Meanings of globalization

Globalization is а term used to describe changes in societies and the world economy that are the result of dramatically increased trade and cultural exchange. Some view it as а process that is beneficial, а key to future world economic development. Others regard it with hostility, believing that it increases inequality between nations, threatens employment and living standards. Globalization offers extensive opportunities for worldwide development but it is not progressing evenly. Some countries integrate into global economy more quickly than others. They are seeing faster growth and reduced poverty.

By contrast, in the 1970s and 1980s when many countries in Latin America and Africa pursued inward-oriented policies, their economies stagnated or declined and poverty increased. It is evident that the opportunities of globalization do not come without risks, but this is not а reason to reverse direction. For all concerned - both in developing countries and in the advanced countries - it is necessary to еmbarасе policy changes in order to build strong economies and financial systems that will produce more rapid growth and ensure that poverty is reduced.

What is globalization? There is nothing mysterious about globalization. The term has come into common usage since 1980s. It reflects technological advances that have made it easier and quicker to complete international transactions - both trade and financial flows. It means that the same market forces that have operated for centuries at all levels of human economic activity extended beyond national borders. Major characteristic features of globalization are capitalism expansions, global labor division, migration of financial, human and production resources within the planet, standardization of legislation, economic and technological processes, as well as removing the borders between cultures of various countries.

Markets promote efficiency through competition and the division of labor and allow people and economies to focus on what they do best. Global markets offer greater opportunity for people to tap into larger markets around the world. It means that they can have access to more capital flows, technology, cheaper imports, and larger export markets.

At its most basic, scientists speak about several meanings of globalization. It can mean:

1. The formation of global village - closer contacts between different parts of the world; increasing possibilities of personal exchange, mutual understanding and friendship between world citizens, and creation of а global civilization.

2. The spread of capitalism from developed of developing nations.

3. Economic globalization – the tendency for the world economy to work as one unit, led by large international companies doing business all over the world.

New World Encyclopedia

Exercise 2. Choose the correct word.

1. Globalization means changes in societies and the world economies that are the result of dramatically increased …………… exchange.

1. financial

2. human

3. trade and cultural

4. intellectual

2. Some people think that globalization is а process that is …………….

1. beneficial

2. fantastic

3. good

4. efficient

3. Others believe that globalization increases …………… between nations, threatens employment and living standards.

1. misunderstanding

2. poverty

3. prosperity

4. inequality

4. Some countries integrate into global economy and hope for …………….

1. happy future

2. faster growth

3. having a good time

4. problems in economy

5. In 1990s economies of some countries …………….

1. stagnated

2. increased

3. developed

4. went bad

6. It is evident that the opportunities of globalization do not come without risks, but this is not а reason to …………….

1. go ahead

2. stop

3. jump

4. reverse direction

7. Globalization reflects ……………. that have made it easier and quicker to complete international transactions.

1. great economic results

2. technological advances

3. financial investments

4. computer technologies

8. Economic globalization is the tendency for the ……………. to work as one unit.

1. world economy

2. nations

3. international companies

4. scientists

Exercise 3. Give Russian equivalents the following economic terms:

1. living standards

2. international transactions

3. trade and financial flows

4. division of labor

5. global community

6. developing country

7. advanced country

8. market forces

Exercise 4. Find English equivalents to the following Russian phrases in the text.

1. проводить политику, ориентированную на внутренние нужды

2. всем, кого это касается

3. понимать изменения в политике

4. войти в повседневный обиход

5. выйти на более крупный (масштабный) рынок

6. торговый и культурный обмен

7. враждебность

8. сниженный уровень бедности

9. быть в состоянии застоя

10. менять направление

Exercise 5. Read the passage about transportation and globalization. Translate it into Russian.

Transportation technologies also improved with the start of the 20^th Century when transatlantic ships became safer and faster and airplanes were produced. First propeller driven passenger plane began service in 1919 between London and Paris. Jet plane and television of 1950’s were also important steps toward greater globalizations. The first reliable transatlantic telephone cable TAT-1 was laid in 1956. 1957 marked the most important step in the history of globalization when USSR launched its Sputnik as the first man-made satellite. Satellites made it possible to build a fully reliable global network, compensating the radio networks’ ionosphere fading problem. However global networks still required stronger global networks with solid connections. The first transatlantic fiber cable TAT-8 was laid in 1988 for faster and reliable networks.

Exercise 6. Read the following passage. Render it in English.

Термином «глобализация» характеризуется новейший процесс в развитии современной экономики, в основе которого лежит растущая интернационализация производства и укрупнения транснациональных корпораций. Глобализация   транспорта  охватывает сферу услуг и является составной частью преобразований, происходящих в ходе непрекращающегося научно-технического прогресса, начавшегося после окончания второй мировой войны. Интенсивность этого процесса возросла после распада социалистической системы в 1990-е гг. Глобализация  на  транспорте  содержит в себе общие международные факторы развития, но большее значение имеет фактор технический, поскольку он обеспечивает движение товаров и интернационализацию экономической деятельности.  Глобализация  приобретает общественное значение, поскольку расширяет географическую мобильность и сферу международного общения человеческой массы.

Writing

Exercise 1. Read about mind mapping. Work in small groups and create a mind map to generate ideas about impacts of globalization.

A mind map is a graph and nodes are in hierarchical order and direct relation to each other (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. A mind map

Mind mapping are nowadays used by millions of people for brainstorming, note taking, document drafting, etc. Words in a mind map should specify the author’s expertise and fields of interest. In contrast to text documents, a mind map probably contains less stop and other irrelevant words.

The following advises may help you to create a good mind map.

1. Take a blank piece of paper, A4 or larger.	Blank paper allows 360º of freedom to express the full range of your cortical skills, whereas pre-drawn lines restrict the natural flow of your thoughts.
2. Use the paper in landscape orientation.	Words and images have more space in the direction we write, so they don’t bump into margins as quickly.
3. Start in the centre.	Thoughts start in the centre of our mental world.
4. Make a central image that represents the topic about which you are writing/thinking: Use at least three colours. Keep the height and width of the central image to approx. 2’’ or 5 cm (proportionately larger for bigger paper). Allow the image to create its own shape (do not use a frame).	A picture is worth a thousand words. It opens up associations, focuses the thoughts, is fun and results in better recall: Colours stimulate the right cortical activity of imagination as well as capturing and holding attention. This size gives plenty of space for the rest of your Mind Map, while making it large enough to be the clear focus of the topic. The unique shape makes it more memorable and enjoyable. A frame makes the centre a monotony of shape and disconnects the branches.
5. The main themes around the central image are like the chapter headings of a book: Print this word in CAPITALS or draw an image. Place on a line of the same length The central lines are thick, curved and organic i.e. like your arm joining your body, or the branch of a tree to the trunk. Connect directly to the central image.	The main themes, connected to the central image on the main branches, allow their relative importance to be seen. These are the Basic Ordering Ideas (BOIs) and aggregate and focus the rest of the Mind Map: Printing (versus cursive) allows the brain to photograph the image thus giving easier reading and more immediate recall. Word length equals line length. An extra line disconnects thoughts, length accentuates the connection. Curved lines give visual rhythm and variety and so are easier to remember, more pleasant to draw and less boring to look at. Thicker central lines show relative importance. Connected to the image because the brain works by association not separated, disconnected lines.
6. Start to add a second level of thought. These words or images are linked to the main branch that triggered them. Remember: Connecting lines are thinner. Words are still printed but may be lower case.	Your initial words and images stimulate associations. Attach whatever word or image is triggered. Allow the random movement of your thought; you do not have to ‘finish’ one branch before moving on: Connected lines create relationships and a structure. They also demonstrate the level of importance, as from a branch to a twig. The size and style of the letters provide additional data about the importance and meaning of the word/image.
7. Add a third or fourth level of data as thoughts come to you: Use images as much as you can, instead of, or in addition to the words. Allow your thoughts to come freely, meaning you ‘jump about’ the Mind Map as the links and associations occur to you.	Your brain is like a multi-handed thought-ball catcher. The Mind Map allows you to catch and keep whatever ‘thought ball’ is thrown by your brain.
8. Add a new dimension to your Mind Map. Boxes add depth around the word or image.	To make some important points stand out.
9. Sometimes enclose branches of a Mind Map with outlines in colour: Enclose the shape of the branch and hug the shape tightly. Use different colours and styles.	The outlines will create unique shapes as you find in clouds and will aid your memory: These provide immediate visual linking. They can also encourage follow-up and remind you of action you need to take. They can also show connection between branches by using the same colour outline.
10. Make each Mind Map a little more: BEAUTIFUL ARTISTIC COLOURFUL IMAGINATIVE and DIMENSIONAL	Your eyes and brain will be attracted to your Mind Map: It will be easier to remember. It will be more attractive to you (and to others as well).
11. Have fun! Add a little humour, exaggeration or absurdity wherever you can.	Your brain will delight in getting the maximum use and enjoyment from this process and will therefore learn faster, recall more effectively and think more clearly.

http://www.mind-mapping.co.uk

Exercise 2. Choose one of three topics given below and create your own mind map.

1. Different modes of transport: travel globally.

2. Globalization in developed and advanced countries: challenges of sustainable future.

3. Differentiation or globalization: pros and contras?

Listening and speaking

Exercise 1. Before you listen to the speech about globalization by Barak Obama on CNN try to predict what important issues he will mention. Choose from the list below.

1) technology
2) global workforce competition
3) immigration
4) how to tie the globalization
5) American workers
6) American market
7) educational system
8) leadership

Exercise 2. Watch the CNN video. Clap your hands when listen to the following words.

globalization, competition, business, trade

Exercise 3. Listen to the speech again. What language clichés that are typical for public speeches have you heard? Write them in your copybook. Find more clichés in Appendix 3.

Exercise 4. Make a plan of the Obama’s speech (listen again if necessary). In small groups decide about the principles of preparing a good public speech.

Exercise 6. Choose one of the topics given below and deliver your own speech (about 3 minutes).

1) Global engineering workforce.

2) Russia in a global society: prospects of the development.

3) Developing countries: out of poverty.

Language spot.

Impersonal and Indefinite personal sentences.

Exercise 1. Read the impersonal replies and match them with the following sentences (one reply for one sentence):

1. It’s impossible!

2. It’s a pity…

3. It’s amazing!

4. It’s very strange.

5. It’s real.

6. It’s interesting.

7. It’s not true.

8. It’s no importance.

1. Transportation is one of the critical components of the global economy by supporting a wide array of movements of passengers and freight between nations.

2. A DVD player manufactured in China embarks in a complex journey, involving a multitude of stages with transport modes such as trucks, containerships and trains, and with transport facilities such as ports, railyards and distribution centers, to insure that it reaches global markets.

3. In spite of its importance in the contemporary global economy, international transportation predates globalization.

4. One of the first major “international” trade route was the Silk Road.

5. Two transportation modes are specifically supporting globalization and international trade; maritime and air transportation. Road and railways are not very important.

6. China is importing growing quantities of raw materials and energy but it is not exporting manufactured goods.

7. Upper and lower case letters are named 'upper' and 'lower' because in the time when all original print had to be set in individual letters, the 'upper case' letters were stored in the case on top of the case that stored the smaller, 'lower case' letters.

8. Where locomotive wheels make contact with the rail the total area is not much larger than a silver dollar.

Exercise 2. Finish the impersonal sentences as shown. Example: It is useless to: - It is useless to visit England without speaking English.

1. It’s difficult for engineers to…

2. It’s not interesting to…

3. It’s important to…

4. It’s not serious to…

5. It’s impossible to…

6. It’s exciting to…

7. It’s not easy for me to…

8. It was necessary that…

9. It will be simple to define…

10. It is said that …

11. It was known that …

12. It will be shown that …

13. It seems that …

14. It was decided…

15. It has been found…

16. It is to be noted…

Exercise 3. Make the following sentences a) past, b) future, c) negative.

1. It is necessary to send it urgently.

2. It is a convenient train.

3. It is interesting to read this article.

4. It is an important experiment.

5. It is not difficult to sign the contract.

6. It is impossible to carry on trade in the modern world without using money.

7. It is impossible to dissolve the substance in water.

8. It is formerly believed that all heavy objects fell faster than light objects.

9. It is now well established in economics that innovations are absolutely central to development, growth, and well-being.

10. It is important to know these facts.

Exercise 4. Read the text. Find impersonal and indefinite personal sentences. Translate them into Russian.

One can say that globalization has been supported and expended by the development of modern transport systems. It is known that from large containerships to small delivery trucks, the whole distribution system has become closely integrated linking manufacturing activities with global markets. However, it is interesting to remember that the beginning of the 21st century brings many challenges to the role of transportation in the global economy. The capacity of many segments of transport system has been stretched by additional demands tying up long distance transportation modes.

One may remind us about congestion in many international transport terminals such as ports often causes delays and unreliable deliveries and there is an acute need for improving inland transportation systems, notably those linked to the major gateways of the global economy. Last, but not least, the long trend of growing energy costs is likely to impose significant adjustments to international transport systems.

WebProject

Be ready to speak about a famous public speaker in history. Give an example of his/her public speech. The following sites may help.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USApolitical.htm

http://top7.com/top/1050/Public-Speakers-in-History

Supplementary reading

Exercise 1. Read the passage about globalisation to answer the following questions.

1. What are key factors which have influenced the process of globalisation?

2. How many abbreviations can you find in the text? Explain them.

3. What examples of transnational corporations can you find in the passage? Do you know any TNC’s operating in Russia?

4. What are the positive impacts of globalisation?

5. What are the negative impacts of globalisation?

Pros and cons of globalization

Reasons for globalisation

There are several key factors which have influenced the process of globalisation:

1. Improvements in transportation - larger cargo ships mean that the cost of transporting goods between countries has decreased. Economies of scale mean the cost per item can reduce when operating on a larger scale. Transport improvements also mean that goods and people can travel more quickly.

2. Freedoms of trade - organisations like the World Trade Organisation (WTO) promote free trade between countries, which help to remove barriers between countries.

3. Improvements of communications - the internet and mobile technology has allowed greater communication between people in different countries.

4. Labour availability and skills - countries such as India have lower labour costs and also high skill levels.

Transnational corporations

Globalisation has resulted in many businesses setting up or buying operations in other countries. When a foreign company invests in a country, perhaps by building a factory or a shop, this is called inward investment. Companies that operate in several countries are called multinational corporations (MNCs) or transnational corporations (TNCs). The US fast-food chain McDonald's is a large MNC - it has nearly 30,000 restaurants in 119 countries.

The majority of TNCs come from the US and UK. The US car company Ford, for example, makes large numbers of cars in the UK. However, TNCs also invest in China - for example, the British DIY store B&Q now has stores in this country.