Linguistics Essays William Labov

Linguistics Essays William Labov William Labov’s narrative analysis differs from some of the earlier approaches in that his method focuses on oral narrative instead of written text. William Labov’s narrative analysis differs from some of the earlier approaches in that his method focuses on oral narrative instead of written text. Earlier linguists, such as Ferdinand de Saussure, believed in a structural approach. This meant that language had to be approached as a fixed, clearly defined set of symbols, which furthermore had to be studied in isolation. However, later linguists, among them Uriel Weinrich, Labov’s mentor, believed that the structural approach failed to assist us in understanding â€Å"the transition of a language from state to state† (Labov 1972:xv). Labov’s focus has been to study language as it is spoken, as a fluid and constantly changing dynamic. Most of Labov’s model of narrative analysis is based on his belief that â€Å"one cannot understand the development of a language change apart from the social life of the community in which it occurs† (1972:3). He feels strongly that observing and recording sound changes is not enough to understand the process of change—that one has to view that change within the context of the community in which it is being made, as it is being made. Using this theory, he carefully chose communities where he felt he could do this most effectively. He conducted the first of several in-depth studies in Martha’s Vineyard, a small, closed island community located in Dukes County, Massachusetts. Labov saw Martha’s Vineyard as an ideal study site primarily because it was very self-contained. In addition, it was physically isolated, located three miles from the mainland. For his next series of studies, Labov selected parts of New York City. One particular area he focused on in the New York City study focused on Black English as it was used in certain parts of the city, specifically Harlem. Although Harlem did not have geographical distance from New York the way Martha’s Vineyard did from Massachusetts, racial and socioeconomic boundaries made it an isolated community in its own way. The main points of Labov’s model were first published in 1972 in an essay entitled â€Å"The Transformation of Experience in Narrative Syntax.† In this essay Labov introduces and explains what he sees as the six main parts of a narrative. He discusses each part as a tool which we can use to analyze narrative patterns, to help recognize recurring themes and ideas. The six main parts of Labov’s model are: abstract; orientation; complicating action; evaluation; resolution; and coda. It is not necessary that all six of these be present in every narrative; for example, some narratives will not have an abstract, while others may not have a coda. Additionally, these components need not appear in a specific order, and each may be present in a variety of ways—these factors are also considered in the final analysis. Labov uses the term â€Å"abstract† to refer to the introductory part of the narrative. This may be, literally, an â€Å"abstract,† or a brief summary of the events; or it may be simply a line or two that will spark the reader’s interest. The role of the abstract is to attract the listener’s interest, and to get the listener to want to hear the rest of the story. The next stage is called â€Å"orientation.† During this phase the speaker gives the listener information about the setting of the story. For example, the speaker will introduce and describe the people or characters who will interact in the story, as well the setting (the place the action occurs) and the time frame. For the story to be valid and understandable to the reader, it is essential that he or she be informed of the time and place in which the narrative unfolds. Following orientation is the â€Å"complicating action.† This refers to the actual events of the narrative, the occurrences that move it ahead. Complicating actions may be physical actions. They may be also be statements spoken aloud, or they may be thought acts â€Å"Evaluation† refers to the point, or reason, the narrative is being told, and it can be done in a number of ways. â€Å"Evaluations† may be specifically and clearly stated, or they may be implied. â€Å"Internal† evaluations are those revealed while the story is taking place, while â€Å"external† evaluations take place outside the immediate action of the story (for example, after the story is told). Another evaluation technique is the â€Å"embedded evaluation.† This can be an explanation offered by one of the people in the story, or by the storyteller directly. In addition, it may also be an event in the story. Following this is what Labov calls the â€Å"result† or â€Å"resolution†: this, basically, is the conclusion. At this point the narrator indicates that the story has come to a close, that a final action has occurred. Finally, there may be a â€Å"coda.† By â€Å"coda† Labov means that the narrator points out the relevance of the story by connecting it with every-day life, or with other events or actions that fall outside the story frame. The coda does not always have to be present. It may also be present without being explicitly stated. One of the issues to be discussed concerning Labov’s model for narrative analysis is the method of data collection, since â€Å"the means used to gather the data interfere with the data to be gathered† (Labov 1972:43). The interview itself may be considered â€Å"public speech.† However, even within this realm, there are other conditions to be considered. For example, does the relationship of the interviewer to the interviewee affect the latter’s speech patterns? Does the use of a recording device affect the interviewee’s choice of words, perhaps make word selection more formal than it ordinarily would be? One way of monitoring this is to compare the subject’s speech patterns during the course of the interview with his or her speech patterns outside the interview setting. For example, the interviewer could also observe the subject while he or she is relaxed with peers or family members in a less formal setting. Labov’s model has strongly influenced language studies since its introduction in 1972, and it continues to be influential in additional settings. With the widespread growth of the internet, we now have a new, informal sort of communication.   Linguist Michael Toolan suggests that Labov’s model is a useful tool in the analysis of internet writing. Internet writing is often less formal than academic or other types of writing, but more structured than spoken language. Thus, Labov’s model remains effective today. As language itself continues to grow and change, it is quite probable that Labov’s model will grow to accommodate that change, and to continue to be a useful tool in years to come. REFERENCES Labov, William (1972) Socioloinguistic Patterns. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. Toolan, Michael (1988) Narrative: A Critical Linguistic Introduction London: Routledge.

Internet, Extranet, Email in companies Essay -- essays research papers

The ever-changing world of technology is making the world become smaller every day. Businesses and organizations are taking advantage of the advances in technology to improve their organizations. Technology’s influence reaches beyond improving relations within an organization to enhancing an organization’s ability to service its customers. But even more than that technology is influencing the shape of the organization itself. In order to realize the impact of technology on business organizations, the following paper will focus on how organizations use technology within an organization (intranet, email), how organizations use technology to communicate with and service clients or customers, and finally how organizations are using the current technology to train both employees and customers. How are businesses utilizing technology with their organizations? Email Many businesses at the very least are taking advantage of the current technology to implement email systems. Email systems, in addition to traditional methods of communication including telephones, voice mail and face-to-face interactions are increasing the ease of communication between people in an organization. Through the use of email, people are able to send messages on a one-to-one basis, or to send broadcast messages to an entire organization, or to send messages to a specific group or department. Email provides an alternative to the traditional face-to-face or telephone communication that is necessary in business. With the increased productivity and demands that accompany day-to-day operations, people are always looking for ways to do more in less time. A written message sent via email can be short concise and to the point, eliminating some of the small talk that would normally take place in a face-to-face or telephone interaction. Another advantage of email is that people are able to respond when it is convenient for them. In a society where time is of the essence, people are able to sort through messages and to prioritize which ones should be addressed first. Furthermore, some people prefer sending email messages instead of face-to-face interactions because they are more likely to be intimidated by face-to-face communication. Email gives those types of people the freedom and the opportunity to say exactly what is on their mind. Electronic messaging systems are also a great asset to a manager... ...that studies to measure differences in student performance should go beyond just grades. Therefore, additional studies have included outcomes including student involvement, and participation, cognitive engagement, technology self-efficacy, attitudes toward the technology employed, the usefulness of the technology, attitudes toward technology-mediated distance learning and the relative advantage and disadvantage of distance learning . In order to achieve learning most effectively, methods should include the use of rich media, interaction between students and instructors, and instructors who project positive attitudes. As technology continues to advance, distance learning will continue to become more like traditional classroom training. More people are looking for alternative means for continuing education. Continuing education in organizations is becoming the rule, not the exception. In all areas, internally and externally organizations are embracing technology to get in touch with their workers and the world. The dynamic nature of technology will continue to push organizations in new directions and will continue to play a role in defining and shaping the organizations themselves.

Teaching: a Noblest Profesion

For the last 50 years, educators have devoted a great deal of energy to the debate whether teaching can be considered as a profession. Unfortunately, this turns out to be a wrong question, and so led us to the wrong sort of answers. Teaching is really a noble profession. Every one of us, including our nation’s President is the product of teaching. The teacher is the one who molds a child into what he will be in the future. In this study, we will learn about the teachers, and the nature, history, the art, essentials, strategies, cycle and imperatives of teaching.Teacher Teacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students. The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing. Origin The word â€Å"teacher† is the noun form of the verb ‘teach’, the word ‘teach’ derives from the English word tà ¦can which means to show, point out or give instruction. In 1290, the word teacher began to be used for the index finger or one ‘that point s out’. By 1300, it took on its modern meaning, or ‘one who teaches’. Teach in old English first meant â€Å"to present or to point out, instruct† and the word is Germanic origin.The word teacher was first used to mean ‘that which points out’ and then quickly became used in the sense of â€Å"instructor†. Great Teachers A teacher shapes the personality of his student. They help child reach the highest possible degree of personal development. A good teacher not only shows the right path that the students should follow but also prepares the human resource for the further development of the nation. Most Famous Teacher Some of the most important men in history have been teachers. The most famous teacher in the western world was Jesus of Nazareth.His teaching had two aspects, both vitally important and closely connected. He taught his own pupils, the Jewish people, his pupils were with him all the time. They were all poor, ordinary men, simp le and good. He also taught the general public. He read out a piece of the scriptural books and then explains it to the others. But more often Jesus delivered short speeches in the open air, huge crowds gather to hear him, and simply hoping they would learn something. Nature of Teaching Teaching is regarded as the noblest of all professions in the world.It is an occupation that will not give you a promotion on very easily base on your performance. In its broadest sense, teaching is a process that facilitates learning. The choice of learning activities whereby the goals of education are realized in the school is the responsibility of the teaching profession. Teachers vary in their views of nature of teaching. Over the years many have debated on whether teaching is an art or a science or both. Others view teaching as a system. As an art, teaching calls for intuition, inspiration, talent and creativity.Teachers who adhere to this view look at students as individuals with different abil ities and backgrounds. These teachers believe that teaching requires an ability to see through and respond to individual differences among learners. As a science, teaching requires knowledge of scientific discoveries regarding the teaching- learning process, the objectives of education, subject matter and the nature of learners. Teacher who believes in this point of view consider knowledge and applications of techniques already tested to bring out learning as vital in their success as teachers.When viewed as both, teaching requires striking a balance between the application of proven instructional principles and the use of intuitive approach of an artist. Teaching as a system, requires an understanding of the role of the more mature, experienced members of society in stimulating, managing and guiding the immature. Teaching Teaching is all about inspiring, engaging, and empowering our children and young people. It is about making a difference to future generations. History In ancient India, China, Egypt and Judea, teaching was often performed by a priest or prophet, and the teacher enjoyed prestige and privilege.Among the Jews, many adults considered teachers the guide to salvation and urged children to honor their teachers even more than their parents. By the Middle Ages in Europe (5th century to 15th century), the Roman Catholic Church had taken over the responsibility for teaching, which was conducted in monasteries and specially designated learning centers. In North America a commitment to education played an important role in colonial development of the continent. They also valued the role of higher education.They considered education not only a means of harnessing talent in the nation, but also a means of teaching people the demands of democratic citizenship. The Art of Teaching Teaching has defined not simply as a process of imparting knowledge nor getting a message across but rather a process of communicating aimed at affecting desirable changes in the behavior of the learner. It holds the key to character of its people. Teaching is not an easy task. It’s an art form; one that requires craft, sensitivity, creativity, and intelligence. Essentials of Good Teaching There are different ways of good teaching.The primary characteristic of the teacher is to like children. A teacher must not only like the young because they are young. He must enjoy their company in groups. Meanwhile, it is enough to point out that there are many pupils than teachers in the world. Others include, proper training, patience, sense of humor, excellent attendance, hardworking, skill in lesson planning, interest in each child, patience and creating a positive learning atmosphere and developing a good rapport without showing favoritism. Hardest Jobs in Teaching The teachers play many roles.The roles they played include the following: controller, assessor, a resource, coach, tutor, organizer, facilitator, counselor, an instructor, a provider of experiences , model, motivator, authority, arbiter, examiner, disciplinarian, balancer, mentor, prompter, participant, performer, rapport builder, public relations, specialist and parents surrogate. There are many jobs in teaching, but one of the hardest jobs is to be a leader. As a leader she is first to act to show ready, willing and active participation, first to show how things should be done correctly, and first to take a principal role in any group undertakings.Above all, she is able to move the members, has full command and authority and can influence others to follow. Teacher leadership roles also vary in accordance with the professional development experience of the teacher. Teaching Strategies There are varieties of teaching that instructors can use to improve student learning. Listening At the four language skills, listening has been sadly neglected. Students listening comprehension usually lags behind. They lack the ability to comprehend the spoken language.Because language is basic ally oral, students should develop their listening and speaking skills side by side with their reading and writing skills. Speaking In language teaching, the teacher serves as a model to the students. Teacher should therefore, be able to produce the vowel and consonant sounds correctly for the student’s imitate. Before the students can actually communicate in sentences, they have to know the sound system of the language. Hence, from the kindergarten to the sixth grade, pronunciation lessons are a must.Students should know the proper stress of words, phrases and sentences and observe the proper stress of words, phrases, sentences, and observe the proper pauses when speaking to avoid misinterpretation of what they hear and to be understood by other. Reading Teaching strategies in reading are based on the philosophy and theories regarding the meaning, nature and structure of reading. They are also based on the important foundation disciplines such physiology, linguistics and soc iology. Reading is the process of making and getting meaning from printed word symbols.Efficient reading is an active dialogue between author and reader. The efficient reader is ready to evaluate, challenge and criticize reading materials. The man who read well is the man who leads. Writing Before one can teach properly, however, one must first have a clear idea of what good writing is and how it is produced. Based on the concept of writing as a thought process, the teacher of writing is concerned with developing in the learner ability to marsh all his ideas in such a way that he is able to select what are important and relevant to his purpose, at the same time to present them in a coherent and logical order.The pupil must learn to manipulate English patterns in order to produce texts that are grammatically acceptable, and they are required to learn how to organize sentences in a way that a definite communication purpose is served such as narrating, arguing, defining, explaining, de scribing, etc. Planning for Effective Learning and Teaching These days, many people can be a teacher, but the question is, are these people can be an effective teacher? Clearly, to be an effective teacher is more complicated and difficult than many people think.Effective teachers are distinguished by their dedication to the students and to the job of teaching, and feel responsible for the achievement and success of the students and own professional development. Effective teachers really believe that all students can learn, although all learn differently. Teachers will benefit when they learn how to plan for effective teaching and learning. Planning lessons for a whole school year can be challenging, but they can be successful if they start early and continue modifications throughout the year. Effective learning in school doesn’t happen by accident. Good lessons have to be planned for.It is important that a teacher understands clearly what he should do to bring about desirable learning in the students. This is his main role. He needs to plan his work. Planning for effective teaching is a lengthy process, but teaching the lesson, requires implementation and skill. Planning effective learning and teaching experiences are one of the skills the teacher has to develop. Planning insures more or less the direction that his efforts will take. Careful planning can give the teacher a sense of confidence in overcoming nervousness and preventing wastage and confusion especially during the first days of teaching.Teaching Imperatives In order to guarantee a continuing professional development of teachers these three distinct concerns must be applied: Knowledge Teachers must be sensitive, daring and ready to explore and widen the scope and coverage of the content they are teaching. They must not only be grounded in the basics of discipline, steep in recent trends, new understandings and logical predictions characteristics of professional growth, but more importantly we ll-versed in assimilating and sustaining valuable learning.Skills Teachers play a significant role in developing the same skills and creativity in using the technologies must appropriate for the kind and nature of learning desired. They will be the most effective to provide such assistance only if they have been sufficiently trained and prepared for it. Attitudes and Values Knowledge and skills will undoubtedly enhance and nurtured if some valuable personal and professional values are firmly developed.Teachers whose main responsibility is to mold the minds of the young should e imbued with such values as critical mindedness, creativity and innovativeness, strong motivation, to grow professionally and to adopt to the challenges of societal changes. In conclusion, teachers are the guiding light to students. Teachers are miracle workers when it comes to trying to get every student to pass a test. Teachers are also a knowledgeable worker, transporting much knowledge while shaping the mi nds of our youth and thus have a responsibility and image to uphold. In order to maintain structure of professionalism in the educational environment, education systems need to take steps to make sure they handle this task efficiently.

Rhetorical Modes Matrix Essay

The art of telling stories. Structure – Usually in chronological order, which events are told in the order in which they occurred Two Tips – 1. A plot summary can help you create a chronological outline. 2. Start with a strong intro to hook your reader into wanting to continue reading. Illustration: Purpose – Clearly demonstrates and supports a point through the use of evidence. Structure – Order of importance: arranges ideas according to their significance Two Tips. Use evidence that is appropriate to your topic as well as your audience. 2. Vary the phrases of illustration you used, it is critical when trying to keep readers engaged Description: Purpose – To make sure your audience is fully immersed in the words on the page by using sensory details. Structure – Spatial Order, depending on the writer, descriptions could go from top to bottom or left to right. Two Tips – 1. Avoid â€Å"empty† descriptors if possible. 2. Use spatial order to organize your descriptive writing. Classification: Purpose – To break broad subjects down into smaller, more manageable, and more specific parts Structure – Organized by breaking it down into subcategories Two Tips – 1. Choose topics you know well when writing this type of essays. 2. Make sure you break down your topic at least three different ways. Process Analysis: Purpose – The purpose is to explain how to do something or how something works. Structure – In chronological order, step by step instructions on how something is accomplished Two Tips – 1. Always have someone else read it to make sure it makes sense. 2. Always use strong details and clear examples Definition: Purpose – The purpose is to simply define something. Structure – It is organized by context, the circumstance, conditions, or settings in which something occurs or exists Two Tips – 1. Avoid terms that are too simple, that lack complexity. 2. you are more likely to write a more interesting essay if you are writing about something you are familiar with. Compare & Contrast: Purpose – To determine how various phenomena are related in terms of origins and results. Structure – The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in two primary ways: 1. Start with the cause(s) and then talk about the effect(s); or 2. Start with the effect(s) and then talk about the causes. Two Tips – 1. As soon as you claim that one cause or effect is more crucial than the others, you have developed a thesis. 2. Be sure to have clear evidence to support the claims that you make. Cause & Effect: Purpose – To convince, motivate or move readers toward a certain point of view or opinion Structure – Structural Components: Intro & thesis, Opposing & qualifying ideas, Strong evidence, Style & tone, Compelling conclusion Two Tips – 1. A productive approach is to persuade your reader to consider your opinion as a valid one, one simply the right one. Avoid forming a thesis based on a negative claim Persuasion: Purpose- Persuasive writing, also referred to as a creative writing or an argument, is a piece of writing in which the writer uses words to convince the reader of his/her view regarding an issue. Structure- Persuasive writing, also referred to as a creative writing or an argument, is a piece of writing in which the writer uses words to convince the reader of his/her view regarding an issue. Two Tips – 1. Do not neglect opposing viewpoints and arguments in the essay. 2. Acknowledging other viewpoints can actually strengthen your own points.

Low Maintenance Alternatives to Grass

Low Maintenance Alternatives to Grass Grass lawns first appeared in Europe in medieval times, status symbols for the rich that had to be kept trimmed by fairly labor-intensive methods, often by grazing livestock and certainly not by polluting lawn mowers and poisonous weed killers. Lawns actually did not become popular in North America until the middle of the 20th century, but are now as common as the middle-class suburban homes they surround. It Takes Water and Money to Keep Grass Lawns Green Besides hogging public water supplies- over 50 percent of U.S. residential water usage goes to irrigate lawns- a 2002 Harris Survey found that American households spend $1,200 per year on residential lawn care. Indeed, the booming lawn care industry is more than eager to convince us that our grass can be greener- and then sell us all the synthetic fertilizers, toxic pesticides, and leaky lawnmowers to make it so. Groundcover Plants and Clover Require Less Maintenance than Grass Lawns There are many alternatives to a carpet of monochromatic grass for one’s property. A variety of groundcover plants and clover can be used instead, as they spread out and grow horizontally and require no cutting. Some varieties of groundcover are Alyssum, Bishops Weed, and Juniper. Common clovers include Yellow Blossom, Red Clover, and Dutch White, the best suited of the three for lawn use. Groundcover plants and clovers naturally fight weeds, act as mulch and add beneficial nitrogen to the soil. Flowers, Shrubs and Ornamental Grasses Consider using flower and shrub beds, which can be â€Å"strategically located to add color and interest while expanding the low maintenance areas of your yard,† and planting ornamental grasses. Ornamental grasses, many which flower, have numerous benefits over conventional grasses, including low maintenance, little need for fertilizer, minimal pest, and disease problems and resistance to drought. However tempting, though, try to avoid planting invasive plants. Anyway, native plants often require less water and general maintenance. Moss Plants are Another Alternative to Grass Lawns According to David Beaulieu, moss plants should also be considered, especially if your yard is shady: â€Å"Because they are low-growing and can form dense mats, moss plants can be considered an alternative ground cover for landscaping and planted as ‘shade gardens’ in lieu of traditional lawns.† Moss plants do not possess true roots, he points out, instead deriving their nutrients and moisture from the air. As such they like wet surroundings and also soil with a pH that is acidic. The Benefits of Grass Lawns In all fairness, lawns do have a few plusses. They make great recreational spaces, prevent soil erosion, filter contaminants from rainwater and absorb many kinds of airborne pollutants. So you might still keep a short section of lawn, one that can be mowed with a few easy strokes. If you do, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends avoiding traditional synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. The Best Ways to Care for Grass Lawns A number of all-natural alternatives are now widely available at nurseries. Natural lawn care advocates also advise mowing high and often so that grass can out-compete any nascent weeds. Leaving clippings where they land, so they can serve as natural mulch, helps prevent weeds from getting a foothold.

7 Resume Mistakes Youre Making That Are Costing You the Job

7 Resume Mistakes Youre Making That Are Costing You the Job At ResumeSpice, we spend a lot of talking to job seekers about how to best present themselves to potential employers. We’ve written quite a bit about it too. However, there are a few universal standards about what not to do on your resume and the team at ResumeSpice has included some of the most common. Regardless of your background and experiences, these mistakes can hurt your chances of landing your dream job. Don’t give misinformationThere are so many reasons not to include misinformation on your resume. Aside from the clear ethical issues, chances are you will be found out. Whether it’s through a reference check or due to the fact that you’re not really that great at the software you claimed mastery of in your resume, time will expose exaggerations and mistruths.   Don’t risk your long-term future for a short-term payoff. Stick to the truth.Lest you think lying on a resume is limited to entry level candidates, here are some high-profile exampl es of higher-level candidates who were caught.Don’t include your nationality, religion, age, or other â€Å"protected† informationThis is particularly relevant to candidates from outside the U.S. where it may not only be accepted, but expected to include information about nationality, age, religion, and other protected classes. But if you’re applying for a job in the U.S., you’ll want to leave this information off.Certain groups of the workforce are protected classes under federal law. As such, employers can be held liable for not hiring someone based on their fitting within certain protected classes, so including that information can make them skip over you to avoid any accusations of discrimination later on.Don’t list your referencesEmployers know that you have references, and it’s understood that they’ll ask for them once they’re seriously considering your candidacy. Don’t waste valuable space on your resume by includ ing references. Don’t even write â€Å"references available by request.†Don’t include meaningless pufferyThere are words and phrases that don’t mean much on your resume. Those phrases like â€Å"team-player,† â€Å"hard-worker,† â€Å"excellent communicator† are all ones you should avoid. The first and most obvious reason is that it takes up space. The second is that those are qualities that every employee should have. If you need some soft skills to include on your resume, demonstrate how you’ve put them in action. Have you led a team? Given presentations and received great feedback? Sharing examples is more powerful than including a list of generic terms.Don’t leave out pertinent informationPertinent information are things like the dates of employ at each company and your contact information (yes, people actually leave out their contact information).Your tenure at each company is important to recruiters, so do yourself a favor and make sure they’re listed. If you’re worried about a career gap, there are several ways you can overcome that on your resume, or you can address it in a cover letter.Don’t include jobs from 20+ years agoIf you have a solid resume and career experience, there’s no need to include the snow cone stand you worked at in high school.   The jobs from long, long ago are likely irrelevant to the types of jobs you’re seeking now. The only time a job during high school might be acceptable to include is if you’re a recent graduate.Don’t use the same resume for each applicationEach company you’re applying to is unique in the sense that they all have different business goals and needs. That’s why they advertise specific qualifications. For each role, pick out several key words that feel really important to the job and interlace your resume with them.   For example, if a company writes that agency experience isn’ t required, but it’s preferred, you’ll definitely want to highlight any agency experience you might have.Everyone wants their resume to stand out, but it needs to stand out for the right reasons, and we think it’s just as important to understand what not to do as it is to understand what to do. We welcome you to visit  ResumeSpice  for more help.About ResumeSpice: ResumeSpice is an online career services company, offering a comprehensive menu of career services to help job seekers land the job of their dreams. From resume writing to cover letter, interviewing, LinkedIn, and career coaching services, job seekers are able to select from a suite of options that meet their needs. ResumeSpice was developed by recruiters based on first-hand knowledge of what recruiters, hiring managers, and HR professionals are really looking for in a successful candidate. For more information, visit  www.resumespice.com.

An Analysis of the Impact of Decreasing Trees in the Amazon Rain Forest

An Analysis of the Impact of Decreasing Trees in the Amazon Rain Forest Environmental Issue In recent years, there have been concerted efforts by leaders and nations around the world to confront the array of environmental issues currently facing the global community. Whether coming through dedicated promises to scale back on detrimental practices, or taking action in reducing the unsustainable business operations that many undertake, it is clear that we are at a pivotal time in history that will determine the well-being and future of our planet. In doing so, there are a plethora of issues that threaten future generations and environmental stability, with one of the more prominent and wide-reaching being that of deforestation. The concept of deforestation, in a simplistic sense, is that of cutting down trees and natural agricultural life as a means of using the lumber and resources for production purposes. Undoubtedly, trees are a crucial part in providing lumber for a broad range of activities, ranging from papermaking to building homes, and without such natural resources w ould have made it historically impossible to scale and grow civilizations at the rate that they have. However, recent technological advancements have provided new means of producing the very same resources in more sustainable manners, yet major corporations and proponents of deforestation continue to employ practices that are unsustainable. In order to better understand the overarching impacts of deforestation, it is necessary to first analyze the historical background of the issue, and how it has become such a major issue today. In doing so, deforestation has had a long history, dating back more than 500 years, as humans realized the benefits that came with transforming trees into lumber and other raw materials to be used in the production of various goods. As such, the impacts of deforestation and the centuries which it has lasted have left marks on the natural world, providing insight as to how detrimental it has been. Studies provide insight into the various periods throughout human history wherein deforestation occurred, shedding light on how long the practice has truly been around. As such, â€Å"In the classical worldGreek expansion to the eastern Mediterranean and Roman expansion westward led to remarkable deforestation; the consequent soil degradation was a major factor in the decline of the classical world. F or the medieval periodthe ways in which remarkable increases in population, medieval technology of plows and horsepower, cottage industry, shipbuilding, and crusades led to large-scale deforestation.† (Williams, 2008) Although these are only two examples of specific eras where deforestation was witnessed, it is clear that the methodologies existed for much of human history, and have only been magnified at scale in recent years. With the start of the Industrial Revolution throughout Europe, and processes of acquiring these resources became more automated, the world shifted into an era of inordinate unsustainability, one in which the modern community is continuing to undergo. As these actions became more efficient and profitable, it has since led to extensive declines in the forests around the world, with one of the most notable including that of the Amazon rainforest. Before delving into the case of the Amazon rainforest, it is necessary to touch on the impacts that deforestation has on the global community. In doing so, â€Å"the act of deforestation has impacted on the world in term of depreciating the natural environment and wildlife. It has also impacted on humans on the account of changes in environmental support processes such as weather conditionsFor more than one hundred years, the number of trees on the planet has plummeted, resulting in devastating consequences such as biodiversity loss, soil erosion, species extinction, global warming, and interference with the water cycle.† (EarthEclipse) The inevitable and explicit impacts of deforestation are apparent in the continued detriment to the climate, degradation of animal species and biodiversity, and an overall skewing of the Earth’s natural processes. In this regard, deforestation has had some of the most significant impacts on human lifestyles and the planet as a whole, beg ging the question as to why new methodologies have yet to be implemented. When it comes to the Amazon rainforest, this region is renown for its lush and vibrant ecology, the abundance of animal and insect species that find their homes in the area, and unfortunately, is one of the few remaining thriving rainforests left in the global community. With a plethora of resources available for commercial reasons, corporations began to take advantage of the benefits the region would provide them, setting up their operations in close proximity in order to maximize their profits. Specifically so, â€Å"forests in the Amazon were cleared faster than ever before in the late 1970s through the mid-2000s. Vast areas of rainforest were felled for cattle pasture and soy farms, drowned for dams, dug up for minerals, and bulldozed for towns and colonization projects. At the same time, the proliferation of roads opened previously inaccessible forests to settlement by poor farmers, illegal logging, and land speculators.† (Butler, 2017) With productions processes growing more and more efficient, large corporations opted out of changing their strategies towards sustainability, and rather continued to use detrimental practices to fuel their revenues and bottom line. The impact that these large corporations have had on the Amazon rainforest is breathtakingly disastrous, and manifest themselves in various ways. This includes the degradation of ecosystems and animal life, leading to extinctions of species, increased fires as a result of selective logging, natural droughts, record-breaking pollution levels found in the air, as well as natural disasters such as landslides that have directly cost human lives. These are just a few of the overt and explicit effects that deforestation has had on the Amazon rainforest, as such effects continue to worsen without any meaningful reform taking place. Understandably so, the issues that are debated on both sides have created chatter in the public sphere, making it clear that there must be some extent of resolution fo und to alleviate the concerns of both sides. However, thus far, attempts to implement such policies have been futile, despite the capabilities that advancements have provided to reduce reliance on natural resources derived from deforestation. Stakeholder Groups In understanding the various stakeholder groups which exist in regards to the deforestation issue, it can be found that these people include the heads of corporations that find their industry reliant upon these resources, environmentalists that believe reform can be made to allow for more sustainable productions, as well as public policy officials that aim to appease both of the aforementioned stakeholders to remain popular and be reelected. These three groups all of differing intentions and arguments when it comes to deforestation, and providing a cohesive resolution for all sides is the only way to reduce the level of forest clearing that has run rampant in recent years. First and foremost, it is crucial to understand the arguments and claims made by corporate individuals, as they look to increase their profits and ensure their companies continue to thrive. One of the primary arguments made by proponents of deforestation is that it provides a greater area to be inhabited by people, especially considering the burgeoning population issue that is currently taking place. In doing so, their claims state that, â€Å"with 10 billion people expected to be on the planet by 2050 and the never-ending growth explosion in sight, space has become more of a premium necessity on Earth. When there are forests on lands that could be utilized for habitation, then removing them can create more livable space. Commercial establishments and homes will also be built using the products that have been removed from the biome.† (GreenGarage) This point, which is valid in and of itself, then is backed up by another argument, that the resources derived from deforestation c an be used to better the lives of individuals who use those resources. Whether lumber for homes, or the plants and parts used to make paper and napkins, corporate executives can make the argument that deforestation provides the resources and goods that people purchase around the world. Another common claim that is made by proponents of deforestation is that it provides much needed economic support to the nations in which the practice occurs. Due to the fact that many of the major forests, especially the Amazons, are present in underdeveloped and impoverished countries, companies claim that deforestation allows them to establish operations in these countries, providing jobs for the locals who desperately need them. In this sense, the proposed establishments will bring about a win-win situation, both due to the affordable labor and acquisition to resources for the major companies, as well as providing wages and means of subsistence for people who live within close proximity of the forests and factories in question. According to proponents, deforestation creates job opportunities, given that â€Å"as deforestation increases demand from the lumber, manufacture, transportation, and construction industries, more people will be needed to get the job done, thus an increas e in employment opportunities.† (FutureofWorking, 2016) Although this is undoubtedly a reasonable claim to make, the fact of the matter is that such jobs and employment have not benefitted those who are living in the area. Rather, any employment opportunities have been meager and detrimental to the laborers, as their wages are immensely subpar and working conditions can be dangerous. When it comes to the environmentalist viewpoint on deforestation, it is clear why so many eco-conscious and environmentally-friendly individuals have denounced the clearing of rainforests. In doing so, there are many arguments that are made in terms of the sustainability and capability to keep up these practices, and the overarching impacts that they have on the natural world. In doing so, one of the foremost claims regarding deforestation made by environmentalists is that such practices can lead to permanent and negligent outcomes for the planet, and the climate which is present throughout it. As such, â€Å"excessive clearing or thinning of forests can destabilize the world’s climate by releasing into the atmosphere millions of tons of greenhouse gasses normally stored in wood in the form of carbon. This can damage the atmosphere and lead to global warming and eventually climate change. By storing carbon, forests provide a major environmental benefit by reducing global warm ing.† (CIFOR) This is a claim not only echoed by opponents of deforestation, but similarly the world community, as the impacts and consequences of climate change are becoming ever more prevalent throughout the world, and measures are being taken to combat this issue. If deforestation remains such a prominent practice in the corporate and commercial world, it can lead to detrimental impacts of releasing more greenhouse gasses into the environment, which has already been scientifically proven to dramatically alter the climate and weather of the planet. This is a relevant and valid argument against deforestation, as the consequences that are apparent have a far more detrimental outcome than the positives that are proposed. Furthermore, another reason why environmentalists are so severely against the concept of deforestation, is due to the fact that it has disastrous effects on the biodiversity and ecosystems of the abundant plant and animal life that find their homes in the Amazon rainforest. In doing so, â€Å"most of the planet’s valuable biodiversity is within forests, particularly tropical ones. Moist tropical forests such as the Amazon have the greatest concentrations of animal and plant species of any terrestrial ecosystem; perhaps two-thirds of Earth’s species live only in these forests. As deforestation proceeds, it has the potential to cause the extinction of increasing numbers of these species.† (Pimm, 2016) With more animal species becoming extinct what seems like on a daily basis, it is clear that the impact of human’s has had an unnatural effect on the animals and other living creatures that are on the planet as well. These different species similarly have impor tant roles in the global community, and the eradication of their kind can lead to imbalance and unwanted consequences in the future if not confronted. This is a valid claim made by many environmentalists in regards to the results of deforestation, and provides insight as to how unsustainable practices can be detrimental to the Earth, and to our own species in terms of the lifestyles that are currently lived. The final group of stakeholders in this regard is that of policymakers around the world, but more specifically and importantly, those in the United States. It is apparent in the global community that many follow the lead established by US politicians, and the actions taken by them can make meaningful impacts when done in the right way. In regards to their interests and needs, these policymakers are primarily focused on catering to the interests of their constituents so as to be reelected, as well as the whim of corporate lobby groups, from whom they receive immense amounts of funding and campaign contributions to be reelected at all. This has created an interesting and difficult dichotomy between the interests of people and corporations, with the latter emerging victorious for the most part. This is primarily due to the fact that the general constituency is less aware of the environmental matters at hand, and do not have the funding to make it a widespread issue come election time. N onetheless, it is these people that have the capabilities and power to implement policy reforms that will benefit the environmental world, and without their leadership, no such changes can be made. Policy Approaches and Analysis The current policy in regards to deforestation is quite lax and nonexistent to begin with. Corporations have the ability to reach out to foreign governments, such as the ones in Brazil, and establish partnerships by which the company can establish their manufacturing plants in prime locations with close proximity to the rainforests, and on the other end the government is paid out quite handsomely by these corporate executives. Although the Brazilian government has become far more protective about their rainforests, the reality is that the United States has done little-to-nothing to dissuade corporations that are already established in the country to implement new and more sustainable processes. This, as a result, has led to no decrease in the purchase of raw materials coming out of the Amazon, and rather incentivized corporations to continue their destructive behavior. One of the potential policy options that can be implemented to combat deforestation is that of corporate establishments. In doing so, â€Å"one of the most profitable and ecologically sound alternatives to mass deforestation in the Amazon is to attract not only responsible logging companies but entice these companies to build production facilities within the nations that they are logging from. Most of the logging industry cuts down the timber and immediately ships it to foreign countries where their factories process the wood into timber and other wood products.† (Blahnik, 2002) The fact is, that even though companies claim they are bringing jobs into the country, they are simultaneously doing everything they can to pay as little as possible for the finished goods. Given the restrictions on some forms of timber and logging, corporations ship out their products immediately so that they are not tracked or cause concern for conservationist groups in the country. By enforcing law s that would ensure these companies set up their production facilities in the home country in which they get their resources, it would not only decrease the amount of deforestation that occurs, but furthermore provide the jobs that they claim to want to provide. A second way to ensure that deforestation can be better regulated and decreased in the global community, is through an incentive or punishment type of policy that can be levied by world governments. In doing so, â€Å"financial incentives created by REDD+ can also change business practices. The success of ‘payments for environmental services’ in such countries as Costa Rica and Mexico and the work of Brazilian ranchers and nongovernmental organizations to develop sustainable agriculture standards show how this can be done. Economic incentives combined with political activism offer a powerful lever for promoting development without deforestation.† (UCSUSA, 2010) The benefit of this is that companies can be provided incentives monetarily if they fit certain standards, and implement practices that would offset their negative impact on the environment. On the other hand, there can also be a punishment if there is an unwillingness to implement such operations. In doin g so, major countries that purchase from these companies, namely the United States, can levy higher tariffs and taxes on imports of these goods and the corporation as a whole, which will reduce the desire to practice unsustainably. Essentially, this will allow corporations the option to adopt the more ethical and conscious practices as a means of not only reducing their environmental footprint, but being able to sell their goods at a more effective and efficient manner Conclusion Overall, when looking at the concept of deforestation, and the widespread detriment it has caused to the environmental world, it is clear that we are reaching a point in history, where our actions will have long-term, perhaps permanent, effects and consequences on the planet. With deforestation ramping up as a result of technological advancements and innovations, it is even more important that these progressions are used for positive means, and not destructive ones. By implementing new policies and reforms that will empower corporations to be more sustainable, while punishing the ones who forgo the needs of the natural environment, it will reduce the level of unsustainable deforestation in the global community, while ensuring that the benefits and advantages of such regions remain intact for years to come.