ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction The Maya are people otherwise known as Mesoamericans. Long time ago, the people of Maya inhabited large cities and urban centers in the Central America; in fact, it is recorded that at a certain point in time, the Maya people had approximately a thousand cities. They used to live in rainforests and mountains; the region that are currently known as Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. The Maya people also inhabited northern part of Belize and some regions of southern Mexico. The Maya of today still inhabit the same regions; however, the large cities no longer exist. From 300 A.D to 800 A.D, the people of Maya considered as a great nation and constituted individuals who were both traders and farmers. Besides, they had a lot o building talents which they utilized in constructing beautiful and attractive temples and pyramids (Sharer & Traxler, 2006). Individual (municipality) control was adopted in the Maya states. However, it is notable that the main link between the cities of Maya was not political but cultural. This gives a notion that they might have been largely communal in terms of interpersonal relationships. Later, the people of Maya began to leave the cities; but the reason for leaving is still a subject of research to date. It is reported that by the year 1900, Most of the Maya people had migrated to other places. It is important to mention that the Maya people spoke varied language dialects and practiced a lot of both social and religious cultures (Sharer & Traxler, 2006). Today, the history of Maya remains a subject of interest; the artifacts preserved for this entire long serve as attractions for both academic scholars and tourists alike. This paper examines the lifestyle of the ancient Maya people taking into account their various social and economic activities. The daily life of the ancient Maya Agricultural activities The daily life of the ancient Maya constituted a lot of activities that they performed almost religiously. The activities had religious, political, social and economic dimensions. Agriculture was one of the very prominent activities that the Maya people engaged in. the ancient agricultural feature of the community still can be found in many available archaeological records; these records stretch from the old to the new world. The Maya agricultural practices included forms of irrigation canals, clearing of land for farming, building of check dams, constructing terraces and doing land reclamation on grounds raised as a result of volcanic activities. The available literature indicates that the Maya people have been farmers for over 1,500 years now. They practiced a type of farming known as slash-and-burn; in this case, the farmers ripped of the back from forest trees in the rain forest; after the backs were dry, the Maya farmers burned them in order to clear the land on which they intended to use for various farming purposes. After clearing land they planted seeds. From th
Accents are part of the human language, and in common parlance, it is the way we pronounce a word. Language undergoes variations in its dialect register and intonation depending on the geographical location and sphere of human activity. The English language is spoken by people in many countries, and therefore it has led to multiple ways in which it is pronounced. Accents owe their existence to how people pronounce a language, and Accent is also a major contributor in the imparting varieties in a language. The causes of variation in accents are many like systemic, realizational, phoneme splits, phoneme mergers, and lexical differences. The Systemic differences make use of sometimes different numbers of phonemes, and sometimes they may be absent altogether. The phoneme /r/ is almost absent except in the case of linkage /r/ in the elite English pronunciation of the educated south–east Londoner. The variations in accents cannot be categorized as good or bad because the relation between the spelling and the pronunciation is purely arbitrary. The speaker will face the same difficulty n spelling the word zebra whether he pronounces zebra as [zebrə] with a short vowel or as [zi brə] with a long vowel. The realization of the phoneme means that there is a difference in which the phonemes are pronounced. Unlike the systemic variation where there is the complete absence of phonemes like /th/ in thin is replaced by /f/ in fin. There is the presence of the phoneme but with a differing pronunciation. This difference is due to the different regions rather than the fact there is a positional difference, as is the case of allophones. Different accents select different articulations of phonemes for a particular word. Since English is a global language and it is natural that English is rubbing shoulders with other languages, and it undergoes changes in its pronunciation as there is maximum interaction in this aspect of language. In certain accents, two different phonemes unite and form one phoneme the word cot and caught are pronounced in the same ways, thereby merging the phonemes/o/ with /au/in the Pennsylvanian accent. Language is spoken by people; therefore, it has a sociological aspect to it. Sometimes the bias of class creeps up even in the way people perceive certain accents of human languages. This holds good for the English language as well. George Bernard Sh
Introduction A joint venture between an African company and a foreign partner in China can have the best chances of attaining success if the following recommendations are considered by the partners involved. First and foremost, managers from both countries must have in mind cultural differences that exist between the African and the Chinese consumers and other stakeholders. The venture is surrounded by various risks that arise from the cultural fitness of the allying economies. The nature of the risk is considered to be sensitive and volatile hence, the need for managers to be well acquainted with the matter if the business is to be successful. Managers working in a joint venture must invest in mechanisms that foster a deeper understanding of Chinese culture particularly managing international business. Main body A comprehensive examination of the cultural difference existing between African and Chinese employees, customers as well as other stakeholders is of great significance. This is very essential especially for the African ally as it makes sure that the knowledge regarding the business in the host country is acquired. It is recommended that African managers appreciate the lower power differences characteristic of the Chinese population that does not put emphasis on people’s differences in power, wealth, and status. Therefore, more emphasis should be aimed at reducing the African medium masculinity and embracing the Chinese medium feminity by focusing on the roles played by the social relevance, values of quality life as well as the benefits of being good to other people. Secondly, the analysis of Chinese culture reveals that just like the African culture, the economy tends to avoid risks that are likely to be encountered, hence the tendency to avoid the uncertainty associated with new situations. It is recommended that managers of the joint venture consider the high degree of Chinese culture while engaging in various business activities. It is beneficial to focus on the long-term orientation, where future scenarios and benefits are of great importance as opposed to short-term benefits associated with a short-term orientation. Another cultural difference existing between the African and Chinese culture is that pertaining to the management of conflict. This is a common factor in any kind of business transaction especially in joint ventures involving different cultures. Therefore, it is recommended that in order for businesses to succeed in the Chinese business environment, it is essential that the management emphasizes the development of personal relationships by fostering harmonious business relationships. Chinese culture mandates that conflicts are resolved using indirect means as opposed to direct confrontation, thus conflicts arising regarding business engagements should be done in private and should involve the use of the right authority to facilitate negotiation and settlement of the existing differences. The success of a Chinese joint venture mandates that the management encourages conflict management strategies that do not compromise the business philosophy of ‘quanxi’. Furthermore, it is recommended that to foster su
The world we live in is constantly changing, and so all the people do. But there are some problems that always remain the same for many generations. One of such problems is generation gap. It is interesting and sad how people who have one blood fail to understand each other. It is not only about the fact that something always changes about the morals and culture of our society. The problem is something deeper. What adds to this problem is a simple inability for parents and children to socialize after a divorce. After being separated it is much more difficult for a family members to find something to share, to talk about. And it may feel like a tragedy, because still family remains the main source of love and support for everybody. Without it we may feel lost. When I read the story The Reunion by John Cheever it really made me sad, because small tragedies like this one are the part of our everyday life. The plot of the story is simple. It is the description of a short meeting of a father and a son who haven’t seen each other for more then three years. The narrator of the story is a boy, Charlie. I think the author used this technique, because he wanted to give us the true picture. Children are not used to tell lies or to hide their feelings, like many adults do. This boy can be trusted. Charlie is very excited as he waited for this meeting for so long: “As soon as I saw him I felt he was my father” (Cheever 185). As for Charlie’s father his name is unknown to the reader. I think this is a personification, his name is not so important. But the word “father” appeals to reader’s emotions, because it is always associated with somebody to rely on, it is a symbol of love and support. But what do we see in reality? Charlie’s father proves to be a businessman first of all. The meeting itself was arranged by his secretary. He is very punctual, as we see: “At 12 o’clock sharp I saw him coming”(Cheever 185). Further on we see the bright example to illustrate Aristotle’s saying that “actions define character”. The father doesn’t look like he cares about his child. He resolves to take him to a restaurant in order to impress him. He talks like a real snob: “I’d like to take you to MY club, but it’s in the SIXTIES” (Cheever 186). He takes Charlie to a series of r
Since it is very important to develop in students not only language skills but also to broaden their horizon and make them committed to the environmental issues I decided to use topic “Water and Pollution” in oral developing activity. The following game is based on the activity “The Incredible Journey” (Fredrickson, 1999, p.28). It can be used with students of the Intermediate, Early Advanced and Advanced levels (English-language, 2009, pp. 19-24). First the teacher draws students’ attention to the two circles, “Water Circle” and “Pollution”, depicted on the board (these circles have common space). It is also necessary to support this chart with pictures of the water circle and different ways of pollution all over the classroom, in order to hint students with ideas. First the teacher asks the students to name the main objects of pollution: air, water, soil, outer space, etc. This all is written in the circle “Pollution”. Then the teacher asks the students to name the main states of water and define the main “stops” in water cycle (ocean, clouds and air, soil), which is written in the circle “Water Cycle”. After this the teacher suggests to define the points where these two circles meet (ocean, soil, air, etc), which is written in the common space. After the first brief part the main part of a class follows: the teacher chooses one of the students, and divides the rest of the students into three groups. The teacher explains the essence of the game: a newly born molecule of water is in the ocean starting her way in the water cycle, trying to understand what is going on and to get as much information as possible. The chosen student becomes a molecule of water, which is given a list of possible questions, for example: What is ocean? What does it consist of? Does it have any problems? How and where does water go further? Are there any deviations in this way? Can pollution prevent molecules from making her way? Of course, the student is encouraged to make his/her own questions. While Molecule is reading the given questions, the teacher names the group and asks them to make graphic image of their group (e.g. waves, clouds, and an island with a tree). When everything is done (it will take few minutes), the students start their discussion: Molecule asks different questions and the students from the group “Water” must answer them, other groups can also participate in this process. The teacher takes passive part in this discussion, and takes a part
Epistle Brethren, the time hath come to think of Jesus as of God, and His words. We ought to seek for the holy word of His to reconcile and to cease the sinful turmoil within the parish. We who were to fall into a sin of discord must follow the finger of God to retain the peace within the parish and prevent the evil spirit of the disagreement intrude into our souls. Brethren! Ye that travailest to keep the good spirits at the hard times; though that hath stood the times of lament and cry; ye that hath no fear for anything but the Wrath of God, are maimed with the evil spirit of the discord. Is that not the Satan himself who decoys thee into the abyss of discord! So I tell thee: listen to God! He had mercy on us, and He is the One who taketh us out of the darkness and brings into the light. In the name of Lord, I tell thee, look at what you have done! Ye hath forgotten what Jesus told us, and strayed from God; Ye ought to remember the holy words of His and commence the recovery. Ye hath strayed from God, but such great His love for His children is that He shall lead thee by his guiding hand and show thee the path of love and virtue. Because of repeated conflicts in the church, which hath befallen us, brethren, I consider that the legalism of the church ought not to commence. Look at thee! Ye ought to reconcile. Ye ought to follow the ordinances of God and to perform your duties in front of Him. Nevertheless, ye hath forsaken the fear of God! For ye not fall into sin and despair, I shall show ye the path of righteousness and faith. Tell me, brethren, art ye all the children of God? Didst ye, not sin? Ye brethren are all His children, but ye hath become purblind hence ye can not see that the members of the church are to be judged by the Lord, not by thee! I beg of thee, let us be good one towards another and reconcile. We ought to cease the discord for the sake of our faith and the sake of the church. Art thou virtuous enough to say who is worth being the son of the parish, and who is not? God have mercy on the lost sheep and help them return to the fold of the church! I know ye are faulty of the discord in the church; I shall not blame thee, but I ask of thee – think before ye hold a candle to the devil! The salvation cometh as people return into the arms of the church. Do not let the men of Belial lead ye the sinful path! I wish ye brethren forsake the vain and empty talking and see that he is the member of the church who seeks the ways to serve Almighty God. The steadfast root of the faith is the true belief, not the church membership. I dare hope, brethren, that the discord ceases soon, and that ye all shall be gladdened. Ivan Save myself, my brother, let us listen to what Rev. Seymour Cheapgrace says and welcome all those coming to our church with open arms. Let the errors not fling us away from the righteous path.
Most Americans who keep themselves updated and rely on the news remain unaware of the influence and reach of American journalism beyond the borders of their nation. They are unaware of the fact that during the past 50 years, the U.S. news media has contributed towards the political pitfalls and therefore in doing their basic job of reporting the news for local audiences, they have not lagged behind and have participated in and helped shape a world that is economically more interdependent more politically fractured and threatening. The news media has contributed so much in shaping the ‘democratic’ image of the United States that many reporters have conducted strikes while others did not mind quitting their news casting jobs for the reporters are unable to bear the threats they receive from various political parties. Since the events of September 11, free speech have been in a constant attack by the American Government (New African, Jan 2002) not only in the U.S, but all the countries which are somehow state themselves democratic. Because of such American ‘democracy’, the anti-American significance plays a vital role in choking the entire media from freedom of speech and expression. This in fact is elicited from writers, politicians, government officials, and managers of media businesses who are dutiful yet luminous recitals of traditional liberal formulations of free-press theory. On the other hand this is also true that America successfully deals hands-in-hand with businesses to choke media freedom. Press Freedom Censorship whether of media or press, has always occurred whenever America has involved in conducting war. On September 28 the Times ran a front page story, “In Patriotic Time, Dissent is Muted”, that recounted the fate that had befallen Americans, both prominent and obscure, who had not toed the patriotic line. At least two small-town journalists had been fired for impolitic expression, and several corporations withdrew their sponsorship of Bill Maher’s TV program, Politically Incorrect . In another front page story, Washington correspondent Robin Toner wrote of the decline of bipartisanship after its initial rush and of how the Congress was “taking a second look-and a third and a fourth-at the administration’s proposals for new law enforcement powers to fight terrorism”. That was not the end to a series of unfortunate events for American media. A story from San Francisco reported how Japanese-Americans, remembering the internment camps of World War II, took it upon themselves to speak out against attacks on Arab-Americans. A local story reported that some Americans responded to September 11 with newly devised charity scams to exploit the generous spirit of their fellow citizens. Another local story reported that 8,000 frustrat
Mercedes Benz United States International (MBUSI) had the vision to build a passenger manufacturing vehicle facility in the United States by the end of 1993. In September 1993, Tuscaloosa County in Alabama was the selected site and a plant of $300 million was installed. The purpose of MBUSI was to manufacture M-Class Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) for the global market. The installation was accomplished in July 1996, manufacturing of the vehicles commenced in January 1997, and in September 1997, the first vehicle went on sale (MBUSI’s website par 1). The paper gives an insightful analysis of MBUSI through discussion on some sub-topics as follows: Roles of supplier contracts in helping MBUSI achieve the process objectives: MBUSI has two basic business objectives; one is to amass Mercedes quality vehicles and the other is to gratify its clientele about performance, safety, and above all price according to Ballou, Tabor, and Uzumeri (3). Therefore, the role(s) of supplier contracts have an upper hand to facilitate these two basic objectives. An article in ‘Method 123’ (par. 2) gives the following roles; first, the supplier contract helps to specify what ought to be delivered by a specific supplier and if the deliveries have met the set criteria by MBUSI. For example, Ogihara Corporation supplies body stampings to MBUSI as Dunlop Tire Corporation supplies tires among others (Ballou et. al. 7). Another role played by the supplier contract is to state the responsibilities of each party. For example, Ogihara is obliged to deliver body stampings prescribed to MBUSI on time while MBUSI is meant to pay Ogihara for the services delivered. This role enables MBUSI to produce quality vehicles at the right time. Another role is that of pricing plan and invoicing procedures. For example, if the price of the supplier is high, the cost of the vehicles produced will also be high; hence MBUSI will not have met its process objective. Ways MBUSI can monitor if suppliers meet contractual obligations There are several ways in which MBUSI can determine if the suppliers contracted are meeting their contractual responsibility. They include (CIPS 2):   * Product quality – MBUSI should look at the quality of the product if it is at par with their expectations. If the quality is not standard then the supplier has not met his contractual responsibility. For example, if during shipment, the body stampings imported by Ogihara get corroded then the quality would be compromised and Ogihara will be below par in terms of contract specification.   * The level of received rejects – In this case, MBUSI should evaluate the number of rejects brought in by the supplier and according to that number, the management will be able to determine if the supplier is meeting contractual obligation or not. According to Ballou and colleagues (7), MBUSI has set up a ‘just-in-time and in-sequence mode of working and therefore, if a supplier does not go according to th
Our world has always been a very diverse place with many different cultures, people, languages, traditions and rules. This diversity resulted in shaping many different religions. Some are more popular and accepted by more people, some have very few followers. In medieval times religions were viewed and used as political tools serving to unite nations. Due to multiple invasions and conquests some of the world’s religions became more dominant than others; they have stronger representation on the world’s arena and millions of supporters. Politics and religion have always been the most sensitive topics. Discussion of these topics often is avoided, because it is a well known fact that such talks can easily lead to arguments and conflicts, where no one wants to agree or compromise. In the modern world there is a tendency to isolate politics and religion from each other. This is done intentionally, because it is believed that these two aspects of people’s lives cannot and should not be mixed. This belief is based on several arguments. The Constitution of the United States of America and its first ten amendments, which are based on the Bill of Rights, declare the rights and freedoms of the citizens of the country. The first amendment expresses the freedom of religion for the people of the United States. According to its text, the government is prohibited to interfere with a person’s choice of religious beliefs. Besides, the government has absolutely no right to establish any religion as national and limit or force the citizens to follow certain beliefs and confessions. There are multiple potential dangers coming from the mix of religion and politics. For example, the politicians may create impacts on the citizens in order to collect votes and encourage the population to elect a certain candidate. Yet, both religion and politics are huge aspects of people’s lives, this is why complete separation of these two things is impossible. Politics and religion may not clash in the legal orders or laws, yet they constantly clash within people, who participate as subjects and objects of these rules and laws. In the modern world several global movements occurred, they involve many people and they explore the mix of politics and religion. For example, the “Pro-life, pro-choice” movement is designed to cause a lot of arguments about philosophical, ethical and religious questions about the source and divine origin of life and prohibit abortions. Some of the modern