Functional Theory Research Articles

The impact of neurosurgery on the neuropsychological development of patients with craniosynostosis: A scoping review

Introduction: Neuropsychological assessment evaluates the cognitive profile by identifying deficits and enabling monitoring. At HRAC-USP, patients with craniosynostoses undergo this assessment due to impacts on neuropsychomotor development (DNPM). These conditions may cause cranial fusion, restricting brain growth and adversely affecting cognitive functions. Evaluation is crucial for guiding therapeutic and surgical approaches and ensuring better outcomes. Objective: To identify how surgical procedures impact the neuropsychological profile of patients with syndromic and isolated craniosynostoses through a scoping review. Methodology: This scoping review was conducted in March 2024 using PubMed, Embase, BVS/Lilacs, and Scopus databases; 1,215 articles were found and 18 original articles (E1-18) in English were selected that addressed the question: "What is the impact of surgery on neuropsychological aspects in patients with craniosynostoses?" Results: Studies on craniosynostosis highlighted the predominance of isolated cases (83.3%), with surgeries performed before one year of age associated with better cognitive outcomes. The cranial expansion technique (38.8%) was effective in non-syndromic cases, while cranial remodeling showed varied results. After surgery, there were overall improvements in DNPM, but also risks of language delay and motor deficits, especially in patients operated on at older ages. Conclusion: Surgery for craniosynostosis can improve neuropsychological outcomes, especially when performed early and with appropriate surgical techniques. More invasive procedures may lead to better outcomes, including increased Total Intelligence Quotient and better academic performance. It is crucial to consider such factors to optimize outcomes, reduce neurodevelopmental risks, and continuously monitor language and executive functions.

Foregrounding of Deviations, Contrasts, and Irregularities in E. E. Cummings’s “Anyone Lived In A Pretty How Town”

Communication is an important function of language. Sometimes, it stands out because of the novelty of ideas, and sometimes by the uniqueness of style. In art and literature, style dominates meanings. E. E. Cummings’s poem is the master of paradoxes. This paper is going to unentangle his puzzles in his poem “anyone lived in a pretty how town”. This poem is full of paradoxes. The poet has made seemingly weird grammatical collocations. Apparently vague, ungrammatical, and illogical modifiers foreground the themes of the poem. This paper describes how by virtue of his style, Cummings makes rational of the irrational, compatible of the incompatible, plausible of the implausible, acceptable of the unacceptable, and meaningful of the absurd. The method used to analyses his style consist of (1) highlighting his use of parallelism and deviations, (2) interpreting his lines in the light of his main theme i.e., disregard for individuality, (3) interpreting structure of the lines in accordance with the possible semantic sense. The outcome of the study is that meanings do not come exclusively from words; context, both situational and textual, also contribute to meanings. Sometimes, context manipulates both lexis and meanings. This paper highlights how contrasts, incompatibilities and absurdities may foreground meanings.

Articulatory-based Phonemic Paraphasia in Conduction Aphasia: A Dysfunction in Phoneme-to-Articulation Conversion Uncovered Through Crossed Aphasia.

Phonemic paraphasia, a common characteristic of conduction aphasia, has traditionally been attributed to phonological representation dysfunction. An alternative hypothesis posits that phonemic paraphasia arises from difficulty converting phonemes into their corresponding articulatory maneuvers. However, detailed case studies supporting this theory have been lacking. In this report, we present the case of a 61-year-old right-handed man with right temporo-parietal infarction who exhibited crossed aphasia characterized by typical conduction aphasia symptoms (eg, relatively fluent speech with intact comprehension, frequent phonemic paraphasia, and pronounced difficulties in oral repetition) in the absence of distorted articulation, syllable segmentation, and prosody impairment. Despite the frequent occurrence of phonemic paraphasia and articulatory challenges, our patient's phonological representations remained relatively intact. His phonemic paraphasia was often self-corrected to produce correct responses, a feature known as conduit d'approche. During the oral repetition of individual mora (ie, the smallest unit of speech in Japanese), we observed that the patient consistently traced the corresponding Hiragana phonetic symbol accurately, despite his difficulties in articulation. We substantiated this phenomenon through objective assessment and posit that it resulted from an unusual separation of language functions in crossed aphasia-specifically, a disconnection between phonological representations in the right temporo-parietal cortex and speech articulation engrams in the left hemisphere. In this case of conduction aphasia, articulatory-based phonemic paraphasia may be viewed as an inability to convert phonemes into the appropriate articulatory maneuvers rather than as phonological representation dysfunction or apraxia of speech.

Figurative Language in “The Beginning After The End” Volume 10 Novel by Turtleme

The use of figurative language in a novel is a powerful tool to enhance reading experience by employing metaphor, hyperbole, personification, and other figures of speech. The aim of this research is to discover the types of figurative language, the most frequent type of figurative language, and the main function of figurative language in The Beginning After The End Volume 10 novel by TurtleMe. This research uses qualitative research method. The theory in this research is based on a theory proposed by Perrine (1969). Based on the analysis result, study reveals that there are 10 types of figurative language with 90 data in total. They are simile (37 data), metaphor (9 data), personification (11 data), apostrophe (4 data), hyperbole (7 data), synecdoche (7 data), metonymy (7 data), irony (3 data), paradox (3 data), and symbol (2 data). Simile is the most frequent type of figurative language in the novel. Meanwhile, bringing additional imagery is the main function of figurative language in the novel. By shedding light on the use of figurative language in The Beginning After The End Volume 10 novel, this thesis provides valuable insights for educators and literary enthusiasts

Reexamining the Relationship Between Communication and Language Through Discourse Analysis: A Case Study Using Movie Material*

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of communication and the function of language through discourse analysis using movie material. To achieve this, six English-major undergraduates were selected as subjects. The movie used for this study was <i>Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris</i> (Fabian, 2022). Over a three-month period, the subjects participated and were administered six tests, along with one report. Two tests focused on content relevant to the case study (the second and sixth tests), while three tests focused on form (the first, third, and fourth tests). The fifth test combined content and form. The results indicated that subjects B, C, and D preferred content-based instruction (emphasizing the nature of communication, stories, culture, etc.), despite subject D not achieving a high test score. Subject A was ambivalent, noting that while content-based instruction was beneficial, language learning was also necessary. Subjects E and F preferred English language learning. In their reports commenting on the method, subjects B, C, and D were positive, subject A had mixed feelings, and subjects E and F were indifferent. Considering that three out of six subjects responded positively, we believe that using discourse analysis can be effective in helping students understand the nature of communication.

REPRESENTATION OF TIKTOK IN U.S. NEWS AFTER THE NO TIKTOK ON GOVERNMENT DEVICES ACT

TikTok, the most downloaded application in the world for three consecutive years since 2020, has been the target of various bans from governments and organisations. Despite widespread media coverage of such events, the representation of TikTok therein remains underexplored by linguists. This study therefore attempts to examine how TikTok is linguistically represented in U.S. television news after President Joe Biden signed the No TikTok on Government Devices Act into law. The Systemic Functional Linguistics, elaborated in Halliday and Matthiesen (2014), was employed as the analytical framework. The findings revealed that news coverage predominantly uses Material processes, followed by Relational processes. Mental and Verbal processes rank third and fourth, while Existential and Behavioural processes have rather low frequency. Regarding their subtypes, Identifying Relational and Cognitive Mental processes are more prevalent in negative representations, while Attributive Relational and Emotive Mental processes occur more often in positive representations. These transitivity patterns contribute to five main portrayals of TikTok, including “TikTok is a scrutiny and ban target”, “TikTok is a cybersecurity threat”, “TikTok is the Trojan horse of the Chinese Communist Party”, “TikTok is a must-have for many”, and “TikTok is a sales driving force”.

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.