Common Language Of Communication Research Articles

The use of specific linguistic features within the context of a casual conversation in a speech community

There seems to be nothing remarkable about the interaction between two interlocutors who have never been in contact with each other. These persons are able to understand themselves in contact situations because most times, a common language of communication is known that can sustain the exchange for the time necessary. However, when such exchange is between individuals with some level of contact or familiarity, the concept of speech community comes into play. The concept is useful but may be problematic at times and one cannot avoid applying this idea when trying to make sense of the process that takes place in the conversation, specifically a causal conversation. The aim of this sociolinguistic study is to explain how individuals are able to build social history, construct interactional talk, maintain relations with each other and reinforce solidarity from a two hour audio recorded conversation (ARC) between an ethnic Indian and a Nigerian in Marylebone, London using interactional socio-linguistic and conversation analytic. By doing so, the concept of a speech community as well as how a group can be identified as being members of a community is understood. A particular focus is paid to such linguistic features as the register of conversation, turn taking, discourse variation, phonological variation and grammatical variation characteristic of London, Nigerian and Indian English observed in the speech of the participants and how these features function to build and maintain relations.
 Keywords: Speech community, Casual conversation, Linguistic features, Sociolinguistics, ARC

Ewolucja chińskiego protokołu i zwyczajowego prawa dyplomatycznego od XVI do XIX w.

The evolution of Chinese protocol and customary diplomatic law in contacts with European countries from the 16th to the 19th centuries From the earliest times, diplomatic protocol has been one of the most important instruments of foreign policy. It facilitates establishing relationships in the international arena by creating a common language of communication. The aim of diplomatic protocol is to create an atmosphere of respect, recognition, and harmony in international relations. To a large extent, it is the result of customary international law, which consists of two basic elements. Firstly, one comes from the practice of states, viewed objectively, and secondly, from opinio iuris, i.e. the subjective feeling that this procedure is a kind of law. For many centuries, the Chinese Empire used these two tools to conduct foreign policy, in particular with European countries with which relations were not based on the principle of equality and respect for sovereignty. The purpose of this article is to indicate how China used protocol and customary diplomatic law to achieve its goals in the international arena.

Características da variante moçambicana da língua portuguesa com base na análise morfossintática dos diálogos presentes nos romances e contos de Mia Couto

Portuguese is a native language of only a handful of people in Mozambique. However, it successfully plays the role of a common language of communication in the field of politics and economics. At the same time, it is a determinant of social status and, in the world of literature, it gives one the opportunity to break through to the readers around the Globe. Portuguese in Mozambique presents many differences from the European standard, and the specific characteristics of this variant can be found in the texts of Mia Couto. The purpose of this article is to present the differences between the variant of Mozambique and the European model of Portuguese, mainly in the field of morphosyntax, observed in the texts of Mia Couto. The marked differences can be seen, among others, in the use of prepositions, order of pronominal elements, in the structure of periphrastic and passive constructions, and the selection of verbal arguments. The features are highly repetitive, but at the same time, they occur quite irregularly, together with the structures accepted by the standard. It is, therefore, difficult to speak of a systematic language variant, but surely it is on its way to be established.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE COMPETENCY: NEED & CHALLENGE FOR ENHANCING EMPLOYABILITY IN INDIAN GRADUATES

In the age of global communication English is more universally and widely circulated among the masses and is accepted as universal language which can connect people in every corner of the world. Article 343 declares Hindi as an official language, in a country of 125 crore population more than 50 % speak Hindi and 17% of the world’s population resides in India whose 25% of the language constitutes the world language, so overcome the language barrier of language diversity English is used as a common language of communication. The English language competency in Indians varies because of the indifferent educational background and the socio-economic circumstances which obstructs the use and interest in the language. Though English is taught as a mandatory subject from primary level to the secondary and even in higher education still, it is a challenge of developing proficiency and interest which is the primary need of a time. According to a scholar, English will inevitably remain an important language because of our past association and because of its present importance in the world. The paper aims to justify the need and highlight the challenges faced by students in developing English language competency in India, despite recognized exigent for the development of economical and intellectual growth for self and country for accessing opportunities in an increasing global world.

Impact of Open Access Journals in DOAJ: An Analysis

The present study aims to investigate the trend and growth of open access journals at a global level, in DOAJ portal. The study is based on the data taken from the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) from 2002 to 2018, a database of fully open access peer-reviewed scholarly journals. The author found that there are 12065 journals indexed in DOAJ on all the field of study. The study presents findings on the contribution to DOAJ by country, year, language, and subject. The study found that countries like the United Kingdom and Indonesia publications are more in this portal and English is the most common communication language. Most of the journals do not charge article processing charges (APCs). Majority journals are Peer-Reviewed journals. Medicine and Education related journals are highest in this portal, 11% of the 12065 journals in DOAJ have been awarded DOAJ special tag/designation. Contribution of Elsevier, Science and BioMed Central publishers is more compared to other publications during the study period.

The Englishnization of Business: challenges and strategies

In the global business environment, the companies compete and cooperate in a common marketplace, frequently adopting a common language of communication. The use of English as a business lingua franca (BELF) in multinational and multicultural enterprises is thus no longer a novelty. Some corporations take it even further, proceeding to Englishnization, by purposefully implementing the use of English as the only language in all domains of communication and business operations. The decision of switching interactions to a specific language of choice might facilitate the communication, but it also presents new challenges to the users, due to the different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This descriptive qualitative study takes a closer look at four reports of implementation of English as a common business language: a business organization in central Europe, two corporate mergers in Scandinavia, and the case of an online retail company in Japan, in order to identify the main difficulties encountered during the process. Based on these case-studies, the paper also summarizes a series of tools and strategies recommended to mitigate and overcome the obstacles.

IUPAC Polymer Division at 50 Years

Abstract For most of us, history is marked by significant anniversaries following from recognisable start or end dates: birthdays, wedding anniversaries, monarchical reigns, wars. So it is that this year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the formal inception of the Polymer Division under its former name as the IUPAC Macromolecular Division. However, the Division has a significant pre-history that essentially maps the development of polymer chemistry to a mature discipline in its own right. By the 1920s, through the efforts of individuals who recognized the need, a common language of communication was already in the offing. These people formed committees to consider the development of systematic nomenclature, terminology and definitions, symbols, and other matters of importance in polymer science. All of this work became the foundations on which IUPAC built its growing interest in macromolecules, of which I would know very little if it were not for the excellent History of IUPAC 1919-1987 [1] and History of IUPAC 1988-1999 [2] upon which I have been able to draw.

Interplay of Team Mental Models, Project Process Models, and Language in Software-Development Teams

Management of international teams is quite challenging due to the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of members that shape their individual mental models. The current study investigates how team mental models (TMMs) and project process models (PPMs) are interrelated with the use of a common language for the effective functioning of international teams. Based on the in-depth case studies of two software development teams consisting of Sri Lankan and Japanese members, we found that, even though the teams use a common language for communication, Sri Lankan and Japanese members encounter problems in communications because they do not share a TMM. Our analysis indicates that the adopted PMM is a key antecedent in the development of a TMM of the team, based on which the members carry out effective communication using the common language, plan, predict, and maintain smooth project-flow. We also found that it is vital for some team member(s) to play the role of bridging others who have different perceptions of the PPM. We discuss theoretical and managerial implications of our findings.

On human-centric and robot-centric perspective of a building model

Abstract The effectiveness of mobile robots operating in buildings depends strongly on their ability to cooperate with people. The cooperation requires a common language for communication. In this paper, the problem of modelling buildings in the context of communication between humans and robots is considered. Significant differences between the perception of building elements by humans and robots are discussed at the onset. This analysis allows us to propose a human-oriented building model, which represents elements, features and relations used by people in communication. This model warrants the unambiguous identification of building elements, which forms a good basis for the communication between humans and robots. Further, the model is implemented by means of a flexible, document-based database. Finally, a mapping between the proposed model and the existing robot-oriented models of buildings is proposed, followed by case studies that demonstrate the usage of the proposed methodology.

A realist review of mobile phone-based health interventions for non-communicable disease management in sub-Saharan Africa

BackgroundThe prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. At the same time, the use of mobile phones is rising, expanding the opportunities for the implementation of mobile phone-based health (mHealth) interventions. This review aims to understand how, why, for whom, and in what circumstances mHealth interventions against NCDs improve treatment and care in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsFour main databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) and references of included articles were searched for studies reporting effects of mHealth interventions on patients with NCDs in sub-Saharan Africa. All studies published up until May 2015 were included in the review. Following a realist review approach, middle-range theories were identified and integrated into a Framework for Understanding the Contribution of mHealth Interventions to Improved Access to Care for patients with NCDs in sub-Saharan Africa. The main indicators of the framework consist of predisposing characteristics, needs, enabling resources, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use. Studies were analyzed in depth to populate the framework.ResultsThe search identified 6137 titles for screening, of which 20 were retained for the realist synthesis. The contribution of mHealth interventions to improved treatment and care is that they facilitate (remote) access to previously unavailable (specialized) services. Three contextual factors (predisposing characteristics, needs, and enabling resources) influence if patients and providers believe that mHealth interventions are useful and easy to use. Only if they believe mHealth to be useful and easy to use, will mHealth ultimately contribute to improved access to care. The analysis of included studies showed that the most important predisposing characteristics are a positive attitude and a common language of communication. The most relevant needs are a high burden of disease and a lack of capacity of first-contact providers. Essential enabling resources are the availability of a stable communications network, accessible maintenance services, and regulatory policies.ConclusionsPolicy makers and program managers should consider predisposing characteristics and needs of patients and providers as well as the necessary enabling resources prior to the introduction of an mHealth intervention. Researchers would benefit from placing greater attention on the context in which mHealth interventions are being implemented instead of focusing (too strongly) on the technical aspects of these interventions.

Co‐parenting conversation process: a qualitative study of Chinese Singaporean parents

Although co‐parenting in two‐parent families has been an increasingly important area of research, little is known about the co‐parenting conversation as a crucial aspect of co‐parenting. This study used grounded theory methodology to explore how Chinese Singaporean parents perceive their co‐parenting conversations in light of the influence of their families of origin. Interviews were conducted with mothers and fathers in sixteen families. Findings revealed a central category, ‘conversations along the co‐parenting journey’, and two main categories, ‘conversations that connect and collaborate in co‐parenting’, and ‘conversations on family heritage and practices’. A substantive theory of co‐parenting conversation process was generated from the synthesis of the findings. This study serves as the foundation for future research in co‐parenting conversation, and its implications for clinicians and researchers are presented and discussed.Practitioner Points The typology of co‐parenting conversation can serve as a common language of communication for family practitioners, clinicians, and researchers working with parents of young children The scheme of co‐parenting conversation process, and the classification for decision‐making conversations, can provide a working framework to consider how, when, and where to intervene in therapy for parents dealing with co‐parenting issues Co‐parenting intentionality is potentially important in addressing family‐of‐origin issues in co‐parenting therapy sessions

Proposing a Simple Radiation Scale for the Public: Radiation Index

A new radiation scale is proposed. With empathy toward the vast majority of people who are not well versed in radiation and related matters, and thus suffering from misunderstanding that breeds unnecessary fear of radiation, the aim of proposing a new radiation scale, radiation index (RAIN), is to put the general public at ease with the concept of radiation. RAIN is defined in dimensionless numbers that relate any specific radiation dose to a properly defined reference level. As RAIN is expressed in plain numbers without an attached scientific unit, the public will feel comfortable with its friendly look, which in turn should help them understand radiation dose levels easily and allay their anxieties about radiation. The expanded awareness and proper understanding of radiation will empower the public to feel that they are not hopeless victims of radiation. The correspondence between RAIN and the specific accumulated dose is established. The equivalence will allow RAIN to serve as a common language of communication for the general public with which they can converse with radiation experts to discuss matters related to radiation safety, radiation diagnosis and therapy, nuclear accidents, and other related matters. Such fruitful dialogues will ultimately enhance public acceptance of radiation and associated technologies.

A new era of Asian urology: a SWOT analysis.

Economic prosperity and increasing connectivity have made Asia an emerging centre of growth in health care, including in the field of urology. Large and varied patient populations, the availability of a trained workforce, the use of English as a common communication language, and overall low costs have contributed to this change. Rapid growth of regional urological associations and journals has fuelled the aspirations and abilities of Asian urologists to not only keep abreast of but often lead the change in urological disease management. Asian urology has immense potential to expand in areas in which it currently lags behind, the most important being research. The increasing ability to travel aids in developing networks for collaboration. However, Asian urologists will need to look at sustainable models of engagement and temper the need for short-term results if these opportunities are to reach their maximal potential.

The issue of ethnic identity and aspects of cross-cultural orientation of the Greeks in Georgia (the example of Ts’alk’a Greeks)

Abstract After the fall of the Soviet Union, the issue of ethnic identity has gained in importance among Georgia’s multiethnic communities. Groups of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds faced the challenge of choosing a common language of communication, and they must address issues related to their ethno-cultural preferences. Using the example of Ts’alk’a Greeks – the largest Greek community in Georgia – this article discusses aspects of maintaining an ethnic identity in a multiethnic environment, and identifies visible trends of cross-cultural orientation. How do Greeks manage to preserve their ethnic identity, and what is their strategy based on? What determines the orientation of Greeks towards the different groups? The present study argues that culture (i. e. language, religion, traditions, customs, etc.) is crucial in this regard.

A Bibliometric Study on Aquaculture and Fisheries Journals through Electronic Data Base in Directory of Open Access Journals

This paper examines the open access journals which are listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals. The objectives of this study are to analyse the open access journals on Fisheries and Aquaculture published in various years, disciplines, languages, countries and licence wise. The majority of journals are published by with United States, English being the most common communication language; the large number of journals are published in Aquaculture and fisheries disciplines, while very few journals are published in zoology, biology, ecology and environmental science disciplines respectively. It is found that the majority of journals were published during the year 2002–2011.

The struggle to maintain identity in higher education among Zulu-speaking students

The 2002 Language Policy for Higher Education (LPHE) identifies the currently dominant language of instruction – English – as being a possible barrier to many African students in accessing and successfully completing studies at higher education level. The LPHE thus requires that black African languages be developed at Higher Education Institutions for use as languages of teaching and learning, alongside English and Afrikaans. It is hoped that such a move would, among other things, enable South Africans to take pride in being bi/multilingual. Hence, this paper examines the relationship between language identity and bi/multilingual education. In conducting the study, the participants who are mostly isiZulu speaking in an educational institution in which their primary language (L1) dominates on campus and in the surrounding community were exposed to Zulu–English instructional material in their academic literacy and communication skills course. While the findings indicate a strong African pride among the majority of respondents about the use of their languages in education, concerns, however, are raised about the negative impact this might have on their development of proficiency in English and the practicality of bi/multilingual instruction on campuses with a diverse racial student population. This view indicates a struggle experienced by many Africans between maintaining their languages in education and developing English that is in high demand in education, commerce and as a common language of communication across ethnic and racial lines in South Africa and elsewhere.

Vascular Malformations of the Orbit

To describe the authors' experience with orbital vascular malformations using the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification and the preferred radiologic techniques. Review of clinical and radiologic experience from 1976 to 2012. This article presents the findings from several studies conducted on vascular malformations of the orbit, all of which received institutional review board approval when needed. The orbital vascular malformations can be evaluated, classified, and managed according to the ISSVA classification to provide a common language of communication between specialties, which takes into account flow dynamics. The ISSVA can be applied for vascular malformations of the orbit.

Non-Pecuniary Damages in the Age of Personality Rights: A Search for a Fair and Reasonable Framework Comparing the German and Italian Legal System

Non-Pecuniary Damages in the Age of Personality Rights: A Search for a Fair and Reasonable Framework Comparing the German and Italian Legal System

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets: Application to a postmenopausal woman with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis of the spine

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework facilitates systematic assessment of functioning across four components. ICF Core Sets are proposed to be beneficial for clinicians in multidisciplinary care settings because they provide a common language for communication. A clinical vignette of a postmenopausal woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a non-traumatic vertebral fracture is presented to discuss how the ICF Core Sets for RA and osteoporosis (OP) can be helpful in structuring clinical decisions. To demonstrate how condition-specific ICF Core Sets can be used to evaluate and treat women with two comorbidities, each component of the ICF Core Sets is compared across conditions and integrated into clinical decision-making. Topics covered include: exercise tolerance, urinary continence, bone mass, fear of falling, and environmental factors. The benefits of thorough communication with the client and a common language across healthcare disciplines are highlighted as the potential benefits of the ICF framework; however, limitations to uptake of the ICF in clinical practice are also addressed.

Use of IC information in Japanese financial firms

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of: how Japanese financial firms (JFF) acquire and use company intellectual capital (IC) information in their common routine equity investment decisions, how this activity contributes to knowledge creation in the JFFs, and how investee company knowledge creation is affected by the JFFs.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a multi‐case design, using four JFF cases. The investigation was performed in terms of Nonaka and Toyama's “theory of the knowledge creating firm”.FindingsIC information contributed to earnings estimates and company valuation. Emotional information contributed to JFF feelings and confidence in their information use and valuation. JFF knowledge was an important component of the key interacting and informed contexts used by JFFs. This generated opportunities to improve disclosure and accountability between JFFs and their investee companies. Common patterns of behaviour across the JFFs were counterbalanced by variety and differences noted in JFF behaviour.Practical implicationsThe findings provide important insights into how JFF knowledge creating patterns could limit or progress a common language of communication between companies and markets on the subject of IC. This could impact on the quality of corporate disclosure and accountability processes.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that there is a need for further use of qualitative studies of financial market behavior. Especially in the area of understanding the communication of IC between firms and financial markets, the potential of using sociology of finance approaches appears to be considerable.