Ethnography of Speaking Essay

The article â€Å"Ethnography of Speaking† towards a Linguistics of Praxis† by Alessandro Duranti provides thorough study of language use in everyday life of a particular speech community. Actually, the author discusses peculiarities of language use involving communicative competence, context, speech communities, speech events, speech acts and conversation analysis. This study is centered on a situation discourse meaning that linguistic performance is evaluated in terms of socio-cultural order and language. It is noted that ethnography of speaking (ES) is concerned with finding relations between â€Å"language use and local systems of knowledge and social conduct†. The author discusses the goals of the speech, attributes of linguistic code and provides definitions of main terms involved in the discussion of language use. The author admits that ethnographers of speaking are interested in analyzing language use. The author claims that â€Å"the notion of language use is strictly related to the view of sociolinguistics as merely a different methodology, a different way of obtaining data†. However, ES define language use as the use of linguistic code in terms of a particular culture or community. The author assumes that unity of language is only illusion and in order to interpret the sign it is necessary to analyze the context. The goals of ES are to establish social identities and relationships, to explain how it is possible to change the world, to provide frames for speech events and act and, finally, to break social and cultural barriers. It is necessary to notice that ethnographic study wants to describe knowledge required by participants to communicate successfully with each other. Therefore, speaking or not speaking is significant for all human interactions. The process of speaking is, thus, constitutive of reality meaning that speaking â€Å"makes something already existing present to the participants or creates something anew†. Finally, the author discusses the role of speaking in shaping people’s life. Why speaking is important for human interactions? Works Cited Duranti, Alessandro. Ethnography of Speaking Towards Linguistics of Praxis. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Benefits and costs of foreign direct Investment

Benefits and costs of foreign direct Investment Foreign direct investment (FDI) according to Hill(2007) takes place when a firm invests directly in facilities to produce and/or market a product in a foreign country. The facilities could include resources such as the factors of production; land, labour and capital. It could be said today’s major players in business seek not only to expand their territories in their home market but also have through FDI sought effective ways of improving existing products and breaking into new foreign markets. For example the import tariffs in China make it very challenging for other countries to serve the Chinese market through exports. Hill (2007). Via the use of FDI strategies foreign organisations are able to access pool of economic possibilities. Through the assessment of various sources the essay is going to critically assess the impacts of foreign direct investment (FDI) on a host country. It will critically discuss the benefits and disadvantages FDI has on the growth of a country. Ac cording to Gorg and Greenway (2004) foreign direct investment is a key driver of economic growth and development. FDI assists in the economic progression of the country where the investment is being made. According to Mencinger (2003), a vast number of countries through various ways desperately seek to attract as much foreign direct investment as probable in the hope of advancing their economic growth. The economic growth could be advanced in that FDI leads to the creation of factors such as jobs and more investment into the economy. However it could be argued that the efficient adoption of FDI is most effective under certain conditions. For instance FDI contributes to economic growth only when a sufficient absorptive capability of the advanced technologies is available in the host country. Borensztein, Gregorio and Lee (1998). FDI strategy is more successful if it is carried out in economically developing countries. Developing host countries compared to developed countries are usua lly more keen to attract foreign investments in order to reap the benefits that come with it and this usually reflected in the legislation of one’s country. One could find that a business is more willing to first invest in a developing country as the legislation is more lenient compared to the first world countries. However it is important to note that this does not apply to all countries. China for example has a highly regulated environment, which can prove to be difficult when it comes to carrying out business transactions, and shifting tax and regulatory regimes. Hill(2007). It could be said that when making legislation those in power should regard the relative impact of the laws passed on potential FDI. On the other hand one could argue that more countries are becoming more aware of the importance of creating more favourable conditions for FDI. Gorg and Greenway in their report state that in 1998 legislation changes made by 60 countries, more than 90 percent of those chan ges created a more positive environment for FDI. FDI if managed efficiently should aid to the hosts county’s economic development. â€Å"FDI inflows have been a major source of investment and economic growth in China†¦accounting for perhaps as much as 30 percent of the county’s growth.†(Hill, page 242, 2007). The mixture of cheap labour and tax incentives usually found in developing countries make an attractive base for foreign investors. The new economic investment brought in by foreign businesses will help in increasing the host country’s national income, at the same time bringing other economic benefits known as spillovers that will result in the increase of productivity within the country. Gorg states that, â€Å"†¦theoretical literature identifies four channels through which spillovers might boost productivity in the host country: imitation, skills acquisition, competition and exports.† These channels if recognised and implemented pr operly could lead to the increase of the host country’s productivity and economic growth. Through the imitation of foreign goods, services and processes the host country can increasing improve its processes, facilities and the way business is contacted in its own business environment. One of the worries for many foreign investors when wanting to invest in developing countries is that the host country will not have the facilities ( for example the equipment or the right business structure for the manufacturing and deploying of products) they need in order for business affairs to run smoothly. Through the imitation of the way foreign organisations handle their business affairs, host countries can improve their processes and facilities, arguably to the extent that they will make their country enticing to FDI. Imitation of products will improve the quality and range of products of the local organisations, making them competitive an appealing to customers. The increase of the prod uctivity of more high quality products could lead to the attraction of not only local customers but global customers and this could also lead to more FDI in the host country.

Crime and punishment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Crime and punishment - Essay Example Christian’s study was ethnographic in nature. The study involved observation of families as they travel to various New York prisons to visit their loved ones. The study also involved observation of family members during family support group meetings for prisoners’ families and related activities for a period of 200 hours (Christian 35). In addition, the study involved open-ended interviews with prisoners’ family members. The interviews featured 19 family members with the samples comprising girlfriends, wives, one brother, and mothers (Christian 35). The study established that many prisoners are never visited by their family members for a variety of reasons. Some of the main reasons behind this trend include financial constraints, distance between home and prison, severed or strained relationships with the person incarcerated, and issues related to prison bureaucracy. As such, the study reveals that visiting a prisoner involves the expenditure of finance, time, energy, and other resources (Christian 44). The study established that the family members that visit their loved ones in prison do so for a variety of reason including: to provide moral support to the prisoner; to watch over the prison system against mistreating prisoners; to secure hope for a different future (parole), and to provide basic needs to the prisoners (Christian 40-44). The study further established that the relationships between prisoners and their family members are fluid and change over time. The research reveals that incarceration has unintended consequences on families as some people end up severing their relations with prisoners (Christian, 46). The relations are also affected due to the high demands associated with prison visits. Yet another factor that affects families’ visits relate to their relationship with the prisoner before incarceration and the prisoner’s efforts toward self rehabilitation. Christian’s study which

Land law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Land law - Essay Example In the case of William and Catherine, both of them hold a separate license agreements to the property, otherwise known as a â€Å"License to Occupy†, which was for an unspecified short term. Since the agreement does not stipulate a fixed duration, it can be terminated at the will of the landowner, provided that the notice requirement under Article 4 (1) (2) of the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1954 has been satisfied. There is no exclusive possession in this kind of agreement as the licensee does not enjoy exclusive occupation over the property. In fact, based on the agreement, there was a provision which allows Judith, the licensor, to enter the flat and share the couple’s bedroom any time she wishes.  This is merely a temporary arrangement and cannot ripen to a full lease agreement. In the case of In  EC Commission v United Kingdom  (Case C-359/97) [2000] STC 777,804, the European Court held that: â€Å"The term ‘letting of immovable property’ must be construed strictly. The  Court concluded, that the term ‘letting of immovable property’ cannot be considered to cover contracts where, the parties have not agreed on any duration for the right of enjoyment of the immovable property, which is an essential element of a contract to let." While in the case of Timmons v. Cropper (40 Del. Ch. 29, 172 A.2d. 757, 759) ‘License with respect to real property is a privilege to go on premises for a certain purpose, but does not operate to confer on, or vest in, licensee any title, interest, or estate in such property. In addition, â€Å"Licenses to occupy are somewhat less than leases and do not grant ‘possession’ or a legal interest in the land, which is the usual right of exclusive occupation. One example of a license is that of a lodger in a landlord's home. The lodger has no exclusive possession of any part, and shares facilities. The landlord has total control though there is a small element of protectio n in that even residential licensees can appeal to the courts against summary eviction† (Landlord Zone). Hence, Elizabeth has the right to enter the property at anytime she wishes and claim the portion of the property being used by William and Catherine and revoke the license, provided the notice requirement has been sent to the licensors. In the case of the first floor of the property, since Philip was an employee of Judith who served as the handyman in the house, Philip’s stay in the property served as part of his fringe benefits as an employee. As an employee, his stay in the house did not create exclusive use of that portion of the house where he is presently occupying, as evidenced by the key to the flat to do housekeeping. However, since the property was sold to a third party, the ownership and possession of the property has now been automatically transferred to the new owner, Elizabeth. Although there was no mention as to the term of the lease agreement, it is pr esumed that the owner can claim the property at anytime she wishes as she remains to be the owner of the property. The same treatment shall be applied to Beatrice, Judith’s niece who was granted a gratuitous license to use the top flat for free since was unemployed. â€Å"A gratuitous license is revocable by notice at any time† (Duhaime). Lord Mackay Clashfern,  Halsbury's Laws of England has stated that:   "A license is normally created where a person is granted the right to use premises without becoming entitled to exclusive possession of them. If the agreement is merely for the use of the property in a certain way and on certain terms while the property remains in the owner's possession and control, the agreement operates as a license. It does not create any

Risk Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Risk Analysis - Essay Example Additionally, risk can be defined as the probability(No author, 2000) of an event multiplied by the cost of the event. The following paragraphs explain the nuances of the different risk management techniques. There are many Risk management techniques. Avoidance is one type of risk management technique. Also, modification is another type of risk management technique(No author, 2000). Further, Retention is a very viable risk management technique. Lastly, Sharing is another popular risk management technique. To complete, risk reduction is very good alternative. Avoidance - Whenever an organization cannot offer a service while ensuring a high degree of safety, it should choose avoidance as a risk management technique(Drucker, 1980). Do not offer programs that pose too great a risk. In some cases avoidance is the most appropriate technique because a nonprofit simply doesn't have the financial resources required to fund adequate training, supervision, equipment, or other safety measures. Avoidance even includes not performing an activity that could produce risk. For example, A person would be discouraged to buying a property or business in order to avoid taking on the liability that comes with it. Another example is that a project manager would be not flying in order to avoid taking the risk that the airplane would be hijacked. Avoidance may seem the answer to all risks, However, avoiding risks also means losing out on the possible gain that accepting (retaining) the risk may have allowed. An organization that does not enter a business to avo id the risk(Strickland, 1999) of loss also avoids the possibility of earning profits. Avoidance is a good risk management technique. Modification - Modification(Wheelen, 1996) is be clearly defined as changing an activity to make it safer for all involved. Many policies and procedures can be made as examples of risk modification. For example, an organization that is very concerned about the risk of using unsafe drivers may include an additional DMV record check to its current screening process. Also, an annual road test for all drivers can now be implemented compulsorily. For clarity, an organization that is also concerned about the lack of male and female chaperones for an overnight camping trip could modify its policies and procedures by modifying the night camp activities into hosting a day-long mountain hike and picnic instead. The night male only shift guards in the company project(Papows, 2002) could be modified to an male and female shift status because there are female night shift employees working the graveyard hours. Modification is good if it improves project performance.Retention - Retention could be done on two areas. The first area is by retention of project design(Campbell, 1998). For example, a project manager may decide that the implementation of a new project process with the new techniques aren't as suitable as the original project process design because the new process will cause

Inccident Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Inccident - Essay Example My mind had drifted off to recall the conversation at the kitchen table in the morning where I heard momma telling my dad of the intended visit of our grand parents for the summer. Having my grand parents for holidays made my days shine. Grand pa with his erect frame and ruddy sun tanned skin from countless hours in the outdoors brought me memories of great cowboys. Grand ma always reminded of softness with her twinkling blue eyes and beautiful soft skin. Her voice was so gentle and soothing that I loved to fall a sleep in her lap, listening to the stories and songs she read or sang to me at bedtime. I came out of the reverie of my grandma’s soft cocoon of love when I heard Tim, our implicitly appointed group leader chanted in a high pitch tone â€Å" Here comes a Wadley Sack..he he he he† and I looked up to see the woman of an extra bulky frame walking pass the lot. Tim was right in one sense in that she was hardly walking but waddling along with a difficult gait. She looked in our direction as the chanting got more boisterous with the rest of the boys, Sean, Steave, Mat and Harry joining in the ridiculing of the plus sized lady. I watched her, expecting to see anger and distaste in her expressions but was surprised at the kind and conciliatory look in her eyes. â€Å" Wow†¦ she must be eating like a giant!† said Tim, and everyone laughed aloud. I looked at her once again and thought that though she was rather big, she looked kind and pleasant with her redeeming smile. In the silence that followed, my â€Å"tag & hoop† buddies turned questioning ly at me. I have not uttered a single word up to now, nor had I joined in the laughter, which rankled the humid summer air. â€Å"Alan? You don’t think she looks like a big sack of potatoes?† Questioned Tim and I waited as if the cat got my tongue. â€Å"Oooohh†¦ Alan likes her! He doesn’t think she looks that bad!† Exclaimed Tim, the gang master in mock exaggeration and the others

Establishment of a Public Relations Department within a Holiday Resort Essay - 2

Establishment of a Public Relations Department within a Holiday Resort in the Flinders Ranges Promoting Eco-Tourism - Essay Example This paper illustrates that the goal of PR by a corporation is to persuade the investors, public, employees, partners, and stakeholders to uphold a point of view about public relations, its products, leadership or political decisions. Â  Activities involving public relation include speaking at conferences, working with the press, employee communication and winning industry awards. According to Danish Public Relations Association, PR is a management function that tabulates public attitudes; define the interests, procedures, and policies of a company followed by implementing a program of action to win public acceptance and understanding. An establishment of PR department is critical in building the relationship that advance, benefit and promotes the reputation of the Holiday Resort. Being an eco-tourism sector, gaining the confidence of its clients is key, and this is facilitated through marketing the company’s services and product. Improving reputation is a fundamental objecti ve of most organizations. As such, a PR department creates an industrial partnership and strong community translating to increased productivity. The public relation will be vital in maintaining the Holiday Resort’s image and conveying its information to the general public, investors, and customers. A positive perception of Holiday Resort is likely to increase the number of tourists both locally and internationally as it improves its bottom line. The public Relation professionals will work closely with the CEO to craft an overview of how the Holiday Resort will be perceived and assist in planning to design a positive image. Unlike in marketing, the public relation professionals aim at organizing interviews with clients, writing the press release and providing information on the company’s achievements.