Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Social sciences

Applied Linguistics

The need for applied linguistics.

We should set out to investigate and understand the facts of language use, to organize and formalize what we know, and to subject our knowledge to rational consideration and critical analysis. This is the aim of applied linguistics, the academic discipline concerned with the relation of knowledge about language to decision making in the real world.

Examples and procedures.

Applied linguistics sets out to investigate problems in the world in which language is implicated. It is these processes of study, reflection, investigation, and action which constitute applied linguistics as an academic discipline.

The scope of applied linguistics.

There is clearly a large and disparate activities to which... Continue reading "Understanding the Scope of Applied Linguistics in Language Education and Communication" »

Chapter 10: Postcolonial and Race Studies

• Postcolonialism emerged as a driving force in literary studies, helping to reshape scholarship and teaching across the humanities and social sciences.
• Postcolonial Studies considers writing from colonizing peoples, colonized peoples, and, increasingly, formerly colonized peoples.
• Scholars described colonizing nations as “metropolitan” and sometimes divided the colonies into two different kinds: settler and occupation colonies.

Occupation Colonies

• Occupation Colonies: In colonies such as India, a small proportion of the population leaves their homes to exploit the colony and then returns home. Other colonizers then replace them.

Settler Colonies

• Settler Colonies: In colonies such as Australia, colonizers

Linguistics and Applied Linguistics: A Complex Relationship

One approach to practical and professional language issues involves connecting them to linguistic principles. Linguistics seeks general patterns in language.

Generative Linguistics and Idealization

Generative linguistics, introduced by Noam Chomsky, emphasizes the representation of language in the mind (competence) over actual language use in everyday life (performance).

Sociolinguistics, Functional Linguistics, and Corpus Linguistics

Sociolinguistics focuses on the relationship between language and society. Functional linguistics examines language as a communication tool. Corpus linguistics has become increasingly important in investigating language use.

Prescribing vs. Describing Language:

Political socialization is the study of the developmental processes by which people of all ages and adolescents acquire political cognition, attitudes, and behaviors.^[1] It refers to a learning process by which norms and behavior acceptable to a well-running political system are transmitted from one generation to another. It is through the performance of this function that individuals are inducted into the political culture and their orientations towards political objects are formed. These agents of socialization influence to different degrees an individual's political opinions: family, media, peers, education, religion, faith, race, gender, age, and geography. These factors and many others that people are introduced to as they grow up will... Continue reading "Political Socialization: Agents, Influences, and Impact" »

National Sovereignty

Concept that political power governing a country belongs to the people

Citizen

Subject of a country, who has rights and responsibilities

Political Party

Organization of people with a common ideology

Trade Union, Sindicato

Organization that defends worker rights

Parliamentary Monarchy

Type of monarchy in which the king has no real political power

General State Budget, Presupuesto General de Estado

Annual plans for the expenses and income of the state

Motion of Censure

Vote to demand political responsibility from the government, it must induce a candidate for president

Politics

Refers to all activities related to organization and government of human society

European Day of Languages: Celebrating Diversity

The European Day of Languages, celebrated annually on September 26, was launched in 2001 by the European Commission and the Council of Europe. This initiative represents 800 million citizens across 47 countries. It is celebrated annually as a tribute to Europe's rich linguistic diversity. The continent boasts over 200 native languages, with the EU recognizing 24 official languages and approximately 60 regional or minority languages. Additionally, many languages from other parts of the world are spoken across Europe.

Official Languages of the European Union

• Bulgarian
• Croatian
• Czech
• Danish
• Dutch
• English
• Estonian
• Finnish
• French
• German
• Greek
• Hungarian
• Irish
• Italian
• Latvian
• Lithuanian
• Maltese
• Polish
• Portuguese
• Romanian
• Slovak
• Slovenian
• Spanish
• Swedish

Member

Civil Rights Icons: Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

Mahatma Gandhi: Architect of Nonviolent Resistance

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is widely recognized as one of the twentieth century’s greatest political and spiritual leaders. Honored in India as the father of the nation, he pioneered and practiced the principle of Satyagraha—resistance to tyranny through mass nonviolent civil disobedience.

While leading nationwide campaigns, Gandhi supremely applied the principles of nonviolent civil disobedience, playing a key role in freeing India from foreign domination. His efforts focused on:

• Easing poverty
• Expanding women’s rights
• Building religious and ethnic harmony
• Eliminating the injustices of the caste system

He was often imprisoned for his actions,... Continue reading "Civil Rights Icons: Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy" »

Cultural Insights: A Chilean Perspective

Understanding Chilean Culture Through Personal Views

This section delves into various aspects of Chilean culture, offering personal insights and observations.

What is Interesting About Your Culture?

In my country, the idioms are particularly interesting.

Spotting Cultural Differences: An Example

Yes, for example, men are often more gentlemanly in Colombian culture.

Politeness Towards Foreigners in Your Culture

No, because some people can be classist and racist.

Behavioral Differences: Young vs. Older Generations

Young people can appear apathetic, given the ideological differences.

Encounters with Other Cultures

I have encountered Indian culture, which I found to be very patriarchal.

Advice for Newcomers to Chile

I... Continue reading "Chilean Cultural Perspectives: Society, Customs, and Immigration Insights" »

The Need for a European Trade Zone

The Treaty of Rome contained viable proposals for the creation of a European common market. The objective was to create prosperity and unite the EEC, both politically and economically.

Policies related to the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital were established. Common laws were created and a free market was ready to start.

The European common market created economies of scale in manufacturing, research, and innovation.

As production increased, costs would be reduced. In this way, European countries were able to compete more effectively with countries such as the USA or Japan.

The European Union

The Treaty of the European Union, or the Maastricht Treaty, was signed in 1992 in Maastricht, allowing... Continue reading "European Union: History, Objectives, and Impact" »