Inclusive Language Research Articles

The Double-Edged Sword: Analyzing the Influence of Technology on English Language Learning in Kuwait Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

This study explores the dynamic interplay between advanced technology and teaching English to non-native speakers within university contexts. Focused on insights from academic staff at Kuwait University, the research explores both the merits and challenges associated with integrating technology into language education. The literature review examines the evolution from traditional to modern teaching methods, emphasizing technology's role in creating engaging and personalized learning experiences. As a global lingua franca, English is a focal point, with technology-driven approaches reshaping language education for non-native speakers. The consequences of integrating advanced technology unfold nuancedly, showcasing both positive and negative outcomes. The study reveals that while technology enhances access to diverse learning resources and improves writing tools, it poses challenges such as distractions, dependence, and potential superficial learning. The research design involves a qualitative approach, employing semi-structured interviews with 11 academic staff members in Kuwaiti institutions. Thematic analysis is utilized to extract key patterns and themes from the gathered data, providing valuable insights into teacher perspectives on the consequences of technology integration. The findings highlight drawbacks, including concerns about the quality of online content, overreliance on technology, and potential isolation, along with obstacles faced by higher education institutions, such as cost considerations and faculty challenges. The study proposes strategic solutions, advocating for professional development, equitable access to technology, and a balanced approach that integrates traditional and technology-driven methods. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of thoughtful and ethical technology integration in English language education. It advocates for a holistic approach, considering the quality of instruction, critical thinking development, and the need for a supportive culture of innovation. As universities navigate the complexities of technology, these insights offer guidance for creating inclusive and impactful language learning experiences for non-native speakers in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.

Stigma, Communication, and Clinical Oncology Care: Three Case Studies.

Health-related stigma can contribute to health inequities and poor outcomes. To address stigma-related issues in clinical oncology care, healthcare providers can identify stigma in clinical practice and apply strategies that reduce stigma. The aim is to identify stigma-related issues experienced by patients with cancer and to present strategies that address stigma-associated barriers to quality clinical oncology care. This article presents three case studies that illustrate stigma-associated issues and strategies to address those issues in clinical oncology care. Identifying intersectional stigmas in clinical care, each case study includes the patient's background information, a social assessment, and a clinical update, as well as an example of dialogue between the nurse and patient. Each case study ends with commentary and questions to further illustrate stigma-related issues in clinical oncology care. Finally, supporting the case studies, the toolbox includes inclusive language; principles of universal precautions to apply to stigma in clinical oncology care; and communication components, strategies, and resources to reduce stigma in clinical oncology care.

Meaning construction in Nigerian multilingual hip hop: a study in sociology of music

Abstract The wide acceptability of Nigerian hip hop music, home and abroad, indicates increasing value of the inclusion of local popular languages in the composition and performance of the music. In the text of many of the award winning singles and albums are mixtures of different languages ranging from English, Pidgin English, Yoruba, Igbo and other local dialects. Drawing on Ferdinand de Saussure’s theory of structuralism, this study examines meaning construction in hip hop music in Nigeria. By focusing on the Nigerian hip hop artists, who adopt different slangs embedded with codes considered absurd within the mainstream cultural milieu, the study closely investigates constructed meanings in the lyrics of four Nigerian award winning hip hop artists. All the artists adopted multilingual codes-switching from one language to another in presentation of their messages. The codes in the songs generally symbolise and present messages or meaning that appears out of the mainstream cultural meanings. Listeners and artistes meet at the level of interpretations. The article argues that Nigerian artists creatively present a sub-culture where they and their fans can relate through codes and words embedded with symbolic meanings shared by both artists and fans.

Changing perspectives on autism: Overlapping contributions of evolutionary psychiatry and the neurodiversity movement.

Perspectives on autism and psychiatric conditions are affected by a mix of scientific and social influences. Evolutionary psychiatry (EP) and the neurodiversity movement are emerging paradigms that reflect these distinct influences, with the former grounded in scientific theory and the latter driven by political and social principles. Despite their separate foundations, there is a significant overlap between EP and neurodiversity that has not been explored. Specifically, both paradigms reframe disorders as natural cognitive differences rather than disease; expand the concept of "normal" beyond that implied in modern psychiatry; focus on relative strengths; recognize that modern environments disadvantage certain individuals to cause functional impairment; emphasize cognitive variation being socially accommodated and integrated rather than treated or cured; and can help reduce stigmatization. However, in other ways, they are distinct and sometimes in conflict. EP emphasizes scientific explanation, defines "dysfunction" in objective terms, and differentiates heterogenous cases based on underlying causes (e.g. autism due to de novo genetic mutations). The neurodiversity movement emphasizes social action, removes barriers to inclusion, promotes inclusive language, and allows unrestricted identification as neurodivergent. By comparing and contrasting these two approaches, we find that EP can, to some extent, support the goals of neurodiversity. In particular, EP perspectives could be convincing to groups more responsive to scientific evidence and help achieve a middle ground between neurodiversity advocates and critics of the movement.

Regulation of Gender Correct Communication in an Academic Environment – Recommendations and Methodological Documents and their Application

The text examines gender-correct communication in the context of the recommendations of the Ministry of Education of the Czech Republic and of Czech universities on the use of gender-neutral language in academic settings. Individual recommendations for the use of preferred words and constructions in order to emphasize the role of women in public and academic life, to express respect for persons with non-binary gender, and to reduce the masculinization of language are considered. The text also presents a contrasting view of the language situation in the Czech Republic and Bul-garia and the specifics of the sociolinguistic situation in the two countries. The potential possibility of linguistic realization of the principles of gender inclusive language in Czech and Bulgarian is observed, and differences are found, although both languages have the same word-formation patterns and are genetically related Slavic languages.

Remind Volunteers About Inclusive Language

Remind Volunteers About Inclusive Language

Language as an Agent of Change: Promoting Gender Fairness

This research explores the complex dynamics of gendered language usage in an effort to provide guidance for language-based initiatives that advance gender equality. The study includes a number of goals, such as determining how frequently gendered words are used, analyzing inclusive language policies' effectiveness and presence, learning about respondents' opinions about gendered language, and finding barriers to the adoption of gender-inclusive terminology. The researcher used a Likert scale to analyze the findings after conducting a quantitative survey with 118 students from the City College of Calamba's Arts and Sciences Department. The results show that respondents were mostly in agreement with the negative effects of gendered language in media and advertising, as well as the difficulties in promoting gender-neutral language, especially in media sources. , the study proposes an advocacy project, "Language for Equality: Promoting Gender Fairness," aiming to raise awareness and encourage the use of gender-fair language to combat discrimination and foster gender equality within the college community. This research contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on language as a catalyst for transformative societal change. Limitations, however, include the possible influence of social desirability bias and the distinctive characteristics of the sample. Comprehensive qualitative inquiries, cross-cultural and longitudinal studies, mixed-methods approaches, and evaluations of suggested solutions are among the study directions for the future. It is recommended that media professionals compare educational resources and inclusive language training programs to improve their understanding of gendered language hurdles and practical solutions.

Language Matters: Exploring Preferred Terms for Diverse Populations

This article explores the significance of employing preferred terms and inclusive language in research practices concerning diverse populations. It highlights how inappropriate terminology can lead to labeling, stereotyping, and stigma, particularly for equity-denied groups. The study aimed to identify and analyze terminology preferences for diverse communities by major international organizations. Through a systematic environmental scan methodology, data were collected from 12 prominent organizations. The results indicate a concerted effort toward adopting inclusive language, with organizations favoring respectful and accurate terminology. For instance, terms like “people made vulnerable by systemic inequities” and “migrant workers” were preferred over outdated or stigmatizing alternatives. The discussion emphasizes the importance of identifying conflicting terms and trends in terminology preferences over time. We recommend prioritizing the use of preferred terms to promote respectful and accurate discourse, with a focus on person-centered language. Ultimately, the findings underscore the critical role of language in shaping perceptions and attitudes toward diverse communities, and advocate for continued efforts to promote inclusivity and equity in research, policy, and practice.

Development of Smart Link Book as a Medium for Interaction Between Special School Institutions and Parents Through User Centered Design

By redesigning linking books, this study seeks to enhance the user-communication experience (UX) between school-aged children with special needs (SLB) and their parents. Understanding special education pupils’ growth, needs, and progress depends heavily on effective parent-school communication. Current link books, however, frequently fall short in terms of providing information in a user-friendly and inclusive manner. This research employs a user-oriented design approach to comprehend the requirements and preferences of parents and special education students. We found possible issues in the current bridge books through content analysis and engagement methods. The findings of this study will be used to guide the redesign of link books so that they are more user-friendly and available to everyone. The creation of a new linking book prototype involved the application of iterative design techniques. This prototype includes design components like inclusive language, understandable graphics, and improved accessibility features. Then, to gauge reactions and identify areas for development, this prototype was tested with the help of parents of SLB students and the students themselves. It is intended that the findings of this study would help those who create connecting books for special schools and other educational institutions that wish to enhance communication with special needs student groups. Better design will allow us to establish more efficient lines of communication between parents and schools, enhancing parental support for the academic growth of special education kids.

Strategies to promote language inclusion at 17 CTSA hubs.

The prioritization of English language in clinical research is a barrier to translational science. We explored promising practices to advance the inclusion of people who speak languages other than English in research conducted within and supported by NIH Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs. Key informant interviews were conducted with representatives (n = 24) from CTSA hubs (n = 17). Purposive sampling was used to identify CTSA hubs focused on language inclusion. Hubs electing to participate were interviewed via Zoom. Thematic analysis was performed to analyze interview transcripts. We report on strategies employed by hubs to advance linguistic inclusion and influence institutional change that were identified. Strategies ranged from translations, development of culturally relevant materials and consultations to policies and procedural changes and workforce initiatives. An existing framework was adapted to conceptualize hub strategies. Language justice is paramount to bringing more effective treatments to all people more quickly. Inclusion will require institutional transformation and CTSA hubs are well positioned to catalyze change.

Digital therapeutics in the hospital for suicide crisis - content and design recommendations from young people and hospital staff.

Hospital emergency departments lack the resources to adequately support young people who present for suicidal crisis. Digital therapeutics could fill this service gap by providing psychological support without creating additional burden on hospital staff. However, existing research on what is needed for successful integration of digital therapeutics in hospital settings is scant. Thus, this study sought to identify key considerations for implementing digital therapeutics to manage acute suicidal distress in hospitals. Participants were 17 young people who recently presented at the hospital for suicide-related crisis, and 12 hospital staff who regularly interacted with young people experiencing mental ill-health in their day-to-day work. Interviews were conducted via videoconference. Framework analysis and reflexive thematic analysis were used to interpret the data obtained. Qualitative insights were centred around three major themes: hospital-specific content, therapeutic content, and usability. Digital therapeutics were seen as a useful means for facilitating hospital-based assessment and treatment planning, and for conducting post-discharge check-ins. Therapeutic content should be focused on helping young people self-manage suicide-related distress while they wait for in-person services. Features to promote usability, such as the availability of customisable features and the use of inclusive design or language, should be considered in the design of digital therapeutics. Digital therapeutics in hospital settings need to benefit both patients and staff. Given the unique context of the hospital setting and acute nature of suicidal distress, creating specialty digital therapeutics may be more viable than integrating existing ones.

Inclusive indigenous simple programming language and interpreter written in chichewa (chich++)

This paper aims to bridge the digital divide in Malawi's primary and secondary schools by developing Chich++, a simple console-based programming language in Chichewa (Nyanja). The goal is to teach fundamental programming and computational concepts to children and adults, especially those with limited English proficiency. Inspired by countries like Germany, China, and Japan, which teach IT in native languages, this initiative seeks to provide Malawian students with culturally and linguistically relevant programming education. By using Chichewa, Chich++ aims to democratize programming education and empower individuals to contribute to Malawi's socio-economic development. To achieve this vision, the paper utilizes a combination of powerful tools and resources. Java is the foundational programming language used for developing Chich++ and its infrastructure, building on the Java Interpreter Structure. Additionally, a graphical editor is employed to create the language's lessons on a documentation panel, paired with a code editor and an output pane. Preliminary (desired) results indicate a suitable engagement theme and comprehensive way for students using Chich++ to understand basic coding and programming concepts, compared to those learning in English. Positive feedback highlights the potential impact on learning outcomes. To achieve this vision, the project utilizes a graphical editor that facilitates the construction of lessons, with a well-thought documentation area to enhance the learning experience.

Whiteness as currency: Exploring racial ideologies in Pakistan's English language teaching sphere

Addressing the problem of racial ideologies in Pakistan's English Language Teaching (ELT) sphere, this study examines the practices within the Society of Pakistani English Language Teachers (SPELT) and the Linguistic Association of Pakistan (LAP). It argues that English's elevated status, a remnant of colonial legacies, marginalizes local languages, perpetuating racial disparities. Methodologically, the study employs qualitative analysis of interviews with SPELT and LAP members, drawing theoretical framework of Alim (2016) and Flores and Rosa (2015). The findings reveal a deep-rooted preference for English, symbolizing 'whiteness' and sophistication, thereby sustaining racial hierarchies in ELT. This research highlights the urgency of decolonizing educational practices, advocating for inclusive and diverse language teaching that dissociates language proficiency from racial constructs. The study's significance lies in its contribution to the broader discourse on education reform, highlighting the necessity of policy changes that embrace linguistic and cultural equity.

Open Educational Resources and the Teaching of Public International Law: A German Lens on a Global Matter

This article explores the potential of Open Educational Resources (OER) as a means to mitigate the prevailing patterns of exclusion in the teaching of public international law. Furthermore, it suggests concrete solutions to overcome some of the existing challenges OER face. The article does so based on a non-representative survey conducted among German law students regarding access to teaching materials. The survey yields four key results: Firstly, a majority of students still prefer conventional, non-Open-Access teaching materials for reasons of quantity and quality. Secondly, the survey confirms that most, especially female, students lack access to teaching materials for financial reasons. Thirdly, findings suggest that enhancing the acceptance of OER among students depends on improving their quality, accessibility, and variety. Finally, female students emphasise the importance of inclusive language and non-prejudiced examples in educational resources.

The Academic Oratory Tax Paid by Undergraduates as Persons Who Stutter

This study highlights the nuanced ways ten undergraduate students who stutter can experience ableism. A critical framework of stuttering ableism at the community and public policy levels are used to interrogate how ableism oppresses persons who stutter. Inclusive language humanizes the experiences of participants who experienced an academic oratory tax and invisibility. Participants paid an academic oratory tax through co-curricular participation and felt invisible, being cast into material participation and passive involvement. Implications for practice include new ways of thinking about belonging for persons who stutter in college.

English Language Anxiety in Adult Learners: Challenges and Opportunities

English language anxiety (ELA) is an issue among adults who are learning a language. It affects their experience and outcomes in language learning. This comprehensive review explores the nature of ELA, examining its aspects and implications for language instruction. The research investigates how the classroom environment, linguistic challenges, academic performance, communication difficulties, emotional well-being, motivation, and other personal and societal factors contribute to ELA. It also delves into the role of technology, self-reflection, and training in English language acquisition. The review emphasises the importance of creating inclusive language learning spaces, providing teacher training programmes, and encouraging self-practice to address English Language Anxiety (ELA). Moreover, evidence-based solutions such as task design and tolerance for errors are recommended to help students overcome ELA and enhance their overall language learning experience. The conclusions and suggestions presented in this review can be valuable for adult learners of languages who seek to understand and engage with individuals from diverse cultures. IUBAT Review, 6(2): 158-183

Community Engagement from Theory to Practice: Co-design and Implementation of Inclusive Language Principles in a Community-based Organization Serving People with Disabilities

Introduction: March of Dimes Canada (MODC) is one of the largest non-profit organizations in Canada that provides programs and support services to people with disabilities. MODC is in the process of transforming all its programming and services using co-design to better meet the needs of people with disabilities. The Empowering Client Voices (ECV) initiative was designed to create a co-designed community engagement framework to center the voices and ideas of people with disabilities in how the organization engages with its community and provides services. This project looks to fill a gap in knowledge of how community-based organizations can move from theory to praxis when using co-design and community engagement.
 Methods: The initiative is a three-phase process: (1) internal review of current organization engagement practices; (2) external environmental scan and a rapid review; and (3) two advisory committees to develop the principles for greater community engagement. The purpose of the co-designed community engagement framework is to create actionable principles based on the guidance of our advisory committees and other research tools. Phases 1 and 2 will create foundational themes to be discussed with our advisory committee made of people with disabilities. These themes will help provide initial guideposts for discussions about what community engagement should be within MODC. Language will be the first theme to be explored with the advisory committee to create recommendations and guidelines for better communication and inclusive language across the organization. 
 Results: The inclusive language recommendations and guidelines developed by the ECV Advisory Committee will initiate the development of an inclusive language toolkit by the research team. The inclusive language toolkit will be shared throughout the organization as a template to follow when discussing disability and people with disabilities using language that represents our community in their own words. Before the start of the ECV Initiative, inclusive language guidelines did not exist within the organization requiring the development and implementation of a change-management process at the Micro (MODC staff members) and Meso (Organization) to ensure the guidelines will be adopted across a national community-based organization.
 Discussion and Conclusion: This poster presentation will outline the development of the co-designed inclusive language toolkit and change management process for our organization to adopt standardized inclusive language through all forms of community engagement and communication in collaboration with people with disabilities in our communities of operation. International audiences can use our project as a case study of how co-design can inform and drive organizational change. This case study will highlight the implementation factors that were found to be advantageous in a community-based organization, factors that hindered organizational change, and mitigation techniques used to make lasting change across the organization. 
 Lessons and Future Research: Future research for the ECV Initiative will continue to implement the additional themes within the ECV community engagement framework with the intention of making the additional toolkits based on co-designed themes and change management knowledge products publicly available to help other community-based organizations improve their own community-engagement practices.

Our Bodies, Ourselves Translated into Brazilian Portuguese: A Study of the Impacts on the Translators

ABSTRACT This paper aims to present the collaborative and volunteer translation project of the book Our Bodies, Ourselves into Brazilian Portuguese and to analyse the translators´ ontological narratives (Baker, 2006) about their experience. Through a partnership with two Brazilian universities and an NGO, the project establishes a dialogue with the feminist movement led by The Boston Women's Health Book Collective as well as with recent research on feminist translation theories and inclusive language. The analysis of authentic narratives provided by the students involved in the project allowed for the identification of recurring trends in the emotions they experienced while translating texts dealing with abortion and sexuality, among other sensitive topics. The perceived impact on the translators' lives is discussed with the support of theoretical frameworks addressing the performativity and subjectivity (Rajagopalan 2004; Robinson 2003; Pinto 2002) and the role of translators' emotions (Barrett 2017; Rojo López 2017; Hubscher- Davidson 2018). After almost three years of work, it is possible to conclude that the project went far beyond the translation process and represented a learning experience about the participants themselves, their bodies and health. For the students involved the translation was a political act that will, hopefully, make a difference in women's lives.

Lengvai suprantama kalba socialinei įtraukčiai – atvejo aprašymas

The research is devised as a case study focused on the study course “Easy Language for Social Inclusion” developed within the ERASMUS+ project “Promoting Easy-to-Read Language for Social Inclusion/PERLSI”. The discussion is contextualized within a broader discourse on the training opportunities available for translators in the project countries (Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia). The macro-level of analysis introduces the socio-political frame of discourse on inclusion and information accessibility. The meso-level discussion evolves around the Easy language translator’s profile, based on the best practice offered by German scholars (Maaß and Rink 2020) and the immediate experience acquired during the project. Micro-level analysis offers insights into the course syllabus, the study materials developed to ensure the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for reducing cognitive load at lexical, syntactic, and textual levels as well as the visual language of the text.

Super-Networks Shaping International Agreements: Comparing the Climate Change and Nuclear Weapons Arenas

Abstract While research on transnational advocacy networks (TANs) is well established in international relations, knowledge gaps remain concerning TAN collaboration across policy fields. To address this gap, this article highlights how super-networks (networks above individual TANs) emerge across issue areas and explores the tactics utilized to achieve their objectives and shape international agreements. We develop an analytical framework that emphasizes the important interplay between political opportunity structures, mobilizing structures, and tactics in understanding how super-networks operate. We apply this framework via a comparative case study approach, analyzing the Inter-Constituency Alliance, whose advocacy brought about the inclusion of human rights language in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, and the International Campaign for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons, whose activities based on humanitarian principles resulted in the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Contributing new knowledge to TANs research, we identify that super-networks utilize multilevel advocacy activities that draw upon a package approach tactic. Via the package approach, super-networks synthesize multiple voices from different issue areas into one key message grounded in humanitarian framing, thereby enhancing their moral leverage and legitimacy, making it more difficult for states to neglect their concerns.