Spoken and written discourses Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Spoken and written discourses - Essay Example The word discourse is picked from the Latin term ‘discursus’ which is defined as ‘conversation, speech.’ From a linguistic point of view the term discourse is defined as a continuous stretch of language, which is larger than a sentence and often constitutes coherent units such as argument, joke, sermon, or narrative A discourse is not necessarily long; short conversations/ groans can be equally described as discourse just as a novel would. Discourses may be classified in many ways: written or spoken discourse; classification according to level of formality; classification according to genre; or classification according to the number of participants, whether on or many.For a conversation to be classified as a written or spoken discourse it needs to fulfill several criteria as Beaugrande (1981) explains. They include cohesion, coherence, intentionality, acceptability, informativeness, situationality, and intersexuality. This paper compares the written and spok en discourses. Differences between Spoken and Written discourses The main difference between spoken and written discourse lies in the fact that spoken language must be understood immediately whereas written discourse can be referred to many times (Crystal 1997). Unlike in written discourses, which involves medium that keeps a record of its conveyed message, spoken discourse involves only air and thus conversation is possible only up to the moment it occurs. The speed of conversation also varies between the two mediums of discourse. In spoken discourse, the speaker uses the speed that is appropriate for him/her; such speed is not necessarily convenient for the listener. The speed in spoken discourses is usually varying but faster than in written discourses. Other differences may be classified into: Contextualization Spoken discourse offers a natural form of speech where the audience is usually present. This speech facilitates effective communication since the speakers are able to get feedback from their listeners. This, however, means that spoken discourse has more repetition as the audience asks for clarification on unclear points. Written discourse as Crystal (1997) explains has an audience that is usually farther away and mostly unknown. Writers experience some disconnect in relation to the audience since the audience is not nearby; the writers only try to imagine what their intended audience would appreciate. Such a distance makes writing discourses inherently more difficult compared to spoken discourses. However, some genres of spoken discourse such as academic discourse, have minimal context of shared content, no feedback is encouraged immediately. On the other hand, some written discourses also employ the feedback of the readers who provide background information of the discourses usually through interviews. Spontaneity Spoken discourses tend to be largely unorganized where topics can change at any moment; interruption and overlapping of communication ca n occur often (Halliday 1989). In the spoken discourses, speakers can ask for clarification as well as correct what has already been said. Written discourses, on the other hand, are more organized and grammatical (Halliday 1989). The audiences of written discourses only get the finished product and cannot make any modification or clarification. The written discourses are having limited ways of conveying their message; written discourses are more constrained. Lexical characteristics Spoken discourses have a lower percentage of different words than written discourses. Spoken discourses are marked with longer and more repetitions unlike written discourses where repetitions are limited. Spoken discourses generally have shorter, less complex phrases. They contain more verb-based phrases and less abstract words. In addition to this, they also contain more words that refer to the speaker (Halliday 1989). Written discourses, on the other hand, have a more complex lexical characteris

HFSD Coursework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

HFSD Coursework - Essay Example Our consultancy services include an exhaustive evaluation of the existing website of Domestic Appliance Services to identify any limitations which exist. Additionally, recommendations would also be made on improvements and steps would be taken to restructure the website in such a manner that it would be able to attract more custom. The consultancy services involve charges of $650 per day. The process of assessment of the website and preparing a written report, followed by implementation of restructuring plans for the website would involve a period of about five days, which amounts to a total investment expense of  £3250. This would be a one time expense rather than a recurring one and when offset against the losses that are happening on a daily basis through lost business, it could prove to be an investment that would be recovered within a day or so. The cost of an individual appliance is itself in about that range. For every sale that is lost, there is a potential loss of several thousands of dollars. Therefore, when the website is restructured in such a manner that it is able to harvest as many sales as possible through effective promotion and interactive links that pick up and follow through on customer enquiries and interest, it would result in improvements in revenue for Domestic Appliance Services that would surpass the investment of  £3250 that the Company would need to make. On this basis, Domestic Appliance Services might like to consider hiring the services of the Consultancy to undertake a detailed examination of the existing website in order to identify any existing limitations and restructure the website. An initial assessment is offered on the basis of the following aspects (a) navigation (b) attractiveness of design (c) ease of use (d) attractiveness of interface. In terms of navigation, the site has some problems. For

Business Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 15

Business Law - Essay Example One can say that barrister’s line of work does not involve management and administration of legal work related to personal or company clients. Their practice involves representing their clients in case in front of judge, and jury to advocate. The law society of England and Wales define barristers as legal professionals â€Å"who are instructed by the solicitors and have little or no legal contact with the client† (The-Law-Society, 2010) Solicitors are also type of lawyers however their line of work is more related to work in Magistrates and County Courts. Advocacy is small part of their line of work and they are more involved in dealing with commercial and personal dealings that involve legal work, corporate matters, land, and other possessions work. The law society defines Solicitors as legal professionals â€Å"who advice on all kind of legal matters, from buying a home to selling of a corporation†(The-Law-Society, 2010) There are many differences between solicitors and barristers; however at the same time it is hard to define them separately. Many times their professions cross line and overlap each other’s work. It can be said that barristers are types of lawyers who only represent their client in the courts or in front of jury; they are normally instructed by the solicitors rather than the client. Their line of work mostly involves advocacy. On the other hand Solicitors are the type of lawyers who can be involve in many legal aspects such as preparing a case, advising, drafting legal work, and basically doing daily management of a legal case. (David and Brierley, 1978) Other differences could be minor and can be as many as 7-10. For instance one of the differences is that a Barrister will have a specialized knowledge and practice of one aspect of legal system, and Solicitor’s practice will be more related to general knowledge of legal system. (Zander, 2007) One easy way of defining these professions separately

(Analytical Essay) on the field of International Relations Essay

(Analytical ) on the field of International Relations - Essay Example More specifically, the essay shall highlight on the other alternatives that are existent in an endeavor to maximize the states’ security. The essay shall also shed light on the case of Iran and the alternatives of development of regional hegemony among the members, accessing wealth and achieving nuclear superiority, as factors that would reduce chances of war attempts in the name of securing peace and security. One of the aspects that can allow for peace and security among states relate to development of regional hegemony among the members. According to Richard & Michael, (pp.71), regional hegemony refers to maximizing security in the states so as to avoid a situation whereby the state would be attacked by another. Though analysts hold the view attaining hegemony is almost impossible especially security along the water bodies, a lot of countries have attempted a move to establish hegemony, despite their having minimal resources for the same. This means that all countries always have the hope that they may achieve security through attaining domination over other countries in the region. This can be proven from the example of U.S.A. that has managed to maintain its security through attaining regional hegemony. If this happens, then there is a great likelihood that the fewer cases of war will be witnessed in the globe. In the case of Iran for instance, this country has been seen with a keen interest in the issue of acquisition of nuclear weapons, so as to achieve hegemony in the Persian Gulf and the entire Middle East region. This has been part of the country’s aspiration of for a long time especially under the leadership of Shah. With the country gaining regional superpower, it would automatically gain supremacy, especially having neighbors of the like of India, Israel, and Pakistan amongst others. It is evident that being the center of the regional hegemony, the country would be spared from war scares. On another point of view, accessing wealth is

Portfolio Brief (product chosen is the new X-Box 360) Essay

Portfolio Brief (product chosen is the new X-Box 360) - Essay Example onale – to capture the mind share (if not effect sales right away) of the maximum population, before Sony’s next Playstation hits the stores later in 2006. The promotional strategy largely focused on the integration of the new gaming console with other media – X-BOX 360 can play music from your CDs, iPod or your PC. You can watch movies, TV or Video through it. It integrates with all digital cameras so you can view pictures and slide shows. And of course – it lets you play your choice of games. (Darren Waters, 2005) With this product, Microsoft has suddenly short-circuited the life of current generation of gaming hardware – by launching its X-BOX 360, it has ushered in a new era of entertainment. The X-BOX 360 is all set to provide a media hub as opposed to pure gaming. Microsoft’s website, TV and print ads, as well as the PR speeches by company officials, are all directed towards highlighting the multi-tasking aspect of X-BOX 360. The promotional activities are targeted towards a rational positioning of the product – as a complete home entertainment system. (Microsoft’s website). While reaching out to a majority of early and new starters, this approach might not appeal to the hard-core gamers, especially since there are still numerous OS glitches and hardware breakdowns reported by those who have made the purchase. (Peter Cohen, 2005) With 1.5 million units of its next-generation video game console already sold in the December quarter, Microsoft now expects to sell 2.5 million by February end. (Todd Bishop, 2006). The market looks receptive and Microsoft’s promotional stance has apparently paid off. However, the marketing communication efforts were not complemented by delivery and supply, thus leading to some discontent and aversion towards the company if not the product. The following pages will present the description and analysis of the Promotional Activities undertaken by Microsoft, the effectiveness of the efforts, and the impact that

Compare, contrast and evaluate two theories of the distribution of Essay

Compare, contrast and evaluate two theories of the distribution of power in modern states - Essay Example The theory further establishes the point of view that Bourgeoisie are referred to as the class which rules, this means that they control the capitalist society in an indirect manner, such activities are evident in nations such as United Kingdom and other government institutions such as the cabinet, army police, criminal justice system, media and industries that have been nationalized. The early theory of the 19th century proposed by Marx was quite consistent with the era of 19th century because during that period aristocrats were dominating the society, there was limited amount of adult suffrage, voice of the labor was weak due to weak trade unions and parties that represented the workers did not exist (BRACKETT, 2010, p.85). Due to this scenario the working class had little to no say in the decision making process. During the 20th century, theories proposed by Marx started loosing its ground because scenario changed and trade unions gained power, universal suffrage had been initiate d and parties supporting the working class were formed (CAMPBELL, 2011, p. XVII). During the 20th century, the importance of the managers was realized, owners had lost control over organization’s decision making process and the aristocratic class had lost power and the way the political power was distributed was easy to understand under the light of Democratic pluralist theory (BLOKLAND, 2011). Still during the period 1960s, certain ideas proposed by Marx were present and his theory was once again revived in society by Miliband who tried to make Marx’s theory of ruling class acceptable during the period of 1960s (GAMBLE, 1999, p.178). Miliband stated that the theories proposed by Marx of capitalism have not died and are still witness able in the era of 19th Century and the theories of democratic pluralism and post capitalism were not correct and were not consistent with the 19th century (BRACKETT, 2010, p.85). According to this Marxists the capitalist class might have lost its power but is not out of the race for power, they have lost a little bit of power to the trade unions and workers party but still have more power than these two groups. He further went on to state that a particular state is controlled and governed by several elites within the society such as the civil service, military, judicial and the political elites but the way these elites were making decisions clearly reflected that they were highly influenced by the ruling class and were clearly making decisions in accordance to the decision making style of the ruling class. Miliband further states that the capitalist class is still the one who rule the decision making process and they do so by joining the government and making decisions and policies that benefits the business community and they are located in those positions of the government that have ample amount of authority. The capitalist classes are those who have gained education from top most universities such as Oxford and C ambridge universities and have been taught in a manner that is in favor of capitalism, due to this they make decisions that favor capitalism (WEBSTER, 2007, p.118). Miliband further

Anthem and Farenheit 451 Essay Example for Free

Anthem and Farenheit 451 Essay Fahrenheit 451 and Anthem Comparison Essay When a person is entrapped within a society that dictates their behaviour, thoughts, and opinions they are unable to grasp the realization of their societies corrupt nature. However, there is always the odd individual who willing and capable of uncovering the truth of their society. In the novels Anthem by Ayn Rand, and Fahrenheit 451, written by Ray Bradbury the main characters of the novels were able to find truth by, forming friendships that are banned by their societies, rebelling against the grain of society to gain knowledge or form ideas, and finding flaws within their societies. Thus proving that, when one seeks truth within the confines of a controlling society it leads to self-discovery because they find the courage to escape. When one seeks truth within the confines of a controlling society by forming friendships that are banned it leads to self-discovery, because they find the courage to escape. For instance, Montag a character form the novel Fahrenheit 451. In the society that he lived in, any types of reading material was considered forbidden. Those who took it upon themselves to embrace the reading material were considered to be just as harmful as the material itself, because it lead people to believe â€Å"all the false promises, all the second-hand notions and time worn philosophies† that people had (Bradbury, 76). However, Montag intentially befriended an elderly man named Faber, who in his younger days, before the revolution, was an English professor. Montag know that Faber was knowledgeable in literature, but he became his friend regardless of this fact because he was curious of the forbidden treasures that his society kept from him. On the other hand Faber was aware of the glorious preachings, concepts, and ideas that literature held, and he was also aware of the error his society was making when it decided to eliminate reading material during its transformation. Although he was conscious of the valuable information that would be lost Faber did not speak out or fight against this decision, in turn he lost one of the most valuable things in his life: â€Å"I’m one of the innocents who could have spoken up and out when no would listen to the ‘guilty,’ but I did not speak and thus became guilty myself†¦ Now it’s too late† (Bradbury, 82). Faber’s misfortune friendship and his non-existent initiative to fight for literature inspired Montag to discover his true self, and his own beliefs that lead him to flee form his society in order to end up regretting the fact that he did not protest for his right to knowledge. Thus showing that by Montag forming a friendship that was not excepted by his society he found the courage to escape. A second example of one finding enough courage to escape a controlling society, because of a banned friendship is Equality 7-2521 of the novel Anthem. In the society in which Equality 7-2521 lives feelings and emotions that one may have towards another are forbidden, because it makes that individual different and unique from others within a society where everyone is to be considered equal. Although this is a main law Equality finds himself being drawn to a young girl by the name of Liberty 7-2000. With his new found attraction Equality 7-2521 reaches out to the girl in hopes of grasping a relationship, and this is exactly what he achieves. The relationship between Equaulity 7-2521 and Liberty 7-2000 helped him discover his true self. It made him realize that he was able to have love for someone else and that there was nothing wrong or improper about the feelings that he was experiencing and that this was not curse but an advantage, one that have him an individual. Equality’s self discovery, gave him the gallantry to escape form his society, because it made him recognize how corrupt and controlling his society was and it also made him realize that the only way he would ever truly be happy is if he were free. Both characters with in the novels Anthem, and Fahrenheit 451 discovered themselves by forming friendships that were not excepted in their society, an din both cases they gained enough courage to escape. Montag’s friendship with Faber inspired Montag to escape and realize his true self only because he was afraid to become what Faber was; a coward, not willing to fight for his beliefs. In contrast, the friendship that Equality 7-2521 and Liberty 7-2000 shared inspired Equality to discover his self, and escape, because he was different and enjoyed being unique from the rest of his society. This shows that although both characters were inspired by friendships, the reasons for their actions, and their self-discovery were different. Thus proving that, when one seeks truth within the confines of a controlling society it leads to self-discovery, because they find the courage to escape. A second factor that must be accounted for is the fact that when one seeks truth within the confines of a controlling by rebelling against the grain of society to form ideas or gain knowledge it leads to self revelation and it gives them the courage to escape. A good example of this is Equality 7-2521. In the novel Anthem Equality seeks and finds truth in his society by discovering a source of energy. The process of Equality’s discovery was very long and strenuous and it consisted of disobeying the rules that were set, on many given nights in order to sneak away and work in his secretive tunnel on his invention. Because of what his society preached, he instilled in his thoughts that he was, â€Å"born with a curse† (Rand, 13). Equality 7-2521 believed this because he was curious about the nature of things and broke rules to explore the world in which he lived. However, when he discovered that he was able to produce a light from a source other than a candle his thoughts and opinions towards himself and his society changed. His society did not want to recognize or accept the new energy that he discovered. The society’s ignorant towards Equality 7-2521’s discovery, that could have changed the way that the society lived and worked angered him. In result it made him discover that he was a unique individual that had thoughts that were far more indepth and surpassed the thoughts of others he was surrounded by. Equality 7-2521’s search to gain knowledge helped him build the strength to escape the controlling society that he lived in because he realized that it and the individuals that it contained were just holding him back form discovering his true self and environment further. Equality 7-2521 sought truth within his society by rebelling against it and forming a new idea and that gave him the strength to escape. In addition, Montag from the novel Fahrenheit 451 was also in search of truth and did so by rebelling against his society and gaining knowledge that resulted in courage to brake free. In the society of this novel people were restrained form reading literature, and to ensure that this law was not broken. It was the job of firefighters to burn and destroy all reading materials. Montag was a perfect example of a firefighter he ignighted books to ensure that the evil teachings that they held would never by absorbed by people of his society, until his curiosity overtook him: â€Å"there must be something in books, things we can’t imagine,†¦ there must be something there† (Bradbury, 51). This interest Montag had in hat his society withheld from it’s people soon overwhelmed him and he found himself rebelling by secretly recovering and protecting book form homes that were being destroyed because of the literature that they contained; â€Å"Montag felt the hidden book pound like a heart against his chest’’ (Bradbury, 39). Not only did Montag rebel by stealing books, but he embraced the knowledge inside. The wisdom that he acquired f rom these sources of knowledge lead him to self-discovery, because he realized the corrupt nature of his society. His society was so corrupt that he no longer wanted to take part and inhibit people form opening and expanding their minds. Montag’s self discovery is evident when â€Å"suddenly the odor of kerosene made him vomit,† although it was once such a great smell that only a true firefighter could love, and he could no longer fulfill his job as a firefighter and be happy (Bradbury, 49). Montag’s new found knowledge gave him the courage to escape because he recognized that if he stayed and continued to be controlled by his society that he would never be able to spread the knowledge and wisdom that he had gained. Both Equality 7-2521 and Montag rebelled within their society’s and in result formed ideas or captured some form of wisdom. Furthermore, both discovered themselves and recognized from their discovery that they needed to break free form their society in order to have freedom and the will to share their advanced knowledge and ideas. Montag and Equality 7-2521 both made discoveries that could have and would have changed the way their society’s functioned and thought. Although, what Montag realized had been recognized by individuals in his society before in contrast to Equality’s newly discovered light source that was unknown to his society. Therefore proving that when one seeks truth within the confines of a controlling society, it leads to self-discovery, because it gives them the courage to escape. The last factor that must be accounted for is the fact that when one presues truth within the confines of a manipulating society by finding flaws within, it leads to self-discovery, because they find the courage to escape. An example of this is Equality 7-2521. The society that he lived in is very narrow minded and believes that conformity is essential in order for all to be content. Their Motto: â€Å"We are one in all and all in one. There are no men but only the great WE, one, indivisible and forever,† is the basis of their ethics, and suppresses them form leading a typical lifestyle. No one within the society of the novel Anthem was permitted to have thoughts, pinions, or ideas of their own. Equality 7-2521 was silenced by the conformity that his society had. Finally he came to the realization that his society’s flaw was depriving him and others of their individuality. This realization gave Equality 7-2521 a better understanding of himself. Him recognizing his society’s flaw gave him the bravery to escape, because he realized that his society would never learn from it mistakes and frailties, and that he needed to take action in order to provide a better and more fulfilling life for himself and others. Therefore, Equality 7-2521 investigation for truth within his society led him to the realization of flaws that it contained, and gave him the courage to escape. In comparison, in the novel Fahrenheit 451 Montag uncovers imperfections within his society, that directed him to discover himself, because it gave him the courage to retreat. The society that Montag lives in confines the population by restraining them from any sort of reading material, in fear that the material will cause people to become unhappy, depressed, or angry, with the information that it consists of: â€Å"We stand against the small tide of those who want to make everyone unhappy with conflicting theory and thought†¦ Don’t let the torrent of melancholy and drear philosophy drown our world† (Bradbury, 62). This quotation proves that this society believes that it is truly making people happy by holding back, and not allowing them to have opinions and thoughts of their own, basically controlling them. Not only does the society of the novel control people by making it known that they can not enjoy the pleasure, and benefits of reading, but they also control them with parlor walls, which are giant televisions that take up an entire living room wall. These walls â€Å"tell you what to think and blasts it in. It must be right. It seems so right. It rushes you on so quickly to its own conclusions your mind hasn’t time to protest† (Bradbury, 84). Montag realizes that this is his society’s major fault, and the reason that they are in desperate attempts of controlling everyone is because they believe and want everyone to be alike: â€Å"We must all be alike. Not everyone born free and equal, as the Constitutions says, but everyone made equal† (Bradbury, 58). Montag’s recognition of his society’s flaw leads him to self-discovery ecause he realizes exactly what his society is doing, and knows that it is not mentally healthy for any individual. Montag breaks free of his society by escaping, because he yearns for the knowledge and independency that his society refuses to provide and except. Both characters apprehend that their society’s have major obstacles that they have to overcome before it could ever become a well functioning and productive society with well functioning individuals. They also escape the societies, because they realize that nothing will ever be done about the blunders that they hold. Furthermore, both Montag, and Equality 7-2521 conceive when free from their past societies that they want to take action, and establish a society of their own. Both societies in the two novels Fahrenheit 451 and Anthem find ways of controlling the humanity that it with hold by molding them into what them want them to be. Thus and thus proving that when one seeks truth within the confines of a controlling society it leads to self-discovery, because they find the courage to escape.