Language Discourse Research Articles

Assessment and theoretical interpretation of spoken discourse and cognitive skills in two adolescents with acquired brain injury

Purpose Although discourse assessment is recommended, few tools exist for adolescent acquired brain injury (ABI) and few theories describe the contribution of cognition to discourse impairment. This study explored whether a novel discourse protocol can identify difficulties following ABI and whether a discourse processing model provides a useful account of impairment. Method Using a case-control design, two adolescent males with moderate ABI (12 and 14 years) were compared to a neurotypical sample on a range of language and cognitive assessments. Patterns in performance were interpreted using a theoretical model. Participants completed a standardised omnibus language assessment, discourse assessment, and battery of cognitive tasks. Result Analyses revealed significant differences in discourse and cognition between adolescents with and without ABI. No impairment was detected on a standardised language assessment. Patterns in discourse and cognition aligned with a contemporary model of discourse processing. Conclusion Participants with ABI demonstrated discourse deficits relative to the neurotypical reference sample. The findings demonstrate the value of discourse sampling across multiple genres and analysis of microlinguistic to superstructural features. A structure-building framework (SBF) model, originating in schizophrenia, provides a promising theory with which to interpret discourse impairment and has the potential to inform intervention for discourse in ABI.

A pragmatic analysis of selected ASUU strike memes motivated humour on social media

Memes, as humorous and visually captivating pieces of content, have revolutionized the way people communicate and express themselves on social media platforms. During times of academic unrest caused by the recurring ASUU strikes, these memes have played a pivotal role in providing a creative outlet for expressing frustrations, criticisms, and solidarity among students, educators, and concerned citizens. This paper, therefore, undertook a pragmatic analysis of selected 5 (five) ASUU strike memes sourced from WhatsApp, Facebook, Google, and Twitter aiming to unravel the underlying motivations behind their creation and dissemination, with a particular emphasis on the role of humor as a primary motivator. The used critical qualitative research and purposive sampling technique to select five ASUU memes. Acheoach's Pragma-crafting theory was adopted as the theoretical framework of the study. Findings reveal that the nuanced satirical techniques embedded within the memes, including the use of humorous images, wordplay, and linguistic ambiguities, capture and reflect the sentiments and experience of students and educators during the ASUU strikes. The study revealed the significance of communication acts and non-communication acts features such as indexicals (INDXL), shared macro-knowledge (SMK), shared contextual knowledge (SCK), shared knowledge of emergent context (SKEC), contextual presupposition (CP), geoimplicature (GI), behavioural implicature (BI), pragma-deviant (PD), object referred (OR), operative language (OL), and other discourse components were used by encoders (ENCs) of verbal elements (VEs) and non-verbal elements (NVEs) in understanding the interpretation of the sense of the act in ASUU strike memes. The study concludes that the humorous responses to the ASUU strike on social media shed light on the vigorous mix of words, images, and gestures.

One Journal, Different Practices: A Corpus-Based Study of Interactive Metadiscourse in Applied Linguistics

Abstract Research articles are a primary medium for scholars to communicate with disciplinary community, but there is little evidence suggesting how much writing practices on different research subjects within a discipline diverge in a single journal. This study remedies the oversight by comparing the use of interactive metadiscourse in the papers of Applied Linguistics on language acquisition and discourse analysis. Based on a corpus of 30 research articles on each research subject, results show that writers in language acquisition make a significantly more frequent use of additive and consequential transitional markers, reformulators, and non-integral citations. However, discourse analysts prefer to invest in exemplifiers, linear and non-linear references and topic shifts. All the differences can be attributable to the characteristics of disciplinary research paradigms, which lead to different knowledge-making and interactive patterns in academic writing. The findings offer empirical evidence to the rhetorical function of metadiscourse in constructing disciplinary knowledge, and raise pedagogical implications for EAP instructors to help scholars in applied linguistics increase international publications.

Russian culture through the prism of English, Finnish and Japanese languages: Reflections or refractions?

Thinning borders in the modern world result in intense translingual/transcultural communication. Yet, a language is originally fit to describe its own culture, while cultural reorientation requires considerable adaptation. The paper aims at researching the mechanisms of languages’ cultural reorientation as exemplified by the Japanese-, English- and Finnish-language Russia-centred discourse. The cultural reorientation of a language is seen as a mode of translation – translation of culture. Research questions are: What linguistic techniques to introduce exocultural context are preferred by the focus languages? What elements of the source culture are selected for constructing the Russia-centred discourse in the focus languages? The research is based on data in three unrelated languages. The data is organised in manually annotated corpora of culturally loaded texts of book titles. The analysis of translation techniques employed by different languages in the process of cultural reorientation revealed (a) the specificity of the strategy of translating culture as contrasted to that of traditional translation; (b) the features of the exoculture-centred discourse as affected by language-specific linguistic factors. The study of xenonyms, selected to represent the source culture, shows a considerable variation in the choice of representatives, while the types of xenonyms are largely comparable. The cross-linguistic research of Russia-centred discourse is crucial for understanding established discursive canon, which must serve as guidance for presenting and promoting Russian culture in intercultural dialogue.

Politeness in Language in Student Discussions at Akprind University Indonesia

Language politeness is a very important aspect in shaping students' language and character. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to aspects of politeness in language, so it is necessary to analyze any deviations and comply with the principles of politeness in language in discussions in the classroom. The method used in this research is a qualitative descriptive method. Data collection techniques use proficient free-involved listening techniques and note-taking techniques. Data analysis uses the practical equivalent method. Determining deviations and compliance with the principles of language politeness is based on indicators of language politeness with Leech's theory. The research results show that: 1) The maxims that are often violated in learning using the discussion method are: the maxim of generosity, the maxim of humility, and the maxim of agreement. 2) The maxim of that do not appear in learning using the discussion method are: the maxim of wisdom, the maxim of acceptance, and the maxim of sympathy. 3) The use of language in learning using the discussion method often uses inappropriate diction/word choices. 4) Language politeness in learning using the discussion method has not been fulfilled properly

DEVELOPING COMMUNICATION PROFICIENCY: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF LANGUAGE COMPETENCIES

This study delves into the multifaceted nature of communication proficiency, exploring the diverse language competencies essential for effective interpersonal and professional interactions. Through a multidimensional analysis, it is being investigated how linguistic, sociolinguistic, and strategic competencies interplay to shape an individuals communicative abilities. Drawing from contemporary linguistic theories and empirical research, the study identifies key components of language proficiency, including grammar, vocabulary, pragmatics, and discourse management. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative assessments of language skills with qualitative interviews to capture nuanced insights into the participants communication strategies and challenges. Findings reveal that proficiency extends beyond mere linguistic accuracy, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness, context sensitivity, and adaptability in real-world communication scenario. The study also highlights the role of continuous practice and feedback in enhancing language skills, proposing practical frameworks for educators and learners to foster holistic communicative competence. Ultimately, this analysis underscores the need for an integrated approach to language education that prioritizes functional and adaptive use of language, preparing individuals for the dynamic and diverse communication demands of contemporary society.

Two different language ideologies and conflicting representations of China in Chinese Mandarin and Hanja

AbstractThis article demonstrates the ambivalent sentiments of Koreans toward China as represented by the ideological construction of Hanja (traditional Chinese characters) and Chinese Mandarin embodied in Korean media. Adopting discourse analysis to examine what is described by different language ideologies, this article investigates language discourses concerning Hanja and Mandarin, locating the former mainly within linguistic nationalism and the latter within linguistic instrumentalism. This article puts forth two suggestions. First, investigating linguistic nationalism in relation to the use of Hanja not only displays negative and antagonistic attitudes toward China and the use of Hanja as an embodiment of humiliating historical experiences but also shows ambiguity, fluidity, and vulnerability of Korean national identity. Second, in contrast to Hanja, Koreans' heated enthusiasm to learn Mandarin shows their affection for China as a global market and becomes intertwined with linguistic instrumentalism, embodying an articulation of neoliberalism by reproducing structures of inequality.

Exploring the Interplay between Writing Practices and Identity Formation in Academic Contexts

In academic settings, the relationship between writing practices and identity formation is a cornerstone of scholarly inquiry. As individuals engage in writing, they convey information and construct and negotiate their identities within disciplinary, cultural, and linguistic frameworks. This review paper provides a comprehensive synthesis of existing scholarship on the intricate relationship between writing practices and identity formation in academic contexts. Drawing upon a systematic analysis of 30 studies, the paper illuminates the complex interplay between language, culture, and academic discourse in shaping authorial identities. Key themes explored include conceptualizing writing as an act of identity construction, the challenges faced by distinct student populations in establishing authorial voices, disciplinary variations in identity formation, and pedagogical implications for academic writing instruction. The review integrates diverse theoretical frameworks, such as sociocultural perspectives, academic literacy approaches, and integrationist models, offering a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms underlying identity construction through writing. Furthermore, this review also identifies gaps and potential avenues for future research, including the need for longitudinal studies, the exploration of individual agency in identity formation, and the examination of emerging technologies and interdisciplinary collaborations. Ultimately, this synthesis adds to ongoing conversations about how writing practices affect identity formation. It does this by informing teaching methods and institutional policies that support positive identity development among diverse academic communities.

Cognitive Signs of the Concept of Health by Example Advertising Discourse of the Kyrgyz Language

The implementation of the concept of health in modern advertising discourse of the Kyrgyz language is considered on the basis of newspaper publications. Advertising discourse of a certain language is an expressive and multifunctional platform for conducting conceptual research. Complex cognitive mechanisms and advertising strategies used to influence perception and behavior in relation to the concept of health are analyzed using examples of advertising texts in the Kyrgyz language; Also analyzed are the methods of persuasion with which the writers of advertising texts create advertisements in order to form a certain opinion among consumers that is necessary for the advertiser.

Exploring Discourse Markers in Analyzing Gender Discrimination in Pakistani Drama Serials: A Corpus-Based Study

This research examines gender-related language patterns and discourse markers in Pakistani drama serials, focusing on the lexical choices made by male and female authors. Drawing on Lakoff's model, we conduct qualitative content analysis on the selected episodes to uncover gender dynamics and power imbalances. Results show that men use words like "absolutely", "decide", "go", "listen", and "stop" along with self-referential pronouns "I" and "he" more frequently. Women employ words like "doubt", "maybe", "very", "excuse me", "wonder", "we", and "might", as well as pronouns "she", and "we" more often. These findings reveal gender stereotypes in Pakistani drama serials, underscoring the need for more diverse and inclusive narratives challenging traditional roles. This research impacts the broader media landscape, emphasizing media's role in shaping societal perceptions and the importance of promoting gender equality in representations. Moreover, by analyzing the corpus of Pakistani drama serials authored by both genders, our methodology employs qualitative content analysis, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive media environment by dissecting gender-related language patterns and discourse markers in these serials.

The Application of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) and Internet of Things (Iot) Middleware in Agriculture

Artificial intelligence (AI) devices like master frameworks, regular language handling, discourse acknowledgment, and machine vision have modified both the amount and nature of work in the rural area because of the developing worldwide populace, the rising interest for food, as well as changes in climate and the availability of water. Specialists and researchers are presently attempting to involve new IoT advances in savvy cultivating to help ranchers in making better seeds, crop assurance, and manures utilizing AI technology. Both the nation's overall economy and the profitability of ranchers will be benefited from this. Farming robots, prescient investigation, and soil and yield observing are the three main regions where AI is beginning to appear. In this sense, ranchers are utilizing sensors and soil test all the more often to gather information that the executives frameworks might use for more examination. Through an outline of AI applications in the farming business, this paper makes a commitment to the area. It starts with a prologue to AI and an investigation of all AI strategies utilized in the horticultural area, including AI, the Internet of Things using Universal Middleware, master frameworks, picture handling, and PC vision. This study incorporates a complete examination of the literature to research how artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are utilized in farming.

Analysis of Postcolonial Kazakh Poetry in the Context of Minor Literature

In the article, the characteristics and manifestations of post-colonial Kazakh poetry are analysed based on the concept of “minor literature” introduced by French philosophers Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari to the field of social sciences and postmodern discourse. During the period of the Soviet Union, that is, in the understanding of colonialism, the literature of the colonised peoples was always considered as someone else's literature, and the author himself was excluded and considered as “another person”. Even after independence, these complexes continued on literary/cultural/political basis. As a result, the image of the typical writer in literary texts, works, language, style, political content and collective discourse has undergone significant changes. This article analyses these and other changes in post-colonial Kazakh poetry in the context of minor literature. Focusing on the works of Kazakh poets, including Turmanbay Moldagaliyev's poems written after independence, and poets such as Yesengali Raushanov, Bakhytzhan Kanapiyanov, Meirkhan Akdauletuly, Temirkhan Medetbek, Bakhyt Kenzheev, it draws attention to the deterritorialisation of the language and the transformation of the Kazakh language into a creole language and the political and collective discourse of literary works. Within the framework of these studies, the psychological impact of colonialism and emancipation tendencies in post-colonial Kazakh society and political and social issues were evaluated through literary texts.

Лингводидактическая модель дискурс-анализа

The study aims to develop a scientifically substantiated, theoretically validated, and practically tested linguodidactic model of discourse analysis. The paper analyzes the evolution of the discourse direction in foreign language teaching, marked by stages such as focusing on the formation of the discourse component of communicative competence, developing a discourse-oriented approach to foreign language teaching, viewing discourse as an independent object of foreign language education and creating models of professionally oriented foreign language education based on discourse analysis. The main directions in the study of discourse were analyzed, with a focus on concepts that formed the methodological basis for developing the linguodidactic model of discourse analysis, specifically linguistic and constructionist approaches to discourse analysis. The scientific novelty of the study lies in proposing the linguodidactic model of discourse analysis aimed at professionally oriented foreign language education, based on the theoretical understanding of the fundamental principles of discourse theory. The work uncovered relevant concepts in linguodidactics related to discourse analysis, providing a basis for extrapolating them to issues in foreign language education. The linguodidactic significance of the sociolinguistic approach to discourse analysis was identified in terms of directing students’ attention to the nuances of verbal interactions among representatives of different organizations and public institutions. The importance of critical discourse analysis and discursive psychology in linguodidactics was also noted, with discourse being viewed as a form of social practice. The linguodidactic model of discourse analysis developed in the study includes a system of interconnected methodological techniques, facilitating a phased transition from analyzing and interpreting meanings encapsulated in verbal and nonverbal components of professionally oriented foreign language discourse to the actual production of discursive utterances.

The Problem of Semantic Shift in Modern Russian: Corpus Research on the Example of a News Media Discourse

This study discusses the issue of semantic shifts observed in high-frequency words, such as discourse, paradigm, narrative , in the news media discourse in the Russian language. It is shown that one of the effective methods of research is corpus analysis, for which an author’s corpus was created based on a random sample of texts of news articles published on the portal of the state news agency RIA Novosti over 2020-2023. Dynamic processes in the semantics of the analyzed highfrequency words were studied on the material of the National Corpus of the Russian language for the period 2000-2019. When considering the results obtained by the corpus analysis method, it was found out that, being initially the linguistic term, “narrative” turned into a functional proforma as a result of a semantic shift that occurred due to the diversity of newly acquired meanings, i.e. there was a modification of the original meaning of the word ‘ story, narration’ , which made the world into the universal one. The classical meaning of the word ‘ paradigm’ , characteristic of linguistics, is not represented in journalism, in the news media discourse it has been given other connotations such as scheme, model, idea, situation , which have moved into the core, nuclear area from the position of the near periphery. Some values are unique, so they have a small frequency (ipm). The interdisciplinary term “discourse” has turned into a term with vague semantics, but, unlike “narrative”, it is not a universal professional form, although it denotes processes occurring in various social spheres. It is shown that the semantic shift is not identical to the increase in the meaning of the word and is not determined strictly contextually. It is necessary to distinguish between the concept of semantic shift and the appearance of new meanings of the word, since the former is fixed in non-standard contexts and the demonstrated meaning cannot be clearly defined. In the course of the study, it was possible to establish that not all semantic shifts should be classified as erroneous, since it depends on the sphere in which the shift was detected. The use of the considered words in a different meaning is not profane, since the mobility of the lexical level of the language leads to transformations in speech and media discourse, allowing the appearance of texts stylistically close to the spoken style. Thus, we have identified and confirmed quantitatively the process of transformation of the words selected for analysis into pro-forms used as substitutes for a wide range of concepts.

Communication patterns and marital satisfaction: A review of English language discourse in family counseling

Effective communication lies at the heart of marital satisfaction, serving as a pivotal determinant in the success or failure of intimate relationships. This review delves into an in-depth review of English language discourse within the realm of family counseling, focusing on the intricate interplay between communication patterns and marital satisfaction. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, this review synthesizes the multifaceted dynamics of communication within marital relationships. It explores the diverse array of communication patterns exhibited by couples, ranging from constructive dialogues characterized by openness, empathy, and active listening, to maladaptive behaviors such as criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling. The impact of these communication patterns on marital satisfaction is scrutinized, elucidating how they influence emotional intimacy, conflict resolution, and overall relationship quality. Moreover, this review highlights the role of family counseling as a crucial intervention in addressing communication challenges within marital dyads. By employing evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and systemic approaches, counselors aim to facilitate healthy communication patterns and enhance marital satisfaction. The efficacy of various therapeutic strategies in fostering positive relational outcomes is examined, shedding light on the nuances of intervention implementation and client responsiveness. Furthermore, cultural considerations within English language discourse are explored, recognizing the diverse cultural backgrounds and communication styles of couples seeking counseling services. Cultural competence emerges as an essential component in understanding and navigating communication dynamics, ensuring that interventions are tailored to the unique needs and values of diverse clientele. This review underscores the pivotal role of communication patterns in shaping marital satisfaction, underscoring the significance of effective communication skills in fostering resilient and fulfilling relationships. By synthesizing empirical research and clinical insights, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between communication dynamics and marital well-being, thereby informing future research directions and clinical practice in the field of family counseling.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard: How Language and Societal Influences Shape Power and Discourses

The current paper aims to analyze the case of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s claims of domestic abuse, in the context of Foucault’s concepts of a socially constructed society, power, subject positions and discourses. Foucauldian Discourse Analysis goes against the westernized concept of structures such as gender, sexuality morality and norm, as it disregards the notion that these concepts are immutable and mainly biological, and suggests that society is fluid, placing the wider sociocultural and historical context of a society as the basic foundations of creating discourses, placing individual concepts and groups in hierarchies, with knowledge and power granting access to higher places in the societal hierarchy and therefore facilitating the production of discourses. In light of that, the introduction includes three qualitative studies that depict the fluidity of gender concepts regarding domestic abuse, and analyzing in the analysis section the power dynamics, subject positions and discourses created regarding the two actors, based on theoretical background around FDA analysis and social constructionism, qualitative studies, as well as recordings of the live trial in 2022 and two articles out of the four that were chosen, analyzing themes of gender differences, court environment and the media. The use of 6 analytic tools were used in order to identify the discourses, as well as explain the social constructionist perspective around gender and language. Keywords: Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, FDA, Gender, Discourse, Social constructionism

National and Cultural Content of the Heart Concept in the Axiological Component of the Worldview

The focus of the article is the universal Heart concept, which actively functions in many languages and is an integral component in constructing a figurative picture of the world. In the work, through the study of the Heart concept in the discourse of Russian, Kyrgyz, Dungan and Arabic languages, various semantic meanings and images evoked by it in the minds of speakers of different cultures are revealed; the national and cultural content of the concept is described; the features of the interpretation of the concept under consideration and its axiology are determined; the highest priority semantic meanings for the compared cultures are identified.

Staged reality in cinema: Contemporary interpretations and meanings

Relevance. The relevance of this subject is related to the development of information technology and new media, which has allowed wide access to cinema as a visual activity. The information media space is increasingly connected to human existence, and the demand for intangible goods and services inherent in post-industrial society is causing increasing demands for intellectual products outside the science and production industry.Purpose. In this context, the purpose of the study is to identify the plane of the significance of the staged reality of cinema as a dominant form of synthetic art, the attitude between artistic and nonartistic features of staged reality on the example of fiction and documentary cinema, and to outline the transformation of the structure of film reality as a constructor and medium.Methodology. The principal approaches to the study were structural and hermeneutic approaches to structural analysis in terms of the semiotics of culture of cinema reality sign space and the use of interpretive practices on textual objects.Results. The study describes the connection between the simulacrisation of cinema as a separate staged reality, capable of gaining independence from the original author's idea; the loss of the original author's role and the work itself as a text that is part of the global inter- and hypertext; and the role of the medium as a coherent, semantic carrier of content in the act of communication, which in its unity infinitely increases the possible perceptible meanings determined by the form.Conclusions. The materials of this study harmonise the theories of simulacra, author's death and mediumship in the context of cinema semiotics in the interpretative vector "mediumship-discourse-sign" and orient further research towards establishing the attitude between individual authorial language and cinema discourse in the context of hyperreality.

Lost in translation: The impact of foreign language reliance in medicine on public health

Quality medical care and optimal public health are the cornerstone objectives of the field of medicine and medical education. However, language barriers and the role of language in medicine, medical education, and healthcare have a significant impact. While developed countries prioritize their native language in medicine, developing countries often rely on foreign languages. Typically, discussions about this issue in developing countries revolve around pedagogical contexts. This commentary aims to explore an alternative aspect of this language discourse by examining how relying on foreign language in medicine may impact public health. This impact could encompass various aspects, including the influence on the doctor-patient relationship and the quality of healthcare provided, pedagogical considerations in doctors' learning and training, and the potential linguistic isolation of medicine from the general public. By addressing these ramifications, we can gain a deeper understanding of the role language plays in shaping public health outcomes.

Synaesthetic metaphors in the description of fragrance properties in perfumery discourse (on the material of the modern Spanish language)

The article deals with the use of synaesthetic metaphors with an olfactory component of meaning in the perfumery discourse of the Spanish language. Synaesthetic metaphors are considered as emotional-evaluative units of linguistic coding of interrelations of polysensory perception of smells, sounds, colours, tastes, temperatures through different organs of human perception and are the result of cognitive-symbolic integration of human sensory experience. The synaesthetic metaphor is viewed as a result of synaesthesia which at the level of perception influences the inventory of the linguistic means involved by the speaker. The source of the investigated empirical material studied is the fragrance descriptions presented on the website of the El Corte Ingles online store. The metaphors studied are classified according to the establishing the synaesthetic interaction of perceptual images, considering their general and particular characteristics, which are analyzed on the basis of the cognitive mechanisms underlying them, as well as from the point of view of their pragmatic potential. By applying the method of continuous sampling, component analysis, descriptive and quantitative research methods, synaesthetic metaphors have been identified, models of synaesthetic transfers have been revealed and their productivity has been established. The most productive models of synaesthetic metaphors used in the description of fragrance in perfumery discourse are models of transfer from tactile to olfactory and from visual to olfactory modalities, transfers from gustatory and auditory modalities are less represented. Also well sufficiently represented are the models of metaphorical transfer of two or more modalities to the olfactory modality.