Globalization and Cultural and Language Diversity Essay

Globalization and Cultural and Language Diversity - Essay Example Website. Frida Mujale-Manenji stated that the effect globalization has greatly affected the African culture immensely and it's culture is presently diverse. It had affected the African people's cultural behaviors in different ways. People have had to adopt by changing their living ways in order to survive. The advertisements of the famous Coca-Cola drinks can be heard across boundaries in towns, cities and townships and even in remote rural areas where drinking water is a problem to get. Globalization in Africa involves the opening up of its economies to trading with the global market forces, freely and widely. Globalization has forced countries like Africa to deregulate foreign investment, liberalized its imports, remove currency controls, emasculate the direct economic role of the state, and so on. The effect on culture and language is to further undermine the internal, national productive capacity, social security and democratic integrity of these countries Journal. Journal. Kenyatta (2002) stated that "More than 100 students, activists and scholars gathered recently at Columbia University's Teachers College to explore the effects of globalization and decentralization on education, health care and land reform in Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda." The Globalization has a big effect on the culture and language of Africa and the supernational organizations such as The World Bank, The IMF (International Monetary Fund), the WTO (World Trade Organization) have come to dominate prescriptions underpinning state strategies for economic recovery and growth of this continent. Dr. Gregory Anderson, assistant professor of higher and postsecondary education at Teachers College stated that "these global forces are increasingly hegemonic and, in the case of Africa, with its longstanding history of problems and dilemmas, globalization as an ideology is distinctly shaping the arenas of policy and the directions and scope of state reforms." Therefore, Africa must learn to adjust itself to survive globalization. For a continent where several thousand languages are spoken within its borders, language has long been viewed as a challenge to education and political development. As a result, colonial language policies of the past often forbade the use of African languages in official functions of the state. Today, the official languages as well as the languages of instruction and scholarship in most educational institutions continue to be English, French and Portuguese, despite the fact that far greater numbers speak other languages. Globalization has lowered the status of the local dialects as compared to French, English and Portuguese. Newspaper/Magazine. ABC news dated Jan 17 stated that First Lady Laura Bush went to meet with the President of Ghana this morning. The First Lady is continuing her travels through Africa today as she heads to Nigeria where she will meet with President Obasanjo tomorrow morning. Vice President Cheney travels in Egypt and Saudi Arabia today. He is scheduled to meet with President Mubarak in Cairo and King Abdullah in Riyadh. These are some of the scheduled meetings from his trip to the region in December which needed to be cut short so he could cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate. The

Importance of English in Pakistan Essay Example for Free

Importance of English in Pakistan Essay As time is passing, the language of the English men and Americans seems to grow in significance. English is becoming the most common form of communication in the world and most of the countries in the world have their academic curriculum being taught in English. It is time for Pakistan to also make a shift from the Urdu medium system of education to the English system because its the need of the hour. Since independence, Urdu was promoted to become the language to be used in all factions of the country. However as time passed people started realizing that international standards required them to learn a language which is understood by majority of the world. The people of Pakistan realized that for their country to develop they need to know how to communicate in English or they will be lost in the competing forces of the world. The British education system was introduced after few years of independence. People started shifting from the local Urdu medium education to the British education system. However the transition took a lot of time as private school sector was very small in the beginning. Only the elite could educate their children with the British education system as it was very expensive. However when the trend of private schools began to emerge, students from a British educational background were preferred for jobs all over the country. The government of Pakistan realized the growing importance of English and then made English as a compulsory language to be taught in all schools. English continues to be the source of communication in both the private and government offices. In this era of globalization with increasing amounts of international trade one needs to know how to communicate in English. People in Pakistan are in continuous contact with international traders and all of them have to communicate in English. The various business software used in organizations such as Multinational Companies and Banks are all in English and one needs to be totally familiar with the language to operate them. There are various critics who believe that English is harmful for the country. They argue that our culture and our traditions require Urdu to be the language for all purposes. They say that by adopting English we are going to forget our culture and lose our identity as English is not what defines us. The trend of communicating in English has grown to the extent that the elite of the country use English as the medium to communicate with their friends and family in daily life. The younger generation feels inferior if they can not communicate in English properly. Many of the young children have a stronger grip of English than Urdu. Majority of the population in the country now prefers the British education system and public schools are only filled by people of the lower income class who could not afford private education. No doubt learning English is very important for the people of Pakistan but they should not forget that it is not the language which defines them or their culture. English should be used as a medium of education but the value of the mother language Urdu should not be undermined.

Media and Society Essay -- Papers Media TV Television Impact Essays

Media and Society Works Cited Not Included Media is all around us. We as a society absorb media from television, radio, magazines, billboards, and newspapers. Media has such a strong effect on our lives that we do not even notice its presence sometimes. Media is the central force in shaping our culture and democracy. Media reflects and sustains the values and traditions of our striving, but necessary democracy. We as a society can use mass media to our advantage if we watch over the impact it has over us (Media and Culture 35) Let me first give some insight on how media bombards our life everyday. In our society, television is the main source of news and information, and the main source of entertainment as well. More than 99 percent of U.S. households have at least one television set, and about two-thirds of them have two, three, or more sets (Nielsen 1993). As the number of TV sets in a household has increased, family viewing has declined, and individual program selection and so...

Essay --

Ryan White was the most prominent HIV/AIDS activist. He had become the national poster boy for HIV/AIDs in the United States. Ryan educated the public with knowledge about his disease. Because of Ryan’s experience being broadcasted across the nation, the discrimination of those who had HIV or AIDS was exposed and he spoke out for the rights of those who were living with AIDS. The programs started in his name today are the largest provider of services for people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States. What is HIV/AIDS? HIV stands for â€Å"human immunodeficiency syndrome,† while AIDS stands for â€Å"acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.† AIDS is the final stage of HIV, which causes severe damage to the immune system. In our world today, over 35.3 million people worldwide currently live with either HIV or AIDS, with 2.1 million of them still being young children and teens. It is transmitted through sexual contact, exposure to infected body tissue or fluids, or hereditarily from the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding (Global AIDS Overview). What people didn’t know before, and still don’t today, is that the virus cannot be transmitted through; saliva, sweat, tears, urine, or vomit unless they are somehow contaminated with blood. Most people that live with or are at risk of contracting HIV do not have access to any sort of prevention or treatment care. Although scientists have spent many years searching, there is still no known cure for the virus. Today, he would be forty-two years old. Born in Kokomo, Ryan was diagnosed as a hemophiliac at birth. He suffered from severe Hemophilia A, a hereditary blood coagulation which causes even the most minor injuries to result in severe bleeding. He would begin receiving the common treatment at ... ...tor Orrin Hatch and Edward Kennedy, it helped the cause by providing funds to the cities hardest hit by AIDS. This contained disaster relief for 16 cities, grants to all 50 states, and special projects that emphasized early intervention for newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. The act improved available funding for care of low-income, uninsured, and underinsured victims of AIDS and their families (Siplon). Ryan White was the most prominent AIDS activist. Being the national poster boy for AIDS in the United States, he changed its public perception on AIDS. Also because of White’s influence, a numerous amount of programs have been established that provide victims of HIV/AIDS cope with the disease, especially the populations that were underserved and couldn’t cope without any assistance. Ryan was an influence to not only HIV/AIDS victims, but to people nationwide.

Jersey Boys Musical Review Essay

Jersey Boys is about the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (Four Seasons) made extraordinary music under the genre of rock and pop. The story took place back in the 1950’s when the Four Seasons were just starting up. Location of the tale is in New Jersey. The purpose of Jersey boys is to tell a tale about the hardships that Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons went through to make their music and also other personal and emotional feelings that were endured by the band. I enjoyed the play because the story and music is very interesting, unique and entertaining. I have seen the play before in Las Vegas and I must say that the cast in Las Vegas was much better than the one I saw on Thursday night. The reason is because it went more in-depth with the story and also played every single hit that the band had made. Also, the singers in Las Vegas were much more professional and sounded better because the actor portraying Frankie Valli did not have such a high pitched voice as the one in Curran Theatre. My favorite composition from the band was Beggin because the tempo and beat was so fast-paced and it was impressive how the band had bright stage lights and fascinating dance moves. The music contained catchy rhythms and beats. Some notes would stretch out to make a nice vocal sound and some were just quick beats from the drums. The staging was very flashy because they had different stage lights with different colors for each part of the story. The costumes were very well suited. They actors wore fancy suits and some had a fancy top hot to match their costume. I thought the the whole play went fairly well and the audience seemed to really enjoy it. The music was pleasant and relaxing, the actors were spot on with no mistakes during the show and the crowd was very enthusiastic. The only part I had a slight problem about was the singer. His voice was way too high pitched and it didn’t go well as a cover for the original compositions. My overall opinion would be a 4 out of 5 (4/5) because some of the compositions were not performed well and the music wasn’t as smooth as the original compositions. The melody was virtuous which made the texture just as good. The rhythm was excellent along with the harmony but there were a few not so good structure of the music so to speak. Overall I enjoyed the music and performance. The great things about the music were stated in the paragraph above but there are a few negatives to the cast’s performance. Although they used the same ternary and binary forms for the pieces, something about the way they did it just didn’t go smoothly. I believe it was because of the tempo of the song. The tempo was slowed down a bit during some of the compositions. However I really enjoyed my time at the musical with my mom. She seemed to really enjoy it as well. She had the same insights as I did about the musical.

Industrialization in France - 1800s essays

Industrialization in France - 1800s essays There have been many struggles amongst the different social classes in France that lead to reforms of all different sorts. Social movements, such as industrialization, were the cause of many reforms. Industrialization influenced the lifestyles of the lower and mid classes in nineteenth century France, but succeeded in maintaining a separate class distinction. Both proletariat and bourgeoisie classes had to focus on the changing economy and social thought due to industrialization. With the proletariats being the lower class, there was a constant struggle to produce a sense of equality throughout industrialization and the constant reinforcement to keep the capitalist idea that the bourgeoisie maintained. The idea that the lower class of society should be equal with the higher classes is not a new philosophy. As mentioned in the Human Rights documents, the Third Estate was the lowest class that had no rights in France during the 1700s. When the nobility hierarchy was abolished and the terror that rang out in the streets of France was quieted; a new kind of modern Third Estate came to be. Proletariats were a class that emerged as industrialization started to occur. The proletariat came into being as a result of the introduction of the machines which have been invented since the middle of the last century and the most important of which are: the steam-engine, the spinning machine, and the power loom (Manifesto 100). This quote reaches farther to mention that those who controlled industry could afford the machines needed to mass-produce goods. Unskilled laborers were hired to work long hours and perform all different types of hard labor that was required. These laborers were part of t he proletariat class. By working for insufficient wages and harsh conditions, this created a sense of tension between the laborers and owners of the industries. This tension would be difficult to solve due to the fact that it ...

Transactional Analysis Essays

Transactional Analysis Essays Transactional Analysis Essay Transactional Analysis Essay The reaction of people to a management problem cannot always be anticipated. But, we can predict the kind of responses our interventions may evoke from people. How? The answer is –with the help of transactional analysis. When people interact in assertive or non-assertive ways, there is a social transaction in which one person responds to another. The study of these social transactions between people is called transactional analysis. It is a method of analyzing and understanding behaviour. Transactional analysis was developed by ERIC BERNE for psychotherapy in the 1950s. It was popularized by Berne’s book ‘Games People Play (1964)’, the writings of Thomas Harris, Muriet James and Dorothy Jougeward and Abe Wagner. Jougeward and Wagner have shown how the concepts of transactional analysis can be applied to organizations. Objective- The objective of transactional analysis (TA) is to provide better understanding of how people relate to one another so that they may develop improved communication and human relationships. TA is are outgrowth of earlier Freudian psychology Sigmund. Freud was the first to suggest that there are 3 sources within the human personality that stimulate, monitor and control behaviour. The Freudian ego and superego are important concepts, but their definitions are difficult to understand or apply without extensive training in psychotherapy. Thus, one of the major contributions of TA theorists is that they have, in a sense, borrowed from Freud but have put some of his concepts into a language that everyone can understand and without being trained psychiatrists, can use for diagnostic purpose in understanding why people behave as they do. Ego States According to TA, a transaction is a stimulus plus a response. For eg. if we praise somebody, that’s a stimulus. The thanks which that person gives in return is the response. Thus, transactions take place between people. They can also take place between the people in our heads. If we have a sudden impulse to say something to someone, we may mentally hear a voice telling us not to say it and then a second voice agreeing. These people in our heads are called ego states. According to BERNE, two people interact with eac h other from one of the three psychological positions, known as ego states. PERSONALITY- COLLECTION OF BEHAVIOUR His idea about human personality being multi-faceted was particularly influential on Berne. This idea that regardless of what the particular areas of personality are labeled, each person â€Å"possesses factions that frequently collide with each other. It is these collisions and interactions between these personality factions that manifest themselves as an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. † (The International Transactional Analysis Association, 1999). Through Freudian theory, these would be understood as the id, ego, and superego. Dr. Berne felt that Freud’s proposed structures were more â€Å"concepts and not phenomenological realities:†(Berne D. E. , 2001). Although influenced by Freud, his approach took on a different method altogether. Freud believed that the three aspects of personality (Id, Ego, and Superego) needed to be well balanced in order to achieve a good state of mental health. Berne created a theory that considered a different approach, one that was based on the original idea of Freud that personalities are multi-faceted(Berne D. E. , 2001). Berne took the alternative approach to therapy and instead of asking the client about it directly, it seemed that a problem was easier understood by observing the communication (verbal and nonverbal) in a transaction. Therefore, instead of interviewing the client directly, he took a different route and would observe the client in the group setting, noting all of the transactions that occurred between both the patient and the individuals involved in therapy. Also attractive to Berne was Federn’s work on analysis, structure, and the multiple aspects of the ego that resulted in human transactions (Turner, 1986). This also represents the split from the Freudian mainstream between the psychodynamic theorists and the ego psychologists. Probably most notable is Erik Erikson, whose life-span theory focused more on the ego as a separate structure, rather than a derivative of the id. Dr. Berne studied under Erik Erickson for two years prior to striking out on his own. Erickson’s view on the importance of developmental life stages was the springboard for Transactional Analysis, as demonstrated by the key concepts of this theory. Berne believed that the personality was structured into three different ego states: Parent, Adult, and Child. He moved from believing these were mere â€Å"theoretical concepts† to the idea that these were directly observable in his patients. Instead of making assumptions based on prior Freudian teaching, Berne would ask the question directly to the patient, asking which state was currently speaking(Prochaska, 2010). Biologically speaking, there is evidence that helped to also support the development of Transactional Analysis. Dr. Wilder Penfield, a neurosurgeon from McGill University in Montreal, Canada was experimenting with the effects of applying electrical currents to specific regions of the brain(Berne D. E. , 2001). From this he found that by stimulating certain areas, it brought forth meaningful memories, which helped to reveal a person’s past, accompanied with feelings and emotions that went with these forgotten memories. The direct influence on Berne as a result of these experiments was as follows: -the human brain acts in many ways like a camcorder, vividly recording events. While that event may not necessarily be able to be consciously retrieved by the owner, the event always exists in the brain. -both the event and the feelings experienced during that event are stored in the brain. The event and the feelings are locked together, and neither one can be recalled without the other. -when an individual replays his or her experiences, he or she can replay them in such a vivid form that the individual experiences again the same emotions he or she felt during the actual experience (Berne D. E. , 2001). Individuals are able to exist in two states simultaneously. Individuals replaying certain events are able to experience the emotions associated with those events, but they are able to objectively talk about the events (Berne D. E. , 2001). This would explain how a client could identify which â€Å"state† from where the discussion or feelings are coming from. Berne worked to assist the patient in identifying the emotions, feelings, and this became the point from which the progress in therapy could begin. It was in 1958 that Berne started the San Francisco Psychiatry Seminars, a small group of professionals that met to discuss their interest in social treatment. Turner, 1986). It was during these sessions that many different approaches to psychotherapy were discussed. The idea of these seminars took off and soon professionals interested in this type of discussion were traveling from everywhere to attend. His theory became a method of therapy, through which standards, training, and certification were developed. Key Concepts/Central Propos itions The framework of this approach is based on a transaction, which Berne considered the fundamental unit of social intercourse. He also used the terminology of â€Å"strokes†, which he defined as â€Å"units of social recognition† (Turner, 1986) He drew on the work of Rene Spitz, who looked at why infants suffered from failure to thrive. Spitz did studies on children in orphanages and the devastating effects of lack of touching and nurturing of the child. It was through these studies that Berne developed the concept of the importance of stroking, and how he felt it crucial for human survival. He expanded on this idea of the physical touch and attention to include that of verbal transactions as well. He defined a stroke as â€Å"the fundamental unit of social action† (Berne D. E. , 2001). Berne’s theory of Transactional Analysis explored this idea of stroking, based on the assumption that people spend their lives seeking strokes (Turner, 1986). These strokes can be negative, positive, conditional, and unconditional and can be given verbally, nonverbally, and physically. It is by knowing your own and your client’s â€Å"stroke economy†, it helps develop information on how you can problem-solve (Witkin, 1988) together (Turner, 1986). Berne also developed the idea of three ego states; this is in addition to the analysis of the interactions between individuals. He defined the ego state as â€Å"a consistent pattern of feeling and experience directly related to a corresponding consistent pattern of behavior (Berne D. E. , 2001). Berne noticed as he worked with his clients that they had different displays of behavior that constantly changed during his counseling sessions. He would notice that the individual had different â€Å"states of being†, which he began to refer to as the â€Å"adult, child, and parent†. Not at all imitating the id, ego, and superego; these concepts stood on their own as phenomenological realities. He was able to confirm these ego states with observable behaviors that could be measured, thus creating a justifiable place in the scientific community. Berne created unique definitions for the three ego states, Parent, Child, and Adult, all of which were the underlying fabric for his theory. He felt that child were widely influenced by their parents, thus the first few years of life were spent collecting and recording what as experienced and modeled to them. This includes the values, morals, and beliefs taught by the parents. When a patient was in this stage, they would react in a way that they feel their parents would react. Berne referred to this as a time â€Å"when children have no way of filtering the data, therefore these events are â€Å"imposed† on the child†(Berne D. E. , 2001). There are two aspects of this Parent ego state which need to be address ed, those being the Nurturing Parent (NP) and the Controlling Parent (CP), both of which have positive and negative aspects (Corey, 2008). The positive consists of nurturing the Child stage and moving from the parental influence to more of how the child actually perceives events. Exploration was done in the area of feelings and emotions that were experienced during this stage. The final ego state in this theory is Adult, this is the time when a child starts to experience some independence (thus, the start of the Adult in the small child). This is exhibited by gross motor activity within the child. Different than what the child observed (Parent) and felt (Child), the Adult provides the platform for evaluating and validating the Child and Parental data. A simplification of Transactional Analysis would be to describe the Parent as the taught concept, the Child as the felt concept, and the Adult as the learned concept(Berne D. E. , 2001). Yet another important concept in Transactional Analysis is what Berne considered Time Structuring(The International Transactional Analysis Association, 1999). Looking at how humans use their time can indicate whether or not they are socially healthy. With each distinction of time usage (withdrawal, ritual, pastimes, activities, games, and intimacy) there are both social advantages and disadvantages. It is through this analysis that one can be determined to be in â€Å"control† of their time spent. This theory encourages time spent for creative, spontaneous work and play, which is indicative of a healthy person. In his book, The Games People Play, Berne states that the â€Å"eternal problem of the human being is how to structure his waking hours† (pg. 5). Time-structuring is also known as â€Å"programming† and consists of three aspects: material, social, and individual. The material programming provides opportunities for â€Å"stroking† that arise through activities where social exchange must occur in order to progress to the intended goal. These activities offer a matrix for â€Å"stroking†, recognition, and other more complex forms of social intercourse(Berne E. , 1964). The social aspect of â€Å"programming† is the criteria provided by both the parents and the culture in which a child is raised. These are the cues to what types of behavior are acceptable, which are reinforced through structure and reinforcements. This guidance is provided for the individual through unspoken rules and regulations, however, eventually the individual programming will take over. Individual programming takes over and the person may choose to act against the norm- this is known as â€Å"the game†(Berne E. , 1964). This individual programming attempts to explain abnormal, dysfunctional behavior, which Berne describes as â€Å"games†(The International Transactional Analysis Association, 1999). As related to the concept of needing strokes, whether positive or negative, dysfunctional behavior is a result of attempting to get these strokes. Often times, this need for strokes tends to reinforce negative feelings and self-concepts, which in turn, tends to help hide the real thoughts and emotions of people. Thus, the negative behavior of the individual continues. Berne described this cycle as a result of â€Å"self-limiting behaviors†- these are actions that were learned during childhood that were used as a means of survival. This is what is known in Transactional Analysis as the â€Å"life script†, or the pre-conscious life plan that governs the way life is lived out (The International Transactional Analysis Association, 1999). The purpose behind Transactional Analysis is changing this â€Å"life script† through a mutual contracting for change. It acknowledges that clients have the ability to decide what they need for their lives and work in a positive manner to make the changes needed to move towards reaching these goals. Assumptions Transactional analysis is based on the assumption that individuals have the ability to become aware of decisions that govern behavior. These individuals are assumed to have the capacity to make new decisions that will alter the life course in a beneficial manner(Corey, 2008). Another core assumption of this theory is that a life position is chosen early in life, based on early experiences. Children make a precocious decision about how they are in life compared to others around them. This â€Å"life position† has four possibilities: â€Å"I’m OK- you’re OK, I’m OK- you’re not OK, I’m not OK- you’re OK, or I’m not OK- you’re not OK† (Prochaska, 2010). Berne believed that generally, all children are born with the notion that they are â€Å"OK†, it is the programming that occurs that may change how the child views themselves and the world around them. This theory also assumed that people experiencing social or emotional difficulty are intelligent and capable of understanding their stress. People are responsible for their own healing process. He also felt that all social and emotional difficulties are curable, given adequate knowledge and a proper approach. Berne demonstrated through Transactional Analysis theory the belief that anything that has learned can be relearned(Corey, 2008). There are some instances where we have not discovered how to approach specific populations of people that are diagnosed with things such as schizophrenics, alcoholism, etc. Berne felt that these populations of people were â€Å"good† and capable of leading satisfying lives that do not interfere with others. Using the foundation of theory evaluation criteria provided by Witkin and Gottschalk(1988), the first condition is that the theory should be explicitly critical; including an examination of its historical, political, and cultural implications. This theory is substantive in that it collects content based on the three ego states(Berne D. E. , 2001). Through this procedure, it provides a methodology of steps needed in therapy, information that is important to obtain, and ways to evaluate and analyze information collected. It takes into account the aspects of social constructivism, which is an attempt to develop a meaningful science of human behavior(Witkin, 1988). Social contructionism, as defined by Witkin and Gottschalk(1988), consists of assumptions based on common understandings of the world as a function of cultural and historical contexts. This understanding occurs through a process of social interaction and the understanding is based on social processes- these descriptions and explanations of social phenomena constrain certain patterns and reinforce others(Witkin, 1988). Transactional Analysis theory parallels social contructionism through the life scripting that occurs early in childhood, based on the transactions and reinforcements that occur through programming, particularly the social aspect. By utilizing the client as the resource for gaining the information, whether it is through observing interactions both verbal and nonverbal, it will provide a better comprehension of the meaning behind the client’s communication. Witkin and Gottshcalk(1988) also consider the idea the theory should recognize that humans are active agents, meaning people act according to their intentions nd can surmount obstacles and transform them. Based on this concept, Transactional Analysis fits this criteria perfectly. It is a theory based on the idea that it is essential for people to be involved in their own treatment process. Berne had an implicit viewpoint that humans understand their stress more than any other and they also realize that the change process is v ital to their happiness. Witkin and Gottschalk(1988) also evaluate theory on the aspect that it should account for the life experiences of the client. By looking at the three ego states of Transactional Analysis; the Child, the Parent, and the Adult, it takes into consideration the specific influences, both internal and external that each person has experienced in their life. This is the basis for the predicated movement towards change for the client. The social justice aspect would be present in allowing the opportunity for each individual to feel their experiences were valid, and beneficial to the therapeutic process (Witkin, 1988). Viewing this theory through another analytic framework provided by Fischer(1973), there are five areas of theories that may be considered for analysis to determine effectiveness. The structural characteristics of Transactional Analysis are proscriptive in nature, meaning there is an explanation and tools to use in therapy. Unlike Freudian concepts that are descriptive, Berne was able to create measurable terminology that was used to determine findings in a consistent manner. The measure of an effective theory, according to Fischer(1973), is that the theory is testable. Through Transactional Analysis theory, there are clearly defined terms, such as strokes (both positive and negative), ego states, and transactions. Berne gave solid, measurable definitions of these terms and provided the ability to test this theory in a scientific, measurable manner(Berne D. E. , 2001). By following the process of script analysis, Transactional Analysis provides the individual with the awareness of how they acquired their life script and allows them to see more clearly their life role. This realization assists the individual in opening up possibilities for making changes and contracting provides the roadmap. Fisher (1973) also provides criteria that the theory should be comprehensive in nature, which Transactional Analysis seems to comply. It allows the client to explore both learning externally (the Parent) and internally (the Child), with the client analyzing these interactions through an exploration of how one affects the other (the Adult). This would appear to be a useful theory, as it is provides techniques for therapeutic intervention. Transactional Analysis is able to explain normal behavior, although it is not clear on abnormal behavior such as schizophrenia or criminal behavior. It does not account for those clients that do not have a positive viewpoint or willingness to change their â€Å"life script†. When utilizing Fischer’s method of analyzing theory, one must consider the assumptions made about human nature. This theory views people in a very optimistic, positive manner. It promotes creativity, relaxation, and the ability to recognize what changes need to be made(Berne D. E. , 2001). It emphasizes a positive worker/client relationship that promotes good rapport, trust, and the willingness to create a plan for change(Clary, 1980). It appears to be in line with the core values of social work, including self-determination and respect for client rights, individualism, and dignity(NASW, 2008). This is demonstrated by allowing the client to recognize instances of how the â€Å"life script† developed and thus clients are increasing empowered to choose their ego state at any particular time(Prochaska, 2010). Transactional analysis provides the opportunity for the therapist to relate as an equal to the client. The clients are able to progress in therapy at their own pace, further demonstrating the value of self-determination. This theory encourages the volitional powers of patient right from the onset of treatment by making it a contractual arrangement(Prochaska, 2010). According to the analytical framework provided by Fischer, this would appear to be a very useful, valid theory for use in practice (Fischer, 1973). Using the theory in the social work profession Transactional Analysis still is utilized today in the field of social work. In fact, there still exists training and certification in this very area of specialization. Berne was interested in more than just the client progressing slowly, he wanted to provide a method of coping that would assist individuals on an immediate, daily basis. In general, social workers also strive for immediate relief for clients, groups, and communities. It is important to establish an immediate rapport with clients in order to make progress towards meeting goals. Transactional analysis describes this very concept through â€Å"stroking â€Å", which requires a social worker to understand both their need and ability to provide this type of reinforcement (Berne D. E. , 2001). In practice social workers must be able to model positive stroke giving as an important part of effective practice. In theory, the process of learning to give and receive strokes will help alleviate feelings of depression and loneliness and increase personal intimate relationships. Using the three identified ego states allows for the therapist to make assessments regarding the client in the areas of thinking, feeling, and learning. Berne provides four ways to identify or diagnose ego states; behavioral, social phenomenological, and historical(Berne D. E. , 2001). Behavioral diagnosis would consist of gesture, voice, and vocabulary that are typical in each ego state. A social diagnosis would consist of how people react to the client; a phenomenological diagnosis is experiencing in the present old feelings from the past, and a and historical diagnosis would be looking at the past reflected in the present. All of these consist of the process of deciding how one wants to be socially with others, social work theory and practice support methods to gain autonomy (Turner, 1986). Providing an atmosphere for change is another way in which this theory is used in social work practice. The Child ego state wants comfort and warmth, time for exploration and activity. This is provided for the client using this theory by giving them a comfortable atmosphere in which to do therapy. This helps to develop a caring position for developing the rapport needed for the client to be able to problem solve and work towards changing their behavior. To be effective, transactional analysts must be genuine in therapy, they must believe in relating as equals with clients(Prochaska, 2010). Another form of social treatment using the Transactional Analysis method for social workers is the initial use of positive stroking. In this field the recognition of asking for help is a sign that the client is trying to cope and it is an indicator of client autonomy. Therefore, it is essential in the initial stages that the practice of positive stroking occurs, this builds rapport and provides and effective, therapeutic environment(Napper, 2009). The social worker also is able to provide a provision of protection for the client, in both an individual and group therapy situation(Corey, 2008). A client is encouraged to participate in self-analysis, this type of therapy provides them with a safe, nurturing environment in which to do so. Group therapy is preferred in Transactional Analysis, in part because it allows a greater number of transactions, including more troubled transactions, than might ordinarily occur with an individual therapist relating primarily as an Adult(Prochaska, 2010). Regardless of the venue, providing clear rules about the session and what to expect will allow the client to feel safe to reveal themselves, thus allowing the opportunity for a trusting relationship with those involved in the therapeutic process. Patients are not the only potential game players in transactional analysis. Therapists using this method must be ever vigilant in enacting their own scripts at their clients’ expense(Prochaska, 2010). Self-awareness of the social work practitioner assists in eliminating this phenomena It would also be essential that the therapist seek strokes away outside of the workplace so as not to utilize the client in this manner. This is beneficial not only to the client/therapist relationship but to the basic premise behind the theory of Transactional Analysis. Major Contributions One of the major criticisms of the science or lack thereof behind psychotherapy is based on the fact that there is often no unit of measurement for study. Berne was able to create a measurable concept by defining the transaction of stroking, thus providing a measure that was able to give some credibility to this theory in the world of science. In the book Games People Play (1964 ), Berne defined transactions as a unit of social intercourse: â€Å"If two or more people encounter each other†¦sooner or later one of them will speak, or give some other indication of acknowledging the presence of the others. This is called transactional stimulus. Another person will then say or do something, which is in some way related to the stimulus, and that is called transactional response. â€Å"(Berne, 1964) Transactional Analysis is a versatile theory that can be used in group, couples, family, and individual therapy (Corey, 2008). This theory focuses on establishing intimacy and joy in interaction and communication, which is effective in creating positive outcomes for group and family members. By acknowledging ego states and the programming that has occurred, this can assist clients in becoming more self-aware and confident in their communication and interactions. It is through this realization that self-actualization can occur, thus providing a platform for success in changing behavior (Sills, 2007). Transactional analysis makes extensive use of the interpersonal interactions between therapist and client within sessions (Prochaska, 2010). This theory is still utilized currently still in therapy, there is a certification one can obtain in this theory that consists of training in the areas of psychotherapy, educational, organizational, and counseling arenas (The International Transactional Analysis Association, 1999). This movement continues today and has a worldwide list of members that both practice and belong to the International Transactional Analysis Association, thus supporting the idea that this is an effective theory that can be used in current practice. Ethical Issues/Consistency with social work values and ethics/Diverse Populations Transactional Analysis provides the foundation for self-determination (NASW, 2008). It recognizes client autonomy and the importance of allowing the client to guide their own decision making process (Corey, 2008). It embraces the ethics of preserving the value of human beings, equality (social justice), and self-responsibility(NASW, 2008). By observing the client’s interactions and behaviors (verbal and nonverbal), this honors the client as the expert and would require the therapist to have competence when working with various cultures. This would encourage and promote education on the differences of social constructionism when working with clients of diverse populations. The user-friendly nature of Transactional Analysis transcends cultural barriers, along with the educational approach to personal development (Corey, 2008). The idea of â€Å"life scripts† encompassed in this theory help to break through assumptions when it comes to our clients, whether it is with personality, culture, or other dramatic scripts that may include drug addiction or mental illness. These types of scripts, particularly those of cultural can affect whole populations in a harmful way. This violates our ethical principles of self-determination and by working through these situations using Transactional Analysis, it would serve to enhance the core values of social work. This type of theory is useful in working with women due to the use of contracts, equal relationships between client and practitioner, and empowerment of individuals (Corey, 2008). The feminist perspective is also celebrated by allowing the client to become empowered, and giving the opportunity to challenge the therapist’s ideas, allowing them to compare their reality with that of other women (Corey, 2008). Requisite skills for the practitioner Transactional Analysis would require a practitioner to have excellent observation skills and special training. The Berne Institute offers this training to those wishing to excel in the area of psychotherapy using the Transactional Analysis Techniques (The International Transactional Analysis Association, 1999). Practitioners would need to be familiar with the strengths perspective and have the ability to identify their own ego states. It would require maturity and the ability to recognize how their own external and internal experiences have affected them. By recognizing this it will allow the practitioner to remove biases and act in a professional manner when helping clients. The practitioner would need to be able to engage clients in a positive style and create rapport through the stroking method as proscribed through this theory (Berne D. E. , 2001). Strengths/Weaknesses of the theory Noted strengths of this theory are that it is positively focused and client centered. The client leads the sessions, and the identification of the ego states allows insight into the coping power of clients (Berne D. E. , 2001). Transactional analysis is a contractual and decisional model for change on the part of the client. It connects that mind and body, moving the transactional analysts to take a more holistic approach. These contracts may lead to new behaviors and give the client a sense of control. Therapy interventions are more likely to succeed and produce enduring change when involving the emotional and behavioral approaches (Corey, 2008). This theory would appear to be flexible and its concepts easily applied to individual, couples, families, groups, and community interventions. Also noted by Corey (2008) is that the concepts in this theory are congruent with a gender-sensitive approach to group work. Many clients are often unaware of how gender plays a role in their lives, this theory applied is helpful in realizing the role of importance it has and the effect is has on the client. It is often used in evaluating organizations, thus proving that it is a versatile theory with the ability to go from the micro to the macro in application (Clary, 1980). The emerging conclusions are that Transactional Analysis with adults has been proven more effective than no treatment, it roduces outcomes at best comparable to other forms of insight-oriented psychotherapy (Prochaska, 2010). Some notable limitations to the approach are that it has not been adequately subjected to empirical validation (Corey, 2008). Some of Berne’s concepts were stated in a manner that it would be impossible to design a research study to test them. Although there are measurable items in place (i. e. contract builds and supports accountability), the main determinate of success is based on feeling and observations (Corey, 2008). There is also the danger of losing the client to the jargon or structure of the theory- this structure can be used to avoid person-to-person interactions and focus on labeling ego states. Clients may be replacing old processes with new terms, and in doing so, preventing themselves from reaching self-actualization (Corey, 2008). Other Limitations with regards to Transactional Analysis are not openly apparent, with perhaps the exception of the cognitive aspects of reviewing the ego states (Berne D. E. , 2001). If a client is not mentally capable of identifying situations of learning and past experiences, or if they are limited in their capabilities for emotion, this may inhibit the effectiveness of this theory. Perhaps there may be a flaw in thinking that we can experience the past as it actually occurred, when in fact we are in the present. There needs to be some consideration as to how the present influences our thinking and assumptions. Based on where we are today, our morals, values, and experiences, it would be difficult not to be biased in some way when discussing our Child/Parent experiences and filtering it through the Adult ego state. Overall, the optimistic quality of this therapy seems to be a positive indicator, along with a positive client/therapist relationship that is encouraged by stroking and identifying the ego states essential to creating a contract for success.. References Berne, D. E. (2001 Feb). Transactional Analysis- As Originated by Dr. Eric Berne. Retrieved 2010 10-March from from Detailed History and Description of Transactional Analysis: www. ericberne. com/transactional_analysis_description. htm Berne, E. (1964). Games People Play- Basic Handbook of Transactional Analysis . New York, NY: Ballantine Books. Clary, T. C. (1980). Transactional Analysis. Training and Development Journal , 48-54. Corey, G. (2008). Theory and practice of group counseling. 7th Ed. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Eagly, A. H. -S. (2003). Tranformational, Transactional, and Laissez-Faire Leadership Styles: A Meta- Analysis Comparing Women and Men. Pscyhogical Bulletin , 129 (4), 569-591. Fischer, J. (1973). A Framework for the Anlaysis and Comparison of Clinical Theories of Induced Change. In J. Fisher, Interpersonal Helping (pp. 110-130). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas. Napper, R. (2009). Positive Psychology and Transactional Analysis. Transactional Analysis Journal , 39, 61-75. National Association of Social Workers (2008). Code of Ethics. Retrieved 2010, 4 May from National Association of Social Workers. socialworkers. org/pubs/Code/code. asp Nichols, M. P. (2008). Family Therapy Concepts and Methods (Eighth Edition ed. ). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon, Inc. Prochaska, J. O. (2010). Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Analysis (7th Edition ed. ). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Sills, C. (2007). Transactional Analysis- a relational psychotherapy. Therapy Today , 18 (1), 15-17. The International Transactional Analysis Association. 1999). Retrieved 2010 10-March from Key Ideas in Transactional Analysis: www. itaa-net. org/ta/CoreConcepts/index. htm Tudor, K. (2009). In the Manner of: Transactional Analysis Teaching of Transactional Analysis. Transactional Analysis Journal , 39 (4), 276-292. Turner, F. J. (Ed. ). (1986). Social Work Treatment: Interlocking Theorectical Approaches. New York, NY: The Free Press. Wal sh, J. (2006). Theories for Direct Social Work Practice (2nd Edition ed. ). Belmont , CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Witkin, S. . (1988). Alternative criteria for theory evaluation. Social Service Review , 62, 211-224.

The Agriculture Sector in Armenia Essay

The Agriculture Sector in Armenia Essay The Agriculture and Food Sector in Armenia Essay Example The Agriculture and Food Sector in Armenia Essay Example The Actions of Armenias Fruits The agriculture and food sector in Armenia has always been rather well developed. One of the reasons is a poor development of the industrial sector and a stronger evolution of agriculture. The specific geographical location and the warm climate of the country have given an opportunity to grow a great variety of fruit and vegetables. These ones have received an appraisal all over the former Soviet Union. Nevertheless, the importance of fruit in the Armenian culture has been identified long before the existence of the Soviet Union. One of three colors that are illustrated on the Armenian flag symbolizes the color of the most famous fruits in the country, which is an apricot (USA International Business Publications 178). An apricot, a pomegranate, a grade, and other fruit have more than solely an agriculture meaning for Armenian people. Moreover, they have become an irreplaceable part of the Armenian culture, traditions, and customs, which have survived till present days. Some of these fruits carry a very specific meaning for Armenian people. They symbolize a struggle of Armenians for their cultural identity. Other fruit like pomegranates have become the symbols of wedding; and they are used in various rituals. One may also find a connection between the fruit and Armenian beliefs in the Bible. They are reflected through celebrations and holidays. Armenians conduct annual fests, which are dedicated to the rich harvest. The great popularity receives a wine festival where people celebrate the good crops of grapes and drink grape juice as well as wine. All these fests are an essential part of the Armenian culture, which has been shaping during the centuries and exists even today. The role of fruit in Armenia is not limited by agriculture benefits. However, they are also viewed as an important aspect of the cultural identity. Such fruit as a pomegranate and an apricot are not simply a tasty stuff for Armenia. They represent a particular symbolic meaning for the Armenian culture that takes its roots from ancient times. Throughout many ages, the country has valued and honored these fruit during festivals and numerous traditions. Pomegranate A pomegranate is a very symbolic and significant fruit for the Armenian culture. One of the famous ancient legends says that it has been a guardian protecting people from evil eyes (Petrosian and Underwood 327). That is why this fruit is viewed as a symbol of protection and safety against bad spirits or any intentions of bad people. However, except the protection, the pomegranate has also another meaning as it symbolizes fertility. For example, in Western Armenia, there is a wedding tradition that is tightly connected with this fruit (Petrosian and Underwood 329). To be more precise, a bride should throw it and break it into pieces. According to this tradition, the scattered seeds indicate that this woman will have a baby. In the eastern part of Armenia, there is another custom with the same fruit that states the following fact. If a woman wants to have a son, she has to make the special bread from dough and pomegranate ´s seeds. According to this custom, this female who eats such bread will have a son. In fact, the pomegranate is widely used as an iconic ornament and could be found in numerous manuscripts and carvings on stones. Another wedding tradition that has a particular connection with this fruit is to present the dried fruit that is called taratosik in the Armenian culture (Grigoryan, Hakhnazaryan, and Afranaa Kwapong 88). After a wedding, a bride should give the taratosik to an unmarried woman as a symbol of blessing. Besides the traditions and ornament usage, the pomegranate has also a very specific meaning for Armenian people. One could find the full concept of this fruit for the Armenians in the art film The Color of Pomegranates. It is directed by Sergey Paradjanov (Petrosian and Underwood 257). This film has a very symbolic scene where a red pomegranate lies on a table. The fruit’s wrinkled skin and fresh pulp symbolize the strength of the Armenian spirit and its unbreakable soul. Today, the pomegranate has become one of the most frequently used symbols in Armenia. If one visits an exhibition that is dedicated to the Armenian art or the painting gallery with the works of Armenian artists, he/she will surely find at least few illustrations of this fruit. The pomegranate has also become an inherent part of the Armenian cuisine and has turned into a national clichà ©. At souvenir shops, one may find various figures of the pomegranate made of ceramic, metal, wood or any other material. The great importance of this fruit can be found in the national fairy tales. For example, one of these fairy tales says that three pomegranates fell to the earth from the heaven. One was for a teller, the second one was for a listener, and the third one was for the entire world. As one can see, in this story, the pomegranate symbolizes a gift from the heaven (Petrosian and Underwood 277). Hence, this fruit may be also viewed as a sacred one for Armenian people because it demonstrates the connection with the God. After a terrifying event that occurred in Armenia and is known in the history as the Armenian Genocide of 1918-1923, the pomegranate has started to be used as a symbol. It describes the great variety of Armenian emotions, such as hope and sorrow, survival and rebirth, death and life. One can state that the pomegranate has become more than a simple fruit, which is specific for this location. It has become a real symbol uniting old traditions and new feelings that Armenian people have experienced. For every Armenian, the pomegranate has its own meaning revealing the slight tones of the Armenian soul. Apricot In spite of the significant meaning of the pomegranate for the Armenian culture, there is one more fruit being even more important. An apricot is truly a soul of the Armenian culture. The botanical name of this fruit is Prunus Armeniaca, which indicates its origin (Grigoryan, Hakhnazaryan, and Afranaa Kwapong 90). Nevertheless, the motherland of the apricot is not Armenia, but China. This fruit had been delivered to Armenia long ago. It has become a symbol of this nation. In the middle ages, the kings used the apricot color, which is called tsirani, on their banners (Petrosian and Underwood 223). If one wants to receive the apricot color, he or she should mix yellow, pink, and orange colors. This specific color is such what Armenians call tsirani or the apricot one (Petrosian and Underwood 224). Today, tsirani is one of three colors that are illustrated on the Armenian flag. In July, when it is the time to gather apricots, Armenians hold an annual festival being dedicated to this fruit. People all over the villages bring the best apricots to the capital where the festival is held (Grigoryan, Hakhnazaryan, and Afranaa Kwapong 97). Farmers bring apricots in large straw baskets and offer everyone to try them. In addition, people bring various dishes, beverages, and alcohol drinks that are made from this fruit. The point of this fest is to treat others with fruit and make people happy tasting other person ´s food. During this day, all Armenian food and drinks are replaced by apricots. People eat apricots, treat each other with these fruit, demonstrate their rich harvest, and have good time together. However, besides the apricot of the tsirani color, there are also green apricots, which are not ripe yet. Children love them though they have a very vinegar taste and hard flesh. In the middle of the ripe, the apricot lays a kernel covered with a hard shell. If one breaks this shell, he or she may taste a delicious kernel adored not only by children, but also by adults. This kernel is used in dishes as a special spice, which gives the picante taste to food. Armenian Harvest Festival In spite of the differences in cultures and traditions, all countries all over the world have one festival. It is annually celebrated in autumn or in the end of summer being a Harvest Festival. Armenians also have a fest that is dedicated to the rich harvest and dates back to pagan traditions. Despite the fact that Armenians are Christians and have become one of the first Christian countries, they still have some pagan fests like Vartavar (Grigoryan, Hakhnazaryan, and Afranaa Kwapong 92). Vartavar or the Festival of Roses is celebrated 14 weeks later after the Easter. This fest is dedicated to the goddess Asdghig, an Armenian deity of love, fertility and water (Petrosian and Underwood 317). This day, people show their appreciation to the goddess and sprinkle each other with water and leaves of roses. Hence, this fest is also known as a water festival because of this joyful tradition. Before Armenians adopted Christianity, they celebrated the New Year this day. The Fest of Harvest demonstrated the end of the year and the preparation of the nature for a long dream before spring. The Armenian New Year which is called Navasart-Amaor being celebrated on August 1-6 (Holding 117). The celebration of Vartavar differs depending on the region of the country. For example, the Armenian Meliks celebrate this day with fruits and provide rituals in the field (USA International Business Publications 156). They have a tradition that a person may send apples to a future broom or bride as a sign of his or her intentions. In district Koghtn, people made rituals in the fields with the green weed being previously budded (Holding 126). Some other regions have districts, which are connected with domestic animals. In spite of the old traditions of this fest and the baptism of the Armenian people, the Harvest Festival did not lose its importance in society. However, it is celebrated today more as a custom than a religious ritual. Nevertheless, the main idea of this fest still exists. It is the celebration of good harvest and joyful time-spending during this day. Another important fest for the Armenian people is the Blessing of Grapes held after the Divine Liturgy. This ceremony has a significant religious meaning and shows an important role of the Virgin Mary in Christianity. The custom of Blessing the Grapes is referred to the Old Testament tradition of celebrating the harvest. Grapes were the first fruit during the harvest. Thus, they have such an important meaning. The first fruit symbolize the connection with the God because it was the first fruit that the God had given to people. Jesus Christ was the first son of the Virgin Mary or her first fruit. Hence, first grapes symbolize the birthing of Jesus Christ, who gave his life to save all people. To return this duty, people bless this fruit in a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. Armenian Wine and its Symbolism As one can see, Armenia is a country that is full of symbolism and traditions that should be strictly followed. Such drink of gods as wine also bears its symbolic meaning. It is highly valued in Armenia. In fact, this country is acknowledged to be such a country of wine having a very rich history of winemaking (Petrosian and Underwood 318). In addition, one should mention that Armenia was the country that had taken on wine exporting. This activity is believed to start when Forefather Noah planted the grape in the slant of Mount named Ararat, according to the Biblical legend (USA International Business Publications 98). According to the Biblical story about Noah, this drink was a kind of reward for him and his companions for all the torments that they had to overcome in the period of the great flood (USA International Business Publications 178). As it can be seen, the symbolism of wine for the Armenian culture has Biblical roots. First and foremost, it is a so called reminder about the great flood. Besides, in the Armenian culture, wine is represented as the blood of Christ who died for human sins (USA International Business Publications 179). However, it is not only the wine that is so symbolical for Armenians. In fact, grapes are a serious symbol for Armenia. Each year, grapes are blessed at the Altar. Today, this activity is a religious ritual that is devoted to the Virgin Mary. It is called the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Holding 145). The scientists state that such a phenomenon as winemaking in this Caucasian country has the history that is about six thousand years (USA International Business Publications 181). The reason for such statement is that archeologists have discovered a nucleus of grapes in the country being further analyzed for numerous times. The researches have showed that the hypothesis of scientists concerning the winemaking in the valley of Ararat has a very old history. It goes for ages being actually trustworthy (USA International Business Publications 178). The archeologists have found out this information. The reason is that they have discovered various kinds of winemaking equipment, including tares, with the remains of wine. Besides, the grape nucleus has been found in the caves that are situated near the village that is called Areni (USA International Business Publications 178). The above mentioned researches have been conducted by a group of people from such countries as America, Ireland, an d, of course, Armenia. As one can see, Areni village is extremely popular in Armenia since the grape nucleus was found there. As a result of such popularity, this village has become a place where one of the most famous Armenian festivals takes place. This fest is called the Wine Festival and is held every year there (Holding 145). The event has already become a traditional one. People from all the country come to the village to enjoy the festival. In fact, this traditional wine fest gives attendants a great opportunity to get to know more about Armenia, its wine and traditions, as well as to spend the time perfectly. Moreover, one can not only attend the Wine Festival, but also take part in it. The attendants have a chance to taste various Armenian wines, mostly the best ones. The reason is that the festival is about the best wines in the country. All the wines that are usually represented at the Armenian Wine Festival are highly valued in lots of European countries. The Wine Festival in Areni opens with a spectacular, colorful, and bright parade of the best wine manufacturers. The parade is accompanied by songs and dances. The program of the festival is very interesting, entertaining, and vivid (Holding 151). The first stage of the famous Wine Festival is a ceremony of its opening. After the start, visitors can see the fair of the best wine manufacturers in Armenia. At the fair, both professional and public tasting of wine takes place. In order to give a guest an opportunity not only to drink but also eat or have a snack, the best restaurants of the whole country provide traditional dishes of Armenia. Surprisingly, the Armenian Wine Festival is also used as a pleasant place for various meetings on business. The entertaining program of the fest includes national dances and music, various theatrical performances, different games, and contests. In addition, amateur art groups can take part in the festival, show their art and entertain the publicity. Among numerous contests that take place at the event, one may outline the most important one. It is called Armenia in your Eyes (Holding 156). The participants of this contest compete for a label of the best wine in Armenia. The prize for a winner of this contest is known as Gold Keg (USA International Business Publications 98). The other popular contest is almost the same one as previous but stands among manufacturers of homemade wine. Taking into consideration all the above mentioned information and facts, one can see that symbolism is a very important aspect for the Armenian culture. Being a country of wine, Armenia has done its best to praise one of the most important drinks in a proper way. The symbolism of wine takes its roots from Biblical events. Indeed, according to some legends, it is even considered that a goat disclosed a riddle of winemaking to Noah. The legend says that this animal ate the wide plods of grapes and become intoxicated started goring other animals. After this occasion, Noah planted the grapes at the Mount Ararat and produced wine from the juice of plods (USA International Business Publications 98). Armenia is a country with the rich historical legacy, traditions, customs, and rituals. I learn much about the importance of values and traditions in the state and how they are connected with fruit. The Armenians do their best in order to keep their culture, traditions, language, customs, and so on. This nationality never refuses its culture and traditions. Armenia is located between Europe and Asia. Thus, I believe it has embodied the features of both civilizations, which have shaped the Armenian culture in a harmonious way. Armenian traditions and customs have a strong connection with an agricultural sphere. Even the Armenian flag has the color of the most popular Armenian fruit, i.e. apricot. I think this symbolic meaning illustrates a significant role of fruits for this country. One may list numerous traditions, which are connected with the fruits; for instance, the tradition to present a pomegranate after the wedding as a blessing. The pomegranate is another fruit, which has a s acred meaning for the Armenian culture. Armenians symbolize this fruit with the soul of their people. The red juice is the blood and the tragedies, which Armenians faced in the past. In spite of the dramatic history and the horrible events, the Armenians have not lost their humanity. As always, they demonstrate their wide and generous soul during celebrations of fests. Nowadays, there are two big festivals, which still have a great popularity among people. They are the Harvest Festival and the Wine Festival. In fact, both fests are dedicated to the rich harvest. However, it is oriented on all fruit and vegetables, while the wine festival is dedicated solely to grapes and wine. The harvest festival is also known as a fest of water and roses. The reason is that it is dedicated to the pagan goddess. During this fest, people sprinkle each other with water and spend good time. Despite the fact that there were other fruit suppliers, the Armenian fruits have been always praised higher. The reason is that of their delicious taste and king size. As a result, the great bountifulness of fruits has given life to numerous customs and traditions, which developed harmoniously with the culture rise. The most popular fruits have become the national symbols of Armenia. They are associated solely with this country. I think that Armenia is a very religious country, which obeys its traditions carefully from generation to generation. Every aspect of their life is full of symbols and a specific meaning known for those, who learn more about this state. The rich history, dedication to traditions, and obeying old customs are things that make Armenia so different from any other country in the world.

Oklahoma Indian Territory on the Trail of Tears Essay

Oklahoma Indian Territory on the Trail of Tears - Essay Example Tomorrow, all the living and non-living things will be strange to me. How can I part with the rivers and trees in my locality? Will I be able to survive in a different land? My future will give an apt answer. Here, I shall share some facts about my tribe, my motherland and my feelings on the possible removal to Oklahoma Indian Territory on the Trail of Tears. Facts about my tribe The history of my tribe/community is interconnected with history of the early inhabitants of the United States of America. Earlier, we did not face any problem from others because we were self-sufficient. One can see that my tribe is the largest ethnic group within the tribal groups in America. My ancestral heritage is deeply rooted in the old Cherokee Nation or The Nation (18th and 19th Centuries). As pointed out, we were self-sufficient because we used to consider the nature as our mother. Besides, the members of the Old Cherokee Nation did not consider nature as an unending source of resources that can be exploited without any solid reason. But the people who live in large cities and towns are not able to understand the relationship between ethnic communities and nature. To be specific, our rituals, customs, and the events in day to day life are interconnected with nature. Earlier, we used to live in the Appalachia region. To be specific, the leaders of our tribal group were not aware of the importance of unity among different groups and the need of a strong central authority. On the other side, the tribal chiefs appointed by the British and the American authorities had little influence among the members of our community. Now, the government is planning to implement the Indian Removal Act of 1830 to relocate us to another part of America. In short, we are facing a number of problems related to survival because we are forced to relocate to the Trail of Tears. Burgan stated that â€Å"The U.S. government had forced them from their homes and set them on this march of about 800 miles ( 1,287 kilometers)† (4). If one is not so attached to one’s motherland, relocation is not a major problem. But my life is interconnected with my motherland. So, I do not feel confident to declare that I can survive in a different land. Now I feel so attached to my motherland because I am aware of the fact that relocation is unavoidable. About my motherland My motherland is in New Echota, within North America. One can easily identify that my motherland is rich in natural beauty and fertility because two beautiful rivers (say, Coosawattee and Conasauga) are flowing through my mother land. Besides, both the rivers join together and form another river, namely Oostanaula. All these rivers flow to another river, namely Coosa. The modern people provide less value to the importance of rivers in tribal life because they are not aware of the influence of the same in human life. These rivers helped use to realize the importance of water which nourishes the flora and fauna of this r egion. As the members of an indigenous community which ruled over the Northern Part of the American continent, we consider ourselves as the owners of the land. This is utmost important for us because the problems related to our life in this region is interconnected with autonomy and ownership of fertile land. We are totally against the exploitation natural resources to fulfill the selfish motives of human beings. But most of the human beings are not yet ready to

The Use of Force and Wars on Terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Use of Force and Wars on Terrorism - Essay Example The Charter’s Article 51 stipulates (Dinstein 2001, 161): â€Å"Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security.† Hence, a country can respond in self-defence or self-preservation against a terrorist assault, but not unless the Security Council has performed steps needed to uphold security, peace, and order. The immunity for self-defence stated in Article 51 is the single clear omission to the prohibition of Article 2(4). This Article, according to Dinstein (2001), presumes that international law currently necessitates at least the possibility of a forthcoming armed attack before a nation may react forcefully or violently against the political independence or territorial integrity of another nation. Nevertheless, even as the terrorists have perpetrate d an armed assault, the right to wield force against the attackers positioned in a state is anomalous except if the terrorist activities can be attributed to the state (Kittrich 2008). Hence, an important question is when can terrorism be attributed to the state where in it manoeuvres? Since an assault against terrorism breaches the host state’s territorial integrity, the terrorists’ armed assault should be ascribed to that particular state (Kittrich 2008). It would then be legally acceptable to wield force against the terrorists positioned in that state. This paper tries to address this primary question: Do terrorists’ acts constitute a violation of Article 2(4), which justifies wars on terrorism as an act of self-defence under the UN Charter? Use of Force against Terrorism The impact of the UN Charter on a state’s innate right to embark on traditional self-preservation has long been a point of contention. Nevertheless, nowadays, many think that the trad itional international law authority to self-protection is unchanged by the Charter’s Article 51 and that this natural right to self-preservation involves a right to defensive self-protection (Boethe 2003). Others claim that Article 51 in fact removed preventative self-defence as a lawful rationale for the exercise of armed or violent force, and, without an armed attack, a nation should restrict itself to mobilizations to defend against such an assault, even despite of clear assault mobilizations being carried out by another nation (Penna 1991). This Article reinforces the argument of those who claim that states sustain the traditional natural right to defensive self-protection. Threats of international terrorism currently take place in the form of anachronistic groups that embody majority of the features of a state: organisation, preparation, training, disposed forces, resources, and possible possession of weapons of mass destruction. Nevertheless, dissimilar from states, the se terrorist groups are headed by people who are ready to use suicide operations routinely and who show a complete disrespect to the authority of law and human life (Dinstein 2001). Certainly, the success of such assaults relies on a state unaware of how or when these assaults will subsequently take place. Hence, a state may legally respond on the supposition that, due to the constantly displayed unusual characteristic and operational strategies of particular transnational terrorist groups, an assault by such

Modernisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Modernisation - Essay Example As a result of this each unit focused on a specific task and was directly accountable for it. Cowper (2001) goes on to say that post 1997, in the second phase of the reform process, the labour Government headed by Tony Blair has focused on 'partnership and collaboration within the public sector.' The focus he says has " shifted from outputs to outcomes, and there is a drive to take a longer-term view in policymaking and a consumer view in service delivery." A significant aspect of modernization has been the introduction of technology to the various areas of work. Consumerist orientation of the public sector has also been an area of focus. According to Schofield, (2003) The biggest challenge for the public sector is to ensure high quality service within a limited budget. Along with these aspects comes the key area of employee relations. As the structure and focus of the organization changes, the impact is likely to be felt most by the people who work in the organization. This paper focuses on the implications of this modernization agenda on public sector industrial relations Using the available research and publications on the modernization of the public sector and public service employment relations, this paper will begin by looking at the need for modernization and the key objectives of modernization. The next section will focus on the changing face of industrial relations in the age of modernization. The focus will then shift to the significance of employee relations in the present era. Based on the findings of Dr. Stephen Bach's paper titled 'HR and new approaches to Public Sector Management: Improving HRM Capacity' (2000) and Lynette Harris' paper titled, 'UK public sector reform and gaining commitment to the 'performance agenda," (2003) this section will deal with some of the challenges that lie ahead in the modernization or reform focus. The key issue raised will be the need for better Human resource Management Practices to ensure better employee relations and greater job satisfaction. What is Modernisation According to the Policy Brief, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2005),Today Governments all over the world are under increasing pressure to open up to public scrutiny and be more accessible to the people who elected them. It was with a view to cater to this public demand , increase public trust in the Government and to improve the quality of services offered by the public sector that the Government , Cowper (2001) says introduced its modernizing agenda with a 5 point programme: a. to make policy making more evidence-based b. to make services more responsive, more coherent public and focused on the user; c. to deliver high quality, efficient public services; d. to introduce information age, on-line government including the first corporate IT strategy for government to value and reward public service with a program of Civil Service reform e. and greater diversity in recruitment As Cowper (2001) points out, the driving force behind the modernization agenda is the outcome. This model focuses on the result for the user in terms of their life or business and for the government in terms of social or economic or political change. It is not just in the United Kingdom but across the world that public sector management is in a flux. According to a white

Management Concepts in Hospitals Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Management Concepts in Hospitals - Assignment Example The efforts were towards advertising in the native languages and also developing simple 'guide to hospital' pamphlets in native languages. Childbirth classes were given in native languages. Extensive media advertisement was done too. The idea was to make it family-centered care. Multilingual physicians and nurses were catering the patients. This was enhanced by presentable looks of the hospital characterized by a large state of the art labor rooms and postpartum rooms with Jacuzzis and rooms for family members. The market orientation of an organization is directly related to overall business performance, employee commitment, and esprit de corps. The above quality improvement measures turned out to be a good business strategy too. The marketing presence was further enhanced by creating a new maternity services 'brand' for the hospital-the graphic image of infant footprint. The hospital further stated its presence loudly through aggressive advertisement. 1. Focus on the customer -serving majorly in the native language, advertising in native languages, organizing cultural shows for the ethnic population and in general making the people feel at home for the stressful event of childbirth to take place. 3. 2. Extensive research into the ethnic ways and this followed by aggressive promotional activities in culturally acquainted [to the ethnic populaces] ways. 3. More presentable looks and adoption of hospital services 'brand'-the infant footprint-all this made the community hospital more professional in outlook. Lager labor rooms and post-partum rooms with Jacuzzis were a similar step.   As the overall marketing orientation is related to staff motivation, the work standards were bound to improve with more number of satisfied customers. The staff's esprit de corps is directly related to the success of the organizational behavior[Knights and Willmott, 67]. Thus better business would've been a catalyst for better work again. While the hospital's overall rapport with the general public improved with the improved reputation the staff and administration produced better results.  

Supply chain management Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Supply chain management - Coursework Example In this reference, this paper endeavors to identify the problems faced by the corporative foods it its supply chain management and the competitors in the products and services they deal in (Good, & Schultz, 2000). Corporative food is a UK based firm that specializes in the Supply chain management of food products. Some of the features the company boasts of are the wide range of food products they deal in to the efficiency, modernity, and ethical consideration that are put into place before their products are dispatched (Steers, Runde, & Nardon, 2010). Notwithstanding, the company is also faced with a plethora of problems. The major challenge being increasing its customer base, this is following the realization of a fall in the profit margin by 0.2% in the last financial year (Paley, 2005). The company has therefore decided to undergo major reformation in a move to restore the company back to its initial market base. The fall in the profit margin is attributed to the aggressive compet itors who have fiercely invaded the cooperative market strongholds. Some of the worthy competitors in the market includes; Big bear, Foo Go, and Sara’s Kitchen (Miletsky, & Smith, 2009). ... ered; Features and Benefits of the Product The company has decided to make their products unique in quality and other features like packaging as well as opening more of their branches to trap extra market (Sears, 2003). Most of the products of the company are natural and organic nature, this is a move is seen to be able to attract more customers on grounds that they are mindful about health. In reference to this, the company also has sought several product certification bodies to build confidence of the customers on their products (Kangas, 2003). Price The company has also considered reducing the cost of production, transportation and other logistics to retail their products cheaper than the competitors have. This they perceive will give them a clear cutting age over the cutthroat competition that the competitors have mounted (Hoppe, 2001). Brand Name recognition One of the major ways of piecing through the market is creation of a brand name. The brand name creation involves consiste nt marketing coupled with entering into alliances with other cooperatives (Hertog, & Huizenga, 2000). This is what cooperative company has sought. They have engaged several other related cooperative to create a wide range of awareness of their products. In all this efforts, the company is keeping a vigil eye on the progress and response to the laid strategies (Abrams, & Kleiner, 2003). Interrelationship Stages The company has embraced the interrelationship of marketing their products by associating with other relevant companies to promote them (Vollmann, 2005). This in itself is a good move as long as the other body consents to the deal. It is also important in this case to ascertain the public perception on the company, this is because is it has a dwindling opinion form the public; it is

Management Concepts in Hospitals Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Management Concepts in Hospitals - Assignment Example The efforts were towards advertising in the native languages and also developing simple 'guide to hospital' pamphlets in native languages. Childbirth classes were given in native languages. Extensive media advertisement was done too. The idea was to make it family-centered care. Multilingual physicians and nurses were catering the patients. This was enhanced by presentable looks of the hospital characterized by a large state of the art labor rooms and postpartum rooms with Jacuzzis and rooms for family members. The market orientation of an organization is directly related to overall business performance, employee commitment, and esprit de corps. The above quality improvement measures turned out to be a good business strategy too. The marketing presence was further enhanced by creating a new maternity services 'brand' for the hospital-the graphic image of infant footprint. The hospital further stated its presence loudly through aggressive advertisement. 1. Focus on the customer -serving majorly in the native language, advertising in native languages, organizing cultural shows for the ethnic population and in general making the people feel at home for the stressful event of childbirth to take place. 3. 2. Extensive research into the ethnic ways and this followed by aggressive promotional activities in culturally acquainted [to the ethnic populaces] ways. 3. More presentable looks and adoption of hospital services 'brand'-the infant footprint-all this made the community hospital more professional in outlook. Lager labor rooms and post-partum rooms with Jacuzzis were a similar step.   As the overall marketing orientation is related to staff motivation, the work standards were bound to improve with more number of satisfied customers. The staff's esprit de corps is directly related to the success of the organizational behavior[Knights and Willmott, 67]. Thus better business would've been a catalyst for better work again. While the hospital's overall rapport with the general public improved with the improved reputation the staff and administration produced better results.  

Xing Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Xing - Coursework Example Xing magazine will offer the level of quality advertisement and services that you can expect from a world class magazine. It is therefore safe to say that the company will build its reputation based on results for discerning client base. Xing magazine will give the value for your money because it will provide advertisement services to a wide range of people and entities based all over the globe. As an advertising company, we always strive to improve the quality of service to the clients. To ensure we offer the greatest quality ads. Even though the company will start by first offering hard copy magazine, Xing aims at going digital in the first 6 months of operations. Fashion and style is no doubt a business concept on the rise. That is, the 21st century population loves fashion and always wants to look smart. Fashion is an all-round concept that engages everybody in every industry. From managers, manufacturing, schools to tourists and many more. Irrespective of your industry, be assured that Xing has your style. For instance; for managers Xing will make sure that you and your employees are well dressed and you will be the center of attention whenever you attend executive conferences; for tourists industry, be assured that fashion and style will be incorporated in your adverts to attract as many tourists as possible and these just a tip on the iceberg. Xing is a profession company that will help you in creating the visuals and lay out ads in relation to the latest fashions and styles in the market. Xing magazine believes that there is nothing more fun and freeing than fashion design shopping. After a very tiresome day at work, it feels great to trade in layers of dark tights, delicate dresses, strappy sandals, wedding dresses and much more fashion oriented. Though Xing consider fashion sense classic, we will always choose one trend to try when the seasons change. The idea of Xing magazine is to have a trailblazing

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time Essay Example for Free

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time Essay The novel â€Å"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time† by Mark Haddon is a very unique novel. It is unique in many ways as it’s written through the eyes of someone with Aspegers Syndrome and this condition is explored throughout the novel. The novel is about a fifteen year old boy called Christopher who has Aspegers Syndrome. This condition doesn’t allow him to understand things the way people without this condition would. The novel shoes how Christopher grows up, some of the experiences he goes through and how he copes with and understands life. The themes in the novel are growing up, living with special needs and the most important theme family relationships. â€Å"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time† has a unique style in that it has been written through the eyes of a person with Aspegers. As it has been written through the eyes of a person with Aspegers it is different to most novels and reveals the writers personality. The narrator, Christopher Boone, who has Aspegers can’t understand people and has to include every detail and explain everything he says. The narrative style is written in a logical way with lists and diagrams. Using lists and diagrams in the novel helped us understand Christopher’s condition more. As that is the way he thinks and works things out so he can comprehend them. Also as we see everything form Christopher’s point of view it conveys to us that he sees the world with perfect clarity. In part of the novel Christopher talks about how he doesn’t like metaphors. Christopher doesn’t like them because they confuse him and he doesn’t understand them. â€Å"He was the apple of her eye. † Christopher does not understand this metaphor because he sees it as a lie. He sees it as a lie because an apple in someone’s eye has nothing to do with liking someone. Since they have nothing to do with each other it makes Christopher forget about what they were talking about in the first place. This section adds tour understanding of Christopher’s problems because as he has Aspergers he only sees the world in black or white. Metaphors are a grey area so he can’t process them in his brain. Throughout the novel Christopher struggles to interact with other characters and finds it difficult to understand them. For example, at the beginning of the story when the policeman is talking to Christopher he finds it difficult to interact with him. â€Å"The policeman took hold of my arm and lifted me onto my feet. I didn’t like him touching me like this and this is why I hit him. † Since Christopher has Aspergers he doesn’t like being touched. If someone touches him he feels like he is being attacked and reacts to it. This is why he hit the policeman. Another reason why Christopher finds it difficult to interact with other people is that he can’t understand facial expressions. As he can’t understand facial expressions he finds it hard to know what people are saying and therefore finds it difficult to interact with them. In part of the novel it explains why Christopher doesn’t ‘get’ jokes. He says â€Å"I cannot tell jokes because I do not understand them. † he doesn’t understand jokes because as he has Aspergers Syndrome he has to analyse and think everything through in a logical way before understanding what things mean. For example, â€Å"His face was drawn by the curtains were real. † Christopher doesn’t understand this joke because after he has thought about it he realises that â€Å"drawn† has three different meanings. This confuses Christopher and because of his condition it makes him feel like three people are talking to him at once. This helps us to understand they way he thinks and sees the world too. Due to the nature of Christopher’s condition he is unaware of the problems he causes for his parents. Since he has Aspergers it causes his parents to argue and eventually causes his mother to leave. His parents would argue because his mother couldn’t cope with Christopher’s actions. For example, one time his mother couldn’t cope was when she took him shopping. And you crouched down on the floor and put your hands over your ears and you were in the way of everyone so I got cross†¦But you shouted and knocked those mixers of the shelf. † This situation upsets her and causes a row between his parents. After a while both his parents cant cope with arguing anymore so his mum then leaves. She leaves because she believes her husband is better with Christopher and she feels inadequate to deal with him. Christopher is unaware of the problems he causes because that is just the way he thinks. This gives us a better understanding of how he thins and deals with problems to having Aspergers. As the novel goes on the relationship between Christopher and his father change and conflict develops between them at the beginning their relationship is very positive and strong. For example, when Christopher gets taken to the police station his father shouts at the police in defence of his son. This shows that’s he cares about Christopher and that he is not angry at him fro getting taking to the police station. Also when his father sees Christopher inside the cell they both hold up their hands and their fingers touch. This s how they show that they love each other as Christopher hates to be hugged or touched. Their relationship begins to deteriorate when his father banged his fist on the table really hard so that the plates and the cutlery jumped around. He also shouts at Christopher. This was the first time his father had lost his patience with him. Later in the novel Christopher made a huge mistake which made the relationship fall apart. His father found the book Christopher was writing and reacted by swearing at him and eventually hit him. This made their relationship hit rock bottom and Christopher began to become scared of his father. The Christopher find out that his father had lied about is mother being dead and that he killed Wellington. After he finds out he cant trust his father anymore. This causes him to run away to find his mother. When he is at his mothers house his father comes to her house shouting and demanding to see Christopher but he doesn’t want to speak to him but their relationship wills never be the same again. As Christopher has Aspergers he is obsessed with certain things for instance, he likes everything to be in an order and good days and blacks days. He works out if he’s having a good day or a black day from cars. If he saw three red cars it was a good day and if he saw four yellows it was black days. He also is obsessed with maths and physics because he likes them and he is very good at them. He likes so much as they only have one answer and are straightforward which helps him to understand them. In the novel Christopher explains his dream. In his dream everyone on the earth is dead except from the people who don’t understand facial expressions like Christopher. Everyone dies because they all catch a virus. They catch the virus because of the meaning of something an infected person says and what facial expressions they do when they say it. After everyone is dead and there is only people left like Christopher, he can do whatever he wants and never see anyone as they all like being alone. The symbolic significance in the dream is that everyone who is alive is like Christopher. Therefore in the dream Christopher fits in and life is a lot easier because everyone tells the truth and no emotions are included. So they all understand each other and they are all happy. One key scene in the novel is when Christopher finds the letters from his mother and realises she isn’t dead. When he first realised what was going on he felt sick and confused. This is the first time we can see Christopher experiencing emotional pain. He doesn’t know what to do so he just sits curled up in a ball for a long time and doesn’t speak. This scene helps us to understand Christopher’s condition as it shows us that when Christopher is confused or emotional he doesn’t speak or do anything so that he can either analyse what’s happening or to try put the subject out of his mind. Another key scene in the novel is when Christopher talks about when people tell you what to do it normally doesn’t make sense or it’s confusing. For example, keep of the grass signs. He thinks that they should say â€Å"keep off the grass around this sign or keep of the grass in this park. † people without Aspergers would understand this sign but as Christopher has Aspergers this sign confuses him. It confuses him because he thinks abut it logically and realises that there is a lot of grass that you are allowed to walk on. This scene also helps us understand Christopher’s condition because it shows us that everything he sees he has to be able to understand it logically to be able to understand it at all. In conclusion, I think the novel was really good. I liked how it was written through the eyes of someone with Aspergers as it helped you understand the novel more and also taught you about people with the condition. I also think that because it was written in narrative style it helped you to respond to Christopher better and really understands what he was going through and how he seen the world from his point of view.