I think that the contention in the article is that the problem is deeper than just the proper citation and acknowledgement of sources. Simply presenting the ideas of others, even when they are clearly referenced is not enough to make a piece of academic writing insightful, critical and relevant.
Ubuntu is the Southern African philosophy of humanism. One of its main principles states that “a person is only a person through other people” The world of ideas is similar in that all ideas are dependant on other ideas. They are built up on those that came before, they are drawn on from those that are contemporary, either in agreement, in opposition or by elaboration. Ideas are linked to future ideas by acting as foundations and building blocks or erroneous walls that have to be demolished in order to erect more useful structures. This interconnectedness can lay the trap for plagiarism in obvious ways and more subtle ones.
To me the most interesting aspect mentioned in the reading was that through educating students about how to avoid plagiarism the quality of writing is actually improved. By interpreting, analyzing and approaching source material from varying angles the rewards are twofold. Not only is the risk of plagiarism limited but the standard of the writing is markedly increased. Thorough examination of concepts put forth by others, making connections, drawing inferences are what lead on to original thoughts. So that the end result is a body of work, that even while a part of the continuum, is also a clear individual.
As I novice myself I find this encouraging. I will be implementing that approach in the writing that lies ahead of me.
Cillers, J. (1996). In Search of meaning between Ubuntu and into: Perspectives in post apartheid South Africa.
Yamada, K. (2003). What Prevents ESL/EFL Writers from Avoiding Plagiarism?: Analyses of 10 North- American College Websites.
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Hi Natasha.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you've brought some South African flavour into the discussion. Of course, as you've hinted, the primary philosophical thrust of Ubuntu lies in its emphasis upon cooperation (through which each component contributes to the optimal functioning of the whole). Unfortunately, it's one of those words that gets used often for rhetorical purposes, however is a lot more difficult to fully realize in a thoroughly multicultural society like South Africa where the dynamics that sustain cooperation are extremely fragmented and simultaneously intertwined.
Back to the point though, I fully agree with you . . . ideas are thoroughly interrelated and, hence, codependent upon one another. There can be no idea without those that precede it. I just wonder if the issue surrounding plagiarism (and by inference, the entire copyright debate) hasn't been used at times by those who operate from positions of socio-economic dominance to bring about a "freeze" (as Foucault would call it) in both how knowledge is allowed to be transferred, as well as who qualifies for it in the end based upon the rules of transference. Of course, I'm not attacking the valid notion of "giving credit where credit is due" - in terms of citations etc. - for its own sake.
Let's chat sometime . . .
To Paul,
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to read my post.
I found your response to the reading interesting.
I particularly like the question you posed:
“To what extent has the corporation influenced the contemporary understanding of plagiarism? “
I think to an extremely large extent.
I don’t feel articulate enough to say any more than that.
The article pointed out that there is this philosophical difference in Western and Eastern ideas of plagiarism or for that matter ownership. From the west we have this intense individualistic culture. Controlling financial interests use this argument of absolute right of ownership to their own exploitative ends. It could be that the culture in the east, because it is much more centred around the collective rather than the individual, views using the ideas of others less harshly.
I appreciate the comments and please feel free continue but only if you agree with me (kidding).
Yes, lets chat sometime.
Hi Natasha.
ReplyDeleteYes. I posed that question simply because I'm not really sure of the full extent of the relationship between the two. What I am sure of though is this - the issue of plagiarism is one thing (giving credit to the sources that inspire your thought is a good thing), yet the issue of copyright (or the attempted copyright) of ideas is quite another - one which actually harms a large group of people. I certainly do not wish to confuse the two issues. I just wonder to what extent the two are related.
You raise a very interesting possibility. Could it be that plagiarism is viewed less harshly in the East than it is in the West? That would be an interesting investigation. It certainly appears to hold true for copyright.
So which part of SA are you from? I'm from Cape Town. How long have you been in Korea?
H.A.N.D
p
Hi Paul,
ReplyDeleteI am from Johannesburg. You may have heard of it. It's the less scenic part of the country.
This is my third year in Korea, but there's is a gap between year 2 and 3 where I taught voluntarily in Ghana.
I'm always interested in what other South Africans impressions of Korea are.
I was in Cape Town over New Years. It has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
How long have you been in South Korea?
Hell(0) Natasha.
ReplyDeleteJo'burg. I see. Is that close to Pretoria?
I was born in Jo'burg. Actually, the weather is WONDERFUL in Johannesburg. Those blue skies that run through all four seasons; the summers and winters that are rather mild. Perfect weather! I go there once every year or two to visit my grandparents. I know JHB like the palm of my hand though. Which part are you from? Perhaps a Northern Suburbs girl?
Cape Town. Yes, that's a remarkably beautiful city! A very spiritual and eclectic place - for me at least! I think of that place with fondness . . .
This is also my third year in Korea. I love Korean culture and just how different everything is here compared to where we come from. There is just something special about the East! I prefer the Korean diet and I really love the Korean people. The only things I really struggle with here are the lack of access to solitude in nature, and the abscence of a vibrant live music scene. There are inevitably a few adjustments that have had to be made. Yet, my experience has been a positive one. How about you? What are your honest impressions?
Do you teach at Woosong?
Kind regards.
Lekker. Kief. Smaak.
paul
Ag, well no shame man, Paul
ReplyDeleteNot a Northern suburbs girl. Historically I was excluded from the northern suburbs. This turned out to be to my advantage though, since I've never quite gotten the hang of shopping or designer clothes.
Yes, I agree Johannesburg has the best weather. Beautiful electric summer showers that happen predictably at 2 in the afternoon so they never interfere with your plans. Wonderfully well behaved climate.
Cape would be perfect except for all those Capetownians :)
I must have some fondness for Korea since I decided to come back.
When I first arrived however there was great deal of culture shock.
It's so strange coming from a country so thick with diversity to one so homogeneous.
Being back to SA though I realise that just because all the difference is on display doesn't mean we actually interact with any of it.
Still a highly separate society.
I truly hated Korean food (apologies to any Korean reading this). I survived on MacDonald's for most of my first year.
There are things though that I love about Korea. It gave me a place of solitude when I most needed it.
For a "joburg girl' ,as you say ,the safety is extremely welcome. And I've made life long connections by being here.
I don't teach at Woosong. I am a lowly Hagwag school mistress.
Where do you work?
I know this is going to make me sound really uncool but what is Jet Black & the Hungry Ghost?
Geniet jou dag
Tash
Well Natasha!
ReplyDeleteI've also never been able to associate myself with the whole shopping mall and designer label frenzy! Empty to the core . . .
Those JHB electric storms are beautiful!!! Actually, I'm not a "thoroughbred" Capetonian. I have lived in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Kimberley and Pretoria as well. Bloemfontein and Kimberley were really just for the schooling, and Cape Town is where I settled after completing my studies in Pretoria, so I lived there for several years. I really have to agree with you though... Korea is a VERY safe place! It's wonderful! I'm married to a Korean lady so I call Korea home now. I really appreciate Korean culture and custom. I love the East!
I work for the Office of Education at their Institute of Education Information (quite a mouthful!)
As for Jett Black & The Hungry Ghost... Jett Black is a pseudonym. I'm not allowed to divulge any information about The Hungry Ghost though, fearing for my life. : ) It's just an association I have with myself... a well I draw from inside.
I'm really quite a private person and I value my private space. I presume you are much the same way inclined. However, if you would like to chat over a beer (or tea if you prefer) sometime, that may be fun. A humble invitation, of course. It's all up to you. I hope I have not come across as too forward.
This snow is so beautiful!
Kind regards. And smiles.
paul
Yes, I particularly enjoy the "snowing". I could watch it fall for hours.
ReplyDeleteHow could a decline such a humble invitation :)
I would love to meet and chat over some sort of alcoholic beverage.
I'm a newly wed. My recent trip to Cape Town was in fact my honeymoon.
We can bring our spouses and bore them with our reminiscences of the motherland.
I'm also interested in picking your brain about this masters course.
You can connect with me on facebook search for Tash Jardine-Binstead.
Looking forward to it.
Tash
Thank you, Natasha.
ReplyDeleteBelated congratulations on your wedding, Mrs. Jardine-Binstead!
Shall we chat towards the end of March and discuss the details? I'm not sure what your schedule is like.
Enjoy your weekend.
paul
Thanks Paul,
ReplyDeleteYes, that suits my schedule pefectly.
Geniet jou naweek.