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Battle of Megiddo - World War I - Palestine

Skirmish of Megiddo - World War I - Palestine The Battle of Megiddo was battled September 19 to October 1, 1918, during World War I (1914...

Monday, January 27, 2020

Analysing Translation Studies English Language Essay

Analysing Translation Studies English Language Essay Nida points out that it is wrong to speak of a Theory of Translation because translating is essentially a technology which is dependent upon a number of disciplines. Every translator or interpreter uses a number of different theoretical models and implications, drawing on several disciplines. It is for this particular reason that the translation of the same text is not uniform when it is performed by several translators. Translation is the process and, as a process, it should be viewed from so many different perspectives (Nida 1991, p.20), including the writers intent, changes in reading preferences, diversity of source and target cultures, numerous nuances of the source text, and stylistic features of the text. As not all aspects can be transferred from the source text into the target text, the translator carefully chooses these aspects, analysing the text within a certain context and relying on certain theoretical concepts taken from relevant disciplines. For instance, as translati on revolves around the knowledge of two languages, it is necessary for the translator to delve into the essence of linguistics and assess the source text from the linguistic viewpoint, identifying the differences in two linguistic systems (Schaffner Wiesemann 2001, p.7). In this regard, a Theory of Translation, according to Malmkjaer (2005, p.22), should be subsumed under linguistic theory. The linguistic theory of translation develops diverse methods and techniques of translation which are either optional or obligatory (Schaffner Wiesemann 2001, p.8), and these methods help translators transfer the meaning from the source text into the target text. Likewise, sociolinguistics provides valuable insights into the use of theoretical concepts of translation in practice and the ways in which societies employ language in interpersonal relations (Nida 1991, p.25). The translator who draws on sociolinguistics when translating from one language into another pays special attention to extralinguistic and paralinguistic aspects of the text. A text (or a speech) can be properly translated only if the translator (or the interpreter) is able to draw parallels between the content of a text (or a speech) and extralinguistic and paralinguistic codes used by the writer (or the speaker). Knowledge of extralinguistic and paralinguistic codes also allows the translator to bring together the content and form and thus deduce a more exact meaning of a text. As such, a Theory of Translation within sociolinguistics helps the translator fill the gaps in the process of decoding messages sent by the writer to the reader. Cultural studies develop a theory of translation that resists dominant target-language cultural values so as to signify the linguistic and cultural difference of the foreign text (Venuti 1995, p.18). The cultural theory of translation complements the linguistic theory of translation by placing the text within the socio-cultural context. In light of this, the juxtaposition of the linguistic theory of translation and the cultural theory of translation allows to establish the systematic relationship between linguistic structures at the textual micro-level and social, cultural, historical conditions of text production and reception (Schaffner Wiesemann 2001, p.13). Delving deeper into the essence of translation, scholars have also found out that the meaning of the text has relevance to three crucial components the writer, the message, and the reader (Riccardi 2002, p.84; Armstrong 2005, p.44). The more information the translator has of the writer, of the exact message, and the intended reader, the more accurate translation he/she will produce. This recognition has paved the way to the advance of the hermeneutics of translation (Munday 2001, p.163). As Kin Yuen (2001, p.334) acknowledges, the structure of translation was discovered by modern hermeneutics. The development of the structure of translation by hermeneutics provides conclusive evidence that a Theory of Translation is a misnomer for other disciplines. It is hermeneutics that has equated translation with interpretation, thus rejecting the assumption that translation is a simple reproduction of the text in the target language (Kin Yuen 2001, p.335). The translator does not reproduce the text in another language; he/she interprets it, adhering to certain norms and theoretical concepts. A Theory of Translation can not be regarded as a separate discipline or science because a separate discipline needs its metalanguage to create specific theoretical concepts; yet a Theory of Translation employs metalanguage of the above mentioned disciplines to formulate definitions and concepts. For instance, the linguistic theory of translation operates with such concepts as overt translation, covert translation, equivalence, communicative translation, and adaptation (Schaffner Wiesemann 2001, p.8), while the cultural theory of translation uses such terms as domestication, foreignisation, and resistancy (Schaffner Wiesemann 2001, p.12). As a result of the lack of metalanguage, a Theory of Translation has no agreement on the central concepts (Schaffner Wiesemann 2001, p.6). When speaking of a Theory of Translation, scholars use such categories as intersemiotic translation and interlingual translation (Gentzler 2001, p.1), thus explicitly emphasising the fact that the translation t heory stems from such disciplines as semiotics, linguistics, and the philosophy of language and that it is only a model which is used to bring up questions for the research. As a model, a Theory of Translation relies not on sound theoretical conception but rather on assumptions and hypotheses; as such, a Theory of Translation is limited and can not be regarded as a valid equivalence for the mentioned disciplines. A Theory of Translation moves along the vicious circle; it has to be drawn on reliable data from the research. Yet the research can not be conducted if theoretical concepts are not formulated. As the essay has clearly shown, there is no such a thing as a Theory of Translation; while this term is used in academic sources, it is more correct to regard a Theory of Translation as a misnomer for such disciplines as linguistics, sociology, sociolinguistics, hermeneutics, philosophy of language, psychology, narratology, semiotics, stylistics, literary history, and cultural history in view of the multifaceted nature of translational phenomena (Malmkjaer 2005, p.21). As the acquired evidence demonstrates, it is not a mere question of wordsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ there [is] a deeper meaning behind these terminological hesitations (Lambert, 2006, p.77). A consolidated Theory of Translation has not been built yet; instead, as Schaffner and Wiesmann (2001, p.6) put it, there is a multiplicity of different approaches, each of each focuses on specific aspects, looking at the product or the process of translation from a specific angle. All these theoretical approaches to translation embedded in v arious disciplines are not necessarily exclusive, but rather complementary (Schaffner and Wiesmann 2001, p.13). To subsume a Theory of Translation into a separate discipline or science, it is necessary to develop a metalanguage specific to it and, using this metalanguage, formulate new concepts and definitions which will generate a unified Theory of Translation.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Ethics, values, and social responsibility Essay

In the finance field there are a number of ethical issues although many issues in this field are governed by law. Ethical issues in finance include individual conduct, financial institution operations and financial markets operations. In this field people are trained to perform different duties and thus finance ethics is diversified. However, the top five issues in this field include honesty and fairness, fraud, conflicts of interest, discrimination and information technology. Honesty and fairness in this field has raised much dispute. Because of the intense competition in the world, many people view the conditions in a business to be similar to those in a game of sport or war and thus anything is considered to be fair. On the other hand there are those who argue that not everything is considered to be honest and fair. This has therefore led to ethical issues in this field regarding what is ‘honest and fair’ and what is not. Conflicts of interest is mainly observed in situations where an individual is placed in a position of making a decision on whether to pursue personal interests or the interests of other individuals or business. Similar, it can involve an organization making a choice on whether to pursue own interests or the interest of the society. The issue concerning fraud primarily entails the disclosure of valuable information which is vitally important for security. It also involves misrepresentation of material evidence intentionally. There are several types of fraud and this may include; accounting, marketing and consumer fraud. Discrimination is an ethical issue which can involve an individual or a business. Some individuals or businesses abuse others by enticing them and exploiting them. In addition to that it may include issues regarding race, gender among others. To add to that there are some cases which involve price discrimination. In information technology, the issue entails the privacy and confidentiality of information on matters concerning the employees and consumers. Privacy and confidentiality is essential in this field however there may be some cases where it is not ensured. This has therefore led to ethical issues concerning what is privacy. In addition to that there are ethical issues which involve protection of intellectual property. Ranking The top five issues can be arranged in descending order as honest and fairness, conflict of interest, fraud, discrimination and information technology (College of Micronesia, n. d. ). Honesty and fairness are major issues since they affect all levels of an organization, and are much experienced by society. Furthermore, controlling this issue other issues will be taken care of. For instance, an organization which is honest and fair, issues concerning fraud, discrimination, conflict of interest and information technology are minimal. Analysis Honesty and fairness In the financial market fairness is taken to mean a level playing field for everyone. However, in most cases the playing field is unleveled and this can be attributed to issues concerning inequalities in the bargaining power, possession of information, resources available, among others. Inequalities in the bargaining power and resources are considered to be ethical only when used coercively and violate rights and obligations (Frederick, 2002). This implies that individuals or organization are only allowed to use their advantages in ways that are considered fair to others. Additionally, individuals can use their resources to acquire information which they are entitled to exploit to their advantage. This has made access to information an issue of investment thereby leading to inaccessibility to critical information by some individuals. To acquire information individual must invest adequate resources. Ethical issues arise over accessibility of information, how the information should be distributed to ensure equality. Fraud In sales concerning financial products like insurance policies, loans, mutual funds among others, application of ethical standards is a requirement. Hence businesses are given the mandate to ensure adequate material information is available. There are regulatory agencies which monitor prospectus for mutual funds, however, personal sales and advertisements can contain false or misleading information (Frederick, 2002). Additionally, this is an issue which has been observed in the stock market and in many businesses. Some individuals conceal valuable information to lure more customers to their businesses. For instance, in the stock market assets of a particular organization may be inflated or some of its liabilities may be concealed. This issue has led to large losses in many investment companies and to individuals (Frederick, 2002). Since assessing the risk and suitability for an investment has been made difficult with inadequate material information. Conflict of interest This is issue which is primarily observed in agents, fiduciaries and financial managers, in which the personal interest interferes with the interests of the organization or society. Agents and fiduciaries are given the mandate to act on behalf of others in exercising judgment, however, in cases where they stand to gain personally their judgments may be compromised. Additionally, financial managers are given the mandate to manage assets prudently and thus avoid using them for personal gains however, in some cases conflict of interest might occur. For instance, management buyouts whereby a group of managers take a public organization to be private are an ethical issue. This issue occurs mainly since the actions to be performed by an individual are not fully specified before the transaction and thus an individual is given a wide range of options. In addition to that they are not closely monitored and evaluated. This has led to huge losses being incurred by individuals and companies. For instance, some banks have collapse and this was attributed to rogue traders (Frederick, 2002). Discrimination This issue observed mainly in financial products and it involves abusive practices of selling such as flipping and twisting. In flipping one loan is replaced by another for generation of additional fees. While in twisting, insurance agents persuade their clients to replace the existing policy in order to get commission (Frederick, 2002). Some financial institution abuse poor individuals by offering them loans of high interest and by adding little values to lure them. Furthermore, in some institutions there are cases of discrimination in employment on matters concerning race and gender. Information technology Maintaining privacy and confidentiality of information in many business has been difficult because of the cost of technology. As technology advances it becomes more expensive to ensure privacy of employees’ and clients’ information. Furthermore, with the increase in number of people of accessing the internet maintaining privacy and confidentiality has become difficult. This has therefore led to loss of confident by the public since they cannot trust some organizations to protect their personal information. Solutions and recommendations The issue of conflict of interests can be addressed by closely monitoring individuals and by changing the structure of the relationship. For instance, the commissions can be focused mainly on performance of the client’s portfolios and not on the volumes of sales. Additionally, professionalism, trust and codes of ethics should be strongly emphasized in relationships in order to guarantee the confidence from the society. Fraud and discrimination issues can be solved in courts. There are laws which were put in place in place to protect people against abuse or discrimination. For instance, the Employment Act protects employees against discrimination and harassment. Furthermore, the pre-dispute arbitration agreement should be amended or individuals should avoid it. This agreement may have several advantages but denies adequate protection to investors. Maintaining privacy and confidentiality of clients’ and employees’ information require much funding. It is essential for organizations to invest more funds in acquiring knowledge and skills concerning privacy and confidentiality in the information technology. By ensuring privacy and confidentiality, public confidence will be build. Social responsibility is essential for ensuring ethical standards are maintained in the society. When making decisions, people should consider their effects to the society and to themselves. This will ensure that ethical issues are maintained. Additionally, since businesses cannot be trusted to maintain ethical standards, some laws have been passed to ensure social responsibility. For instance there are laws concerning consumer safety and environment protection. This is a step forward in ensuring ethical standards. Furthermore, there are some financial institutions which have developed and implemented strict policies that ensure ethical standards are adhered. For instance there are policies concerning privacy and confidentiality of employees’ and customers’ information. In conclusion, maintenance of ethical standards should not be the responsibility of an individual or an organization but should involve the whole society. By maintaining ethical standards the society and organizations will be protected from any harm and at the same time eliminate conflict. Even though ethical standards vary from one society to another, they should be understood and maintained adequately. Reference list College of Micronesia, (n. d. ). Code of Ethics. Retrieved June 18, 2009 from http://www. comfsm. fm/~dleeling/alo/personnel/code_of_ethics. html Frederick R. (2002). A companion to business ethics. Edition: 1. New York: Wiley-Blackwell. pp. 154-59.

Friday, January 10, 2020

Advertising Makes You Buy Things You Do Not Need!

Aim of this paper is to discuss the question whether advertising manipulates us to buy things we don't actually need. In other words, we would like to debate the issue of the impact of marketing and advertisement on our rational thinking and decision making process. Based on various examples, we would like to show that the statement can be proven to be true. We believe the statement can be denied only by either using different definition (understanding of advertising) or by argument that advertising manipulates only several groups of people that are vulnerable to be manipulated.Nevertheless, the previous statement only supports the validity of the statement. Man can argue that the behavior of the people depends on the individual personality, economic condition and the way a company advertises their product Ana ten Locknut offers given to ten product. Our point Is, Tanat tenure are various advertising techniques with various targets. Another big question is how can we Judge what kind of goods and services are necessary, and which good is bought only to show-off among their friends and relatives?What is a need, and what is Just a will? This paper will argue the manipulation via marketing exists and the advertisement is making us to buy things we do not actually need. We want to support the statement by using real examples, that are divided based on the common psychological effect or methods used to manipulate people's mind. We would like to stress the importance of psychology which is seen as a main tool used by advertising companies. Only via careful use of psychology are marketers able to create touching advertisements.