Heritage Language Maintenance free essay sample

Teachers of English and teachers in bilingual programs should become familiar with what affects student’s language maintenance and the factors that contribute to the maintenance of that heritage language. Minority-language parents will also find this article interesting, especially if they desire for their children to retain their home language. In this paper I will define heritage language, discuss trends and parental opinions pertaining to heritage language, and conclude with the importance of heritage language maintenance and the factors that affect its preservation. Defining Heritage Language and Maintenance Heritage Language Heritage language is the language used by parents or the language that was used in the past by one’s ancestors. This language (also called home language) usually has a strong personal connection or is spoken at home (Valdes, 2001; Anderson-Mejias, 2002; Urzua amp; Gomez, 2008). A heritage language helps students connect to their culture, even while they live in a different, more dominant culture (Anderson-Mejias; Guardado, 2002; Urzua amp; Gomez). We will write a custom essay sample on Heritage Language Maintenance or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page For example, although Spanish is widely spoken around the world, it is a heritage language in the United States because it is a non-English language (Suarez, 2002; Valdes). However, students do not have to speak the familial language for it to be considered a heritage language. Valdes mentions that even monolingual English speakers can have a heritage language if some important personal connection is noted. For example, Norwegian would be a heritage language to an English monolingual with grandparents that immigrated to the United States from Norway. These monolinguals, too, could become heritage language learning candidates. Heritage Language Learner The term heritage language learner refers to individuals that have been exposed to a language other than the one used in the dominant society where they live (Valdes, 2001; Suarez, 2002). Language Maintenance Language maintenance is a process that occurs after a language has been transmitted or passed on to a child by their family. It deals with the continued development of the language that has been transmitted (Nesteruk, 2010). Unfortunately, current research shows that there is an overall decline in heritage language maintenance. Heritage Language Retention Trends In the year 2000, approximately 9. % of students in kindergarten to twelfth grade were limited English proficient (LEP); a number that has increased each year (Suarez, 2002). Current research shows that the majority of students who live in the United States become English-dominant or English monolingual by the time they reach adolescence (Nesteruk, 2010; Seong amp; Sarkar, 2007). A language tren d seems to occur the longer a family unit lives in the United States. First generation immigrants tend to speak some English, but prefer to use their heritage language in the home. Second generation immigrants are inclined to use English in school and with their friends.

buy custom AAP Issues Statement and Bibliography Assignment essay

buy custom AAP Issues Statement and Bibliography Assignment essay Ethics Ethical conflicts occur while the dealings of one person or a group of people mess about with the welfare of another person, or the society at large. Sorry to say, but ethical decision-making models, no matter how highly structured, cannot effectively portray the complication of moral predicament. Consolidated Northern Company is not an exception and had the following ethical issues. Wrongful Termination The Consolidated firm formulated a plan to outright fire five workers without giving reasons; it also offered early retirement to five others, which they were aware they would refuse. Wrongful termination is both illegal and unethical issue. The society leans on to wrongful termination as inconsiderate, unfair or unacceptable. Nevertheless, it does not necessarily mean that it is illegal. Some countries do not protect employees from wrongful termination and therefore, remain legal. In fact, companies have a big deal of flexibility in the present employment regulation that permits them to employ and terminate with a great deal of liberty. The employer should give acceptable reasons for termination to the employee for the termination to occur. There are a number of issues of wrongful termination which are unethical and illegal. Discrimination It is well thought-out to be unjust termination if employers fire you based merely on gender, ethnicity, disability, or any other discriminatory causes. Defamation of Character The company filed for bankruptcy to serve as an excuse to fire the mployees. The company can also defame the employees, this occurs when the boss deliberately insult your character in order to defend your execution, this is unjust and is believed to be wrongful termination. For instance, the employer can make a false allegation concerning burglary or a different illegal doing in order to have a defense for sacking you. One may likely have an unfair termination case. Poor Communication The Consolidated Company was supposed to give its employees and the military at least 60 days notice of its departure from US operations. Though the notice would have numerous unwelcome consequences, it was important to allow them for both psychological and economical preparation. This is unfair to employees and the government military since it would lead to unnecessary planning. Like in any relationship, communication is essential to build a strong business relationship. Communication can be enhanced in practically all workplace, regardless the diligence or size. Communication is the only best way for information to efficiently and effectively spread all over the company in order employees can be knowledgeable to the level that they necessitated to properly accomplish their purpose. Poor communication not only leads to confusion but also lead to poor production. The employees lack information for the suitable achievement of their assignments. Normally, poor communication is a consequence of selfishness with employees; they hold the information to themselves not considering the fact that other people require that information. The employees need to be up-to-date with the current position of the company. They shoould be well informed of the companys plans and activities the company intends to undertake in the future. It is very important to overcome the issue of poor communication in the work place. When resolving issues within the company, the executive should be considerate and give ample time to enable the employees prepare adequately for the consequences. Corporate fraud Fraud is an extraordinary expression which is used to incorporate different immoral acts which may transpire within a company. This may include general corruption, misappropriation, or still political irresponsibility. The consolidated company committed fraud by rewarding the administrators in Argentina and Columbia government. This was unacceptable since this company produced harmful chemicals which could be harmful if they leaked to local ground water. Long firm fraud is most dangerous form of corporate fraud, it occurs in a legitimate business grounds, and then few unethical personnel lead to defrauding over time. This fraud activity occurs without the consent of all employees in the firm. It only takes only a few key players to make a fraud. The Consolidated Company began on relatively legitimate purpose, since it wanted a notable credit history and strong interaction with the military and other creditors. However, once they laid this stable foundation, they started making sub standard products and later they manufactured landslides. They even made a decision to run away without the creditors consent. These acts are unacceptable and wrong since they have negative impacts to the victims. Most long firm frauds take to establish, operate, and then terminate. This prevents the legal action to be taken against them. Buy custom AAP Issues Statement and Bibliography Assignment essay

Life Experience Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Life Experience - Personal Statement Example I recognized that I needed a mentor or role model that exemplified those characteristics, but I just didn't have the good fortune of finding one to which I could easily relate. In my earlier years, I dropped out of high school then ultimately obtained a GED so that I could pursue my dream of going back to school and study to become a nurse. I started in a college program, but dropped out. I'm sure my feelings of inadequacy about not being smart enough to do well in school were attributable in part to not completing high school. Additionally, I had gained more responsibility and as a result, less time to work on my own goals and objectives. I had gotten married and had children to care for, so the responsibility of managing a family and home along with making a commitment to a significant academic goal was difficult to imagine. Initially my husband was who I counted on for support and motivation. He and my children were my life and I was happy until circumstances ultimately led to a divorce. The life change and trauma of that event further reinforced my thoughts of inadequacy and I struggled with my "failure" in dealing with life. Of course, that was a fool ish thought since the experience ultimately demonstrated I had the strength to continue and to thrive regardless of his involvement, but that realization came much later. As a

The Role of Leadership in Building Successful Organizations Assignment

The Role of Leadership in Building Successful Organizations - Assignment Example With this ambitious agenda for expansion, Aramex has been facing challenges concerning employee loyalty and engagement with an increasingly diverse and international workforce. This paper will seek to analyze Aramex’s specific strengths and weaknesses in leadership, in light of their current expansion strategy, as well as areas that need improvement, through interviews with Hussein Hachem and Laith Tahboub. The paper will also outline specific actions to address these issues as identified. Interviews with Executives Hussein Hachem After working for 20 years, Mr. Hussein Hachem serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Aramex in the Middle East and Africa (MEN) region. With his extensive knowledge about the logistics and transportation industry, Mr. Hachem is a representative on several decision boards of the industry. Laith Tahboub Mr. Laith Tahboub has worked at Aramex for nine years as an operations supervisor and a Business Improvement and Efficiency manager, prior to his cu rrent position as Operations Manager. With experience in team management and process management, Mr. Tahboub has been managing and leading teams in successful service standards and procedure developments for business success and excellence. Leadership Challenges and Strengths at Aramex At Aramex, the current style of leadership is a hybrid between task-oriented and distributed leadership. In task-oriented leadership, the leader focuses on tasks that require to be performed to meet a specific goal, in which the leading and following acts interlock across three levels; organizational, relational, and task (Derue, 2011: p38). A task-oriented leader is more concerned with producing solutions at every step for a goal or specific problem, ensuring the team meets deadlines and achieves outcomes. This is important for Aramex as a logistic company since the services have to be offered on time to maintain their competitive advantage and success. However, task-oriented leadership neglects the welfare and engagement of the team-members, harming their productivity. Distributed leadership works hand-in-hand with task-oriented leadership at Aramex. This form of leadership removes hierarchy from the leadership structure with requisite functions distributed among various teams by dividing labor across time and space (Derue, 2011: p135). One actor serves as the basic originator of action and other team-members respond with subsequent following acts. These acts of leading and following move from group to group over time and space. According to Mr. Hachem, engaging new employees in new geographical operations has proved challenging for the organization, especially since they have to communicate outside of their comfort zone (Personal communication, 2013). The biggest challenge is enabling them to understand the culture and values that drive Aramex. Expanding into new markets has seen Aramex leave operations to local talent, which has necessitated the organization to bring them up to speed with regards to their cultures and values. With these challenges, Mr. Hachem contended that the senior leadership team has decided to assess employee engagement with the results being used to align their goals with what was important for the organization (Personal communi

South Africa Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

South Africa - Assignment Example In the marketing strategy, there should be the classification of the various groups who are separated by certain noticeable aspect that are peculiarly looked into for one to cut a niche in meeting every requirement of the targeted group. In doing marketing for their products then, the organization in South Africa has to consider several aspects that create distinction in the targeted groups. Amongst the main aspect that bring about difference in taste and preference that should be paid attention to includes geographic factors, demographic or the socioeconomic factors that considers occupation, age, gender, income, house hold size, and education. There are also the psychographic issues that looked into values, lifestyles, and attitudes. Behavioral segmentation also deals with such issues like degree of loyalty and occasion. One needs to understand South Africa in the context explained above in order to make reasonable influence in the marketing of a product; otherwise, the strategy wi ll not be productive ultimately. Competition In business, competition is obvious and it takes different perspectives, which include pricing strategy, packaging, and availability to the customers. In addition, other initiatives can be taken by the different manufactures that would put them ahead of the pack in galvanizing the available market for the supplementary products. To achieve this, organization needs to put extra efforts in making their products stands out in all aspects that may influence customers to opt for their products. A simple business strategy can be a competitive advantage of one company over the rest and it might make it thrive in a fiercely competitive landscape (Hawkins et al 77). In order for a business to thrive in such business environment, they have to understand the market dynamics the SWOT their main competitors so that a more conclusive approach can be taken in curving the market loyalty. If a business cannot keep with the competitors new approaches, it m ay be at risk of collapsing, the essence of business is to ensure that you cut yourself a niche in the thick of competition through the strategies following research about the market trend and progress. A business has to ensure that they understand what the customers want and that they can produce them and possible dictate what they should have. For a business to remain vibrant, it has to be full of a team that analyzes the needs of the customers and the development of the competitors so the at all the time, they can keep their competitors under checks. Distribution of Product Once the manufacturer produces the goods, they are destined to be conveyed to the final consumers through varieties of means. The choice of the distribution model is one of the most important decisions that a manufacturer should opt for in order for the realization of the expected sales. A legion of factors informs the choice of distribution mode in order to ensure maximum populations are aware of the existenc e of the product. For instance, distribution of a new product in the market may not take the normal channel that are taken by the established products that in most cases assume the conventional chain of good moving down through the whole seller to the retailer and finally to the consumer. Contrary to this, a new product always needs agent that would be paid on the commission, this is because the products needs to e demonstrated and advertised to the customers before

The Development of a Moral Character

The Development of a Moral Character A Virtuous Moral Character The development of a moral character is an intellectual topic that has been argued for many years. Many philosophers have argued the point of their existence with the perplexity of this subject. This has allowed the philosophers to approach this topic in various ways. These philosophers are Aristotle (in the Nicomachean Ethics), Confucius (in Analects) and Plato (in Apology, Phaedo). To analyze these philosophers critically, it is important to evaluate their perspective arguments and what they are trying to say. After initializing compare and contrast of these philosophers, we will be in the position of establishing up to what they agree or disagree regarding the development of a moral character. A moral character is defined as an idea in which one is unique and can be distinguished from others. Perhaps it can assemble qualities and traits that are different from various individuals. It implies to how individuals act, or how they express themselves. In another words, it is â€Å"human excellence,† or unique thoughts of a character. When the concept of virtue is spoken, this would emphasize the distinctiveness or specialty, but it all involves the combination of qualities that make an individual the way he or she is. Based on this definition, the insight of a moral character can be viewed differently. Although these philosophers diverge with their arguments, they in some sense have similarities. These similarities will show how the matter of a character is important and crucial to the human nature. Nicomachean Ethnics is a remarkable work written in 350 B.C by Aristotle. His work was focused on the importance of development and behavior among virtuous characters. Aristotle clarified the importance of ethnical behavior, and how actions play a role in which an individual performs. â€Å"Eudaimonia,† is relative to the how a moral character develops. It is an end in itself. Aristotle argued that it was known as a goal of a healthy life. Aristotle is among the philosophers whom gave a great insight of a virtuous character. He states, â€Å"Excellence [of character], then, is a state concerned with choice, lying in a mean relative to us, this being determined by reason and in the way in which the man of practical wisdom would determine it. Now it is a mean between two vices, which depends on excess and that which depend on defect.† A character is a state, whereas, the actions determine the way the person acts. A virtuous character is not a feeling or mere tendency to behave in a certain way. Aristotle makes an argument about different virtues. Virtues relate to the feelings and actions from each individual. For example, the virtue of a relaxed person may be clarified with bad temper. Furthermore, Aristotle argued that people get angry at certain things and redundantly stepping up to what he or she thinks is right. On the other hand, as Aristotle states, the deficient of this character is harsh and unacceptable. Regardless of any situation, it is inappropriate to become angry when it is not worth it. If doing so, the again indicates a deficient non-virtuous moral character. Aristotle also refers to any non-virtuous person by inner doubt and predicaments. Even though the person may be single-minded or thoughtless, he or she must be able to look out for companions to forgive their actions. Aristotle argues that these vicious people are not able to believe in themselves. On the other hand, virtuous individuals, gain pleasure in their actions. â€Å"For in speaking about a man’s character we do not say that he is wise or has understanding but that he is good-tempered or temperate yet we praise the wise man also with respect to his fate of mind; and of states of mind we call those which merit praise virtues.† (Nicomachean Ethics 13). Aristotle’s positions seems to conflict with Plato’s philosophy. Plato will later argued that incontinence occurs when a person’s desires move him to progress or act in the way that he or she wants to perform. However, we will discuss this later on. Confucius is another prominent figure that has been relative to the modern development of a moral character. Confucius spends many years thinking about the concepts of human kindness and the development of a character. His teachings were basically full of ethnics on human behaviors. He spoke more on the kindness of human rather than spiritual concepts. While concentrating on his ethics, Confucius was famous for insisting things with a name. In another words, Confucius argued that things must be clear to one’s mind in order to function properly in an environment. The Analects written by Confucius notes the notions of virtue and the righteous of human kindness and the way to successful humanity. In XV.8 of the Analects, Confucius states, â€Å"The determined scholar and the man of virtue will not seek to live at the expense of humanity. They will even sacrifice their lives to preserve their humanity. â€Å"Confucius argues that the life of an indiviudal is to protect oneâ€⠄¢s virtue. The acts of that individual must be preserved to act to the good. Another saying that substantiate Confucius argument is IV.25 (Eastern), it states, â€Å"Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.† However, in the western philosophical view, Aristotle argues that the view of virtuous activity reveals how the person contributes to a great life. Actions are important when one live peacefully with another. For example, patriotism comes into mind when it comes to America. Over the years, soldiers have been remembered for their heroism. Therefore, the soldiers are fighting for what they believe to be their honor, yet they are putting his or her life in danger. Confucius continues to seek for knowledge. He seems to be very petty, clannish, and small-minded. Furthermore, he can be worldly, studious and humane. This can be consistent with Plato’s views. Most societies and culture strives for goodness, and leaders have his or her basic commonalities for personal behavior, which can be seen in VI. 28. This saying compares to Socrates. Confucius, too, wants to spread the wisdom to everyone. He wants everyone to be well, not just himself. Lastly, another prominent figure in the world of philosophy is Plato. Plato’s writings such as Apology demonstrate dramatic accounts of the events leading to his death, as well as illustrating matters of concerns, ethical living, and clarity of thought and expression. â€Å"Apology† means â€Å"legal defense of trial.† Plato offers to discuss about the defense of philosophy as a way of life. A soul is part of a life, whereas, the soul determines the things we do everyday. Phaedo illustrates important arguments for personal immortality. In Phaedo, Plato argued that the soul is â€Å"something†, rather than a sense of â€Å"harmony.† Unlike harmony, the soul exists, which is more active than others. Souls are more virtuous, which harmony does not pertain to. Soul pre-exists which harmony does not. On the other hand, if soul is in a group of harmony, all souls would be too, which is not possible. Therefore, soul is a sort of material, which is much enhanced than harmony. Another argument that Plato makes can be seen in the â€Å"Republic.† He argued that the soul is divided in three parts, and each part is a kind of desire. Respectively, these desires are rational, appetitive, or spirited. To be virtuous one must un derstand what is the beneficial. He or she must have the spirited desires to be educated properly, which will eventually lead to the protection from the soul. Plato illustrates the education of the soul in Books II and III. Importantly, a virtuous individual learns to live by a better environment when he is young, and moves on to create virtuous behaviors. His actions are developed while he is growing and learns why the thing he is doing is good. Once he has learned the good, then he would understand why his actions were virtuous. Looking back at Plato’s arguments, he argues that virtue simply indicates one to act in different ways. These philosophers disagree about having the correct motives. They are different in which the virtuous traits of a character differ from their desires and emotions. Philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle argued that the cognitive and affective states were important. . These philosophers agree that happiness links to virtue. They suggested everyone who is happy is one who is brave, restraint, and understanding. However, it is difficult to understand. Plato and Aristotle both agree that a positive moral character involves more than a Socrates’ understanding of the superior. Both agree that it is important to have harmony between the cognitive and the affective materials from a person. These philosophers have several comparisons. They agree that the good life of a human involves nature. Human beings look to the development of individual powers. Furthermore, they agree that human good involves corrective actions, and a person can guide his actions by the right decision, no matter of any obstacles ahead. After analyzing these philosophers and their arguments, I have concluded that Aristotle has the more compelling description for developing a moral character. Aristotle develops a greater in-depth argument for his points. He substantiates his points with passion and beauty. However, it requires strong concentration and a deeper understanding of what he is trying to say. In my opinion, I find Aristotle to be clearer, and more challenging. I also find that the more modern teachings of Aristotle to be more understanding than those of the Eastern teachings. Perhaps, these involve various concepts when Western teachings are involved. Aristotle contribute greatly to the many topics of philosophy, hence, his arguments are reliable which can be related to our daily lives. In summary, these philosophers provided intellectual arguments against the various ways of developing a virtuous character. Aristotle took his stand to argue that the actions contribute greatly to the way a character is. Prior to that, he clarifies how individuals act the way they speak or behave. Confucius in Analects exemplified the concept of how the environment acts upon the way the person interacts. Lastly, Plato illustrated the soul as a lead to the characters desires and wants. As part of examining our lives within these philosophies, I have come to the conclusion that Aristotle developed a greater and more apprehensive prescription of developing a virtuous moral character.

Human Resource Management Essay -- Business Management Studies Essays

Human Resource Management Businesses use different motivational techniques to keep employees happy, it is important to keep employees happy so that they work effectively and efficiently. The HR department will spend lots on different ideas to try and keep their employees working hard often including rewards for hard work or constant attendance or even by in some cases punishing workers for not working to their potential. I will look into different cultures, motivational theories and techniques, job satisfaction, the importance of management styles, is money the only motivator and employee demotivation. Examples of motivational techniques In 1943 Abraham Maslow suggested that all people have a hierarchy of needs. He said that a person is motivated by his or her own needs, so he developed this pyramid. He believed that once someone had achieved one level of needs then they would want to move onto a higher level of need. Douglas McGregor’s X and Y theory In the 1960’s Douglas McGregor developed the ideas of theory X and theory Y. Theory X is the view that people really don’t want to do work and if they can avoid doing the work in anyway they will try to. This means that they are being persuaded to work by being given money or rewards and must be closely supervised and controlled so that they will do their work. Theory Y is the belief that humans can be stimulated by being given responsibility and strive to prove themselves. This management style is the view that the work itself can be rewarding and given the right conditions then they will strive to achieve goals and targets. Frederick Herzberg’s two factor theory This American psychologisat research in the 1950’s led him to develop the two-factor theory of job satisfaction. Many criticised him for drawing conclusions about workers as a whole from a sample drawn from just accountants and engineers, although his theory has proved very robust. His view was that the factors related to job satisfaction can be divided into two; those that only have the potential to provide a positive job satisfaction and those that can only cause dissatisfaction. Hygiene Factors Hygiene factors are based on the need to for a business to avoid unpleasantness at work. If these factors are considered inadequate by employees, then they can cause dissatisfaction with work... ...vate them to do their work, work for certain companies and explains unhappiness levels at jobs which do not challenge their workers such as Mcdonalds etc. Motivation on a project depends on * The project culture * Often established by the project manger * The project's reward system * If there is one! * The work content * Especially if it is challenging * The working environment * Especially if it is conducive to creativity * The supervision * Especially if it is a source of learning * And not overbearing * And the opportunity to network Motivating Factors Project turn-ons * Recognition * Increased responsibility and status * Advancement * Opportunity for intellectual growth * Opportunity for personal achievement * Flexible working * Variety and the job itself * Good communication * The leader's enthusiasm De-motivating Factors Project turn-offs ----------------- * Constraints of company policy and administration * An over-bearing bureaucracy * Below-average compensation * Poor quality supervision * Poor communications * A poor working environment * Either sociologically or physically * A negative attitude of the project leader