are also many occurrences when there is a deep sense of disquietude resulting from a characters words or dealings. Throughout the text, it is also not unusual for these two types of situations to occur as one, in a healthy confusion. This confusion may even be a mark of superior literature according to certain critics. First, let us examine a point in the story where there is a distinctive instance resulting in the readers pleasure: But its not like they cost me anything except the baking. (p. 9) The previous excerpt is somewhat pleasurable, because Cora makes it a point to reinforce the fact that the cakes required no capital for their production. Although the statements repetitiveness is somewhat annoying, it is rather humorous that she is so hung up on this fact. Even though there are references to the dying Addie Bundren in the surrounding text, there is no great sense of disquietude concerning the situation. In the following reference however, the feeling of disquietude is rather prevalent: When is she going to die? I say. Before we get back, he says. Then why are you taking Jewel? I say. I want him to help me load, he says. (p. 28) It is most disconcerting to think that a child would be absent for the death of his or her own mother, especially when it can clearly be avoided. In this scene unsettledness reigns supreme, while there is an absence of pleasure. But now I can get them teeth. That will be a comfort. It will. (p. 111) Here is the apparent blending of the pleasure and the disquietude into the so-called healthy confusion. It is amusing that Anse needs teeth, but quite disturbing on the other hand that he is r...

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Review

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Review John Steinbecks Of Mice and Men is a touching tale of the friendship between two men set against the backdrop of the United States during the Depression of the 1930s. Subtle in its characterization, the book addresses the real hopes and dreams of working-class America. Steinbecks short novel raises the lives of the poor and dispossessed to a higher, symbolic level. Its powerful ending is climactic and shocking to the extreme. But, we also come to an understanding of the tragedy of life. Regardless of the sufferings of those who live it, life goes on. Of Mice and Men Overview Of Mice and Men opens with two workers who are crossing the country on foot to find work. George is a cynical, irresolute man. George looks after his companion, Lennie, and treats him like a brother. Lennie is a giant man of incredible strength but has a mental disability that makes him slow to learn and almost child-like. George and Lennie had to flee the last town because Lennie touched a womans dress and hed been accused of rape. They begin to work on a ranch, and they share the same dream: they want to own a piece of land and farm for themselves. These people, like George and Lennie, feel dispossessed and unable to control their own lives. The ranch becomes a microcosm of the American underclass at that time. The climactic moment of the novel revolves around Lennies love of soft things. He pets the hair of Curleys wife, but she gets scared. In the resulting struggle, Lennie kills her and runs away. The farmhands form a lynch mob to punish Lennie, but George finds him first. George understands that Lennie cannot live in the world and wants to save him the pain and terror of being lynched, so he shoots him in the back of the head. The literary power of this book rests firmly on the relationship between the two central characters, their friendship and their shared dream. These two men are so very different, but they come together, stay together, and support each other in a world full of people who are destitute and alone. Their brotherhood and fellowship is an achievement of enormous humanity. They sincerely believe in their dream. All they want is a small piece of land that they can call their own. They want to grow their own crops and breed rabbits. That dream cements their relationship and strikes a chord so convincingly for the reader. George and Lennies dream is the American dream. Their desires are both very particular to the 1930s but also universal. Triumph of Friendship Of Mice and Men is a tale of friendship that triumphs over the odds. But, the novel is also extremely telling about the society in which it is set. Without becoming dogmatic or formulaic, the novel examines many of the prejudices at the time: racism, sexism, and prejudice towards those with disabilities. The power of John Steinbecks writing is that he treats these issues in purely human terms. He sees societys prejudices in terms of individual tragedies, and his characters attempt to escape from those prejudices. In a way, Of Mice and Men is an extremely despondent novel. The novel shows the dreams of a small group of people and then contrasts these dreams with a reality that is unreachable, one they cannot achieve. Even though the dream never becomes reality, John Steinbeck does leave us with an optimistic message. George and Lennie do not achieve their dream, but their friendship stands out as a shining example of how people can live and love even in a word of alienation and disconnectedness.

Cultural Diversity and a Crucial Aspect of the Contemporary World Research Paper

Cultural Diversity and a Crucial Aspect of the Contemporary World - Research Paper Example History has taken diverse and dynamic turns over time, leading to the realization of civilized states. After slavery times and embracement of human rights and freedoms, little is openly known about societies that have kept their customs and traditions. The living traditions in the 21st Century became the aiding factors in making my decision. While my decision appears abstract to friends and family, cultural diversity remains to be a rich source of cultural information. Even in the United States, Native Americans still hold to their historical customs and traditions, yet only a few Americans can tell who exactly is a Native American. On the same note, Chinese, Italians, Mexicans among other communities live in the United States and continue to observe their homeland cultures. Moreover, immigration has led to massive movement and interaction of international communities across local, regional and international borders. While has become a persistent practice, little is accounted for the underlying diversity. In this regard, deciding to embrace cultural diversity, and further dedicate my time and personality to learning more about other cultures and communities was an important decision in my life. This decision has basically taken an interest that most people do not, placing me at a better position to understand cultural differentials and the underlying diversity. My decision to embrace cultural diversity in terms of culture, race and ethnicity has further aided my understanding of cultural behaviours exhibited across borders. Customs, traditions and beliefs vary, and so are the views, opinions and reactions of people in these different cultures.

The role and function of the declaratory and constitutive theories of Essay

The role and function of the declaratory and constitutive theories of state recognition, in the international community, and having regard to the distinction be - Essay Example States are the most important â€Å"components of the international legal system†.2 In this regard, the 1933 Montevideo Convention provides a legal framework in international law for the necessary conditions for the acquisition of statehood3. The practice of customary international law and relations however, demonstrate that the institution of state recognition has an important role to play in the formation and acceptance of new entities calling themselves states. State recognition is also closely tied to the acceptance or refusal to accept what is essentially an unconstitutional change of government. While this aspect of statehood is not as important as state recognition, it nonetheless produces a series of consequences under international law, particularly the establishment of diplomatic relations and international personality. Unfortunately, the institution of state recognition is not firmly settled in international law. As a result, theoreticians and practitioners have developed two competing theories directly applicable to the institution of state recognition and its legal effect on statehood. These theories are known as the constitutive and declaratory theories and neither are capable of practical application in their pure form. The manner and degree to which each of these theories can be applied largely depends of extralegal factors. The result is, the international legal regime with respect to the conditions necessary for obtaining statehood is uncertain, unclear and unpredictable. Inevitably the aims and objectives of international law, which are to create a reliable and consistent body of law, is compromised. It is important to point out however, that international law is a relatively young and inconsistent body of law in which customary norms are not historical, but rather the actual source of law-making and for this reason, the practice is of far greater significance than in

The bank of America Essay Example for Free

The bank of America Essay The bank of America is an institution that offers financial services. It is the largest bank in term of holding institution as far as assets is concerned in the nation. In terms of market capitalization, this bank is the second largest in United States. The four functions of management in this bank which include planning, organizing, controlling and leading in this bank are affected by both external and internal factors in the business environment. The external factors that may be known to affect the management functions of the bank in its business environment include political, sociological, as well as economical factors (Thomas, 2007). The sociological factors include demographic trends and status, personal values and work ethics as well as the general cultures. These factors affect the bank differently especially to the management in defining their ways of accomplishing their work. Since this bank has spread its wings in several countries and opened new branches, the central management of this bank has to understand the unique business environment in these countries to ensure they are competent and thus maximize their profitability (Thomas, 2007). Understanding of these factors helps the management in planning the future of the bank as well as designing services for certain group of the people. Political and economic factors include all the factors necessary such as the competitors as well as the customers. The management of the bank must also study and understand about the political and economic environment in order to have a dynamic and continual relationship (Green, 2003). By studying the bank’s customers, competitors and even the political factors, the management is capable of making effective decisions which can result to high performance of the bank. Internal factors that may affect the bank in its business environment consists organizational resources that are available for the bank to accomplish its objectives. These include the human, physical and financial resources. The role of the management is acquiring and using these resources in the bank effectively and efficiently (Green, 2003). The management in each branch has to compete with other branches or competitors continuously. Since organizational resources are scarce, success of the management depends on utilization of these resources. Globalization is known to be a very important aspect for any business operating in the world market (Kershner, 1990). A company like the bank of America has to be globalized in order to have growth, survival and success in world market. Bank of America demands market in several other parts of the world such as in china, New Delhi, Bangalore among others. This has made this bank to have a big deal of profitability and success. For example, bank of America in the ending fiscal year of 2006 reported an increase in its net profit by 80 percent (Thomas, 2007). The global networking of the Bank of America allows it to have new ideas and plans in order to capture international market. Technology has much dramatic effect and can affect the management of a bank at any time since the changes in business environment can be felt quickly in the firm. As technology can change suddenly, the management has to be in position that can make decisions which can put the bank in flexible position to enable it adapt to changes of technology as it occurs (Hull, Seelig, Showinsky, 1996). Computerization has changed the banking system completely since many bank customers nowadays use credit cards as well as plastic money. Most customers of the bank of America can now deposit their money as well as withdraw in any part of the world. They can even pay their bills as well as open accounts for the new customers through the internet. Accessing account transaction does not need one to physically go to the bank but can now be done through the internet. Technology advancement has contributed to all this which has simplified the whole process of banking.

The Foreign Miners in the American Gold Rush Essay -- American History

The Foreign Miners in the American Gold Rush One Saturday night, a mob of masked men, who numbered forty to sixty, approached a small house. Arriving at the house, they dragged two slumbering men from their bunks and hustled them from the house, without even allowing them to put on their clothes, and started to kick and beat them. One of the invaders drew his pistol and shot at one of the victims. The bullet pierced the body of the man and inflicted a terrible wound. Both men who were attacked that night died. This event occurred in Rico, a camp in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado on May 13, 1882. The two Chinese miners that inhabited the village were kicked, cuffed, and dragged over the ground by the hair of their heads, clubbed with pistols and sticks by white men who wanted to run the Chinese out of town. Six Chinamen who resided next door were treated in much the same manner as their friends were that night. Mongolians of the village were thrown into the icy water half-naked. This was nothing new in the west, since the non-traditional miners, especially Chinese miners, were the victims of American racial prejudice from the beginning of the Gold Rush. When the Gold Rush struck the American continent, waves of people came to the west. One might think that only white people participated, but there were lots of miners who came from various places around the world. Their life and experiences were not widely known, whereas those of the white miners were pretty well known. Non-traditional miners certainly had much harder experiences than the white miners did. Many of them were discriminated against, abused and even killed. Looking into the life and experiences of the non-traditional miners, the American Gold Rush period w... ...du/~agf2/history391/nativism.html. Gerstaecker, Friedrich. California Gold Mines. NP: Greenwood Press, 1946. "Gold Fever Prospecting-Sonoran Arrastra." Gold Rush. 1998. 18 Apr. 2002. http://www.museumca.org/goldrush/fever13-ar.html. Hine, Robert V., and John Mack Faracher. The American West: A New Interpretive Story. Yale University, 2000. Lewis, Marvin. The Mining Frontier. Oklahoma: the University of Oklahoma Press, 1967. Milner, Clyde A, ed. The Oxford History of the American West. New York: Oxford University Press, 1994. Nugent, Walter. Into the West: the Story of Its People. New York: Alfred A Knopk, 1999. Sylva, Seville A. A Thesis-Foreigners in the California Gold Rush. California: University of Southern California. 1932. "The People Vs. Hall." Ancestors in the Americas. 1998. 10 Apr. 2002. http://www.cetel.org/1854_hall.html.

Role of Media in Changing Our Culture and Society

There is an old saying†Man is a social animal†, which means beyond other requirements such as food and shelter, man has another fundamental need and that is, need of communication with each other. The urge of communication is a basic one and in our contemporary civilization, it has become a necessity for survival. In order to facilitate communication, man has established several means which have developed from time to time such as sending messages, letters, telephone and telegraph and these all assist in providing connection between people even with those who are at far distant places. In the present era, the means of communication have evolved into a very advance phase and are now collectively called â€Å"Mass Media†. So How Do We Define Media? Media is actually an art of transmitting information, ideas and attitudes from one point or person to another. When an individual communicates to the other, this may be through use of gestures like passing on smiles when happy or in a good mood, frowns when showing a displeased expression, or selection of our words or tone while speaking depending on the feelings within us. In either case we want to select the most effective ways to communicate exactly what we intend. However, communication among a large number of people or society is not as simple as with individuals, but it’s far too complex. Information or news that is important to a mass of people may not be passed on to them from individual to individual. This must reach many people at the same time and also effectively. Such as the forecast of a storm to warn one whole city to take immediate measures cannot be passed on individual to individual since time factor is important. This may be done through newspapers or television or both. Or if some product is to be advertised, it has to be conveyed collectively to a mass that again may be done through radio, television or newspapers. These technological means of communicating information or news collectively to a large number of people is therefore called â€Å"Mass Communication†. Impact of Media on Culture A culture comprises of the language, habits, beliefs, religion, dresses, foods etc. in a particular region and the media has a direct and significant effect on it since it is undoubtedly an influential aspect in modern day society. As technology has become very much advanced now, media touches all types of people in various forms such as radio, televisions, newspapers etc. and the society also depends on it in order to get informed on the events taking place all over the world. Media touches every aspect of life. This includes not only the events going on around the world, but also the developments and progress, education and employment, the political situations in a country, the socio economic issues of a region, marketing of products, health and beauty, fashion and styles, violence and the issues of behaviour of youth verses older generation etc. All these when conveyed to a society by printing, broadcasting or telecasting in the form of news or highlights or discussions do have a direct impact on a society and its culture which gains its leverage depending upon the integrity of the information conveyed. An example is the talk shows that are telecast on around all news media. Every day we watch such programs where our politicians are invited to discuss over current affairs. Either the case is of cheating or undue spending of public funds by influential people or the use of their unauthorised powers, almost all the current affair programs end after hot discussions without reaching to a logical conclusion since the participating opponents would never let know what the truth is. This is because the opponents come fully equipped with whipping words that lashes away the possibility of revealing the truth by anyone who tries to speak out. Therefore despite of the whole matter already known in black and white, the facts reach to the public completely distorted. As a result, no issues of common people are solved which causes heightening of anger, hatred and frustration in public which in turn increase the criminal activities since law and order and justice seem to be unavailable. The question therefore remains: whether the information conveyed is unbiased and untarnished? This then depends upon the people within society to sort through the many bits of information fed to them in order to filter out what actually the truth is. Also one can see that media may contribute to a society’s culture both positively and negatively. On one hand there is lot of rubbish that is watched on media every day. Children watch movies which show too much violence and stuff exhibiting unethical actions, words and language. These are in general furnished with murder stories, use of drugs, smoking cigarettes, using abusive language in everyday life etc. These preach school goings and youth how to earn more without doing much and how to behave wrongly with parents and the society. Such a material only communicates new generation how to be demoralised. To watch such movies has become a today’s tradition which is acting like slow venom that is damaging and killing the moral character of our society. On the other hand, making available appropriate educational programs on television and publishing good informative magazines for children may provide safer environments that may aid children and provide their parents tools to implement moral values that are need of the present time. Such programs should be full of general and technical knowledge so that it may inculcate a desire in the new generation to learn more. Advertising is another aspect of media that affects society very much. This is an important social phenomenon which stimulates consumption of every day changing products, enhances economic activity and alters life styles of people. Consumers are confronted with extensive daily doses of advertising through multiple media. With the continual attack of marketing media, it is for sure that it affects our individualism and society as a whole. Sometimes it is surprising to note that how consumer’s minds can be moulded with changed opinions. It is due to this advertising that brands have acquired more importance over usage of items these days. An example is the frequent use of hair dye among our youth who want to have change in looks since looking the same every day is boring. Also it seems that priorities of public change with the way products are displayed through ads. Earlier soft drinks were considered health hazard but now the sports superstars as models in the ads of soft drinks easily convince their viewers to consume it regularly despite being harmful to health. Also in various ads of cigarettes, masculine characters are shown performing heroic acts which encourages and misguides our youth to develop habit of smoking since it will make them courageous and powerful. Media has also a great role in changing fashions and designs. Though this is a social activity and is acceptable however, it shall be in permissible limits of our culture. Unfortunately with the increase in exposure of western media which has blended in ours, unethical dress fashions have also intruded into our culture which is affecting the new generation and causing significant harm to the overall society. Conclusion On the whole, we conclude that everything may have its good and bad effects depending upon how it is used. Media may play both negative and positive roles in changing a culture and society. Although media should be free and independent, however there shall be some ethics/ moral standards with proper rules and regulations which shall be followed by mass media so that it may contribute a dignified role in formation and development of a healthy society.

Lebron James Desicion

In case you haven't heard, one of the best basketball players on the globe had a one hour special to announce his free agency decision in the summer of 2010. LeBron James went on ESPN on July 8th to tell the basketball world he was taking his talents to south beach to join the Miami Heat. â€Å"The Decision† as it became know, brought LeBron quite a bit of hate not only from fans from Cleveland (the team he was previously on) but from fans all around the league and even some players.The main reason for this is because he was viewed as selfish and egotistical in making a one hour special just to tell people where he was going to play basketball next season. Most people see the surface of the situation but don’t take into account everything that went on outside the publics focus. Even events like this have a lot going on in the background that the sports industry should take a look at. People seem to over look the fact that it wasn’t LeBron’s idea to have th e special, he just went along with it.Like every other superstar athlete or celebrity, LeBron has a managing team that makes most if not all of his media related decisions or appearances. He has a publicist, an agent, a stylist and a business manager. This business managers name is Maverick Cater and he is the one who released this statement to ESPN, â€Å"Due to the unprecedented attention and interest surrounding LeBron’s decision, we have decided to make this announcement on national television†. LeBron saw this as an opportunity to raise money for the Boys ; Girls Club of America, a foundation he has been very publicly supportive of.His marketing team saw this as an opportunity to sell LeBron â€Å"The Icon† because popularity for him meant â€Å"cha-ching† for them. ESPN went along with it because LeBron is a huge star and they were interested in boosting ratings. â€Å"The Decision†, ratings wise was a huge success for ESPN. According to prel iminary number from Nielsen co, in the nations 56 biggest television markets, about 8 million homes turned on the program. It was estimated that 12-14 million people were watching when LeBron made his infamous choice. That is a record for a non-sporting event.The popularity of the interview brought a revamped fan base for the NBA. Fans tuned in to see how he would fair with his new team, some wishing him success but most rooting for him to fail. Above all else people watched to see the show put on by the latest NBA team to acquire 3 star athletes. One of the statutes’ LeBron had when agreeing to the televised interview was that he would be allowed to sell the advertising and the profits would go the Boys ; Girls Club of America. The program drew big ticket companies like McDonalds, The University of Phoenix, Bing and Vitamin Water for sponsorships.Together they raised over 3 million dollars. LeBron grew up in the inner city and was from a very poor family. He knows first hand what it’s like to be a kid that doesn’t have access to opportunities for recreation. The money was divided between fifty nine Boys and Girls clubs across the country. $60,000 went to a club just outside of Cleveland to repair a leaky roof, refurbish a dingy gymnasium and a new playground. Another club in the area received $70,000 which was used to install a new gym floor and purchase bleachers and twenty new computers.LeBron might have pist off a few of his older fans but he defiantly gained supports from the kids. Some of the uproar after â€Å"The Decision† has to be created to the mismanagement of the broadcasting. Most people saw problems with the fact that the special was an hour long for a decision that should take about two seconds to say on TV. ESPN went along with it however, and promised the viewers would know his decision within fifteen minutes of the start of the broadcast. In reality the words â€Å"Miami Heat† didn’t leave his mouth until thirty minutes into it.If that wasn’t enough to agitate the audience, the first half hour of the show was made up of Jim Gray, the interviewer, asking more than a dozen soft ball questions that were more like watching chitchat than compelling television. Combine the agitating half hour wait with the disappointment of LeBron’s perceived â€Å"easy way out† decision is enough to have most fans changing the channel in frustration immediately hearing the verdict. From LeBron’s point of view, besides the back lash from his televised free agent decision, he made the best carrier choice.Cleveland had showed repeatedly that they weren’t capable of surrounding him with enough talent to win a championship. Why not sign with a clearly better team that happened to have your best friend in the league on it in Dwayne Wade. He did have to take a 30 million dollar pay cut to join The Heat but hey, what’s 30 million to LeBron James. As we know now, in the end it worked out for the better. Dwyer, Kelly. â€Å"Lebron's Decision was awful but his carities are thankful. † Yahoo Sports. Yahoo, 27 Apr 2011. Web. 6 Mar 2013. ;http://sports. yahoo. com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/lebrons-decision-was-awful-but-his-charities-are-thankful? rn=nba,wp2143;. Gregory, Sean. â€Å"The LeBron James Hour: Is This Prime-Time Overkill? Read more: http://www. time. com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2002477,00. html Flint, Joe. â€Å"ESPN's ‘The Decision' scores but leaves questions in its aftermath. † Los Angeles Times. LA Times, 09 Jul 2010. Web. 6 Mar 2013. . Broussard, Chris. â€Å"LeBron's announcement coming soon. † ESPN NBA. ESPN, 08 Jul 2010. Web. 6 Mar 2013. .

buy custom Historys Largest Lessons essay

buy custom History's Largest Lessons essay Donald Kagan argument on how historical analogy is still necessary in the understanding of the security interests of nations especially in relation to war is a sure prove that history has away of repeating itself. The basic historical formats are still being employed in war and other issues though the timing and events tend to differ. This is evident in the way human kinds react to the waging war demands in every era. It is clear that the reaction is surprisingly similar in many ways with all aimed at protecting the nations interests. The most striking similarity is in the choice of statesmen and soldiers. This similarity can be traced thousands of years back. At times, the usefulness of history come in handy in comprehending the modern times making this the subject of skepticism. Professor Kagan comes to the defense of history by claiming that for us to understand the modern world, there is no other surer source than to take lessons from history. A prove to the above argument is how the past relates to the modern statesmen. There is no way the modern life can manage to evade the inclusion of history as most of its judgment depends on the likelihood of recurrences. Human behavior is made up of both contacts and discontinuities and without the two, our capacities to function in the modern world would have disappeared. A good example of this is the Peloponnesian War which later relates to the origins and causes of the First World War, the World War II and the Punic War (Kagan 2009). The relation of these wars clearly indicates that the historical analogues are not prone to obsolescence. There is a great similarity in the nature of problems and what motivates people to fight. The two have remained constant which is amazing as the same was witnessed even in the nuclear age. The main difference between the modern and the ancient times is in the economic reorganization that has been brought by industrial and Agriculture revolutions. The quest of power is another sure prove of the greatest lessons learned from history. The main reason for war is to gain power and have personal wills prevail. Today, Britain and the United States as well as most of the European countries regard power as being inherently evil. Power has been appreciated as being morally neutral with most of the historical nations concerned with increasing and maintaining their power. This can still be witnessed in the twentieth century in relation to the United States avoidance and outbreak of war in this era. A good example is the collapse of the reversed power initially held by Russia leaving the United States to look at her as diminished country that is supposed to protract or appease its powerlessness (Ozment and Kagan 2009). Another example is China as a nation with both prosperity and strength from her rich history. China history is credited for its arrogance, brusque and aggressiveness in the way it dealt with its neighbors. The modern America is the best representation of the new form of history. It brags of the strongest military power and greatest economic power today. This is an indication that the twentieth centaury history is marked with tremendous interest to maintain a status quo by being in a position to retain great power in the world. This can only be achieved by directing the course of events and avoid counting on the current fortunes while reacting to passive positions. America was keen in her reaction to specific situations and that showed any power dissipation can only lead to lack of proper track of events thus no history. Taking an example of the position taken by both the parties in the United States about the Vietnam War, there were a lot of disagreements on the position taken by either side but after the cold war, both sides became prone to embracing policies on international disengagement (Kagan 2000). The current American military is still displaying similar interest as those witnes sed during the Vietnam War. The maritime strategies used during that war are still viable and are being used in the nations submarine and airpower forces. Thus it is evident that the modern world activities are being guided by the many lessons learned from our rich history. Buy custom History's Largest Lessons essay

10 Ways to Sabotage Your Italian Progress

10 Ways to Sabotage Your Italian Progress There are ways to speak Italian quickly, and there are tips and tricks they dont teach in Italian language school. Conversely, there are methods and approaches that will slow down your progress and only prove frustrating and demotivating. You might have the best intentions, but here are ten sure-fire ways how not to learn Italian (or any foreign language, for that matter). 1. Think in English Perform the mental gymnastics that requires a lot of time and effort when conversing in Italian: think in English, then translate into Italian, then retranslate into English after hearing the speakers response. Now watch the listeners eyes glaze over as your brain painstakingly hashes out this unnecessarily complex process. At this rate, youll never learn Italian- unless you forget your native tongue. Think like an Italian if you want to speak like an Italian. 2. Cram Stay up late, drink plenty of espressos, and try to learn a semesters worth in one night. It worked in college, so it should work with a foreign language, right? Well, you cannot get into shape in just a few days at the gym, and you cannot learn Italian by studying just before a test. It takes repeated effort, over an extended period of time, to get results. Rome wasnt built in a day, and no one can become proficient in the Italian present subjunctive tense in an evening. 3. Get the Dubbed Version The Italian movie that was critically acclaimed and that everyones raving about? Its now available on DVD, in English no less. So sit back, microwave some popcorn, and watch the actors lips flap out of synch for two hours. Worse, miss the various nuances of the Italian language during conversations as well as the original voices. (In fact, many viewers believe that English-dubbed films bastardize the original.) Yes, its difficult to listen to a foreign movie in the original version, but no one ever said learning Italian was going to be easy. If the movie is that good, watch it twice- first in Italian, and then with subtitles. It will improve your comprehension, and more than likely the original dialogue will have shades of meaning that could never be conveyed by translation. 4. Avoid Native Italian Speakers Stick with English speakers when studying Italian, because after all, you can communicate with them at will without having to exert any extra effort to making yourself understood. You might not ever learn any of the nuances of Italian grammar, but then, at least you wont embarrass yourself. 5. Stick to Only One Method Theres only one way to learn Italian- your way! Cyclists in the Giro dItalia have bulging quadriceps and huge calf muscles, but their upper body is underdeveloped. Use the same muscles and youll get the same results. Youll never build up the proper lingual techniques required to sound like a native Italian (or at least close to it) if you dont cross-train. Avoid the linguistic equivalent (memorizing the lines in every Fellini movie, or knowing every verb thats related to cooking) and try a balanced approach, whether its reading an Italian textbook, completing workbook exercises, listening to a tape or CD, or conversing with a native Italian speaker. 6. Speak as if Youre Speaking English The Italian alphabet resembles the Latin alphabet used in English. So who needs to roll their rs? Why is it important to know the difference between open and closed es? Although certain Italian dialects might have pronunciation idiosyncrasies relative to standard Italian, that doesnt mean non-native speakers get to make up new rules regarding pronunciation. Get yourself to the linguistic gym and give that tongue a workout! 7. Attend a Learn Italian in 48 Hours Class Granted, there are benefits to learning Italian survival phrases when traveling to Italy, but your short term memory will fail you within days. And then what?! Instead, adopt a more deliberate approach, and learn the basics of the Italian language before traveling to Italy with an Italian for travelers e-mail course over several weeks time. Think of it as preparation for what a vacation in Italy should be: leisurely, with plenty of time for watching the world go by. 8. Dont Listen to Italian Radio or TV Since you cant understand the conversation anyway, dont bother tuning in (via cable or Internet) to Italian radio or TV broadcasts. The announcers speak too quickly, and without any context, your comprehension will approach zero. On the other hand, you might not be able to play a musical instrument, yet regardless if its classical, rap, hip-hop, or metal, you can easily pick up the rhythm, cadences, and tempo of any song. Keep that in mind, and it may be easier to incorporate the distinct intonation of Italian when speaking the language even if you dont understand the words themselves (many opera singers have near-perfect diction when performing Italian works, yet have only a rudimentary understanding of the language). 9. Remain Silently Foolish As the adage goes, It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. So sit there and say nothing in Italian, because otherwise, it will become evident rather quickly if you are unable to distinguish among false cognates in Italian. 10. Travel to Italy Only if Necessary Given the logistics of air travel nowadays, who in their right mind would want to travel to the country of the target language? Theres schlepping luggage everywhere, interminable waits in the airport and on the security line, and leg room sufficient only for children. Then, three times a day at meals, there will be a struggle trying to read menus and ordering food. Imagine, too, if you have certain food allergies or are a vegetarian and have to explain that to the cameriere (waiter)! In fact, if you make the effort, youll discover that traveling to Italy is the best way to learn Italian. While there will be challenges, being immersed in the language is guaranteed to improve your Italian language skills quicker than any other method. Consider it a linguistic adventure, and start planning your itinerary now.

Contemporary issues in management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Contemporary issues in management - Essay Example In this study, the main theme will be the analysis of the impacts of both globalisation and organisational change and culture on the field of business management; especially with regard to the contemporary issues affected as a result of the same. To be able to achieve this, this essay shall focus on a structured format that will first briefly describe the concepts and then give an understanding of their impacts on the dynamic business environment. Brief description of the concepts of globalisation and organisational culture and change The definition for the concept of globalisation can be in various forms but, in the case of this essay, two profound definitions shall be adopted. The first is that it refers to the progress achieved towards the spreading out of financial viability and social ties among different countries in the course of the broadening of commercial institutions and the industrialist philosophy leading to the withdrawal of the world in trade and industry. A view of gl obalisation in this manner would imply to it as a wave of movement that is based on the capitalist philosophy that encompasses the expansion of social and economic ties between countries in the global scale. Subsequently, the concept of globalisation can be perceived to be the process of integration and movement of goods, people, money, business, culture, ideas and services on a global scale across national boundaries. In this definition, globalisation is perceived as a global coverage of the spread or increase in the global flow of goods, services, knowledge and resources worldwide. This is combined by the emergence of complimentary organisational set of structures that manage the expansion of the network of economic transactions and activities in an international scale. This idea espouses on the realization of the fact that, through globalisation, a global economy may easily allow for the operation of financial institutions and firms trans-nationally (AL-Hyari, Alnsour, Al-Weshah & Haffar, 2012.p.157-160). The significance of this in the global economy would be that the factors of production, goods and financial assets would be nearly perfect substitutes on a global scale hence, continue accelerating the growth prospects among developing nations. As such, it can be acknowledged that there are various dynamic propositions through which the impact of globalisation on the business environment can be analyzed. One such way can be through the analysis of the effects on the increased competition and achievement of competitive advantage. Another important aspect through which the impacts of globalisation can be analyzed is in consumer behaviour in which various firms and individualities have sought to enhance the business environment. This has been through the realization of various theories and their impacts on the global consumer trends. One such theory is the Hofstede’s dimension of culture. The second concept as will be discussed in this essay is organis ational culture and its impact on the dynamism of business environments on a global scale. Businesses are made up of diverse people who are endowed with different personalities, talents and capabilities. Therefore, the likely expectation would that of a diverse business culture in every organisation. In most of the cases, these aspects of business