Characterisation of Coriolanus in Act I

Act I of the play Coriolanus manifests to the audience how Shakespeare effectively denotes his purpose of solely emphasizing essential historical and political contextual concepts such as the genre, setting and future conflicts of the play, in order to establish the fundamental essence of the play.

Throughout the exposition of the play, Shakespeare essentially introduces the tragic hero and protagonist of the play known as Caius Martius from the perspective of the rioting Plebeians in order to portray the political hierarchy during the early Republican period of Rome. In the beginning of the play, the audience are presented with the rioting of the aggravating plebeians against the Patricians specifically, Maritus because he has set a high price of grain that they are not capable of affording. This is evident when the Plebeians compare Maritus to an animal by describing him as: “a very dog to the commonalty” (I.i.27-28) that clearly portrays the hatred the civilians have towards him of which allows the audience to decode the characteristic traits of Maritus as a powerful figure. Ultimately, Maritus does not prioritise the basic needs of the civilians but rather focuses on his political power during war at the battlefields. Further more, Shakespeare continues to establish a fundamental understanding of the political hiearchy that further demonstrates the unraveling sense of Maritus' arrogant and short-tempered character where he distinctly says: "You dissentious rouges, That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion, Make yourselves scabs?" (1.1. 179-181) There is no doubt that such use of a rhetoric question towards the plebeians represents to the audience how Martius is taking advantage of being a Patrician as Shakespeare depicts the political contexts of the hierarchal system during the 20th century. Moreover, Shakespeare establishes the political and historical importance of the play rather than a common conventional tragedy by depicting the hierarchical system in order to develop Martius' figure.

Shakespeare divulges to the audience crucial cognizance of the setting specifically, the two worlds that is evident throughout the play including the battle field vs. the city and the capitol building, in order to establish the pivotal understanding of the play. When Maritus is engaged during the Battle at Corioles, he is represented as an influential and courageous figure, similarly to a demigod, he is brave and is willing to take injury for the sake of his country. This is evident where he says: "Fight with hearts more proof than shield." The audience is able to appreciate the determined and patriotic self of Martius as he is portrayed as a brave heroic fighter that obviously contrasts to how he was perceived by the Plebeians in the beginning of Act I. 

Shakespeare further establishes a sense of conflicts by foreshadowing future conflicts with Coriolanus. This is evident when the plebeians were rioting against him wishing him death. Clearly, this foreshadows how they exile of him to Rome. Not to forget another conflict that was mentioned was the tribunes including Brutus and Sincinus that further establish how they are involved in future issues.

Shakespeare efficiently depicts his purpose of emphasizing  historical and political contextually concepts in order to establish important aspects such as the genre, setting and future conflicts that further portray the exposition of such a tragic flawed hero known as, Coriolanus.

Bell Hooks Quote Analysis

"For in the incorrect usage of words, in the incorrect placement of words, was a spirit of rebellion that claimed language as a site of resistance. Using English in a way that ruptured standard usage and meaning, so that white folks could often not understand black speech, made English into more than the oppressor’s language." - Bell Hooks

Text Chosen: Wade In The Water Song (1908, song by Harriet Tubman) 

African slaves would purposefully use incorrect placement of English words when singing slave songs as a spirit of rebellion and use of resistance. In the slave song 'Wade in Water' that was published in 1908 by a well known escaped slaved named Harriet Tubman, the song portrays conceptual evidence of the slaves' struggle of freedom and temptation to escape across the Ohio River. The purpose of this song is to portray how African slaves had a hard time communicating with one another during the 1800's through the portrayal of deep tragedy, fear and hope. Although this text has been used for educational purposes between scholars and intellects, with prominent evidence of secret-codings and spiritual symbolic meanings- there is no doubt that the targeted audiences of this text is solely towards African slaves at that time of oppression, whom were struggling to find their pathway to freedom. 

Tubman uses a consistent rhythmic style through the use of a systematic structure that effectively creates a spirit of rebellion thus, establishing the use of language as a power of resistance. With the use of instructive diction such as : "If you don't believe I've redeemed" Tubman clearly challenges one to face their worries by crossing the Ohio River in order to be redeemed meaning, to be free again. In addition to so, Tubman has a declarative tone that creates a trustful mood of which is evident when she says : "God's promise that if you ask, it shall be given." This portrays to readers how the "Wade in Water" is a song that directs a dramatic story of God's strength to restore and redeem through the use of spiritual witnesses and memories. 

"Wade in Water" comprises of spiritual meanings and secret-codings against the white folks that evokes a sense of rebellion and resistance. With the reference of God by saying: "Wade in the water, God's gonna trouble the water", Tubman establishes a directive tone by instructing the runaway slaves located in the Underground Railroad to seek water in order to escape from the bloodhounds that were sent down to track them. By doing so, the bloodhounds would not be able to smell them since they "Waded" in the water that is a secret term between the slaves that means hide in the water. There is continuous evidence of spiritual meanings of the Jordan River as it states: "If you don't believe I've redeemed, follow me down to Jordan's stream". Clearly, Tubman further reminds the reader of the Jordan River's Biblical reference by reinforcing how the Jordan River is a significant aspect of African slaves since similarly to the  Ohio River,  it is their pathway to freedom. Through the use of logos, the embedded Biblical narratives and allusions such as "Go Down, moses" (Songs of Zion, 112) is a spiritual of liberation where armies of Pharaohs were sunk in the sea portraying how water was a vital aspect of their slave experience. Similarly to Africans that would travel across to a new land, the Ohio River was the separating border between slavery and freedom on the Underground railroad.

Bell Hooks quote effectively relates to the tragic oppression and hope of the African salves portrayed in the song “Wade in the Water” since it denotes the sense that the “oppressors language” was more than just a way of communicating but rather, a way of empowerment towards African slaves. This is accomplished through the use of secret coding of spiritual references and instructive diction that progresses a community of opposition whom are able to utilise Standard English for their benefit to prevent the predominant white race understanding their tactics.

The Kallawaya Language Podcast

Attached on this blogpost is a link to the podcast Fleur and I created that discusses the endangered Kallawaya language.

Hope you enjoy!

ENDANGERED LANGUAGE PODCAST

Works Cited

         "Bolivia: Global Warming Endangers Kallawaya Healers." WilderUtopia.com. N.p., 06 Feb.   2014. Web. 21 Jan. 2017.

          "Kallawaya." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2017.

    "Kallawaya - Highland South America Language Hotspot - Living Tongues Institute For Endangered Languages." Kallawaya - Highland South America Language Hotspot - Living Tongues Institute For Endangered Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2017.

     Favorite, Crowd. "Languages Going Extinct Fastest in 5 Regions Around World: One Language Dies Every 14 Days." National Geographic Society Press Room. N.p., 05 July 2012. Web. 21 Jan. 2017.

    "Revitalization." Enduring Voices Project, Endangered Languages, Map, Facts, Photos, Videos -- National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2017.

"Screening of "The Linguists," featuring Professor David Harrison." The Daily Gazette. N.p., 27 Mar. 2008. Web. 21 Jan. 2017.

Speaking in Tongues- Value Of Preserving Indigenous Languages

What is the value of preserving indigenous languages? 

Culture and social values play a vital role in shaping an individual in society. As humans, we tend to express what we love by evoking a sense of security towards aspects such as our culture, power and language thus, revolving around a form of communication with one another. This means that having a mother tongue reminds us of our significance in society. Dating back in history, having a language where all living things are mainly dependant on their environment to survive was common however, encountering an "Indigenous tribe" was not. An Indigenous tribe is a group of individuals born and originating from a particular place but are on the verge of extinction. Although a downfall in the preservation of indigenous language is evident in society, such issue raises attention to the great harm done towards the diminishing cultures of indigenous people that have a great extent of value to society. This is done through the ignorance of indigenous tribes significance in society that have the potential to grow in various fields scientifically and linguistically.

The preservation of indigenous languages enhances our society scientifically through the use of further professional research that focuses on the preservation of their Astronomical ideologies. Recent studies have proven to us how Australian Aborigines were able to create calendars that would function effectively during night in order to explore the core complexion of the universe. Furthermore, spotting specific constellation such as "The Saucepan" would guide Australian Aboriginals to organise years chronologically. Today, this is known as the constellation of "Orion" in Australian that is one of the most famous constellation of time. Clearly, the protection of indigenous languages are important as it effectively strengthens our knowledge of constellations.

The foremost significance of preserving indigenous languages is to our societies advance as it will linguistically amplify our knowledge of poetry through their deep use of rich vocabulary. Moreover, the evocative grievances focused on Philosophical Aboriginal poetry conveys a sense of concern suggested by the entire Aboriginal community. Such authentic style of writing allows us to comprehend opinions and appreciations of nature that surge how attached Aboriginals are to mother nature with phrases such as "a bird whose tail twitches like a eli" (Times Magazine). There is no doubt that such meaning holds deep literal justification that would not hold the same meaning if it was translated to another language. Similarly to the Arabic language where specific phrases such as "دمك ثقيل" that would literally translate to your blood is heavy in English cannot be explained to someone who doesn't speak Arabic as it really means someone who is extremely boring. This further establishes the beauty of languages that enhances the important of the language preservation in society. Undoubtedly, the preservation of such rare languages are highly valuable in terms of learning about poetry.

I believe that preserving indigenous languages is important whether the tribal people are alive or not because, protecting cultural traces of a language not only allows researchers to study their historical value in society in the past but rather- expand and broaden their knowledge though explorations of their language. This can be done through investigating their scientific and linguistic values that can vastly impact individuals understanding of language, culture and power of which is a necessity for our present, past and future understanding of this world.

Ads and Stereotypes

• Do you think that advertisers have a moral duty to avoid stereotyping people? Respond in a minimum of 250 words.
  
  
  Before reading this blogpost, didn't you come across an advertisement primarly to persuade you to purchase an item you possibly dont even use? Whether we are aware of it or not, mass media plays a vital role in shaping the manner that we individuals perceive our surroundings. The ultimate essential need of mass media is offered in forms such as newspapers, radios and the television. Its eventual purpose is effectively to reach specific perspectives of topics through to the vast majority of the public. Since Mass media is a indispensable form of communication, advertising companies gain the advantage of societies everyday use and fond necessity of the media by utilising what is being portrayed in the desire they want society to view certain ideologies, cultures and people. Essentially, with the dominion power that our need of media endows to advertising companies- its depiction of specific subjects resultantly manipulates the way we think. This is because they have the power to showcase what they desire the world to perceive specific topics regardless if it is not the complete, accurate or wrong representation. 
  This leads to my point of  "Stereotypes" that are representations of generalised opinions towards a certain group of people usually adopted from the influence of media that portray incomplete, subjective and false conceptions of reality. The corruption of culture values by contradicting tradition values develops a sense of superficiality and ignorance that instantly contributes to the stereotyping of a particular group. Similarly to the misconception of morals that deliberately appeals to motives of status seeking and lust. This is evident where the typical women stereotype that is manifested through ads where a beautiful women embraces and praises male cosmetics. Undoubtedly, the women is perceived as an "accessory" since she is treated as a guarantee of its quality by the men. As of mens stereotypes whom are usually characterised as professional and successful "real men" if they have a beautiful women by their side. Even though people are aware of the dangers occurred due to generalisation, they incline to be conformist and would rather submit to the dominate patters than oppose them and fear negative response of such behaviour from others.
  The question is why do advertisement companies continue to indulge themselves in the explosion of society through the use of stereotypes in media? Although advertisement companies are possibly aware of what they are doing, they are conscious of the fact that the majority of the 21st century generation usually rely on media to access their information. This allows advertisers to evoke a sense of secureness and focus on their excessively benefit of obtaining financial earnings. Obviously this elevates the tendentious question: "Do advertisers have a moral duty to avoid stereotyping people?"
  In my appraisal through my critical evaluation of the use of stereotypes as a tool in the media to control societies perceptions of people, groups and ideologies- I believe that advertisers have a moral duty to avoid stereotyping people. This is the case because the bigoted nature of mass medias superior power as a medium for our knowledge causes specific individuals and subjects to be viewed more negatively or even superior than others. Such fallacious beliefs sets standards in one's society that develops a latest version of the way society functions. Although some advertisers usually approach the stereotype as a way of dark humour to appeal to viewers, they do not take into consideration that stereotypes can be seen as sensitive content to part of their audience. Regardless of advertisers having positive or negative intentions through their use of stereotypes, I believe they should not be included in advertisements in order to create a society that is able to achieve an adequate level of social readiness, so that messages breaking stereotypes could be effective.
  
  

Pitch Reflection

Main appeals that were used in our pitch include Band wagon and Rational. We decided they would be the most effective appeal since Band wagon would include appealing statements that would allow a satisfaction for their need to affiliates as it will portray how the program will build societies and social groups. As of Rational Appeal, this would spark public or personal goals that may fill the need to achieve this imagery as biking would be a break from everyday life style.

Specific persuasive techniques used illuminates the originality of having a new idea that is an outdoor biking program in Abu Dhabi. Although Abu Dhabi has has a growing tourism industry, it would not be complete without having Fit for all bike share program since most sports programs occur indoors. We believe this is the most effective technique as the ad will accomplish a sense of innovation as it would introduce a brand new idea that would appeal to the audience with the use of logos. This will be done by expressing a Cause VS. Correlation. For example, the cause of UAE high diabetes rate is due to an individual's high blood sugar however, sitting around at home does not improve their health therefore the correlation to this would be biking since exercise reduces the glucose in your blood.

Not to forget the second persuasive technique where we aim for the ad to express what this product could do for Abu Dhabi and it has the possibility to bring this community together as well as helping people affiliate or socialize. The ad will highlight the groups that will form causing it to in my opinion be the most effective way of persuasion as our ad will demonstrate how this new exciting activity may help foreigners and/or locals of Abu Dhabi communicate. It’s so simple any could use it so why not take advantage of the opportunities given.

The awareness of the audience and context influence our overall approach to this activity as we have to keep in mind that we are in the 21st century and most people enjoy exploring new activities especially in Abu Dhabi therefore; the advert targeted varied demographic of abu dhabi citizens. This allows us to approach the activity aware of the fact that there are variety of different citizens and we must attract as much as citizen as we can by advertising something new that is enjoyable for most people.

Something that I would do differently in terms of content and preparation would be spending more time rehearsing my presentation before actually presenting. I think this is the cause because although I was able to communicate my ideas clearly- I did not engage with the audience as much as I wanted to. Something that limited me for doing this wa snot having enough time but I still believe we worked well as a group since we were able to share ideas at the same time we divided the work equally.

Rhetorical Analysis- of Advertisements

The intended audience of this L'Oréal Paris infallible lipstick advertisement are for prosperous women particularly, younger women whom are interested in the pleasure of makeup or perfection of their lips through lipstick. In the modern day, most women are aware of societies beauty standards causing them to be vigilant as they take more caution of their appearance. As a top beauty Brand sold in retail outlets, L'Oréal Paris creates the most innovative products accessible for wealthy women that are able to take ownership and pride in their luxurious purchase. 

There is no doubt that the advertisement appeals ethos rhetoric of persuasion as it convinces women that the L'Oréal lipstick can be trusted by appealing the authority and credibility of the worldwide American singer, songwriter and actress, Beyonce. Obviously the authority of a famous celebrity like Beyonce instantly influences the purchases of customers that tempts her own Beehive fans to buy the product. Not only does this establish a stronger position of the brand L'Oréal but it also, initiates a larger customer base for L'Oréal. 

Not to forget that the advertisement appeals pathos rhetoric of persuasion as it convinces the audience to buy the lipstick by using descriptive imagery which evokes emotions. This is evident when the use of vibrant colors sets a lively theme that creates movement in order to attract the viewers where Beyonce says: "Live your life in non stop color". Clearly, the idea of living a lavishing lifestyle promptly meets the purpose of directing affluent women as the ad emphasises the pleasure and joy of owning such extravagant lipstick. This is also evident when the use of vivid contrasting colors come into play where the ad pauses at the striking moment of Beyonce's appealing smile that evokes happiness of which convinces the audience to buy the lipstick.

Additionally, the advertisement appeals logos rhetoric of persuasion as logic and factual information is used to persuade women by reason in order to purchase the lipstick. In the beginning of the ad, it introduces the lipstick as a lipstick that "lasts up to 24 hours in 24 shades" and continues to persuade the audience by saying: "Long lasting colors and moisturising balm that is perfect in two cool step compact". Undoubtedly the clear and blunt use of words establishes a very reliable tone that convinces the audience to buy the lipstick. This is also evident when Beyonce uses logic and says that she is able to wear the lipstick while eating a strawberry and singing without smudging the color. Clearly the ad uses logic to appeal to the audience as smudging lipstick is relatable to everyone however can be solved with this lipstick. 

Overall, the advertisement uses the rhetorics of persuasion such as ethos, pathos and logos to intensify the message that owning such extravagant lipstick meets the expectations of women that want to live a lavishing due to credibility of Beyonce whom elevates the overall message of the ad.