Code Switching Essay

Abstract: Though codeswitching research may vary from context to context and situation to situation, the common factors for code switching will be threefold. That is, code switching deals with languages in contact. In interactive social situations code switching will be the use of more than one language For example the interaction during various social events involving interlocutors who know more than one language. With these common factors of code switching this paper looks into the Malaysian context with special thrust to the various reasons involved for code switching during the social interactions. Data for the present paper were collected from the Tamil speaking undergraduate students of the University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. Their interaction in different identified domains involving three languages viz. Tamil, Malay and English were looked into. Gumperz (1982) while discussing the communicative function of code switching, claims that the speaker plays upon the connection of the we-code to create conversational effect. Thus code switching is seen as fulfilling the relational and referential functions of language that amounts to effective communication and interlingual unity. Apart from this function of code switching ,this paper could identifies several other reasons for code switching in the situations under study. Communicative functions and Reasons for Codeswitching : Malaysian Perspective . Code switching is an everyday reality in every place where more than one language is spoken in everyday communications. Many scholars have studied  extensively about the patterns of code switching and the reasons for code switching. The present paper discusses the communicative functions of code switching and also the sociolinguistic, cultural and pedagogic reasons for code switching in the Malaysian context. Data for the present study were collected from Tamil speaking University students who have enrolled as undergraduate students in the University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. The data were collected from these students while they were interacting in different domains viz. classroom, university campus, family, market, neighborhood etc. In all these domains they have to interact with Malay and Chinese speakers apart from as well as with other Tamil speakers. It is observed that all the students from whom the data were collected are competent to a certain extent in Tamil, Malay and English. Communicative Functions of Codeswitching Gumperz (1982) when discussing communicative functions, mentions the discourse function of codeswitching, also called the personalization function of language. A speaker plays upon the connotation of the we-code to create a conversational effect. Thus, code switching is seen as fulfilling the relational and referential function of language that amounts to effective communication and interlingual unity. Halliday (1975) on the other hand, views code switching as fulfilling the interpersonal function of communication. Here the mixed language spoken plays the role of a mediator. In other words, it is the use of language to act as a mediator between self and participants in the communicative event. In fulfilling the relational and referential functions, code switching is seen as the medium to convey both social and linguistic meanings. Gumperz (pg. 144, 1982) lists examples of situations created to convey meaning as given below: to appeal to the literate to appeal to the illiterate to convey precise meaning to ease communication, i.e., utilizing the shortest and the easiest route to negotiate with greater authority to capture attention, i.e. stylistic, emphatic, emotional to emphasize a point to communicate more effectively to identify with a particular group to close the status gap to establish goodwill and support Karen Kow (2003) listed in her article a few possible conditions for code switching. Some of the conditions given are, lack of one word in either language Some activities have only been experienced in one of the languages Some concepts are easier to express in one of the languages A misunderstanding has to be clarified One wishes to create a certain communication effect One continues to speak the language latest used because of the trigger effect One wants to make a point One wishes to express group solidarity One wishes to exclude another person from the dialogue. Kow suggests that from the list above, it may be possible to predict which conditions act on a particular sociolinguistic context for codeswitching, for example, when a person who lacks a word in English due to limited vocabulary code switches by using the lexical component from his/her first language instead of English. Therefore, the function here is to overcome the language barrier to meaning-making. Another example is a condition where the speaker, intending to express group solidarity, employs code switching. The function for the switch in this case is to establish goodwill and rapport. Similarly series of conditions can be established for the phenomenon of code switching depending on the social context. Such communicative functions of codeswitching can also be listed according to the functions that they try to accomplish. Among these, the following ten functions have been described in the professional literature (Malik, 1994): Lack of Facility Lack of Register Mood of the Speaker To emphasize a point Habitual Experience Semantic significance To show identity with a group To address a different audience Pragmatic reasons To attract attention. 1. Lack of facility : According to Malik (1994), bilinguals or multilinguals often explain that they code switch when they cannot find an appropriate expression or vocabulary item or when the language of conversation does not have the particular word needed to carry on the conversation smoothly. He offers the example of â€Å"Charan Sparsh† (touching feet) that does not convey the same meaning in the speaker’s code as it does in Hindi. The reason for switching may however be culturally conditioned and David (2003) notes that an alien concept often has a speaker switch to the language from which the concept is borrowed. For example, like the lexical item social drinker in English that is unacceptable in a Malay situation because of the simple fact that drinking alcohol is prohibited in Islam and the Malay-Muslim world does not have a word for it that is equivalent to its meaning in English. Hence, the phrase social drinker is directly borrowed and used as an instance of phrase level mixing as in the following example: Saya difahamkan bahawa OKS jarang minum, hanya seorang social drinker [I understand that OKS seldom drinks, he is only a social drinker] 2. Lack of register: When speakers are not equally competent in two languages and when the speakers do not know the terms in two languages, then codeswitching occurs. For example, college students often code switch by moving from Hindi to English. In certain occupations code switching takes place in the speech of doctors, lawyers, engineers while they interact among  themselves owing to the fact that proper terms in Hindi or in any other language other than English may not be available to them. As a result, they utilize the English terminology that they are familiar with. Thus, one can identify a great deal of lexical code mixing. As David (2003) notes, it is vital for a courtroom setting in Malaysia that a specific terminology be used to refer correctly to an object or a character. The use of the exact terminology or vocabulary is important in this setting when the terminology plays an important role and has the potentiality to make a major impact on life and death, freedom or imprisonment. Therefore, whichever the code is that enables the speaker to get his/her exact meaning across will be the one that is acceptable to the interactants including one where language mixing occurs. The following example cited by David is to the point: Ujian alcohol telah dijalankan iaitu breath analyzer test. [The alcohol test was conducted, i.e., a breath analyzer test] The term breath analyzer is in English rather than in the matrix language, Bahasa Malaysia, simply because of its context-bound significance. 3. Mood of the speaker: Malik (1994) claims that usually when bilinguals are tired or angry, code switching takes place with a new dimension. This means, when the speaker is in the right state of mind, he/she can find the appropriate word or expression in the base language. Very often he/she knows exactly the word in both the languages (X and Y) but the language Y may be more available at the point of time when the speaker has a disturbed mind. Such circumstances may create a hurdle in getting the appropriate word or phrase in the language in which the speaker may be more proficient if he is not mentally agitated. 4. To emphasize a point: Switching is also used to emphasize a point. Gal (1979) reports several instances in which a switch at the end of an argument not only helps to end the interaction but may serve to emphasize a point.  She has taken an example from English/German code switching and stressed that switching from English to German is a means of adding more force to the statement. Meanwhile, David (2003) uses the courtroom environment to show how a defending lawyer uses dominant Bahasa Malaysia to start with and shifts to English to emphasize an important point to the judge that the accused had not committed any crime for 10 years. Sebelum ini OKT pernah ditangkap pada tahun 1975 dan 1986. There has been a 10 years gap since the last offence Semenjak itu OKT telah berumahtangga, mempunyai kerja tetap dan insaf†. [Before this, OKT was caught in 1975 and 1986†¦..since then OKT has married and has held a steady job] 5. Habitual experience: Malik.(1994) stresses the fact that code switching often occurs in fixed phrases of greeting and parting, commands and request, invitation, expressions of gratitude and discourse markers such as Oyes (listen), you know or pero (but), whereas Hoffman (1971) reports that in Puerto Rican homes, the mother gives short commands to their children in English, such as Don’t do that†¦. and the rest of the mother’s warning will be in Spanish. David (2003), in turn, cites an example of habitual mixed discourse in a Malaysian courtroom where the dominant or matrix language is Bahasa Malaysia: Kes merupakan arrest case atau kes saman? [Is this an arrest case or a summons case?] 6. Semantic significance: Malik (1994), Gumperz (1970, 1976, 1982), and Gumperz and Hernandez (1972) all stresses that switching at a particular moment conveys semantically significant information. It is a communicative resource that builds on participant’s perception of two languages. Lexical choice conveys meaning during codeswitching. Gal (1979) reinforced this view by stating that listeners interpret codeswitching as an indicator of the speaker’s attitude, or communicative intents and emotions as code switching is a tool for conveying appropriate linguistic and social information. By the same token, David (2003) describes a range of speech acts like reprimands, directives, requests, and warnings that are conveyed by using different intricate strategies to show the semantic significance in certain specific situations. It is not only the lawyer who code switches, but also the judge. The example below shows how a judge shifts from Bahasa Malaysia, the national language and the official language at Malaysian courts, to English as a face saving gesture: Kenapa kamu tak setuju, panggilan pertama telah dijawab oleh BG Boy dan dah tentu Das mesti menanya di manakah BG Boy berada? Kamu tak faham soalan, saya maksudkan†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ [Why don’t you agree – Bg Boy responded to the first call and surely Dos asked where he was ? You do not understand the question, I mean†¦.] 7. To show identity with a group: Di Pietro (1977) reports that Italian immigrants would tell a joke in English and give the punch line in Italian, not only because it was better said in Italian but also to stress the fact that they all belong to the same minority group, with shared values and experiences (cited in Malik, 1994). 8. To address a different audience: Malik (1994) states that code switching is also used when the speaker intends to address people coming from various linguistic backgrounds. For example, in India the television announcer often uses Hindi as it is the national language but also switches to English. Also, he often repeats the same in English for South Indians or Indian people who do not know Hindi. Similar types of situations have also been reported in some other settings. Linguistic reinforcement often takes place even in courts, according to David (2003) where counsels tend to speak to a number of different interlocutors at the same time. During such occasions obviously they mix codes or switch codes accordint to the ethnicity of the addressee. One reason for such use of mixed languages is to address simultaneously persons from different linguistic backgrounds. Also, the speaker clearly distinguishes whom he/she addresses and what should be communicated. Hence,  the speaker uses part of the sentence in one language and the other part in another language. In the example below the lawyer used a mixed discourse of English/Malay, and the part of his utterance in English is directed to the judge and the other in Malay is meant for the witness. Objection, ada dua fakta di sini.The facts of the chart sheet are clear; it is a clear indication of misinformation. mana satu nak jawab? [Objection, there are two facts here. The facts of the chart sheet are clear; it’s a clear indication of misinformation. Which one do you want to answer?] The code switch is important as the judgment is dependent on the argument of the lawyer

Virginia vs. Massachusetts

Shayma Hammad History 1301, Monday Wednesday 11:00-12:20 Dr. Snaples December 3rd, 2012 Debate Paper This essay explains and shows the differences between the Virginia colony and the Massachusetts colony. People all over Europe started coming down to the â€Å"new world† (America), they came to the new world for many reasons such as land, food, religion and much more. Before I start to contrast between the 2 colonies I’m going to give a general background on them. Massachusetts was established in 1620 and Virginia was established in 1607.Virginia’s colony was Jamestown and Massachusetts was Salem and Boston. Virginia was located in the southern colony, it also offered land. Tobacco was a profitable crop, so John Rolfe took seeds and planted them in Virginia; because of this Virginia became an economic purpose. Virginia settled by men so Virginia dies out and this caused women to immigrate. Virginia was not a religious country and people ran away from Virginia bec ause they were in debt and did not want to be a servant. The society in Virginia compared to Massachusetts are very different.Virginia economics were based on a cash crop industry. The London Company bought Virginia they believed that there were metals in America so they sent a group of settlers to Jamestown. In 1619 the House of Burgesses was formed, which made Virginia a strong democracy. Jamestown became the first English colony. Later on the colony began to collapse due to disease and starvation but they expanded their colony with the arrival of tobacco, slaves and servants. Massachusetts established religious purpose: Puritans and separatists.Since the puritans were really religious people in Massachusetts had to attend church, and some of the people were tied to a religion that they may not agree with. It is based on the Puritan worship and religion Satan and the Catholic Church was the worst for puritans. The Puritans established Harvard University they loved education. Relig ion was much less significant in Virginia unlike in Massachusetts. The puritans believed that science is religion because it explains God. They also believed that God does not like poor people and they did not like handicapped people.Massachusetts also brings family; unlike Virginia who brought only men at first. Massachusetts also didn’t spread out like Virginia did. Massachusetts was a self governing colony Virginia and Massachusetts did not provide freedom for their people. The puritans in Massachusetts expected their people to follow their beliefs and they were very strict on you, even though Virginia was not a religious colony you still did not have freedom because you were either going to be a servant or a slave. The life expectancy in Massachusetts was much better than Virginia because in Virginia a lot of people died and suffered from diseases and salvation.

Earth Science and Society Essay

The other four major contributors to the development of modern astronomy after Copernicus are Galileo, Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler, and Isaac Newton. Galileo Galilei supported Copernicus’ ideas and was the one who devised the early telescope that was able to enlarge objects up to 20 times. With the use of this telescope, he was able to prove the heliocentric theory proposed by Copernicus. Tycho Brahe is a Danish astronomer who focused on developing astronomical instruments as well as measuring and fixing the position of stars accurately before the telescope was invented. Johannes Kepler focused on determining the movement of the planets and his laws paved way to the concept of orbits as planetary paths. Isaac Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation further established how planets were able to revolve around the sun and how they moved in an orbit through the pull of gravity. It took a long time to overthrow the geocentric theory because it was backed up by the church and the existing rulers at that time. Those who deviated from the beliefs of the majority were persecuted and thrown to prisons. Only a brave few stood against these people in order to prove them wrong and discover the truth. It only tells us that society doesn’t accept the truth with open arms most of the time, as it is hard to break the preconceived knowledge about things. Discoveries such as the heliocentric theory took a very long time to be accepted by the people, especially because it replaced a more divine theory that the Earth was the center of everything in the universe. Geography is split broadly into two sub-disciplines which are human geography and physical geography. Physical geography is focused primarily on the built environment and how space is created, viewed, as well has managed and handled by man, considering the influences that humans have on the space they created and occupied. Physical geography on the other hand, deals with the natural environment and how other factors like climate, vegetation and life, soil, water and landforms are created and interact with each other. Geography can be best defined as the study of the earth and its features, including everything contained in it, like the ones inhabiting the earth and the different phenomena occurring in it. Geography’s strengths mainly rely on its different branches, as it seeks to cover most concerns regarding the earth. On the other hand, its weaknesses was that it is not able to fully explain a certain field often, which is why there is a need to study other subfields of geography in order to cover for that weakness. The weather is a set of all the phenomena of a given atmosphere considering a certain period of time. This more on a short term basis, usually for hours or days say for example today it rained, while yesterday, it was just fairly cloudy. This is in comparison to that of climate, which is the average atmospheric conditions over longer periods of time, usually months, accounting for the seasons that we experience all throughout the year. The greenhouse effect is the process wherein there is the emission of infrared radiation by the atmosphere which then warms the earth’s surface. On the other hand, global warming is the increase in the average measured temperature of the air near the surface of the earth, because of the heat trapped by various gases in the atmosphere, as caused by pollutants like burning of fuels, smoke, and more. The two concepts are not the same, but the relationship between the two is that because of the greenhouse gases (too much of it) the heat trapped in the atmosphere increases, thus causing global warming. The effect on the environment is drastic, as polar icecaps melt, thus increasing the water levels in different parts of the world. It also changes the patterns of the environment, like the seasons, and the climates at different places. It greatly affects our lives because we might be experiencing a possible cause of species extinction, not only for the animals, but also for us human beings. Pressure gradient force is the acceleration of air due to an impending pressure difference or a force per unit of mass. This usually accelerates air from a high pressure area or region towards a low pressure region thus creating wind. The coriolis effect is the apparent deflection of moving objects when it is viewed from a certain frame of reference. The effect causes air in the atmosphere and water in the ocean to flow to the right of the direction north of the equator, thus causing the rotation of large cyclones. Frictional force is the force resisting the relative motion of two surfaces which are in contact, or a certain fluid in contact with a surface (such as air on an airplane or water flowing in a pipe. California’s Mediterranean climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. On the other hand, South Carolina’s humid subtropical climate is characterized by hot humid summers and chilly to mild winters. The United States have varying climates from the eastern part because of the bodies of water surrounding it. It can be explained by the El Nino, wherein large circulations of air across the Pacific Ocean breaks down, and warmer than normal waters appears in the eastern Pacific, while colder than normal waters appears in the western Pacific Ocean.

Merger, Acquisition, and International Strategies Research Paper - 5

Merger, Acquisition, and International Strategies - Research Paper Example Similarly, mergers and acquisitions guide smaller and newer companies into adapting in the advanced industries that have larger companies often manipulating the market conditions of such industries. Merger and acquisitions is a restructure approach in the management of enterprises within an industry. In successful mergers, the companies involved employ techniques that enable them to reorganize their corporate and internal strategies to suit the value of the operations. Distinctively, the growth of globalization has largely influenced the need for businesses to embrace mergers and acquisition as a way to fit into the competitive international markets. Many companies have inadequate resources that enable them to venture into overseas markets, hence limiting their potential output and income respectively. In this case study, therefore, the paper will explain the role of mergers and acquisitions towards the growth of a brand in international markets. The energy industry is a mainstream contributor to the growth of any economy in the world. Many companies that deal with this lucrative commodity are often engaged in a series of adjustment processes that guarantee the survival of such companies in this competitive industry. Due to the increasing global pressure towards internationalization of various business entities, the merger and acquisition processes came into the picture to provide a stable supply of energy for the expansion of various business units. Therefore, between the year 1998 and the year 2001, major energy mergers were commissioned to oversee the improvement of efficiency in the provision of energy as per the requirements of the internationalized enterprises. The Exxon Mobil is a combination that involved the purchase of Mobil by Exxon in the year 1998. The strategy employed in this merger was the horizontal strategy that involved the acquisition of a foreign oil

ABSOLUT Vodka Brand Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

ABSOLUT Vodka Brand - Case Study Example Since its entry into the US market, Absolut Vodka became a global brand icon, which draws international recognition across the globe (Mooney and Dool 2010, p.1). The Absolut Company produces Absolut Vodka in Ahus, Skane in southern Sweden (Mooney and Dool 2010, p.2). By 2005, Absolut Vodka was synonymous in the global market where it deals with premium vodka as the third largest spirits brand across the globe. The spirits that Absolut Vodka sells includes all distilled alcohol beverages (Mooney and Dool 2010, p.2). Over the years, the company recorded immense success in its line of business where it is now the world’s number one premium vodka brand. Absolut Vodka Product Category Ideally, product category defines the mode of organizing products in the store by the type of products on sale. Indeed, customers of Absolut Vodka find the products that they want to buy through the company’s product categories. Most specifically, Absolut Vodka product category includes flavore d vodka products, which are vodkas infused with flavors like Vanilla, lemon, different types of berries or pepper (Mooney and Dool 2010, p.4). It also includes unflavored vodka and spirits, which includes all distilled alcohol beverages (Mooney and Dool 2010, p.2).... ompany, which manufactures the Absolut Vodka brands, has been selling its products to the distributor through Future Brands since ABSOLUT brand separated from Seagram and became ABSOLUT Spirits Company (ASCI) in the U.S (Mooney and Dool 2010, p. 7). Future Brands is an association between ASCI and Beam Global, which is a larger spirits manufacturer (Mooney and Dool 2010, p. 7). Moreover, Absolut Vodka sells durable products, which include premium vodka, and all distilled alcohol beverages. Water and winter wheat produces Absolut premium Vodka through a continuous distillation process that guarantees a durable and high quality product (Mooney and Dool 2010, p. 8). Absolut Vodka Product Stage There are four stages in a product life cycle, which include the introduction stage, growth stage, maturity stage, and decline stage where each stage has distinct characteristics. Notably, Absolut Vodka is in the maturity stage where there is saturation in the distribution of premium vodka brand i n the U.S market. Indeed, various distribution channels exist in the market where premium vodka brand enjoys market acceptance and the growth of Absolut Vodka is on a decline. Indeed, after 2004, the market share of Absolut premium vodka fell after 2004 despite its international recognition Mooney and Dool 2010, p. 9). This is because of the introduction of many vodka brands in the US market. In fact, despite its success, Absolut premium vodka is experiencing significant pressure from significant vodka brands like Grey Goose, Smirnoff, Ketel One, and Belvedere which overcrowd the market since 2006 (Mooney and Dool 2010, p. 1-4). Because of the competition pressure, Absolut Vodka has been trying to regain its market position since 2006 by launching a massive advertising campaign to woo young

A Critique of the relationship between power and desire in Foucaults Essay - 1

A Critique of the relationship between power and desire in Foucaults analyses of the Repressive Hypothesis - Essay Example Sexuality was gradually divided into smaller pockets of desire, and some preferences isolated as ‘perversions’. At the same time, the ethics of the confessional made it seem necessary to analyse and judge every sexual preference; power was created in this way for the benefit of the listener; in exchange the teller gained a system of knowledge, and the release of discourse. Power remained linked to sexuality through discourse and the importance of knowledge. The eighteenth and nineteenth century saw the classification of women’s bodies as ‘hysterical’, children’s bodies as ‘innocent’, family bodies as ‘ritual’ and ‘social’ and abnormal bodies as ‘medical’. â€Å"A sexuality without sex†: Paedophilia and the problem of repression in the current age. Feminists and Foucault: problems and sympathies. Male-repression, chosen sexuality, and the problems of sexual liberation movements; rebellio n and convention: is there a sexual difference? Controlling the body. Conclusion. Michel Foucault has become one of the most influential of the French philosophers of the twentieth century. While Foucault has been connected with both the postmodernist and post-structuralist movements, he was in essence a social theorist and historian, not unlike Lawrence Stone, although Foucault worked more on the interplay of ideas, while Stone concentrated more upon the impact of social alterations on family, sexual relationships, and society at large. While some may wish to study their fellow humans and as ‘does such a thing as human nature exist?’, Foucault instead concentrates upon how the idea of human nature has interacted with other parts of society. In order to truly comprehend what it is that Foucault is saying about power and desire within repression, and (even harder) understand what he means by these terms, the reader must have some understanding of Foucault’s

The assignment should be presented as a Journal opinion article and Essay - 1

The assignment should be presented as a Journal opinion article and address an economic issue of current interest to Wall Street - Essay Example A recent report showed that around 155,000 jobs were added in December in order to handle the unemployment situation in U.S economy. However, the rate of unemployment remains unchanged and stood at 7.8%. Faster job creation is required that is around 300,000 or more in order to bring the rate of unemployment at desired level. Policy makers are enjoying sweet repose as annual inflation stays at satisfactory level. Over the past 12 months, only an increase of 1.8% has been seen in consumer prices. When it comes to Household Debt, it has been observed that credit card debt has declined to 16.5% and consumers remain cautious. It will enable Americans to spend a little, as economy gets better. Despite of it, certain types of debt are still rising such as student loans. Fresh graduates are not being able to find well-paying jobs. Prices of Homes continues to move up as market condition of real estate improves. As unemployment goes down, there is more chance of further improvement. As far a s Gas Prices are concerned, although they fell last year, they have again started to back up. Gas prices rely on cost of oil, which has increased to double after the recession has ended. As economic conditions get better, there would be an upsurge in demand of oil, which will ultimately increase the prices of gas. For Equity Markets, the combination of low inflation and slow growth is usually good for stocks. Forecasters seek adequate gains from blue chip companies. Certainly, it will lead investors to continue to invest in stocks. Critical Analysis In this article, the author has mentioned the impact of post-recession economic conditions on American families. Several areas have been highlighted in order to provide brief insight of how this area affects American families. In this article the author states that the economic condition in United States has been improving for the past 3 years yet, it does not stand at the point where it should be. I believe that this point is not valid because the economy of United States experienced worst recession in 2008. Usually after recession, the economy gets stabilize but in this case, it was referred to as Double-Dip Recession. It means that after the initial recession, there was very slowly recovery, which was followed by another recession. Analysts predicted that there is threat of United States getting bankrupt. If it happens then it will drown many another economies with itself. Therefore, after all such chaos, even if the economy is heading towards improvement then it must not be criticized. Despite of discussing all the integral components of an economy, the author showed least linkage of these factors with American families and their influence on them. Brief information was given on the concluding note that outlook is encouraging for people having stable housing, good credit and secure jobs. The author concluded that recovery will be weakening and there will be less help for those who are underemployed or unemploye d. It would not do well to them who have lost their homes. At the end, the author transits to building more ambitious budget reforms. Without such reforms, there is a threat that current slow growth will become entrenched in the form of economic stagnation. Thus, by the analysis of this article it can be concluded that as mentioned by the economic indicators, the economic cond