Language Shift Research Articles

Language Issues in Ukrainian Sports Media during the Wartime

This article analyses language issues concerning Ukrainian and Russian in Ukrainian sports media during the wartime in terms of language ideologies. It examines language-related comments of 103 Ukrainian sports figures, including retired athletes, coaches and officials from 21 disciplines. The analysed dataset consists of 127 textual and 31 video units comprising the comments from Ukrainian sports media and athletes’ social media platforms. In Ukrainian sports, traditionally associated with Russian as the dominant language, the prominent language-related issue today is the shift from Russian to Ukrainian, triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as is generally observed in wartime Ukraine. Since 2022, at least 31 sports figures publicly announced their language shift. Although language is not inherently linked to sport itself in athletes’ discourse, today, language issues are becoming increasingly entangled with war-related topics. Athletes’ discourse regarding their language shift reveals patterns: they embrace Ukrainian, explain their linguistic and geographic backgrounds, and distance themselves from Russian. Interviewers highlight athletes’ language choice and practice by appraising their Ukrainian and appreciating their effort to speak the language. Overall, athletes’ comments reinforce the language ideology “Language matters”.

University autonomy is a predictor of English medium instruction in European higher education

AbstractDespite extensive research into English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) in higher education, few if any studies have explored the role of higher education autonomy in driving EMI. This paper tests the novel hypothesis that university autonomy—spearheaded across European higher education through neoliberally predicated ‘steering at a distance’ reforms—predicts EMI. The data are multilevel with higher education institutions (HEIs) nested inside education systems. The University Autonomy Scorecards (Pruvot & Estermann, 2017) operationalise university autonomy at the education-system level (n = 26) and measure four dimensions of autonomy: academic, financial, staffing, and organisational. We include ‘overall autonomy’ as the average. The European Tertiary Education Register provides HEI-level data (n = 1815), which we combine with a count of English-taught degree programmes (ETPs) to measure EMI, provided by Study Portals, the largest online portal of degree programmes. We conduct multilevel regression to analyse the relationships between autonomy and EMI. The results showed that overall autonomy predicts EMI in public universities (p = 0.002). Increasing overall autonomy by one point above the mean increases the likelihood of offering EMI by 9.5%. Academic, staffing, and organisational autonomy predict EMI in public universities, whereas financial autonomy does not. The first to quantify a relationship between university autonomy and EMI, this study offers new insights into how EMI comes about. By revealing a previously obscured interconnectedness between language shift and higher education governance, the study demonstrates the value added of an interdisciplinary approach and proposes a new line of inquiry for future research.

Digital Storytelling in Listening EYL Context: Students’ Responses

In the contemporary educational landscape, digital storytelling (DST) has surfaced as a promising pedagogical paradigm for facilitating the instruction of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Nonetheless, its implementation in educational settings has yielded divergent student responses, influencing the efficacy of educational DST as an English language instructional instrument (Baehaki Wahyuni, 2023). This study aims to scrutinize the responses of kindergarten pupils engaged in the DST learning process, with a particular emphasis on nurturing students' listening proficiencies. The investigation was conducted at TK Labschool UPI establishments in Bandung, encompassing a cohort of 10 students aged 5-6 years, employing a qualitative inquiry approach and adopting a case study framework. Data accrual entails classroom observations, while thematic analysis is the methodological scaffold for discerning patterns and discrepancies within the gathered data corpus. The overarching aspiration of this research endeavor is to furnish nuanced insights into the efficacy of DST as a multimodal language acquisition tool in the milieu of kindergarten education. The findings endeavor to elucidate educational practices and enrich the ongoing dialogue of innovative language pedagogical methodologies by augmenting the extant reservoir of knowledge concerning early childhood English language assimilation. The research findings are considered favorable when students exhibit an 80% success rate in behavior and answering questions, indicating a significant response toward achieving the educational objectives.

Modelling Bilinguals’ Language Shift Intentions: Towards the Development of the “Context-Dependent Theory of Language Shift”

The goal of this study was to create a theoretical framework (the ‘Context-Dependent Theory of Language Shift’) that explains how school-related linguistic practices and ideologies influence students’ language shift intentions in varying communicative domains. Data obtained from 560 high school students in Cape Coast, Ghana were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the proposed theoretical framework. The results indicated that language attitudes, parental pressure, and English performance anxiety significantly influence students’ language shift intentions in formal communicative domains. Nonetheless, apart from attitude, these variables do not influence students’ language shift intentions in informal domains. Based on this statistical insight, our theoretical proposition is that the language shift behaviours of students in Ghana and Africa tend to be fluid and context-dependent. This presupposes that factors that may compel them to shift from their L1 to English in a given context may not compel them to shift in different contexts.

Differences in codeswitching patterns between immigrant and heritage speakers of US American Danish

This paper addresses intrasentential code-switching in US American Danish spoken by 1st generation immigrants from Denmark, who migrated to the US around 1900 as part as the transatlantic European mass emigration and their descendants (2nd and 3rd generation). The analysis is based on the Corpus of American Danish, specifically a dataset of 173 speakers producing 46 hours of speech. In this dataset, we observe significantly different patterns of intrasentential code-switching in the speech of the immigrant speakers (1st generation) and US-born heritage speakers (2nd and 3rd generation): The code-switching patterns of the heritage speakers show a preference for English lexemes that are integrated morphologically into Danish or which are part of Danish-English bilingual compounds. In contrast, the immigrant speakers prefer non-integrated English words for code-switching. This result taken per se shows that code-switching patterns show variation across generations just as other linguistic variables. Taking the result further, we have connected it to a previous study of representations of linguistic proficiency in immigrant Danish in the Americas. By this, we are able to show that the morphologically or lexically integrated code-switching of the heritage speakers correlate with features representing fluent speech, while the non-integrated code-switching of the immigrant speakers rather seems to correlate with features showing a low activation of Danish in a situation of language shift. Thus, the heritage speakers seem to have developed a way of speaking US American Danish where English word stems are an integrated part of speaking fluently and lexically varied.

Disfemisme Ungkapan Umpatan pada Terjemahan Arab-Indonesia Cerpen “طبلية من السماء” Karya Yusuf Idris

This article examines the use of dysphemism in swear words in the translation of Yusuf Idris's short story “Thobaliyyah Min As-Sama'” into Herpin Nopiandi Khurosan's short story “Tray from Heaven”. Dysfeminism refers to the use of language that is designed to emphasize negative connotations and make a statement sound worse or harsher. This study aims to determine the form of swear word dysphemism in the Arabic-Indonesian translation of the short story “Thobaliyyah Min As-Sama'”, knowing the function of swear word dysphemism in the Arabic-Indonesian translation of the short story “Thobaliyyah Min As-Sama”. The theory used in this research is Allan and Burridge's theory of dysphemism. The method of this research is descriptive qualitative, with 2 data collection techniques, namely reading the entire contents of the short story and recording the data in accordance with the theory. Then the data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman method, namely by collecting data, reducing data, presenting data, and conclusions. The results of this study show that there are some data that show the existence of dysphemism in swear words. Among them have functions, namely, to vent the speaker's emotions, to joke, to demean the listener, and to swear. This research makes an important contribution to the understanding of how dysphemisms are translated and how shifts in language can affect the meaning and emotional impact of literary texts. For future research, it is hoped that other researchers can explore the comparison of dysphemisms in various literary genres or in the context of translation between different languages.

Polyvocality as a communicative strategy in Korean–Black business interactions

ABSTRACT This research analyzes and explains the use of multiple voices in a beauty supply store as an intercultural communication process that plays a particular role in adjusting the participants’ relationships. This study explores the alternation of language between the Korean American business owner and his Black neighbors to meet the following research objectives: (a) to examine how a store owner uses polyvocality to mitigate tension, (b) to investigate how his interlocutors react to his shift in language, and (c) to explore how the voicing of these “figures of personhood” represents the negotiation of their relationships. I argue that the participants in these particular intercultural interactions employ various discursive strategies to build rapport and avoid conflicts. However, despite their long-term and personal relationships and the application of multiple voices, sources of conflict such as racial hierarchy and socioeconomic disparities remain unresolved.

Language shift in Aceh: The sociolinguistic situation of post-conflict society

Aceh is a special autonomous province of Indonesia located on the northwest tip of Sumatra Island. Aceh had been in conflict with the Indonesian government for more than 3 decades before officially declaring peace in 2005. This study aims to shed light on the sociolinguistic situation in Aceh during the conflict and following the 2005 peace accord, as well as to provide a deeper understanding of the roots of Aceh’s rapid language shift. Based on focus groups with young people and young parents, as well as follow-up interviews with members of an earlier generation, the study revealed that the prolonged conflict between Aceh and Indonesia failed to lead to resistance. Instead of being a colonial language, Indonesian is an integral part of national identity. Even though there was still a stated pride and high level of ideological identification with Acehnese, a gradual shift away from Acehnese began during the conflict. Since the 1970s and 1980s, an emerging phenomenon of Indonesian intergenerational transmission has emerged. This linguistic phenomenon then became more and more common among Acehnese families in the 2000s and peaked after the tsunami and peace agreement. Prestige/modernity, education, and socioeconomic factors seem to be the primary drivers of the Acehnese-to-Indonesian language shift.

THE SOCIOLINGUISTIC POSITION OF PALEMBANG RELIGIOUS POETRY

This article examines the sociolinguistic position of Palembang religious poetry in the Palembang speech community in South Sumatra, Indonesia. The Palembang language is unique in that it is used as a language of wider communication and listed as level 3 on EGIDS, yet it does not have an official writing system. Until this study, no academic research on Palembang religious poetry had ever been conducted. This research examines the use of Palembang religious poetry by Palembang people. Ethnographic research methods were employed, and poets and poetry users from various backgrounds and ages were interviewed. Palembang traditional poetry called pantun is also discussed. Findings reveal the origins and the types of religious poetry. Research highlights five poems: three autogenic poems and two translated poems. Three poems are considered spoken poetry and two poems are sung. Poets and poetry users of Palembang religious poetry in this research consist of four men and three women ranging from 25-65 years of age. There are examples of Palembang religious poetry undergoing language shift but it is clear that poetry has strong connections to ethnic identity and language pride.

Are meat alternatives a moral concern? A comparison of English and Japanese tweets

Meat alternatives, such as soy-based meat substitutes, are gaining attention as possible solutions for the negative effects of increased meat consumption on human health, the environment, and animal welfare. Our study indicates that the public interest in these alternatives is evolving into a moral concern, influencing both societal shifts and marketing approaches. Using longitudinal data from Twitter (now known as X), we analyzed spontaneous conversations on meat alternatives in both English and Japanese. We identified keywords reflecting food choice motivations and we assessed their prevalence in the tweets. Drawing on Moral Foundations Theory, we detected a shift in the moral language associated with conversations about meat alternatives. While both English and Japanese tweets showed a noticeable shift in consumer interest in meat alternatives driven by moral concerns for the environment and animals, the degree of moralizing was more pronounced in English. Our study provides empirical evidence of a decrease in emphasis on sensory appeal, such as taste (a significant factor in previous studies), and a growing dominance of moral considerations. For future marketing campaigns, it would be advantageous to highlight not only the taste and health benefits but also the ethical dimension, in order to resonate with consumers.

Language Shift and Maintenance of Chittagonian Language towards Standard Bengali Language

Language Shift and Maintenance of Chittagonian Language towards Standard Bengali Language

The Function of Digital Technology in Minority Language Preservation: The Case of the Gyalrong Tibetan Language

Abstract In the digital media era, the preservation of minority languages and cultures faces profound challenges. This article focuses on the Gyalrong Tibetan language (GTL) as a representative case within the broader context of linguistic diversity endangerment. The emergence of digital technology as a supplementary tool to preserve endangered languages provides opportunities and challenges in language conservation. Adopting a qualitative research approach and thematic analysis, collecting data from previous studies, fieldwork, and interviews, this study considers the intersection of digital technology and GTL preservation. It examines 1) the opportunities, 2) the challenges and concerns of integrating digital technology and minority languages and 3) the evolving dynamics of language proficiency influenced by educational systems among younger generations. Moreover, these considerations are placed within the framework of media ecology and language shifts, exploring how communication technologies shape GTL and its cultural context. This research contributes empirical insights to the discourse on minority language revitalisation and offers a strategic view for further research into language preservation in a digitised world.

Ethnic integration and evolution of the phonological features of Northern Standard Chinese Language

ABSTRACT: Ethnic integration is often accompanied by language contact and language shift. The process of "ethnic integration" is the process of "remolding" northern standard Chinese language into an inter-ethnic language and ultimately into a common national language. Only by reevaluating the phonological rules and structure of the languages (mainly Altaic) of northern non-Han ethnic groups and investigating the interference with and influence on Chinese during the language shift by the non-Han ethnic groups, can we comprehend that the common national language is a language community jointly shaped by the Han people and other ethnic groups during ethnic integration. The speakers of ethnic languages are, therefore, not only the transmitters but also the co-modelers in forming the common national language. 摘要: 民族融合往往伴随着语言接触和语言转换。"民族融合"的过程就是 将北方标准汉语"重塑"为族际共同语进而成为民族共同语的过程。 只有基于以阿尔泰语为主的北方诸民族语音系规则和音韵结构特征重 新思考并深入研究以阿尔泰为主的北方诸民族在转用汉语过程中对汉 语形成的干扰和影响，才能理解民族共同语是在民族融合过程中汉族 与其他民族共同塑造的语言共同体。在民族共同语形成的过程中，民 族语者不仅是民族共同语的传播者，也是民族共同语的共同塑造者。

Altaic Elements in the Chinese Variety of Tangwang: True and False Direct Loans

This paper foccusses on the Tangwang language, a Chinese variety spoken in southern Gansu that has been in contact with the Dongxiang language, a Mongolic language. Tangwang is believed to be a highly altaicised variety, as it demonstrate several traits that are usually absent in this language family are are reputed ‘typical’ of the Turkic-Mongolic languages. However, most of these traits are present in the other northwestern chinese varieties and are the result of reanalysis, thus, it is difficult to trace their exact origin. This paper aims at analyzing the influence of Mongolic languages on Tangwang from the perspective of borrowings, and in particular direct loans. Taking the formally identical features that are shared in Dongxiang and Tangwang as a starting point, we will try to determine which form can be seen as a direct borrowing due to the adstratal influence of Dongxiang and which one is probably due to an earlier altaic influence. We will try to classify which form is a ‘true’ direct loan from Dongxiang and which form could be the evidence of an earlier substrate. From the results, and based on the existing models on languages contact, we will try to understand which mechanisms from relexification, grammaticalization, and language shift is the most probable in the case of Tangwang.

Verdifullt om verbkongruens

In his excellent thesis from 2022, Adam Horn af Åminne discusses the reduction and loss of agreement for person and number in North Germanic in general, and in South-West Swedish dialects in particular. In this paper, I adhere to the tradition of doctoral thesis defences in Scandinavia, which is both to summarise the work and to question some of the conclusions. The thesis presentsa valuable survey of the process of gradual reduction and ultimate loss. It incorporates insights from typological linguistics and it tracks the final stages in South-West Swedish dialects of the 19th and 20th centuries in detail. The fact that this kind of agreement remained for so long has received too little attention up until now, so the thesis is a welcome contribution. The reduction process is also studied in particular individuals; the author uses the old dialectological data in a new way. He shows differences between dialect areas, and that the newer patterns tend to turn up first in areas that are more ‘central’. Where we have traditionally seen a dialect levelling in Sweden, the author sees a language shift. Arguments are presented for seeing the process as simplification. On this point, however, I am somewhat sceptical. While the final outcome may look like simplification, many intermediate stages do not, making it difficult to believe that simplification is the motivation for the process.

Функции и дисфункции правовой культуры в цифровом измерении

The article formulates and proposes for discussion three main directions of state policy aimed at enhancing legal culture among youth and overcoming its dysfunctions: 1) protecting Russian traditional values from digital informational-ideological and propagandistic attacks; 2) fostering legal culture among migrant youth; 3) implementing systemic policies to strengthen and protect traditional values through legal culture education across all societal levels. The dichotomy between digital and analog legal understanding within youth subcultures is addressed. Six functions of legal culture are formulated to develop effective measures of state policy aimed at shaping youth legal consciousness. The process is noted to be associated with preserving and promoting traditional values in society, both Russian and transnational, universal values; with the assimilation of cultural paradigms and language by young migrants; with their compliance with the legislative requirements for adaptation and socialization in Russia, and with societal consolidation.

Pergeseran dan Pemertahanan Bahasa Daerah Pengrajin Kayu di Kabupaten Tegal

This research examines the maintenance and shift of Javanese and other regional languages among wood craftsmen in Tegal Regency, Indonesia. Regional languages are integral to cultural identity, and their retention or shift reflects broader social and cultural dynamics. Using a qualitative case study approach, data was collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation. The study employs thematic analysis to provide an in-depth understanding of language use patterns. Findings reveal a linguistic dualism in the community. While Indonesian dominates formal situations, reflecting adaptation to broader communication needs, Javanese and other regional languages prevail in daily interactions, indicating the continuity of local cultural traditions. This language shift and maintenance are influenced by social context, education, and work environment factors. The study contributes to our understanding of language ecology in multilingual Indonesian contexts, drawing on Fishman's domain analysis. It highlights how communities navigate between national and regional languages, adapting to different communication needs while preserving cultural identity. These findings have implications for language policy and cultural preservation efforts in Indonesia, particularly in balancing national unity with linguistic diversity.

The Impact of Online Resources on Reducing Mental Health Stigma among International College Students: A Case Study

Mental health stigma, characterized by negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes about mental illness, is a significant barrier to seeking help, especially among international college students who face unique cultural and linguistic challenges. This study investigates the impact of online resources on reducing mental health stigma among this demographic through a case study. The research is guided by Social Learning Theory (SLT), which posits that behaviors, attitudes, and norms are learned through observation, imitation, and modeling. The case study focuses on the "Mind Care Campus Community" on College Confidential Forums, a platform designed to support international students' mental health. Findings reveal a notable increase in mental health discussions, a positive shift in language, and increased participation from diverse cultural backgrounds. Findings indicate a reduction in self-reported stigma and an increase in help-seeking behaviors. The study highlights the potential of online resources to foster supportive environments, showcase positive role models, and reinforce healthy behaviors, ultimately contributing to the reduction of mental health stigma among international college students.

An Overview of Language Shift from French to English in Scientific Articles

The drastic language shift that Algeria has witnessed in recent years, notably towards English, has gained significant ground. This paper examines the evolving dynamics of scientific discourse translation in Algeria. Since gaining independence in 1962, Algeria has been closely associated with Francophone networks, with the French historically dominating scientific communication. However, in recent decades, English has gained predominance in scientific discourse, surpassing French. Through a comprehensive review of academic literature, this paper explores the historical context that has shaped Algeria’s linguistic landscape, leading to this significant transition. The study delves into concepts such as language shift, domain loss, terminology, and translation to understand their impact and relationship within multilingual research contexts. By examining these concepts, the paper seeks to illustrate how they have influenced the shift towards English in Algerian scientific communication. Additionally, the paper investigates the underlying motivations for the increased adoption of English as the primary language of scientific discourse among Algerian researchers and institutions. Key factors include the influence of international scientific norms, the availability of extensive English language resources, participation in global research collaborations, and the enhanced visibility that English provides in the global scientific arena. While this transition to English offers numerous opportunities for Algerian researchers, such as improved access to international research networks and increased publication potential, it also presents challenges. Linguistic and cultural barriers may hinder effective communication and collaboration, potentially impacting the quality of research and its dissemination. The paper concludes by analyzing the intricate ramifications of these translation trends and their implications for Algeria’s scientific research landscape. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies to support researchers through this transition and ensuring their successful integration into the global scientific community.

Through our indigenous greeting terms, we are identified: a study of Tshivenḓa from Tshimbupfhe, Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore the importance of indigenous Tshivenḓa greeting terms as a means of social identification among Tshimbupfhe residents from the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), South Africa. Indigenous Tshivenḓa greeting terms constitute a significant part of verbal behaviour through which the cultural practices of a society can be maintained as aspects of speakers’ identity. Disregarding these forms of greeting in any formal communication setting may result in a loss of identity, respect, and dignity, as well as causing misunderstandings, language shift, and death. The study adopted face-to-face semi-structured interviews to collect data. The theoretical framework used was the social identity theory (SIT). The findings of this study revealed that Tshivenḓa forms of greeting are not only for greeting purposes; they are also used as identity markers. Consequently, the study recommended that Tshivenḓa speakers, especially the youth, should not compromise on using their native forms of greeting, regardless of modernisation, as it is the only way that they can easily identify themselves and display politeness in any communication encounter. The study contributes to the maintenance and understanding of these forms of greeting as tools for identification.