I read an essay called 'the language of power' by bell hooks and in it, she talks about how the displaced Africans made up their own intimate language by mixing in English words and grammatical structures of African languages to create what we call AAVE or the vernacular English. Through her knowledge of the language, she tells us that AAVE , in its pure form was used as a resistance against the oppressors, who used standard English. Through the creation of this hybrid, subaltern language, the "homeless" Africans created a community which resisted the oppressors. AAVE is still used by African Americans but they have to use standard English academically, which is proved to be the case as bell hooks talks about how she wrote an article in AAVE and then how that same article was sent back to her by the editor who changed it into standard English. In the 20th century as well AAVE was still used as a resistance even after slavery was banned. It was used in the form of rap which the African Americans used to express their feelings of inequality, racism and oppression.
One part of the essay which caught my attention was this excerpt:
“This
is the oppressor’s language yet I need it to talk to you.” I’ve never forgotten
it. Perhaps I could not have forgotten it even if I tried to erase it from
memory. Words impose themselves, lake root in our memory against our will.
I can relate this to my own experiences with English unknowingly overthrowing my own language Malayalam ever since I joined an international school. Lately, I have been doing a lot of code switching when speaking to my relatives. Now when I call my grandfather, I always say "hey" which is not anywhere near how I used to speak 3 years back. Things for me have changed but I am still trying to resist the infiltration of English into my linguistic memory by speaking my mother tongue constantly with my parents and my close relatives so that I don't lose a language so intimate, and unique to me.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
How is linguistic imperialism affecting my country?
Well as you know, I am from India and when people meet me they ask if I am from America or at times, where did I learn how to speak English. I always answer them by saying it from the schools I have been to and from cartoons I watched when I was a little kid; cartoons like Ed, Edd and Eddy, Powerpuff girls, Dexter's Laboratory etc.
The English language, for many years, has been taking advantage of the fact that there is no actual national language in India. My country is hugely diverse with 1.2 billion people and 700 languages to deal with and this very vast diversity has given the English language the opportunity to seep through the cracks of time. In fact, almost 250 languages has become extinct in 40 years time not to mention the massive change or transfer into a western outlook; I know this because I have studied in India for 7 years and all my subjects, except for my mother tongue was taught in English.
A major impact of the vast variety of languages is the lack of a common language that everyone can communicate with. The lack of this language is the core reason for the emergence of English in India not to mention the influences of the British colonization of India. There is a positive and negative impact of this situation: The positive being that Indians now have a medium through which they can communicate on a national scale but the negative being that cultural values and languages are becoming increasingly moribund or endangered because the influence of this imperial language has encouraged people in India to forget their values to better accommodate this devastating change happening right under our noses, both explicitly and implicitly.
The English language has definitely affected education in India as far as the medium through which subjects are taught and it has reached to the extent that it is considered a very great thing to get good grades in English, which I think is a wrong mentality as by learning English you are forgetting your mother toungue, your culture and eventually through time, the history of a once great civilization.
The English language, for many years, has been taking advantage of the fact that there is no actual national language in India. My country is hugely diverse with 1.2 billion people and 700 languages to deal with and this very vast diversity has given the English language the opportunity to seep through the cracks of time. In fact, almost 250 languages has become extinct in 40 years time not to mention the massive change or transfer into a western outlook; I know this because I have studied in India for 7 years and all my subjects, except for my mother tongue was taught in English.
A major impact of the vast variety of languages is the lack of a common language that everyone can communicate with. The lack of this language is the core reason for the emergence of English in India not to mention the influences of the British colonization of India. There is a positive and negative impact of this situation: The positive being that Indians now have a medium through which they can communicate on a national scale but the negative being that cultural values and languages are becoming increasingly moribund or endangered because the influence of this imperial language has encouraged people in India to forget their values to better accommodate this devastating change happening right under our noses, both explicitly and implicitly.
The English language has definitely affected education in India as far as the medium through which subjects are taught and it has reached to the extent that it is considered a very great thing to get good grades in English, which I think is a wrong mentality as by learning English you are forgetting your mother toungue, your culture and eventually through time, the history of a once great civilization.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Paper 1 Commentary- Text 2
The fact that the article is published on a website makes the target audience vague but could in fact be people interested in sponsoring an organization like Oxfam or people who are actively following the food crisis in Africa. This is made clear by the reason that no person who is not interested in the issues happening in Africa would research about such a website and only a person who is actively looking for an organization to sponsor would bother reading the article. The purpose is very evident through analysis of the sentences and literary devices used and it is to inform as well as convince the audience about the food crisis in the African regions of Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and other regions in Sahel and what Oxfam International is doing to prevent further damage of agriculture and people.
The content portrays themes of service towards the community, commitment, and generosity. At the same time it puts forward imagery of people suffering in these regions which draws in empathy from the readers. The article discusses how this food crisis has been a stagnant problem in the region for a long time since 2005 and that the very “underlying” cause of the crisis has not been cured or taken care of. Oxfam points out how the organization is going to meet its aims by stating how it is going to become closer with the poorest of people, near the areas of Gorgol and Brakhna, in Mauritania, providing them with equipment and therefore finding a permanent cure for the crisis which has had a long lasting effect on the population there. Despite of this, the main focus in the article is on statistics regarding the situation in the region of Sahel and after much of the information was sufficiently conveyed, the organization plugs-in the massive efforts that Oxfam is putting into action in order to have a greater impact on the audience which helps to convince them of the legitimacy of the organization, hence making it popular among readers or potential sponsors.
The tone is informative and objective. The article
also has formal vocabulary and diction in order to raise the seriousness of the
issue, attracting more investment in the organization. The tone shows
enthusiasm by using phrases such as “gearing up” or “getting ready” which
raises morale and hopes of humanitarian aid being actually provided by the
organization and further enhances their legitimacy and undying commitment to
the noble effort they are putting forward. The mood is also hopeful but the atmosphere
is still, in context, very gloomy and saddening although it indicates Oxfam’s
efforts to keep the crisis at bay.
The use of literary devices is prominent in this
particular article and they enhance the readers understanding and overall
impact of the text on them. Firstly, this article relies a lot on the pathos of
the people of Africa as that impacts the reader’s interest and participation in
a topic like this.
The article takes a very objective standpoint by
stating the issue and then outlining the solutions and efforts being made by
Oxfam. It hooks the reader by plugging in statistics which draws in and
surprises a viewer who is obviously in a better situation than the people in
those regions are, and hence making the readers empathize the situation in
Africa. The article starts of by stating a quote which says “The humanitarian
response must tackle the underlying causes of crises like to prevent from
recurring.” This triggers a question of what the underlying causes could be and
makes the reader want to read more about the issue. The article is well
structured giving an introduction, and then outlining the issues faced in the
region of Sahel, and then stating what Oxfam is doing to prevent it and stop it
from recurring. The effects created by this article, personally, is very long
lasting with its facts and statistics along with the humanitarian efforts being
taken by countries to prevent this issue from occurring. The register is very
serious which makes the whole issue rise in importance and concern.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Generation LIKE!
I was watching a documentary on a phenomenon called generation LIKE referring to 'likes' obtained from social media sites and its effect on teens including other age groups. It was done by Frontline and was very informative including interviews, statistics and expert opinions. The main focus of Frontline was to portray the advertainment techniques that we as consumers or "you tubers" are being drawn into doing by knowingly or unknowingly selling out on your initial message.
When I watched the video, it emphasized on the 'fact' that obtaining likes or shares or good comments are a way in which the teens become empowered. I liked to question this as I feel that this creates unnecessary ego and actually reduces self esteem of everyone who has less likes than others which is the majority. I also don't believe that likes or comments are a constant source of empowerment and it can be said that having sparks or being in the Top 100 fans of a billion dollar enterprise is not at all empowering in any way but rather it is an addiction like smoking to get empowered!
Ok, I accept that getting likes will prove that everyone likes you and that you are famous or popular. But the word 'empowerment' in this context, is just an excuse for an addiction.
When I watched the video, it emphasized on the 'fact' that obtaining likes or shares or good comments are a way in which the teens become empowered. I liked to question this as I feel that this creates unnecessary ego and actually reduces self esteem of everyone who has less likes than others which is the majority. I also don't believe that likes or comments are a constant source of empowerment and it can be said that having sparks or being in the Top 100 fans of a billion dollar enterprise is not at all empowering in any way but rather it is an addiction like smoking to get empowered!
Ok, I accept that getting likes will prove that everyone likes you and that you are famous or popular. But the word 'empowerment' in this context, is just an excuse for an addiction.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
All About that Bass- A song against marginalizing fat people
Meghan Trainor's song ' All about that bass' encourages fat people to be confident and tries to prove that fat people are better off than the thin people. Her bubble-gum pink music video, instantly-memorable lyrics, and addictive bass line, makes the song hard not to love:
Because you know
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass
Yeah, it's pretty clear, I ain't no size two
But I can shake it, shake it
Like I'm supposed to do
'Cause I got that boom boom that all the boys chase
And all the right junk in all the right places
I see the magazine workin' that Photoshop
We know that shit ain't real
C'mon now, make it stop
If you got beauty, beauty, just raise 'em up
'Cause every inch of you is perfect
From the bottom to the top
Yeah, my mama she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Boys like a little more booty to hold at night."
You know I won't be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along
*CHORUS*
I'm bringing booty back
Go ahead and tell them skinny bitches that
No, I'm just playing. I know you think you're fat
But I'm here to tell ya
Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top
Yeah my mama she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Boys like a little more booty to hold at night."
You know I won't be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along
*CHORUS* (x3)
Looking into the lyrics of this song it starts off with the chorus with which it draws in listeners and gives a starting bass to the song. In the first paragraph she states that she is fat by saying she is not "size 2" but then saying "that all the boys like chase" women like her with big 'booties' rather than skinny girls. The song goes against the norms of beauty ideals of being extremely slim like the models in magazines who are "workin' that Photoshop" and tells the fat people no to worry and that "every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top."
In the video a fat man dances confidently and without any shame of doing so. This shows the listener or viewer that one does not have to be shying away from anything if your are fat. The fat man also does a leg split which gives a strong message that people who are fat are also able to do acrobatics and be as well off in terms of flexibility as the "skinny bitches". The 3rd verse says that Meghan Trainor's mom told her to not worry about your size and tells us that she recommended having a bigger 'booty' for men to hold at night.
This song tries to empower fat people by telling them they are as good as thin or skinny people in this world. So I think that this song has hit the mark as many people have reported being empowered after seeing the video and listening to the song because they are all about that base.
Because you know
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass
Yeah, it's pretty clear, I ain't no size two
But I can shake it, shake it
Like I'm supposed to do
'Cause I got that boom boom that all the boys chase
And all the right junk in all the right places
I see the magazine workin' that Photoshop
We know that shit ain't real
C'mon now, make it stop
If you got beauty, beauty, just raise 'em up
'Cause every inch of you is perfect
From the bottom to the top
Yeah, my mama she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Boys like a little more booty to hold at night."
You know I won't be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along
*CHORUS*
I'm bringing booty back
Go ahead and tell them skinny bitches that
No, I'm just playing. I know you think you're fat
But I'm here to tell ya
Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top
Yeah my mama she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Boys like a little more booty to hold at night."
You know I won't be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along
*CHORUS* (x3)
Looking into the lyrics of this song it starts off with the chorus with which it draws in listeners and gives a starting bass to the song. In the first paragraph she states that she is fat by saying she is not "size 2" but then saying "that all the boys like chase" women like her with big 'booties' rather than skinny girls. The song goes against the norms of beauty ideals of being extremely slim like the models in magazines who are "workin' that Photoshop" and tells the fat people no to worry and that "every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top."
In the video a fat man dances confidently and without any shame of doing so. This shows the listener or viewer that one does not have to be shying away from anything if your are fat. The fat man also does a leg split which gives a strong message that people who are fat are also able to do acrobatics and be as well off in terms of flexibility as the "skinny bitches". The 3rd verse says that Meghan Trainor's mom told her to not worry about your size and tells us that she recommended having a bigger 'booty' for men to hold at night.
This song tries to empower fat people by telling them they are as good as thin or skinny people in this world. So I think that this song has hit the mark as many people have reported being empowered after seeing the video and listening to the song because they are all about that base.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Superior mildness! .........try MARLBORO
This is an imperative Ad about smoking Marlboro cigarettes and how its superior mildness and fine taste makes you want to escape into a different, luxurious, and exotic world. But what are the implicit details of this advertisement?
This Ad was brought out in the 1950's, a time when airplanes were first commercialized. Well you may ask, SO?? Well travelling in an aircraft wasn't very economical nor very cheap back then and only the affluent people had the money to spend on it. This is the ESCAPE bit as in the Ad the picture is of the Archway of Santa Catalina in Antigua, Guatemala which was a very popular and exotic tourist destination for the Americans in the 1950's. The fun bit though is some people might think the people in the picture are actually in Guatemala but they are two separate ones and the couple's photo might have been taken in America itself :P
This aspect of international travel which 'virtually' (weasel word) everyone likes to do, draws in the readers and then they are persuaded to look at the captions or statements made by Marlboro. A very intelligent move as it marginalizes no one from it. The reason is because people might think that they can smoke Marlboro like the affluent people and still get their experience right in America. I mean it is one way to look at it...... Also in another perspective, we can see that the Ad actually might be marginalizing the poor people or even the middle class and would persuade them this way into buying Marlboro cigarettes.
Philip Morris really knew what he was doing. You probably can't see, but just below the cigarette packet it reads 'Ivory tips, Plain tips, Beauty tips (red)'. This caption proves that Marlboro is for everyone and also women can have it because the red beauty tips would have prevented lipstick marks on the cigarettes. It also shows ivory tips and plain tips to draw men in as just saying beauty tips would have marginalized men. This is because, men in the 1950's were increasingly hesitant to buy cigarettes marketed towards women. Smooth.....
Also stating that Marlboros have finer taste and superior mildness brings out the stereotype back then that women were weak and wanted mild and soft things. It also brings out a 'unique and different' claim by saying 'So, if you need a change, remember.....' which states that Marlboro cigarettes are beyond the norm and is not common. It kind of marginalizes people who don't smoke often by saying that 'Marlboros are better in everyway, for those who smoke throughout the day'. But this in a way tells the people who smoke often that they are special and they need a change and hence implicitly persuading them to buy Marlboros to increase profits......
I guess these persuasive advertisements that include all the advertising claims that I have learnt of :P further proves why Marlboro is the largest selling brand of cigarettes to date.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
JUST WEAR IT! :D
It's not cool! -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Despite the continued efforts by governments and the international community, some people still don't wear their seatbelts! Can you believe that? The WHO released a report of the death toll of traffic-related deaths and the results have been appalling with over 1.24 million deaths worldwide in 2013 with just over 50% of them caused by not wearing seatbelts. It is really ironic because of the fact that its the same number of deaths that occurred in 2010 and 200,000 deaths less than the death toll in 2000! So much for education and awareness.......
Teens! The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes and has proved that 55% of all teenagers that died in 2013, didn't have their seatbelt on at the time of the incident. Some teenagers think that the seatbelts are the added protection to the airbags but it is the opposite; seatbelts are the essential part of your safety and airbags come second.
Let's face it, most of these accidents are caused by hedonism and the urge to act cool. In fact, it's not cool because its not only you that you need to think about, but also your parents. Exploiting your new found freedom at the age of 16 or 18, depending on your parents, is not an excuse to drive rashly, but a medium through which you can show your responsibility as a young adult. The point is that you guys should start wearing seatbelts if you want to go for this "rad" party in South Carolina or something... you might not even get there, if you know what I mean.....
Parents! What do you think? Are you being a role model to your children? Of course, nobody is telling you what to do with your child but it is recommended by the NHTSA that parents make the safety regulations clear to their children before giving a car over to them. Be a role model to your child by wearing your seatbelt and driving safe. You all should know that even if you are driving at 20 kmph, you are still at risk of an accident not caused by you but maybe caused by another driver or vehicle You know, the international community expects you to be more responsible when you are above 35. Shame on you if you still don't wear one when you are 40....
Hey Government! Don't blame these people for not wearing their seatbelts. You can, but take some responsibility and consider making 'wear a seatbelt' a primary enforcement rather than a secondary one. Just chuck the freedom rights in this case and enforce it as it is for the good of the people.
All I want to say is that people, wear your seatbelts. Think about your family, your friends, yourself and make the right choices. Its just a matter a pulling a strap and inserting it into a place till you here 'click'. Think "Just wear it."
Take a look at this advertisement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-8PBx7isoM
JUST WEAR IT!!
Thank you
Despite the continued efforts by governments and the international community, some people still don't wear their seatbelts! Can you believe that? The WHO released a report of the death toll of traffic-related deaths and the results have been appalling with over 1.24 million deaths worldwide in 2013 with just over 50% of them caused by not wearing seatbelts. It is really ironic because of the fact that its the same number of deaths that occurred in 2010 and 200,000 deaths less than the death toll in 2000! So much for education and awareness.......
Teens! The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes and has proved that 55% of all teenagers that died in 2013, didn't have their seatbelt on at the time of the incident. Some teenagers think that the seatbelts are the added protection to the airbags but it is the opposite; seatbelts are the essential part of your safety and airbags come second.
Let's face it, most of these accidents are caused by hedonism and the urge to act cool. In fact, it's not cool because its not only you that you need to think about, but also your parents. Exploiting your new found freedom at the age of 16 or 18, depending on your parents, is not an excuse to drive rashly, but a medium through which you can show your responsibility as a young adult. The point is that you guys should start wearing seatbelts if you want to go for this "rad" party in South Carolina or something... you might not even get there, if you know what I mean.....
Parents! What do you think? Are you being a role model to your children? Of course, nobody is telling you what to do with your child but it is recommended by the NHTSA that parents make the safety regulations clear to their children before giving a car over to them. Be a role model to your child by wearing your seatbelt and driving safe. You all should know that even if you are driving at 20 kmph, you are still at risk of an accident not caused by you but maybe caused by another driver or vehicle You know, the international community expects you to be more responsible when you are above 35. Shame on you if you still don't wear one when you are 40....
Hey Government! Don't blame these people for not wearing their seatbelts. You can, but take some responsibility and consider making 'wear a seatbelt' a primary enforcement rather than a secondary one. Just chuck the freedom rights in this case and enforce it as it is for the good of the people.
All I want to say is that people, wear your seatbelts. Think about your family, your friends, yourself and make the right choices. Its just a matter a pulling a strap and inserting it into a place till you here 'click'. Think "Just wear it."
Take a look at this advertisement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-8PBx7isoM
JUST WEAR IT!!
Thank you
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