Blog Post 14- Podcast on Endangered Languages

This link will take you to our Podcast, where we explain how there are more than 7000 languages in the world. These languages include endangered languages, smaller languages are depleting every two weeks. As a group of three, we had to provide information about an endangered language of our choice. Our group decided to inform the audience about the Hawaiian Language as many people around the worl believe that the language is not dying but in fact its depleting with only 1000 native speaker remaining..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj2GjTUS-qU

Blog Post 13 - Speaking in Tongues

What did medieval linguist Antonio de Nebrija mean when he told Queen Isabella that: “language is the perfect instrument of empire?” How has language contributed to colonial power? Focus on a specific example.

In my opinion, throughout the generations, because we can communicate using language, we can safely say that we understand that a language is a powerful tool of which keeps a culture together. We may see language as a way to communicate with one another, but it is more than that, it has power. "Language is the perfect instrument of empire." This statement Antonia de Nebrija has presented demonstrates how a language can overrule other languages due to the most dominant language being used in colonization, meaning that the most dominant language spoken will be that particular language, therefore, it is what brings people together like an empire. When Nebrija means by the “perfect instrument” he uses a metaphor to allow the readers to understand that language can be the most sufficient way to bring a colony together. If we were to look at an example, as many of us know, the United Kingdom traveled overseas to many countries that were eventually colonized by the UK. Being said that, the United Kingdom was able to colonize a country, which allowed the language to spread across all the countries that were colonized by the UK. This was because the countries being colonized needed a way to communicate; therefore the dominant language that used to be spoken in that particular countries may have been ‘inherited’ common words from the English Language. Because of the English Language was becoming the most spoken language in the region (through colonisation , citizens who spoken other languages that were significant to the country, were limited to using that language; leading to the depletion of languages. 

Blog Post 12- Do you think that advertisers have a moral duty to avoid stereotyping people? Why or Why not ?

As we all know and have spotted already, media nowadays produce commercials to grab a wider audience. Advertisers are the people who are responsible for what is present on media, meaning that some of these commercials/advertisements do in fact present the stereotypical. Every couple generations, people are becoming more sensitive, meaning that what companies present on media, they might find offensive. Discrimination, racism, and prejudice are the foundations that form stereotypes. I believe that all advertisers should be presenting their product through advertisements without being stereotypical towards the specific audience. For example, gender stereotypes. Woman are displayed as a "skewed" description of a standard female. Like in the commercial in class, men are shown to advertise cars, specific male roles as a police officer and with cigarettes. Companies who are trying to promote their product use the stereotypical views to grab the audience who are likely to agree with the stereotypical actions. I feel that its ok for companies to promote their product using stereotypical statements to grab their audience. I believe that because there are a considerable amount of people who are sensitive towards specific areas, companies are noticing. But not all companies portray the stereotypes intentionally. Overall, it can be concluded that advertisements produce a reaction towards their product, or either they offend someone not intentionally. This means that people should be able to communicate without having to present a negative response of which are be prevented. I believe that because of people being so sensitive for a long duration of time, I think that companies should consider promoting their product to their specific audience without causing any racism, discrimination, etc. This should be their main priority as it shouldn't be that difficult to grab your audience to buy your product. If your product was successful, then you don't have to grab the audience using stereotypical actions that aren't necessary.

Blog Post 11- Her Future Begins on Two Wheels

This advertisement was published by Child Fund International, where it exhibits various focal concepts within social, historical and cultural context. The purpose of the ad is to inform the target audience (those who are willing to donate money to young girls aged 10-18 who have to travel long distances to school in less economically developed countries) in regards to the families being affected by poverty. This advertisement promotes and assures to the more economically developed countries (MEDC) to willingly donate money to allow the Child Fund International to provide the needs of the children. As this ad. presents a story about a little girl who has to travel long distances to get the education that she needs to fulfill her dream of attending a university, it evokes emotion and appeal to nurture and guidance. In regards to nurture, the colour scheme that was used throughout the advertisement presents the emotion of satisfaction. Economically, people in MEDC don't visualize and realize that poverty in countries like India is genuinely true. As an individual who lives in an MEDC, I believe that humans only see what they want to see. Meaning that we don't realize that the gap between the wealthy and the poor is substantially higher than what we imagine it to be. Although the ad. is implying to the audience that the MEDC have an obligation to support the LEDC like India displayed in this advertisement.

This advertisement is delivering generalized information based on the countries population specifically those living in poverty. Meaning that the ad is portraying India economic status is somewhat low as there is a lack of transportation as more important less education (displayed as the girl has to travel long distances to learn). MEDC will understand that the ad is implying that LEDC is in need of further essentials, like a bike.
By looking at this advertisement, the Child Fund has defied the odds of the stereotypical. Normally in less economically developed countries, specifically in India, men are seen as those to support their families. They are the ones going to work and bringing home the essentials. Although the Child Fund has presented to the audience a female, it conveys that children no matter what gender are willing to break the barrier. Regarding woman, in LEDC they are 'stay at home mothers' where they cook and clean, however, in this advertisement, the viewers can see that woman can receive education, and fulfilling their desire to go to university no matter the distance.

Blog Post 10- Pitch Reflection Blog Post

I believe that the bandwagon appeal would be the most effective out of the appeals that were presented because it promotes the product in a way that allows the intended audience to feel like they are missing out. In other words, the bandwagon would be used to display what they have (traditional camping= cold/damp) to what they could have (glamping= warm, cozy). The families who frequently/nonfrequent go camping can now enjoy and great memorable visions without the memories of the horrible and sleepless nights. 

Throughout the presentation, we tried to deliver rhetorical questions to keep the reader engaged with the product. This is because the rhetorical questions leave the audience to question. " Do you really want to sleep on the floor, in a small, tight and cold tent? ". I believe that this technique was one of the most effective techniques used in the presentation because the audience can imagine and relate their experiences with the description, leading to the idea/question if they would want to experience that again. Diction was also displayed throughout the presentation although it was linked and presented with the rhetorical questions. For example, diction would be used such as "Just image.. think again.. Oh yes!! " to allow the audience to feel some excitement within the product, which would further enhance their interest. The more you deliver an excitement yet a pleasing product, you make the audience relive their experience and compare those to what they could be having, then more the intended audience would be interested in the product. 

Being aware of who the intended audience and the context influenced our overall approach towards the activity as both gave the group a creative direction yet empowering and influential of the products viewers. I believe that knowing that the target audience was in fact, families allowed the group to come up with ideas in the way we can promote the product. Although, I felt like we needed to portray the context more throughout the presentation. I felt that the campsite (Oregon) was only stated in the introduction and not through each appeal. When regarding Oregon, we chose to use the appropriate text type; a commercial video that would link to the website. We thought that this would have been most effective due to how full the internet can be, therefore having a greater chance of grabbing a wider audience (not only families). This could be extended to travelers, families, school trips for experience, etc. 

If I were to complete this presentation again, I would try to be more specific in regards to the appeals because I felt that they were not discussed in full detail asIwould have like to; and communication with the group. This is because there were areas where there was a miscommunication, specifically when discussing the appeals. I chose to present the bandwagon appeal to the audience although I was cut short by one of our teammates because there was minimal communication with the group. Regarding the preparation, as a group, we should have been more organized because I felt like we could have performed a more effective presentation if we practiced and understood our appeal.

Blog Post 9- Rhetorical Analysis Blog Post- Advertisement

The intended audience for the Emirates Airline Advertisement are travelers specifically those heading to any destination around the world. In general, nowadays a majority of the human population traveling around the world to many destinations.

Regarding ethos, Emirates Airlines has introduced their audience with the actress Jennifer Aniston to convince the intended audience through persuasion. In the advertisement, Jennifer Aniston has been taken around the new A380 by an unexpected sweet little boy who wandered off and found himself in her seat. She persuades her intended audience through using/showing the facilities throughout her journey to take the young boy back to his parents. She states at the end of the ad. "this thing has so many games and so many movies, it's crazy!" as well as "it's so nice up here" reveals to the audience to believe her judgment as well as her work ethic that she is trustworthy. She provides different views of the classes and how sophisticated yet relaxing each class is. This portrays that the airline is designed to have a private setting producing a wealthy scenery throughout first and business class.

Pathos is also introduced in this advertisement when Jennifer Aniston travels into each class; the first class where she used the shower facilities; the business class where she asks for carrot juice for herself and the way; and economy class where has experienced the"many games" and "many movie" choices. She also helps the young boy find his parents, by being his "co-pilot" on their journey. Where she stops off at the counter to collect two cups of carrot juice. This displays an appeal to emotion towards the little boy as she is trying to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot as "having good eyesight is very important". On the other hand, this can also be considered logos as there is an appeal to reason.

Blog Post 8- Letter to the Editor

(657-675-2305)

West London, London NP35 5AB, UK

lauraclark@dailymail.co.uk

15th October 2016

To: Laura Clark

Daily Mail Senior Editor

NP35 5AB

West London, London, UK

Dear Ms. Clark,

         I am writing to inquire about the article that was written on the 24th of Match 2014. The article "Twtr? It's majorly bad! Leading headteacher condemns 'text speak' for eroding schoolchildren's language skills" explaining how protecting Standard English from the influence of text speak and social media slang, being one of the most challenging areas teachers and headmistresses have to correct. If children were to continue using social media as well as text messaging in their free time, they are more likely in "danger growing up with limited vocabularies".

       Have you ever considered the fact that the children already understand that they shouldn't use text speak in their assessments? Even though they do use text speak, it is only 10% of their written messages that use abbreviations. Yes, these abbreviations may occur in the assessments although the children do understand themselves not to use it in their assessments as "[they'll] get less marks"(David Crystel) I do agree with the fact that children do spend most of their free time on social media although I disagree with the statement that "GSCE and A-level... students.. are becoming careless in their use of it." as I believe that as stated before many of the students understand that consequences of using text speak in their assessments. Meaning that when abbreviations like "innit" or "gr8" are used when they use social media or texting as a way to communicate quickly or to be 'cool', they are not intentionally using them throughout their school work. But we both know that it is unintentionally used in assessments, and it does not mean that they are limited to vocabularies. Yes, many children these days use their free time on social media and text messaging others but you don't think that we do the same? Not all children spend their time on social media, there are in fact some children who enjoy reading and use their free time to read an interesting book.

      "Facts are facts"[1] yes, children in many schools do occasionally miswrite words in abbreviations but you have to consider that fact that these children do know that these abbreviations are not meant to be used in GSCE's or any assessments. We have to keep into consideration that this generation is not the only generation that is using text speak, adults are also using text speak when communicating. You also know that text speak wouldn't be used within the standard English in newsletters or formal emails etc. It just so happens that unfortunately, they do occasionally use their text speak in essays but that displays that the children are not proofreading their essays before handing them in.

Sincerely,

Jessica Hilu

Work Cited Page:

[1] "Letter to the Editor." YALE ALUMNI MAGAZINE. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2016

"Letter to the Editor Examples." N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2016.