Immersive Reading Research Articles

Ludic reading is 20 minutes a day? – Adding a socio-material perspective to ludic reading

This article presents unexpected findings about children’s experiences with ludic reading, discovered through a collaborative project involving schools, libraries, and Pedagogical Learning Centres (PLC). The findings reveal that while children’s ludic reading experiences often reflect a goal-oriented, functional approach typical of educational contexts, they also seek social, playful, and immersive reading environments. This article explores how a socio-material approach can illuminate these findings, which existing literature does not fully address. The research question guiding this study is: How can a socio-material perspective on ludic reading inform professionals in rethinking initiatives to enhance children’s ludic reading? The methodology involves analysing these unexpected findings, termed ‘stumble data,’ derived from empirical material based on child-centred methods. The results suggest that a socio-material perspective can bridge the contexts in which ludic reading occurs. The article concludes that this perspective provides new explanatory frameworks and practice opportunities by integrating social and material elements that have not been sufficiently explored in the literature.

A Cognitive Study of Deixis in TG Klune’s the House in the Cerulean Sea

This paper investigates the cognitive and linguistic features of deixis in T.J. Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea. It examines how personal, temporal, geographical, rhetorical, and social deixis can enhance narrative immersion and reader engagement. The study uses mixed method to categorize deictic elements in the book. It argues that deictic shifts improve the reader's experience and narrative structure. By measuring the frequency and impact of deictic expressions, the study highlights their role in adjusting narrative pace, deepening thematic resonance, and engaging readers both intellectually and emotionally. The careful use of deictic phrases, especially those tied to interpersonal and geographical aspects, creates strong human connections and vivid setting descriptions. This intentional arrangement forms deep emotional bonds between readers and characters, leading to a rich and engaging environment. The paper explains how language and cognition enhance immersive reading experiences through emotional involvement and narrative understanding. Deictic changes show how narrative techniques affect reader engagement and the quality of the story.

Thinking Madame Raquin: Consciousness and Cognition in Émile Zola's Thérèse Raquin (1867)

Abstract: An immersive reading of the elderly matriarch figure in Émile Zola's Thérèse Raquin (1867) demonstrates how representations of old age in nineteenth-century French fiction can benefit from cognitive literary-critical approaches. Putting to work key concepts from this fast-developing field (affordances, propinquity, cognitive adaptability, and embedded thinking) allows us to reveal the complex trajectory of consciousness and the inverse correlation of Madame Raquin's physical incapacity and her mental and imaginative adaptation. Literary cognitive approaches can thus enable a fuller problematization of Naturalism, while Zola's fiction offers a situational understanding of consciousness in old age that challenges clichés of cognitive rigidity and depreciation.

THE USE OF ELLIPSIS IN DRAMATIC DIALOGUE

Every novelist aims to make their work engaging and widely read, striving to craft compelling dialogue that vividly conveys characters' emotions and brings their stories to life. By focusing on the speech of characters, authors can skillfully employ a range of grammatical techniques, choosing and creating fresh expressions to enhance the aesthetic impact of their writing. This careful attention to dialogue allows for a richer and more immersive reading experience. In the novels of Sharof Boshbekov, one particular linguistic tool stands out: ellipsis. Boshbekov adeptly utilizes ellipsis to convey the fluidity, influence, and naturalism of his characters' speech, adding depth and realism to his narratives. Through the strategic use of ellipsis, he is able to capture the nuances of spoken language, making his characters' dialogues more dynamic and true to life. This technique not only enhances the overall aesthetic quality of his novels but also helps to create a stronger emotional connection between the characters and the readers.

Relationship between Setting Description and Immersion in Fiction in Algeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between setting description and immersion in fiction in Algeria. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that vivid and detailed depictions of settings significantly enhance reader immersion. The Study have shown that richly described settings contribute to a more immersive reading experience by allowing readers to mentally visualize and emotionally connect with the story world. Moreover, descriptive passages that engage multiple senses, such as sight, sound, smell, and texture, have been found to deepen immersion by creating a more sensory-rich environment. Additionally, the effectiveness of setting description in fostering immersion seems to be influenced by factors such as reader preferences, genre conventions, and the narrative context. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of thoughtful and evocative setting descriptions in enhancing reader engagement and immersion in fictional narratives. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Schema theory, transportation theory and reader-response theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the relationship between setting description and immersion in fiction in Algeria. In terms of practical implications, findings from research on setting description and immersion can inform authors, educators, and practitioners in the fields of literature, media, and education. From a policy perspective, research on setting description and immersion in fiction can inform initiatives aimed at promoting literacy, cultural diversity, and media literacy.

Analisis Unsur Intrinsik Dalam Komik Solo Leveling Karya Chu-Gong

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the comic "Solo Leveling" by Chu-Gong, focusing on the storyline, characters, setting, themes and messages conveyed. The storyline begins with the introduction of a modern fantasy world inhabited by Hunters, warriors with magical powers, who fight against monsters from the dungeon. Sung Jin Woo, as the weakest Hunter, becomes the central point of the story after being selected by a mysterious system that gives him rare abilities. Sung Jin Woo's battles against various enemies, including humans and monsters, become the center of the story, while character analysis reveals Sung Jin Woo's emotional complexity and key role in the narrative. The story's detailed settings, diverse dungeon locations, and diverse cultures and races provide a strong visual framework for readers. Themes such as power, battle, and dungeon secrets dominate the story, giving depth to the narrative. The messages that emerge involve struggle and survival, mystery, increasing power, conflict against humans and monsters, and the discovery of secrets and sources of power. With the combination of these elements, "Solo Leveling" offers an immersive reading experience, motivating readers to continue following Sung Jin Woo's epic journey and exploring a world full of mystery, magic and exciting battles.

Exploring Figurative Language: Expressions and Metaphors in Sports Reporting of Java Pos (Edition, June 1, 2018)

The utilization of figurative language in sports reporting significantly enhances communication’s allure and competitiveness within this realm. Figurative language entails expressions not meant to be taken literally but carrying implied meanings that enrich interpretation for readers or listeners. It crucially illustrates action and drama in sports news, engendering a more immersive reading experience and influencing how events are comprehended. This research probes into the use of figurative language, particularly expressions and metaphors, within sports reporting's context. The study’s focal point was the June 1, 2018 edition of the esteemed Indonesian newspaper, Java Pos, renowned for its vibrant sports reporting, particularly in football. Data consisted of expressions and metaphors in the form of verbs, nouns, adjectives, and numerals, sourced from Java Pos' sports reporting (June 1, 2018 edition), especially relating to football. The methodology involved participatory observation reading 7 football-specific sports pieces and scrutinizing each for expressions and metaphors. Additionally, documentation was employed collecting and analyzing articles from the designated edition to assess metaphors and expressions through a figurative language lens. Post data collection, data was condensed and classified by category (nouns, verbs, adjectives, and numerals) then verified and interpreted contextually. Content analysis was applied for data analysis, comprehending the contextual use and its impact on reader comprehension. The findings unveiled the presence of expressions and metaphors, encompassing verb phrases, nouns, adjectives, and numerals, in the news reports. This study uncovers the usage of figurative language, enriching communication, fostering creativity, and contributing to elevated sports reporting quality and deeper audience understanding.

독자의 읽기 중 딴생각(Mind Wandering)유발 요인 분석

This study aims to derive MW triggers that occur in the reading process and to seek educational implications for readers’ flow in reading. The results of this study largely derived three categories of MW triggers, the number of MW occurrences by time zone, and the reader’s emotional state after MW occurrence. First, looking at the three categories of MW triggers, the first is ‘Internally Directed MW induced inside the reader’. This trigger was explained by thoughts toward the reader’s inner self unrelated to text or task performance. The second is ‘Task-Related MW’. This trigger refers to cases in which the task is overly conscious of the task performance or deviates from the performance context due to the influence of the surrounding environment. The third is ‘MW Triggered by Text’. This trigger included thoughts triggered by words, characters, and illustrations presented in the text. Next, as a result of analyzing the number of occurrences of MW by time zone, it was also revealed that students were not able to read continuously. Finally, as a result of confirming readers’ emotions after MW occurred, 37% of the study subjects complained of negative emotions. As the habit of continuously reading silently without the occurrence of MW has a positive effect on reading motivation and efficacy, it will be necessary to adhere to MW and immersive reading.

The dragon’s AR: Narrative augmentation in Russell’s The Dragon Defenders

The use of augmented reality (AR) in literature has predominantly focused on providing instructional tools for educators and learners, emphasizing its capacity of enhancing engagement and supporting immersive learning. Aside from its central literacy purpose, AR in children’s literature appears in the form of digital pop-up books or as add-on games, which are usually located outside of the main narrative. In this sense, AR risks disrupting the flow of a story instead of enriching the continuous imaginative space of the narrative. The Dragon Defenders series, by James Russell, uses AR as a narrative tool in ways previously unseen in children’s literature. Russell puts the reader into the shoes of his main characters, Paddy and Flynn, using AR to show the reader what the boys themselves see. There are moments in these books where the AR system and traditional narrative system fully overlap, integrate and enhance the narrative dimension of the story. While readers navigate through the book by turning physical pages, the addition of AR at specific moments in the story not only provides a more immersive reading experience but, in this case, advances the narrative to great effect. This case study asks how AR can be used to enhance the narrative structure and flow in a text-based novel, using formal gameplay analysis to examine how the AR and narrative systems interact and identifying which examples of this interaction work to the best effect. It analyses the AR moments in the context of the book, deconstructs the unusual first-person perspective from the protagonist’s point of view and explores how these AR experiences help drive and truly augment the core narrative. The larger context of this study seeks to emancipate AR from its predominantly technological ontology and contribute to the development of AR as a genuine narrative device in fiction storytelling.

HyperCube4x: Exploring and Analyzing Data in Virtual Reality Using HyperRelational and HyperAnalyzer

Hypercube is a novel viewport management and information visualization system proposal that introduces three applications (called WorkScenes), focusing on interaction, immersive reading, data exploration, analysis, and visualization concepts. After presenting the conceptual description, interaction metaphors, and the prototype in a previous publication, this article presents HyperRelational and HyperAnalyzer, the WorkScenes focused on multidimensional data exploration, analysis, and visualization. First, the manuscript explores previous work on Human-Computer Interaction-related disciplines, such as cognitive psychology, cognitive engineering, and neuroscience. Then, we introduce HyperRelational and HyperAnalyzer, focusing on their fundamental concepts 1) Geometrical visualization; 2) mapping relationships among information as spatial dimensions. Also, the Screenshots help illustrate the mentioned concepts. Finally, the “Results and Discussion” section demonstrates how these features integrate with the flow, presence, and immersion of Virtual Reality, fit Shneiderman’s visual-information-seeking mantra and solve some desktop metaphor-related issues. Additionally, we present test results conducted with 26 participants that show an acceptability rate of 74% amongst users and highlight their positive feedback/experience regarding HyperAnalyzer. On the other hand, the System Usability Scale (SUS) evaluation scored 60.6731. The score demonstrates that HyperAnalyser scored a little better than Microsoft Excel. Therefore, we conclude that the concepts presented here are viable, but it is still necessary to evolve usability to make HyperCube commercially viable.

THE USE OF PARALINGUISTICS IN JIM BUTCHER'S WORK

In this article, we explore the use of paralinguistics in Jim Butcher's work, specifically in his popular series, The Dresden Files. Through a comprehensive analysis of various paralinguistic cues used in his writing, we delve into how Butcher creates a rich and immersive reading experience for his fans.

‘A radical operation’ – a thematic analysis of newspaper framing of bariatric surgery in adolescents

BackgroundObesity in adolescents is a growing public health issue. Bariatric surgery is an effective, yet controversial treatment option for adolescents. The moral acceptability of this procedure by health-care professionals as well as the general public can be influenced by its portrayal in the news media. Our objective was to analyze how newspaper articles portrayed adolescent bariatric surgery, with attention to the language used and moral arguments made.MethodsUsing an inductive thematic analysis approach, we analyzed 26 UK and 12 US newspaper articles (2014–2022) on adolescent bariatric surgery for implicit or explicit moral evaluations and use of normative language. Coding was performed after immersive reading, assisted by NVivo. Themes were identified and refined iteratively through consecutive auditing cycles to enrich the depth and rigor of our analysis.ResultsThe major themes identified related to (1) defining the burden of adolescent obesity, (2) sparking moral outrage, (3) sensation-seeking, and (4) raising ethical issues. The articles employed moral language, specifically non-neutral and negative discourse regarding surgery. Blame was attributed to adolescents or their parents. Sensationalist wording often reinforced the normative content, drawing the attention of the reader and contributing to stigmatization of adolescents with severe obesity as lacking will power and being lazy. Further moral issues that stood out were the challenges in obtaining an informed consent, and the unequal access to surgery for socially disadvantaged groups.ConclusionsOur findings provide insights into how adolescent bariatric surgery is represented in the print news media. Despite frequent citing of experts and studies on the efficacy, safety and unmet need for bariatric surgery, obesity and surgery in adolescents are often stigmatized and sensationalized, with (prospective) patients depicted as looking for an easy way out in the form of a solution brought by others (health systems, society, tax payers). This may increase the stigma surrounding adolescent obesity, and therefore limit the acceptability of specific treatments such as bariatric surgery.

Unfurling Stories of Endurance: A Review of “Sea Prayer” by Khaled Hosseini

In Khaled Hosseini’s “Sea Prayer”, a poignant and emotionally charged work of fiction, the author captures the harrowing realities faced by refugees through the tale of a father and his young son on a precarious journey. This review reflects on how Hosseini’s lyrical writing style captures the deep emotions and complex realities faced by those forced to flee their homes in search of safety and a better life. In addition, the review also explores the book’s unique format, combining text and illustrations by Dan Williams to create a visually stunning and deeply immersive reading experiences.

Children reading alone and reading together: literary representations and lessons from a pandemic

This article first explores three literary representations of young people who are immersed in books by focusing on Alice’s sister in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Belle from Beauty and the Beast and Matilda. It argues that these characters create solitary reading experiences by being absorbed in books which provides escapism and company. It considers how representations of literary children immersed in books can provide a model of this type of reading behaviour for child readers, provided that these representations are sufficiently diverse. The article then focuses on primary literacy education in the United Kingdom and discusses how policy requirements can mean that children’s school reading experiences are often shared rather than solitary ones. It draws on a recent study of children’s reading habits (Topping, 2021) to highlight how children’s increased enjoyment in reading during the first lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic can be partly attributed to them having more time to read alone, which enabled them to become immersed in a story and made them feel better about being isolated. The article concludes by arguing that children need to have more opportunities in school to be alone with books to allow for immersive reading experiences.

Investigation and research on the construction of library VR intelligent system

Virtual technology is more and more widely used in all walks of life. VR technology which can present simulated virtual reality scenes is an important technical means for smart libraries to implement human-computer interaction, realize immersive reading and complete virtual experience in the future. Starting from the literature and questionnaire survey, this paper puts forward some suggestions on the construction of VR intelligent system in the library of higher vocational colleges, in order to help teachers and students in higher vocational colleges get a better and efficient sense of experience.

English Fiction in France: A Cross-Channel Dialogue at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century

After a period of postmodern innovation, readers as well as some writers in France have developed a taste for English fiction, preferably for texts that invite immersive reading. In contrast to earlier cross-Channel studies with their emphasis on French influence on English literature, an enquiry into current Anglo-French literary relations might show the reverse being true. For a start, this article discusses creative responses to English works in three French novels: Sylvia Tabet represents the Franco-British literary dialogue as an encounter with a variety of Victorian and post-Victorian voices; Julie Wolkenstein stages it as a negotiation between a novel by Henry James and her own fiction; and Jacqueline Harpman replies to Virginia Woolf’s Orlando with an updated version of the myth of the androgyne. Like the English pre-texts, the French offshoots encourage identificatory reading, yet by their mise en abyme techniques they also provoke critical reflection.

RE-ENACTMENTS OF THE PROLOGUE IN CUPID'S PALACE: AN IMMERSIVE READING OF APULEIUS’ STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE

AbstractThis article offers a new interpretation of Apuleius’ story of Cupid and Psyche. Most scholars have previously offered a second-time reading of this story, according to which the reader reaches Book 11 and then looks back at Psyche's story of fall and redemption as a parallel for Lucius’ life. Following Graverini's and other scholars’ emotional approach to theMetamorphoses, I argue that the ecphrasis of Cupid's palace within the story of Cupid and Psyche includes multiple re-enactments of the novel's prologue. These re-enactments invite the reader to undertake a first-time and immersive reading of this story, which focusses on Psyche's experience of Cupid and her reaction to his epiphany. In its use of immersion, this article draws from recent developments in cognitive narratology and pushes scholars of Apuleius to focus on the reader's immersive and emotional response in order to reassess the value of a second-time reading of theMetamorphoses.

P-740 Socio-cultural and clinical implications of ‘routine’ AMH testing in India: Insights from an interview study with the healthcare professionals (HCPs)

Abstract Study question How do Indian healthcare professionals describe their clinical experience with and perspectives on AMH testing in Indian women seeking fertility treatments including fertility preservation? Summary answer The HCPs cautioned against AMH testing as a screening tool in presumed fertile Indian women due to its anticipated impact on women’s arranged-marriage prospects. What is known already AMH test is being increasingly used to assess women’s ovarian reserve (OR) while planning fertility treatments or to guide decisions about fertility preservation (FP). There is weak evidence suggesting that serum AMH level and fertility treatment outcomes vary in different population groups. Surveys with women in reproductive age (e.g. the US, Ireland, the Netherlands) indicate that a majority wants to know their OR to aid reproductive decision making. As yet, both globally and in an Indian context, there are only few qualitative studies exploring the views of HCPs on the OR assessment in clinical practice and its socio-cultural implications. Study design, size, duration This paper reports the findings of an exploratory qualitative research aimed at understanding whether and how elective fertility preservation could influence reproductive autonomy of Indian women. Between June 2018 and April 2019, IVF specialists and obstetricians practicing in ten cities across five Indian states were interviewed in English (language commonly spoken) using a semi-structured interview guide. The discussion about OR assessment with AMH-testing was initiated by the participants indicating its significance in their clinical practice. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study sample included 17 male and 15 female HCPs, the majority (18/32) was practicing in Mumbai. Twenty-six of them were in private practice while six worked as OBGYNs in publicly funded teaching hospitals. Twenty-six participants were interviewed in their clinics and the remaining six using Skype or telephone. After several rounds of immersive reading, the interview sections on OR and AMH-test were analyzed inductively using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Main results and the role of chance Several participants reported that many of their patients present with decreased OR (DOR) at a younger age and need higher dosages of hormones for ovulation induction compared to the dosages mentioned in international guidelines. They corroborated this experience with a few peer-reviewed articles indicating a six-years age difference in OR of Indian women undergoing IVF compared to Spanish women. A majority of participants advocated for the rational use of OR assessment in IVF patients but warned against its indiscriminate use or interpretation out of context due to concerns about overdiagnosis of ovarian factor infertility and overtreatment with IVF with donor eggs. Although the physicians who had performed elective FP perceived AMH test as a simple, affordable and empowering tool to guide FP decisions, most participants were critical of using AMH-test as a screening tool in young, presumed fertile women completing university education. They were concerned that a diagnosis of DOR as a result of such screening in this population in the Indian context will adversely impact women’s chances of marriage and might further increase pressure on women to get married and complete their childbearing early even if they are not ready for it. Limitations, reasons for caution This is the first qualitative study assessing views of Indian HCPs on AMH testing. These results are indicative rather than a representation of views of Indian HCPs. Almost half of the contacted HCPs did not respond to interview requests; we do not know whether they had different views. Wider implications of the findings The insights on clinical implications of AMH testing in India are relevant to other societies beyond the Euro-American and Australian context where AMH testing will increase in the future. The socio-cultural implications of ‘routine’ AMH testing in India urges us to be aware of similar implications in other cultural contexts. Trial registration number Not applicable

P–740 Socio-cultural and clinical implications of ‘routine’ AMH testing in India: Insights from an interview study with the healthcare professionals (HCPs)

Abstract Study question How do Indian healthcare professionals describe their clinical experience with and perspectives on AMH testing in Indian women seeking fertility treatments including fertility preservation? Summary answer The HCPs cautioned against AMH testing as a screening tool in presumed fertile Indian women due to its anticipated impact on women’s arranged-marriage prospects. What is known already AMH test is being increasingly used to assess women’s ovarian reserve (OR) while planning fertility treatments or to guide decisions about fertility preservation (FP). There is weak evidence suggesting that serum AMH level and fertility treatment outcomes vary in different population groups. Surveys with women in reproductive age (e.g. the US, Ireland, the Netherlands) indicate that a majority wants to know their OR to aid reproductive decision making. As yet, both globally and in an Indian context, there are only few qualitative studies exploring the views of HCPs on the OR assessment in clinical practice and its socio-cultural implications. Study design, size, duration This paper reports the findings of an exploratory qualitative research aimed at understanding whether and how elective fertility preservation could influence reproductive autonomy of Indian women. Between June 2018 and April 2019, IVF specialists and obstetricians practicing in ten cities across five Indian states were interviewed in English (language commonly spoken) using a semi-structured interview guide. The discussion about OR assessment with AMH-testing was initiated by the participants indicating its significance in their clinical practice. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study sample included 17 male and 15 female HCPs, the majority (18/32) was practicing in Mumbai. Twenty-six of them were in private practice while six worked as OBGYNs in publicly funded teaching hospitals. Twenty-six participants were interviewed in their clinics and the remaining six using Skype or telephone. After several rounds of immersive reading, the interview sections on OR and AMH-test were analyzed inductively using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Main results and the role of chance Several participants reported that many of their patients present with decreased OR (DOR) at a younger age and need higher dosages of hormones for ovulation induction compared to the dosages mentioned in international guidelines. They corroborated this experience with a few peer-reviewed articles indicating a six-years age difference in OR of Indian women undergoing IVF compared to Spanish women. A majority of participants advocated for the rational use of OR assessment in IVF patients but warned against its indiscriminate use or interpretation out of context due to concerns about overdiagnosis of ovarian factor infertility and overtreatment with IVF with donor eggs. Although the physicians who had performed elective FP perceived AMH test as a simple, affordable and empowering tool to guide FP decisions, most participants were critical of using AMH-test as a screening tool in young, presumed fertile women completing university education. They were concerned that a diagnosis of DOR as a result of such screening in this population in the Indian context will adversely impact women’s chances of marriage and might further increase pressure on women to get married and complete their childbearing early even if they are not ready for it. Limitations, reasons for caution This is the first qualitative study assessing views of Indian HCPs on AMH testing. These results are indicative rather than a representation of views of Indian HCPs. Almost half of the contacted HCPs did not respond to interview requests; we do not know whether they had different views. Wider implications of the findings: The insights on clinical implications of AMH testing in India are relevant to other societies beyond the Euro-American and Australian context where AMH testing will increase in the future. The socio-cultural implications of ‘routine’ AMH testing in India urges us to be aware of similar implications in other cultural contexts. Trial registration number Not applicable

Immersive reading in virtual and augmented reality environment

Purpose This study aims to investigate “immersive reading,” which occurs when individuals read text while in a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) environment. Design/methodology/approach In Experiment 1, 64 participants read text passages and answered multiple-choice questions in VR and AR head-mounted displays (HMDs) compared with doing the same task on liquid crystal display (LCD). In Experiment 2, 31 participants performed the same reading tasks but with two VR HMDs of different display quality. Findings Compared with reading on LCD as the baseline, participants reading in VR and AR HMDs got 82% (VR) and 88% (AR) of the information accurately. Participants tended to respond more accurately and faster, though not statistically significant, with the VR HMD of higher pixel density in the speed-reading task. Originality/value The authors observed the speed and accuracy of reading in VR and AR environments, compared with the reading speed and accuracy on an LCD monitor. The authors also compared the reading performance on two VR HMDs that differed in display quality but were otherwise similar in every way.