Body & Cultural Text Essay

When a person has watched a film, advertisement or read a book, there are distinct elements that are evident throughout the work of art that seemingly communicate more than their surface meaning. This essay seeks to demonstrate how metaphor, connotation and metonym are usually used in distinct cultural texts such as in books, film and others. It specifically applies the basic concepts of communication theory to cultural texts, objects and images. Body Communication theory lays emphasis on exchange and production of meaning and information through symbols and signs (Littlejohn, 2002). It draws its argument from encoding and sending of a specific message, where it is received and decoded by the recipient and synthesized for a meaning and information to be drawn out of it. What communication theory depicts is that communication does permeate all evels of human experience while being central to comprehending a certain human behavior (Griffin, 1997). Through metonym, metaphor and connotation, the main elements of communication theory are brought into focus, since they are figurative use of sending certain messages but in distinct ways. Through them, cultural texts are deciphered and understood, where meanings are drawn beyond the surface meaning. Metonym Metonym, a figure of speech, is rhetorically used where a concept or entity is not called by its name but through the name of another thing that is associated intimately with it. It is the use of a single object or thing to identify another, which might be related. For example, in Act III, scene II of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, (Lines 74-77): ‘Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears’ (Pickering & Hoeper, 1982). ‘Ear’ in this case represents attention, since it is the ears that we use to pay attention to speech. Once the ‘lending ear’ (attention) has been heard, the basic understanding of ‘lend’ (to borrow something) is stretched to include nonmaterial things, in this case attention. Washington might be the capital of the United States, but it is usually used as an obvious metonym for the U. S. government. In film, metonym gives meaning to distinct elements of plot, such as in the recent movie, American Beauty. It is a comedy where personal, inner conflict is depicted through metonyms. For instance, the protagonist, ‘Tootsie’, shows signs of inner conflict when he lacks confidence to carry out a scam. In another level of conflict, metonyms in the form of coworkers, boss, father, friends, TV audience and his love depict the protagonist’s social conflict. The movie is all about different levels of conflict that are splendidly shown metonymically, through different contexts. This is achieved through outward projection of different levels of conflict on other characters it is seen, creating a very dramatic impact. Particular types of metonyms in substitution do influence our thoughts, actions and attitudes. This is achieved through focusing on a specific aspect and suppressing another inconsistent with a particular metonym. For example, Lakoff and Johnson argue that when you think about ‘Picasso’, your thoughts move beyond a piece of art (1980). You start thinking of it in relation to the individual, his artistic conception, technique, art in history and other relations. Connotation Connotation in texts, expressions and in mere words shows the expressed and emotive part of a language. Seemingly, all connotative signs and expressions lie vaguely midway between ambiguity and symbolism. For instance, the word ‘iron’ denotes a very tough metal but can connote that a man is a piece of ‘iron’ since he has won a boxing match without a problem. Connotations form a major component of poetry, where its power of expression, suggestion and emotion offers parameters that gauge the literary capability of an author while the cultural text awareness of the reader is revealed. This means that connotation must be culture and text bound to be of any significance. For instance, in Elizabethan times black was synonymous to piracy, lust, infidelity and cruelty. This is shown in Shakespeare’s depiction of Elizabethan disgust of the connotation black in more vivid racial terms. In Othello, Iago expresses that â€Å"†¦ an old black ram is tupping your white ewe† and â€Å"arise†¦or else the devil will make a grandsire of you† (Pickering & Hoeper, 1982). This association of Othello shows the established historical connotation that Western nations had concerning black as pure evil. The communicative element of connotation is pervasive and everywhere. It is expressed in all cultures and dwells across all ages in all literary styles, genres, cultural expression such as music, architecture and painting. Music offers something more to people beyond the rhythm and stones, thus connotation end up being capable of having double meanings and creating euphemisms. In film, connotation makes a communicative entry, as in the official poster of Ugly Betty, Season 2. In the poster, there is a darker background that lies behind Alexis, Amanda, Daniel, Marc, Claire and Willie, connoting Mode as being business and in that juncture, wealth and money equals evil and power. In the same poster, there is a white and blue background behind Betty, Hilda, Henry, Justin, Christina and Iganscio. This connotes family, happiness, tranquility and deeper peace. In hair product advertisements, the portrayal of hair as free flowing and seemingly in motion in an immaculate style connotes a woman readying herself to socialize, in that the free-flowing hair connotes freedom, as elaborated by Williamson, (1978). Metaphor Metaphors are simply comparisons showing two things, unlike in a major way, but importantly similar in a certain way. Being an analogy, a metaphor lies between two ideas or objects and elaborated through the usage of a certain word, which communicates figuratively. In books, metaphors communicate a poetic imagination that enables authors such as Shakespeare to show a comparison between the world and stage, where humans enter and leave the stage, as seen in the drama â€Å"As You Like It†, while Robert Frost’s poem, ‘The Road Not Taken’ compares the life of a person to a journey. In film, metaphors elaborate issues figuratively, such as in a short film entitled The Unique Oneness of Christian Savage. In the film, a child loses a best friend who falls from a tall tree where they had been playing. The child then runs away from the funeral and the words spoken, and starts beating the â€Å"evil† tree that killed the friend using a broken branch. This is a visual metaphor introducing an element of conflict without the use of words but very powerful. In adverts, metaphors are used in associating products using semantic domains that have positive connotations. The truth in an advert appears like a law for advertisers to keep off from explicitly making such statements that might be either true or false. For instance, in an air freshener advert, it might be said in an advert that it will bring a tropical breeze in your home. While it is obvious it cannot do this, what is metaphorically communicated is that your house will have fresh air. In addition, the communicative element of metaphors also takes a visual course, where it becomes a window of new thinking. These visuals give the individual a chance to escape while those who are creative can explain and interpret a novel world. In understanding the metaphor, the interpretation is on the world we live where we establish the relationship. In advertising, this is even clearer and true in the recent highly creative and digital images in advertisements. In fact, the smarter a metaphor is the more unforgettable and memorable the advert campaign. In some Ford Motors adverts, the car transforms itself in different terrains, into a metallic ape along a mountain and a crocodile in a river. This is a visual metaphor for strength and safety. Most importantly, the more fun and creative the metaphor, the more unforgettable the message it conveys. It has been a major sell for adverts with figurative images. For instance, there are adverts on the campaigns on Aids by the French. It has images which are very captivating and fearful but communicate their intention. One is a naked man having sex with a gigantic venomous arachnid, while another shows a female doing the same with another, a metaphor for unprotected sex. It is disgusting and scary to say the least, but aptly effective. Such graphical metaphors depict the underlying element of communicative theory, where the way communication is done might not be important, rather, it is whether the message has been communicated at all (Littlejohn, 2002). In the case of the French Aids Campaign adverts, the emotional figurative hook connects well with the audience. Conclusion Metonyms, connotation, and metaphors are demonstrated in cultural texts with a communicative element that edifies the spirit of the communication theory. All of them work in different ways to aid communication. References Griffin, E. (1997). A first look at communication theory (3rd edition). New York: McGraw-Hill. Lakoff, G. & Johnson, M. (1980). Metaphors We Live By. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Littlejohn, S. W. (2002). Theories of human communication (7th edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Pickering, J. & Hoeper, J. (1982). Literature. London: Macmillan. Williamson, J. (1978). Decoding Advertisements. London: Marion Boyars.

My Most Precious Possession Essay Example

My Most Precious Possession Essay Example My Most Precious Possession Essay My Most Precious Possession Essay Imagine for one moment that you are standing on your neighbors front lawn in your pajamas, watching your house burn to the ground. All of your family and pets are safe. If at this moment, you have a chance to safely dash back into the burning building and retrieve one precious belonging, what would if be? I personally already have issues like this thought out ahead of time. In case of emergencies, I will be ready to act. The item I would rush to grasp would be my CD collection, because of its monetary and sentimental value. I have a very large and diverse compact disk collection. I estimate that I currently own close to three hundred. When you take in to account that I paid between ten and fifteen dollars for each one, you might begin to understand how precious they are to me. My estimate comes to thirty-five hundred dollars. If viewed as a whole it is one of the single most expensive things I own. Second and most importantly is the sentimental value the collection has. You might find it strange that plastic can have sentimental value. I assure you; it can. I like different types of music when I am in different moods. I own Cads with all of the following types of music: country, rock, heavy metal, pop, classic rock, folk, reggae, classical, blues, ask, swing, rap, Spanish, bluegrass and many other types I probably have forgotten. For most of these CDC I have the track numbers and all the words to most songs memorized from playing them so many times. If I hear the ending of a song that I have in my collection I can start singing you the beginning of the song directly after It. I use music to compliment my mood or to put me In a better one. Each song I own says a different thing to me or reminds me off a different memory of my past. Some of these discs are practically Irreplaceable. As any music lover can tell you no one music store carries every CD. I buy them at concerts from little known artists, at obscure music shops, from Internet sites, or Just about anywhere I see them. Some were extremely hard for me to track down; others are autographed. A few from my collection I made from songs on my computer; consequently, they are en off kind. One In particular has recordings of songs I friend of mine wrote. Its not the discs I am so attached to but the songs on them and the way the make me feel. If I were to lose this collection I would be losing not only a large sum of money and a lot of precious time spent collecting them, but every Individual song that means so much to me. I suppose there Is life without music, but thats something Id rather not think about. My Most Precious Possession By bigness most songs memorized from playing them so many times. If I hear the ending off directly after it. I use music to compliment my mood or to put me in a better one. My past. Some of these discs are practically irreplaceable. As any music lover can artists, at obscure music shops, from internet sites, or Just about anywhere I see one off kind. One in particular has recordings of songs I friend of mine wrote. Its a lot of precious time spent collecting them, but every individual song that means so much to me. I suppose there is life without music, but thats something Id rather not

Article Summaries Essay examples

Article Summaries Essay examples Article Summaries Essay examples Research Summary Paper PP7050: Physiological Psychology Argosy University, Orange County 23 October 2013 Article Summary: â€Å"Neuroimaging in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Current and Future Predictors of Functional Outcome†(Suskauer & Huisman, 2009) A review by Suskaur and Huisman (2009) discusses new brain imaging techniques (i.e., diffusion weighted (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI), and H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS)) and presents current research on their abilities to identify functional outcomes following TBI in the pediatric population due to their sensitivity in detecting microstructural brain injuries such as diffuse axonal injury (DAI). This review also discusses traditional anatomical imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as their insensitivity in detecting microstructural brain injuries. The authors suggest that the ability to more accurately identify the degree of brain injury early on may assist in determining patients’ sequelae of injury, individualizing treatment, implementing early intervention to limit further brain injury, and increasing efficiency of rehab for patients. Current research studies related to this review are referenced. For example, according to Lee and Newberg (2005), brain imaging following TBI is often essential to identifying patients’ sequelae of injury and prompting necessary interventions (i.e., surgery). This supports the clinical relevance of this review. Furthermore, according to Bauer and Fritz (2004), many age-related differences between the brain of a child and that of an adult exist that impact injury and rehabilitation. Therefore, the authors of this review solely focus on the pediatric population for the sake of continuity of findings. The method employed in this review was a review of current literature. Specifically, details of brain imaging methods are explicated. For example, according to the authors, CT is quick, easy, and accessible and provides information on the acute setting of TBI. However it has limited ability to identify the extent of DAI, only presents more obvious injuries, and is limited by its use of ionizing radiation. MRI is more accurate in detecting DAI. MRI studies have revealed associations between anatomical locations of lesions and post-TBI global functioning. For example, studies have demonstrated that deeper, more centrally located brain lesions are associated with worse outcomes (Grados et al., 2001). Anatomical MRI studies have also demonstrated relationships between post-traumatic ADHD, personality change, anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. However, there is no significant consensus in this literature. DWI is a new, noninvasive functional MRI technique that shows differentiation between the diffusion of protons in the brain and, therefore, differentiation between cytotoxic and vasogenic edemas, which are associated with DAI. Studies reveal that vasogenic may be reversible, while cytotoxic usually is not. Overall, DWI provides a greater degree of abnormality and better predicts outcomes compared to other techniques. DTI takes it a step further and measures the direction and proportion of diffusion. DTI results have been found to demonstrate relationships with injury severity and functional outcome. Additionally, DTI shows promise for future research investigating underlying mechanisms of recovery and pediatric brain development. SWI measures extracellular and extravascular blood products in the brain. It is very sensitive in detecting quantity and volume of lesions, which are associated with global (i.e., coma) and neurocognitive outcomes (i.e., IQ). H-MRS assesses for injury by analyzing the presence of neurometabolites. Disturbance in these has been found to be predictive of specific outcomes (i.e., good/bad, cognitive, and behavioral). In sum, future research

Henri Matisse, Femme au chapeau Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Henri Matisse, Femme au chapeau - Term Paper Example The paper "Henri Matisse, Femme au chapeau" discovers Henri Matisse and his art. This is in the context of an intricate hat, with a fan firmly held by a gloved arm. There is a clear expression from the vivacious hue in Amelie’s costume. The painting was among the very first developments that came with bright colored canvases. These bright colors depicted Matisse from an expressive point of view. The picture was created from a style that widely involved the use of brushstroke in a non-regulated manner. He used this artistic work to mark his change from the highly expressive styles, into one that involved loose brushwork, synchronized with non-naturalistic colors. This phenomenon depicted an unfinished piece of work that was sketchy in nature. The new idea was a source of surprise to many. Woman with a Hat,’ gives a strong sense of fauvism. Fauvism as a culture and a style began its endeavors and operated within 1900 and 1910. Matisse was the leader of the fauvism movemen t along with a companion painter known as Andrà © Derain. Matisse began his fauvism endeavors at the Ambroise Vollard’s showcase back in 1904, but achieved minute success from his latter works. He then endorsed in expressive and bright colors, which came out well pronounced in his preceding paintings. These included controlled lines and flat shapes. His fauvism culture became eminent between him and his workmates, where he achieved his peak quest with this painting. Woman with a Hat,’ initiated the famous quote by the then critic.

Critiquing the Article Psycho-Social Factors Affecting Elders Research Paper

Critiquing the Article Psycho-Social Factors Affecting Elders - Research Paper Example Loiselle, McGrath, Polit, and Beck (2010) stated that a good title must reflect the key variables and the population being studied (p. 359). In this case, the article reflects psycho-social factors and maltreatment as variables under study and the elderly as the study population instead of Israeli elderly. Abstract An abstract should correctly summarize the problem, methods, design, results, conclusion, and implications of the study, must be convenient to the reader, and reflects the worthiness of the article (Taylor & Kermode, 2006, 86). Almost all of the contents of the abstract are correct and concise except for the method section. The abstract stated that a quantitative correlational method was used whereas the methodology section identified a quantitative correlational study which made the methods used conflicting. The author also thinks that the abstract of the article is too brief. Upon analysis of the article, the author noticed the following: the aim of the study is too gene ral and stated that the study will examine and analyze ‘major variables’ affecting maltreatment of elderly when the title specifically stated that psycho-social factors will be studied; theoretical frameworks should not be included in the aim and must be included in a separate subheading; the statistical methods were not stated in the abstract; and the conclusion and recommendations did not summarize or recommends anything as it only stated that it is first study to examine elder maltreatment in the long-term care population of Israel. Introduction Statement of the Problem. In my own words, the research problem should be stated as: â€Å"What are the psycho-social factors affecting Israeli elders’ maltreatment in long-term care facilities? What are the relationships of each psycho-social factor in Israeli elders’ maltreatment in long-term care facilities? What psycho-social factor has the major impact in Israeli elders’ maltreatment in long-term ca re facilities?† These are the research problems which came in my mind upon reading the article as it intends to examine and analyze psycho-social factors especially major factors that affect elders’ maltreatment in long-term care facilities. In addition, I have read in the discussion that relationships were identified for each psycho-social factor so the problem could be stated in a way that would illustrate the relationship between psycho-social factors and elders’ maltreatment. According to Loiselle, McGrath, Polit, and Beck (2010), the statement of the problem must be easy to identify, has clear concepts and study population, has significance for nursing, and matches with the paradigms and methods used (p. 359). The article only implied that elderly maltreatment is common in long-term care settings and include various behaviors but did not establish a problem statement; thus, it was not easy to identify. Concepts and population under study are clear and establ ished a cogent and persuasive argument for the new study as the full prevalence of elderly maltreatment in long-term care facilities is unknown. The problem has significance for nursing as it will address the factors on the side of the nurse that leads to maltreatment, leading to prevention. The article matched with paradigms such as the theoretical model for predicting causes of elder maltreatmen

Economic Development and Urban Revitalization Essay

Economic Development and Urban Revitalization - Essay Example Traceable to the reconstruction efforts envisaged after World War II, in an effort of reconstructing Europe, many new towns and cities became founded on this ideal (Bingham & Mier, 1994). As Michael and Robert (1996) allude, they were created around TOD communities with various TOD principles became incorporated into the planning and subsequent development of these areas. Half-a-mile radius circular planning has been the standardized measure between which TOD catchment areas were placed. This distance does correspond to a distance that is manageable, for existing populations to walk, in the quest of accessing transportation. The essence behind this is the provision of features designed with the intention of encouraging utility of public transport means; in addition to distinguishing such a development from what is considered urban sprawls. As part of a given region’s larger undertaking of community economic development, TODs do entail principles of CED strategy. This is primarily a strategic plan that aims at enhancing a given community’s economic development. This is informed by the fact that such strategies can be utilized in not only updating the region’s official Community Plans, but also zoning by-laws. This is informed by the fact that priorities based on economic development, often do have a fundamental impact on community policies; and specifically so, in regard to land-use planning. A professional in economic development would thus be majorly advantaged, having the requisite knowledge of CED strategy; to be further improved through TOD initiatives (Michael & Robert, 1996). In augmenting CED strategies with TOD planning as Fischer (1995) envisages, urban habitations are interconnected in a networked manner, via the prevailing transport network systems; thus enabling easy movement of goods and society.  

Critical success factors Essay Example for Free

Critical success factors Essay Broad market coverage due to its abilityto handle difficult cases at the intersectionOf laws and digital technology. * Human resources competencies-highly skilledstaffs had background in computing, investigative * Or law enforcement.| * Growth without direction-officeheads did not understand the purpose of new strategic plans, they were confused with their roles and responsibilities(overcommitted and uncertainty) * Loss of corporate direction los of corporate control. * Inappropriate organisational structure and control system.| * Rapid growth and expansion- They needed to work rapidly and accurately, any delay could lead to corrupted data. * Data challenge-Complexity of the internet clouds and data privacy laws. * Demand for both digital forensics and * e-discovery services reflected unanticipated occurrence of a data breach. * Increase in competitors due to identified value creation.| Did the acquisition of Docuity provide Stroz Friedberg with a competitive advantage? Acquisition of docuity provided added competitive advantage on effective search tools, improved reliability and service and there by better branding and recognition in the market. Docuity’s patent pending technology and rule based processing ensured better cost controls and quality throughout the process, accounted for approximately 27% of total billings. What steps have been taken to overcome the firm’s growing pains?How do you assess the steps? The rapid growth of the firm was successful but challenging. Throughthe review of firms cultural systems,structure,and process had resulted in a significant set of changes. Organisational review raised several significant issues. They were collectively described as growing pains. Following are the challenges faced, steps taken to tackle it and advantages of each steps. They introduced new systems and structures that clarified roles and responsibilities, instilled greater accountability and improved discipline and planning. CHALLENGE ON ORGANISATIONAL AND CULTURE: * Communication * confused with roles and resposiblities * Cordintaion and decision making mechanisms * Tension between legal and technical staffs.CHALLENGES ON STRUCTURE AND PROCESS * Operational and Business processAbsence of annual financial planning process * Poor organisational structure| STEPS * Firm invested in knowledge management systems.eg:share point,JIRA and salesforce.com. * Training and orientation to staff * Implemented annual financial processand involving them in planning process.Introduced internal financial statements. * Created organisational chart| Advantages/Assessments * These system provided transparency in RD and software projects ,and also more systematization and predictability.staff felt part of firm’s growth and activities. * More clear picture on annual revenue targets and expected growth rate. * Made responsibility more clearer and instilled accountablity| What should Stroz and Friedberg do about the disagreement over 2010 financial targets? Stroz and Friedberg should have better communicated what make it possible to achieve aggressive targets. strong client relationship, branding and name recognition in new and existing markets, working smarter are the key factors for generating revenue.