Sunday, May 24, 2020

Definitions of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF)

The term English as a lingua franca (ELF) refers to the teaching, learning, and use of the English language as a common means of communication  (or contact language) for speakers of different native languages.Although most contemporary  linguists  regard English as a lingua franca (ELF) as a valuable means of international communication and a worthwhile object of study, some have challenged the idea that ELF is a distinct variety of English. Prescriptivists  (generally non-linguists) tend to dismiss ELF as  a kind of foreigner talk  or what has been disparagingly called BSE--bad simple English.British linguist Jennifer Jenkins points out that ELF is not a new phenomenon. English, she says, has served as a lingua franca in the past, and continues to do so nowadays, in many of the countries that were colonized by the British from the late sixteenth century on (often known collectively as the Outer Circle following Kachru 1985), such as India and Singapore. . . . What is new about ELF, however, is the extent of its reach (English as a Lingua Franca in the International University, 2013).   Examples and Observations As well as being used--often in a very simple form--by tourists, ELF is prominent in international politics and diplomacy, international law, business, the media, and in tertiary education and scientific research--which Yamuna Kachru and Larry Smith (2008: 3) call ELFs mathetic function--so it is clearly not a reduced lingua franca in the terms original (Frankish) sense. Yet it usually differs from English as a native language (ENL), the language used by NESs [native English speakers]. Spoken ELF contains a huge amount of linguistic variation and non-standard forms (although formal written ELF tends to resemble ENL to a much greater extent).(Ian Mackenzie,  English as a Lingua Franca: Theorizing and Teaching English. Routledge, 2014)ELF in Local and International SettingsEnglish operates as a lingua franca at a number of different levels, including local, national, regional and international. Apparently paradoxically, the more localised the use of English as a lingua franca, the mo re variation it is likely to display. This can be explained by reference . . . to the identity--communication continuum. When used in a local setting, ELF will display identity markers. Thus code-switching and the explicit [use] of nativised norms can be expected. When used for international communication, on the other hand, speakers will consciously avoid the use of local and nativised norms and expressions.(Andy Kirkpatrick,  World Englishes: Implications for International Communication and English Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press, 2007)Is ELF a Variety of English?Whether ELF should be called a variety of English at all is an open question, and one which cannot be answered as long as we do not have any good descriptions of it. It is well known that divisions between languages are arbitrary, and therefore those between varieties of a language have to be as well. Once descriptions are available of how speakers from different linguacultural backgrounds use ELF, this wi ll make it possible to consider whether it would make sense to think of English as it is spoken by its non-native speakers as falling into different varieties, just as is the English spoken by its native speakers. . . . It is likely that ELF, like any other natural language, will turn out to vary, and to change over time. It does not make much sense, therefore, to talk about a monolithic variety as such: a variety can be treated as if it were a monolith, but this is a convenient fiction, for the process of variation itself never stops.(Barbara Seidlhofer, English as a Lingua Franca in the Expanding Circle: What It Isnt.  English in the World: Global Rules, Global Roles, ed. by  Rani Rubdy and Mario Saraceni.  Continuum, 2006)Two ApproachesSeeing as the movement to bring forth the conceptualization of English as a lingua franca is gaining momentum worldwide, and more specifically for Europe, it is imperative that an analysis is made of the implications of the two differing appr oaches . . .. One is the (traditional) idea that English is a lingua franca for a non-native speaker constituency which should pursue knowledge of the language as if it were a foreign language. The other, upheld by those who have bought into the world Englishes paradigm, is to see English as a lingua franca for interlocutors who use it with others in multicultural settings (and thus see English in its diversity as opposed to viewing English as a prescriptive entity defined by idealized inner-circle speakers). It should be made clear, moreover, that my own position here is that a lingua franca must be inclusive as opposed to exclusive. That is to say, it is imperative that our understanding of how English is used in Europe is integrated with a vision of a communicatively viable use of the language internationally.(Marko Modiano, EIL, Native-Speakerism and the Failure of European ELT.  English as an International Language: Perspectives and Pedagogical Issues, ed. by  Farzad Sharif ian. Multilingual Matters, 2009)

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Quotations About Babies and Infancy

Babies are born cute—some say—because that is Gods way of protecting them from harm. Their angelic faces can steal the heart of everyone they meet. Whether you are expecting a child soon or are already the parent of a newborn, here are some beautiful baby sayings and a few truisms that should certainly make you smile and nod your head in agreement. Don Herold Babies are such a nice way to start people. Brad Pitt Getting a burp out of your little thing is probably the greatest satisfaction Ive come across. Its truly one of the lifes satisfying moments. Robert Munsch Ill love you forever; Ill like you for always. As long as Im living, my baby, youll be. Hermann Hesse Words can not express the joy of a new life. Vincent Van Gogh I think I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning or coos or laughs. Olivia Wilde The amazing thing about becoming a parent is that you will never again be your own first priority. Deepak Chopra It is the nature of babies to be in bliss. Jeff Foxworthy Watching a baby being born is a little like watching a wet St. Bernard coming in through the cat door. Charles Osgood Babies are always more trouble than you thought—and more wonderful. Winston Churchill There is no finer investment for any community than putting milk into babies. Mark Twain A baby is an inestimable blessing and bother. James Matthew Barrie When the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces, and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies. And now when every new baby is born, its first laugh becomes a fairy. So there ought to be one fairy for every boy or girl. Brian Pulsifer The joy that a newborn brings cannot be equaled. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe We cant form our children on our own concepts; we must take them and love them as God gives them to us. Eda J. Le Shan A new baby is like the beginning of all things—wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities. Ed Howe Families with babies and families without are so sorry for each other. Penelope Leach Loving a baby is a circular business, a kind of feedback loop. The more you give the more you get, and the more you get the more you feel like giving. Benjamin Spock What good mothers and fathers instinctively feel like doing for their babies is usually best after all. Nuno Bettencourt Having a baby is one of the most wonderful things in life, as well as the hardest thing in your life. Rajneesh The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Impact Of Solar Energy On Our Nation - 1491 Words

Impacts of Solar Energy In today’s time, solar energy has already dominated the market and has drastically changed the way our nation gets its energy supply. In every 50 to 100 square miles of American land, the effects of use of solar energy have become pretty prevalent that even small scale businesses, residences and properties have already showed interest in this new energy trend. It is now considered as one of the world’s cleanest forms of energy and plans to further utilize the use of this form of energy have started to emerge. These plans will target to resolve specific national issues including climate change, water waste disposal, high energy cost and etc. And just like any other forms of energy sources currently available in the market, the use of solar energy has its own advantages and disadvantages. Advantages of Solar Energy 1.) Solar Energy fights Global Warming There are quite a number of solar energy advantages that are worth noting. One will be that it helps to slow and stop global warming and the possible manifestation of any other environmental problems. Global warming has been one the biggest environmental issues that we’ve been trying to terminate for some years now. The effects of this phenomenon have led to an array of environmental flaws that have affected our nation both economically and socially. Luckily, countless forms of research have proven that the use of solar energy powered technologies can reduce the effects or better yet the formation ofShow MoreRelatedWe All Rely On Some Sort Of Power Source For Our Household1748 Words   |  7 PagesWe all rely on some sort of power source for our household appliances, devices, lighting and entertainment needs. Sadly, the electricity used in the majority of our homes are powered by something dangerous, fossil fuels. Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and gradually disrupts nature and pollutes the air. 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Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Anaysis of Collection House Limited

Question: Analysis of Collection House Limited. Answer: Executive summary The company chosen for review is Collection house limited which have been mainly engaged in the business of debt collection service as well as management of receivables throughout the Australasia. Also it has been seen that they purchase debt as required by the subsidiary Lion finance pity Ltd. They have separate segment in regard to the collection services which is specifically in respect of the commissions which earned due to providing of various services such as debt collection by them on behalf of client and also the purchase debt ledger segments have been acquired by three groups in regard to the collection of the debt for the clients. In summarising, it can be said that the Collection house limited provide various services like receivable management, debt collection, debt purchasing, collection services credit management services, legal services etc. Collecting hues limited has one of the subsidiary which is Misstate Credit collect policy ltd. Has been consider as a collection agency which have been involved in providing state wide coverage as well as collection services in regard to the debt mainly for the consumer debt, council rates, utilities, local authority etc. The collection House limited have been established in 1992 and listed on ASX in the year 2000. It is also provided that company have approx 11 offices in various countries (Australia, New Zealand, and also the Philippines). There are approx 850 staffs in the mentioned country so as to provide various services (Markets.ft.com. (2016). Their commitment shows that they provide solution which would help to span the entire credit life cycle, for consumer outcomes and also support barns protection. They have also prepared long term strategy at various levels for diversification at different level such as clients, product, staff diversity etc. As per the data gathered, it has been observed that Collection House Limited has been building a very strong relationship alone with the major Australian as well as the International banks, insurance houses, corporations, financial Institutions and also with the government and public utilities. Some of the major services are as: Receivable Management Debt purchase Collection of Debt Services in regard to the credit management Insolvency as well as legal services Taking into consideration the above and also on the basis of research it has been found that they have properly maintain ethical standard and also the strong culture compliance which have been in accordance with the law and regulations in order to properly govern the business. Also the ongoing success can e taken as a proof for the commitment they are complying like in relation to the debt recovery, our displaced approach for the business as well as strategy and main focus will create value Collection house limited being a listed company with ASX code CLH have been operating since 22years and having large staff of 850 people including the experience management staff as well as the executive team management having average experience of approx 10years. Collection House limited has been considering as different from its competitor. This is mainly due to the adoption of approach of ethical debt recovery and also due to the adoption of the leading compliance standards. It has been proven that the Collection House limited group has achieved the continuing growth without diminishing the ethical standards and other prescribed laws and regulations (Markets.ft.com. (2016). the main focus of the group is to create value for the customers as well as client relationship. The same has been achieved due to offering of various multi disciplined services such as receivable management, debt collection services and many more. Further, it has been observed that the engagements of the group with the client as well as customer is efficient as well as ethical and have been further enhanced by the use of technologies of industry. This would also support or enable the group to provide effective as well as innovative work so as to assist customer in a better way and for successfully manage the debt recovery process. In the similar way, the group has created much innovative software system which would drive very efficiently as well as productivity and consequently would provide or deliver improved functionality and significant intellectual property to the group. Since the group have been driven by the unwavering commitments for the business conduct which are lawful, respectful, the same has been embedded to add values as well as inspirational goal towards the society. Collection House Limited has been striving to strive for the excellence by using globally recognized best prevailing practices. Their main goal is as follows: To be proved a s the good agency for the choice of client by maintain the strong relationship To compliance with the law, regulations and regarded by thru regulators for leading in the path of ethical standards. To be proven by the staff as provider of good working environment which will provide value , innovation, accountability as well as team work Introduction Collection house limited being a listed company with ASX code CLH have been operating since 22years and having large staff of 850 people including the experience management staff as well as the executive team management having average experience of approx 10years. Some of the major services are as: Receivable Management Debt purchase Collection of Debt Services in regard to the credit management Insolvency as well as legal services 30th June 2014 30th June 2015 30th June 2014 Assets $000 $000 % Change Current assets Cash and Cash Equivalent 7,222 704 926% Receivable 10,265 9,574 7% Purchase debt ledger 57,167 51,669 11% Other current Assets 1,089 1,044 4% Total current assets 75,743 62,991 20.24 Non- current assets Purchase debt ledger 198822 1,82,581 9% Property, Plant equipment 5,475 5,436 11% Intangible Assets 35614 34222 4% Total non- current assets 2,39,911 2,22,239 7.95 Total Assets 3,15,654 2,85,230 10.67 Liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables 16,013 13,628 18% Borrowings 0 323 -100% Current Tax Liabilities 2,027 7071 -71% Provision 3,067 2,906 6% Other financial liabilities 2149 1600 34% Total current liability 23,256 25,528 -8.90 Non-current liabilities Borrowings 1,19,000 99,800 19% Deferred Tax Payable 1,854 1,331 39% Provision 402 356 13% Other financial liabilities 477 2226 -79% Total non current liabilities 1,21,733 1,03,713 17.37 Total liabilities 1,44,989 1,29,241 12.18 Equity Share Capital 1,05,307 1,02,285 3% Reserves 2188 1959 12% Retained earning 63170 51,745 22% Total equity 1,70,665 1,55,989 9.41 Below table shows brief comparison (Amounts in $ 000) Particulars 2015 2014 % increase or -decrease Total current assets 75,743.00 62,991.00 0.20 Total non-current assets 2,39,911.00 2,22,239.00 0.08 Total current liabilities 23,256.00 25,528.00 -0.09 Total non-current liabilities 1,21,733.00 1,03,713.00 0.17 Total stockholder's equity 1,70,665.00 1,55,989.00 0.09 On the basis of above table, it has been clear that There is increase in the current assets by 20 %, which is mainly due to increase in cash comparison to the last year. This show good performance of the company. On the other hand increase in the non- current assets by 8% positively shows good performance in part of the company (Accounting tools, 2015). Increase in the current liability by 9 5 is mainly due to requirement to make enhanced provision as well as increase in other financial liability. This increase would not have any negative impact on the performance of the company. Noncurrent liability increase by 17% clearly implies that some liability have been increased which are not expected to be released within 12 months such as borrowing, defer tax liability, increase in the provision. In the stated case, increase in the equity is due to issue of shares and also there is increase in the retained earnings and also in the reserves. All these increase shows positive performance In the nutshell, it can be stated that financial position of the company on the basis of balance sheet shows positive performance of the company but simultaneously there is requirement to reduce the financial liabilities Review of the income statement: The total operating revenues of the company are $ 126043000 The Cost of goods sold of the company are $Nil The total expenses before taxes of the company are $ 31892000 The non-operating gains and losses of the company are $0 The earning per share of the company is $17.20 Below table shows brief comparison (Amounts in $ 000) Particulars 30th June 2015 30th June 2014 % increase or -decrease Total operating revenues 1,26,043.00 1,07,337.00 0.17 Cost of goods sold Total expenses (before taxes) 31,892.00 26,960.00 0.18 Any non-operating (or extraordinary) gains and losses - - Earnings per common share 17.20 14.70 0.17 On the basis of above table, There is increase in the revenue by 17% and on the other hand there is also increase in the expenses by 18%. This is not a positive sign because even though the revenue has been increased in the year 2015 but simultaneously expenditure has been increase with a percentage higher than the increase in the revenue. Hence it I advisable that company should took a way and step must be taken to increase the revenue in a way that there is also cost cutting. In the nutshell, company must focus to reduce the expenses i.e. cost cutting must be adopted. Also, the Company must adopt certain marketing strategy in a way that revenue would be increase Review of the statement of cash flows: The net cash inflow from operating activities of the company are $ 77669000 The net cash inflow from the financing activities of the company are $4637000 The net cash inflow from the investing activities of the company are $- 75362000 The net increase in the cash during the year of the company are $ 6980000 Below table shows brief comparison (Amounts in $ 000) Particulars 2015 2014 % increase or -decrease Net cash inflow from operating activities 77,669.00 65,971.00 0.18 Net cash inflow from financing activities 4,637.00 17,612.00 -0.74 Net cash inflow from investing activities -75,362.00 -85,639.00 -0.12 Net increase in cash during the year 6,980.00 -2,056.00 -4.39 On the basis of above table, Increase in the operating cash inflow by 18 % specified that thief increase due to increase in the operating revenue i.e. day to day activities. This shoe positive performance. There is decrease in the financing cash flow by 74%. Causes for the decrease are fewer amounts received from the borrowing in comparison to the last year, dividend paid is higher than the last year and also it has been clear that there are some buy back of high amount since the receipt form equity shares and other equity securities are very lower than the last year i.e. 2014. Decrease in the investing activities may be due purchase of assets which represent high cash outflow... this is not a sign of good performance In the nutshell, Collection House limited must keep view in regard to the financing as well as investing activities in addition to the operating activities. Step must be taken in a way that they are able to enhance the cash flow during the period of business and consequently the same could be increased which is consider as one of the important factor while making investment decision by the investors. Review of the stockholders equity: The following is the list of the required account balances: (Amounts in $ 000) Particulars 2015 2014 % increase or -decrease Issued capital 1,05,307.00 1,02,285.00 0.03 Reserves 2,188.00 1,959.00 0.12 Retained earnings 63,170.00 51,745.00 0.22 There is increase in the issue capital by 3 % which is due to issue of shares. Also increase in the reserves as well as retained earning shows good performance of the company. In the nutshell, it can be stated that increase reserves as well retained earnings is a sign of good performance and measures must be taken to continue the same. Conclusion On the basis of analysis it can clearly stated that business activities have been hinder growth ante hand and on the other hand there is sign positive improvement. Steps must be taken to make strategy improve revenue and must focus to decrease the cost since the % increase in revenue is less than the % increase in expenses. However, as per the balance sheet, financial position of the company is good since there is increase in the Assets whether current assets, non-current Assets and also there is decrease in the current liability. There is increase in the issue capital by 3 % which is due to issue of shares. Also increase in the reserves as well as retained earning shows good performance of the company. In the nutshell, it can be stated that increase reserves as well retained earnings is a sign of good performance and measures must be taken to continue the same. References Markets.ft.com. (2016).Collection House Ltd, CLH:ASX profile - FT.com. Readyratios.com, 'Financial Analysis and Accounting Book of Reference: Statement of Financial Position | IFRS Statements | IFRS Reports | Readyratios.Com'. Nap. 2015. Web. 22 May 2016. AccountingCoach.com. (2016).What is a noncurrent asset? | AccountingCoach.