Essays on Semantics

On November 5, 2009, the son of Palestinian immigrants, Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan randomly fired into a crowd at a processing center at Fort Hood, the largest active-duty military post in the country (Army Major kills, n.d.). One would be hard pressed to find a larger military stage to conduct such blatant murder. Despite the Major shouting ‘God is great’ in Arabic, “Allahu Akbar”, just before he opened fire on soldiers who were either returning from deployment, or getting ready to be deployed, there was a denial by the government to officially label the shooting as an act ...

Psychology: Nature vs. Nurture Essay

Language constitutes an essential characteristic of human beings and is regarded as a primary form of communication between individuals. The role of nature and nurture in language acquisition among young children has been a continuous debate in developmental sciences, education, and social sciences like sociology and psychology. This issue is not only conflicting but also complementary. It has laid a foundation for better understanding of how biological and environmental factors interact to influence language development in children (Yusa et al. 2011). Available research shows that there is no clear pattern of the causes and effects associated with human cognition ...

Analysis of the Language of New Social Media

Introduction Recent technological advancements in computers, phones, and internet based communications have become an integral part of people’s lives. Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn have attracted million of English-speaking users who communicate and connect via the sites on a regular basis. The use of the internet communication technologies has undoubtedly shaped the way people communicate. Users share their thoughts and photos, organize their social lives, or at the very least have their lives significantly influenced through some form of internet-based interaction. This has had a huge effect not only on the physical interaction but ...

Introduction

According to cultural relativism, it is the view that there are no higher or lower cultures in all cultural and moral aspects ("Cultural Relativism", 2016). It is difficult to look at your own culture the way other cultures see it. In the article “Body Ritual among the Nacirema” Horace Miner describes American people in a satiric way, so it is not easy for readers to understand it. But it is the main strength or his article and he is not afraid to show his culture the way they always describe others. It is unfair to describe traditions of other ...

The preliminary title of the proposed research project is “A contrastive study of transitivity and intransitivity in formal and colloquial Arabic and English”. The final title of the research project is not carved in stone and will likely be subject to change, if some nuanced corrections are suggested.

Background

In the languages that are widely spoken in the world today, all verbs can be categorized as transitive, intransitive or ambitransitive. Historically, linguists have understood transitivity as a “transfer of energy from one entity to another” (Hoche, 2009, p. 148). It appears from this definition that transitive verbs presume the transfer ...

Prototype is the characteristic instance of any category, so the concept of it helps to explain the meanings of the word in terms of comparing the words with the closest examples. Prototype is the best representative of cognitive or linguistic category. The theory of prototypes developed in parallel in cognitive psychology, ethnolinguistics, semantics, cognitive anthropology, and philosophy. As well as many linguistic theories, which roots go back to psychological or philosophical teachings prototypical semantics owes intensive development and experimentation in the field of cognitive psychology, the result of which was the theory of prototypes and prototypical representations about the ...

Semantic knowledge includes general knowledge of things such as basic facts, knowledge of people, and meanings. Semantics are almost always taken for granted because it is an innate element of human beings. Meaning-making and meaning-sharing is a natural part of our day to day discourse. The meanings that people attach to words, objects, and even people are highly subjective(Hornsby, Stanley, 2005). The meanings that we have for the things around us speaks highly of our experiences, personality, and beliefs. The practicality of semantics is also what makes it a difficult topic to study. It is difficult to study ...

The short fiction work of turn-of-the-century author Kate Chopin regularly deals with the recurring themes of womanhood, agency and identity, usually telling stories of women trapped in stifling lives due to the patriarchal expectations placed on them to live a certain way. Through these explorations of gender roles, particularly through marriage and motherhood, Chopin uses these central themes to explore the imbalances found between men and women in terms of power and agency. At all turns, the protagonists of Chopin’s stories must make unconventional, taboo decisions to reject the white, male-dominated judgments and expectations placed on them. Two ...

Abstract

The study describes phonological pluralization of nouns and adjectives in Nahuatl. It is based on selected groups of substantives and adjectives taken from Nahuatl and is focused on comparing their singular and plural forms in the phonological context. The groups are presented by the following semantic domains: Animals, Natural force (weather), Number, Perception visual colors, Physical artifact (dress and tool weapon), Physical celestial body, Physical condition form change, Physical somatic, Physical somatic body part, Physical spatial, Physical substance, Plant and Plant part, Quality, Social clan and Social kin, Time phase. The purpose of the paper consists in revealing phonological ...

ES 6340

3.14.16

Research Purpose/Introduction

In a paper presented at a symposium on teaching children to think creatively, child psychologist E. Paul Torrance (1972), creator of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) (Torrance, 1980, 1966) says, I know that it is possible to teach children to think creatively and that it can be done in a variety of ways. I have done it. I have seen my wife do it. I have seen other excellent teachers do it. I have seen children who demonstrated a disability for thinking creatively learn to think creatively. I have seen them continuing for years thereafter to ...

Van Lier’s ecological approach examines the learning process holistically by looking at the behavior of teachers and learners. The author places emphasis on the interaction between the two as way of enhancing the use of language. This approach explores the interaction in social, physical and symbolic level. The Ecology and Semiotics of the Language Learning by Van Lier offers a detailed overview of the ecology of the learning of language. It encompasses various concepts such as semiotics, self, emergence and pragmatic effects of an ecological view regarding the use of language in the classroom. Also, Van Lier’s ...

Introduction

Different geographical regions possess different religion, culture, government and have certain characteristics that set them apart from the rest. Such geographic areas are unique when it comes to their practices and norms. The following essay explores the defining characteristics of Central Asia and describes the religion of Central Asia about the Chinese. The Chinese religion is one that is of great interest to a lot of people all over the world and not only the Chinese themselves. Some of the values embedded in the Chinese religion have been utilized in other countries that are non-Chinese this refers to those ...

Persuasion in Communication through Semantics

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6276184?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063 Effective communication plays a vital role in persuasion, influence, and leadership, especially in the context of business management. Effective communication entails the utilization of techniques and methods to enhance feedback and action from the audience or listeners. Language, vocabulary, and semantics play a vital role in effective communication because the choice of words or phrases can enhance the meaning of the message. On the other hand, providing a reason for the audience can be an effective technique to receive the desired feedback or action. Melissa Dahl explains in her article that choosing particular words or phrases can influence ...

A Comparative Study of Pragmatic Properties of the English and Chinese Language

Introduction Just like humans and knowledge, language is able to evolve. The question to consider is that are these changes good or bad? The establishment of a language take years to perfect and right now, no language in this world is flawless. Two best examples are two of the most spoken language in the world Chinese and English. Fact Monster (2014) uploaded a list of the most spoken language in the world, Chinese took the top spot with over 1,197,000,000 speakers around the world. English only came in third with 335,000,000 after Spanish. One ...

‘Non-native’ Varieties and World English

‘Non-native’ Varieties and World Englishes Introduction The varieties of world Englishes connects to multitudes of non-native English speakers globally and the individual and collective goals in learning English as a second language. Understanding key themes in contemporary applied linguistics and the role of language in real-world problems faced by individual and groups provides a range of potential solutions available in different contexts of practice (Spelman Miller and Thompson, 2005; Kaplan, 2002; Frawley, 2003: Arts and McMahon, 2006; Davies, 2007). The use of English as an international language (EIL) and its implications for teaching have attracted much scholarly attention yet, ...

Abstract and Introduction

The Investigations is one of the most highly influential works published in the 20th century in the field of philosophy. The work was written by Wittgenstein. There are numerous works in the field of philosophy and each of those works often has their own appeal or impact. In the case of The Investigations, the author focused on the philosophy of language use, specifically the different issues that he found the current language system have been using, that at the same time, he though were causing the different problems in the field of philosophy. In a nutshell, his work focused ...

Gabalda (2006) examines the case of a forty two year old woman, Ana who was suffering from depression. Ana had sought treatment but eventually discontinued her visits to her psychologist. The study examines the role of assimilation of nondominant voices of negative experiences that a patient is having difficulty with. Dominant voices are described as basic beliefs and schema that make up our feelings and thought processes. Nondominant voices are those that challenge us and cause difficulty in processing into our schema (Stiles, Elliott, Llewelyn, Margison, Shapiro and Hardy 1990).

Gabalda (2006) provides a strong literature review built on the concept of ...

Ancient humans are speaking animals according to Aristotle. In the 19th century intellectual ethical, g century people define themselves in terms of ability to communicate with each other. The intellectual, ethical, and political implication of the revisionary change is not sufficient. Once there was a critique in the dream of communication as a mutual communion of souls, genealogy of sources and scenes of pervasive sense that communication will breaks down. The aim of this essay is to trace the sources of modern ideas of communication to avoid the moral privilege and pathos of breakdown.

Deluze Mediators asserts that philosophers are ...

Communication principles and misconceptions

As a newly married couple, it is important for each of you to understand the basic principles of interpersonal communication. Peter and Rose, communication is irreversible. Once one of you says something to his or her partner, it is not possible to take it back. The impact of what is initially said remains in the mind of the partner in an inventible way. This is why it is important for a married couple to think before saying hurting words out of anger. Abuses and arrogance should get no place in marriage context since the partner may forgive you, but the initial ...

SubjectDate

Introduction 3 Semiotics 3 Exegesis 4 Structural Semiotics 5 Differences and similarities between semiotic and exegetical preaching 7 Importance of Semiotics in the Bible 9 Importance of exegesis in Bible 10 Proper use of semiotic in effective preaching 11 Conclusion 13 The art of preaching using semiotics Introduction In the religious context, preaching is the duty of every person who has belief in God and scriptures. Some people accept this duty and leave their homes to preach in the way of God; those people are called preachers. It ...

Developmental psychology primarily focuses on childhood development since it is the period within which a lot of changes take place. This field focuses on the interplay of nature and nurture and their influence on individual development; with nature concerning matters of genetic inheritance and maturation whereas nurture focuses on the impact of our environment and experience. As mentioned earlier developmental psychology focuses on a number of areas including language development. Language refers to the expression of human communication through which knowledge, belief and behavior can be expressed using a system of symbols and rules. Language development begins quite early in life ...

When analysing the book of Ephesians, it is normally imperative for one to consider learning the case usage on its various lexical semantics of verbs rather than using cases and functions. Based on this notion, approaching the exegetical perspective of Ephesians using semantic roles rather than the use of case categories helps the scholar to be able to focus further on the idea of the clauses more than on the individual ones. The book of Ephesians is one of Paul’s works that clearly demonstrates his motives towards how the relationship between Christians, God and the church out to ...

Annotated bibliography on American Popular Culture

Mukerji, Chandra, and Michael Schudson. Rethinking Popular Culture: Contemporary Perspectives in Cultural Studies. Berkeley: the University of California Press, 1991. Print.

The book aids the reader in understanding the various cultural dynamics that are involved in the American culture. The combination of the various schools of thoughts by various scholars helps the reader to understand the aspects of popular culture in different perspectives. Franz, Kathleen, and Susan Smulyan. Major Problems in American Popular Culture: Documents and Essays. Australia: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012. Print. IPop News. "Pop Culture's War on Fraternities .com." iWantPop. N.p., 24 Feb. 2014. Web. ...

I. INTRODUCTION Systemic-Functional Linguistics, otherwise known as SFL, is a theory of language and language structure that is separate and distinct from the other theories of language that have arisen in the field of linguistics. Systemic-Functional Linguistics is a theory of language that is focused on the theory of language function as a method for language evolution and derivation (Halliday, 2005, pp. 133--135). Systemic-Functional Linguistics accounts for the syntax of any given language structure, but it is more concerned with the function of the language as the central issue within the analysis (Halliday, 2005, pp. 133--135). Halliday (2005), the first linguist ...

Abstract

An ontology refers to a formal, common, shared description of significance concepts within a specific domain. Ontologies can be used to support various tasks in diverse areas of research such as information retrieval, knowledge management, databases, natural language processing, “geographic information systems”, digital libraries, “multi agent systems” or “visual information retrieval systems”. An ontology makes it possible to have shared knowledge as well as reuse where there can be communicating of information resources between software and human agents. However, ontologies have conceptually been in development since the 1970’s and in the late 1990s’-early 2000’s, we began seeing languages ...

In this report I will summarize and critize an article written by Edward L. Thorndike titled Semantic Change, which appeared in The American Journal of Psychology in 1947. I will then evaluate the influence of semantic changes. Verbal communication is creates relationships between speakers and listeners far more frequently than any other type of existing relationship. Thorndike believes that studying and truly understating communication helps us to deeper understand some aspects of social psychology. Thorndike’s primary focus is on the understanding of word semantics as well as changes that have occurred in the English language through the ...

The development of English literacy instructional programs has provided teachers the opportunity to inculcate ‘English Literacy Learners (ELLs)’ with appropriate strategic models. Literacy instructional models now embrace an appreciation for cultural diversity. In terms of linguistic variety brought to schools, the concept engages learners to excel in reading, writing, and generally to grasp an appreciation for language diversity in literacy. John McWhorter explains that “growing up in America” advances the notion that any English dialect veering away from the so-called ‘good’ English spoken on TV news programs represents “evidence of grungy mitts” leaving filthy prints on the sanitized “formica ...

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is an important aspect in the evaluation and analysis of any type of communication which forms part of our daily encounters. Therefore there is a need for a keen analysis and evaluation of the concepts that form a complete and fully functional communication system. In this paper, a memo written by the vice president of a company is going to be analyzed drawing information and reference from a multi-step method developed by Browne and Keeley in their book, “Asking the Right Questions: A guide to Critical Thinking.

What are the issue and conclusions?

The main issue in the Memo is raised by the Vice President of the Human Resource ...

How Formal Symbol Manipulation model applies to Formal Logic, and how human cognition differs from Formal Logic but still fits in the Formal Symbol Manipulation The structure of GOFAI has its roots on formal symbol manipulation model of computation which is in turn based on formal logic. Therefore, for one to have a clear understanding of GOFAI they must be familiar with the logic. Logic has two domains that include the realm of symbols, also known as syntactic the domain and a realm of reference also known as semantic domain and normally related to the external world. The structure can ...

Background

IMESS is an organization that is seeking to provide a cost-effective solution to GIS, topographic and hydrographic surveying and other associated services. In addition to these, the services that the organizations plans to offer to its clients include mapping and charting, tidal analysis and prediction, sunrise/ sunset, moonrise/ moonset, land and marine boundary determination, consulting, plotting and printing, and hiring of personnel and equipment. It plans on entering the UAE market at first – establishing its first offices in the emirate if Ras Al-Khaimah - consolidating it and subsequently spreading to other parts of the world. However, this growth will be ...

There are different types of nonverbal communication techniques and processes used in daily communication. These include and not limited to the following; first, there is the facial expressions that form the highest proportion of nonverbal communication. Secondly is the use of gestures; involving the use of signs without words. Thirdly are the posture and the movement of the body. Fourth include the appearance, such as the color of clothes, hairstyles, etc. and lastly the use of haptic i.e. touching.

Cultural differences in nonverbal communication

Nonverbal communication differs significantly from one culture to another. These differences are entrenched in the basic usages and interpretation of ...

Introduction

Social media is a term used to refer to a combination of technology assisted and online channels of communication, whereby people who are connected are able to share content, interact and even collaborate (Wigmore, 2012). In other words, social networks are a method of interaction among individuals in which they create and share ideas over the network and virtual communities. These communities or major social networks are named below. The major applications and websites that are committed to these types of communication include social networking, micro-blogging, social bookmarking, wikis and social curations (Wigmore, 2012). These websites have defined the future of ...

Abstract

This article offers an insight into the study of neurolinguistics as a subject of neurology. It also offers a theory of language that is developmental in nature and an insight into the neural systems that lead to linguistic capabilities. Language develops in four stages, as suggested by early perceptual experience. These four phases take place in an independent and fixed sequence. A different ontogenetic function is arrived at in every phase of language. The functions in question have neural systems, proprietary in kind, that differs in their respective degree of specialization. Under evaluation is an analytical mechanism largely responsible for ...

Abstract

Finding the correct balance between security, cost effectiveness and ease of use presents a major headache for the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). This is because maintaining a large workforce and clerical staff for the purposes of managing database and internal systems can be a costly practice. MPS staff also require different log in details for the different accounts they hold in different job roles. This paper examines different approaches such as Enterprise Identity Mapping (EIM), Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and RSA encryption and how they may be utilized in the MPS context.

Question 1

- Technologies for managing multiple identities of the MPS. ...

Far from the continent of United States, I was born and raised in Shenzhen- a developing city at the Southside China. I began to speak and learn my native language, Mandarin, at a very tender age. Even before I entered the pre-school, I already recited hundreds of poems and idioms because my grandfather was a famous schoolmaster. Under his influence, I studied the quintessential literary works of the Chinese poets such as Li Bai and Bai juyi from the time I was able to spell words. I was endowed extraordinary talent and it was never difficult for me to write in professionally ...

(Course No.) (City & State)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report is important in the development of an information system that will migrate the company’s documentation to the digital platform of information management unlike the conventional paper based management of the company properties. The information system development identifies the various functionalities and their characteristics in reference to the business needs of the company. The system can, however, not be complete without considering the interface elements that define its functionality and usability. As such, the next stage utilizes the human computer interface design principles to deliver the anticipated motive. The help of the ...

1. In this factorial design the dependent variable is the success of participants on both recognition tests. The result will depend on previous experience of the participant with the formulation of questions that he/she had to answer. It will also depend on the type of the recognition test that is given. Therefore, we call this variable dependent variable. 2. Independent variables in this design are the formulation of the questions and the type of the recognition test. The first variable- the formulation of the questions is representing whether the questions were formulated to increase interest in the meaning ...

Abstract

The prevalence of information system and networked infrastructures brings huge advantages for the organizations however these infrastructures also impose greater vulnerability in terms of intrusions and virtual attacks. The entire industries and government worldwide are dependent on the interconnected array of critical networks and resources that can be accessed or entered from anywhere in the world. Cyber security uses different tools, policies, risk assessment and management practices and technologies to protect the information and the communication infrastructure from any illegal or unwanted intrusion or modification. The assessment of cyber security vulnerability assists the IT managers to ensure that no ...

English is referred to as the Lingua Franca of the globe. Due to technological evolution and growth of e-learning systems, English language has become one the most significant instruments of formal communication across the globe. Since the world’s knowledge is commonly upheld in English, it is considered as a common tool of communication across diverse nationalities. Being a global and most preferred language, English is able to deal with the issue of cross-cultural communication.

Teaching of this language is invariably difficult. In regions and countries where English is a primary native language, it seems more crucial and painstaking to teach non-native ...

This is a quantitative study using descriptive statistics on principals’ perceptions of the role of speech pathologists in elementary schools. The project will involve interviews with principals from traditional public schools. The researcher will transcribe the interviews and use descriptive statistics to look for common strands in the principals’ perceptions. The study will be organized around a description of the speech pathologist’s role, personal attributes needed for the job of the principal and the speech language pathologist, and support given to principals by the special education department.

Background

A study by Sanger, Hux, and Griess in 1995 examined educators’ opinions of ...

Blewett, D. K. (2001). The great world war, 1914-45. vol. 1: Lightning strikes twice. Library Journal, 126(6), 114-114. Retrieved June 5, 2012, from Proquest database. (Document ID: 196847014).

The journal focuses on analysing the wars that occurred between 1914 and 1945; both World War 1 and 2. Leaders in the two wars are also analysed and compared, including Churchill, Hitler, Lloyd George, and the Kaiser. In the journal, World War one was differentiated as relatively stable, but a deadly one compared to World War II, which had a larger geography, troops, and mobile operations. The source was very useful ...

These two photographs show rhinos in their habitat. To understand such pictures, one needs to apply different levels of understanding an image. One of the levels is denotation. Denotation is a word describing an image in its meaning concept, idea or object (Rozakis 14). From the above photographs, the denotation is the wildlife. The image itself shows photographs of rhinos, which are obviously found in the wilderness. In addition, though the two photographs show rhino images, they are different. Photograph A shows two rhinos, which are hornless and the background shows bare ground with no vegetation while Photograph B shows ...

Genre and ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’.

The 2004 film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind raises the question of ‘if you could erase the memories of your ex-lover, would you?’ As a film, its genre is seemingly quite ambiguous: it switches back and forth between memories and reality; love and un-love in a non-linear fashion that also skips between romance and science fiction. The genre of a film is traditionally seen as being a form of classification; it refers to a number of factors that go some way to defining it: “type of presentation (epic/lyric/dramatic), relation to reality (fiction/non-fiction), level of style (epic/novel), kind of plot (comedy/tragedy), nature of content ( ...

Abstract

Language is a system of transmitting views and expressing ideas in form of speech or in written forms. The vocabulary of any language is a lexicon and it is serves as a connection between a sign and its meaning in any language. Therefore language is divided in three parts: signs, meaning, and a code connecting signs and meanings. In any Language there are four levels which are used to analyse the language. These levels are: Phonology which analyses sounds; Morphology which analyses units forming a language structure; Syntax which analyses rules and principles in forming sentences; and Semantics which analyses the relationship between signs and ...