SLANG!!!

I believe that slang used is based on one's culture. In my everyday conversations, i tend to use the slang based on my culture in St. Lucia, because i think one way one can fully express his/herself is by using a means that they're most comfortable with.  Although slang is not standard English, i see no problem with using it daily when i communicate if i am comfortable with it. However, i also believe that there's a time and place for everything and the place and to whom i am speaking may have an impact as to whether or not i use the slang. Therefore, i think that i am using the slang appropriately since i understand that there are limitations and certain conversations may need me to speak the standard English. In other words, I know when and how to use slang.

Am I An Effective Verbal Communicator??

From experience, i believe i am able to express myself well when i am communicating verbally. Although i may prefer writing to communicate, when i am suppose to communicate verbally, i could be an effective verbal communicator. Besides, i like to express myself fully. I believe that there is also clarity in my speech however, i think that the level of clarity can be improved at times. Besides English, i have been exposed to Spanish and french and had to demonstrate linguistic sensitivity since i was learning the language and mastering isn't easy if its not your first language.

Let's Not Rush To Judgement- From A Local St.Lucian Newspaper

From an article entitled " Let's Not Rush To Judgement," written by Nicholas Joseph on October 5th 2011, the US embassy in Bridgetown has revoked the Housing Minister's visas. With questions asked and answered without proof, the consensus being that the minister had done something illegal, otherwise the US would not revoke both his personal and diplomatic visas. The court of public opinion pronounced him guilty, even though Frederick had not even been charged with an offence. I agree with the writer that we are becoming a nation engaged in a massive rush to judgment and there seems to be a complete absence of due process. The minister is a Saint Lucian citizen and like every other citizen is entitled to due process and the constitutional protection and rights of the system. After reading this article, i now realize that if he is denied that constitutional right, then we all can become victims of a system that is unjust, unfair and unequal. Of course, life has its strange twists and turns, and there is something called retribution, which always comes back to stare us blankly in the face, with deep, lifeless eyes! 

The African Culture I Presented In Class

Although my group presented on the African Culture in Trinidad and Tobago, this culture also exists as one of the main cultures in my country, St. Lucia and so much was not learnt as i have already been exposed to such norms and beliefs. I don't find the culture to be strange, maybe because it is what i am accustom to seeing and hearing. However I did find that some of the other cultures presented in class had some aspects which were strange. With an even better understanding of the African Culture in Trinidad and Tobago, i can now appreciate my African Culture back home more.

What I learnt in class on culture

From the presentations made in class on culture, i have learnt that each culture has its various norms and beliefs and that culture has a profound impact on not only ones perception but also on how one communicates. people react and behave based on the environment they are exposed to and the practices that they have been exposed to. several things, including the food, clothes worn and the music listened to depicts one culture.

The Impact of my Culture on the way I Communicate

The Culture of St. Lucia blends the influences of African, French, and English heritage. The official language of the island is English but Creole, a form of French Patois, remains an influential secondary language. The different languages have created a create impact on how i communicate because it is expected that since the majority of the creole speaking people are the older ones and those from the south and the coast of the country, that the most suitable language is used to communicate to them. For example, when i would communicate with my grand parents, creole would be used more, since this is what they would understand and speak more fluently. Also, in St. Lucia, a high level of democracy is practiced and so everyone has the right to express themselves and share their views as a form of communication. Because of my culture also, when communicating, there is a big difference as to how i refer to my peers and friends and how i relate to those older than me and in authority. Although i may joke around with people of my age range, people of authority are to be referred to with respect and that to also pertains to body gestures or body language. With respect comes proper posture, eye contact and calm tone of voice when communicating with people in authority and people older than me. 

Newspaper Article-"Science of Hair Color"

In the article “The science of hair colour,” dated the 22^nd of September in the Daily Express; seeks to give an insight into a new hair line product called Aloxxi. From the article a lot of scientific processes as to how the product worked was introduced, however, its step by step chronological breakdown made it simplistic so that the average person would be able to understand but still maintaining the mystical aura of science behind it. The article was written in a non-fictional prose fashion and used a descriptive feature which illuminates the imagery of the article whilst detailing factual information that would be beneficial for the reader. To me the article was intriguing as it dealt with a scientific approach to understanding how hair colour could be maintained and manipulated. Being the science person that I am this  grasped my attention. Also it gave a sense of pride in the scientific community as it proves the many various things that we can accomplish through a scientific understanding. 

How I Perceive Myself

As a young girl growing up, i have always seen myself as a talented and well rounded individual. with my mind made up, i am the kind of person to achieve whatever i put my mind to and though i may not always succeed at every single thing i might do, i use my failures to make me better. with a high self esteem, i have achieved much and believe that if i continue having as much confidence and faith in myself, i can accomplish anything. i see myself as a hard worker, persistent at anything at hand, striving to make the best of what i have to do. as far as i know, much is expected of me from family and friends, and i have used that to help me fulfill whatever i'm doing. i am talented in many aspects, the best one is public speaking. from past experience, i can rate myself as a good public speaker and this has helped me communicate well, daily. i think positively about myself even when others may not always think positively about me. I love who i am, and though i know there is always room for improvement in certain aspects like my attitude at times, i believe that i am fearfully and wonderfully made and have a positive perception of "me".