The Origin of Language

(by Edward Vajda)

http://pandora.cii.wwu.edu/vajda/ling201/test1materials/origin_of_language.htm

Many societies throughout history believed that language is the gift of the gods to humans.  The most familiar is found in Genesis 2:20, which tells us that Adam gave names to all living creatures.  This belief predicates that humans were created from the start with an innate capacity to use language. 

It can't be proven that language is as old as humans, but it is definitely true that language and human society are inseparable.  Wherever humans exist language exists.  Every stone age tribe ever encountered has a l

Abolition of the ‘White Australia’ Policy

http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/08abolition.htm 

The 'White Australia' policy describes Australia's approach to immigration from federation until the latter part of the 20th century, which favoured applicants from certain countries. 

The origins of the 'White Australia' policy can be traced to the 1850s. White miners' resentment towards industrious Chinese diggers culminated in violence on the Buckland River in Victoria, and at Lambing Flat (now Young) in New South Wales. The governments of these two colonies introduced restrictions on Chinese immigration. 

Later, it was the turn of hard-working indentured labour

China’s Panda Reserves

An Adult panda munches bamboo. This attractive black and white mammal has widespread human appeal and has become a symbol for conservation efforts both within China and internationally as the symbol of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Today there may be no more than 1,000 giant pandas left in the wild, restricted to a few mountain strongholds in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu.

The panda is something of a zoological mystery. Its closest relative is the smaller red panda with whom it shares its range. The red panda’s striking appearance indicates the close relationship between pandas and the raccoon family. There is also strong evidence, however, that giant pandas are related to the bears.

Today pandas are only found at high altitude, wandering the broadleaf forests and subalpine woodlands.

Only occasionally are they foun

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

The APEC forum was established in 1989 to take advantage of the growing interdependence among Asia-Pacific economies, by facilitating economic growth for all participants and enhancing a sense of community in the region. It is based on members’ shared interests in supporting the multilateral trading system, the removal of barriers to trade and investment and strengthening the gains from interdependence, both for the region and the world economy.

Since its inception, APEC has helped reduce tariffs and other barriers to trade across the Asia-Pacific region. Over this period, APEC member economies have grown, and developing economies in particular have experienced significant increases in standards of living. In 1994, APEC Leaders agre