Communication Activities Research Articles

Təbliğat, Təşviqat, Təlqin və Propaqanda: Müqayisəli Konseptual Təhlil

The study aims to conduct a conceptual analysis of the terms persuasion, advocacy, propaganda, and propagation within the field of political science in Azerbaijan. Each term is examined individually to explore their usage areas and specific functions, highlighting the differences and similarities. In this context, propaganda is defined as the systematic and biased communication activity that manipulates the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of masses to serve the interests of a particular political subject. Propagation refers to verbal or written activities aimed at disseminating and deepening any theory, idea, or knowledge among the masses. Agitation involves verbal or written activities aimed at influencing and motivating people to perform a specific task and exerting political influence over large populations. Persuasion, on the other hand, is the activity of influencing an individual's will and psyche to accept a certain idea, belief, or emotion. The article demonstrates that propaganda encompasses a broader and more complex scope, integrating the components of persuasion, propagation, and agitation. Consequently, in the field of political science in Azerbaijan, each of these terms has its unique functions and areas of usage. However, propaganda is a more comprehensive term that includes these concepts and combines manipulative strategies and methods to influence masses. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately and conceptually articulate the term propaganda in the field of political science in Azerbaijan. This is essential for expressing complex political technologies and ensuring the proper use of the term propaganda in international academic and practical applications.

Identifikasi Penafsiran Quraish Shihab Tentang Bias Pandangan Ulama terhadap Perempuan: Analisis Hermeneutika Kritis

Quraish Shihab, an Indonesian Qur'anic exegete, argues that there is a biased perspective towards women rooted in the views of classical scholars and contemporary intellectuals, which, according to him, stems from a misunderstanding of religious texts. Therefore, the aim of this research is to identify Shihab's interpretation of these biases as they relate to specific verses in the Qur'an. Using a qualitative approach and content analysis method, this research is a literature study, with primary data sources being Shihab's thematic exegesis titled Perempuan and Habermas's The Theory of Communicative Action, as well as secondary sources from other relevant literature. The data collection technique employed is documentation, while the data analysis technique utilizes Habermas's critical hermeneutics. The findings reveal that Shihab rejects these biased perspectives. He critiques traditional views by referencing Qur'anic verses and critiques contemporary scholars by correcting their understanding of the verses they cite. Furthermore, based on Habermas's critical hermeneutics analysis, several forms of action and communication are identified in Shihab's interpretation, including normative, communicative, and teleological actions and communication. Criticisms of Shihab's interpretations, as examined through this approach, include several key aspects: an indication of the preservation of patriarchal culture, where some traditional views are upheld; the reinforcement of traditional gender roles, where certain roles are maintained in line with past perspectives; and the limitation of progressive interpretation, which highlights challenges in developing a more contemporary understanding of women's roles in society

El uso de los apéndices interrogativos de control de contacto varía en el habla de Madrid,<i> ¿eh?</i>, y ha variado, <i>¿sabes?</i> Un estudio sociolingüístico en tiempo real

¿No?, ¿eh?, ¿sabes? or ¿verdad? and ¿comprendes?, ¿entiendes?, ¿de acuerdo?, ¿hm? or ¿ves? are interrogative appendices used to fulfill the phatic function of communication, which serves to control the ongoing participation of interlocutors in the communicative activity. It has been observed that such resources are multifunctional and are used, therefore, with certain added values, besides being considered, in some cases, as sociolinguistic markers. With the aim of advancing knowledge of the use and functioning of these discursive elements, we are conducting research, within the Project for the Sociolinguistic Study of Spanish from Spain and America (PRESEEA), which has allowed us to document socio and geolectal patterns. We now present the results of a real-time study, which reveal movements occurring in the speech of Madrid in the last decades of the 20th century and the first of the 21st, projecting possible ongoing changes, as well as socio-pragmatic patterns of interest.

Preferred EFL Teaching Approaches to University Professors: A Case Study of Saudi Tertiary Level

This mixed methods study investigates Saudi university EFL professors’ perspectives on current teaching approaches and potential improvements needed. Surveys of 100 faculty and interviews with 10 department heads reveal a continued reliance on grammar-translation and lecture-based methods, despite broader recognition of communicative techniques as more effective. Systemic constraints like standardized curricula, assessments, textbooks, resources, and policies restrict implementation of innovative practices. Though professors acknowledge challenges with prevailing methods, most believe they sufficiently improve English skills, indicating a disconnect between beliefs and second language acquisition theory. Strong support for training in modern approaches shows openness to change given adequate guidance. Recommendations include reforming teacher preparation, balancing grammar with communicative activities, allowing materials flexibility, and linking evaluations to student progress. Updating systemic constraints and empowering educators are critical to shift entrenched practices towards communication-focused instruction aligned with Saudi reform goals. The study provides insights into translating positive perspectives into transformative policies and teaching practices that enhance university student outcomes.

واقع ممارسة العلاقات العامة في الجهات الحكومية في المنطقة الشرقية في المملكة العربية السعودية

This research deals with a comprehensive view of the reality of practicing public relations in government agencies in the Eastern Province, by addressing the concepts of public relations and its role in shaping the image of the agency, as a human communication activity, and in light of the radical transformations witnessed by the world and the field of communication due to rapid technological developments and changing public behavior, with the emergence of social media and the increase in public interaction, public relations have become more interactive and transparent. Also, the increasing competition between institutions imposes on public relations practitioners to devise new and innovative strategies to reach the target audience. In light of the fact that public relations is a fundamental pillar in the work of any system, this research deals with part of the reality of public relations in government organizations in the Eastern Province, considering the public relations function an important pillar in building perceptions and relationships with the public. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after the launch of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, communication activities have re-emerged in the government work arena, and witnessed a transformation in work methods and mechanisms. These activities focused on reflecting the true image of the achievements of the entities working in the field, and for these activities to stem from a deep understanding of the public and its aspirations, with a focus on new media, as they are the closest to the target group.

Verbal armament and the demonic: Putin’s rhetorical preparation for war

ABSTRACT Starting from the concept of the demonic, which is understood along the lines of Søren Kierkegaard, Paul Tillich, and Fedor Stepun as a cognitive and emotional narrowing, the article analyzes Vladimir Putin’s verbal armament up to 24 February 2022 and beyond (18 March, 9 May, 9 June 2022). The reason why the announcements of the invasion were not understood as actual announcements is that demonic action lies beyond instrumentally rational comprehension. A discourse analysis of the demonic in a cognitive and rhetorical sense is therefore developed as an analytically preventive means of recognizing such speech in its dangerousness. The basic principles of the demonic in communicative action are already shown by Kierkegaard with his metaphor of the spinning top of the demonic which is permanently turning around its own axis, and in Tillich’s characterization of the demonic as a “claim of something finite to infinity.” Primarily in four complex speech acts, SACRALIZATION, ALARMING, THREATENING, and JUSTIFICATION, demonical rhetoric revolves around an object that forms the axis of a spinning top. Such rhetorical rotation around the object “Russia” and its greatness can be seen in Putin’s speeches and performances since the beginning of his presidency.

“With a twinkle in my eye”: vocational teachers’ relational work in schools in disadvantaged areas

ABSTRACT Research on teachers’ relational practices and how they develop relationships with their students is a growing field, internationally and in Scandinavia. However, research on teachers’ relational work in disadvantaged areas is rare. This study examines how vocational teachers in schools in disadvantaged areas describe their relational work with students. Taking the narratives of 25 vocational students about their teachers as a starting point, the study is based on individual in-depth interviews with the students’ contact teachers (N = 8). Reflexive thematic analysis revealed several key aspects integral to teachers’ relational work. The findings suggest that building positive relationships with students entails a balancing act between providing close support and fostering students’ autonomy. Furthermore, building relationships also requires a balance between recognising individual needs and developing strong classroom communities. Finally, teachers’ relational work with students can be described as an act of caring and subtle communication. Implications for practice are discussed.

European Union’s Security Policy in the Digital Age. A Study of the Ban on Russian Media in Response to New Disinformation

This research aims to explore the European Union’s (EU) security policies in the digital culture related to new threats of disinformation. Entering the Russian-Ukraine military conflict in early 2022, the EU believes that European society was facing new threats in the form of disinformation. The EU tightened sanctions against Russia related to the Ukrainian conflict, including sanctions against Russian media. The EU decided to ban the broadcast of Russian TV and Radio stations RT and Sputnik, as well as closing their offices in several EU member countries. This step was taken because the EU accused both media outlets of spreading disinformation and pro-Kremlin propaganda related to the conflict in Ukraine. The research was conducted using a qualitative method. Two theories were used in this research, namely Securitization Theory by Barry Buzan and Communicative Action Theory by Jurgen Habermas. Through Securitization Theory, researchers explore the EU’s action in constructing Russian media outlets as a threat to regional and global security and stability. Using Communicative Action Theory, researchers analyzes the EU’s actions in using certain communication and narratives to justify its policy towards Russian media outlets, and through this theory, researchers also question the legitimacy of the ban. The preliminary findings of this research show that the EU ban is controversial. Many parties accused the EU of restricting freedom of speech and limit the freedom of press. On the other hand, the EU maintains that this step is necessary to combat propaganda and disinformation, which are considered threats to national security and the integrity of the democracy in the EU

The relationship between sports communication strategies and sports image creation with sports communication performance in Thailand

This research aimed to develop a model of the relationship between sports communication strategies and sports image building with sports communication performance in Thailand. This research was mixed-methods research between quantitative and qualitative research, quantitative methodology was used to test the cause-and-effect relationship between sports communication strategies and sports image factors with sports communication performance in Thailand. Data were collected using questionnaires with 151 mass media organizations that conduct sports communication activities in Thailand. And qualitative methodology was conducted using phenomenological methods from in-depth interviews and the results of in-depth interviews were confirmed by holding focus groups with 3 members of the Thai Journalists Association who supervise sports mass media members and 2 sports communication scholars. Data was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The results of research hypotheses founded that 1) sports communication strategies have a direct effect on the sports communication performance in Thailand and have an indirect effect on the sports communication performance in Thailand through sports image creation, 2) sports communication strategies have a direct effect on sports image creation, and 3) sports image creation has a direct effect on sports communication performance in Thailand. The analysis founded that the hypothesized model was consistent with the empirical data and passed the criteria with a χ2 value of 13.78, p-value of 0.79, χ2/df value of 0.72, GFI value of 0.98, AGFI value of 0.95, and RMSEA value of 0.00. The benefits of this research can explain the causal relationship between sports communication strategies and sports image creation and the effectiveness of sports communication in Thailand. The results of the study can be used to manage sports communication in Thailand, leading to sustainable performance for the sports industry.

Humanoid Robot on Military Applications

Humanoid Robot on Military Applications

دور العلاقات العامة في نشر ثقافة المنافسة ومكافحة الممارسات الاحتكارية بالهيئة العامة للمنافسة: دراسة مسحية

This research aims to study the role of the General Authority for Competition in promoting a culture of competition and combating monopolistic practices in the Saudi market, as well as the role of public relations in raising public awareness of these laws and practices. Data were collected through a questionnaire directed to 200 participants, where demographic data were analyzed and participants' opinions were identified about the means of communication used by the Authority, the awareness activities it carries out, the role of public relations, in addition to the topics covered in communication activities and proposals for developing public relations strategies. The results showed that most of the participants were males, with a variety of age groups, and most of them enjoyed a high level of education, and they worked in the public and private sectors. Regarding means of communication, it was found that the General Authority for Competition effectively uses traditional media and social media to spread awareness of competition and anti-monopoly laws. Digital advertising was also used as a main tool to promote a culture of competition. As for awareness activities, the data showed that the Authority organizes awareness events, participates in exhibitions and forums to highlight the risks of monopoly, and holds educational workshops for institutions and companies. The role of public relations in raising public awareness through social media and electronic means was highly appreciated by the participants, reflecting the importance of these channels in activating interaction with the public. Regarding proposals for developing strategies, participants suggested using modern technology such as artificial intelligence and improving electronic applications to increase public awareness of competition, in addition to enhancing cooperation with academic institutions and organizing virtual seminars. The study recommends the need to enhance the use of technology and improve public relations strategies to increase the effectiveness of awareness of competition laws, while expanding partnerships and developing innovative media content.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Prayer for Pre-operative Cardio-thoracic Patients

Introduction and background: Every human being on this earth needs the divine help from God, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, educational status, etc. especially during sickness, man becomes helpless and tries to seek the help of divine forces. The pastoral care giver’s role is very important both supportive and curative to participants. Prayer is an act of communication by humans with the supernatural power. Human tendency is to be afraid and anxious about the upcoming surgery, which has an effect on the blood pressure; the surgeons find it difficult to proceed. A merry heart is responsible for the major healing process. Methods: This study was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of prayer for pre-operative cardio-thoracic participants with the objective to reduce fear and anxiety from the participant through prayer. It was limited only to the cardio-thoracic participants admitted in the wards of a selected multi-specialty hospital in Vellore Dist. Tamilnadu. Participants between the age group 31 and 70 yrs, irrespective of any gender, single or married who can speak Tamil/English and is pre-operative for at least 3 days were included. A standardized tool consisting of 10 items was administered using Questionnaire method. Participants were expected to rate them according to how much they have been benefitted. The participant scored accordingly i.e., 1, 2, 3. 1=least effective, 2=moderately effective, 3=most effective. A sample size of 10 was conveniently recruited. The investigator conducted 3 sessions prior to the day of surgery. In the first session the investigator established good rapport, provided pastoral care and prayed. In the second session, the investigator enquired about the participant and prayed. In the final session an assessment was carried on, focusing on evaluating the spiritual coping starting with prayer. The interview with the participant took place at the bedside of the ward. Results: 60% of the participants had their fear absolutely reduced after the pastoral care giver prayed for them. It is significant that 10% of the participant’s fear was reduced by the pastoral care giver’s prayer. 70% of the participants had their anxiety absolutely reduced after the pastoral care giver prayed for them. It is significant that the pastoral care giver’s prayer was effective for all 10 participants with regard to reduction of anxiety. 60% of the participants were absolutely confident after the pastoral care giver prayed for them. 70% of the participants were able to feel close to God completely. 70% of the participants were mentally prepared to face the surgery. 70% of the participants were able to feel God’s presence completely. 80% of the participants absolutely gained faith upon God. 40% of the participants were able to completely cope emotionally. 50% of the participants were able to moderately cope emotionally. 10% of the participants were able to minimally cope emotionally. 70% of the participants were fully benefitted by the pastoral care giver’s prayer. Conclusion: Prayer made an impact in the wellbeing of the participants. The participants gained faith upon God and had the real experience of feeling the presence of God at the bedside. Prayer helped the participant to cope emotionally and to have a hope for the future. They believed that there would be a smooth recovery. This study revealed that the pastoral care giver’s prayer was effective by making a significant difference in their coping pattern.

Community Nursing: A Time and Motion Study of Community Nurses' Work and Workload

ABSTRACTAimTo explore activities performed by community nurses in community health centre clinics and during home visits.DesignCross‐sectional, observational using time and motion technique. Data collected during lockdown in 2020.MethodsCommunity nurses' work in clinics and during home visits were observed and recorded. The purposefully designed data collection tool covered six categories (Administration, Communication, Direct care, Documentation, Indirect care and Other) and 35 activities relative to community nurses' work.ResultsEight hundred and ten complete timings were obtained. Community nurses' time was most often (86.5%) spent on Direct care, Communication, Documentation and Other activities. Patient education occurred more often in the home.ConclusionsThe type, frequency and time taken to complete community nursing activities provides insight into the community nurse role. Addressing inefficient practices such as documentation and travel could serve to improve workload.Reporting MethodAdheres to EQUATOR guideline STROBE for cross‐sectional studies.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.

The application and innovation of animation technology in multicultural communication activities that involve Malaysia and China

The application and innovation of animation technology in multicultural communication activities that involve Malaysia and China

Hate-Speech Bans are at Odds with Central Principles of Liberalism

AbstractIn line with my 2021 book Freedom of Expression as Self-Restraint – albeit in a much shorter compass – this essay will argue against the moral defensibility of hate-speech laws like those in the United Kingdom and Canada and the Antipodes and most countries of western Europe. Such laws contravene the moral principle of freedom of expression, and therefore contravene one of the central precepts of liberal democracy. Under that principle, a necessary condition for the moral permissibility of any law that proscribes some type or instance of communicative activity is that the activity in question is constitutive of serious communication-independent wrongdoing. Given the centrality of the notion of communication-independent wrongdoing to the principle of freedom of expression, we should begin here with an explication of that notion.

La sostenibilidad como valor de marca en la publicidad automotriz de España

Introduction: Climate change and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) have driven companies, including the automotive industry, to embrace sustainability as a fundamental part of their communication strategy. Purpose: The main objective of this study is to analyze sustainability as a brand value in digital advertising in the Spanish automotive industry. Methodology: This research follows a triangular methodology combining interviews, surveys, and analysis of advertising content to explore how experts and consumers perceive this trend, considering their gender and age. Findings: The result of this work shows that sustainability is increasingly influencing purchasing decisions, but there is a disconnect between what advertising conveys and what users value. Brands still prioritize design and price over sustainability, having to progressively adjust their messaging to better reflect the ecological and social concerns that audiences have. Originality/value: The contribution focuses on two paths: firstly, to fill an academic gap in terms of studies focused on the specific communication actions carried out by the automotive sector in Spain, and secondly, to demonstrate that sustainability has not entered as a brand value that forces higher sales.

The Effectiveness of Teacher-Student Interaction in the English as a Foreign Language Classroom

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of teacher-student interaction in promoting authentic L2 classroom discourse. Classroom discourse is a major part of instruction that promotes speaking and develops students and teachers’ conversational skills. It constitutes a significant factor in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom, as it promotes communicative activities (reception, production, interaction, mediation) fundamental to L2 learning. A common exchange pattern used extensively in classroom discourse is the Initiation, Response, Feedback (IRF) model, by Sinclair and Coulthard, (1975, 1992), in which the teacher initiates (I) an exchange through questioning the whole class or one single student, the student responds (R) to the question, and then the teacher gives feedback (F). A qualitative case study approach was adopted. Twenty-seven EFL high school classrooms in Israel were observed. Research instruments were: classroom observation forms, filled by the researcher, where instances of IRF exchanges were marked; and semi-structured interviews with seven of the teachers observed to obtain information regarding their use of L1 in IRF exchanges. Findings show that teachers use the IRF exchange model to organize talk and follow basic turn taking rules. However, deviations from common IRF exchanges result in (1) imbalance of dominance between teacher and student talk time; (2) excessive use of L1 in exchanges, minimizing students’ exposure to L2; and (3) limited flow of teacher-student spoken communication and lack of student willingness to participate in the lesson. Practical implications for teacher educators will be discussed.

A Conversation Analysis of Dialogues in Young Sheldon from the Perspective of Politeness Principle

Abstract: The Politeness Principle plays a vital role in daily communication and is a guarantee of successful communication activities. Young Sheldon, an American series premiered in 2017, focuses on the life of Sheldons family, which contains a large number of conversations that against the Politeness Principle. In this paper, I study the conversations in Young Sheldon, count all the dialogues that against the Politeness Principle, and analyze the conversational implicature and effects of pragmatics. Results show that the violation of Approbation Maxim and Tact Maxim has the highest frequency in all dialogues, while the violation of Generosity Maxim the fewest occurrences. The analysis indicates that the dialogues that against the Politeness Principle show the characters selfishness and indifference, and have the discourse effect of reflecting humor and hindering the development of relationship, which helps people understand the characters and the plots better and improve their communication skills.

NĂNG LỰC HIỆN TẠI, THÁCH THỨC VÀ NHU CẦU NÂNG CAO NĂNG LỰC CỦA CÁN BỘ KHUYẾN NÔNG TRONG BỐI CẢNH BIẾN ĐỔI KHÍ HẬU TẠI TỈNH BẮC KẠN

This study aims to assess the current capacity, challenges and needs of capacity building of agricultural extension workers in Bac Kan province under the context of climate change. The research was conducted during 2021-2022, using semi-structured questionnaires for face-to-face interviews with 17 leaders and 59 staff members of agricultural extension agencies in the province. Results show that the agricultural extension workforce of Bac Kan province has advantages in terms of qualifications and work experience. Nonetheless, they also encountered a number of challenges under the context of increasingly changing environment. These include: (1) passivity in guiding production and technical transfer activities, (2) difficulties in pest and disease forecast and management, (3) increased workload; and (4) their communication and/or community outreach activities face many challenges, especially in localities with ethnic minorities, scattered housing locations, and difficult travel access. Most of the agricultural extension workers have not been trained in both agricultural extension methods and climate change adaptation. Technical climate-resilient production manuals (for both crops and livestock), effective communication methods and information sharing networks among agricultural extension officers were considered the main learning resources that they desired to be equipped to effectively carry out their tasks under the context of climate change.

Communicating science across different cultures — a reflection on the PCST Suzhou Symposium 2024

The symposium occurred from 17–19 October 2024 in Suzhou, China, a city famous for its long history and rich culture and often called “the heaven on Earth”. The 230 delegates from 26 countries spent two insightful days immersed in the world of science communication. The event highlighted that Chinese policymakers and research leaders are taking science communication and science literacy seriously. In his opening speech, Professor Yanhao Xu, Vice Chairman of the National Education, Science, Health and Sports Committee, recalled that China has a special law on science popularisation that recognises science communication as of equal importance to technological innovation. This also means that suitable communication activities must accompany every major Chinese scientific initiative.