Linguistic Imperialism

Linguistic imperialism is to impose one language, upon people who speak other languages, in the following text English will be the language that is imposed, since English is one of the main language s that are used all over the world. The main focus of the following text will be surrounding expats and education.

Expats, short for expatriate, is a person who no longer lives in their native country. Almost all my classmates, myself included, are expats. Mostly the result of parents’ job opportunities. Most people consider being surrounded by people of different nationalities to be a good thing, which it is, apart from the fact that most of the people who move are expected to know the mutual language, in my case and in most cases and countries, that language is English.

From personal experiences I can say with confidence that I’ve become weaker in my native language due to the fact that most of subjects are in English (all except one), most of the people here speak English as it is the mutual language within the school, and entrance to most of my future university options and in fact most of the best universities, all require an exam that verifies that I am an English speaker, such as the IELTS, the TOEFL, the ESOL, ..etc. I know of many people that learn English just to get accepted to the university of their choice, which is unfair.

As I am bilingual, many times I find myself searching for a thought in Arabic and not knowing how to explain it in English to other classmates/teachers who do not speak Arabic.

To summarize, English is a language that has obviously dominated many countries al around the world, including the one I currently live in. This linguistic imperialism is unjust and is diminishing further opportunities.

 (304 words)

Oxfam - Food Crisis in Sahel Analysis

The article to be discussed is regarding the food crisis occurring in Sahel (2011), this issue was covered by Oxfam, an organization that aims to battle poverty. although the article speaks about a specific dilemma that occurred in Sahel, Oxfam uses this opportunity, along with spreading awareness of the topic, they are advertising for their own organization through ethos, pathos & logos along with several other persuasive claims and techniques that will be discussed further.

The target audience for this issue i believe is mainly wealthier people outside the region, it is a very general format and not many difficult words or advanced language, thus proving to me that the audience could be of all ages, and is very wide ranged. the articles purpose is to persuade the audience to support and help this issue, and at the same time to invest in their company, they do this by using persuasive techniques and ethos, pathos & logos, and imagery, which will be discussed furthermore.

This article consists firstly of a basic overview regarding the issue in Sahel, and then under the subtitle 'the situation in Sahel' they provide the readers with more facts and statistics about the state of the people and the area, appealing to them through logos and pathos mainly, they mainly speak about the state of the citizens and the food that they are provided with. After that under the second headline "What Oxfam is doing" they speak about the current vegetable program they have provided, along with man of their goals for the upcoming years which could encourage the readers to want to support the cause further in order for them to help Oxfam complete their goals.

The tone and mood that was most obvious throughout the article could be described as desperate or sad. this is due to the logos used in the second section where they are stating all the upsetting statistics of the unfortunate situation, mainly this sentence, "Recent reports said over 5.4 million......people do not have enough food to eat" which genuinely depresses the reader and naturally forces pity from them. i also felt a desperate tone due to words such as 'must' and 'help' and 'support', these words prove to us that this organization is very eager and in need of other peoples help, also another factor in persuading the audience.

 As you can see in the article, the two main headlines say 'the situation in Sahel' and then 'what Oxfam is doing', this supports the "problem & benefit" persuasive technique, which provides the reader with the issue and then shows them how it can be solved, and at the same time advertising Oxfam as a helpful organization.
however i found that the main source of persuasion was their appeal to ethos, pathos, and logos. the logos within the article is very obvious, statistics such as ("5.4", "1.7", "1.67 million", "35%of the population"... etc) while describing the problem which makes the readers feel more professional and gives them a better understanding. Logos is also used in the last section to describe Oxfam's goals and achievements ("70,000 people this year".. etc). and when explaining their goals through accurate numbers ("aiming to help 100,000 people have access to food") which makes them a more reliable organization through seeing how well they have been doing in this format.
Pathos is also used mainly in the second section where the situation is described, such as when stated that "national food reserves are dangerously low", this appeals to peoples emotions because they begin to pity the hungry people and to fear for them, which gives them the obligation to help.
Ethos is mainly used at the end where they state the organizations work information ("www.Oxfam.org website, December 2011) which makes the reader more comfortable to support a professional organization.

The structure of this article is very important to the aim of it all, firstly the article begins with a picture, to physically appeal to people and give them a good idea of what is occurring. underneath that the main quote that stands out due to its difference in color to the rest of the article, says "The humanitarian response must tackle the underlying causes of crisis like this to prevent them recurring" which gives the reader a brief statement of what will be discussed and what is asked of them. Also as mentioned earlier their use of statistics (Logos) provides readers with a better understanding and more comfortable mood regarding the topic. The two main headlines that stand out due to being in a darker font and slightly larger than the rest of the text say "The situation in Sahel" and "What Oxfam is doing" are enlarged to emphasize the two main points that they aim to get across throughout this article, as mentioned earlier this is used to highlight problem/benefit persuasive technique in order to fully convince the readers.

In conclusion, Oxfam uses several persuasive techniques to convince readers to support the cause and invest in their organization, so the main purpose was persuasion and self-advertisement which i think was fully achieved throughout all the techniques and structure used to create the article.

Critique of Lilly Allen’s “Hard Out Here” music video

 "Hard Out Here" music video

Although Lily Allen is trying to promote feminism and dismiss the objectification of women and disdain the standard set for women about their bodies., the music video certainly does not suit the lyrics of the song. For example when she says “Don’t need to shake my ass for you cause I’ve got a brain” yea in the music video there are several close-ups of a woman’s behind which completely goes against what she was aiming to say.

The music video itself starts out with Lily Allen being judged for her weight, she is lying on a operating table getting a liposuction because they judged her for being over weight, although she is not. Also within the song she says, “if you’re not a size six, then you’re not good looking” stating that women have expectations of their body in order for them to be seen as attractive.

A very obvious insult to all women that does not reflect well on the concept Lily was trying to pursue, is that she refers to women as ‘b*tches’ instead of women or girls or ladies.

“ [Chorus:]
It's hard, it's hard, it's hard out here for a bitch
It's hard for a bitch (for a bitch) for a bitch,
It's hard
It's hard out here for a bitch
It's hard for a bitch (for a bitch) for a bitch,
It's hard
It's hard out here”

Although the lyrics do a very good job defending women and dismissing their objectification and standards, the music video is completely in contradiction of that, in fact it is quite the opposite.

FOA Reflection

My further oral activity aimed to answer the question “what do advertisements reveal about our society?” and I based it on advertisements that objectified women and argued that society belittles and degrades women throughout the media and in general. I feel like the content of the advertisements I found was very appropriate to the topic at hand, although I did have difficulties presenting in front of the class and I unfortunately did not do as well as I did when I was on my own. Although I think I was successful at meeting the certain requirements for the advertisements that I was presenting. Looking at the criteria my biggest weakness was not organizing my time well throughout the actual presentation; I did not meet the timing requirements. Based on the criteria a few strengths I had were that the ads I chose contained a lot of language, language takes up a big part of the marking scheme so I am satisfied with the information I presented about the language. Throughout this activity I learned that ads play a big role in the objectification of women in society. In terms of the presentations, I also developed better skills to help me present in future FOA’s and IOC’s, such as the use of claims and ethos pathos and logos, that I had forgotten in my presentation. I’ve also learned how to better organize my time to meet the certain requirements.

Abortion: Why its Wrong

Pathos

Logos

Ethos

How would you feel if someone took away your ability to live? Imagine not having any say in whether or not you want to have a life. Well babies don't have a choice in their mother’s womb. If a woman decides to abort her baby, they can't do anything about their life being taken away from them. Their whole future is demolished. I believe abortion is wrong when committing it for a selfish reason.

One reason why abortion is wrong is because there are many other safer solutions. In the article, Why Do More People Choose Abortion Over Adoption?, Kristi Burton Brown stated: “In the USA, there are approximately two million infertile couples waiting to adopt, many times regardless of the child’s medical problems such as Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, HIV infection or terminally ill. Dr. Brad Imler, President of America’s Pregnancy Helpline, confirms the challenge of waiting couples by stating: Only 1% of the Helpline’s annual 40,000 clients inquires about adoption.” Putting him/her up for adoption will give them a better chance at a happier life rather than abortion. The solution for a baby should not be death. If it was for a selfish solution, you're sacrificing a life many other families would love to raise as their own.

Another reason why I don't support abortion is because it can harm the mother as well. You are highly risking the mother's life and affecting her. Not only does it have an effect on the USA but, it affects other countries as well like Spain. According to psychiatrist and member of the Right to Life Committee, Carmen Gómez-Lavín states that: "Sixty five percent of women who abort suffer symptoms of post-traumatic stress syndrome after undergoing the procedure." Many women are regretting that choice around the world making it a controversial issue. Abortion can also result into not being able to get pregnant in the future, many sickness' and even death. Abortion affects both victims in dangerous and physical ways.

A last reason of why abortion is wrong (out of many) is that it is considered brutal murder. In 1982, Ronald Reagan stated: "Simple morality dictates that unless and until someone can prove the unborn human is not alive, we must give it the benefit of the doubt and assume it is (alive). And, thus, it should be entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.". You are taking a life and killing a human being. The baby is alive and not just some 'group of cells' abortion doctors call them. You are painfully putting a child to death. It is wrong to think someone has the power to end a life so harmfully.

I believe abortion is wrong when used for narcissistic reasons. There are many other things you can do to prevent abortion. There are reasons why I don't support it. You can use adoption as a solution, it can harm the mother as well, and you are a taking an innocent life. Teenagers can rise awareness and either speak or show how strongly they believe about this topic. Abortion should not be legalized.

Written Task 1 Rough Draft

 Article Link

Letter to the Editor – Rationale

Alia Oumeish

We all know Amy Winehouse, she is one of the most famous women of her generation, unfortunately she passed away due to some bad experiences that occurred that were expressed in her songs. I found an article discussing this, it is an online magazine and this article discusses her authenticity and personal issues that was published only 2 days after her death in July of 2011. I will also reference two of her songs ‘Back to Black’ and ‘Rehab’ since they both portray the context the identifies with language and identity, proving that Amy uses language in her songs as a way of opening up to people about her issues, which proves that she is an authentic singer.

The test time I have chosen is a letter to the editor of Salon.com online magazine, I will write two letters to the editor, one acting as a concerned mother of a crazed fan of Amy’s, who is supportive of the negative comments being said about Amy Winehouse, and the second letter as the actual fan who does not see the bad in her role model. I chose this arrangement because I think it is the best way to include arguments both for and against what’s been said in an interesting yet appropriate matter. 

This specific article about Amy Winehouse would obviously be directed towards fans of hers, and frequent viewers of the magazine, and the purpose of my response would be to prove that Amy Winehouse was authentic throughout her music and to further explain the different opinions of the people.

Amy Winehouse’s authenticity

Mrs. Lannister

1^st August 2011

Dear David Daley, Editor in chief of Salon.com online magazine

As I was walking past my daughter Anna’s bedroom I over heard them talking about Amy Winehouse and fussing over the negative things that have been written about her on your online magazine, and I have to admit I was very curious as to see what all the hassle was about, and after reading your article I have to agree fully with everything being said, Amy Winehouse was a troubled singer and it is very obvious throughout her songs, as mentioned in your statement “Amy Winehouse’s darkest days were well-documented, and the tone of the coverage”. I agree with this statement because every single one of the songs I hear my daughter Anna listening to includes some sort of inappropriate language about drugs and alcohol and other inapt substances that Amy Winehouse was exposed to.

I am fully aware that many celebrities are exposed and resort to drugs and alcohol abuse etc. but many of them get the help they need before it is too late, as you mentioned earlier; “Winehouse sang, salty and teasing, outing herself — gallantly, even — as a devotee of excess. “They tried to make me go to rehab, I said ‘No, no, no,’” she proudly insisted. Her voice was tough, unapologetic.” She full on admit to needing rehab in one of her songs then admitted to refusing to go, now what kind of mother would want her daughter to admire a person like this? You have to understand the worry I am going through, my daughter looks up to this person, but Amy Winehouse is definitely not a person to be looked up to.

In my experience I'm aware that many younger people of this generation are exposed to illegal substances, and my daughter Anna is only 16 and sees Amy Winehouse as a role model and doesn’t realize that Amy Winehouse was very troubled, and while my daughter and many others seem to think that all of her music is just based on silly words that rhyme and sound good, but in reality she is being authentic in her songs, she actually is talking about her experiences with drugs and substance abuse, but many people do not realize the honesty behind her lyrics.

Amy Winehouse’s Authenticity

Anna Lannister, her biggest fan

2^nd August 2011

Dear David Daley,

I have to disagree with everything being said in your article, I think its just dishonest opinions about a certain celebrity, in hopes to get a lot of hits on the magazine.

Also when you stated “The rate at which the public gobbled up glib Winehouse headlines (Amy Winehouse Performs Drunk and Falls On Stage! Drunk Amy Winehouse Gives Worst Performance In History!) was in line with both the extraordinary number of records she sold and the precise content of those records.” I just think that as a a celebrity she must be faced with many pressures and will obviously lead to substance abuse to help ease her stress, and I do not think she should be judged for it, as long as she is singing the song properly which is what people paid for, she shouldn’t be insulted.

Also when stated “Critics continue to insist that authenticity, as it applies to art (and especially performance), is a sucker’s bet — it’s a hollow construct, an impossible ideal, a dangerous, nonsensical presumption.” In the article, I think that authenticity is a very important trait to include in ones music and art. I think Amy was just trying to make her songs more real, which is what makes it more special. I really do not think that being authentic is something to be judged for.

The only thing I probably agree with in this article is this part “. Addiction is a fundamentally different kind of hardship, but Winehouse’s life wasn’t charmed. She had credibility, suddenly, and that trumped everything else — race, circumstance, and origin. She made dozens of unforgivable professional and personal mistakes, but no one could accuse her of being full of shit.” I think this opens a new argument about Amy Winehouse that I probably should not get into, although I have to say that the last part of the sentence was very accurate, because no matter what Amy Winehouse was real, she was a genuine. She spoke about the harsher things that many other artists feared to open up about, when she sings you could hear the honesty behind her lyrics. Which is why I love her so much, just a few months ago when I went to her concert during her slower songs I nearly teared up from the sadness I could hear in her voice.

Yes I will admit she has made many mistakes throughout her life, and her death ironically was a mistake, she overdosed just last month. It happens to many people, but what I cant wrap my head around is how miserable a person could be to have to have that much drugs, I couldn’t imagine how much pain she was trying to numb. Don’t get me wrong I know that it was very immoral and was not a pleasant death, I also know that substance abuse is extremely dangerous and illegal, but it’s a hard addiction to break, I don’t think anyone should be judged negatively because of a mistake that cost their life, because no one really knows what she was going through. “That Amy Winehouse never had the chance to betray her music is the saddest kind of epilogue.”

Cultural Appropriation Letter - Nicki Minaj

article

To, Raf Lurv

8th october 2014

i have to agree with everything stated in the text, nicki minaj says in one of her songs "asalamu alaykom who the fuck is akbar, give him my keys tell him park my car"

asalamu alaykom in arabic is basically a greeting, and then she says who the f*** is akbar, akbar is a respectful way to say god, the she follows it by insulting him by referring to him as a vallet.

i dont think she meant any harm, i think Nicki Minaj just meant it as a joke or she really didnt put much thought into it, but even though i am not a muslim, i understand fully how it can be insulting to islam and muslims/arabs, or basically just anyone who believes in god because akbar means god, and many religions believe in god so i believe it is insulting to them all dont you think?

because many people who are religious respect god fully and their faith keeps many people going through hard times, and seeing someone so effortlessly insulting their most respected figure, could be seen as very rude.

something i agree with something said in particular "don't think it is appropriate for her to put such line in her song." basically saying that its okay for her to have her own opinions, just that she shouldn't advertise her negative thoughts if she knows that many people will be offended by it. 

another statement i agree with was "the line where she says "give'em my keys tell'em valet my car" can possibly means? From what I understand it can means 2 things. First she is referring Akbar to a person who work at valet parking, which illustrates that muslim is not doing well in life and  work for other richer people like her. " it took me a while to understand this line in the song and i think it was very well explained here, and i think this just shows how disrespectful some people get when they are introduced to all the fame and money, i agree fully with everything stated in this article and i believe that people should keep their opinions to themselves.

-Alia Oumeish
(371 words)