Abstract This paper introduces the "Chinese Room" argument proposed by John Searle that cognitive understanding by a machine is impossible. It attempts to show artificially intelligent (AI) brains can, in fact, understand ideas in a human sense by comparing languages used by both humans and AI. It also compares the methods by which both humans and AI learn about their environments and uses juxtapositions between language acquisition and environment to show that human and artificial brains are in fact the same.
From the Paper "While an individual program may not have true understanding abilities, a robot, complete with sensory perception units could. A brain knows where its sensory information comes from, whether it is ear, eye, skin, mouth or nose, and the brain can understand. Therefore, the man should be told from which sensory unit the symbols come, if it is to understand as the brain does. In addition, a brain is capable of knowing how to recognize individual objects. The English man, while he gets his information in Chinese, is able to write down patterns and then attempt to explain what is actually happening outside."
Abstract Korea is a country with a long and proud history in which language plays a particularly important and interesting role. This paper discusses language policy in the Republic of Korea through an investigation of Korean history, society, culture and economy; factors which have had a major impact on official policy, as well as societal attitudes towards language.
Outline
An Introduction to Korea
Chinese Japanese
English
Conclusion
From the Paper "Culturally Korea is very different from countries in the west. The journalist, author, and long time resident of Korea Michael Breen, in his book "The Koreans," writes, "This is not a culture in which diversity is seen as a value or an ideal. Koreans see virtue in unity: one mind, one people, one system, one race, one path (1998:68)."
Korea is considered to be the nation most influenced by Confucian philosophy, being even more orthodox in its implementation than China, from where Confucius originated. Therefore, elders are held in very high regard, as are people in authority, and of high social standing."
Tags: bilingualism, culture, diglossia, efl, esl, japanese, chinese
Abstract The paper discusses the Chinese market which is rapidly changing in light of the increasingly global market place. The paper states that the economic boom in China's urban areas is creating a new consumer culture where the consumer has more disposable income, which has affected consumer preferences within the Chinese marketplace. The paper states that the result is that a sophisticated Chinese consumer is emerging and foreign companies need to market to their sophisticated needs, while at the same time marketing to the general population's needs. The paper states that the most effective way for a company to build a strong brand name in the rapidly emerging Chinese market is to adapt itself to the rapidly changing Chinese culture. The paper concludes that despite the numerous challenges that the Chinese market presents, a company can be successful if it spends the time and resources necessary to gain an in-depth understanding of the local culture and the Chinese consumer's attitudes and thus becomes prepared to cope with the many unexpected intricacies of the Chinese marketplace.
Outline:
Introduction
Understanding Cultural Issues
Collective Society
Brand Perception
Language Aesthetic Sense
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Chinese people carry with them a strong aesthetic sense, based on their perceptions of nature. To the Chinese consumer, in general, images of the natural form are highly attractive. For example, mountains and animals are often used in association with brand names in order to create attractive brand imagery and visual displays. On the other hand, abstract symbols are not favored as they are inconsistent with the Chinese cultural preference for natural aesthetics. Further more, the marketer needs to understand that the Chinese people enjoy complicated forms and shapes and certain colors. For example, the color red is seen as being the most cheerful color and thus can be successfully used to attract people's attention. Another example is the Chinese preference for peaceful imagery, largely a result of the influence of such religions as Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. When a company is designing a strategy for marketing their brand in the Chinese marketplace, all of these aesthetic considerations must be made. Therefore, it is important to use specific colors and imagery in order to strengthen the brand's market presence and thus increase overall company profits."
This paper looks at the actual use of Chinese address terms in various interpersonal relations, the grammatical status of the terms of address, and the condition(s) for their occurrence in Chinese.
Abstract This paper lexamines Chinese address terms, their grammatical nature, usage, history of their use, similarities to other languages, and the social dynamics involved in their use. Through the examination of exact terms, the author demonstrates to the reader, the different ways that these terms can be used, depending upon the audience being addressed.
From the Paper "The extension of kinship terms to non-kin persons like categories 6 and 7 has the goal in Chinese communities of socializing the young into respect for their elders and care for their young. Wu says, ?extending the family relationships to outsiders thus fulfills the goal of "one family under the sky" (tianxia yijia)? (1989).Used by the speaker of these terms implies that the rules of behavior are extended to the addressee; or they might even by said to be imposed upon the addressee. If the addressee feels uncomfortable, he can decline the term of address applied to him in this particular relationship. This can happen when the addressee is genuinely modest or when he senses some degree of insincerity in the act. Usually the socializer who confers the address-form is a parent or a caretaker of the child (Hong 1991). But the same discomfort can occur when the term is inconsistent with the addressee's sense of camaraderie."
Abstract Language as a tradition and experience illustrates the holistic effect of language to individuals. In the field of social psychology, it is posited that language determines thought, and this hypothesis, called the theory of linguistic relativity, is proposed by Benjamin Whorf and Edward Sapir. The theory shows how language determines people's perceptions of their social realities as experienced and related to within their society. Chang-Rae Lee ("Mute in an English-Only World"), Dennis Baron ("Don"t Make English Official-Ban it Instead"), and Amy Tan ("Mother Tongue") confront this issue in discourses on language as tradition and experience. This paper provides a comparative analysis of the authors" works and arguments about language and its function and meaning for the individual and society.
From the Paper "Baron uses the academic approach in portraying English as a tradition, a functional system of codes that enables people to interact with each other in the society. Using this as his primary thesis, Baron argues that English should not be implemented as the country's national language, since ?it's hardly even English anymore.? The hybridization of English in America is the result of the assimilation of other languages of people with various nationalities who immigrate and live in America. Because of the emergence of hybrid, pseudo-American languages, it cannot be possible to determine the "purity" of English as a language anymore. Thus, implementing English per se defeats the purpose of language for society?that is, to let people interact and understand each other. However, Baron's argument does not conclude definitively, since as he confesses, "there is no obvious candidate" that would be fitting to become an alternative to English. Thus, Baron's arguments is halted and brought to a standstill, since his arguments against the language pertains only to its function as tradition, and not as an argument against English as a language experienced by its users."
Abstract This paper describes a particular Chinese Buddhist chant used for both individual and group practice, which is the repetition, through singing or chanting, of one of the names of Buddha - Amitabha. The author points out that Amitabha, which is an ancient chant, was written in the Sanskrit language before Buddhism was transmitted to China. The paper relates that the chanting is sometimes accompanied by percussion instruments.
From the Paper "The Chinese Buddhist chant I have chosen to describe is, perhaps, one of the simplest and most ancient - the chanting of Amitabha. While some Chinese Buddhist chants were originally written in Chinese, this one predates the transmission of Buddhism to China and is therefore written in Sanskrit, the original language of Buddhism that comes from northern India. Amitabha is one of the names of Buddha, and the chant is associated with repentance and forgiveness. It is, in most cases, as simple repetition of the four-syllable word 'Amitabha', though in some cases other syllables are added to it. Buddhist thought values simplicity above all things."
Abstract This study provides a comparison of language learning anxiety between language learners being instructed by both native and non-native English as a second language teachers in Taiwan today. This paper uses a critical and comprehensive review of the peer-reviewed and scholarly literature to develop the background and resources needed to answer the study's guiding research questions. The paper provides a summary of the research, important conclusions and salient recommendations in the concluding chapter.
Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1:
Definition and Overview of Anxiety
Language Anxiety and ESL Instructors
Chapter Summary
Chapter 2: Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-Gathering Method and Database of Study
Chapter 3: Data Analysis
Chapter 4: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "According to these authors, "Motivation, it now appears, is but one of many individual variables that influence the success of language learning. Anxious students can filter their language learning experience through such thick shielding that often immense amounts of comprehensible input result in limited intake. Risk-takers in terms of language learning progress more quickly and experience greater enjoyment than do their non-risk-taking peers" (emphasis added) (Leaver & Shekhtman, 2002, p. 15). In the classroom setting, a number of interpersonal and small-group issues can enhance or impair the efforts of any individual student in the "visible classroom" (the overt relationships) who reacts poorly to the "invisible classroom" (ubiquitous but covert group dynamics), to use the concept and terminology advanced for this purpose (e.g., the significance of small-group dynamics and rapport may be greater than many teachers realize) (Leaver & Shekhtman, 2002).
The vast majority of research on these variables has been conducted on groups of students with mixed backgrounds and at lower levels of proficiency. Based on their lengthy experience and empirical observations, our seventeen-year experience in extensive and intensive work with Superior-level students, learners at this level, especially those studying in courses and groups, tend to have a different set of anxieties, most of which are more closely tied to linguistic aspects of job performance than to the intellectual risk-taking required of language learning in general (Leaver & Shekhtman, 2002)."
Abstract This paper provides a literature review outlining the various pros and cons of direct-to-consumer advertising as it reaches first and second generation Chinese immigrants in the United States. It discusses advertising best practices and methods regarding material that speaks to trust, health, literacy and culture. The paper then describes the effect of this type of advertising on this population.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review: Pros & Cons of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising and Chinese Immigrants
Conclusion
From the Paper "The large Chinese population in the United States indicates that advertising to this population holds both opportunities and risks in the market. As a result, companies should be well prepared on how to play in this market. A review of the literature indicates that in the past decade, the Chinese immigrant consumer population has proven to be a lucrative population, both for the company manufacturing the goods as well as the independent party responsible for advertising. However, proper and efficient direct-to-consumer marketing and advertising plays a significant role in whether the brand or brand name becomes lucrative or not. Research in this area is critical to the continued success of advertising; after the initial research regarding consumer preferences and needs is completed, marketing efforts through sales becomes key. A review of the literature in this area indicates that advertising, promotion and proper use and maintenance of trademarks the most important aspects of market channeling to Chinese immigrants. As long as these aspects are consistently met, the business opportunities of this population appear to be bright. Finally, as stated by the Zhou et al (2007) research, ethnic language media cannot simply be viewed as an ethnic institution isolated from the mainstream host society in which immigrants resettled and that they can facilitate immigrant adaptation."
Tags: marketing, products, culture, literacy, language
Abstract This essay examines the experiences of the Chinese people who immigrated to America between the years 1850 and 1930. The author looks at the events that these people experienced such as the hardships and the culture barriers as well as the series of laws and events that occurred during this immigration to the United States.
From the Paper "As with many other people groups who left their homelands for America during this 80-year period, Asians experienced a great number of positive and negative ordeals in their attempts to join the great melting pot of the new world. Chinese immigration during this time is filled with countless stories of hardship, rejection, persecution, opportunity, and success. A significant language barrier compounded the Chinese immigration experience. Beginning in the mid- 19th Century when young, single men were recruited as contract laborers from Southern China (particularly from the Kuangtung Province), Asian immigrants have played a vital role in the development of the United States. Several factors contributed to the influx of Chinese to the wild American West around 1850. "
Abstract This paper explores the relationship between Chinese religious, philosophical and political ideas as they have impacted Chinese music. It discusses Buddhist, Daoist and Communist thinking as it affected the composition and performance of Chinese Music. The paper addresses archaeological finds, the influence of yin and yang and Chinese ideas of harmony and pitch.
Abstract Summary: This paper is on Chinese acupuncture. Chinese medicine in general and acupuncture in particular are based on assumptions not found in western medicine. In the West, medicine considers cause and effect, as with a virus leading to disease. Chinese acupuncture is based on forces of yin and yang.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses what it means for the child of a Chinese family to be a first generation Chinese American. For this study, the writer uses information presented in Jade Snow Wong's book, 'Fifth Chinese Daughter'. Further, the writer examines how the assimilation process may change family values.
From the Paper "In Jade Snow Wong's memoir 'Fifth Chinese Daughter' the author tells the story of one Chinese family's adjustment to life in the United States. Told from the point of view of the family's fifth daughter, Jade Snow, the book examines not only the way in which two different cultures clash, but how two generations of the same family might be at odds over what path in life is most appropriate. Indeed, 'Fifth Chinese Daughter' is an exploration of how family values and culture are affected when the ... "
Abstract The paper discusses how recent Chinese blockbusters such as "Crouching Tiger," "Hidden Dragon" and "Hero" are examples of the popular resurgence of classical Chinese culture and mythology in post-Cultural Revolution China. The paper explains that after decades of effort by the communist authorities to wipe out all traces of traditional culture, national and international fascination with the beauty and romance of Chinese history and myth is stronger than ever. The paper relates that during the Cultural Revolution, not only were artists persecuted for creating 'reactionary' or 'traditional' art, anything of beauty was thought of as decadent and even flower gardens were destroyed."
Abstract McDonald's is the largest food service retailer in the world with more than 30,000 restaurants in 121 countries. This paper explores the economic impact of McDonald's entering the Chinese market. The two main economic impacts discussed are employment and the encouraging of greater foreign trade and investment. It also briefly describes the economic collaboration between America and China, the restaurant industry in China, and the goals that McDonald's has for the Chinese Market.
From the Paper "Every new McDonald's Restaurant creates at least 100 new job opportunities depending on the size of the store. So by 2013 McDonalds would have created at least 100,000 more jobs for China's economy. In addition, McDonald's provides its employees with an opportunity to advance in the organization, McDonald's Restaurants offers comprehensive training programs to all staff levels and is committed to promoting from within. (http://www.sjross.com/mcdonalds.html) This commitment provides workers with increased pay and training. "
Abstract This is a textual exegesis of classical text in Chinese philosophy. This text is taken from the classic of Chinese philosophy known as "The Book of Changes". The paper reveals some of the reasons for the popularity of the "Way of Changes" when it first originated.
