English Literature Research Articles

Concomitant Nasopharyngeal and Otomastoid Tuberculosis: a Report of 3 Cases and a Review of Literature.

Objective: Concomitant nasopharyngeal and otomastoid tuberculosis (TB) is an extremely rare clinical condition. So far, there have only been 2 such cases reported in English literature, and another 2 such cases have been reported in Chinese literature. The objective of this work is to summarize our experience dealing with this condition and to review the literature. Methods: A retrospective review of cases with concomitant nasopharyngeal and otomastoid TB treated at 2 tertiary medical institutions between June 2022 and May 2024 was undertaken. Data were retrieved from case notes and analyzed. Results: In total, 3 cases were included (2 male patients were from the former institution, and 1 female patient was from the latter). One case was bilateral, and the other 2 cases were unilateral. Their age was between 23 years old and 49 years old (average and median age was 36.3 and 37 years old, respectively). Presenting symptoms included ear fullness, hearing loss, otorrhea, facial paralysis, and otalgia. Careful diagnostic work-up led to the discovery of both otomastoid and nasopharyngeal lesions in all patients. Surgical procedures were planned, and histopathological examination of lesions of both sites was suggestive of TB for all cases, while polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. All patients were subjected to 6 months of anti-TB treatment. The median duration of follow-up was 10 months. No recurrence was documented. A summary of all 7 such cases was also presented. Conclusions: Concomitant nasopharyngeal and otomastoid tuberculosis is very rarely encountered. Surgery or surgical biopsy is important for both treatment and diagnosis. After confirmation of TB by histopathology and PCR, anti-TB treatment is very important for the prevention of recurrence. Symptoms could generally be improved, although not always optimistic.

SOCIOPRAGMATICS ANALYSIS OF SYMPATHY AND EMPATHY EXPRESSIONS FOUND ON INSTAGRAM IN A VIDEO OF CHILDREN IN GAZA

The genocide committed by Israel in Gaza is still ongoing to this day. This action has received enormous attention from people from all over the world because it has claimed many victims ranging from children, adults, to the elderly. The purpose of this study is to describe the types of expressions of sympathy and empathy and to clarify the intention of sympathy and empathy expressions given by Instagram users to videos of children in Gaza. E-ISSN: 2621-9158 P-ISSN:2356-0401 *Correspondence: mawarrrp05@gmail.com Submitted: 23 November 2024 Approved: 5 December 2024 Published: 9 December 2024 Citation: Puspitasari, M., & Ariatmi, S.Z. (2024). Sociopragmatics analysis of sympathy and empathy expressions found on instagram in a video of children in Gaza. Celtic: A Journal of Culture, English Language Teaching, Literature and Linguistics, 11(2), 306-321. Doi: 10.22219/celtic.v11i2. 37721 This study used a qualitative descriptive method. This study used observation and documentation methods to find the data. Research reveal that there are 2 types of sympathy, namely passive sympathy and active sympathy. This study also reveals that there are 3 types of empathy, namely cognitive empathy, emotional empathy, and compassionate empathy. As for the type of intention, 13 speech acts were found in this study, namely requesting, begging, proposing, vowing, thanking, apologizing, regretting, lamenting, blaming, praising, wishing, condoling, and criticizing. The findings of this study can be used to broaden understanding and make it easier for readers to distinguish expressions of sympathy and empathy.

Representation of Religiously Marked Allusion as a Literary Concept in the English Literary Text

The article examines the literary concept, its characteristics and the embodiment of the peculiar features of literary concepts in religiously marked allusions in the literary text. In particular, the author clarifies the theoretical foundations of the literary concept, which is of huge importance in cognitive linguistics, text linguistics and literary studies and is at target of many scientific researches. The aim of the research is to justify that literary concept as a complex mental unit embraces a set of specificities all of which are transmitted to the semantic construct of religiously marked allusion - the verbal explication of literary concept in the literary text. The topicality and novelty of the research lies in the fact that the author scrutinizes the notion of concept from the perspectives of cognitive and literary approaches, generalizing all of the peculiarities of literary concept based on the review of the prior linguistic investigations. In addition, the author studies religiously marked allusions as the linguistic units that externalize literary concepts in the literary text, and assures that these linguistic units manifest all of the features inherent in the literary concept. To reach the research aim, the representation of literary concepts via religiously marked allusions is investigated on the basis of the analysis of a literary text. In the process of analysis, the researcher widely uses the method of conceptual analysis. According to the results of the analysis, religiously marked allusions representing literary concepts explicate the author’s individual conceptual world picture and his/her modality in the literary text.

Secular Shakespeare: Robert Green Ingersoll in the Context of American Bardolatry

As American Literature began to depart from European models in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Shakespeare came to be venerated with increasing enthusiasm, and was often regarded in quasi-religious terms, even as other British writers fell out of favor. This “Bardolatry” culminated in the late nineteenth century with the critical and appreciative writings of Robert Green Ingersoll, who was both the most prolific writer on Shakespeare and the most celebrated atheist and secularist of his age. Ingersoll’s appropriation of Shakespeare, as both a sceptic whose political and religious opinions reflected his own and an object of religious veneration to resemble and challenge the figure of Christ, exercised a strong influence on later writers, both popular and academic. This influence shaped the way in which Shakespeare is now widely regarded in America as the one indispensable secular writer and the center of a world canon.

TRANSLATION OF THE MEDIEVAL PLAY HEROD THE GREAT

The main aim of this article is to present a translation of the mystery play “Herod The Great”, from medieval English literature. We used Nida's Dynamic Equivalence Theory (2001) to support our translutological proposal. In addition to Nida, our research was based on works by various authors, including Orlin (2006), Herenkov (2011), Palmer (2008), Bell (1991), Venuti (1995), and Pym (2010). We also considered other relevant works, such as those by Pereira; Roman & Silva (2023) and Pereira; Fornaciari & Torres (2023). In terms of methodology, due to the nature of the work in question, we consulted online dictionaries specializing in Middle English, as well as using virtual libraries and translation tools focused on medieval literature. The result of this work, which consists of the translation of the play “Herod The Great” into Portuguese, can be found at the end of this article. We hope that our contribution facilitates access to reading, promotes the dissemination of knowledge and helps with cultural preservation.

Exemplar-based Instruction in China’s ESL English Writing: From Theory to Practice

This article explores an exemplar-based teaching mode which can be used in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) writing classrooms for Chinese undergraduates. This project adopts an exemplar-based textbook published by Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press to prepare freshmen’s writing. Theoretical underpinnings of the use of exemplars, namely scaffolding theory, will be given. The discussion finishes by suggestion of some tasks of this teaching approach for ESL writing instructors who are interested in using exemplars to cultivate students’ writing. This topic of e-education drawn from Contemporary College English Advanced Writing, which is currently used in most of China’s universities, has been chosen to illustrate ways in which this might be achieved. Five tasks are presented in order to highlight the complexity of writing for ESL learners and to illustrate ways in which it can be made more accessible. The possible benefit can be seen in teacher’s and students’ applying this writing practice not just for the current topic but also for other writing topics in ESL writing classrooms. Furthermore, this work sheds some lights on curriculum, pedagogy, and teacher education in various writing contexts.

Berman’s Model of Deforming Tendencies in the English Translation of Mahfouz’s Novel Children of Gabalaawi

This research aims to study Berman's deformation tendencies toward Arabic literary texts in the process of translation into English, using novel translation as a case study. The paper will explain the twelve deforming tendencies and their recurrence in the translation. Then it will present these tendencies sequentially. The task is accomplished through applying the negative analytical model proposed by the French translator and critic Antoine Berman (1985), which he calls "deformation tendencies," to the revised English translation of Naguib Mahfouz's novel “Children of Gabalaawi” by the British writer and translator Philip Stewart (1996). The selected examples will be analyzed and discussed to determine the practice of deformation in the analyzed examples. To achieve this subjectively the researchers have selected the first two hundred sentences in the first chapter of the novel. The selected texts were read thoroughly to identify the examples covered by these deformations, and then the sentences were analyzed sequentially and comprehensively. Finally, comparing the examples under study and presenting the proposed translation in accordance with Berman's model, the researchers have found results that support Berman's theory of deformation tendencies. The data selected found nearly 330 cases relating to Berman’s model, a large number in 200 sentences.

The Brontë Sisters and the Critical Realism of English Literature

This article explores the distinctive critical realism in the works of the Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—highlighting their significant influence on English literature. Through an examination of major novels like Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, the article demonstrates how the Brontës combined unflinching depictions of social and psychological realities with moral critique, challenging literary conventions of their time. Their exploration of gender, class, and identity, particularly the complex portrayals of female autonomy and class struggles, marked a departure from the romanticized ideals of the Victorian era. Additionally, the Brontës’ innovative narrative techniques, such as unreliable narrators and non-linear structures, transformed the novel form, paving the way for modernist experimentation and feminist literary movements. By engaging with the intellectual currents of the 19th century, the Brontës crafted works that continue to resonate across generations, shaping both literary criticism and broader cultural discourses. Their legacy, defined by a commitment to social critique and emotional depth, underscores the enduring relevance of their critical realism in the ongoing evolution of literature.

Traditionally Used Medicinal Plants of Armenia

The rich and diverse flora of Armenia has been used for medicinal purposes for at least 3000 years. The relevant literature in Armenian, English, and Russian revealed a vast array of used medicinal plants, some of them unique to the Caucasus region. The usage of medicinal plants confirms the position of Armenia as a country at the crossroads of Asia and Europe because of its traditional usage of medicinal plants from both continents. Literature data in Armenian, English, and Russian on medicinal plants of Armenia were mainly obtained using various electronic databases. From all available sources, 320 Armenian medicinal plant species were extracted with their botanical and local names and traditional uses. The use of medicinal plants by the Armenian people is systematically compiled, including the used plant organs and preparations and the ailments for which the various taxa are/were used. Medicinal plants of Armenia are represented for both wild and cultivated species. Some of the taxa used are unique to Armenia or the Caucasus region, while many other species are also used in various other countries. Some of the species from traditional Armenian medicine are currently being studied using modern methods.

Wilde’s Inheritance and Transcendence of Keats

This paper aims to analyze the relationship between Wilde and Keats and Wilde’s transcendence over Keats in view of writing identification of national identity. Both Keats and Wilde are significant poets in the history of English literature, yet their eras and styles differ considerably. This paper seeks to explore the relationship between the two poets from two key perspectives. First, it examines the influence of Keats on Wilde, particularly the essential themes and elements that Wilde inherited from Keats, as well as how Keats’s pursuit of beauty shaped Wilde’s aesthetic vision. Second, the paper will delve into how Wilde transcended Keats, including his development of artistic beauty and independence. Both poets share a commitment to aesthetics, using it as a medium to express their respective critiques of society: Keats’s opposition to rationalism and Wilde’s opposition to consumerism. Wilde’s transcendence of Keats is evident not only in his advancement of the pursuit of beauty and artistic autonomy, but also in his transformation of surrealism. Most notably, Wilde’s ultimate transcendence lies in his articulation of national identity, a theme that underscores the importance of cultural context in his work.

Digital Literacy in Visual Content: English Literature Students’ Perspective of Universitas Negeri Medan towards Instagram Posts in @rappersrelated Account

This research explores English Literature students’ perspectives on digital literacy through visual content on the @rappersrelated Instagram account. The main focus is how this platform facilitates digital literacy skills by using design composition analysis, supporting critical thinking, and enriching aesthetic appreciation and cultural trends. This research used qualitative methods with the participation of 10 UNIMED English Literature 7th semester students to gain in-depth insights into their experiences. Thematic analysis showed that Instagram enhances visual literacy, but also faces challenges such as ambiguous interpretation and limited cultural context. The findings provide valuable insights into the role of social media in supporting digital literacy in the digital age.

The Use of the Detective Genre in 19th-Century English Prose

The detective genre in 19th-century English literature emerged as a response to the social, cultural, and legal transformations of the Victorian era. Rooted in urbanization, the rise of crime, and advancements in legal systems, the genre offered both entertainment and moral reflection for its readers. Key figures such as Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, and Arthur Conan Doyle played pivotal roles in shaping the genre, introducing enduring archetypes and innovative narrative structures. Detective fiction not only captivated audiences with its intricate plots and logical deductions but also reinforced societal values by exploring themes of justice and morality. This study examines the genre's foundational characteristics, its influence on Victorian readers, and its enduring legacy in modern literature and culture.

Gender Gaps In Financial Literacy: A Study Of English Literature Students

Financial literacy encompasses the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed financial decisions and is critical to individual and societal well-being. The gender gap in financial literacy is widespread and persistent. Using Chen and Volpe’s (1998) framework, this study aims to examine the level of financial literacy of English Literature study program students from a gender perspective. This study used a quantitative descriptive method, with data collected from 77 seventh-semester students through a validated questionnaire. The results showed an overall moderate level of financial literacy, with an average correct answer rate of 73.2%. Personal financial planning emerged as the most vital domain, while debt management was the weakest domain. Analysis from a gender perspective showed that female students had a higher average score (73.94%) than male students (69.8%), although there was more significant variability in scores among female students. These results suggest that female students generally have better financial literacy. Women are more engaged in financial literacy learning when the material is relevant to their personal or social needs, such as household budget planning and future financial security.

The Image of Africa and Black Africans through the Translations of Heart of Darkness

Abstract The effects of translators’ personal lexical preferences on the perception of source texts are widely discussed descriptively, yet less researched experimentally. This article explores Joseph Conrad’s lexical choices and racist implications in presenting Africa and the fictional representation of black Africans. The study also questions whether Turkish translators manipulated the perception of Turkish expert readers through their lexical choices while presenting a fictional representation of black Africans to Turkish readers. To this end, 23 excerpts with racial overtones from the novella, Heart of Darkness, were examined and compared with corresponding excerpts from two translated Turkish versions of Heart of Darkness. Text-specific excerpts related to the representation of Africa and that of the African natives were selected. To avoid researcher bias, the judgements of seven experts in English Literature and/or Translation Studies were gained in the selection and analysis of the excerpts. The findings were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results showed that the different translation strategies used by each of translators significantly affected the perception of the target readership. Also, it was found that translators are not passive receptors of source texts but rather serve as game-changers in manipulating the effect of the source text on the target readership in the case of racial overtones.

The Affordances of Extensive Digital Social Reading for the EFL Classroom Analysis of the DigLit Book Club Project

Research has shown that extensive reading (ER) can promote students’ reading skills and motivation to read in an additional language. However, different pedagogical designs exist also including the use of technologies. In this article, we particularly look at the application of Digital Social Reading (DSR) to the extensive reading of Young Adult Literature (YAL) in English as a Foreign Language (FL). In our study, EFL students from Italy and Hungary were engaged in pre‑, during‑, and post‑reading activities based on the preferred novel on two digital platforms, Moodle and Glose for Education. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the students and the facilitators participating in the project to investigate their perceived affordances and challenges of extensive DSR and mobile digital reading. Results show that DSR can lead to positive gains in terms of motivation to read, comprehension, and deep reading. Furthermore, the study has revealed that mobile reading has both advantages and disadvantages that still need to be fully understood. Hence, pedagogical implications are drawn.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing robotic-assisted percutaneous screw fixation and conventional surgical techniques for acetabular fractures.

The objective of this comprehensive review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of robot-aided percutaneous screw fixation versus traditional surgical techniques in managing acetabular fractures. We plan to carry out an exhaustive exploration of certain databases (PubMed, CNKI, Embase, and Cochrane Library) to find studies that have been published since the beginning of these databases until August 2024, focusing on patients with acetabular fractures. These studies will compare the efficacy of robot-assisted percutaneous screw fixation with conventional surgical methods. Both English and Chinese literature will be included. We will adhere strictly to the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with a focus on randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. Review Manager 5.4.1 will be utilized for the execution of data analysis. The ROBINS-I instrument will be used to evaluate the bias risk in Not-RCTs. The final analysis included 6 retrospective cohort studies, encompassing a total of 168 patients, with 83 undergoing robot-assisted percutaneous screw fixation and 85 receiving conventional surgery. The results indicated that patients treated with robot-assisted percutaneous screw fixation had shorter OT, fewer intraoperative fluoroscopy instances, and fewer adjustments of guide pins compared to those receiving conventional surgery. However, no significant differences were observed between the two treatment methods in terms of Modified Postel Merle D'Aubigne scores and EBL. The use of robots in percutaneous screw fixation has been demonstrated to be a secure and efficient method for managing acetabular fractures. Compared to conventional ORIF or free-hand screw fixation, this robotic-assisted technique offers significant advantages, including reduced operation time, lower IFF, and fewer guide wire adjustments.

The Role of Digital Literacy in Shaping Students' Perceptions of Exaggerated Claims in Skincare Advertisements

This study aims to investigate the role of digital literacy in helping students assess the validity of skincare product advertisement claims, particularly exaggerated or hyperbolic claims often found in beauty product advertisements on social media. Using a qualitative approach with a cross-sectional survey design, this study involved 30 students of the English Literature Study Program at Medan State University as respondents who had basic knowledge of digital literacy and familiarity with skincare product advertisements. Data were collected through an online survey using a Likert scale to measure students' perceptions of advertising claims and the influence of digital literacy in evaluating those claims. The results showed that the majority of respondents had the ability to distinguish between valid and invalid claims thanks to their digital literacy. In addition, most students use the internet as the main source to verify advertising claims. However, there are still a small number of students who have not utilized digital literacy optimally. Overall, this study confirms the importance of digital literacy in helping students develop a critical attitude towards advertisements and can play a role in encouraging them to become smarter consumers who are skeptical of unrealistic claims in beauty product advertisements.

Literature for Children in Translation: The Hungarian Public Encounters Michael Bond’s A Bear Called Paddington

The aim of the present study is to investigate the Hungarian translation of children’s literature in English, focusing on a prose text. The first and last books of Michael Bond’s popular Paddington Bear book series (1958–2018) were translated into Hungarian by Dezső Tandori and published in 2008. The present article explores the question how the world of such a stereotypically British character like Paddington is rendered in Hungarian. After a brief outline of research on children’s literature in translation, a thorough comparison of the source and target texts is carried out, highlighting the preservation or change of the stereotypical culture-specific elements in the target text, the marking of formal or informal address forms (Tu/Vous pronouns). Besides, as the ST abounds in wordplay and verbal humour, their rendering in the TL is also examined. As a result, it is concluded that through the translation of children’s literature – the Paddington stories are no exception – youngsters can learn about cultural differences and gain access to one of the finest examples of English children’s prose in their Hungarian mother tongue.

Exploring the Role and Benefits of ChatGPT AI in Enhancing Students' Fiction Writing Literacy: Insights from Learner Experiences

This study explores the perspectives of literature students on utilizing ChatGPT, an AI-powered tool, in creative writing. Focusing on 30 English literature students from Universitas Negeri Medan, the research examines the effectiveness of ChatGPT in fostering creativity, its perceived benefits and challenges, and its role in the writing process. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed thematically. The findings reveal that ChatGPT significantly enhances creativity, with students rating it highly for its ability to inspire ideas and improve the writing process. The tool was praised for accelerating the writing process and improving writing confidence. However, challenges such as the need for revisions and limitations in contextual understanding were also noted. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment remained positive, with many participants feeling that the benefits of using ChatGPT outweighed its limitations. This study underscores ChatGPT’s potential as a valuable tool in literary education, supporting students' creative autonomy and enriching their writing experiences. This is evidenced by data highlighting the effectiveness of ChatGPT in speeding up the writing process (60%), increasing creativity (46.67%), and increasing confidence in writing (40%), despite challenges such as unmet expectations (46.67%) and requires a lot for revision (33.33%).

Genu valgum in children with primary hyperparathyroidism: A case series with a review of the literature

ABSTRACT Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is relatively uncommon in children, and skeletal deformities due to it are even rarer in this age group. Less than 20 such cases have been reported in the English literature. We describe a case series of three patients who presented with genu valgum deformity and were found to have primary hyperparathyroidism on further evaluation. The cases were primarily managed by removing the adenoma and later taken up for correction of the skeletal deformity. Genu valgum deformity in children can occur secondary to hyperparathyroidism due to a pubertal growth spurt.