I am definitely a believer in vibrations in the meaning of energy we project to people. But a powerful way of communicating is through non-verbal communication. I would say about 65% of my communication throughout the day is non-verbal. Whether it be nodding my head yes or no, waving hi or bye to a friend, or other things. But I also give facial expression that express how I am feeling. My dress style, I guess you could say, is a reflection of me. When I wear sweats to school it shows I am tired and really did not feel like getting out of bed and going to school. If I am all dress up with my hair done and stuff it means I am ready for the day. (Usually it means I probably should dress up one day for school because otherwise people would probably think I am a bum because I always wear soccer pants or sweatshirts.) Body language also is a good way to communicate. I always give my family and friends a hug which shows love. Sometime when I am in a bad mood it shows in my body language and sometimes my facial expressions. The most important thing I think in non-verbally communicating with someone is the vibes you give and receive. You always have that six sense in whether you can feel a good or bad vibe from someone. My boyfriend was the one who really got me into believing about vibes. He always tells me to have a good vibe when you surround yourself with others. Which basically means if you are in a bad mood, try not to show it. If you happy in a good mood, share the love and happiness. He is a very philosophical person which is why he always has the wisest things to say. But I do believe you should always have good vibrations when you are around other people. Slowly I am learning how to become this person.
Communicating non-verbally is just as powerful as communicating verbally I think. It says so much without saying anything at all. It is very interesting how everyone knows exactly what body language or facial expressions are communicating to us. If you think deeply about it, isn’t it interesting how we all know that a wave means hello or goodbye and a nod up and down means yes and a nod side to side means no. Giving people hugs or kisses is a sign of friendship and love. Having crossed arms means you are mad or angry. It is all so interesting how of time everyone has learned how to communicate with each other without using words. Most of all, it is amazing how the energy you project can be detected by someone around you. Whether it is a good or bad energy you are letting people know how you feel.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Different Cultures in an English Global Economy
In the United States, English is the language that dominates. I could not imagine what it would be like for people who are not native speakers of English. Everything that surrounds us in America is written and said in English. Although this is hard for nonnative speakers, I think they have found a way to adjust easily. Many people who speak Spanish live in America and some do not understand English very well. I think America has helped these people adapt to citizen life. For example, a lot of new things I buy nowadays have directions or labels on them in English or Spanish. Also, yesterday I drove past a bank and there were two signs in the window, one was in Spanish while the other was in English. There are many things that America does to help those who are not native adapt much easier to an English speaking country. But even without the help of America, people have learned how to live in America and in an environment where their native tongue is not the dominant one.
I could not imagine what I would be like to live in a place where everyone around is speaking a different language and where everything you read is not in your native tongue. I think since nonnative people would have difficulty finding jobs. This is because they do not speak the native tongue and they cannot read or understand the language. Having a job provides you with the money you need to buy essential living items. Also, maybe expanding their education to get a better paying job is a challenge. Being able to understand English and learn new things would be difficult if they did not speak the language. There are many important things that people need in order to live like understanding health plans and home owner stuff. Being able to understand that stuff is important. I know that Spanish speaking citizens have found a way to cope with the domination of English speaking people. Ultimately, living in a global economy dominated by English and being a nonnative (no matter what language is spoken) is going to be difficult in many aspects.
People are capable of adapting to any environment they choose to live in. Evolution provides evidence that humans are capable of adapting to certain situations and settings. I think the biggest thing is if the people who are native and speak the language, can they accept those who do not? Can people accept those who do not understand or speak the language that dominates? And I think those questions can be transferred over to today’s society and how we accept people.
I could not imagine what I would be like to live in a place where everyone around is speaking a different language and where everything you read is not in your native tongue. I think since nonnative people would have difficulty finding jobs. This is because they do not speak the native tongue and they cannot read or understand the language. Having a job provides you with the money you need to buy essential living items. Also, maybe expanding their education to get a better paying job is a challenge. Being able to understand English and learn new things would be difficult if they did not speak the language. There are many important things that people need in order to live like understanding health plans and home owner stuff. Being able to understand that stuff is important. I know that Spanish speaking citizens have found a way to cope with the domination of English speaking people. Ultimately, living in a global economy dominated by English and being a nonnative (no matter what language is spoken) is going to be difficult in many aspects.
People are capable of adapting to any environment they choose to live in. Evolution provides evidence that humans are capable of adapting to certain situations and settings. I think the biggest thing is if the people who are native and speak the language, can they accept those who do not? Can people accept those who do not understand or speak the language that dominates? And I think those questions can be transferred over to today’s society and how we accept people.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Case for Short Words
Making Connections #3
English has been a class I have always struggled in until last semester. I had a good English teacher that taught me A LOT about writing essays. The reason I struggled with English in the first place was having to write essays. I always felt that a good essay was one that sounded intellectual and had big words. Little did I know until I read “The Case for Short Words” by Richard Lederer. I do not know why I thought using big complex words helped make an essay much better. After reading the essay by Richard Lederer I was immediately convinced.
I never liked reading essays or books that had large, complex, hard to understand words in it. So why would I try to do that in my own essay? Why would I try to confuse and make things a lot harder on the reader of my writings? Now that I understand that “small words can meet your needs with strength, grace, and charm that large words do not have”, I will keep that in mind as I write further essays. As Lederer states, “our tongue is rich in crisp, brisk, swift, short words.” This is exactly true because when people communicate they do not use such big words. When I talk to my friends or family I do not say words like pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism or antidisestablishmentarianism (actually I would never use these words under any circumstance because I am not even sure how to pronounce them) or any words that would be too complex for me to say and for them to understand. I usually speak in one syllable words like, as the book lists, I, you, the, a, to, it, that, of, and, in, what, he, this, have, do , she, not, on, and they. Short words do express what you have to say clearly and efficiently without completely losing interest of the listener or reader. Shakespeare is known for his exceptional writings and he mostly used one syllable words to create his masterpieces.
Riachard Lederer wrote his first four paragraphs in one syllable words. At first I thought that must be extremely hard and frustrating to do but he made it look so easy. His writing made him sound intelligent and credible with only using one syllable words. He even pointed out that most writings out of the bible are written in only one syllable word sentences. After thinking about that, I realized that his outlook was truly brilliant and astounding.
Ultimately, what I learned from Richard Lederer was that using large words are fine but when necessary. Smaller words can do the same job as large words and are more familiar. Being able to put together smaller words correctly will make your statement powerful and will be beneficial to you and the reader. Also, it will help you sound intelligent without having to use big words. Just by using small, old words where you can, can help make a paper great and understandable to the reader.
English has been a class I have always struggled in until last semester. I had a good English teacher that taught me A LOT about writing essays. The reason I struggled with English in the first place was having to write essays. I always felt that a good essay was one that sounded intellectual and had big words. Little did I know until I read “The Case for Short Words” by Richard Lederer. I do not know why I thought using big complex words helped make an essay much better. After reading the essay by Richard Lederer I was immediately convinced.
I never liked reading essays or books that had large, complex, hard to understand words in it. So why would I try to do that in my own essay? Why would I try to confuse and make things a lot harder on the reader of my writings? Now that I understand that “small words can meet your needs with strength, grace, and charm that large words do not have”, I will keep that in mind as I write further essays. As Lederer states, “our tongue is rich in crisp, brisk, swift, short words.” This is exactly true because when people communicate they do not use such big words. When I talk to my friends or family I do not say words like pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism or antidisestablishmentarianism (actually I would never use these words under any circumstance because I am not even sure how to pronounce them) or any words that would be too complex for me to say and for them to understand. I usually speak in one syllable words like, as the book lists, I, you, the, a, to, it, that, of, and, in, what, he, this, have, do , she, not, on, and they. Short words do express what you have to say clearly and efficiently without completely losing interest of the listener or reader. Shakespeare is known for his exceptional writings and he mostly used one syllable words to create his masterpieces.
Riachard Lederer wrote his first four paragraphs in one syllable words. At first I thought that must be extremely hard and frustrating to do but he made it look so easy. His writing made him sound intelligent and credible with only using one syllable words. He even pointed out that most writings out of the bible are written in only one syllable word sentences. After thinking about that, I realized that his outlook was truly brilliant and astounding.
Ultimately, what I learned from Richard Lederer was that using large words are fine but when necessary. Smaller words can do the same job as large words and are more familiar. Being able to put together smaller words correctly will make your statement powerful and will be beneficial to you and the reader. Also, it will help you sound intelligent without having to use big words. Just by using small, old words where you can, can help make a paper great and understandable to the reader.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Martin Luther King, Jr. Has a Dream and Sojourner Truth is a Woman
In Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech was comparatively similar to that of Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech. They both use repetition to captivate their audience. Can you tell what phrases they repeated in their speech? Hint: look at the title of their speech. Both speeches emphasize on their main point. Martin Luther King had a dream or a vision and Sojourner believed she was a woman who deserved to be treated like any other human being. They both use repetition as a linguistic device to thoroughly and affectively communicate their ideas that will ultimately push them towards change.
I think they both would support each other’s subject matter of their speeches. Both speeches are on the same topic, fighting for equal rights. Martin Luther King, Jr. is fighting for equality among race and wishes discrimination against race be overcome. Sojourner Truth is fighting for women’s rights. I think they both would support each other because the women's rights movement grew in large part out of the anti-slavery movement. In the end they are both fighting for equal rights whether the situation be women’s rights or the end of racial discrimination.
I think they would both respond to each other’s oratory style differently. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech has a different tone than Sojourners “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech. Martin Luther King’s message cannot be expressed in the way Sojourners was. His speech was more calm and motivating through his choice of words. He had good grammar and spoke in a very confident yet humble tone. Sojourner’s speech was more direct and frank. She had horrible grammar and by the way she used her words you can tell it was more of an attack to men. She expressed her thoughts in a more harsh yet truthful way that was not very professional. Martin Luther King expressed his speech much differently and if he used the same tone as Sojourner did then his message would have come across much more differently. I think his speech would have caused much disturbance among the people. They way they both presented their speeches though were thoroughly effective. Sojourner stood up for women’s rights and was insensitive while giving her speech which made it much more affective. She was standing up for all women. On the other hand, Martin Luther King, Jr. was standing up for the black community who was already bitter about not having equal rights. African Americans looked up to Martin Luther King as a guide to help push for positive change. They did what he did, they were calm and patient. If Martin Luther expressed his speech like Sojourner did, then I think the black community would have reacted in a much more aggressive and forceful way. When delivering a message to your community or your audience, how you express what you are saying and your tone of voice really reflects how your audience is going to react. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Sojourner Truth’s speeches truly reflect that.
I think they both would support each other’s subject matter of their speeches. Both speeches are on the same topic, fighting for equal rights. Martin Luther King, Jr. is fighting for equality among race and wishes discrimination against race be overcome. Sojourner Truth is fighting for women’s rights. I think they both would support each other because the women's rights movement grew in large part out of the anti-slavery movement. In the end they are both fighting for equal rights whether the situation be women’s rights or the end of racial discrimination.
I think they would both respond to each other’s oratory style differently. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech has a different tone than Sojourners “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech. Martin Luther King’s message cannot be expressed in the way Sojourners was. His speech was more calm and motivating through his choice of words. He had good grammar and spoke in a very confident yet humble tone. Sojourner’s speech was more direct and frank. She had horrible grammar and by the way she used her words you can tell it was more of an attack to men. She expressed her thoughts in a more harsh yet truthful way that was not very professional. Martin Luther King expressed his speech much differently and if he used the same tone as Sojourner did then his message would have come across much more differently. I think his speech would have caused much disturbance among the people. They way they both presented their speeches though were thoroughly effective. Sojourner stood up for women’s rights and was insensitive while giving her speech which made it much more affective. She was standing up for all women. On the other hand, Martin Luther King, Jr. was standing up for the black community who was already bitter about not having equal rights. African Americans looked up to Martin Luther King as a guide to help push for positive change. They did what he did, they were calm and patient. If Martin Luther expressed his speech like Sojourner did, then I think the black community would have reacted in a much more aggressive and forceful way. When delivering a message to your community or your audience, how you express what you are saying and your tone of voice really reflects how your audience is going to react. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Sojourner Truth’s speeches truly reflect that.
Silence or Indifference
Martin Luther King Jr. and Elie Weisel both had a common goal, to make people aware that “whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly”(p.529). They both address that it is convenient for people to look the other way when someone else is a victim because it is just easier that way. People have the choice to do what they want and are always taking the easy way around things because it is “troublesome to be involved in another person’s pain and despair.” They both are speaking on behalf of those who are victims of being left alone with no one to take the time to lend them a hand. They both are showing that no matter what year it is, making a difference in life will ultimately push for positive change.
In Martin Luther King’s letter he is expressing the despair of the African American rights. He puts across the message that not all people were treated equally. How can the white just push aside the black? As the colored are fighting for equal rights, the white community is stalling in their claims to help ease discrimination. In the letter, MLK states how they negotiated with Birmingham’s community to take down store signs humiliating their race. As weeks and months went by signs were either put back up or were never taken down. He is fighting for equality and peace between everyone in any race. He is promoting the idea that everyone should take care of one another. He is pushing for change and wants all communities, no matter the color, to take action to make a difference.
Elia Weisel had the same goal as Martin Luther King jr. and that was to help push people for change. He wanted people to know the unconstructive effects of not making a difference. He stresses that being indifferent will not help reach for positive change. He is making the point that the majority of the population is indifferent and the minorities are the ones who are suffering from it. Like Martin Luther King Jr said “whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” And as Weisel states “to be indifferent to that suffering is what makes the human being inhuman” which ultimately reflects the arguments of both men. They both want those who are of big influence to the people to step out and not be indifferent.
Being silent basically means to me that you are not voicing you opinion. Silence is not expressing what you feel or think about things. Not standing up for what it is that you believe in. But being silent doesn’t exactly mean you do not help those in need. Being indifferent on the other hand is. Being indifferent is being silent through your actions and not caring about what you can do for others. It is when you don’t care so ultimately you never do anything about it. Being silent and being indifferent are similar but they both can hinder the push for change and making a big difference in the world.
In Martin Luther King’s letter he is expressing the despair of the African American rights. He puts across the message that not all people were treated equally. How can the white just push aside the black? As the colored are fighting for equal rights, the white community is stalling in their claims to help ease discrimination. In the letter, MLK states how they negotiated with Birmingham’s community to take down store signs humiliating their race. As weeks and months went by signs were either put back up or were never taken down. He is fighting for equality and peace between everyone in any race. He is promoting the idea that everyone should take care of one another. He is pushing for change and wants all communities, no matter the color, to take action to make a difference.
Elia Weisel had the same goal as Martin Luther King jr. and that was to help push people for change. He wanted people to know the unconstructive effects of not making a difference. He stresses that being indifferent will not help reach for positive change. He is making the point that the majority of the population is indifferent and the minorities are the ones who are suffering from it. Like Martin Luther King Jr said “whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” And as Weisel states “to be indifferent to that suffering is what makes the human being inhuman” which ultimately reflects the arguments of both men. They both want those who are of big influence to the people to step out and not be indifferent.
Being silent basically means to me that you are not voicing you opinion. Silence is not expressing what you feel or think about things. Not standing up for what it is that you believe in. But being silent doesn’t exactly mean you do not help those in need. Being indifferent on the other hand is. Being indifferent is being silent through your actions and not caring about what you can do for others. It is when you don’t care so ultimately you never do anything about it. Being silent and being indifferent are similar but they both can hinder the push for change and making a big difference in the world.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
What if I was illiterate?
I could not imagine being illiterate. Imagine living without the ability to read books or write down simple things like your address or phone number. Reading is a crucial part of learning. If I was unable to read I would not be as knowledgeable. Most of my learning comes from reading. Imagine not being able to read street signs while driving. You would be able to know the word stop, which is very dangerous, and being able to get a job would be impossible. Having a job is what gets you the things you need in life. The biggest parts of life involve you to read and write. For example, people say high school years are the best years of your life (high debatable). You have prom, which requires you to read requirements for the prom dress code, read when the prom is, what time, where it is at, requirements in order to go, etc. Another high school function that is a huge part of life is graduation, you need the proper credits in order to graduate, in which, it requires you to get good grades in your class, and that requires you to be able to read and write. Throughout your entire educational career, there is always something that requires you to read or write. Although there may be a way around it or getting used to and understanding some words is possible, there will always be one aspect of your life that is missing and is not completely fulfilled.
Basically, you would not get the concept of most of the important things in life. Reading directions to take you places, assemble something, or to complete a task. All in which, when you are done, gives you a sense of accomplishment. Registering to vote and voting requires you to be able to read and write. In everyone’s daily life they are required to read or write something. Our world is based off this and being illiterate hinders the ability to be fully successful not matter the aspect of life. Two things that would greatly affect me if I was illiterate is my education and not being able to complete my goal to become a dietician. Also, I would like to be successful in my career and being illiterate would greatly affect that part as well. Knowing how important literacy is would completely frustrate me if I was illiterate. Maybe though if I was illiterate, and did not know what it was like to read and write, I would find my own way to communicate and interpret things.
It is all one big chain affect where one thing is connected to another. Being illiterate affects all aspects of life. All in all, being able to read and write is crucial in advancing in life, whether it be your education, career, and life in general.
Basically, you would not get the concept of most of the important things in life. Reading directions to take you places, assemble something, or to complete a task. All in which, when you are done, gives you a sense of accomplishment. Registering to vote and voting requires you to be able to read and write. In everyone’s daily life they are required to read or write something. Our world is based off this and being illiterate hinders the ability to be fully successful not matter the aspect of life. Two things that would greatly affect me if I was illiterate is my education and not being able to complete my goal to become a dietician. Also, I would like to be successful in my career and being illiterate would greatly affect that part as well. Knowing how important literacy is would completely frustrate me if I was illiterate. Maybe though if I was illiterate, and did not know what it was like to read and write, I would find my own way to communicate and interpret things.
It is all one big chain affect where one thing is connected to another. Being illiterate affects all aspects of life. All in all, being able to read and write is crucial in advancing in life, whether it be your education, career, and life in general.
The Power of Language
I totally believe language is a great tool in expressing yourself. They way every individual expresses themselves is a reflection of their true self. There are many times where I have had moments realizing the true power of language. Not only have I recognized it through my own actions, but the people around me. Language is very powerful and in most of the cases in which I have noticed that is when people try expressing themselves verbally and through body language. Body language is also a powerful form of language and I have realized that when I get upset, irritated, or mad at someone or something.
The power of language is not just speaking it verbally. Expressing yourself is not just verbal but it is also your body language. We can say so much to one person without even opening up our mouths to speak. The way you display your body language can show a person what you are feeling, thinking, and much more. For example, I have picked up some of my mom’s qualities like when she gets mad she does not talk about it with the person, she uses her body language to show that person she is upset. So, when I get mad at someone I do not talk to them about the situation, I usually leave it as is but show the person I am upset using my body language. I will either be unusually quiet, be a little rougher with things (ie. Slam down papers, shut doors hard, etc.), and usually I give facial expressions. You can tell I am upset or mad just by the way I am presenting myself.
I have realized that language is powerful when you are dealing with your problems and trying to express yourself. When you are in a relationship of any kind I think that is when language is most powerful tool in order for it to be a good relationship. The relationships you have with people are based upon how you act towards them, for example, if you are loyal, trustworthy, fun, etc. Being able to effectively communicate with your family, friends, companions, coworkers, and others is important. Another example of where I realized communication and language is powerful is while playing soccer. I am a captain of the college soccer team and my job is to effectively communicate to the girls what the coach needs from them. I have to do this in a way that is not mean and harsh but authoritative and understanding. I need to find the balance when communicating to my team that I come across as their friend, but I do need them to listen to me. I do not need to just apply that balance to my role and captain, but also in my social life as well. I need to balance my emotions when talking to certain people and my tone when talking about certain things. All in all, language is the most powerful tool in your relationships and being aware of what you say and how you present your body language is important.
The power of language is not just speaking it verbally. Expressing yourself is not just verbal but it is also your body language. We can say so much to one person without even opening up our mouths to speak. The way you display your body language can show a person what you are feeling, thinking, and much more. For example, I have picked up some of my mom’s qualities like when she gets mad she does not talk about it with the person, she uses her body language to show that person she is upset. So, when I get mad at someone I do not talk to them about the situation, I usually leave it as is but show the person I am upset using my body language. I will either be unusually quiet, be a little rougher with things (ie. Slam down papers, shut doors hard, etc.), and usually I give facial expressions. You can tell I am upset or mad just by the way I am presenting myself.
I have realized that language is powerful when you are dealing with your problems and trying to express yourself. When you are in a relationship of any kind I think that is when language is most powerful tool in order for it to be a good relationship. The relationships you have with people are based upon how you act towards them, for example, if you are loyal, trustworthy, fun, etc. Being able to effectively communicate with your family, friends, companions, coworkers, and others is important. Another example of where I realized communication and language is powerful is while playing soccer. I am a captain of the college soccer team and my job is to effectively communicate to the girls what the coach needs from them. I have to do this in a way that is not mean and harsh but authoritative and understanding. I need to find the balance when communicating to my team that I come across as their friend, but I do need them to listen to me. I do not need to just apply that balance to my role and captain, but also in my social life as well. I need to balance my emotions when talking to certain people and my tone when talking about certain things. All in all, language is the most powerful tool in your relationships and being aware of what you say and how you present your body language is important.
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