The Spread of the English Language

The Spread of the English Language English is the language of survival in the present battle of life .This prevalence of English language came as a result of the British colonizing movements previously and the present economical and political power of English speaking countries that imposed themselves and as a result imposed their language on the globe[1]. The essay will include the causes of the dominance of English in the world, its part in the world and in my life as well as the negative results of this dominance. The present wide spread of the English language worldwide is obvious from the huge number of its users which is about 1.8 billion speakers [2] , as well as the increasing rate of its learners which approaches a billion[3]. This remarkable interest in learning English which can be noticed from the huge number of its learners reflects the leading role it plays in our world today. This leading role has various aspects. For instance, the globalized world that English created, presents a way of connecting the whole world together, politically by generating a common area of communication between different ethnic groups which is the use of English language and economically as it led to free trade that resulted from globalization [4]. Moreover, as it is the main language of teaching science, it helped scientists and researchers around the world to share their knowledge and scientific results which led to the developments we witness today [1]. Furthermore, it plays a vital role in the cultural exchange by translating other cultures books to English as there are considerable numbers of English users who can benefit from these translations. English language also has its significant role in individuals lives which I will discuss through my experience. It has been 14 years since I started learning English which has affected my life positively since then. The first and most important thing is that it helped me to enter the university, because without having a certain level of knowledge in English, it is almost impossible to think of studying a scientific major in UAE [5]. In addition, it acts as an access gate for me to other cultures by having the power of communicating with individuals from any part of the world through using English. Moreover, I had the chance to practice my favorite activity which is reading by having a look at English literature depending on my knowledge in its language. Despite of the usefulness of the spread of English language, I believe it has some negative aspects on both learners and native speakers. When it comes to English learners, learning any language is fairly challenging [6]. For me, I can say I started learning real English since five years only and the other nine years were nothing but a waste of time because learning any language requires an extra personal effort in mastering it rather than the knowledge we get from school. As a result, the learning process is long as well as frustrating. In addition, it caused a cultural conflict for non-native speakers as many of them started losing the strength of their mother tongue language because of the extensive use of English language [7]. As an example, in the Arab world we now have what is called the Arabizi generation. Arabizi is a word that is used to describe the mixture use of both Arabic and English languages which was caused by the general interest of mastering English by Arabic nativ e speakers [8]. This trend of mixing Arabic and English resulted in weaken the hegemony of Arabic language especially with children which led to an issue of identity for them. The side effects of the spread of English on native speakers are limited but important. One thing is that English native speakers lost one aspect of their uniqueness which is their language, as they are not longer the only ones who use it. Another disadvantage for the next English native generation is that they face the threat of ending up of having only one language while the whole world is forced to learn English in combination with their own mother tongue language which will have its cultural political and economical threat on them [9]. Although mastering English is of major importance, people shouldnt neglect mastering their own mother tongue language in order to maintain their identity and distinguishing themselves from other nations and cultures. It is also important for English people to start learning other languages to keep up with rest of the world. The references: [1] D. Crystal, Thecambridge encyclopedia of the English language. New York: Cambridge University press, 2003, pp. 106 [2] G. Schiltz. (2004, Jun 2). Lecture 7: World-Wide English. [Online]. Available: http://www.ehistling-pub.meotod.de/01_lec06.php on 21 Apr 2010 [3]K. Beare. (n.d.). How many people learn Englishglobally?. [Online]. Available: http://esl.about.com/od/englishlearningresources/f/f_eslmarket.htm on 21 Apr 2010 [4] J. Korpela. (2003, Sep 2). English – the universal language on the Internet?. [Online]. Available: http://www.cs.tut.fi/~jkorpela/lingua-franca.html on 21 Apr 2010 [5] T. Morgan. (2008, Sep 21). UAE: Poor English limiting university access. University world news. [Online]. 0045. Available: http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20080919100258584 on 21 Apr 2010 [6] The Language Chronicle. (2008, Aug 3). The Challenge of Learning a New Language. [Online]. Available: http://thelanguagechronicle.com/the-challenge-of-learning-a-new-language/ on 21 Apr 2010 [7] R. Rubdy and M. Saraceni, English in the world. NY: Continuum, 2006, pp. 187 [8] R. Habib. (2005, Dec 18). Thoughts on Arabizi. Gulf news. [Online]. Available: http://gulfnews.com/about-gulf-news/al-nisr-portfolio/tabloid/articles/thoughts-on-arabizi-1.308444 on 4 Apr 2010 [9] M. Taylor. (2006, Feb 15). Global spread of English ‘a threat to UK’. The Guardian. [Online]. Available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/feb/15/students.tefl on 14 Apr 2010

Comparison of Lao Tzu and Machiavelli Essay

It is obvious to most people the differences between black and white, light and darkness, or Pepsi and Coca-Cola. Many people have different preferences for each of these things, as well as different views about them. While one person may argue that Pepsi is the ultimate cola beverage, another person may claim that Coca-Cola is the best by far. This is such the case with many different people in this world, on many different topics. A prime example of contrasting views on many issues is Niccolio Machiavelli and Lao Tzu. Among the issues that they address include war and violence and the qualities of an ideal ruler. The issue with the most differences is obviously that of war and violence. In his work â€Å"The Qualities of a Prince† Machiavelli claimed that a good ruler must always be prepared for war. Even when their country is not at war, the ruler must be constantly considering combat. They must take the time to look at the land in which any battle will be fought, whether that is in their kingdom or that of their enemies. â€Å"He must, therefore, never raise his thought from this exercise of warm and in peacetime he must train himself more than in time of war; this can be done in two ways, one by action, the other by the mind. And as far as action is concerned, besides keeping his soldiers well disciplined and  trained, he must always be out hunting, and must accustom his body to hardships in this manner; and he must also learn the nature of the terrain, and know how the mountains slope, how the valleys open, how the plains lie, and understand the nature of rivers and swamps†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (38). Lao Tzu’s â€Å"Thoughts from the Tao-Te-Ching† took a more pacifistic approach. He believes that no man had the right to defeat enemies by using violence and  weapons. When violence is used against somebody, it will eventually rebound and come back upon the person who inflicted it. â€Å"Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men doesn’t try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms. For every force there is a counterforce. Violence, even well intentioned, Always rebounds upon oneself.† (24). The contrast in Machiavelli’s ideal ruler and that of Lao Tzu is drastic. Machiavelli thinks that the ideal ruler should be careful when it comes to being generous. He believes that if a ruler is too generous, the people he governs will become unappreciative of their good fortune. A prince should be feared by his people, but they should not despise him because of it. â€Å"A prince must nevertheless make himself feared in such a manner that he will avoid hatred, even if he does not acquire love; since to be feared and not to be hated can very well be combined; and this will always be so when he keeps his hands off the property and the women of his citizens and his subjects. † (44). Lao Tzu has many views that are in great opposition to those of Machiavelli. He believes that the best ruler is one that the people don’t even realize is there. A leader should be loved, and not feared or hated. He acts upon things, and when he is a success, the people of his kingdom get the full credit for his work. â€Å"When the master governs, the people are hardly aware that he exists. Next best is the leader who is loved. Next is the one who is feared. The worst is the one who is despised†¦ The Master doesn’t talk, he acts. When his work is done, The people say â€Å"Amazing, We did it, all by ourselves!†Ã¢â‚¬  (22-23). A ruler should also not have the desire to leave his country. If you are restless and feel the urge to move on, then you will lose touch with who you truly are. â€Å"The heavy is the root of the light, The unmoved is the source of all movement. Thus the master travels all day Without leaving home. However splendid the views, She stays serenely in herself. Why should the lord of the country Flit about like a fool? If you let yourself be blown to and fro, You lose touch with your root. If you let the restless move you, You lose touch with who you are.† (23-24). Clearly these men believed in two entirely different sets of values. This can be shown in their interest and opinions on many subjects, among them violence and war, and the traits of an ideal ruler. One is full of optimism, while the other brings out the pessimism is the most jubilant people.

Mulan Essay

The film Mulan is set in ancient China, in an undefined dynasty. The Huns have penetrated the Great Wall and have invaded China. The emperor orders that new soldiers be drafted. Mulan, a girl who recently humiliated her family by failing the Matchmaker’s assessment, in order to save her aging father from death at war, steals her father’s armor and masquerades as a soldier. Throughout the film, several historical inaccuracies, as well as accurate portrayals, become apparent, in such respects as religious philosophies, historical inconsistencies and through the heavy American influence in the making of the film. Ancient Chinese philosophies, which are still present today, played a huge role in the film and were accurately utilized in advancing the plot. At the beginning of the film, upon the emperor learning of the Hun’s invasion, the general suggested that the army move to protect the emperor’s city. He refused, and ordered that the army move out to protect his people. According to the ideas of Confucianism, one of the key relationships is that of the ruler and his subjects. The ruler must always protect and serve them. With this in mind, the emperor prioritized the safety of his subjects over his own. Confucianism is also very clear about the place of women in society. Women are to stay in the house and quietly raise children and always be obedient towards her husband and father. Mulan defied all of these rules as she took her father’s place in the army. Later, she found that everyone trusted and listened to her while she was under the guise of a man, but as soon as her true identity was revealed, her captain refused to listen to her. This accurately portrays the Confucian idea that women are inferior to men and don’t belong in positions of power. Confucianism wasn’t the only philosophy present in Mulan, but Daoism as well. Two instances where Daoism is visible is during the training scene, and where the emperor refuses to bow to Shan Yu. During the song sequence where Captain Shang trains his soldiers, he says such things as, â€Å"You must be swift as a coursing river†¦ With the strength of a great typhoon†¦ Mysterious as the dark side of the moon. † When the Shan Yu demanded that the emperor bow to him, the emperor brusquely stated, â€Å"No matter how much the wind blows, the mountain cannot bow to it. † Both of these examples illustrate a spiritual connection to nature, a key aspect of Daoism. The writers of Mulan clearly did adequate research on Chinese philosophies in order to accurately use them in the film. Despite the accuracies in the usage of Chinese philosophies, there were various historical inconsistencies throughout the film. The construction of the Great Wall was started in the Qin Dynasty, and was not as tall as it was portrayed in the film until much later. The Huns were repelled from China for the final time during the Han Dynasty. Fireworks weren’t invented until the Tang Dynasty. The Forbidden City wasn’t built until the Ming Dynasty. All of these events occur hundreds of years apart, yet the film contains a completed Great Wall, a Hun invasion, fireworks and the Forbidden City all in the same undefined time period. It could be the filmmakers didn’t do enough research to be aware of these inconsistencies, but it’s more likely that it was decided that these historical inaccuracies could be allowed to to slide for the sake of the film. American culture strongly influenced several aspects of the film. For example, at times, racial stereotypes seem even more exaggerated than they need to be. The emperor’s council has the humorous asian face and voice. At the training camp and at Mulan’s house, people ate nothing but white rice. Mulan contains somewhat extreme asian stereotypes that were spawned from the American view of asian societies. The story is also influenced by American culture. One idea that is seen by many as distinctly American is the desire to do what is right, even if it against the norm. This idea is the subject of many a famous American story. That idea is present again in Mulan, as she rides off to war to save her father, despite his wishes and the law. The whole idea of ‘doing what you know is right’ is an idea that Americans hold on tight to. Examining the Huns, the primary antagonists in the film, we see them portrayed how Americans would portray any of its national enemies. Throughout the film, the Huns make themselves out to be unstoppable brutes with an everlasting bloodlust, who press on to assault the Chinese capital despite losing their entire army, save a few. By the end of the film, we can’t help but see them as rabid animals who can only be stopped by being put down. Historically, America is very good at dehumanizing its enemies in this manner, most notably during World War 2, with the Japanese and Germans, nd even today to an extent, making terrorists in the middle east seem like targets for missiles and shells in our eyes. American culture influenced the writing if the Huns’ characters heavily. Mulan is without a doubt an excellent film that has entertained more than a few generations. However, it is filled with historical inaccuracies as well as ideas that were noticeably influenced by American culture. Just the same, the accurate usage of Chinese philosophies in the movie make it all the better. With this in mind, we can not only understand Mulan, but also be able to analyze any film and with it, have a wider view of the world.

Make a Vinegar Trap to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

All it takes is one piece of rotting fruit, and you can find yourself with a maddening fruit fly infestation in your kitchen. Even if you throw out your produce and clean your kitchen, the fruit flies may persist. The best way to control fruit flies at this point is to get rid of the breeding adults. Making a simple vinegar trap is an effective and inexpensive way to catch and kill fruit flies that just wont go away. Fruit Flies Are Easy to Outsmart Fortunately, fruit flies arent very bright. The adults spend all their time focused on two goals: mating and laying eggs on rotting fruit. They use their sense of smell to find fermenting produce and will fly to their target with little regard for their own safety. Apple cider vinegar has just the right aroma of rotting fruit to attract their attention. Thats why a vinegar trap is so effective. The trap is designed to lure the fruit flies in and to prevent them from escaping. What Youll Need to Make a Vinegar Trap To make a vinegar trap for fruit flies, youll need just a few things (you probably already have most of them in your home): a glass or cupa plastic baggie large enough to fit over the glassa rubber bandscissorsapple cider vinegar How to Make a Vinegar Trap Pour a small amount—an inch or so—of apple cider vinegar into the glass. The cider vinegar has a nice, fruity aroma that fruit flies simply cannot resist.Using the scissors, snip the corner off the plastic baggie. This should create  a hole just large enough for fruit flies to pass through, but not so large that it will be easy for them to escape.Place the baggie over the glass, and position the hole youve cut over the center.Push the snipped corner down into the glass so the baggie forms a funnel in the glass  but doesnt touch the vinegar.Use the rubber band to secure the baggie to the glass. Alternatively, if you dont have a baggie or rubber bands, you can create your fly trap using paper and tape: Start the same way: pour a small amount—an inch or so—of apple cider vinegar into the glass. The cider vinegar has a nice, fruity aroma that fruit flies simply cannot resist.Curl the paper into a cone and tape it so that it doesnt lose its shape.Place the cone pointed side down in the jar (make sure it doesnt touch the vinegar).Tape the cone in place in the glass jar. How to Use Your Vinegar Trap Place your vinegar trap in the area where you see the most fruit flies—likely near your garbage, produce bins,  compost container, or any area with produce, organic waste, or standing water. If you have a heavy fruit fly infestation, you might want to make several vinegar traps, and place them in your kitchen and in other rooms where fruit flies are present. Fruit flies will fly into the glass, pass through the hole in the baggie, and become trapped in the glass. Within a few days, you should notice an accumulation of dead fruit flies floating in the vinegar. Empty the trap as needed, and refill it with fresh apple cider vinegar. A few well-placed vinegar traps, along with good housekeeping practices to discourage fruit flies, should get your infestation under control quickly. To make your vinegar trap even more effective, add a few drops of liquid dish soap to the vinegar. This lowers the surface tension of the liquid in the trap, so the fruit flies have a lower chance of escaping before they drown.