Bilingualism in Hong Kong schools Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Bilingualism in Hong Kong schools - Essay Example In all bilingual communities providing children with appropriate language instruction is a very important issue for governments, educators, schools and finally language learners themselves. Due to contradictory results of studies concerning the association between bilingualism and cognitive functioning, it is very important to develop bilingual skills that will contribute to cognitive performance and, thus, will help students to achieve academic success. In Hong Kong, where being bilingual or trilingual has always been a competitive advantage, it is especially important to raise language skills of individuals and, thus, enable them to meet the needs and challenges of the society. Educational policies play a crucial role in developing additive bilingualism, which allows students to develop proficiency in a second language and maintain a high level of a native language at the same time. Thus, the government together with the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR ) has adopted several education policies reforms aimed to raise language skills in the community of Hong Kong. The term bilingualism has been defined in several different ways by researchers and theoreticians (Cummins & Swain, 1986). While some authors classified different kinds of bilingualism according to the age at which second language (L2) was learned (early versus late, simultaneous versus sequential), others considered such factors as the contexts of language learning (artificial versus natural, compound versus coordinate) and the domains of its use. Later studies confirmed these findings and showed that bilingual children had relatively low literacy skills (children of Finnish migrants in Sweden), arithmetic competences (English-speaking children educated in Irish-medium schools), vocabulary levels (low class Spanish-English children) and general verbal and academic skills (English-Japanese bilinguals in the United States) when compared with unilingual children.

Argument on Censorship Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Argument on Censorship - Research Paper Example This paper is a critical evaluation of censorship both as a positive and a negative instrument. Censorship Censorship, as stated herein, is an instrument used by governments, religious groups, and media among other groups to prevent the flow of information, which has a real or perceived capacity of destabilizing the society. The government and other interested parties such as the church, have the role of ensuring that moral values are protected in the society by all means available. This is necessary especially with the ever increasing accessibility and utilization of internet resources, not only by adults but also under age users. Apparently, the internet has got thousands of sites, which contain pornographic contents ranging from videos, photographs and texts. In this era of high HIV prevalence, every parent must be worried and careful on the kind of information their children are getting from the internet as pornographic materials have the capacity of creating curiosity which may end up being satisfied through engagement in illicit sex. In order to achieve this, censorship on such materials is essential and every internet provider should be held accountable if they do not apply filter on such contents (Heins 58). However, censorship in the past has been used as a means of keeping the citizens in the dark and protecting governments from criticism (Jansen 22). In this context, laws are put in place with the intention of gagging institutions such as the media and monitoring the internet so as to ensure that they do not broadcast information which is anti government. China for example has been criticized several times for applying censorship to protect the communist party. In this case, critics indicate that the government is keen on covering up past and present failures of the party so as to let people continue believing that their government is perfect and responsible. In addition, it is believed that censorship in this country is also used to shun penetration of western ideologies in the society especially due to the fact that most of the western nations are pro democracy and in that aspect, allowing free flow of information from their sources may open the eyes of Chinese citizens to alternative forms of governance (Barbour 61). This in itself is highly unethical on the part of the government as it enhances ignorance on matters concerning politics and also creates a platform for mismanagement of public resources and limitation of fundamental human rights such as freedom of expression and the right to hold demonstrations. It also puts media personnel at loggerheads with the authorities, which puts them in danger of being arrested or losing their operating licenses (Jansen 36). Countries such as Ireland have also in the past passed legislations promoting censorship of books and other materials believed to touch on issues that are perceived to be sensitive. These are for example the Censorship of Publications Act, 1929, 1946 and 1967, whic h restricted the publishing or possession of materials discussing reproductive health (Maurice 19). This is to imply that any information regarding contraceptives, sex, condoms, abortion among others were not to be circulated in the society, a move which was seen as favoring the

Political ideologies a comparative approach Research Paper

Political ideologies a comparative approach - Research Paper Example Anti-rationalismIn should be realized that fascism was borne mostly after the Second World War. Given this situation, fascism was necessitated by the upheavals and thus became anti-rationality. This is corroborated by what Friedrich Nietzsche said that human being is motivated by nothing other than the ‘will power’ and not the rationality of the mind. Fascism then seemed to have consumed this as their driving force and a core belief. In another instance, the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini also coined a slogan from the same belief and believed in ‘Actions not talk’ and that the state of inactivity is analogous to death. Mussolini devalued the intellectual life and described it as cold, lifeless, and dry. This connotation shows how fascism was against rational and objective minds. StruggleThe other core principle of fascism was the struggle, those who subscribed to the fascism believed in the role of struggle to achieve the desires and liberation. Given the context in which the movement was borne (after the Second World War), it is understandable that the movement was hatched in the aftermath of a struggle and had to follow suit. Leadership and ElitismFascism appreciated the endowment of different people with different abilities and believed in the role of elitism as the ruling class even if they are the minority. Fascism contradicts the conventional political thoughts and radically believes in the rejection of the principle of equality. In Fascism, there was the belief of three castes of leadership in the society.... Given the context in which the movement was borne (after the Second World War), it is understandable that the movement was hatched in the aftermath of a struggle and had to follow suit. Leadership and Elitism Fascism appreciated the endowment of different people with different abilities and believed in the role of elitism as the ruling class even if they are the minority. Fascism contradicts the conventional political thoughts and radically believes in the rejection of the principal of equality. In Fascism, there was the belief of three castes of leadership in the society; the one who possess the unrivalled authority was regarded as the first layer and the warrior forming the second class and finally the masses that majorly comprised of those described as the inert, weak, and ignorant with a characteristic unquestionable obedience (Rejai, 1995). Socialism Even though fascism and socialism had different ideological difference and became rivalries, fascism had unexplained affinity for socialism. Both Mussolini and Hitler showed great involvement in the socialist ideology and this can be manifested by their role in socialism. Hitler developed the philosophy of socialism and Mussolini at some point became the editor of the Avanti newspaper that was owned by the socialists. Fascism also believed in ultranationalism as their core principle. These core principles define the beliefs of the fascism that reigned in most of the countries soon after the Second World War (Rejai, 1995). Core Beliefs of Feminism Feminism has been defined as the collection of the likeminded ideological and movement that are aimed at giving women equal right in the social, political, and economic issues

Substance Abuse Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Substance Abuse - Research Paper Example However, according to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA 2011), it is a common misreading that drug abusers lack moral principles or will power essential for changing their behavioral traits. In reality, drug addiction is a complicated state of health which encourages compulsive drug abuse in individuals. As a result, it becomes very difficult for users to give up the habit despite their aspiration to do so. This paper will evaluate various causes and implications of substance abuse specifically about the use of alcohol, prescribed drugs, and illegal drugs. Alcohol abuse To begin with, in American society, numerous beliefs persist regarding alcohol consumption. In the colonial era, the American community believed that alcohol was the â€Å"good gift of god† solely meant enjoyment. However, decades later, US government prohibited alcohol sale and consumption in the country as the science proved that alcohol consumption raised serious issues such as poverty, violence, and he alth problems. However, now US regulations allow people to enjoy alcohol beverage. Subsequently, the number of younger alcoholics is alarmingly increasing in the present US society. As per the reports of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Oct 22, 2010), 14,046 people die each year due to alcoholic liver diseases; and at the same time, alcohol induced deaths excluding accidents and homicides constitutes 23,199. Prescription drugs abuse From the legal point of view, a prescription drug is a licensed medicine which can be legally used with the prescription of a physician. Heroin and aspirin are the examples of prescription drugs. Although they are licensed medicine, they also can cause many health issues. Generally, dispensation of prescription drugs includes a detailed description regarding its contents. In United States, a special regulation called Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines prescription drug requirements. According to this act, medical practitioners who pr escribe a drug must possess specific qualifications. Furthermore, while prescribing medical drugs, a physician must make his patient aware of the intended effects of the drugs and its expected side effects. However, prescription drugs are largely misused for intoxication purposes across the States, which has evoked the governmental attention to the issue. Obviously, unethical drug marketing plays a major role in the rampant growth of prescription drug abuse. Illegal drug abuse Illegal drug trade offers large opportunities to global black markets as it includes the manufacture, distribution, and sale of substances which are prohibited by drug prevention laws. Hashish, Cocaine, and Crack are some of the examples of illegal drugs. According to the UN report, â€Å"global drug trade generated an estimated $321.6 billion in 2003† (Pollard, 2005). The drug prevention laws were the main causes that persuaded international black markets to trade drugs illegally. Despite the strict re gulations and penalties imposed on illegal drug traders and users, the US government has not yet succeeded to control this illegal activity. Illegal drugs leave more dreadful impacts than legal drugs on users because the illicit drug manufacturers add excessive addictives to their products with intent to attract and retain more users. Causes of substance abuse Undoubtedly substance abuse is a serious problem that affects a person both mentally and

Expanding a Multinational Company Research Paper - 1

Expanding a Multinational Company - Research Paper Example The revenue earned by the company in 2012 is $4.2 billion. After doing a market research on different countries the company decided to extend its operations to Singapore. Environmental Analysis An environmental scanning of the new market chosen for expansion of Network Manufacturing Company is being done using PESTEL analysis. PESTEL analysis helps to analyse the macro economic factors which are used in the environmental scanning (Lorat, 2009). Factors Analysis Political The political structure of Singapore is headed by the President at the top, who is the Head of the State. It is followed by the Prime Minister who is the Head of the Government and then the cabinet which consists of the executives who are also controlled by the President. The political structure of the country allows many foreigners to come and reside in Singapore and carry out their businesses without the fear of any political barrier. Thus the company will not face any threat from the political environment of Singa pore. Economic The Gross Domestic Product of the country in 2012 is $239.7 billion. The Gross National Income per capita is 59380 (in Euros) and the present inflation rate is 5.2 per cent (Singapore Economic Development Board, 2012). It is a well developed country and is highly successful for carrying out businesses. The country has an open business environment and is free from corruption. Therefore, the chosen company does not possess any threat from the economic scenario of the country and can carry out its business in the new market chosen freely and successfully. Social Singapore is a place of various cultures. The country possesses a strong social responsibility and allows different foreigners from all parts of the world with diversified cultures. The country is also known as a nation of many languages as the residents here speak in different languages. Thus the social environment of the country allows many outsiders to reside in the country and continue their business operatio ns. The chosen company is free from the barriers related to the social and cultural dimensions of the country. Technological The country is full of new technologies and allows many foreign investors as well as many foreign companies to continue their operations in the country under the controlled administration of the government. Environmental The environmental factors of the country support foreign investors as well as foreign businesses to start and continue their operations in the country. The country possesses a code of ethics for the businesses running there. It includes transparency; coordination among the managers, the directors and the investors and professionalism in the business. A business following these ethics will have no environmental barrier from this country. Legal The regulatory business of the country helps to encourage the businesses that are operating there. The regulatory framework of the country favours the businesses running there. The investments that are ma de by the foreign investors are supported by the law of Singapore. Entry strategy and Ownership Structure A company expanding into a new market involves a lot of risks. The company may possess several threats from the new market. Thus it is always beneficial for the company if it goes into a joint venture with an existing company in Singapore. It will reduce the

National Park Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

National Park - Research Paper Example Furthermore, primeval indications of human adjustment to virtually unsympathetic environment are also present (UNESCO, 2013). In 1979, the park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site (UNESCO, 2013); and in 2010, through the America the Beautiful Quarters program, it was revered with its own personal coin. Nature and Science Grand Canyon National Park possesses a geological uniqueness that is manifested by its rare physical characteristics. Unlike most national parks, the Grand Canyon, as what it is famously known, stages a wide-ranging structure of tributary canyons (NPS, 2013), which likewise conjoins size, depth, and bared layers of vibrant and multi-coloured rocks. The canyon is whittled out by the cut of the Colorado River. The park is generally divided into two main public areas: The North Rim and the South Rim. The remainder of the park is very rocky, bleak, and nearly isolated; nevertheless, many of these distant locations can be reached by backcountry roads and pack trail. Mo reover, the park does not only boast its well-polished, smooth rocks, but it also shows off its evergreen forests that makes the park a complete package for tourists and hikers alike. This rich diversity has further been proven by the identification of 1000 plant species found in the park (UNESCO, 2013). Environmental Factors and Issues Recently, Uranium mining has become rather common in the area (Richardson, 2011; Reese, 2010). Thus, environmental factors that may cause some degree of damage to the park have become a concern to its managers. It has been observed that for more than five decades, there have been found radioactive residues that are accruing in and around the Grand Canyon (Richardson, 2011). Nowadays, the National Park Service warns the visiting public to avoid â€Å"drinking and bathing† (Grand Canyon Trusts, 2012) in the Colorado River surrounding the Grand Canyon. While to infer that the water pollution brought about by the radioactive residues found in the Colorado River is not definitive and conclusive, indeed, the mining and transportation of radioactive materials can potentially cause pernicious effects not just to the plants, but most importantly, to the people visiting the canyon. Today, a 20 year moratorium has been ordered by Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior, to avoid mining activities in and around the canyon (Grand Canyon Trusts, 2012). Natural Features and Ecosystems Grand Canyon’s ecological and geological richness are displayed in various forms, magnificence and environmental significance. A World Heritage Site, Grand Canyon National Park holds more than a lot of natural features and ecosystems that could absolutely capture every person’s eyes. Caves and Karst System Grand Canyon National Park contains an estimated 1000 caves called speleothems (NPS, 2013); although, out of this number, there are only about 330 that have been recorded or inventoried. The caves found in the park are distinctive in shape and location. Unlike the usual caves that we see, the caves in the Grand Canyon burst out of the plateaus’ laterals. These caves have also unusual shapes and takes irregular forms. According to the National Park Service (2013), archaeological remains have been found in some of these caves i.e. split-twig figurines and do have â€Å"unique biological systems.† In addition to caves, Grand Canyon is widely known for its karst system: the geological formation formed by the disbanding of layers such as limestone. The park’

Fetal Homicide in Florida Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Fetal Homicide in Florida - Research Paper Example In accordance with the issues discussed in the paper the law defines the death of a viable fetus as the death of unborn child and any fetus killed by a violent act against the pregnant woman is termed as manslaughter. Each person has the right to life and so is the fetus or the unborn child. The fetal homicide laws recognize all stages of the fetus as being victims of abortion and any abortion is termed as fetal homicide. The fetus is recognized as a developing human being from conception to birth. The killing of any unborn child has also been categorized as manslaughter in the fetal homicide laws just the same as the killing of the mother. Three standards are used in determining whether a fetus is a person. Born-alive standard is when the fetus is born alive, the viability standard is used when a fetus is capable of having a meaningful life outside the womb and the conceptions standard is that life begins at conception and that any conceived fetus qualifies to be a person. Under com mon law, a child is only considered as a person once it is delivered alive. However, life begins at conception and should any fetus should be considered a person. Death is the failure of the fetus to be born alive. The conception standard should be used in the modern statutes as this will prevent any abortion or homicide on unborn of the unborn child. Any unborn child should be left to grow in the mothers womb until it matures not unless there any medical conditions.