Idioms Research Articles

Aggregate: fast, accurate, and flexible approximation of compound probability distributions

Abstract Aggregate implements an efficient fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based algorithm to approximate compound probability distributions. Leveraging FFT-based methods offers advantages over recursion and simulation-based approaches, providing speed and accuracy to otherwise time-consuming calculations. Combining user-friendly features and an expressive domain-specific language called DecL, Aggregate enables practitioners and nonprogrammers to work with complex distributions effortlessly. The software verifies the accuracy of its FFT-based numerical approximations by comparing their first three moments to those calculated analytically from the specified frequency and severity. This moment-based validation, combined with carefully chosen default parameters, allows users without in-depth knowledge of the underlying algorithm to be confident in the results. Aggregate supports a wide range of frequency and severity distributions, policy limits and deductibles, and reinsurance structures and has applications in pricing, reserving, risk management, teaching, and research. It is written in Python.

Foreign Language Anxiety Phenomenon and Coping Strategies among Students in Business English Audio-Visual and Speaking Courses

As a course that emphasizes practical international business communication skills, Business English Audiovisual Speaking requires students not only to master language skills, but also to be able to apply them flexibly in a real business environment. However, this highly practical and professional requirement often causes students to encounter difficulties in language comprehension, expression and failure to keep up with the progress in the learning process, thus triggering foreign language anxiety. Such anxiety not only affects students' learning efficiency, but also may lead them to fear negative evaluations and even refuse to communicate in a second language when necessary. Based on the theory of foreign language anxiety, this study takes students majoring in Business English in College G as the research object and analyzes in depth the phenomenon of students' foreign language anxiety in Business English Audiovisual Speaking course. It is found that students generally have moderate to severe foreign language and listening anxiety in this course. To this end, targeted coping strategies were proposed, including students' self-regulation strategies and teachers' effective teaching methods. These strategies aim to help students alleviate their foreign language anxiety, thereby improving their language learning, and ultimately cultivating high-quality talents who are competent in the international business environment. Through this study, we hope to provide an empirical basis for the field of business English education and contribute to the reduction of students' foreign language anxiety and the improvement of teaching quality.

EXPRESSIVE SPEECH ACTS IN DANIELLE STEEL'S A PERFECT LIFE

This study explores the use of expressive speech acts in Danielle Steel’s novel A Perfect Life, aiming to uncover how these acts contribute to character development and narrative progression. The primary objective is to analyze the prevalence and functions of expressive speech acts—such as expressions of pleasure, pain, joy, sorrow, like, dislike, and apology—within the text. The theoretical framework is grounded in speech act theory, particularly focusing on expressive speech acts as defined by J. L. Austin and further developed by John Searle. This research employs a qualitative approach to dissect and categorize the expressive language used by the novel’s main characters. The analysis reveals a notable dominance of dislike and apology among the expressive speech acts, with a lesser focus on pain, joy, and pleasure. Dislike emerges as the most frequently utilized act, reflecting significant emotional and narrative weight in the characters' interactions. The study's findings suggest that expressive speech acts are crucial in conveying emotional depth and relational dynamics within the novel. The implications of this research highlight the role of expressive speech acts in enhancing narrative engagement and character development. Understanding these dynamics offers valuable insights for literary analysis and can inform future studies on character expression in fiction. The study anticipates that further research could explore the comparative application of expressive speech acts across different genres and authors, expanding the understanding of emotional expression in literature.

Challenges in Translating Press Terminology in Arabic: An Analytical Study

This article explores the challenges of translating press terminology into Arabic, highlighting the importance of accurate translation for effective cross-cultural communication. Specific translation difficulties, including terms without direct equivalents, idiomatic expressions, and culturally sensitive phrases, are examined. Through a comparative analysis, the study identifies strategies such as standardization, adaptation, and paraphrasing to improve translation accuracy and readability. Recommendations for further research emphasize the need for standardized terminology and enhanced translator training to address these complexities and promote clarity in Arabic media.

Proficiency of Turing test on Nigerian Major Languages; Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa Using Google Translate

Google Translate performance evaluation in translating between English and three Nigerian languages: Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, highlighting its strengths and limitations using the Turing Test. The study assessed whether participants could distinguish Artificial Intelligence (AI) - generated translations from human translations which reveals that Google Translate handles basic communication in these languages but struggles with more complex linguistic features. The tool adequately translates straightforward sentences in Yoruba language, but falters with idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and tonal nuances, the same problem refects in Igbo language facing challenges with more complex sentences and dialectal variations, resulting in culturally irrelevant outputs. Hausa performed better due to the availability of a larger training dataset, delivering more accurate translations for common phrases, but still struggled with cultural and contextual nuances.The findings suggest that Google Translate's limitations prevent it from passing a Turing Test with native speakers of Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa. While understandable translations are produced for basic sentences, native speakers can easily detect inconsistencies, awkward phrasing, and a lack of cultural nuance. These issues underscore the significant gap between AI translation and human-like proficiency for African languages. Keyword: Turing test, Nigerian Major Languages; Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa Using Google Translate Abiola, O.A., Adebisi R.O. & Akinola, S.O. (2024): Proficiency of Turing test on Nigerian Major Languages; Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa Using Google Translate. Journal of Advances in Mathematical & Computational Science. Vol. 12, No. 3. Pp 1-12 Available online at www.isteams.net/mathematics-computationaljournal. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/MATHS/V12N4P1

Prenatal diagnosis, ultrasound findings and pregnancy outcome of 7q11.23 deletion and duplication syndromes: what are the fetal features?

ObjectiveAnalyze the ultrasound findings, single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) results, and pregnancy outcomes of fetuses with 7q11.23 deletions and duplications in the second and third trimesters. Investigate the prenatal ultrasound characteristics and follow up information of these fetuses.MethodsSeven fetuses were diagnosed with 7q11.23 deletion and six with 7q11.23 duplication via SNP-array at the prenatal diagnosis center of a single Chinese tertiary medical center from January 2017 to May 2024. Maternal demographics, ultrasound findings, SNP-array results, pregnancy outcomes, and follow-up information were comprehensively reviewed and analyzed.ResultsThe copy number variations (CNVs) ranged from 1.43 Mb to 1.78 Mb in cases of 7q11.23 deletions and from 1.42 Mb to 1.68 Mb in cases of 7q11.23 duplications. These CNVs encompassed 29 OMIM-listed genes, including ELN, DNAJC30, GTF2IRD1, and GTF2I. Among the seven cases of 7q11.23 deletion syndrome, six exhibited ultrasound abnormalities. The main clinical phenotypes included three cases of intrauterine growth restriction and four cases of cardiovascular system abnormalities, specifically two cases with ventricular septal defects, one case with aortic narrowing, and one case with supravalvular pulmonary stenosis. One case was particularly notable, exhibiting complex multi-organ structural malformations. Out of six cases of 7q11.23 duplication syndrome, five exhibited ultrasound abnormalities. These included two cases of cardiovascular abnormalities: one case with a widened left ventricle and another case with a shortened fetal humerus length. One case revealed complex multi-organ structural malformations, including hydronephrosis, a microgallbladder, and a cleft lip and palate. All seven cases of 7q11.23 deletions and three cases of 7q11.23 duplications opted for termination of the pregnancy. The remaining three cases of 7q11.23 duplications chose to continue the pregnancy. One case underwent surgical treatment for a ventricular septal defect after birth, and the prognosis was favorable. Another case involved a full-term delivery, this child was followed up at the age of 4 and exhibited a phenotype of poor language expression ability.ConclusionOur study broadened the clinical phenotype spectrum of fetuses with 7q11.23 deletions and duplications. Additionally, it conducted a preliminary evaluation of prenatal ultrasound findings and postnatal clinical phenotypes in follow-up cases. The clinical phenotype of fetuses with 7q11.23 deletion and duplication syndromes involves multiple systems and is relatively complex. Cardiovascular abnormalities and intrauterine growth restriction are the most common clinical manifestations observed in prenatal 7q11.23 deletion syndrome. Fetuses with 7q11.23 duplications exhibit a wide range of clinical phenotypes that lack specificity.

Teaching English Idioms: A Focus on Cultural Adaptation and Contextual Learning in Kosovo - Case Study: Public International Business College in Mitrovica, Kosovo

This study investigates effective strategies for teaching idioms to English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students, emphasizing the complexity of idiomatic expressions, which often convey figurative meanings different from their literal interpretations. Idioms are pervasive in mass media, textbooks, and everyday communication, presenting a significant challenge for learners. Our research explores multiple strategies to enhance idiomatic competence, including the incorporation of English idioms into contextual stories, the use of visual aids, and engaging activities such as group discussions and role-playing. These approaches aim to boost student motivation and encourage active participation. Special attention is given to cultural adaptation, with a focus on prioritizing meaning over form to preserve the cultural essence of the target language. The study acknowledges the role of personal values in shaping awareness and behavior, which in turn influence value orientations and social character. We propose various exercises to assess students’ understanding of idioms, contributing to the development of culturally adaptive and contextually relevant teaching methodologies. Our findings suggest that these strategies not only improve idiomatic comprehension but also foster a deeper cultural connection and appreciation among learners. Received: 16 August 2024 / Accepted: 31 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Ars Memoriae

Ars Memoriae, The Art to Remember analyzes the role of art within the larger history and evolution of external memory devices. It looks at material traces of remembering and the invention of an ever-changing body of language expressions, like signs and symbols, to enhance communication capabilities. I followed the process of externalizing emotions, knowledge, and information, starting in the Palaeolithic Stone Age about 3 million years ago, until, in a speculative future, it will be internalized again using artificial wetware, neuro-computers, and DNA coding. > Click on the image to download the PDF.

What role does the environment play in language development? Exploring the associations among socioeconomic status, parent language input, and language skills in school-aged children with autism.

Language development in children with autism is influenced by proximal (e.g., parent language input) and distal (e.g., socioeconomic status) environmental constructs. Studies have found that "rich and responsive" parent language input supports autistic children's language development, and recent work has reported positive associations between measures of socioeconomic status (SES) and child language skills. However, little is known about how these proximal and distal environmental constructs interact to shape language development in autism. In a sample of 74 autistic school-aged children, the present study investigated the associations among measures of SES, the quantity and quality of language produced by parents and children during home-based dyadic parent-child interactions, and children's expressive and receptive language skills. Results showed that annual household income was positively associated with parent number of total words (NTW), parent number of different words (NDW), and parent mean length of utterance (MLU), while neither parent education level nor annual household income were significantly associated with measures of child language skills. Parent MLU was positively associated with child MLU and child expressive language skills. Findings suggest that annual household income may influence both the quantity and quality of parent language input, and that parent MLU, a qualitative measure of parent language input, may play a particularly important role in shaping autistic children's expressive language development. Future research should study longitudinal associations among SES, parent language input, and child language skills, as identifying environmental predictors of language skills in autism may facilitate the creation of more effective interventions that support language development.

Choosing the right methods during the formation of speaking skills

This article examines the selection of effective methods for developing speaking skills in English language education, with a particular focus on the grammar-translation method. While this traditional method supports foundational vocabulary and grammar acquisition, it presents challenges in fostering oral communication and active speaking skills. Through a survey of third-year English language teaching students, this study identifies both the advantages and limitations of the grammar-translation method in achieving balanced language proficiency. Additionally, the role of idiomatic expressions and cultural context is explored as essential components for enhancing communicative competence in language learners.

A meta-analysis of the relationship between speech and language development in children with nonsyndromic cleft palate with or without cleft lip

Objective Children with nonsyndromic cleft palate with or without cleft lip are at risk of speech production and language delays. In typical development, a strong relationship exists between speech and expressive language development. However, the understanding of this relationship in children with nonsyndromic cleft palate with or without cleft lip is incomplete. The objective of this study was to determine the average correlation between consonant inventory and two expressive language skills in children with NSCP ± L. Design The study used a random effects meta-analyses design. Articles were included by searching PubMed, APA PsycINFO, and ERIC. Main Outcome Measures Correlations between consonant inventory and (1) expressive vocabulary and (2) mean length of utterance. Result Based on eight studies representing 187 children with nonsyndromic cleft palate with or without cleft lip, consonant inventory was positively correlated with expressive vocabulary size (k = 8, z = 0.74, SE = .16, p < .001, [0.424, 1.052]). Using data from four studies, representing 83 children with nonsyndromic cleft palate with or without cleft lip, consonant inventory had a positive nonsignificant correlation with mean length of utterance (k = 4, z = 0.513, SE = 0.293, p = .081, [−0.063, 1.088]). Conclusion Results support a connection between consonant inventory and expressive vocabulary size in children with nonsyndromic cleft palate with or without cleft lip across four languages. Small consonant inventories are often associated with expressive language delays.

THE ROLE OF AMERICAN STORIES IN TEACHING ENGLISH

This study examines the effectiveness of using American stories in ESL education to enhance cultural understanding, vocabulary, listening, and pronunciation skills. By engaging with American folktales and literature, students gain exposure to idiomatic expressions, cultural nuances, and diverse language structures within meaningful contexts. Storytelling reduces language anxiety, promotes critical thinking, and provides practical language use models. Suggested classroom applications include storytelling circles, role-playing, and thematic discussions, which collectively foster cultural literacy, engagement, and language proficiency.

TECHNOLOGIES FOR DEVELOPING STUDENTS' PHRASEOLOGICAL COMPETENCE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LESSONS (BASED ON EXAMPLES FROM GRADES 5-9)

This article explores the significance of developing phraseological competence in English language lessons for students in grades 5-9. It highlights the importance of idiomatic expressions, collocations, and fixed phrases in achieving effective communication and language proficiency. The article presents various technological tools, including interactive learning platforms, digital storytelling tools, online phraseology resources, video and multimedia resources, and mobile applications, that can enhance students’ understanding and use of phraseological units. Practical classroom examples illustrate how these technologies can be integrated into lesson plans to foster engagement and collaboration among students. Ultimately, the article underscores the role of educators in equipping students with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the English language, preparing them for success in diverse contexts.

Liar Detector Trained by Japanese Language Expressions and Validation of Domain Independence

Liar Detector Trained by Japanese Language Expressions and Validation of Domain Independence

중국인 학습자의 신문 기사 제목 이해 연구: 고급 학습자의 어휘력을 중심으로

Objectives The purpose of this study is to measure how vocabulary knowledge(both quantitative and qualitative) affects Chinese advanced learners when they understand the newspaper title. Methods To this end, a preliminary experiment was first conducted with four advanced learners (2 at Level 5 and 2 at Level 6). The preliminary experiment was used to address any ambiguities in the test materials and to adjust the number and order of the presented items. Based on the results of the preliminary experiment, a formal experi-ment was carried out with 60 advanced Chinese learners, divided into two phases: the first phase and a second phase involving post-experiment interviews. Additionally, this study conducted a statistical analysis of the col-lected data using SPSS 24.0, employing independent sample t-tests and paired sample t-tests. Results As a result, since advanced learners already have a certain quantitative vocabulary knowledge, there is little obstacle to understanding the title of newspaper without specific vocabulary. Conversely, it was found that a lack of qualitative vocabulary knowledge made it difficult to understand the title of newspaper with specific vocabulary. In particular, in the case of ‘vocabulary with figurative meaning’ and ‘the idiomatic phrases’ of the newspaper title, it was found that learners had more difficulty understanding the newspaper title. Conclusions Therefore, in order to improve the skilled vocabulary and practical vocabulary use of foreign learners, it is necessary to devise educational methods for these vocabulary in the future.

The impact of contextual understanding on neural machine translation accuracy: A case study of Indonesian cultural idioms in English translation

The translation of Indonesian idiomatic expressions into English using Neural Machine Translation (NMT) systems presents significant challenges due to the intricate nature of idiomatic language. Idioms are culturally embedded constructs conveying meanings different from their literal interpretations. This study explores the effectiveness of NMT systems in capturing and translating Indonesian idiomatic expressions into English. Using a qualitative approach, 150 diverse Indonesian idioms were evaluated through Google Translate and DeepL. Each idiom was assessed for semantic accuracy, syntactic coherence, and contextual fidelity. Qualitative analysis provided a comprehensive evaluation of translation quality. Findings reveal significant challenges for NMT systems in translating idiomatic expressions. Both Google Translate and DeepL show strengths in some areas, but also have limitations. While they generally capture literal meanings, they often miss metaphorical nuances and cultural connotations. Syntactic errors such as incorrect word order and tense inconsistencies are common, especially in complex idioms. In addition, contextual fidelity analysis shows that NMT systems struggle with contextual appropriateness and pragmatic usage, resulting in translations lacking cultural sensitivity and relevance. These challenges highlight the need for improved algorithms to better interpret and translate idiomatic language across cultural contexts. Accurate idiom translation is crucial for language learners to understand cultural nuances and idiomatic usage. Enhancing the capabilities of NMT systems requires refining algorithms, developing context-aware models, and expanding training datasets with diverse idiomatic expressions. Overcoming these challenges will advance machine translation capabilities and improve cross-cultural communication and language learning experiences.

Kiswahili Translation in Digital Media Platforms: Bridging Language Gaps in the AI Age

Purpose: As digital media platforms continue to proliferate globally, the need for multilingual content in these platforms has become increasingly apparent. Translation of online content is a necessity for netizens and other digital platform users who seek knowledge and information around a myriad of user-generated content on diverse issues and topics. Being a widely spoken language that goes beyond the borders of East Africa, Kiswahili’s significance in bridging linguistic barriers and facilitating communication and information access for Kiswahili speakers is clear. The purpose of this exploratory research paper was to examine the state of Kiswahili as a language of translation through different technologies across varied translation apps and social media platforms such as Facebook, You Tube, Tik Tok and Netflix. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design. Data collection was done through online data mining tools including API access for web scrapping and manual extraction of content through random search engine searches. The data for the study included 10 sentences, 10 videos and 25 specific word forms such as proverbs, spiritual/religious words, similes and cultural words for food, beauty and family ties. Content analysis for both text and multimedia content such as written sentences, social media posts and videos was done. The study analyzed translation outputs of 14 Kiswahili translation apps in order to establish the status and accuracy of these translations. Of key consideration was the role of AI technology in the translation apps and the effect it has on the translated texts across different apps. The challenges and emerging issues facing Kiswahili translation through digital technologies were also explored. Findings: The findings of this study showed that the Apps used for Kiswahili translation have demonstrated great translation accuracy in basic semantic forms, with an average score of 60% accuracy upon random searches and between 10-30% accuracy for cultural forms and idiomatic expressions. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was guided by the Skopos theory by Hans Vermeer (1978) which was complemented by the Relevance Theory by Dan Sperber and Deidre Wilson (1986). These Apps seem to have the feature of interoperability in that they seem to produce the same results suggesting that the AI supported feature in the apps may be interconnecting the apps during translation. The study advocates for more AI integration translation apps as this will help standardize Kiswahili translation corpus.

Mobile Adventure: RIAMOS to Strengthen the Development of Mathematical Logic and Language in Early Education in Rural Contexts

In the development of the substantive function of the link with society of the National University of Education (UNAE), the Mobile Adventure: RIAMOS project arises from the career of Early Childhood Education (EI), with the aim of building experiential learning experiences, from educational contexts that promote the comprehensive training of children in early childhood in rural contexts. Therefore, this research analyses the impact of Aventura Móvil: RIAMOS on the development of the areas of logical-mathematical relations, comprehension and expression of language in early education in rural contexts. We worked with a methodology based on a mixed approach, with a prevalence of a qualitative, descriptive and interpretative approach and a quantitative approach focused on the pre- and post-tests applied to children in rural parishes in Cañar and Azuay. Mobile Adventure: RIAMOS is a space that integrates different actors: students, parents, authorities, teachers, students in training for comprehensive education. Through the pre-test, educational needs were identified, which were strengthened throughout the class sessions through the implementation of innovative planning, relevant to reality. The post-test reflected the advances and progress made by each child with the application of the didactic strategies and activities. In summary, Mobile Adventure: RIAMOS proves to be an effective initiative to enhance the reinforcement and integral learning of children in rural environments.

M-MAT Meta: Treatment of Self-Awareness and Language for Individuals With Severe Wernicke's Aphasia.

In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of language plus goal management training program for individuals with aphasia. The intervention targeted expressive language, while concurrently integrating tasks designed to improve executive function and error awareness. A single-subject repeated-measures design was utilized to determine whether a combined treatment (Multi-Modal Aphasia Therapy PLUS Goal Management Training [M-MAT Meta]) would be efficacious for individuals with aphasia. This article reports on two participants with severe Wernicke's aphasia, who comprised one of the four dyads of the study. Treatment was administered in a small group setting (N = 2) for 2 hr per day, 3 days per week for 4 weeks. Individual video feedback sessions were conducted once a week. Analysis of outcomes included visual inspection and calculation of Tau-U effect sizes of probed treatment data as well as statistical analysis of standardized language and executive function assessments. Visual inspection indicated improvements in naming and discourse skills, which were maintained at the 1-month follow-up. Both participants' standardized scores indicated a significant decrease in aphasia severity, which was maintained 1 month posttreatment. Error awareness improved for one of the two participants, but this improvement was not maintained. Participants demonstrated increased inhibition of unwanted responses and took longer on the planning and problem-solving time required to complete the assessment, indicating a decrease in impulsivity. The results of this preliminary study suggest that M-MAT Meta may be an effective way to increase self-awareness and communication in individuals with severe Wernicke's aphasia.

A Formal Literature Review: The Roles of Cross-language Similarity and Context in Adults’ Idiom Learning of a Second Language

This essay reviews some existing papers to understand how the similarities between a person’s native language and the new language they are learning, and the context affects adult learners’ ability to acquire idioms in a second language. Idioms are a common form of communication in any language. Therefore, it is essential for truly mastering a new language. However, due to their rich cultural connotations and the need for communicative contexts, learning these idiomatic expressions can be quite difficult. Previous studies have shown that in the process of learning a second language, idioms in the new language are easier to master when they are very similar in meaning or structure to those in the learner’s first language. In addition, the rich context can also help learners better understand and use them. Future studies should delve into the influential mechanisms and create more effective strategies to help adults become proficient in using idioms of a second language.