Evolutionary Phonology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 9750 words

Evolutionary Phonology - Essay Example s new ground in addressing the interrelationship between classic linguistic theory, phonetics and phonological theory to propose a new model of sound patterns, which moves away from some of the assumptions of the previous synchronistic approach. In doing so Blevins’ evolutionary model undertakes a detailed examination of variations in sound patterns and sound changes over a period of 7,000 to 8,000 years and uses this time period to address the similarities between genetically unrelated languages (Blevins 1). â€Å"One of multiple mechanisms leading to regular sound change and regular sound patterns. Within evolutionary phonology, as in traditional neogrammarian models, variability along the hyper-to-hypoarticulation continuum provides the exemplar space from which new phonological representations can emerge† (Sole et al, 151). The focus of this paper is to critically evaluate Blevins’ model of evolutionary phonology and it is submitted at the outset that the defining element of Blevins’ model for phonetics is that she seeks to explain the similarities and developments in sound patterns as opposed to accepting pre-existing assumptions in synchronic linguistic theory pertaining to phonetics and final voicing in particular. Moreover, Blevins undertakes both a quantitative and qualitative approach to her research in order to formulate further research questions regarding the current predominance of a synchronistic model for addressing recurring sound patterns. To this end, Blevins utilises the quantitative approach as a precursor to the qualitative research in order to support her findings in proposing an evolutionary phonology paradigm. Nevertheless, whilst it is submitted that the evolutionary phonology model undoubtedly breaks new ground in addressing causality in recurrent sound patterns from a historicist perspective; Blevins’ work clearly underlines the need to undertake further research in this area. Accordingly, in evaluating Blevins’

Knowledge Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Knowledge Management - Essay Example It was way back in 1986, that there have been a number of theories that have been developed to manage the intellectual capital in the 21st century (Carlie, 1998). There has been immense and rapid growth in terms of knowledge management and this has been even higher since 1996. Knowledge management is a growing and established discipline and is being followed in many large organisations. Knowledge Management is slowly becoming a major and a very crucial issue in companies. It is essential to understand that knowledge is a major economic challenge for companies in the future (Hewitt, 2000). For every innovative and successful organisation, there is a high need for creating, capitalising and sharing the Knowledge capital. It is essential to understand that Knowledge management is a programme which is more of a long term effort, and includes a strong need for strategic commitment and involves and includes a number of analysis of the knowledge and know how in the company. It also involves the integration of a number of tools as well. Knowledge has been noted to bring about the possibility for mangers and businesses to make decision to create higher success and competitive advantage (Hewitt, 2000). Knowledge plays and essential part in every business and creates a potential in managers to use the corporate knowledge that they have to improve and optimize their resources not only in terms of financial but also the in terms of human resources as well. Researchers have noticed over the years that almost 75 – 80 percent of all large companies have a strong inclination and formal KM programs. KM is slowly becoming a major and crucial issue in companies. It is safe to say that knowledge has already grown largely and it has become one of the most essential aspects of any business. It has become a major driver and money is now slowly phasing out of the scene and as the old saying of ‘Knowledge is king’, is now being put to use in almost