Language and Misinterpretations

Language and Misinterpretations Language comprehension is an important tool of communication. Through language, human beings are able to exchange information amongst themselves, form relationships, comprehend, and express their feelings. Consequently, language is a vital component of human understanding.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Language and Misinterpretations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The issue of misinterpretation in language use is very important because it has the potential to affect communication in a big way. Misinterpretations can result in severed relationships and in other cases they can offend people. The complexities of the differences between languages are responsible for contradicting statements and unintended interpretations. Most cases of lingual misinterpretations depend on cultural differences and ambiguity. Languages are often interpreted differently by several individuals. Consequently, the issue of †˜meaning to whom’ takes centre stage in language use. In some instances, the usage of some words may differ depending on lingual factions. This paper explores language use with respect to misinterpretation and meanings. The issue of misinterpretation in language use is tricky because it is likely to have several valid interpretations of one utterance. Therefore, several listeners might have different interpretations in a single case of language use. The concept of having a ‘correct’ or ‘incorrect’ interpretation is complicated by the fact that one utterance can have several valid interpretations. Interpretations depend on their interpreter. For instance, misinterpretations depend on the status of the listener. In America, interpretations are mostly dependent on racial factions such as African American, Asian American, or Native American. Misinterpretations are a product of a speaker’s intention. Nevertheless, in some cases a speaker might hav e more than one intention. An utterance can bear characteristics of motive, desire, and reason. All these factors are tied to cultural backgrounds and resulting interpretations. The fact that a speaker’s motive might be in conflict with his/her desires makes things complicated for listeners. Racial tensions in America are a common source of misinterpretations. After considering all these facts, it is clear that misinterpretations are part of communication. Consequently, the ‘correct’ interpretation of any language use can vary.Advertising Looking for critical writing on communication strategies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A listener’s chances of misinterpretation are dependent on a number of pre-conditions. A listener is only able to interpret an utterance based on his/her â€Å"background knowledge, intelligence and imaginative power, degree of attention and interest, social relation s to the speaker and actual social interaction with the latter, willingness to think over what has been said and what follows from that† (Odlin, 2008). During language use, it is likely for a listener to draw multiple conclusions from a single utterance. Therefore, the issue of misinterpretation easily applies to listeners during language use. It is also important to note that a listener might have a wide range of valid interpretations when it comes to language use. When discussing the issue of misinterpretations, it is important to note that the context of a particular utterance matters. The issue of ‘meaning to whom’ is rarely analyzed by linguists. The multiplicity of contexts in communication makes it difficult to analyze the issue of what a particular utterance means to diverse groups of people. Nevertheless, the task of deeply analyzing utterances is often relegated to observers and other linguistic experts. Linguistic analysts often investigate the concept of ‘meaning to whom’ using several considerations. The chances of an interpreter avoiding instances of ‘misinterpretations’, depend on his/her familiarity with speakers and listeners. For instance, America uses English as the standard language of communication. However, English speakers are likely to understand utterances in relation to their individual backgrounds. A linguistic analyst can have difficulties analyzing what an utterance means to a Mexican-American without a slight understanding of the Spanish language. Consequently, to reduce instances of misinterpretations the American system uses hyphenation. Hyphenation offers linguistic experts a chance to make interpretations using the unique traits of listeners and speakers. Each cultural group creates meanings in its unique way. Therefore, even though all Americans speak one language their interpretations might differ. The issue of interpretation encourages both speakers and listeners to use cultural anthropologies when making deductions. Nevertheless, hyphenations are more effective when analyzing utterances compared to an analysis of written texts (Leiser, 2009). In written texts, accents do not matter. However, in utterances accents form a big part of interpretation.  An example of how the concept of ‘meaning to whom’ is manifested is in the use of the word ‘squaw’. The word squaw means different things to different Native American communities.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Language and Misinterpretations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More On the other hand, the word has different interpretations within Canada and the United States. For the Algonquian speaking people, the word squaw refers to either a woman or girl. Over the years, the term squaw has come to be interpreted in different ways by different people. Even though the origins of the word indicate that the word i nitially meant ‘woman’, other Native American communities have claimed that the word refers to ‘vagina’. Linguists agree that the change of meaning of the word ‘squaw’ is a misinterpretation. Nevertheless, the resulting misinterpretation has turned the word squaw into a derogatory term. In addition, some Native American communities have renamed places that have the word squaw in them. Although the word squaw initially meant one thing to the early Native Americans, it has come to mean something else to the current generation. References Leiser, R. G. (2009). Exploiting convergence to improve natural language  understanding. Interacting with Computers, 1(3), 284-298. Odlin, T. (2008). Language transfer: Cross-linguistic influence in language learning.  New York: Cambridge University Press.

Definition and Examples of Reporting Verbs in English

Definition and Examples of Reporting Verbs in English In English grammar, a reporting verb is a  verb (such as say, tell, believe, reply, respond, or ask) used to indicate that discourse is being quoted or paraphrased. Its also called a  communication verb. [T]he number of  reporting verbs  that can be employed to mark  paraphrases  is around a dozen, author Eli Hinkel reported, and  they can be learned with relative ease while working on a writing assignment (e.g.,  the author says, states, indicates, comments, notes, observes, believes, points out, emphasizes, advocates, reports, concludes, underscores, mentions, finds), not to mention phrases with similar textual functions such as  according to the author, as the author states/indicates, in the authors view/opinion/understanding,  or  as noted/stated/mentioned. Tenses and Their Uses Most often, reporting verbs, such as seen in fiction to show dialogue, are in the past tense, because as soon as a speaker says something, it is literally in the past.   George Carlin illustrates this in this example of reported speech: I went to a bookstore and  asked  the saleswoman, Wheres the self-help section? She  said  if she  told  me, it would defeat the purpose. To contrast with  words spoken once, putting a reporting verb in the present tense is used to show an adage, something that someone has said in the past and continues to say or presently believes. For example: She always says how hes not good enough for you. Next, a reporting verb may be in the historical present tense (to refer to an event that took place in the past). The historical present is often used for dramatic effect or immediacy, to place the reader right in the scene. The technique should be used sparingly, so you dont create confusion, but its use can make for a dramatic lead to a story, for example. The year is 1938, the place, Paris. The soldiers smash shop windows and run through the street  and yell...   You also use reporting verbs in  the literary present tense (to refer to any aspect of a work of literature). This is because no matter what year you watch a particular movie or read a book, the events always unfold in the same way. The characters always say the same thing in the same order. For example, if youre writing on Hamlet, you might write, Hamlet shows his anguish when he speaks his To be soliloquy. Or if youre reviewing fantastic movie lines, you might write, Who can forget when Humphrey Bogart says  to Ingrid Bergman, Heres looking at you, kid  in Casablanca?   Dont Overuse Reporting Verbs When youre writing dialogue, if the identity of a speaker is clear from the context, such as in a back-and-forth conversation between two people, the reporting phrase is often omitted; it doesnt have to be used with  each line of dialogue, just enough times to make sure the reader doesnt get lost as far as whos speaking, such as if the conversation is long or if a third party interjects. And if the lines of conversation are short, using a bunch of he said she said gets distracting for the reader. Its more effective to leave them out in this instance. Overusing creative substitutions for, said can also get distracting for the reader. A reader goes by said quickly and doesnt lose the flow of the dialogue. Be judicious in using substitutions for said.   The line of dialogue belongs to the character; the verb is the writer sticking his nose in, wrote Elmore Leonard in  The New York Times.  But  said  is far less intrusive than  grumbled, gasped, cautioned, lied. I once noticed Mary McCarthy ending a line of dialogue with she asseverated, and had to stop reading to get the dictionary. Sources Teaching Academic ESL Writing. Routledge, 2004Elmore Leonard, Easy on the Adverbs, Exclamation Points and Especially Hooptedoodle.  July 16, 2001

CVP Analysis Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

CVP Analysis - Research Paper Example In order to bring a revolution in the existing business practices of the company, it is important that a new pricing strategy is devised that is based on the strategic objectives of each product individually. Furthermore, the decisions for the allocation of funds for the Research & Development (R&D) of each product should be taken individually and on annual basis to achieve the desired objectives of the product and the company. However, my strategic decision making for each year has resulted into 60% profitability in case of product X5 and 50% profitability in case of product X6. Furthermore, the increased spending on maintenance, support, enhancement and discovery for product X5 and X6 showed improved product which resulted in higher customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the discontinuation of product X7 through the four years helped in the success of the first two products. Nonetheless, a new strategy needs to be determined using contemporary strategy determining tools like Cost-Volu me-Profit (CVP) analysis. 1.1 Aim The aim of this report is to discuss the new pricing and R&D allocation strategy for the core products X5, X6 and X7 using CVP analysis and calculator. 1.2 Objectives To analyse the subsequent performance and life cycles of each product due to the difference in the decisions. To determine the new pricing decisions and R&D budget allocation strategy for each core product, namely: X5, X6 and X7 taken in 4 years (i.e. from 2012-2015). To provide rationale of the proposed strategy with theoretical support. 2 Analysis of Pricing and R&D Allocation Strategy Used in Phase 2 2.1 Penetration Pricing Strategy In order to enter into the established marketplace, Tablet Development Corp. has to undertake the penetration pricing strategy. A penetration pricing strategy is used when the company has to enter into an established marketplace and to attract the market in a substantial manner through low-pricing techniques. In the year 2012, the price of product X5 was set at the lowest possible price of $180 and it was increased by $5 every year. Similarly, the price of X6 was set at $300 only and was increased by $10 each year. The product X7 was discontinued in four years. 2.2 R&D Budget Allocation Strategy Strategic distribution of the R&D budget over the years is key to the success. Therefore, only first two R&D activities require substantial investments whereas the last two requires little investment to keep it going. The R&D budget allocation was increased for product X5 and X6 in the subsequent years whereas, product X7 was allocated less percentage of the R&D budget. The less amount shows the R&D allocations for the maintenance of product X7. 3 Determining New Strategy for Core Products of Tablet Development Corporation Apple Inc. and Microsoft have been involved in developing new products on a regular basis. In this wake they incurred fixed costs related to R&D expenditures and other costs of new product development. In order to remain competitive in the global marketplace, they adopted a new method to determine the prices and R&D allocations for multiple products on a unit cost basis (Morse, 2003). They assumed that the costs of all the products will remain fixed and thus, determine a profit or a loss situation for the new product. The

Fallacy of work-life balance and video Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Fallacy of work-life balance and video - Essay Example It is actually a very short discourse that only took Friedman about one minute to deliver orally. The disparities between the two mediums of communication could be evaluated in terms of the impact to the audience; the clarity within which the message was sent; the ability to emphasize some points; and the overall effectiveness in understanding the message that was originally intended to be relayed. The video presentation accorded the audience with the opportunity to see or visualize the author as he relayed the information or contents verbally. The author delivered the message in a manner where he seemed to be relaying the information to another person, someone he was looking at (and not the audience). His face was actually positioned not directly to the audience; but somewhat skewed to the right where he seemed to be looking a person or the camera which was positioned accordingly. However, the video presentation accorded the audience with verbal cues that enhanced or highlighted some portions of his message through the manner of speech: pausing between phrases or sentences; mov ements of his head; changes in posture (slight shifts in his seating position); and modulation of his voice or tone that assisted in conveying the appropriate message. With the written discourse, the information could also be clearly understood. However, the intensity of stressing some points could not have been properly established, since it would depend on the readers’ competencies to effectively understand. For instance, this narrative discourse would be comprehended differently between a reader with a high school level, as compared to that of a university graduate, or a professional. Likewise, readers from diverse cultural, ethnic or racial background whose native language is not English could have some challenges in comprehending the message accurately. In addition, the readers could have just breezed

Mechanical Energy :: essays research papers fc

Have you ever wondered how a jet aircraft lifts its tremendous weight off the ground, or what gives a runner the stamina to reach the finish line in a race? In order to answer all these questions we must talk about the transformation of one sort of energy into another. The jet aircraft gets its power from jet turbines. These powerful jet engines create a high-pressure stream of very hot gases that push the aircraft forward as they leave the engine. This is an example of heat being transformed into movement. This is sometimes described as Mechanical Energy. However, this transformation could not take place without the fuel that the aircraft gets within its wings or fuselage. Fuel is considered a chemical energy. This diagram shows how the jet engine acts as energy to lift the aircraft off the surface of earth. Fuel can take the form of gases, solids or liquids. When fuels combine with oxygen from the air, they release their stored energy as heat. We recognize this process as burning. The individual relies on food for fuel which contains energy-giving substances that our bodies can store until we need this energy to use our muscles. When we do use our muscles within us, we may not always be sure that heat is given off. Our bodies do not burst into flames but the perspiration on our skin is a clue to what is happening. The movement of the windsurfer has a different explanation. The windsurfer is propelled along by a sail which collects mechanical energy from the winds that sweep along the water. This energy has been produced by the sun which warms the earth's surface and sets the air above in motion. The sun's heat comes to the earth as a form of radiant energy. When the heat reaches the surface of the earth, it causes the land or seas to rise in temperature. The sun is very hot. Infact, the center of the sun can reach temperatures of up to 27 million degrees Fahrenheit. This is because of another kind of energy reaction where new substances are continually being created as others are being destroyed. This reaction is known to us as the Nuclear Reaction. Today we are trying to imitate this reaction in improving our energy supply. Scientists have calculated that the sun has enough fuel to go on producing energy at its present rate for about five billion years. On earth

Principles of diversity, equality and inclusion in adult social care settings Essay

1. Define what is meant by: (1.1.1) A. diversity diversity means variety people varied in lots of ways their age, beliefs, height weight in a health care setting men and women vary in age, each having their own personal experiences and beliefs, clients also have their own eating habits, clients are also diverse in their personal care for e.g. a female client may only want her personal hygiene dealt with by a female member of staff. All these and many more differences make for a diverse world. see more:legislation and codes of practice relating to diversity B. equality Equality is treating people fairly regardless of their differences ensuring everyone has accesses to the same information for example housing, shelter is a basic need that everyone has regardless of their differences. Some people need extra help such as people with learning or health difficulties, people with mental illness. Equality is also about providing the right information/services so that these more venerable people are not at a disadvantage or treated less fairly than anyone else. C. inclusion Inclusion is accepting everyone despite there differences much like equality to help develop a sense of belonging; it is also getting rid of intolerance of differences and providing help and support. Any organisation or institution including local authorities, health care service providers ect that support and promote inclusion demonstrates that it supports everything about the people involved with it. Inclusion nurtures a sense of wellbeing and belonging and of confidence in ones identity and abilities. D. discrimination Discrimination happens when we act out of negative prejudice, discriminatory behaviour results in unfair and unjust treatment. The people likely to to be discriminated against are those who are different in there respect of age, sex, nationality. Ability, size, financial status. There are two forms of discrimination direct and indirect. Direct discrimination is when someone is intentionally treated unfairly for eg harassed for the colour of there skin. Indirect discrimination is when rules or guide lines meant to apply to everyone unintentionally effect one group of people more than others 2. Describe how direct or indirect discrimination may occur in the work setting (1.1.2) Indirect discrimination eg a company policy requires everyone to work a night shift indirectly discriminates against single parents. Direct discrimination eg someone being directly harassed for the colour of their skin, their sexual orientation ect. 3. Explain how practices that support diversity, equality and inclusion reduce the likelihood of discrimination (1.1.3) Inclusive practise involves having an understanding of the disastrous impact that discrimination inequality and and social exclusion can have. Having this understanding ensures appropriate and personalized care and support. Enabling a developed sense of self respect and maintain a valued role in society. 4. List key legislation and codes of practice relating to diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination in adult social care settings (2.2.1) The human rights act 1998 the health and social care act 2008 The equal pay act 1970 residential care and nursing homes regulations 2002 The sex discrimination act 1975 Race relations act 1976 Disability discrimination act 1995 Employment equality regulations 2003 The nhs and community care act 1980 5. Describe how to interact with individuals in an inclusive way (2.2.2) To include everyone, interact the same despite age, colour ect promote everyone’s differences. 6. Describe ways in which discrimination may be challenged in adult social care settings to promote change. (2.2.3) One way to Challenge work place discrimination and making change happen is by analysing the reason why a worker behaves in a discriminatory way. 7. Identify sources of information, advice and support about diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination (3.3.1) National nurses research unit and health worker standards these can both be accessed via internet also many leaflets there are many more sources of information. 8. Describe how and when to access information, advice and support about diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination (3.3.2) You can accesses information via your manager, on line using national nurses research unit you should accesses this information when you feel discriminated against, treated unfairly or are being asked for advice as this is happening to someone else. Once you have completed, you’re learning Advisor will be able to cross reference all the knowledge into UNIT 4222-203 of the diploma.

Case Study Silvio Napoli at Schindler India (a) Essay

1. Did Schindler make the right choice in assigning Silvio as general manager of India? I do not believe Schindler made the right choice in assigning Silvio as the general manager of India. Silvio had little to no real world international experience. Silvio had much success in Sweden but there are several factors that limited his success in India. Silvio had high warrior and low monk attributes. Silvio was a task oriented individual. This management style is not well received in India. The General Manager needed to be a person that can change their behavior when dealing with different cultures. Before making their selection Schindler should have required Silvio to take a Global Mentality Test. This test would have told†¦show more content†¦Silvio spent weeks trying to juggle the relocation of his family and setting up the company infrastructure. As a result of the juggling, neither goal was executed well. Silvio needs to become more accepting of alterations to his business plan. Silvio was determined to follow his business plan even if the market rev ealed better alternatives. A good example of this was the decision to strictly offer a standard product line with no customization. Customers were pretty clear that the standard product line would not be acceptable for the first two orders that Schindler India received. I would advise Silvio to sit down with his management team and reevaluate their business plan. After the re-evaluation Silvio needs to gain the respect of the team. In Sweden Silvio was given respect due to his position. In India Silvio would need to earn the respect of his management team. The warrior management style that Silvio was familiar to did more harm than good at earning their respect. 3. What advice would you give Silvio regarding his decision on the nonstandard glass wall elevator that has been ordered? Even though the company would loose money by accepting this order Silvio should accept it. Unfortunately, you sometimes need to accept loss to gain acceptance in a market that is dominated by a competitor. If Silvio can pull off the installation, demonstrate reliability, and provide superior customer service the company could make large strides inShow MoreRelatedThe Challenges Schindler Faces in India: Case Study2586 Words   |  10 PagesIntroduction The Schindler was established in 1874 in Switzerland by Robert Schindler and started to manufacture elevators in 1889. The company employed over thirty eight thousand (38000) people worldwide in ninety seven (97) of its branches, but yet they hadnt had any operations in India, a market Alfred N. Schindler felt had great potential. However, 1925 Schindler installed its first elevator in India, but they didnt have any local presence until 1997-1998 when the India government liberalizedRead MoreNapoli1378 Words   |  6 PagesWas Silvio the right choice to head the India operation? In my opinion, I do not think that was the right choice. Even though India’s growth potential was significant, there are several reasons why I think so. First of all, Exchange rates and unforeseen duties further frustrated market development efforts. When it comes to international business those risks always would be cause of challenge. For example Japanese lumber company in Canada decreased their sales from last year because of change ofRead Moreselling to india Essay2794 Words   |  12 Pagesï » ¿Selling into India: Lessons From Silvio Napoli No amount of process re-definition could have saved Schindler the pains associated with attempting to move into India with a low-cost strategy. Fundamental assumptions about India just wanting low-cost elevators where customization wasnt a requirement took the effort of creating a subsidiary to learn from. For the last four years Ive been teaching an international business course occasionally for a local MBA Program. My students are all workingRead MoreSchindlers Market Expansion Strategy in India: Best Practices in Strategic Marketing Management2217 Words   |  9 Pagesï » ¿Schindlers Market Expansion Strategy in India: Best Practices in Strategic Marketing Management Executive Summary The many challenges that Schindler Group faces in getting their international expansion strategy to succeed are multifaceted in scope and reflect how challenging international marketing can be. Exacerbating their challenges is the need for creating a reliable supply chain throughout India while also relying on their internal suppliers who are the production centers located throughoutRead MoreSilvio Napoli at Schindler India Essay2555 Words   |  11 Pages1 Was Silvio the right choice for general manager of Schindler ¡Ã‚ ¦s India operations? Why/Why not  ¡V give details. This question can be answered by taking following 3 things in consideration. 1.1 Silvio ¡Ã‚ ¦s characteristics This can be better explained by detailing his strengths and weaknesses. 1.1.1 Strengths: As per Luc Bonnard, they trust him 100%, he has courage, he is young and flexible, he is generalist not specialist, and willing to go to India. So here is the list of his strengths with