Essay on Code-switching an essential phenomenon of the bilingual worldEssay Writing Service

Essay on Code-switching an essential phenomenon of the bilingual worldEssay Writing Service Essay on Code-switching: an essential phenomenon of the bilingual world Essay on Code-switching: an essential phenomenon of the bilingual worldAn ability to switch codes as a way of transferring from one language to another during the conversation is considered not only a peculiarity of bilingualism, but also a method of enhancing abilities in solving different communicative tasks due to a high functional potential of this linguistic phenomenon. As a rule, the conscious process of intentional switching from one language to another is carried out with certain communicative purpose, such as emphasizing or concealing certain idea, expressing it in a more distinct way, making communication more emotional and natural or even showing one’s cultural and national features during the conversation. However, some people argue the fact that switching codes is a functional and important part of a conversation, saying that it rather shows one’s linguistic incapacity.The following research discusses the question of whether code-switching is simply a sign of language incompetence or rather a functional and useful component of the communicative process. It attempts to shed light on the purposes of code-switching to find out whether code-switching is indeed necessary and functional or whether this is simply a feature of bilingualism expressing one’s language incompetence. The research refers to a number of analysts and investigators to give evidence of certain points of view and support the main statement.Code-switching is a linguistic term that stands for an alternate use of two or more languages during a conversation or within the same utterance (Cunningham-Andersson Andersson, 1999). The problem of code-switching has been investigated for multiple years and has long become a part of a separate linguistic discipline. This is mainly connected with the fact that modern world experiences migration of nations, globalization and consequently, interconnection of languages and cultures. Thus, the phenomenon of code-switching is wide ly discussed in present days.Code-switching is considered to be a vital part of the bilingual world, in which people are used to unintentionally or intentionally switching from one language to another. It has become a norm for the societies, where people are used to using two or more languages or dialects and the process of code-switching in this case is a natural way of expressing one’s thoughts and ideas. It needs to be admitted that in this case, code-switching is not a sign of language incompetence, but rather a natural and inevitable linguistic capacity.Today, many researchers view code-switching simply as an essential ability of people to switch from one language or dialect to another during the process of communication. However, there are linguists who claim that code-switching is a direct sign of one’s language incapacity as will be discussed below. Thus, some people would say that if you live in a bilingual world, it is inevitable to use two or more languages or dialects within a single communicative process. Others claim that code-switching is clearly a sign of one’s lack of linguistic education and thus, something that should be avoided during a conversation. This question is to be discussed in detail.Wardhaugh (2006) identifies â€Å"code† as a separate system used during the communicative process between two or more people. Thus, it is a certain kind of dialect or language that one party occasionally chooses to use. Code-switching often stands for a combination of materials chosen from two or more languages and used in the same utterance or during the conversation. This phenomenon seems to be natural for those people who have grown in the bilingual environment and acquired competence in two or more languages or dialects. In this regard, code-switching cannot be perceived as one’s lack of language capacity. On the contrary, from this perspective, code-switching stands for one’s language competence as an abi lity to skillfully mix phrases or words from different languages during the conversation for different purposes that will be later discussed in this paper. Thus, the phenomenon of code-switching is natural and even essential for certain cultures and nations.From the perspective of bilingualism, code-switching can be defined as a production of discourse that represents a combination of two or even more varieties of the linguistic repertoire of a person, for whom bilingualism is an inseparable part of daily life (Myers-Scotton, 1995). As a proof of the statement that code-switching is not a sign of one’s language incapacity, it needs to be said that bilinguals are able to use two or more languages within one utterance without any interruption of the flow of speech and by doing so, they make the conversation more colorful and full of emotions (Saunders, 1988). This proves that code-switching serves as means of diversifying one’s speech, enriching the process of communicat ion and serving for a better understanding between the two parties. Thus, it should be viewed as a natural way of expressing one’s thoughts and ideas, especially in the bilingual world, where people are capable of using two or more languages or dialects and easily switch from one language to another.Nevertheless, certain scientists classify code-switching as a phenomenon of â€Å"interference†. The notion of â€Å"interference† is rather controversial being supported and disapproved at the same time. Thus, Weinreich (1953) identified interference as certain deviation from the approved norms of either language that can be observed in the speech of bilinguals who are familiar with more than one language or dialect. Some linguists disapprove this notion, while others speak in favor of it. For this reason, the notions of â€Å"interference† and â€Å"code-switching† are classified differently. It is all due to the uncertainty of researchers as for deci ding when the use of certain elements of one language cannot be called interference, but is more appropriate to be named code-switching (Auer, 1998). Code-switching is thus rejected as an example of interference due to the fact that the case of true interference is characterized by the assimilation of certain linguistic features. Code-switching takes place only when bilinguals add a totally unassimilated word or phrase from some other language into their speech, so that both languages still represent two independent entities with their own linguistic features, but belonging to the same discourse.Further investigation of code-switching requires discussing its major purposes that need to be paid special attention. Main purpose of code-switching lies in maintaining or eliminating social borders between two parties. In this regard, with the help of code-switching, it is possible to establish relationships between the representatives of different social spheres, professions or age. Code- switching is often used as a measure that prevents or mitigates some stressful situation in the process of communication between two parties. It is also often used in one’s speech in order to adapt to another person, encourage a person for action or attract his or her attention. In such a way, code-switching is used for different purposes and more often results in the successful conversation instead of causing misunderstanding between the two parties during a conversation, even though this might seem a natural outcome of its use.Code-switching is often used for the purpose of enriching or organizing one’s speech depending on the person’s communicative intentions (Adendorff, 1996). In this regard, code-switching is viewed as a communicative strategy aimed at filling a conceptual or linguistic gap in the speech of a person, thus enriching the conversation with phrases from a different language and compensating for the lack of appropriate expressions.Essay on Code- switching: an essential phenomenon of the bilingual world part 2

Free sample - Tattooing and Perceptions. translation missing

Tattooing and Perceptions. Tattooing and PerceptionsA tattoo can be described as a mark on the skin which is made by putting a rather permanent ink meant for decoration purposes. This is mostly the case with persons, but it is different with animals as their tattoo is meant for identification purposes (Armstrong Fell, 2000). As far as perception of tattooing is concerned, I can say it is influenced by the environment we are staying in. This has something to do with people close to us, cultural background and the community’s acceptance (Armstrong Fell, 2000). This essay will start by giving a brief trend on tattoo in regard to men’s fashion. It will proceed to focus on the perception of tattoo in our society. How do people perceive tattoos? What are they basically associated with? What influence do they have in our society? And how popular is this trend? It appears like all and sundry has a tattoo now a days. This trend which was a habit associated with bandits has surprisingly been given a second look by many. A new trend is in the offing a people try to establish themselves using tattoos (Armstrong Fell, 2000). From logos of big institutions to their own creations people are streaming in tattoo shops to have their designs put on them. Unlike the archaic way of putting these tattoos, that was very common in the past a new trend where tattoos are being administered using a machine is in the offing. This has made the whole process more comfortable and easier (Taylor, 1970). Some researchers argue that the trend in tattooing and piercing indicates a shift in fashion and a break with body art's exclusive association with lower class people and deviant activities (Taylor, 1970). In this argument, the concept that tattoos or piercings are a form of self-mutilation or a way of expressing a negative attitude is rejected (Martin, 1997). However, little evidence has been presented to demonstrate that the association between tattooing and various negative behaviors or personality disorders was unjustified in the past or has changed in the current culture. Different people have portrayed diverse perceptions on tattoos. A good example is given with yakuza tribe in Japan who normally use tattoo to identify themselves with their clan. Going by the evil deeds one has committed, they usually tattoo a ring which is black in color to indicate that (Taylor, 1970). Generally, the tattoo is used by the yakuza to indicate their unwillingness in getting in touch with other societies, in other words they just want to be. The perception in Japan, just like in many places in the world has not changed a lot. For instance, in some restaurants in Japan they usually turn down offers on those people who are tattooed (Armstrong Fell, 2000). Secondly, another perception about tattooing is that, it has been viewed by many as an impulsive or irresponsible behavior and has been associated with psychiatric disturbances in some literature. As increasingly diverse groups of people get tattoos, popular perceptions are often discordant with the individual meanings behind tattoos. Still, tattooing is often seen as a negative behavior (Armstrong Fell, 2000). Previous research has highlighted several stereotypes about those with tattoos, including being unsuccessful in school, coming from broken homes, having an unhappy childhood, rarely attending church, having poor decision-making skills, usually obtaining body modifications while inebriated, and being easy victim to peer pressure (Armstrong, 1994). Tattoos are associated with so many thins ax explained in this case study. A recent study examined the attitudes toward tattooing of 287 participants using ratings of "avatars" or virtual computer human characters. Researchers found that those avatars with tattoos and other body modifications were rated as more likely to be thrill and adventure seekers, to have a higher number of previous sexual partners, and to be less inhibited than non-tattooed avatars, and that this was more so for male avatars with body modifications (Taylor, 1970). In yet another perception on tattoo, Taylor (1968) found that among delinquent girls incarcerated in juvenile facilities, the more heavily tattooed were more aggressive, uncooperative, and unstable in addition to being more criminal in their attitude and behavior. Female prison inmates with tattoos were more likely to have been in all four types of institutionsjuvenile halls, reformatories, jails, and prisons (Fox, 1976). In a later study, tattooed women prisoners had more violent and aggressive offenses in addition to more prior convictions (Taylor, 1970). While in prison, women with tattoos were more frequently charged with violation of prison rules, with fighting, and with insubordination. In research involving college student respondents, males with tattoos were more likely to report having been arrested and females with tattoos were more likely to report shoplifting (Drews et al., 2000). Tattooed people have been found to be more likely to engage in substance abuse. Prior studies have reported strong associations between tattoos and homosexual orientation for both males and females (Fox, 1976; Taylor, 1970). With tattoos becoming more popular, stereotypes once commonly held, and sometimes supported by older literature or by studies done with particular subpopulations (e.g., prisoners, juvenile delinquents), may no longer be true. It will be interesting to see how the literature shifts as norms change, and whether or not stigmatization is slow or rapid in its catching up to reality (Fox, 1976; Taylor, 1970). What influence do tattoos have in our society? In the recent research, tattoos have been confirmed as the most recent of all the time to most parents. It has been indicated that, a good percentage of teenagers have been affected by this trend. This trend is emanating from the celebrities with whom the teens associate with (Fox, 1976; Taylor, 1970). What is even more worrying is the fact that, while imitating these people, they are also picking on other habits apart from tattoos. In one of the states, this trend has led to establishment of a law to curb this worrying yet rampant behavior. A good example is Minnesota, where the authority categorically stated that underage won’t be allowed to have tattoos even with approval of their parents. It has been confirmed that most of these teenagers are deriving pleasure from getting tattoos and is affecting their life later. They ignorantly engage in putting them to identify themselves with certain groups.   Sooner or later they realize the mistake and start regretting looking for solutions (Armstrong Fell, 2000). The end result is that, they are left with more problems than earlier thought. In Minnesota, the laws are very clear on this and it’s only grown ups that are recognized to enjoy this privilege. It is worth noting that, unless something is done to curb this behavior we are son going to have all teens adopting this behavior (Armstrong et al., 2000). Tattoos have become very popular with time. Estimates for the prevalence of tattooing itself have varied from a low of 3% in a random national survey conducted in 1990 (Armstrong Fell, 2000) to 25% of people 15-25 years old (Armstrong et al., 2000). The Alliance of Professional Tattooists estimates that 15-20% of teenagers are tattooed (Braithwaite et al., 1998). Nationwide estimates vary from 7 million people to 20 million people with tattoos (Grief, et al., 1999; Martin et al., 1995) In conclusion, the above essay is a clear indication that tattoos have become part of our lives and it is a fact we cannot deny. To see that it has been adapted as a tradition in some communities is no mean achievement. However, the society cannot bury its head in the sand on the effects the tattoo has on the teens (Armstrong Fell, 2000). Works cited: Fox, J. (1976). Self-imposed stigmata: A study among female inmates. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, State University of New York at Albany. Drews, D., Allison, C., Probst, J. (2000). Behavior and self concept differences in tattooed and nontattooed college students. Psychological Reports, 86, 475-481 Armstrong, M. (1991). Career oriented women with tattoos. Image-The Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 23(4), 215-220. Greif, J., Hewitt, W., Armstrong, M. (1999). Tattooing and body piercing. Clincial Nursing Research, 8(4), 368-385. Martin, A. (1997). On teenagers and tattoos. Journal of American Academy of Child Psychiatry, 36(6), 860-861. DeMello, M. (1995). Not just for bikers anymore: Popular representation of American tattooing. Journal of Popular Culture, 29(3), 37-52.