Rhetorical Analysis of a Language Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Rhetorical Analysis of a Language - Essay Example Yet it seems manipulative to make an emotional appeal in areas like politics or religion, even if it is done often, to get votes or converts. In these cases, it only seems fair to make an appeal to one's good sense in order to make decisions based on facts rather than how one feels at the moment. Baldwin states that "black English is rooted in American history" created by blacks during the time of slavery and designed to communicate with each other without their white masters understanding. It was designed as a method of survival. "What joins all languages.is the necessity to confront life,to outwit death" (Baldwin). He gives an example of one member of a family warning another of possible danger by speaking black English even in the presence of the white man because the white man could not understand it. Baldwin writes that "Language comes into existence by means of brutal necessity" and is a means with which to deal with life. Tan also acknowledges there are different types of "Englishes" that she uses and also proposes that English when speaking with her mother and another when at work or giving speeches. The English she uses with her mother is what she describes as simple or "broken". From the example given of how her mother speaks, it is easy to see where others may not understand her. But Tan understands, and to her, what her mother says is perfectly clear. She also realized that she used the same broken English when speaking with her husband and Tan refers to this language as a "language of intimacy" between them. Whereas Baldwin tries to make us see his point based on historical evidence, something factual and therefore credible, Tan gets her message across by appealing to a sense of family and unity and by using a personal relationship with which everyone can relate. She tells the story where she pretended to be her mother on a phone conversation and uses humor to generate a sense well-being and openness to further the point she wanted to make. Tan writes, "I had to get on the phone and say in an adolescent voice that was not very convincing. "This is Mrs. Tan." And my mother was standing in the back whispering loudly, "Why he don't send me check, already two weeks late. So mad he lie to me, losing me money." And then I said in perfect English, "Yes, I'm getting rather concerned. You had agreed to send the check two weeks ago, but it hasn't arrived." Using examples of Ireland and the parts of France that adhere to their own languages even if the mother tongue of the mainland is different, Baldwin states that language "is a proof of power". The Irish have suffered because England had "contempt for their language" and wanted to dominate them. Baldwin uses the non-emotional ethos appeal by referring to events in history to show that the countries that dominate spread their language to the conquered land. Drawing on examples of other countries that have suffered similar fates as the blacks, he makes his argument (Last Name) 3 more objective and less likely to come across as a "poor blacks, bad white" sympathy play for support. Tan also alludes to language being a proof

Teaching Tweens and Teens for Optimal Learning Research Paper

Teaching Tweens and Teens for Optimal Learning - Research Paper Example The brain is growing and changing, getting rid of information that seems to have no purpose and building pathways of behavior built upon observations on how to behave in the world. Where the family was once the center of learning, during the adolescent years, the world becomes the representation of knowledge. The size of the world is the key to finding the best possible outcomes, thus through understanding the way in which the adolescent brain works, a better understanding of how to teach teens and tweens emerges in order to create better prepared adults. The teenage mind is defined by its ability to appear to work like that of an adult, but in truth it is set to work in a very different manner. Parents are always shaking their heads and wondering why their teenagers behave the way that they do, making decisions that seem to have no reason and acting impulsively. The blame is often placed upon hormones, the common terminology reflecting an idea that it is the development of the body that is placing the teenage mind in a state of erratic behavior. Advances in neuroscience have concluded that it is not a hormonal issue that makes the behavior of teenagers so radically different than that of adults, but it is a development issue, the brain still in a state of construction in which it is still only at the stage of design, the grey matter physically being built and in the process of cutting away old synapses that are no longer needed (Feinstein, 2009, p. 4). The brain is literally growing and changing, the future of the adult in the hands of the choices made by the teenager, the brain growing in response to those changes. The nature of the teenage brain is such that in order to best teach them new methods in education may be important for producing higher levels of learning. Mind-mapping is a technique that allows for a broader use of the brain in order to see how connections are being made between varieties of concepts. Colors, pictures, symbols, and words are all combined to create a picture of how they combine to form thought (Philp, 2007, p. 17). This concept allows for an educator or academic to see how the connections between concepts are being formed for the teenage mind. According to Philp (2007) each of these conceptualized maps will be different, showing how the ways in which learning are taking place are is varied between individuals. Because the mind is being deconstructed and reconstructed, the mind of each teen is different, creating a chaotic social mix of individuals all trying to conform to teaching methods through perspectives that are all over the place. Sylwester (2007) breaks down the purpose of the brain into the â€Å"planning, regulation, and prediction of movements† (p. 15). The process of thinking can be looked at as a part of the idea of movement. One of the newest developments in understanding how learning is accomplished is through the idea of mirror neurons. The mind will function to accomplish a task, each section of the task being done through sequences of impulses that control the task. Templates of a task can also be created through what is termed mirror neurons that see the task accomplished and make plan from which the individual can also repeat that task (Stamenov, 2002, p. 273). In looking at adolescence, one can see that this process has begun new and is in

Message Meanings And Definitions Vary In Abstraction

Message Meanings And Definitions Vary In Abstraction Non-verbal Communication is just as important as verbal communication. Discuss why the knowledge of non-verbal communication is important in our daily lives. The essay should be error free, double spaced, font Times New Roman, Size 12. All references in APA Format. Executive Summary The definition and difference of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication is stated. In addition to that, the importance of non-verbal communication in our daily life is discussed also and the reasons why it is just as important as Verbal Communication. What is Communication? Communication is the form of interaction, socializing, getting and giving information for the purpose of jobs, education as well as socializing. Merriam-Webster Dictionary online has a few definitions for this word, namely An act or instance of transmitting information verbal A process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs or behavior There are two forms of communication, namely Verbal Communication and Non-Verbal Communication. Verbal Communication Verbal communication is the usage of sounds and language oral and written to convey a message or to give information emotions, thoughts, feelings, opinions, ideas and it is also an important tool for teaching and learning. There are two basic types or verbal communication interpersonal communication and public speaking. Professor Robert M Krauss, of Columbia University states that signs and symbols make up the major signals of a verbal communication. The functions and purpose of verbal communication to convey a message to others, it is vital in teaching and learning and also it helps in forming bonds and relationships with others. Verbal communication has six principles as listed in the next page: Definitions and meanings of messages are in people Different individuals have different and unique perspective as well as thinking therefore they will interpret a certain message differently. Message meanings and definitions are denotative and connotative For example, the word Love. Everyone has their personal definition and opinion on what it is (connotative), however, the dictionary would have its definition on the word (denotative). Message meanings and definitions vary in abstraction The word abstract is defined as something that is unreal, for example: feelings and hobbies. When a group of people is asked about what their hobbies are, many would have similar and/or different answers. Definitions and meanings of messages can be deceiving People communicate and interact with each other for various reasons and the messages that they convey have different motives and reasons, therefore it can be deceiving to achieve some good, to make oneself (usually the speaker himself of herself) look good, to protect self from danger and harm and/or to harm and insult others Message meanings and definitions vary in assertiveness In any conversation, there are bound to be some disagreements and arguments, therefore some harsh words might be said, however, respectfulness is still maintained by both parties in a conversation. Message meanings and definitions vary in politeness There are different kinds of politeness level directness, online (netiquette) and gender. When we tend to be direct and straight in a conversation, the language, rate, tone and volume of voice plays an important role in maintaining the politeness within the conversation. Netiquette is observed in emails, instant messaging rooms as well as online discussion forums. Even when a conversation is being carried on between a man and a woman, there will also be a certain level of politeness (usually on the mans side) so that no feelings will be hurt and the friendship and/or relationship will still be maintained. Nonverbal Communication This form of communication is easily understood as the process of communication through the sending, receiving and conveying of wordless cues and signs gestures, touch, body language, posture, In other words, nonverbal communication is communication without words and it actually conveys more meanings than verbal communication. In addition to this, many nonverbal communication signs- facial expressions, body language, eye contact are universal and easily detectable by everyone, no matter what culture they are from or which country they are from. Signals blushing, dropping jaw, trembling during a nonverbal communication are sometimes sent and received simultaneously and spontaneously. During an ongoing verbal communication for example, one may drop their jaw to say express an emotion of surprise or blush when embarrassed. The Functions of Nonverbal Communication There are six main functions of nonverbal communication which are listed below: They integrate, complement, accompany and support speech and verbal communication both the speakers and listeners would engage and be involved in a complex sequence of body gestures, body language and signs which are closely synchronized with verbal communication and they play an important part in it. Form self-impression towards others self presentation is usually achieved by appearance and to a lesser extent, by voice. Expressing of emotions nonverbal communication is conveyed through facial expression, touch, eye contact, body language so all of this takes us to understanding the human heart and feelings Defining relationships this form of communication helps to define a relationship between two individuals, for example, the holding of hands between two young individuals might indicate that they are involved in an intimate relationship and the nod of heads might indicate respect for the other individual due to the fact that one is an employee while the other is the employer. To enhance interpersonal communication friendships and relationships are maintained and established through nonverbal signals such as tone of voice, proximity , touch, gaze as well as facial expressions Rituals for example, shaking hands during an introduction The Channels of Nonverbal Communication There are 10 channels of nonverbal communication which are easily identified and decoded. Channels Details Body Movements Emblems body language that directly translates into words or phrases such as: okay sign V which means peace or victory Illustrators usually culture specific and it complements verbal messages so that memory will be increased Affect Displays which shows and portrays emotions and feelings Regulators which are used to keep the conversation ongoing and interesting Adaptors self, object and alter which are mainly used to benefit self during an ongoing conversation Body Physical Appearance Usually the physic of an individual do play a vital role in communication general attractiveness, race and ethnic and also usually the tall individual is favoured more compared to a shorter individual in the working world especially Facial Messages Helps in expressing emotions and feelings facial management Facial feedback produces and heightens feelings and it also influences physiological arousal Culture and facial expression Eye Messages Eye Contact Eye Avoidance which helps in maintaining privacy during a conversation Spatial Messages Edward T. Hall starts that these messages are also known as proxemics which are categorized into social, public, intimate and personal. These can also be territorial according to the public, primary or secondary Artificial Messages These are messages conveyed through objects and man-made arrangements and can be subdivided into: Space decoration the class and status of an individual can be seen through the way they decorate a space. This also shows the individuals interest and personality. Clothing and body adornment tattoos and body piercing Colour communication which usually influences perception and behaviour Touch Messages / Tactile Communication Most primitive and old fashioned method of non-verbal communication Portrays usually most positive feelings and playfulness Its task related as well as ritual related bowing, shaking of hands Controllable Paralanguage This consists of ones rate and tone of voice and it usually conveys judgements about peoples communication effectiveness Silence Messages Can act as a weapon It helps to stop or prevent unwanted communication A form of response to anxiety, shyness and threats It portrays and conveys important meanings and also serves important functions It gives one ample time to think, formulate and organize his or her conversation Time Messages / Temporal Communication / Chromemis This consists of the conversation that displays the past, present or future. Smell Messages / Olfactory Communication People are somehow attracted to a certain smell and ordour. In addition to this, smell helps in identification of a certain food, taste as well as it enhances memory. Decoding and encoding nonverbal communication Below are the ways to decode (no. 1-6) and encode (no. 7-10) nonverbal messages: Pay attention, be attentive and do not jump to conclusions Consider alternative judgements Awareness that messages comes from different and several channels Consider the possibility of any inaccuracy Interpret judgements Consider all factors Consistency must be observed Monitor the way the conversation is being conveyed Avoid any extremes and monotony Take the current situation into consideration Types of Nonverbal Communication There are 6 main types of nonverbal communication which will be discussed below. Physical Characteristic We as human beings are highly visual characters and therefore visual data is the most immediate information which we will receive about someone we have the ability to recognize someone out from a crowd, those who are tall are mostly wanted by employers and clean and neat people have a better chance of being liked and/or employed. Clothing Between two individuals (one wearing dirty and torn clothes and the other wearing new and clean clothes), the cleaner one will somehow make us more comfortable and also we are willing to be around him or her. The way of dressing up could in fact affect evaluations as well as potential promotions that might be given especially when one is applying for a job or going for a business meeting. Territoriality This is where proximity comes to play and it also displays the relationship that the speaker and listener have between each other and the four levels are as stated in the table below: Intimate Distance Usually for embracing, touching or whispering 0 inches to 18 inches Personal Distance Interactions between good friends or family members 1.5 ft to 4 ft Social Distance Interactions among acquaintances 4ft to 12 ft Public Distance Public speaking 12 ft to 25 ft Posture Unknown to us, posture can in fact be used to send messages or to read another persons intent and this nonverbal communication type includes arm position, leg position, general sitting posture and body orientation. For example, during a meeting or a discussion with a manager or someone of higher position than we are, face to face communication is preferred, for to do otherwise would be a defiance or anger act. Another example would be, when one is caught in a situation where another individual is having their arms crossed in front of them, it means that that particular individual is showing a defensive posture. Facial Expressions Little did we know, the face is the most expressive area of communication for nonverbal communication and in fact, we spend a great amount of time looking at a persons facial expression during a discussion. One very obvious facial expression eye contact. During an ongoing conversation, the speaker and the listener would look at each other in the eye hard stare indicates aggressiveness, anger and / or defensiveness. When a listener is looking down at the floor while he or she is being accused of something, it usually indicates that he or she is guilty of the crime. We tend to look away from the speaker when there is an issue of shame and embarrassment in the picture. However, we must be aware that different cultures has different perspectives and interpretations Spanish: looking down is a sign of respect. In addition to this, eye contact (especially if its prolonged) indicates disagreement and challenging the speakers authority. Gestures Gestures made by other parts of our body, for example hands can actually be as expressive as the expressions made by our face. An angry feeling can be enhanced and indicated with a fist or even a stab of the middle finger into someones chest. When one throws his or her hands and arms into the air, this indicates exasperation, hands placed on hips means confidence and the wringing of hands shows nervousness. The Importance of Nonverbal Communication Based on the statement made by most social psychologists, nonverbal communication actually makes up 66% (two-thirds) of all communication between two or more people. A message can too be conveyed verbally and with the proper body language and body signals which is inclusive of both fixed and unfixed physical features, the gestures and signals which are sent unconsciously or consciously and also the proximity of the conversation. A first impression can be enhanced and strengthen through nonverbal communication, especially in situations or attracting a partner or in an interview. This is where the saying you have less than 10 seconds and realistically close to 4 seconds to make a good impression on those with whom you come in contact comes to play. First encounters and meetings will usually affect an individuals lifestyle for people are more likely to believe that the first things they learn and know are the truth. Usually, all our 5 senses are used in a nonverbal communication Sight (83%), Taste (1%), Hearing (11%), Smell (3%) and Touch (2%). Nonverbal communication is one of communications key aspects and it is extremely and specifically important and vital in a high-context culture. This form of communication is used to repeat a verbal message (for example pointing at a certain direction while stating the certain direction) and also it is able to replace and substitute verbal messages (for example nodding indicates a yes and a finger to lips indicates a keep quiet gesture. Action speaks louder than words a perfect proverb to describe or to state why nonverbal communication is as important, or at times, more important than verbal communication. A person can say anything through his or her mouth but it is useless and worthless if whatever is said is not done or acted upon. Conclusion Communication and interaction is vital for all living things. Even though verbal communication is the easiest to use and interpret, we should be aware that nonverbal communication does have its important role to play too and we should try to understand this form of communication as it is interpreted differently by people from different cultural background and also for those who have different beliefs. Referencing Remland, M.S. (2009). Nonverbal communication in everyday life. USA: Pearson Education Inc DeVito, J.A. (2011). Interpersonal messages communication and relationship skills. USA: Pearson Education Inc Importance of Nonverbal Communication. Retrieved on 20th October 2012 from http://www.cod.edu/Course/Mgt100/mgtcomm.htm#NC-Importance Proxemics. Retrieved on 20th October 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proxemics Non-verbal Communication. Retrieved on 15th October 2012 from http://www2.andrews.edu/~tidwell/bsad560/NonVerbal.html Verbal Communication. Retrieved 10th October 2012 from http://www.livestrong.com/article/150573-what-is-verbal-communication/ Communication. In Merriam-Webster Dictionary online. Retrieved 9th October 2012 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communication Nonverbal Communication. Retrieved 15th October 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonverbal_communication

Chocolate Chip Cookie report :: essays research papers

To be, or Not to Be the Best   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Chocolate Chip Cookie  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The delicious smell of chocolate chip cookies is known to everyone across the nation. Americans thrive on deserts and chocolate chip cookies happen to be one of the many favorites. As there are many different types of deserts, there are also many different brands of chocolate chip cookies. Most Americans have their own preferences about which chocolate chip cookie they consider the best. I made it my goal to go out an find the best chocolate chip cookie by surveying people and testing three popular brands of cookies for flavor, chewiness, and appearance.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The three chocolate chip cookie brands tested were Chips Ahoy!, Keebler’s Original Soft Batch, and Cub Foods brand. The three brands were rated on a scale from one to three (three being the best, one the worst) on their flavor, chewiness, and appearance. To score a three on flavor the cookie had to taste delicious and melt in your mouth like ice cream outside on a hot summer day. To score a three on chewiness, it had to be very soft like dough and take a long time to finish. Finally, to rate a three on appearance the cookie had to be very appealing to the taste tester and look delicious to eat. The brand of cookies that scored the highest in each category, I crowned the best chocolate chip cookie in America.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As everyone knows in order to be the best cookie, the cookie has to have amazing flavor. I asked my family members to volunteer and taste test each brand of cookies and rate them on a scale from one to three for their flavor. My family members ate each cookie and checked off which brand they preferred. The results show the brand of cookie with the best flavor was Keebler’s Original Soft Batch. Taste testers enjoyed the rich and smooth chocolate in the cookie. The cookie with the second best flavor was Chips Ahoy! brand cookies. Taste testers liked this cookies similarity to cookie dough, but did not enjoy the flavor as much as Keebler’s Original Soft Batch. The cookie with the worst flavor was the Cub Foods brand cookies because their taste was fake and stale. After looking at these results I found Americans prefer the flavor of Keebler’s Original Soft Batch cookies to have the best taste.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another key ingredient in the best cookie has to be the chewiness.

Me at the Age of 30

Me at the age of 30 My vision for the future involves many goals that I know I will have to work hard to achieve. I feel that the way to achieve my goals will still be difficult. My professional goals in life are to find a job that makes me happy,have a family and a child . Firstly I want to assure a stable and well paid job. I hope I will be working in medicine or pharmacy. I think in this field there will always be a job open for me.Hospitals are always in need of doctors to help with people that get sick, or hurt in an accident or anything else. Also all the people need drugs when they get sick,so in my opinion pharmacist is a great job for a girl . In this field I will get benefits for my family, such as health insurance. To get a job like this takes many years of work, study and practice. A job who I also dreamed since I was little is flight attendant.I started to think a lot of this option and I really like it because I enjoy speaking English and others foreign languages. I ima gine I will be flying over oceans and countries. Secondly I’m going to start a family. By getting married and having a family I believe will bring joy into my life. I want to make sure my own family is happy. I really don’t see myself with lots of children at the of 30, but I expect I will find a soul mate.It is beautiful to watch your children grow up before your eyes and this is what I want, but not at the age of 30. I believe, as well as most people, that you are successful in life if you have raised a family. I wish I’ll become a serious person who knows what she wants. Also I want to live in a beautiful city like Timisoara ,Iasi,Brasov or Pitesti. I’ll have a big apartment and a nice car. Becouse I live in a small village ,I know how hard is to be a commuter so I want my future to be in a big city. So that’s how I see myself at the age of 30.

“What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” Film Review

The film â€Å"What's Eating Gilbert Grape,† based on the novel by Peter Hedges, is an out of the ordinary middleweight observation of a dysfunctional, although regular family. The film has some touching scenes which take the audience away from the reoccurring humour of the Grapes' ways. Set in Endora, which is described as being â€Å"like dancing with no music,† the most exciting thing that happens throughout the film is Arnie's 18th Birthday Party and the arrival of the â€Å"Burger Barn.† Arnie, Gilbert's (Johnny Depp) mentally handicapped brother, always finds a way to escape Gilbert's watching eyes and climb up the tempting water tower. This is his way of getting in trouble with the cops, not shop lifting or drug dealing, but just exploring the local water tower. And when the police finally arrest him it causes his 500 pound mother (Darlene Cates) to leave the house after seven years and demand for her precious son back. The director, Lasse Hallstrom, is very clever in how he uses humour and pathos in this scene. On the family's way to the station the audience is able to laugh as the car tips up, nearly scraping the road, weighed down by the angry 500lb angry mother. However, on their way out of the station they find themselves part of a freak show, leaving the audience to feel horror and sympathy. Gilbert also has many of other responsibilities as well as keeping a constant watchful eye on Arnie: earning the money, maintaining the house and caring for his overweight mother and his two sisters. These things play heavily on his mind which is why his secret affair with Mrs. Carver (Mary Steenburgen) is very welcome at first. However when a free-spirited beautiful young woman arrives in a RV with her grandmother (Penelope Branning), the affair has to come to an end, helped by the death of Mrs. Carver's husband, who has formerly been threatening Gilbert. Becky, played by Juliette Lewis, is a down-to-earth character; someone like Gilbert has never met before. Becky and her Grandmother have been travelling almost everywhere and stop in Endora long enough for Becky and Gilbert to get to know each other very well and to start a romance. The arrival of Becky, however, changes the Grapes' routine and way of life. This film equals Lasse Hallstrom's other art house films such as â€Å"My Life As A Dog† and â€Å"Something To Talk About.† This Scandinavian director risked a great deal in experimenting with this film. One of the things he tries is the use of a voice over. This, used at the beginning, introduces us to the characters and the setting, Endora. At the end it lets us know where the characters end up and what they do. I think this is a bad technique in this film mainly because of the use of Gilbert's humdrum voice, which in a way warns the audience of the dullness that's to come. Hallstrom purposely chose the camera shots he uses throughout the film to give the film its homeliness. The recurring picture of the water tower in the background lets the audience appreciate Gilbert's responsibility. Gilbert's truck is also another frequent occurrence, which us see everyone in it, so we can observe their reactions and emotions to what is happening. This links to the camera shots through windows. These are also very common in the film and tie in with the â€Å"fly on the wall† technique, which is a favourite with reality T.V programs. As I previously said the film is like an observation of this family and this technique enables us to just watch them and feel like we are there with them, which makes us feel more ‘close' and we can sympathise with them because of their circumstances, as I'm sure that there is a little bit of Gilbert Grape in all of us. If you were a top famous Hollywood actor, would you be able to significantly play a mid-west, average twenty-odd year old man? In my opinion there would have been no one better than Johnny Depp in this case. He plays the part of Gilbert excellently, not over-the-top or over dramatic but perfectly, just how you'd imagine Gilbert to be after reading the novel. Compared to Depp's previous roles, such as in â€Å"Edward Scissorhands,† he really did have to act ‘down' in this film Johnny Depp is not the only actor in the film that I feel played an excellent performance. Leonardo Di Caprio also had a hard role to play as the ‘retarded' eighteen year old with the mind of a four year old. He obviously researched and thought greatly about how he should act such a difficult character, but he definitely pulled it off! Although the film is mainly pivoted around Arnie's eighteenth birthday party, the film has many sub-plots, which all have their own significance throughout the film. For instance the water tower, Mrs. Carver, the scenes in the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ and a few others. These all bond the film together in order to make it what it is; a great family film. A really important recurring point that is made throughout the film is when Arnie says â€Å"we're not going anywhere.† In a way this is the key point of the whole film as only until the very end Gilbert has no choice but to stay in Endora and look after his mother and the rest of his family, unlike his older brother, Larry, who ‘got away' and went to college. And now, the question, what actually is eating Gilbert Grape? Personally I think that it is all his responsibilities but mainly, not looking after Arnie as much as having the burden of his overweight mother sitting at home doing nothing, him having to care for her and his siblings, when really it should be the other way around. Although I really enjoyed watching this film many people didn't and have slated it in the past. I think it depends on your own personal taste in films and what you expect and want from a film. And whatever that may be I recommend you watch â€Å"What's Eating Gilbert Grape.†