Blog Rubric
Rating
|
Characteristics
| |
4
|
Exceptional. The entry is focused and coherently integrates examples with explanations or analysis. The entry demonstrates awareness of its own limitations or implications, and it considers multiple perspectives when appropriate. The entry reflects in-depth engagement with the topic. Multimedia (video, graphic, chart, audio, etc.) use significantly enhances blog presentation
| |
3
|
Satisfactory. The entry is reasonably focused, and explanations or analysis are mostly based on examples or other evidence. Fewer connections are made between ideas, and though new insights are offered, they are not fully developed. The entry reflects moderate engagement with the topic. Multimedia use moderately enhanced blog presentation
| |
2
|
Underdeveloped. The entry is mostly description or summary, without consideration of alternative perspectives, and few connections are made between ideas. The entry reflects passing engagement with the topic. Multimedia use is limited in the blog entry.
| |
1
|
Limited. The entry is unfocused, or simply rehashes previous comments, and displays no evidence of student engagement with the topic. Little to no multimedia use is implemented.
| |
0
|
No Credit. The entry is missing or consists of one or two disconnected sentences. No multimedia use is implemented.
|
For this blog post I have chosen to respond to the "connotation" portion of this reading. This topic resonated with me the because I never realized how important phrasing and connotation can be. When reading "the government aid to the poor vs. welfare" portion, I realized that those two phrases/words are really the same thing. Even I felt a little ridiculous reading the two words separately and thinking they were different. Clearly connotation is extremely vital in causing people to think a certain way or making them believe in a specific idea. No truer is this fact than to people who believe in pro choice but also believe in pro life. Those two ways of thinking are complete opposites. This reading really drives home how important saying or writing exactly what you mean is to one's daily life.
ReplyDeleteHere's some extra media from California State University, Northridge :
https://www.csun.edu/~bashforth/098_PDF/06Sep15Connotation_Denotation.pdf
I resonated most with "picturesque language". This type of language consists of words that produce images in the mind of the audience. The words spoken or written create an image which then creates emotion in the individual involved with the material. Descriptive details add color to the words. For example instead of "I bought a car", "I bought a black 2016 Chevy Impala" is more detailed which gives more information about the car. While reading a paragraph by Lavina Melwani which calls attention to some of the problems faced daily by undocumented workers I noticed she used many adjectives to describe nouns. When I read about the rats that run all over the room I immediately pictured tons of rats crawling all over the workers cots and floor mattress. Six workers shared two rooms, this saddened me because these individuals worked all day sometimes days at a time for little to no money and when they ended their work day had to live in harsh living conditions. Imagery should be age appropriate and not too disturbing to disengage the audience. Whether you unusual or rude words help the audience experience the picture you are painting for them.
ReplyDeleteThe link is to a image that I think depicts picturesque language.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/4d/d7/d7/4dd7d7fa30a3b89457a2e2d39250c3b1.jpg
I chose to discuss the element of "Slanting"as it resonated to me the most from the reading. Slanting is defined as arguing a point without presenting all facts to be considered in order to direct the audiences thoughts to a premeditated decision or viewpoint. This is normally used in a negative manner that expresses a biased or prejudice viewpoint.The effectiveness of slanting is determined by how favorable or unfavorable connotations are in regards to word choice used during the argument.I believe that understanding slanting is integral to persuading a audience to agree with your views. In doing so , one can could cause a audience to believe what ever you want. At the same time, if this concept is misunderstood then one could unintentionally kill his argument. Slanting is used often in the media to sway the masses to think in a particularly manner. Below is a link to a image of a quote by Allen Ginsberg that I felt like expressed this thought very clearly.
ReplyDeletehttp://danmillerinpanama.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/control-media-control-culture.jpg?w=300
For this post, I chose to discuss the section of concrete and abstract language. I chose this section because the use of concrete and abstract language is important in communicating with an audience. It is crucial to understand the difference of these two forms of language in writing and know when to use them because concrete language helps readers understand events or objects in writing while abstract language helps generalize a message. It is also helpful to use concrete language in order to have an emotional response from readers. In my writing, I struggle with understanding what words I can use that clearly define what I mean so readers can clearly understand what I want to convey. I chose this section to help me understand as to why my writing lacks clarity. These link gives examples of abstract and concrete language and tips you can use to improve your writing.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/10/the-secret-to-good-writing-its-about-objects-not-ideas/263113/
http://faculty.washington.edu/ezent/el.htm
The concept of connotations resonated with me most. I believe connotations restrict our language. We are unable to choose our message. At times, we make the choice to refrain from using certain words because of the negative connotations leeching onto them. Society has made it more difficult to use words for their true definition. Society does not allow us to use language freely. Negative connotations can cause the audience to draw conclusions from the speaker that are contrary to the message the speaker was delivering. Many words already come with their own story.
ReplyDeleteThe link I am including shows a picture of a chalkboard from a Critical Thinking course with words written on it from a Word Connotations for Man and Woman assignment. The words you see are powerful alone, they come with their own story.
http://melissaedernyc.tumblr.com/post/131105596777/a-view-of-my-board-today-during-my-critical
For this post, I choose to discuss Connotations. While reading this section I reflected back on our previous reading Rhetorical listening and I found that connotations in my opinion are very similar to what I would call cross-cultural semantics or what Krista Ratcliffe would consider cross-cultural biases. These are the things issues that stop us from hearing and connecting with one another because we're not listening to connect. Ratcliffe's journal points out that we read with only trying to understand how we fit in the work and if we can't find ourselves in it then we don't want it. Most people are lazy communicators and no one wants to use context clues anymore. No one wants to give the other the benefit of the doubt or put that other persons shoes on to figure out where they are coming from. When using connotations people have to understand that words have undertones and feelings connected to them too. A word may be used in my home way different than it was in yours.
ReplyDeleteLike connotations, cultural biases are different depending on where you came from. Only some people understand the difference and are willing to help others try and understand it too. The clip I choose is of Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act II when a young lady did not know the song "Mary had a little lamb". What is so common to others was not common to her. While the young lady's classmates were ready to snicker and make fun of her, Sister Mary Clarence (played by Goldberg) used this moment to educate. She was able to break down cultural biases and semantics down so that the whole class could be on one accord.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4BYaRcYntQ
After reading "Choosing Fair and Precise Language" connotation as an extremely interesting topic. Connotation is what the word implies or suggests. Connotations phases or words can be used positively or negatively depending on how the writer/reader interprets a certain phase. For example, in the reading the word "gay" is used, gay meaning happily excited, but in today's society the word is used to described the homosexual community. A word used for positively is sometimes used in the negative way. Let someone say they are "feeling gay today", as a society were immediately think a person is homosexual, not that the person is feeling happy. Misunderstanding of the words and phases is negative connotations. As a society, we have to use direct words or straightforwardness when addressing certain individuals.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.softschools.com/examples/grammar/connotation_examples/209/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYVh8WM2bl4
After reading the article, "Precise and Fair Language", what resonated with me the most was the section on Short Cuts. The article defines the term short cut as arguments that have the power to move us as the readers, however, does not consist of any warrants or evidence. The two types of shortcuts that this section focuses on are, clichés and slogans. The reason why this section appealed to me is because when reading, it is not uncommon to see the author using shortcuts to try to influence the reader. In addition, to that I also find that I sometimes use shortcuts in my writing. It's easy to write on something you feel strongly about and it's even easier to express your views as fact, because ultimately, you believe it to be just that. The article introduces clichés as an "expression or an idea that has grown stale due to overuse." Writers often incorporate many clichés in their writings because they know that readers can familiarize with them. Clichés can be correlated to stereotypes because they're often an assumed to be true and are used to generalize certain things or concepts. Using clichés assist writers in composing pieces without having to give evidence. The second type of short cut usage is slogans. Which is best defined as a claim based on values, that leaves no room for explanation, defending or attacking its meaning. This becomes an issue in writing because ultimately, a good academic piece of writing needs to be able to be explained as well as refuted. I find that as a writer I've been guilty of both using clichés and slogans in my writing because it's easier that way. It's like speaking to someone and presenting the information in a factual way knowing that it can be disproven, however; since it's your belief anything opposing it is false.
ReplyDeleteThis is a link to a video on cliches in writing. Hope you Enjoy !
https://youtu.be/PtEHI2IUTZ8
I enjoyed this reading because it forced me to self reflect on my own style of listening, reading and writing. Though I was able to find a little bit of myself in each category, I think I mostly relate to the connotative component. I am a very emotional person and this tends to come out in the way that I speak and write. After reading the section about slanting, I believe my writing takes the direction of “slanting by facts and charged words.” For myself, it is extremely difficult to take my bias out of my writing and I do it without realizing it. The chapter states, “It is safe to say that whenever we wish to convey any kind of inner knowledge...we are obliged to convey that attitudinal meaning through the medium of charged language; and when we wish to understand the inside knowledge of others, we have to interpret the charged language that they choose, or are aligned to use” (283). This inner knowledge that was mentioned makes me think of the “Black women ways of knowing” which is where my emotions usually stems from with certain topics. It gets hard to incorporate hard, textbook facts into conversations when your “factual knowledge” comes from experience.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I feel as if my listening (verbally and within text) is a direct reflection of connotation because I am always listening for intent. I am the listener that will ask, “What exactly do you mean by that?” Recently in another class we discussed the use of the word “immigrant.” Some people are easily offended by the use of it because it has been attached to negativity while others are not bothered. The same goes for the words “bitch”, “nigga,” “hoe,” “gay,” and “dope.” Context can make or break communication sometimes. The text mentioned, “A similar problem arises when a writer assumes that the reader shares his or her emotional response to a word” (371). To objectively look at myself, I can say I probably assume that my readers/listeners are following me when I’m writing/talking. Nonetheless we have to be mindful of our audience because a message can easily be lost if it is not clearly stated or backed up with supporting context, feel me? (Feel is being used to ask if my reader understands, not necessarily if they can physically touch me). Rap music is great example of the use of connotative language. It’s loaded in metaphors. I have attached a small piece of one of my favorite rap battles (Loaded Lux vs. Calicoe). Loaded Lux attempted to “free” the “real niggas” of this generation (free as in educate them on why and how there are no “real niggas,” simply lost men. On a small scale “real niggas” can be defined as someone who remains loyal to the street code and are easily taken for a stand up person).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WH9Gy_yG5U
After reading “Choosing Fair and Precise Language” Connotation resonated with me the most. Connotation is the suggesting of an additional meaning for a word or expression, apart from it explicit meaning. In a lot of our conversations we use and say words that have totally different meanings from what they’re defined as in the dictionary. For example the word “bad”. Its meaning in the dictionary is of poor quality, while we use it to describe something as good or beautiful. Words can have positive and negative connotations depending on who you’re talking to.
ReplyDeletehttp://literarydevices.net/connotation/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmqOld0Ye-4
After reading "Choosing Fair and Precise Language", the most memorable subject (for me) within the reading included selection and slanting. The process of selection and slanting resonated with me more severely as the example of the lumber jack, the artist and the tree surgeon allowed me to visualize the process of most arguments, stemming from its origin, the speakers own experience. While the process of crafting arguments often seem innate, this section allowed me to recognize the source of flawed and stable arguments constructed in the past by myself and others. Moving forward, I now have a better understanding of the intentional consciousness required in crafting formal and informal discussions and arguments in the mist of providing balanced, detailed, factual and provocative content so that shortcuts mentioned in the text can be avoided and passionate ideas may be better presented and received.
ReplyDeleteNadia Zahara
After reading "Choosing Fair and Precise Language" I was really intrigued by the connation part. Connations are words that imply other things depending on who and how they are used. Connations can easily trip up a reader because the way they are thinking and the way the author meant something can be taken differently. Authors need to be careful of this. Even I am more aware after reading the article.
ReplyDeletehttp://literarydevices.net/connotation/
The section that caught the most of my attention in "Choosing Fair and Precise Language" focused on the argumentative usage of slanting. Slanting, as is many things in English, was something that I have been using for years, but never knew its name. Slanting is the use of language that suggests a prejudice, weakening an argument and alerting the more attentive audience of ineffective argumentation. What was most interesting was slanting's ability to look like narrative fiction writing. Through the use of slanting, one can design a story that fits their needs, much like someone writing a novel or a poem. In order to achieve effective slanting in argumentation, the arguer must have a good grasp on emotive language, or language that reveals a judgment. This article was increasingly helpful because it not only defined slating, but also introduced me to the different types of slanting such as slanting by emphasis, slanting by selection of facts, and slanting by use of charged words. In order to slant by emphasis, the arguer must be knowledgeable of how the placement of words affects their argument and which types of placement proves to support their argument the most. The arguer must also become aware of how punctuation plays a part in supporting or degrading an argument through emphasis or the lack there of. I found slanting by selection of fact to be the most interesting type of slanting because it is the closest to storytelling. Slanting by selection of fact requires that the arguer use the facts known and use them in a way that is favorable, against, or neutral through language and word usage. Finally, slanting by use of charged words is fairly self-explanatory. The arguer must use words that are fueled with sub-text, connotations or provocation in order to support their argument or persuade their audience into some emotion or opinion. Slanting is an effective means of argumentation when addressing a non-critical audience, but proves to destroy an arguments validity and strength when closely examined by a more knowledgeable reader. Slanting appears in much of popular advertising and media and works rather effectively to persuade or entice audiences into feeling certain emotions or forming certain opinions. Here is an example of what I believe to be slanted advertising: http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/ww1posters/6203
ReplyDeleteThis is a photo of Uncle Sam in the “I Want You for U.S. Army” poster. This photo suggest that America actually cares about the people the recruit for the U.S. Army when in all actuality the U.S. was in trouble, needed more troops, grabbing nationalism by the genitals and using the underlining need for Americans to feel needed or necessary to garner recruits. This is effective emotive language.