Critical Textual Analysis Research Articles

Shaping Space: The Impact of Socio-cultural Practices on the Spatial Organization of Kharanaq Fort, Yazd, Iran

Kharanaq Fort, a historic castle in Yazd, Iran, stands as a testament to the adaptive evolution of spatial organization shaped by centuries of socio-cultural transformation. This study aims to identify the impact of socio-cultural configuration of the community on the formation of the physical structure and the spatial organization of the fortress of Kharanaq village. From this perspective, the study questions whether social construct, cultural patterns and financial conditions have been effective in shaping the physical character of the fort or not, and if so, to what extent it has influenced the architectural characteristic of the fort; A fort that, in addition to its long history, it is also considered as one of the few completely inhabited forts (without a governing system) in Yazd and even Iran. The aim of this research is to introduce a unique example of vernacular architecture in Iran and delve into its deeper socio-cultural context, while addressing the mutual influence of the residents' socio-cultural behaviours and beliefs on the spatial organisation and the architectural characteristics of the fort. The data presented in this study is the result of extensive field works and visits of the village and the fort as well as, historical recourses available about the fort. Drawing on insights from archaeological excavations, field research, historical studies, and critical analysis of available texts, this article concludes that the fort's physical structure—shaped historically through a coherent design centred around a core nucleus—was essentially influenced by underlying social, cultural, and religious principles. Therefore, fully understanding its architecture requires a deep awareness of these guiding concepts, as the physical and conceptual elements are inseparably intertwined.

Reinterpreting the NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe® program as a corporate political activity

Abstract Background In the US firearm injuries are the leading cause of death among children and adolescents. However, and despite there being limited evidence to support the adoption of gun safety education programs, firearm industry-funded groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) promote the delivery of their education-based Eddie Eagle Gunsafe® program while lobbying against other firearm policies less favourable to the firearm industry. The study aimed to address an important research gap by examining how the NRA frame gun ownership, safety and the role of the Eddie Eagle GunSafe® program as an effective firearm safety intervention and whether the design, promotion and delivery of the program serves the corporate political interests of the firearm industry, and if so, how. Methods We conducted a critical analysis of program-related texts and films and the NRA’s practices to promote its legitimacy and effectiveness, guided by the application of published taxonomies of corporate framing and action strategies. Data was collected from the program-specific websites and other NRA outlets to capture the breadth of strategies used to promote their education program. Results The NRA’s practices support the corporate political agenda of the firearm industry. The NRA adopts framing and action strategies that present the presence of firearms in homes and communities as inevitable and normal and the education of children through the delivery of their “lifesaving” program as the common-sense and effective way of keeping children safe from firearm injuries. They make misleading claims about the effectiveness of the program while undermining the credibility of those who advocate for the safety of children and adolescents. Conclusions The ongoing delivery of the Eddie Eagle GunSafe® program needs to be questioned. Policies based on a recognition that children and adolescents are safest when their homes and communities are free of firearms are needed to prevent firearm injuries. Key messages • The NRA makes misleading claims about their program’s effectiveness and distorts understanding of what is needed to prevent firearm injuries and ensure the safety of all children. • The firearm industry needs more attention from the global public health community. Evidenced policy measures that prioritize the prevention of firearm injuries are needed to save children’s lives.

Working in precarity: examining mainstream discourses about street hawking in Ghana

Abstract This study sought to analyze how the media and the general public position street hawking in an economic environment typically constrained by neoliberal orthodoxy. We conducted a critical textual analysis of news articles, op-eds, and video clips from some of the most popular news media sources in Ghana and found that while informal work is often done in turbulent material conditions, marginality and precarity of street hawking are exacerbated by media and popular discourses that are anchored by neoliberalism. We also found that such discourses are resisted by counter-discourses. The study challenges neoliberal analyses of work and labor by explicating the tensions between the attraction to neoliberalism and the reality of its failures for informal work.

Hollywood, a platform for shaping cultural coherence/divergence: A critical textual analysis of the representation of Iranians in contemporary Hollywood action films

This study critically analyses how the film industry shapes cultural norms and values, particularly through political agenda-setting. Using Edward Said’s concept of orientalism and neo-orientalist discourse, it examines Hollywood’s portrayal of Iran and Iranians. While past research has focused on dominant themes, this paper explores ‘minor moments’ linked to Iran and ‘minor characters’ identified as Iranians in films where the central narrative is unrelated. By addressing these depictions, the paper seeks to understand Hollywood’s role in shaping perceptions of Iranians as non-Arab, Muslim, oriental ‘others’.

Enhancing collaborative online learning in higher education: using Google Docs to analyze Literature texts by teacher trainees

The purpose of this project was to explore how collaborative learning can be enhanced through Information Communications Technology in the critical reading and analysis of Literature texts in a particular teacher training course at a selected university in Uganda. The study undertook an interventional research approach whereby critical literacy principles provided the basis for formulating online tasks that would provoke higher order thinking skills such synthesizing, analyzing, reasoning, comprehending, application, and evaluation during the discussion of the play The Lion and the Jewel. A conversational framework was adopted to design a collaborative learning environment by which face-to-face sessions were combined with technology in form of Google Docs. Some of the steps of engagement included identifying the eight participants, sharing of initial content on critical literacy with them, face-to-face sessions and uploading of tasks. The findings reveal that with systematic instructions and guidance Google Docs can provide a collaborative learning platform whereby students can continuously comment about Literature texts in a conversational manner; the intervention proved the possibilities of flexibility in the learning environment; and dialogic teaching especially when discussing Literature texts was greatly enhanced during this intervention. This study was carried out in a real time learning context during the teaching of one of the researcher’s courses. The finding thus can offer some useful guiding steps as benchmarks for actual take up of other ICT tools in teaching and learning in higher institutions of education

Anti-vaccine COVID-19 narratives: A critical textual analysis of American and Indonesian online news

This study utilized Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), grounded in Van Dijk’s framework to investigate how online news articles from American and Indonesian outlets portrayed anti-vaccine views related to COVID-19. Through systematic online searches, the research examined the data through the lenses of macrostructure, superstructure, and microstructure. Eight articles were selected for this study: four from American sources and four from Indonesian sources. The selected articles were published during specific periods: February 2022 to February 2023 for the U.S., and January 2021 to January 2022 for Indonesia. These articles, ranging from 500 to 1500 words, focused on ‘Anti-Vaccine COVID-19’ topics. The findings revealed distinct thematic differences. The macrostructure analysis showed that American articles highlighted distrust in specific vaccines and opposition to mandates, fostering skepticism, while Indonesian articles examined a wider range of cultural, religious, and personal factors influencing vaccine hesitancy, including anti-vaccine sentiments among expatriates and athletes. The superstructure analysis indicated that American reports emphasized controversy, whereas Indonesian reports explored motivations more deeply. Additionally, linguistic choices in the microstructure influenced portrayals, with American articles using dysphemism and active voice to emphasize danger, while Indonesian articles employed strong language to convey diverse perspectives. Despite its emphasis on textual analysis, this study offered significant insights into the sophisticated discussions of anti-vaccine sentiments in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, as reflected in American and Indonesian online news.

"Gimme Some Truth"

For the past 70 years, researchers and experimental musicians have been working with computer-synthesized music, forming a collaborative relationship with generative artificial intelligences known as human–AI co-creation. The last several years have shown that musical artists are quickly adopting AI tools to produce music for AI music competitions and for commercial production of songs and albums. The United States Copyright Office, in response to this trend, has released its latest policy revisions to clearly define what is eligible for copyright registration. Soon after, the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) also released new guidelines, providing recommendations for how library catalogers should address AI-generated materials. In both cases, they reject the notion of considering AI as a contributor. The language in each of these policies, however, is self-contradicting, showing that they are ill equipped to address generative AI. This study leverages critical textual analysis and qualitative content analysis and uses case examples to probe the manner in which these policies regard generative AI. Recommendations are made for addressing shortcomings in the PCC’s policies, and moral philosophical frameworks such as virtue ethics and consequentialism support arguments for supplementing catalog item records with information from authoritative external sources, deviating from this policy for the sake of truth-seeking.

Integrating the Epigenetic and Microbiome-Integrated Mental Health (EMIMH) Framework into Community Health Centers: A Discourse Analysis

This study introduces the Epigenetic and Microbiome-Integrated Mental Health (EMIMH) Framework for Community Health Centers (CHCs), aiming to enhance mental health care delivery. CHCs face challenges including funding constraints, workforce shortages, and difficulties implementing integrated care models for mental health services. The EMIMH Framework proposes integrating epigenetic and microbiome considerations into CHC mental health care, offering a personalized and preventive approach. We conducted a critical discourse analysis of texts from 2018-2024, examining perspectives on integrating advanced biological approaches in CHC mental health care. Results reveal growing interest in epigenetic and microbiome approaches, alongside concerns about implementation barriers, ethical implications, and potential health disparities. The EMIMH Framework presents a promising avenue for improving CHC mental health care, potentially enhancing outcomes and reducing costs. However, successful implementation requires addressing practical, ethical, and equity challenges.

The International Red Cross in contemporary Polish history textbooks: An overview

The main aim of the article is to present how the issues pertaining to the creation and activities of the International Red Cross and the figure of its originator and founder, Henry Dunant, are presented in Polish history textbooks. History lessons at school are a suitable platform to introduce issues related to the concept of humanitarianism. Lessons that mention the establishment and operations of the International Red Cross and its national branches make a valuable contribution to raising awareness of humanitarianism and human rights. It is worth looking at how these issues are treated in school textbooks, which are one of the main sources of students' knowledge of history. Primary and secondary school textbooks currently available on the publishing market and used by active teachers were analysed. Textual content and iconography were analysed, as well as the tasks proposed for classroom use. In order to answer the research questions, a critical textual analysis of the content of twenty-one textbooks was carried out. Textbooks published between 2017 and 2023, which are on the official list of textbooks approved for use in schools, were the subject of analysis. The article also reveals the presence of the Polish Red Cross on the pages of these textbooks.

AI, heritage and critical thinking development: an education experience within university context

Educational policy makers identify Critical thinking (CT) as an essential driver for development and knowledge growth in any field and in the broad society. Even in the post-pandemic era, CT continues to be defined as one of the skills to be most promoted at the various levels of formal education and training contexts. In particular, with the raise of AI, it is crucial for educational institutions to encourage a critical approach to technology in students, especially in the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of information in order to make decisions and solve problems, also in digital contexts. Art experiences, literary stimuli and writing activities are helpful pedagogical strategies for CT enhancement especially when supported by the use of technologies. Starting from the above-mentioned evidence, a university module was designed by combining collaborative and creative writing sessions based on critical analysis of literary texts and the experience of figurative arts. More than 100 students worked in groups and their CT level was assessed at different times of the course. In particular, AI and machine learning tools were used to identify indicators of critical thinking in the texts produced by the students and to assess the relationship between the production of written texts and the development of CT and reasoning within students taking part in the educational experience. The research results could be used to improve university course design or professional development training courses for CT teaching and learning.

Мовні стратегії в медійному дискурсі: аналіз та інтерпретація

The article analyses linguistic strategies in media discourse, focusing on the British national variant of the English language. Media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing societal perceptions. Understanding the linguistic strategies employed in media discourse is essential for deciphering how narratives are constructed and how information is manipulated to impact audiences. The primary purpose of this study is to identify and analyse the linguistic strategies used in British media to influence their audience. The objectives include a content analysis of media texts, identifying key linguistic strategies and techniques, revealing the impact of these strategies on the audience, and providing practical recommendations for studying media texts. Methods. This research employs content analysis, discourse analysis, and psycholinguistic analysis. Content analysis involves categorising different media texts (news articles, features, interviews) and examining their content. Discourse analysis focuses on the structure and content of the texts to identify how narratives are constructed and which linguistic techniques are used to influence the audience. Psycholinguistic analysis examines the psychological impact of these linguistic strategies on the audience's perception of information. Results. The analysis reveals significant differences in linguistic strategies across various media sources, including newspapers, television, and online media. Key linguistic strategies include metaphors, epithets, rhetorical questions, and irony. These strategies are crucial in shaping narratives and influencing public perception. Additionally, the frequency and intensity of these strategies vary depending on the target audience and the specific goals of the media outlet. For instance, newspapers may employ more sophisticated and subtle language techniques, while online media often use more direct and engaging language to capture immediate attention. The study also highlights the dynamic nature of linguistic strategies, adapting to the evolving media landscape and audience preferences. Originality. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of linguistic strategies in British media, highlighting the specific techniques used to influence audiences. The originality lies in the detailed examination of different media formats and combining content analysis, discourse analysis, and psycholinguistic analysis to provide a holistic understanding of media influence. Conclusion. The study concludes that linguistic strategies are vital in media discourse, significantly impacting audience perception and shaping public opinion. The findings underscore the importance of critical analysis of media texts and provide valuable insights for media analysts, journalists, and linguists. Further research is recommended to explore the evolving nature of linguistic strategies in digital media and their implications for public discourse.

“De eso no se habla”: the complexities of representation in Love, Victor

ABSTRACT This article examines the Hulu/Disney+ dramedy, Love, Victor (2020–2022), highlighting its initial problematic and racist conflation of race/ethnicity and culture/religion to depict people of color as backwards and homophobic and white characters as secular, progressive, and accepting. However, the narrative evolves as the non-white mothers reclaim their understanding of religion to support their gay children. Bringing together Latinx Media Studies and the intersections between race/ethnicity and culture/religion, this article employs critical textual analysis to examine scenes throughout three seasons of Love, Victor. This article underscores the ever-changing landscape of representation for people of color.

Pedagogical Strategies for the Development of Critical and Reflective Thinking in Students

This article discusses the importance of developing critical and reflective thinking in students in the context of 21st-century education. The research, of a bibliographic and qualitative nature, is based on learning theories, such as constructivism and meaningful learning, and educational theories, such as differentiated pedagogy and self-directed learning. It points to the need to break away from the traditional teaching model and presents pedagogical strategies to promote critical and reflective thinking, such as Problem-Based and Project-Based Learning (PBL), structured debates and discussions, critical analysis of texts, and Socratic questioning. The study highlights the potential of these strategies for developing essential skills for the 21st century, such as autonomy, problem-solving, decision-making, and creativity. Furthermore, it discusses the challenges and opportunities of implementing these strategies on a large scale, emphasizing the need for investments in teacher training and adaptation of school infrastructure.

Towards inclusivity: Dalit women’s representation in contemporary Telugu cinescapes

Cinema acts as a cultural product, a medium of expression and a source of popular entertainment; usually it appears to conscientiously genuflect to upper-caste dictums. Since its inception, Telugu cinema, or Tollywood, the third-largest film industry in India, has produced various caste-based films like Gudavalli Ramabrahmam’s Malapilla (1938), Kasinadhuni Vishwanath’s Kalam Marindhi (1972) and K. Balachander’s Rudraveena (1988), amongst others. In the discourse surrounding caste, the ‘Dalit woman question’ and its representation is either consciously ignored or erased, and thus, it stands enfolded in upper-caste reformist politics. This article analyses the representation of Dalit women in select Telugu films produced at significant sociopolitical junctures of contemporary times. These films mark a significant departure from the stereotypical representation of Dalit women as submissive and portray them as women with voices. Within the larger framework of feminist activism and human rights discourse, we see Dalit women protagonists in these films with an agentic space of their own. In the Indian context, where equality and no discrimination are constitutional rights, the films under discussion, Srikanth Addala’s Narappa (2021) and Sekhar Kammula’s Love Story (2021), are an appropriate intervention to showcase the inclusivity of Dalit women in the larger scheme of Indian feminism. This study employs critical textual and frame analysis to read selected Telugu films as cultural texts with Dalit feminist consciousness embedded within them.

A SYNOPSIS OF THE THREE MOST INFLUENTIAL APPROACHES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS

The objective of this paper is to investigate and summarize the primary and most influential methods used in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). The paper provides an overview of CDA and its core principles then delves into the three major approaches devised by the three prominent practitioners in the field: Fairclough, Wodak, and Van Dijk. The critical approach by Fairclough, the discourse-historical approach by Wodak, and the socio-cognitive approach by Van Dijk are discussed in a sequential manner. The study also explores the strengths and limitations of each approach and proposes the contexts in which their methodologies might be applied. In conclusion, the paper suggests that a combination of these three approaches is valuable for conducting critical analysis of texts.

Putting the exposome into practice: An analysis of the promises, methods and outcomes of the European human exposome network

ObjectivesContemporary research on the exposome, i.e. the sum of all the exposures an individual encounters throughout life and that may influence human health, bears the promise of an integrative and policy-relevant research on the effect of environment on health. Critical analyses of the first generation of exposome projects have voiced concerns over their actual breadth of inclusion of environmental factors and a related risk of molecularization of public health issues. The emergence of the European Human Exposome Network (EHEN) provides an opportunity to better situate the ambitions and priorities of the exposome approach on the basis of new and ongoing research. MethodsWe assess the promises, methods, and limitations of the EHEN, as a case study of the second generation of exposome research. A critical textual analysis of profile articles from each of the projects involved in EHEN, published in Environmental Epidemiology, was carried out to derive common priorities, innovations, methodological and conceptual choices across EHEN and to discuss it. ResultsEHEN consolidates its integrative outlook by reinforcing the volume and variety of data, its data analysis infrastructure and by diversifying its strategies to deliver actionable knowledge. Yet data-driven limitations severely restrict the geographical and political scope of this knowledge to health issues primarily related to urban setups, which may aggravate some socio-spatial inequalities in health in Europe. ConclusionsThe second generation of exposome research doubles down on the initial ambition of an integrative study of the environmental effects of health to fuel better public health interventions. This intensification is, however, accompanied by significant epistemological challenges and doesn't help to overcome severe restrictions in the geographical and political scope of this knowledge. We thus advocate for increased reflexivity over the limitations of this conceptually and methodologically integrative approach to public and environmental health.

Character conflicts in the work of Dina Rubina

The subject of the study is the conflicts between the characters in the works of Dina Rubina – "Lubka", "On the Upper Maslovka", and the object is the work of Dina Rubina as a whole. This article analyzes the conflicts that arise between the characters in the literary works of the famous Russian writer Dina Rubina: "Lyubka", "On the Upper Maslovka". Through the clash of characters, the author of the article discusses how Rubina reveals the complex vicissitudes of human life, emotional experiences and psychological drama. Readers can follow the development of conflicts, their impact on the fate of characters and how they help to reveal the main ideas of each work. The thematic aspects of Dina Rubina's works and their relationship with conflicts between characters are also highlighted. Special attention is paid to the analysis of psychological aspects and the depth of characterization of the characters, so that readers can fully sympathize with them and plunge into the unique world created by the author. Research methods include the analysis of scientific literature on the research topic, critical analysis of texts, comparative analysis and generalization of the data obtained. The scientific novelty of this study lies in the fact that it is aimed at identifying and systematizing character conflicts in Rubina's stories and represents the first experience of a comprehensive analysis of this issue. Summing up the impact of conflicts on the artistic value of Dina Rubina's works, we can say that they create realism and depth of works. The conflict allows us to reveal the complexity of the inner world of the characters and put them in front of a serious moral choice. They help to show conflicts in social issues and family relationships, as well as promote understanding and acceptance of different points of view. In general, the conflicts in Dina Rubina's works contribute to their deep content and reflect the complex reality of modern society.

Efektivitas metode pengajaran kitab kuning fathul qarib dalam pembelajaran fiqih di ponpes agro nuur el falah

This research aims to increase the effectiveness of the Fathul Qarib yellow book teaching method in learning fiqh at the Agro Nuur El Falah Islamic Boarding School. The yellow book Fathul Qarib was chosen as the main focus because it is one of the primary sources in Islamic studies which has long been used in various traditional Islamic boarding schools. The teaching methods applied include an interactive and participatory approach, using group discussion techniques, critical analysis of texts, and the application of fiqh concepts in the context of everyday life. This research involved participants from the students of the Agro Nuur El Falah Islamic Boarding School who were involved in a fiqh learning program using the yellow book Fathul Qarib. Data was collected through observation, interviews and questionnaires for students' understanding and acceptance of this teaching method. Data analysis was carried out using a qualitative approach to measure the effectiveness of learning methods. The results of the research show that the Fathul Qarib yellow book teaching method significantly increases the understanding of Islamic jurisprudence and the involvement of students in learning. It was also found that the interactive and participatory approach encouraged positive criticism of fiqh concepts, as well as facilitating the integration of Islamic values ​​in everyday life. This research contributes to the development of fiqh learning methods in Islamic boarding schools by exploring the potential of the yellow book Fathul Qarib as an effective teaching resource. The implications of this research can be a guide for Islamic educational institutions in improving the quality of learning and understanding of fiqh concepts among students.

The Hero, the White Savior, and the Smuggler: Criminalized Figures in the Landscape of Solidarity Toward Migrants

One recent shift in the ever-expanding crackdown on migration and implementation of a hostile environment for migrants in the EU has been the criminalization of migrant solidarity. Using various legal tools, EU governments have been trying to hinder solidarity actions from civil society. In particular, a narrative depicting civilians helping migrants as criminals has been elaborated by European organizations and strengthened by far-right groups and dominant press outlets. In reaction, a counter-narrative has been constructed and spread by pro-migrant groups and liberal media, which presents criminalized activists as criminalized heroes and their actions as humanitarian. Based on a critical discourse analysis of academic texts, press articles, and empirical research with pro-migrant activists, this article examines two criminal figures from the civilian search and rescue field: the “activist associated with smugglers” and its counterpart, the “criminalized hero.” Through the lens of figuration of crime and social justice, the article brings a new understanding of the de- and repoliticization processes that occur in the field of humanitarian help and migration. By analyzing these two figures, the paper also contributes to a better understanding of the competing moral orders underpinning criminal and social justice claims in the field of solidarity toward migrants. On the one hand, the figure of the activist associated with smuggler is part of a criminal justice narrative depicting migration as a threat to political, social, and economic stability. On the other hand, the criminalized hero figure includes a counter-narrative to this moral order based on the defense of a social justice frame of solidarity and the protection of human rights. Within the pro-migrant activist’s scene, the criminalized hero and its social justice frame are criticized for reproducing racist and post-colonial practices of humanitarianism.

Critical literacies, imagination and the affective turn: Postgraduate students’ redesigns of race and gender in South African higher education

In this paper, we build on critical literacy scholarship and the affective turn, focusing particularly on the redesign process. A close and critical textual analysis of student responses to two assignments in the postgraduate education module Language and Literacy, Theories and Practices, enables us to trace the critical-creative-affective moves that students made when required to analyse and redesign university student recruitment advertisements. Students’ analyses and redesigns illustrate 1) how identification/disidentification with issues of power across gender, race, and (de)coloniality enable them to enter ‘relations of affective solidarity’ as a complex form of empathy, 2) the nuanced negotiations of affect in doing critical literacies across reading and redesign and 3) the ways in which affect surfaces differently for each student across contrasting genres and ‘revealed spaces’ (Boler, 1999).