Functional Theory Research Articles

КЫРГЫЗ ТИЛИНДЕГИ АЙРЫМ БАЙЫРКЫ МУЗЫКАЛЫК АСПАПТАРГА БАЙЛАНЫШТУУ СӨЗДӨРДҮН ЛЕКСИКА-СЕМАНТИКАЛЫК ӨЗГӨЧӨЛҮГҮ

The article presents the linguistic function of words Kyrgyz language. The lexical- semantic meanings of musical instruments, which appeared depending on the phenomena in the environment and the objects used, were interpreted. Musical instruments were used both as toys and as objects with religious beliefs. It was revealed that most of the names are formed from verbs, which were formed from imitative words. It is confirmed that the origin of the names is related to the material from which it is made and the function it performs. Synonymous variants of some ancient musical instruments in the Kyrgyz language are defined. It has been found that the sounds of instruments are closely related to the sounds of nature, the objects we use, the movements and sounds of animals. The lexical-semantic features of words related to Kyrgyz musical instruments are determined and the forms of their production are analyzed. The article reveals the role of ancient Kyrgyz national musical instruments in life and their linguistic function.

Balinese Language and Local Identity in a Multicultural Context; Issues, Challenges, and Preservation Efforts

This research aims to present the issues, challenges and opportunities of Balinese regional languages ​​in the context of multicultural society and culture. In the current context, the Balinese language is experiencing a decline in interest and use in daily life which is being eroded by the use of Indonesian and English by the people. The great influence of multiculturalism is detected in this context. This is proven by the proliferation of international standard Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle and High Schools, where these schools present and promise English as the language of instruction. The narrative literature review method is used as empirical data to support arguments. Some of the issues facing the Balinese language currently and in the future include the code mixing habits of parents in Bali, the proliferation of international schools, and the position of the Balinese language in the Indonesian curriculum. These issues refer to several challenges faced by the existence of the Balinese language, namely the shift in the identity of the younger generation, changes in the educational curriculum, and the shift in the function of regional languages. Several efforts have been made by various parties in order to preserve the Balinese language in the context of a multicultural society. Steps that should be taken as preservation tips in the future are packaging the language with local culture, stabilizing diglossia, using Balinese as an introductory subject, training and community development, as well as linguistic research for documentation. With this research, it is hoped that the Balinese people will pay more attention to and preserve the Balinese language. Research related to Balinese is still limited. It is hoped that this paper will be able to contribute to literature studies for parties interested in researching the Balinese language further.

Revealing Nadiem Makarim’s Communication Strategy in the Cancellation of the 2024 UKT Increase: A Review of Functional Systemic Linguistics

Revealing Nadiem Makarim’s Communication Strategy in the Cancellation of the 2024 UKT Increase: A Review of Functional Systemic Linguistics

Hyperhomocysteinemia and its effect on ageing and language functions – HEAL study

Hyperhomocysteinemia or high levels (> 15 µmol/L) of homocysteine (Hcy)in the blood has been suggested to affect the brain through vascular and neurodegenerative pathways and potentially impact cognition. The current study aims to explore the association of high homocysteine with cognition and brain volume changes in a cohort of middle and old agedr adults. The study recruited 1296 participants aged ≥ 45 years from Tata Longitudinal Study of Ageing (TLSA), an ongoing cohort study. The participants underwent detailed cognitive assessments using Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III (ACE-III) and Computerized Assessment of Adult Information Processing (COGNITO) neuropsychological battery and MR imaging using a 3T scanner. The participants were classified based on the median homocysteine level (16.89 µmol/L) into low Hcy (≤ median) and high Hcy (> median) groups. When adjusted for age, gender, years of education, vitamin B12, folate and dyslipidaemia, Generalised Linear Model (GLM) found a significant association of high Hcy with vocabulary task [β (95% CI) − 1.354 (− 2.655, − 0.052); p = 0.041]. Significant associations was also obtained between cerebral white matter volume and high Hcy [β (95% CI) − 5617.182 (− 11062.762, − 173.602); p = 0.043]. The results suggest that people with high Hcy levels performed poorer in cognitive tasks related to language domain and had lesser cerebral white matter volume. This indicates that homocysteine might have a profound impact on brain structure as well as function.

What Silent Pauses Can 'Tell' Us About the Storytelling Skills of Autistic Children: Relations Between Pausing, Language Skills and Executive Functions.

Silent pauses may serve communicative purposes such as demarcating boundaries between discourse units in language production. Previous research has shown that autistic children differ in their pausing behavior from typically-developing (TD) peers, however, the factors behind this difference remain underexplored. The current study was aimed at comparing the use of silent pauses in the narrative production of autistic children and age-matched TD children, and also to identify possible relations between pausing behavior and the children's language and executive function abilities. According to the study's findings, the autistic children did not differ from their TD peers in the use of grammatical pauses, however, the former tended to produce significantly less syntactically complex narratives than the TD group, which increased the likelihood that the autistic group would pause appropriately at phrasal boundaries. Thoughwe have found low rates of ungrammatical silent pauses and omitted pauses in obligatory discourse contexts across both groups, autistic children with lower cognitive flexibility tended to use more ungrammatical pauses than their peers with higher cognitive flexibility scores. Also, the autistic group tended to omit obligatory silent pauses more often as their narration became more complex. The results demonstrate that syntactic complexity in narrative production modulated autistic children's pausing behavior, and that structurally simple narrations boosted the autistic group's appropriate use of grammatical pauses. The overall findings also demonstrate the importance of studying silent pauses in the narrative discourse of autistic children, and also highlight the links between silent pauses and the children's syntactic and cognitive skills.

EL CHAVO AS A GATEWAY FOR TEACHING SPANISH TO CHILDREN

Abstract: With Serial El Chavo del Ocho as a media product in the Spanish language, this work aims to think, present and base the use of television serials (not nicknamed) in Foreign Language (LE), in order to methodologically seek new sources and alternatives for the development of LE for children and young people. The aim of this article is to reflect on the potential of the use of television series as a gateway to language teaching and with it the problem of this study points to two questions. First, if it is possible to learn languages through a serial? Secondly, does the use of the series as a gateway to the teaching of the Spanish language function as a methodology or serves only as pedagogical support material? The text revolves around this conflict zone and advocates the use of new media and methodological products, as well as the use and appropriation of media products for education. Keywords: Television series; Spanish language teaching; children's and youth audiences.

Effect of Multimodal Intervention in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Shanghai.

Previous trials have indicated that multimodal training could improve cognitive functions and moods in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, evidence was mainly obtained from studies in high-income countries. This trial aims to investigate the efficacy, safety, and potential mechanism of a multimodal intervention on cognitive function in individuals with MCI living in a community. In this single-blind, randomized controlled trial, 120 participants with MCI were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group received the multimodal intervention, while the control group received regular health education. Neuropsychological tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were conducted at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. Fifty-nine and fifty-seven participants respectively in the intervention and control groups completed the trial. The intervention group shown improvements in primary outcome, Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) total score (mean difference -0.96, 95% CI [-1.58, -0.34], p = 0.003), and secondary outcomes: MMSE recall (-0.39, 95% CI [-0.71, -0.07], p = 0.019), MMSE language (-0.26, 95% CI [-0.44, -0.07], p = 0.007), Auditory Verbal Learning Test instantaneous memory (-3.30, 95% CI [-5.70, -0.89], p = 0.008), Digit Symbol Substitution Test total score (-2.91, 95% CI [-5.67, -0.15], p = 0.039), digit span forwards (-1.25, 95% CI [-1.93, -0.56], p < 0.001), and Digit Span Test (-1.33, 95% CI [-2.33, -0.34], p = 0.009) compared to the control group. Improvements were observed in structural and functional connectivity related to language, concentration, executive function, memory, and recall functioning via MRI in the intervention group. The multimodal intervention improved cognitive function in individuals with MCI in cognitive performance and neuroimaging.

Clinical efficacy, bone density, and follow-up in implant and orthodontic treatment for inclined adjacent teeth

BACKGROUND Tooth defects can cause elongation of occlusal teeth, leading to insufficient repair space. The combination of dental implant restoration and orthodontic treatment of oblique adjacent teeth has a significant therapeutic effect. AIM To explore clinical efficacy, bone density, and follow-up of implant and orthodontic treatment for patients with inclined adjacent teeth. METHODS In total, 98 patients with oblique adjacent teeth were randomly assigned to implant restoration combined with orthodontic treatment (group A, n = 49) or to receive implant restoration alone (group B, n = 49). Changes in alveolar ridge bone density and apical bone density were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. Changes in chewing function and language function were compared between the two groups of patients. Follow-up lasted for 12 mo after repair to observe any adverse reactions in the oral cavity. RESULTS The clinical effective rates of group A and group B were 97.96% and 85.71%, respectively, with group A having a higher clinical effective rate than group B. After treatment, the bone density of the alveolar ridge and apical bone in both groups decreased compared to before treatment, while the chewing and language functions improved. The changes in various indicators in group A were more significant. After treatment, the satisfaction rate of group A (97.96%) was higher than that of group B (79.59%). The incidence of adverse reactions in group A (2.04%) was lower than that in group B (24.49%). CONCLUSION The amalgamation of implant restoration and orthodontic treatment for adjacent tilted teeth demonstrates notable clinical efficacy, diminishes alveolar bone resorption, and fosters patient functional rehabilitation while exhibiting negligible adverse reactions.

Subjective, but not objective, language functions predict fatigue in patients with lower-grade gliomas during longitudinal follow-up

Purpose To investigate the course of fatigue, subjective and objective language functions in patients with lower-grade gliomas during the first year of disease. Further, to examine if subjective and objective language variables predicted ratings of fatigue. Methods Fatigue was assessed with the Fatigue Severity Scale, subjective language with self-reported word-finding, expression of thoughts, reading and writing from the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Brain, and objective language with standardized tests. Mixed models were used to investigate changes in variables over time and predictors of fatigue. Results Twenty-three patients with gliomas (WHO 1–3) were included. Average ratings of fatigue did not change significantly, but altering patterns were observed. Subjective concerns about word-finding and expression of thoughts increased significantly during follow-up. The regression analyses showed that concerns about abilities to read and write significantly predicted fatigue. The results indicated that less concerns about reading and writing were associated with lower levels of fatigue. Conclusions Patients with lower-grade gliomas report fatigue and language concerns throughout the first year. Concerns about reading and writing call for careful consideration as they seem to provoke fatigue. The findings underline the importance of the patients’ perspective in treatment and follow-up.

Towards a responsibility-based model of the move system in discourse semantics: Reasoning from above

This paper offers a responsibility-based model of the move system as an alternative to the current speech-functional model in discourse semantics in Systemic Functional Linguistics, particularly for exchanges revolving around the giving and demanding of goods-&-services. It argues that at move rank speakers have at their disposal the choice between positioning and not positioning each other. When positioned, the speaker may or may not be positioned as responsible for carrying out the negotiated action; and at the same time, the addressee may or may not be positioned as responsible. Drawing on simple examples mainly from TV programmes, the paper shows how certain options in the move system are preselected and activated by different structural functions in an action exchange. The responsibility-based model proposed in this paper sheds light on a number of problems identified in the current speech-functional model of the move system in discourse semantics.

Functional linguistics in life: an embodied approach in teacher education

Abstract Pedagogies developed from systemic functional linguistics are seen as valuable in supporting diverse students in both mainstream and language classrooms. Over the past decade, SFL also became a crucial component in teacher education programs particularly in the North American context, as it advances teachers’ knowledge of language and curriculum design focusing on the development of disciplinary literacy of minoritized multilingual learners. Drawing from data collected in a year-long classroom ethnographic study in the Southeastern U.S., this paper explores (1) how a range of embodied inquiry activities were designed as an integral part of a teacher education curriculum and (2) how these activities created entry points for diverse pre-service teachers and the teacher educator to grapple with functional linguistics and critically engage with their language use in everyday lives. Data analysis includes theory-informed thematic analysis and a mediated approach towards participants’ material-discursive trajectories across spatial and historical contexts. Findings show the affordances of using embodied activities to support teachers in making sense of key constructs from SFL in relation to their own lived experiences and cultural epistemologies. Implications point to the significance of innovative, culturally sustaining approaches toward both the teaching and use of SFL as well as the need for continued critical reflections and actions in changing classroom contexts.

Bilingualism and second-order theory of mind development in autistic children over time: Longitudinal relations with language, executive functions, and intelligence.

Theory of Mind has long been studied as a core weakness in autism spectrum disorder due to its relationship with social reciprocity, while bilingualism has been shown to compensate for autistic individuals' mentalizing weaknesses. However, our knowledge of the Theory of Mind developmental trajectories of bilingual and monolingual autistic children, as well as of the factors related to Theory of Mind development in autism spectrum disorder is still limited. The current study has examined first- and second-order Theory of Mind skills in 21 monolingual and 21 bilingual autistic children longitudinally across three time points, specifically at ages 6, 9, and 12, and also investigated associations between Theory of Mind trajectories and trajectories of the children's language, intelligence and executive function skills. The results reveal that bilingual autistic children outperformed their monolingual peers in second-order Theory of Mind at ages 9 and 12, and that intelligence and, especially, expressive vocabulary skills played a pivotal role in advancing bilingual autistic children's second-order Theory of Mind development. On the other hand, monolingual autistic children only managed to capitalize on their language and intelligence resources at age 12. The findings highlight the importance of investigating bilingualism effects on autistic children's advanced cognitive abilities longitudinally.

Language and executive functions in patients with transcortical motor aphasia and Broca’s aphasia

ABSTRACT This study investigated language and executive functions (EF) in people with transcortical motor aphasia (TMA) and Broca’s aphasia (BA). Participants included 19 patients with TMA, 19 patients with BA, and 25 healthy controls. Verbal Fluency tests, Stroop tests and Trail-Making tests were administered to all participants, and the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE) was administered to participants with aphasia. Results showed that (1) both groups of patients with aphasia had poorer performance on Verbal Fluency tests, Stroop tests and Trail-Making tests than healthy controls; (2) participants with BA had superior performance on Stroop tests and Trail-Making tests, but not on Verbal Fluency tests, than participants with TMA, and (2) the performance on Verbal Fluency tests, Stroop tests and Trail-Making was significantly correlated with the performance on BDAE for participants with TMA, but not for participants with BA. These results suggest that EF deficits are present in both patients with TMA and those with BA. They also show that the relationship between EF deficits and language impairments in people with aphasia might depend on the type of aphasia, aspects of language, and the components of EF measured.

Recharacterising Confucius in Multimodal Translation: From Analects to Comics

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore how Confucius is recharacterised in the multimodal translation of The Analects from verbal (analects) to verbal-visual (comics) texts. The focus is on the interpersonal/interactive meaning in Systemic Functional Linguistics and visual social semiotics. Parameters of MOOD and MODALITY are used in discussing the verbal mode in both source and target texts, and the system of CONTACT, SOCIAL DISTANCE, INVOLVEMENT, POWER, AFFECT, PROXIMITY and MASS/AMOUNT are employed in describing features of the visual mode in comics. The quantitative results show that Confucius has been recharacterised from an authoritative teacher in the source text into different images in four comic adaptions, i.e. a detached truth transmitter in Mori [2002. Dongfang Zhidian Shengshu: Manhua Lunyu. Beijing: Jiuzhou Press], an affable wiser in Tsai [2005. Confucius Speaks: The Message of the Benevolent. Beijing: China Modern Publishing House Ltd.], a superior mentor in Zhang [2007. Manhua LunYu. Hangzhou: Zhejiang People’s Publishing House.], and a popularised teacher in Chen [2021. Banxiaoshi Manhua Lunyu. Shanghai: Wenhui Press]. It is argued that the different images of Confucius reconstrued in four translations can be better understood in terms of the context of translation, in which translators’ identity, translation purpose, target reader and historically accepted image of Confucius are finally explored.

Dynamic degree centrality in stroke-induced Broca's aphasia varies based on first language: A functional MRI study.

This study sought to explore dynamic degree centrality (DC) variability in particular regions of the brain in patients with poststroke Broca aphasia (BA) using a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) approach, comparing differences between Uyghur and Chinese BA patients. This study investigated two factors, language and BA status, and divided patients into four groups: Uyghur aphasia patients (UA), Uyghur normal control subjects (UN), Chinese aphasia patients (CA), and Chinese normal subjects (CN) who underwent rs-fMRI analysis. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to calculate the comprehensive differences in dynamic DC among these four groups. Correlations between DC and language behavior were assessed with partial correlation analyses. Two-way ANOVA revealed comparable results for the results of pairwise comparisons of dynamic DC variability among the four groups in the right middle frontal gyrus/orbital part (ORBmid.R), right superior frontal gyrus/dorsolateral, and right precuneus (PCUN.R), with results as follows: UA<UN, CA>CN, UA<CA, and UN>CN (p<.05, with the exception of the p-values for UA and UN in superior frontal gyrus/dorsolateral). In contrast, the opposite results were observed for the right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex (CAL.R, p<.05). The observed enhancement of dynamic DC variability in ORBmid.R and PCUN.R among Chinese BA patients and in CAL.R in Uyghur BA patients may be attributable to language network restructuring. Overall, these results suggest that BA patients who use different language families may exhibit differences in the network mechanisms that characterize observed impairments of language function.

Fermatean fuzzy Linguistic term set based on linguistic scale function with Dombi aggregation operator and their application to multi criteria group decision –making problem

The selection of an industrial location is a challenging multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem that depends on taking a variety of locations as well as incompatible and inconsistent criteria. This paper proposed a comprehensive framework for the strategic selection of industrial locations, considering both quantitative and qualitative aspects. Decision-makers (DMs) have to deal with ambiguous information throughout this process due to a complex decision environment or their insufficient knowledge. We present a new Fermatean Fuzzy (FF) Linguistic term set based on the Dombi aggregation operators (AOs). By combining the FF set with Linguistic variables, the FF Linguistic (FFL) set is an effective approach for thoroughly representing uncertain evaluation information. We establish a basic operational principles and certain aggregation operator under FFL information, such as the FF Linguistic Dombi weighted averaging (FFLDWA) operator FF Linguistic Dombi weighted geometric (FFLDWG) operator and some fundamental properties of these operators with appropriated elaboration. Based on these operators, a multi-criteria group decision-making technique is developed. Finally, we used a numerical example to compare the flexibility of the suggested technique with other existing methods. Thus, by knowing priorities industries, the best site can be selected.

Empathic listening as a social semiotic practice within the tradition of Nonviolent Communication

Abstract This article investigates empathic listening as practised in the tradition of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), noting that this tradition is understood as a designed register of interpersonal connection, “concerned with progress toward a better world” (Hughes 2018). In the tradition, empathy is considered “a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing, … we give to others the time and space they need to express themselves fully and to be understood” (Rosenberg 2015: 91–92). The analysis in this article applies the tools of systemic functional linguistics to demonstrate that this empathic understanding is achieved by the empathiser supporting the speaker’s exploration of their emotions via a linguistic pattern of co-created, continuous thematic progression of resonated new information. The article provides insights into the linguistic machinery powering NVC empathy practice.

Acknowledging dispossession

Abstract This paper illustrates what can be revealed by a linguistic analysis of the discourse strategies deployed in a bilingual text acknowledging the dispossession of Indigenous peoples in Mindanao (Philippines). The analysis draws on systemic functional linguistics (SFL) descriptions of English, which model language as a resource for making meaning. It explores the choices involved from the perspective of critical discourse analysis (CDA), exposing language in the service of power, and positive discourse analysis (PDA), appreciating language as an instrument of social change. In doing so we exemplify the role of SFL-informed CDA/PDA in processes of reconciliation, including personal and public acknowledgements and apologies, alongside considerations of “making peace” with dispossessed Indigenous people through existing, renovated or emerging genres.

Moving towards peace, compassion and empathy through semiotic enquiry

Abstract In our interconnected world, exposure to hate, fear, violence and adversarial communication is commonplace. Yet, this exposure underscores the urgent need for a more just, peaceful, and inclusive society. While research stresses the importance of nurturing peace, compassion and empathy for enhanced well-being and social justice, these three terms are rarely discussed at length in linguistics and communication studies. Little systematic work explores how language and semiotic resources actualise these ideals across contexts. This special issue, grounded in systemic functional linguistics, addresses this gap. It aims to contribute to a more just world, promote non-violent efforts for social justice, and lay the foundation for future research on the semiotics of peace, compassion and empathy. This paper outlines key definitions and contributions.

“A strong diewei” – A critical investigation of gendered neological metaphors on Weibo

Contributing to the growing literature on discursive strategies against male-dominated gender discourse in the Chinese digital space (e.g., Chen and Gong, 2023), this study investigates a popular neological metaphor – diewei (“爹味” − literally, a smell of father, figuratively, a sense of fatherhood) coined by Chinese microblogging users on Weibo. Similar to mansplaining in English, diewei was originally adopted to describe men’s patronizing, condescending, and overconfident speech style (Bridges, 2017). Drawing on the cultural reference to Chinese fatherhood, diewei represents irony against the authoritative role of the father privileged by patrilineal Chinese family ethics, employed to evaluate others’ overbearing speech styles, attitudes, and behaviors. From a dataset of 198 Weibo posts, we identified three strategic adoptions of diewei based on linguistic and communicative functions. These include (1) markers of masculine essence, (2) metapragmatic commentaries, and (3) personal labels. We then adopt critical discourse analysis (CDA) to explore how gender relationships are discursively produced, represented, and resisted in the diewei discourse through the above adoptions. Our findings suggest that diewei instantiates the pragmatic expansion of gendered metaphors at the expense of dominant masculinity, constituting feminist irony against the authoritative fatherhood in China’s digital space.