The Epic of Gilgamesh Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Epic of Gilgamesh - Essay Example The epic, with its complex plot is acknowledged by historians and archaeologists as the oldest existing written story although it had been discovered and translated only relatively recently but it never fails to fascinate its readers with its many parallels to the biblical story of the Great Flood and that of Noah and his family. It is therefore not very far-fetched to assume that many parts of the biblical Noah got their origins and ideas from the Epic of Gilgamesh for its many similarities, barring mere coincidence, from the tale of Utnapishtim. What is even more remarkable is the story was based on an actual king named Gilgamesh. This paper explores this gem of world literature from the viewpoint of its importance in terms of its sophisticated moral lessons. Additionally, it will also discuss the universal questions that Man has been asking ever since, questions such as immortality, how to escape death itself, his place in the entire scheme of things in the cosmos, his relationshi p with his gods, with fellow human beings, governance and kingship. Moreover, the paper will likewise offer some hopefully useful insights into the immensity and scale of this grandiose tale. Discussion The epic is partly based on the real historical figure King Gilgamesh who ruled the kingdom of Uruk in ancient Sumeria at around 2700 B.C.E. (before current era, as historians now would like to date historical events rather than the usual B.C. or A.D. in order to avoid a bias towards Christianity and maintain neutrality towards all religions) but was written down in clay tablets only at around 2000 B.C.E. perhaps with an eye towards preservation of a story for posterity. Although it has historical basis as determined by rigorous historical research, it also contains so many embellishments to make the story more interesting to its intended audience and also partly to impart some important moral lessons, like biblical parables. The provenance of the epic story cannot be traced or ascri bed to a single writer but it is rather the work of several authors, who added a portion of the story with each succeeding re-telling to a listening audience, perhaps by the high priests of Babylon. It was originally an oral composition recited by traveling storytellers, which may help to explain why there are so many parts of the story which are mere fragments although it is still offers some continuity. It can be found in the royal library of King Ashurbanipal, who ruled around 700 B.C.E. but still portions or other versions of the same epic were unearthed at different epochs in the time of the ancient city of Babylon, providing a rich ethnological source as well (Maier 377). The Epic of Gilgamesh can be taken in context, in the sense it was written at a time of history when rulers often invoked their right to rule over their subjects from some form of divine intervention or deriving their royal power from the gods. This theme is very recurrent in many historical periods, and this theme is also quite common even in the other areas of the world, where kings ruled either by force or some other means to retain political control such as invoking their authority with their supposed knowledge and wisdom, just like Gilgamesh. A key character, Enkidu, was introduced to the epic as counterbalance to Gilgamesh. A good question to ask might be: What

Chinese food in the United States( food as culture) Annotated Bibliography

Chinese food in the United States( food as culture) - Annotated Bibliography Example Furthermore, the author determines how the Chinese cuisines have shaped the American cuisines. This source utilizes both primary and secondary evidence on how Chinese food came to America. I find this source to be helpful in explaining the origin of the Chinese foods in the United States. It will help in developing a background for my topic. It will help the reader realize how this food increased in the foreign land, America. The source credibility is from the author who is a writer of different newspapers including the popular New York Times, and has experience in Chinese restaurants. In this article, Hayford explores one of the Chinese Cuisines that has become dominant in the United States. In particular, this researcher examines how â€Å"Chop Suey† went through different challenges before it was accepted in different restraints and be used by different ethnic groups. The Northerners believed that â€Å"Chop Suey† was not authentic (7). Congress laws on immigration after the World War II saw a decline in Chop Suey. As a result of education and restaurants competitiveness, this cuisine was also appreciated. Asian-Americans students use it to embrace national heritage in showing cultural fusion. However, this journal article does not provide methods used in collecting data. Fortunately, its arguments are well explained using both secondary and primary sources of data. This article will be helpful in explaining how Chinese food helps them in embracing their national heritage in the age of cultural fusion. I believe that relating Hayford integration of Chop Suey with china will help in explaining how food can identify a given nation. This article relates to Coe book, which provides history on how different Chinese foods reached the United States. The article credibility comes from the use of primary and secondary data. Also, the author is an independent scholar who has worked

Avoid Problems Of Cross Cultural Communication Commerce Essay

Avoid Problems Of Cross Cultural Communication Commerce Essay Cross-cultural communication exists when people from differing cultures have reached a certain degree of understanding regarding their differences. For understanding to take place, both people must have some form of knowledge or awareness regarding the norms or customs that exist in each others culture. Verbal and nonverbal communications can contain implied meanings, as well as certain degrees of symbolism. For successful communication to take place, background knowledge concerning values, norms and perceptions is necessary in order for clear, effective communication to take place. The key to effective cross-cultural communication is knowledge. It is essential that people understand the potential problems of cross-cultural communication, and make a conscious effort to overcome these problems and important to assume that ones efforts will not always be successful, and adjust ones behavior appropriately For example, one should always assume that there is a significant possibility that cultural differences are causing communication problems, and be willing to be patient and forgiving, rather than hostile and aggressive, if problems develop. One should respond slowly and carefully in cross-cultural exchanges, not jumping to the conclusion that you know what is being thought and said. Active listening can sometimes be used to check this out-by repeating what one thinks he or she heard, one can confirm that one understands the communication accurately. If words are used differently between languages or cultural groups, however, even active listening can overlook misunderstandings. Often intermediaries who are familiar with both cultures can be helpful in cross-cultural communication situations. They can translate both the substance and the manner of what is said. For instance, they can tone down strong statements that would be considered appropriate in one culture but not in another, before they are given to people from a culture that does not talk together in such a strong way. They can also adjust the timing of what is said and done. Some cultures move quickly to the point; others talk about other things long enough to establish rapport or a relationship with the other person. If discussion on the primary topic begins too soon, the group that needs a warm up first will feel uncomfortable. A mediator or intermediary who understands this can explain the problem, and make appropriate procedural adjustments. Yet sometimes intermediaries can make communication even more difficult. If a mediator is the same culture or nationality as one of the disputants, but not the other, this gives the appearance of bias, even when none exists. Even when bias is not intended, it is common for mediators to be more supportive or more understanding of the person who is of his or her own culture, simply because they understand them better. Yet when the mediator is of a third cultural group, the potential for cross-cultural misunderstandings increases further. In this case engaging in extra discussions about the process and the manner of carrying out the discussions is appropriate, as is extra time for confirming and re-confirming understandings at every step in the dialogue or negotiating process. The impact different cultures have on peoples behavior, emotions and thought processes are the focus of cross-cultural psychology. The norms and values within a culture go a long way toward shaping a persons psychological make-up and how she interacts with her environment. The social structures, manners and values within a culture determine what types of experiences a person has had. These experiences work to shape perceptions, expectations, as well as a persons sense of identity within the context of society. Cross-cultural research examines how different cultures compare in terms of human behavior. The purpose of this research is to address the growing conflicts and global concerns that arise as a result of cultural differences. Statistical data is compiled to determine how prevalent particular norms or customs are within a culture. This helps with determining how influential particular customs are within the workings of a society. Steps to bridge communication differences are addressed by understanding how customs develop and how they affect the behaviors that take place within a society. CULTURAL DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES For understanding cultural issues in organizational setting against international perspective, it is essential to understand employee behavior. Five basic conclusions can be drawn about cross-cultural impact on employee behavior: First, individual behavior in organizational setting varies across cultures. Thus, employees based in India, Japan, U.S. and Germany is likely to have different attitudes and patterns of behavior. The behavior patterns are likely to be widespread and pervasive within an organization. Second, culture itself is an important variable for this variation. There are also other factors like differing standards of living and varied geographical conditions which cause variations in behavior. However, culture is a significant factor. Third, although behavior within organizational setting remains quite diverse across cultures, organizations themselves appear to be increasingly similar. Hence, managerial practices at a general level may be alike, but the people who work with in organizations differ markedly. Fourth, the same manager behaves differently in different cultural settings. A manager may adopt one set of behaviors when working in one culture, but may change those behaviors when moved into a different culture. Lastly, cultural diversity can be an important source of energy in enhancing organizational effectiveness. More and more organizations are realizing the virtues of cultural diversity, but surprisingly, little do they know how to manage it. Business Problems in Cross Cultural Communication Business is headed in a decidedly international direction and this means that there will be some changes. Corporations are looking to make doing business as easy as they possibly can, but this new move out multi-national business has created a new set of challenges. The most unavoidable of these new business challenges is a barrier in cross-cultural communication. When people do business, they need to be speaking the same language. Even if two folks are not naturals of a certain language, there must exist a certain consistency in the verbiage in order to avoid some potentially catastrophic circumstances. In addition, more and more managers are seeing problems within their own workplace because of a lack of understanding of other cultures. This problem is not an international one. It simply involves two people of a different ethnic background who do not understand the other culture well enough to effectively communicate with each other. This occurs most commonly because businesses do not emphasize this portion of their training. Before a business can take effective action to pre-empt the problems in cross-cultural communication, they must know exactly what these problems are. In general, they seem pretty obvious. On the surface, they seem like things that the businesses should never miss. Time and time again, businesses miss these things though and it contributes to their downfall. A complete lack of communication is the most common and damaging of all of these problems. This most often occurs when managers and upper level management do not feel the need to communicate with their workers because they do not know how. When your people are left in the dark, they do not perform well. This problem in cross cultural communication has as much to do with a lack of information sharing than it does the inability to get that message across. Obviously, choice of words and diction is important when speaking to people of a different culture. Not only must you be able to use the correct jargon in order to allow them to clearly understand your message, but you must also be careful not to use terms which might be offensive to that person. Generally, workers do not mean to harm anyone when they choose hurtful words, but the damage can often times be irreparable. In this case, it is always better to be safe than to be sorry. Problems in cross cultural communication will continue to plague businesses until they make a conscious effort to change some things. In general, people do not communicate well with each other because they are uneducated about the little things that a different culture might do. With some effort, this can be changed and corporate profitability can improve. CROSS CULTURAL DIFFERENCES Managers in todays multicultural global business community frequently encounter cultural differences, which can interfere with the successful completion of projects. This paper describes the most well-known and accepted theories of cultural differences and illustrates them with examples from international project management. Two leading studies of cross-cultural management have been conducted by Greet Hofstede [1] and Fons Trompenaars [2]. Both approaches propose a set of cultural dimensions along which dominant value systems can be ordered. These value systems affect human thinking, feeling, and acting, and the behavior of organizations and institutions in predictable ways. The two sets of dimensions reflect basic problems that any society has to cope with but for which solutions differ. They are similar in some respects and different in others. The dimensions can be grouped into several categories: 1)  Relations between people.  Two main cultural differences have been identified. Hofstede distinguishes between  individualism  and collectivism.  Trompenaars breaks down this distinction into two dimensions:  Ã‚  universalism versus  particularize  and  individualism  versus communitarians. 2)  Motivational orientation.  Societies choose ways to cope with the inherent uncertainty of living. In this category Hofstede identifies three dimensions:  masculinity  versus  femininity,  amount of uncertainty avoidance,  and  power distance. 3)  Attitudes toward time.  Hofstede distinguishes between  a long-term  versus  a short-term orientation.  Trompenaars identifies two dimensions:  sequential versus synchronic  and  inner versus outer time. How to Overcome Cross Cultural Communication Step 1 Run meetings to expose your employees to other cultures. Introducing employees who will be working together in a non-threatening environment enables a good working relationship long term. Learning about another cultures language, rules and norms for acceptable behavior helps prepare your employees to deal with situations as they arise. Changing preconceptions can lead to more conducive working relationships. Step 2 Conduct activities to demonstrate how dependent we are on language. For example, dedicate a day to being silent. Have each employee develop a contract stating what they hope to learn, how long they will remain silent (what exceptions can be made) and how they plan to cope without speaking all day. After experiencing a day with limited communication, participants can typically relate to being in a foreign environment more easily. Step 3 Provide workshops, tips and techniques for communicating effectively in cross-cultural work environments. People act according to the values of their own culture. Others from another culture might interpret behavior differently. Practicing such strategies as active listening (paraphrasing what is said to ensure understanding can be achieved) and using multiple forms of communication, such as written, audio and visual, can enhance employee involvement in assuring that conflicts do not arise because of cultural misunderstandings due to lack of awareness. Step 4 Coach employees to mediate conflicts related to cultural misunderstandings. Provide opportunities for employees to respond to situations from viewpoints different than their own. Divide a group of people into pairs to conduct role-playing exercises that allow participants to acknowledge culture difference exist. Encourage each pair to think about a conflict they have experienced recently due to cultural differences. Have each participant describe what they might find offensive or unusual. Let each participant suggest how the problem would be handled in their own culture. Together, have the participants develop a resolution to the problem. Have each pair report to the larger group on their experiences. Take it slow A common objection that non-native speakers raise is the speed with which native speakers tend to communicate. Whether youre speaking to someone who is just beginning to learn the language or a long-time English speaker who hails from a different culture, its helpful to modulate the pace of your speech. However, keep in mind that if you slow down too much, the effect may be insulting. Active listening An effective strategy for improving cross-cultural communication is what experts call active listening. This technique involves restating the other speakers statements to ensure you understand their meaning and asking frequent questions. This is a great way to ensure that important information doesnt slip through the cracks in a cross-cultural conversation. Group information in small size If you stop to think about it, even a single sentence in a conversation between two fluent speakers can contain a great deal of information. Thats why cross-cultural communication experts recommend limiting the amount of information you try to convey at one time. Stick to simple, direct instructions and explanations, and try to avoid complex, multi-part sentences. Cultural assumptions If youve ever traveled to a foreign country, you probably realize just how much of our verbal and non-verbal communication relies on a shared set of cultural beliefs and attitudes. When youre speaking to someone from another culture, try to avoid things like jokes, slang, or references that might be confusing or misleading to a non-native speaker. In doubt, adopt for friendly formality North American English speakers often adopt a casual, informal approach to conversations, even when they are addressing a stranger or a new acquaintance. This approach may be off-putting or unsettling to someone from a different cultural background. To ensure that youre conveying an appropriate level of respect, use a more formal mode of speaking and gradually scale back the level of formality as the relationship develops. Motivation and training of multi-cultural project teams Traditional projects, as national projects, may be affected by personality conflicts. Cultural differences among project team members may create additional misunderstanding throughout the project life cycle. The impact of cultural factors such as language barriers, time differences, and socio-economic, political, and religious diversity may result in a normative pattern prescribing a range of permissible actions so as to encourage self-interest. Motivating project team members may encounter significant barriers in multi-cultural project communications. The context of international projects includes cultural diversity, where participants are continuously learning. This fact influences training and educational approaches and has an impact on attitudes toward the use of technology, the amount of practice, reinforcement, and level of interaction with the instructor to which learners from other educational systems are accustomed. NEEDS of Cross-Cultural Communication Within the business context, cross cultural communication refers to interpersonal communication and interaction across different cultures. This has become an important issue in our age of globalization and internationalization. Effective cross cultural communication is concerned with overcoming cultural differences across nationality, religion, borders, culture and behavior. Cross cultural communication is critical to the business world. The diversity of people in cities and countries means an element of cross cultural communication will always be needed whether it is between staff, colleagues, customers or clients. Awareness of cultural differences can favorably impact the success of a business. Improved staff interaction, better customer relations and effective client management are all areas that will reap benefits through cross cultural understanding. Although cross cultural communication competency can only be truly achieved through cross cultural awareness training, language acquisition, foreign travel and cultural immersion there are some guidelines that can enhance your cross cultural communication skills. Speaking Skills Listening and speaking must work in tandem for effective cross cultural communication. Speaking well is not about accent, use of grammar and vocabulary or having the gift of the gab. Rather, cross cultural communication is enhanced through positive speech such as encouragement, affirmation, recognition and phrasing requests clearly or expressing opinions sensitively. Observation Large amounts of cross cultural information can be read in peoples dress, body language, interaction and behavior. Be aware of differences with your own culture and try to understand the roots of behaviors. Asking questions expands your cross cultural knowledge. Patience Man has been created differently and we need to recognize and understand that sometimes cross cultural differences are annoying and frustrating. In these situations patience is definitely a virtue. Through patience respect is won and cross cultural understanding is enhanced. Flexibility Flexibility, adaptability and open-mindedness are the route to successful cross cultural communication. Understanding, embracing and addressing cross cultural differences leads to the breaking of cultural barriers which results in better lines of communication, mutual trust and creative thinking. Following these five cross cultural communication needs will allow for improved lines of communication, better cross cultural awareness and more successful cross cultural relationships.

Ronald Takakis Iron Cages: Race and Culture in 19th-Century America Es

Ronald Takaki's Iron Cages: Race and Culture in 19th-Century America After America declared its independence from British rule, the founding fathers faced a conundrum: How to build and maintain a successful republican government that was ultimately dependent upon the passions and character of its people. Their solution was to propose the construction of what historians have called "iron cages," which were ideological devices intended to deter the corruption and folly that might consume a free people, and instead promoterational and virtuous American citizens. Ronald Takaki expands upon this concept in his historical analysis, Iron Cages: Race and Culture in 19th-Century America, explaining that these constructs functioned specifically to separate the white man from blacks and Native Americans, who were believed to be devoid of the civility required to build a democratic nation. As patriot leaders attempted to resolve the exclusiveness of American identity to Anglo-Saxon peoples, rhetoric and reality merged to form ideology: In a land where "all men are created equal," race was constructed as a justification for why all men would not be treated equal. Takaki's book illustrates how literature came to play a vital role in the creation and reification of these racial ideologies. He states that, "What white men in power thought and did mightily affected what everyone thought and did." Americans viewed the founding fathers as interpreters of both law and society. These same men, whom Takaki names "culture makers," not only shouldered the task of explaining society, but were also instrumental in its conception. Takaki explainsthat their ideas were disseminated, and American mores were subsequently shaped through writing. Hi... ... finds America imprisoned behind a fourth "iron cage," that which acts as an amalgamation of the republican, the corporate and the demonic. He explains that, "Like the republicans of the American Revolution, we continue to insist on our right of and capacity for being self-governing individuals. But we find ourselves again under the rule of a king - an authority exterior to the self. This time, however, we cannot as easily identify the king and declare our independence." Despite the prejudice, hate and violence that seem to be so deeply entrenched in America's multiracial culture and history of imperialism, Takaki does offer us hope. Just as literature has the power to construct racial systems, so it also has the power to refute and transcend them†¦ The pen is in our hands. Works Consulted: Takaki, Ronald. Iron Cages: Race and Culture in 19th-Century America

African Literature Essay

African literature is highly diversified, even though it shows some similarities. In fact, the common denominator of the cultures of the African continent is undoubtedly the oral tradition. Writing on black Africa started in the middle Ages with the introduction of the Arabic language and later, in the nineteenth century with introduction of the Latin alphabet. Since 1934, with the birth of the â€Å"Negritude,† African authors began to write in French or in English. Since the 1960’s quantitative and qualitative changes could be observed in the field of publication in  both Francophone and Anglophone states. The main objective of the present work is to give an overview of the origin and the role of griots in the African society, the different components of the oral tradition, and the major trends in the development of African literature. The study of the Negritude movement encompasses the historical context, the definition of the concept and its principal authors, ideological contradictions, the left wing of the Negritude, and the â€Å"Theory of the African Personality† in Anglophone countries. The monograph  provides as well current trends in the African literature after 1960 and the response of a panel of African authors. African literature, the body of traditional oral and written literatures in Afro-Asiatic and African languages together with works written by Africans in European languages. Traditional written literature, which is limited to a smaller geographic area than is oral literature, is most characteristic of those sub-Saharan cultures that have participated in the cultures of the Mediterranean. In particular, there are written literatures in both Hausa and Arabic, created  by the scholars of what is now northern Nigeria, and the Somali people have produced a traditional written LITERATURE. THERE ARE ALSO WORKS WRITTEN IN GE EZ? (Ethiopic) and Amharic, two of the languages of Ethiopia, which is the one part of Africa where Christianity has been practiced long enough to be considered traditional. Works written in European languages date primarily from the 20th century onward. The literature of South Africa in English and Afrikaans is also covered in a separate article, South African literature. African literature, literary works of the African  continent. African literature consists of a body of work in different languages and various genres, ranging from oral literature to literature written in colonial languages (French, Portuguese, and English). Love Song Flavien Ranaivo Don’t love me, my sweet, like your shadow for shadows fade at evening and I want to keep you right up to cockcrow; nor like pepper which makes the belly hot for then I couldn’t take you when I’m hungry; nor like a pillow for we’d be together in the hours of sleep but scarcely meet by day; nor like rice  for once swallowed you think no more of it; nor like soft speeches for they quickly vanish; nor like honey, sweet indeed but too common. Love me like a beautiful dream, your life in the night, my hope in the day; like a piece of money, ever with me on earth, and for the great journey a faithful comrade; like a calabash, intact, for drawing water; in pieces, bridges for my guitar. Flavien Ranaivo (1914-1999) was a lyric poet influenced by Malagasy ballad and song form. He published three volumes of verse. He is one of the poets included in Africa! My Africa!

The Peon Perspective

Holly S. Organizational Communication Dr. S. June 26, 2012 The Peon Perspective â€Å"A â€Å"peon† is a worker at or near the bottom of the organizational ladder who does work that requires minimal skills. Everyone starts at the bottom, even those with college degrees. All of us, have been, or will be peons at one time or another. †(Richmond and McCroskey). The preliminary principles for peons are people who are at or near the bottom of the hierarchy that require minimum skills who need to demonstrate their value. The only way to no longer be in the â€Å"peon status† is to learn organization to find success.The one question to ask is, is the peon perspective biblical or unbiblical? I believe that the peon perspective is biblical. In 1 Corinthians 14:40 it says, â€Å"But all things should be done decently and in order. † Respecting the power placed over you defines the principle of power. To be considered a valuable employee you must learn formal and inf ormal norms. Norms such as, obeying the rules and doing your job as well as your superior would do it. Everyone is hired on a trial basis in any organization and it is the individual’s job to respect the power placed above him or her in order to succeed.Daniel 2:21 says, â€Å"He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding†. God clearly tells us to understand the knowledge of our authority and to submit to those above us. Never make a decision today that can be postponed until tomorrow defines the principle of decision-making. Although some decisions should be made immediately, the issue is not that you need to wait to make a decision but rather to make an informed decision.Those who make hasty decisions get into trouble. Taking the time to slow down and think about the decision could potentially keep your job. Proverbs 29:20 says, â€Å"Do you see a man hasty in his words? Th ere is more hope for a fool than for him†. Scripture clearly states that we must always think before we speak. The organization getting along without you defines the principle of self-importance. No matter how skilled or motivated you are, the organization can always move along without you. The organization does not have to have you in it to keep it going.The organization got along quite well before you were hired; it can get along quite well if you are fired. Proverbs 16:18 says, â€Å"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall†. Also, James 4:10 says, â€Å"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you†. The Bible proves the action of humility and the outcomes of being humble. The peon principles are no guarantee and their effect is not usually enough to achieve individual success. But because these principles are backed up with God spoken scripture, success is possible.In Philippians 4:8, it says â€Å"Finally, brothers, what ever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things†. Although these principles are true, God will grant you success if you simply listen to Him. â€Å"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand† (John 10:27-28).