Applied Linguistics Language-related Problem Solving

The term  applied linguistics refers to the interdisciplinary field that aims to seek out, identify, and provide solutions to real-life problems that result from language-related causes. This research encompasses a wide variety of fields including  language acquisition, language teaching, literacy, literary studies, gender studies, speech therapy, discourse analysis, censorship, professional communication, media studies, translation studies, lexicography, and forensic linguistics. Applied Linguistics vs. General Linguistics The study and practice of applied linguistics are specifically geared toward addressing practical issues as opposed to theoretical constructs. Fields in which applied linguistics routinely come into play are education, psychology, communication research, anthropology, and sociology. General linguistics or theoretical linguistics, on the other hand, deal with language itself, not as that language applies to the people who are using it. One way to better understand what distinguishes the two disciplines is to make an analogy between them and connotative versus denotative word meanings in grammar. Denotative words generally have a single meaning that isnt open to interpretation. Take, for example, the word a door. Generally speaking, when you look at a door, you know its a door—not a shoe or a dog. Like denotative words, general or theoretical linguistics are based on a set of predetermined rules that are understood to have a uniform meaning. Connotative words, on the other hand, tend to be conceptual rather than concrete. Concepts, which are open to interpretation, are often understood differently by different people. Take, for example, the concept of happiness. As we know, one persons happiness can be another persons misery. As with connotative meaning, applied linguistics focuses on language with regard to how people interpret—or misinterpret—meaning. In other words, both applied linguistics and connotative meaning are dependent on human interaction and reaction. Language-Based Anomalies [Its the] language-based problems in the world that drive applied linguistics.—From The Oxford Handbook of Applied Linguistics by Robert B. Kaplan Applied linguistics tackles a broad scope of issues that include learning new languages, or assessing the validity and reliability of the language we encounter every day. Even small variations in language—such as a regional dialect or the use of a modern versus an archaic vernacular—can have an impact on translation and interpretations, as well as usage and style. To understand the importance of applied linguistics, lets look at how it relates to the study of a new language. Teachers and academics must determine which resources, training, practice methods, and interactive techniques best solve the difficulties related to teaching someone a language with which theyre not familiar. Using research in the fields of teaching, sociology, and English grammar, experts attempt to create temporary-to-permanent solutions to these issues. All of these disciplines are tied to applied linguistics. Applying Theory to Practice One of the main goals of applied linguistics is to determine practical applications for linguistic theories as they apply to the evolution of everyday language usage. Initially targeted toward teaching, the field has become increasingly far-reaching since its inception in the late 1950s. Alan Davies, whose career spanned four decades as a professor of applied linguistics at the University of Edinburgh, wrote, There is no finality: the problems such as how to assess language proficiency, what is the optimum age to begin a second language, [and the like] may find local and temporary solutions but the problems recur. As a result, applied linguistics is a constantly evolving discipline that changes as frequently as the modern usage of any given language, adapting and presenting new solutions to the ever-evolving problems of linguistic discourse. Sources Brumfit, Christopher. Teacher Professionalism and Research in Principles and Practice in Applied Linguistics: Studies in Honour of H.G. Widdowson.  Oxford University Press, 1995Cook, Guy. Applied Linguistics. Oxford University Press, 2003  Davies, Alan. An Introduction to Applied Linguistics: From Practice to Theory, Second Edition. author Alan Davies. The University of Edinburgh Press, September 2007

The American Family is Not Changing for the Better Essay

The definition of American family is based on the idea that a legally married couple shares a household, which has been considered as a male that provides the income and a female who is responsible for taking care of the husband, household and children. Even though, Maggie Gallagher in her essay the benefits of marriage in â€Å"Why marriage is good for you,† states that she is trying to promote the return to more traditional view of marriage within the society. However, there is a controversy that American family is experiencing changes in every aspect, being on decline as a consequence of three factors. First, more babies are born in extramarital relations, second, individualism of men and women including same sex couples, and third, the high†¦show more content†¦Also, according to PWP (Parents without Partners) International, in the article â€Å"Facts about Single Parent Families,† says that single parent households increased from 9 percent to 16 percent of all households by 2000. Moreover, in big cities and in small towns families are single moms. On the other hand, individualism in men and women has great impact on the traditional American family; in fact, women have put their careers as a priority. They are entering in the workforce having higher incomes, simultaneously, leaving the concept of marriage way behind. Also, men and women are deciding not to get married at all, and just living in civil unions. This is the same case for same sex couples that adopt children, visualizing a traditional family thus causing a controversy in the society. Some people prefer cohabitate because they want their time and space. Another example is that women have decided to have fewer or not children, and ending their fertility at early ages. As a result, fertility rates are being the lowest level in history. American family has declined drastically due to the high rates of divorce. This factor is being considered one of the biggest issues in the society. According to the current Divorce Rate-U.S.A. statistics point out that the divorce rate in the U.S.A. is the highest in the world, andShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Article Fences 1165 Words   |  5 PagesFences by August Wilson is a play about an African-American family in the 1950s. Troy Maxson is the breadwinner of his entire family because of his job in a garbage truck company. Cory, one of the children of Troy, is a great football player in high school and he wants to continue to play for college football, which has been absolutely denied by Troy because of the discrimination as a colored people they have. Rose, Troy’s wife, who is taking care of everything at home, but lost her love for TroyRead MoreJames Truslow Adams And The American Dream1371 Words   |  6 Pagesoriginal idea of the â€Å"American Dream† supported the idea that all American citizens are able to obtain a better life than they are currently living; however, that idea is continuously changing and many interpret their own dream in different ways. James Truslow Adams, an American author and historian, coined the term â€Å"American Dream† in his book, The Epic of America, published in 1931. Adams once described the American Dream as a, â€Å"†¦dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fullerRead MoreThe Great Depression Of The 1950 S831 Words   |  4 Pagesthe 1950’s America was changing, the difference in just two decades was phenomenal. After World War II America became unrecognizable from the past. It was almost as if America did not even go into the Great Depression. In 1950 new signs of America influence came from every which direction. With the American economy booming, Americans were able to come up with more ideas to go along with the society they were now living. According to The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the years afterRead MoreA Anchor Baby858 Words   |  4 Pagesthrough dangerous obstacles just to reach the American dream. The desert is not a safe way to reach the American dream, been lost for three to more days, starvation, and thirst are not a way to die. Therefore, the Supreme Court should not repeal or change the Fourteenth Amendment. â€Å"In both ways large or small immigrants have helped shape the United States for the better†. Also, immigrants have contributed to the state’s economic growth, and the American culture. The physical growth and politicalRead MoreGrowing Racial And Ethnic Diversity Within The United States920 Words   |  4 Pagesadults who are immigrants, non-white, and ethnic minorities. The article stated, â€Å"Eight in ten older Americans are non-Hispanic whites.† However, there are less than two-thirds of Americans younger than age 65 which are non-Hispanic whites. Fu rthermore, the article stated, â€Å"In the total population, whites could lose their majority status as early as 2042.† Therefore, the United States is changing and will be more diverse in future years. The article also discussed the changes of distribution of racialRead MoreEssay On Creating Life Enhancing Technology1023 Words   |  5 Pagesloneliness, which is making people happy.   Lonely people are becoming happy which in turn is causing other people to be happier still. Happy people become productive members of society, making the world a better place for all.   Ã‚   Hence, America is just starting to look into using robots in everyday life. Americans are more hesitant than other countries to use robots that interact with people. The Chinese already use robots in their classrooms and in their society. Chinese citizens are more accepting and moreRead MoreFamily Is The Most Important Of Socialization1000 Words   |  4 Pages A study on the Family Tabatha Hall-Politte South University Week 3 Assignment 2 From infancy to childhood, teenage a person spends the learning phases of their life with their family. So the family becomes the most important of socialization. This paper discusses why family is the most important of socialization. It reflects on the changes in the American family and the reason for the changes. It identifies the differences in marriage and family life that are linked toRead MoreThe Film Our Family Wedding1245 Words   |  5 Pages The film Our Family Wedding illustrated the diversity among and between families. The film depicted the views of different generations within a family and how an interracial marriage affected them differently. The film explores new contemporary marriage trends and challenges traditional family roles and marriage trends. This paper will explore different demographic trends as it relates to the social constructs of class, race, and gender, survey the recent trends and changes towards contemporaryRead MoreMartin Luther King I Have A Dream Speech Essay711 Words   |  3 PagesDid you know that African-Americans compose 40% of the prison population, because of racism, white people commit the same crime and are excused for it (Ben and Jerry’s)? However, I will be informing you about how we can fix this and how we can make Martin Luther King Jrs I have a dream speech come to life. As Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s showed us in his life work to eliminate racism, we can act to bring peacefully demonstrate a love for humanity. Three actions we can take to eliminate theRead MoreThe American Dream955 Words   |  4 PagesDoes being American mean that you’re an American citizen, or does it mean that you have the same rights and decisions as someone who is a successful American citizen? These decisions include choices you make in order to better yourself in life, whether it has to do with your choice in career, or what you want to do in life. Making decisions, and having choices comes with freedom, as a person, and that reflects on being an American everywhere in the world, even though you’ve never been in America

What Happened to Kmart Free Essays

Case Study – What Happened to Kmart? 1. Evaluate Kmart using the value chain and competitive forces models. What was Kmart’s business model and business strategy? Kmart has numerous problems with its value chain. We will write a custom essay sample on What Happened to Kmart or any similar topic only for you Order Now This is evident from the suppliers sending items that the suppliers want to sell, shelves remaining unstocked, the â€Å"hand shifting† reordering process for popular items, products being allocated by central planners and not based on individual store demand, excess inventory stored in 15,000 truck-trailers behind its stores, shrinkage, and having to choose to either ship toothpaste or Christmas trees. Since its entrance as the first discount store in the 1960s, Kmart has not been able to ward off new entrants into the discount chain business. The new entrants, such as Wal-Mart and Target, have come on strong and surpassed Kmart. Kmart’s suppliers seem to be calling the shots with the retailer, since they are promoting the items that they can sell and not helping Kmart address its mounting problems. Kmart’s customers are voting with their pocketbooks and shopping at its competitors’ stores. Kmart uses a promotions-drive business model. The company uses advertising circulars to promote its â€Å"blue-light† specials. 2. What was the relationship of information systems to Kmart’s business processes and business strategy? How well did its systems support its strategy? Kmart’s information systems and its business processes and business strategy were not in alignment. As an example, the information systems could collect data, but the data were not available for analysis and decision-making purposes. As the case mentions, forecasting decisions were based on management’s judgment, not on the data. Kmart’s systems did not support its strategy. One of the problems mentioned in the case is that its supply chain management system could not easily accommodate the sharp increases and decreases in demand. The distribution center’s outdated technology led to supplies sitting on pallets for 24 hours until they were recorded in the central tracking system. When reordering popular products, the employees would hand sift through previous purchasing receipts. . What management, organization, and technology factors contributed to Kmart’s problems? From the case, it appears that Kmart management is inconsistent with its implementation of the company’s strategy. Management is unable to use data to forecast demand; it has lost sight of its core competencies, and is unable to change Kmart’s image. Although management wanted to restructure its supply chain, it continued to expand its product offerings, as opposed to focusing on the fastest selling items. Mr. Conaway’s plan to restructure Kmart has obviously not worked out. Although Mr. Conaway wanted the local stores to make their own stocking decisions, the stocking decisions were still being made by the central planners. When the new system was installed, Mr. Buzek made the comment that â€Å"the information would be useless because management just didn’t believe in the system. † Although the company uses a promotions-driven strategy, the company reduced its advertising circulars. As the case points out, no other alternative for achieving the strategy was provided. Although Kmart wanted to reinvent its supply chain, management was unwilling to unify the distribution system’s two computers because the project was too expensive. From an organizational perspective, the suppliers, central planners, business processes, individual stores, warehouses, and distribution center have definite communication problems and are not sharing data as efficiently as possible. One could argue that very little data sharing is going on. Central planners are making the stocking decisions for the individual stores, but what needs to be stocked at each store is not being effectively communicated. From a technology perspective, outdated technology and incompatible systems were in place. The new i2 project did not succeed for a variety of reasons, including the need for more hardware, the inability of the project to connect the point-of-sale systems and inventory systems to the distribution systems, and not being robust enough to handle a large number of SKUs. 4. How important was supply chain management in contributing to Kmart’s problems? Evaluate Conaway’s decision to use i2 software to improve Kmart’s supply chain management. Supply chain management was very important to Kmart. Kmart has been unable to successfully manage its inbound logistics, operations, sales and marketing, service, and outbound logistics. Unfortunately, the company’s inability to effectively manage its supply chain led to ineffective advertising, lots of items being overstocked, popular items being understocked, a large product offering, poor communication with suppliers and its business units, items sitting on pallets waiting to be entered into the central tracking system, and shipping problems. The goals for the i2 project were commendable, since the project was supposed to improve Kmart’s sales forecasting, inventory sourcing, logistics, and reporting. The project was supposed to facilitate micromarketing, supplier product tracking, order execution, shipment scheduling, and delivery tracking. It is interesting that Mr. Conaway chose i2 Technologies for the new supply chain management project, since i2 Technologies had â€Å"only recent and limited experience in the retail sector. The decision to use i2 Technologies was not a good decision, since the system was not designed to work with the large number of SKUs, Kmart (according to some) wrote off and abandoned some of its i2 software, the project fell behind schedule, and the inability to connect the point-of-sale systems and inventory systems to the distribution systems. 5. Were those blaming software for the collapse of Kmart correct? Explain your answer. Actually, there is enough blame to go around. 2 Technologi es did a very poor job analyzing and designing the system for Kmart. It also appears that Kmart’s management did not get behind the project and was also unwilling to transform its core business processes. 6. It has been said that â€Å"Wal-Mart uses their IT strategically, and they fully integrate it into their operating model. † Does this statement apply to Kmart? Explain your response. This statement does not apply to Kmart. Kmart is using an outdated business model and has been unwilling to change its model. Its unwillingness to change is one of the reasons why Wal-Mart and Target have been able to successfully compete against Kmart and why Kmart is in bankruptcy. 7. List the problems Conaway faced when he took over Kmart, and then describe the short- and long-range policies you would have followed had you been in his place. When Mr. Conaway took over Kmart, he faced several problems, including stiff competition from Wal-Mart and Target. The company was using an outdated business model, spending more money than the competition to get its goods into its stores, its information systems were collecting data but not using it effectively, it had significant problems with its entire value chain, it had a frumpy reputation, its shelves were often empty, it offered a wide range of products, it provided poor customer service, and it did not care about the competition. Students will provide a variety of short- and long-range policy recommendations. How to cite What Happened to Kmart, Papers

Managing Employment Relations and Abattoir †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Managing Employment Relations and Abattoir. Answer: Introduction The report is an overview of two recent news articles which argue upon the employment relations. Both the articles discuss the well-being of employees. Their exploitation and how such situations could be resolved. In the first news article Churchill Abattoir and Baiada companys closure is been discussed and how it affected the company as a whole, its workers and how these employees will be helped to carry out the living for time being. The positive thing with this was that the owners were concerned about its employees and maintained the relationship to give them good remembrance. The second article is upon Waves Hill Station case which was resolved after 51 years of fight. The Wave Hill case demonstrates the exploitation of employees by providing lack of working conditions and poor basic pay. FNWA was originated which stood for workers right and providing them justice by formulating genuine policies and penalties. Churchill Abattoir Pty Ltd works in consumer staples sector dealing with consumer products industry followed by agricultural products sub-industry. The company originated in the year 1999 and the business line is packaging plant of meat and slaughter houses. It is situated in Australia at Berry Street (Bloomberg, 2017). It is one of the largest domestic beef suppliers in Australia which have undergone the joint venture with a Chinese company and gradually looking forward to the international market as well. The biggest supply of Churchill beef abattoir is made in Woolworths supermarket, the supply chain is successfully running from last 15 years. The vision of the company is to supply the beef in China and establishing the position there. In order to accomplish this goal, the organization has to acquire the export license to spread globally in flourish in the international market (Condon, 2014). Overview of news article The article argues about the job loss that occurred in Churchill Abattoir, Ipswich due to the closure of organization that is going to take place on 28 September. Around 500-900 employees are likely to lose their job with this closure which is an ample amount of candidates and many questions stand in front of these workers as for how to run the livelihood, how to feed the family, how to pay the house rent? The only one-month prior notice was given to the employees so they cannot make out something huge in this amount of time (The Australian, 2017). Though these employees were assured that they will be paid their entire entitlement till the date also there is a glimpse of hope for the investors if they could invest in the company then it shall re-start within 6 months or a year. The company is the view to fulfill its vision of establishing the company offshore by obtaining an export license. But the consequences are occurring on that note as well. The company is struggling from last t hree years on the same issue. The main reason behind such closure is a shortage of livestock and increased prices. All the workers are highly tensed in context of their livelihood and a lot more confused as to how they should run their families and from where should they start now. No wise guidance is been provided to them and even the owners and managers are totally confused regarding this closure and what step should they take next. The middle and new joined employees are going to suffer the most as the experienced one will get something better out of their years of experience; also the pay from the company will also be high for them to run a livelihood till something new is not started (The Guardian, 2017). Also, the similar problem has occurred in Baiada as well where around 400 employees lose their job. The reason behind is destroying market condition which is likely to affect the companys medium and long term growth. The managing director of Baiada stated that they will interact with its employees and another stakeholder to find out the way to cross this situation and move ahead. The state government has also taken the steps for the protection of those workers affected by this closure situation (Vujkovic, 2017). The issue that is faced and how did they arise. As discussed above in the overview the basic problem with Churchill Abattoir and Baiada is the market situation and a shortage of livestock and availability at the high prices which is unbalancing the market scenario. Since both the organizations were the market ruler and domestic supply was made from their places only. The monopolistic situation was there which has now destroyed due to the economic changes. Above that many livelihoods are now facing immense challenges. The owners and the workers have a big question in front of them that says What is next? Though the employees are getting the entire fulfillment sill the notice period served by the company is very less and nothing huge could be made within this period of time. Along with this even Christmas is approaching near and till then something has to be planned out which is the big challenge for the employees (Branco, 2017). The basic involvement in this situation is an economic condition which turned to be adverse for the business. The reason behind the circumstances is an imbalance of demand and supply in the market. With the decreasing growth rate of livestock, the availability of product is improper which resulted in winding up of business as the import charges were too high to be sold in the domestic market. The parties involved are owners whose business got shut down, the employees who lose their precious jobs and also the consumers are affected as their demand is not fulfilling and they are not getting what they desire Another involvement is of State government as well, it is supporting the affected people especially the employees who became jobless with little work experience (Spelitis, 2017). Wave Hill wake of Case. Wave Hill is situated in the northern territory on a pastoral lease. The land of Wave Hill is been used to move cattle around and performing butchering on the site to provide fresh beef to the people near the gold digs. The main originator of this place is Gurindji. Wave Hill has popularly known for Wave Hill walk off where around 200 Gurindji stockmen who worked as a servant in the house and walked off from the job due to exploitation and unequal wages. This strike started in 1966 which ended up in 1975 where the federal government was finally able to negotiate with the Vesteys to give the Gurindji their portion of land (NMA, n.d.). As discussed above in the case on August 23, 1966, there was a man named, Vincent Lingiari who walk off the Wave Hill Station because of the exploitation that used to happen with them and provision of very less salary which was not able to even fulfill the basic needs of the workers. The fight was to provide appropriate working conditions to the employees at a reasonable salary. After 51 years of long fight finally, they succeeded in 2017 with the emergence of First Nations Workers Alliance (FNWA). The alliance was with the objective to provide employees their right and prevent them from getting exploited. The origin of this federation was on June 9, 2017, which handles the legal norms and formulates the policies (NAA, 2017). Issues that are faced and how did they arise. The issues with the Wave Hill walk off were to get better pay scale and soothing conditions of working. The motive behind First Nations Workers Alliances was to end up the Federal Governments Community Development Program (CDP). It was figured out that from 35,000 CDP participants there were 33,000 Indigenous people. On comparing the Waves Hill walk off which was based on poor working conditions and provision of less basic pay, the situation of CDPs was worse than them (The Conversation, 2016). The condition of working was not at the basic level. Even they were neither enrolled under Fair Work Act nor were they considered as the workers. These workers were not given the safety facilities. In case of injury at the work, they were not even compensated. The leave criteria were not there thus these workers were not entitled to avail sick leave, casual leave, annual leave, and superannuation. This problem arises because of the exploitation and ill treatment with the indigenous employees m aking them deprived of the basic wage and good working conditions (Creative spirits, n.d.). The people involved in this issue are first and foremost the Vesteys who actually created the entire havoc by not providing better working conditions and rendering basic pay. The land originally belongs to Gurindji who used to work as slave and payment was made in wheat, tea, tobacco and at times some pieces of beef. Afterwards the Federal Governments Community Development Program (CDP) came into existence which was equally brutal with the workers and for improving all these conditions First Nations Workers Alliance (FNWA) came into existence in 2017 and made reasonable regulations and policies along with protecting the workers from CDP and rendering them their rights (Pearson, 2017). Conclusion It can be concluded that human resource is at the prime and gone are the days where they would just work under pressure for the sake of money without making and daring to complain. Now the employees are aware of their right and importance as well. They have gained knowledge and value their talent. They possess the daring to raise up the voice if wrong serves to them. In every phase, there are people who fought for the rights and made sacrifices to bring revolution. The employee relations are considered as a priority in todays working scenario to maintain the harmony and promote healthy working which would surely result in the simultaneous growth of organization and employees. The labor laws are constructed and all the organizations are bound to it and have to follow all the policies in the way they are made. References Bloomberg. (2017). Churchill Abattoir Pty Ltd. Viewed on 31st August 2017. https://www.bloomberg.com/profiles/companies/9739577Z:AU-churchill-abattoir-pty-ltd. Branco. J. (2017). 750 workers out of a job as two Ipswich meatworks shut. Viewed on 31st August 2017. https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/750-workers-out-of-a-job-as-two-ipswich-meatworks-shut-20170829-p4yvlw.html. Condon. J. (2014). Chinese investors in joint venture with Qlds Churchill Abattoir. Viewed on 31st August 2017. https://www.beefcentral.com/processing/chinese-investors-in-joint-venture-with-qlds-churchill-abattoir/. Creative Spirits. (n.d.). Walk-off at Wave Hill: birth of Aboriginal land rights. Viewed on 31st August 2017. https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/aboriginal-people-strike-walk-off-at-wave-hill#axzz4rKpD00SY. NAA. (2017). The Wave Hill walk off- face sheet 224. Viewed on 31st August 2017. https://www.naa.gov.au/collection/fact-sheets/fs224.aspx. National museum Australia. (n.d.). Defining moments in Australian history. Viewed on 31st August 2017. https://www.nma.gov.au/online_features/defining_moments/featured/wave_hill_walk-off. Pearson. L. (2017). Fight for indigenous workers rights continues 51years after Wave Hill walk off. Viewed on 31st August 2017. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-26/fnwa-on-fight-for-indigenous-workers-rights-and-end-to-cdp/8834502. Spelitis. H. (2017). We do not have a sustainable business: Ipswich jobs gone. Viewed on 31st August 2017. https://www.qt.com.au/news/breaking-500-jobs-gone-major-ipswich-business-clos/3217391/. The Australian. (2017). Woolworths seeks new meatworks as Churchill abattoir shuts. Viewed on 31st August 2017. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/woolworths-seeks-new-meatworks-as-churchill-abattoir-shuts/news-story/e5616818dda7a108159ddc6e5ee70847. The Conversation. (2016). Friday essay: the untold story behind the 1966 Wave Hill walk off. Viewed on 31st August 2017. https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-the-untold-story-behind-the-1966-wave-hill-walk-off-62890. The Guardian. (2017). Up to 900 jobs to go at Queensland abattoir and chicken factory. Viewed on 31st August 2017. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/29/up-to-900-jobs-to-go-at-queensland-abattoir-and-chicken-factory. Vujkovic. M. (2017). Ipswich abattoir and chicken processing factory closure to cost up to 900 jobs. Viewed on 31st August 2017. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-29/up-to-900-workers-lose-jobs-abattoir-chicken-factory-ipswich/8851042.