Linguistic Expertise Research Articles

Neurorhetoric: Rhetoric Intersection with Neuroscience

Abstract: Neurorhetoric examines the cognitive and neurological underpinnings of successful persuasive communication. This article seeks to examine the convergence of rhetoric and neuroscience by looking at the rhetorical framework established by Aristotle, which includes ethos, pathos, and logos. The assumption is that the integration of rhetoric with neuroscience has the potential to greatly enhance the practical relevance of rhetoric approaches in fields such as education, politics, marketing, healthcare, etc. The study employs methods of desk research and critical review of foundational and contemporary scientific publications in the fields of rhetoric, neurorhetoric, and psychology. Future studies should prioritize the advancement of the theoretical and empirical foundations of neurorhetoric. Collaboration between experts in rhetoric, linguistics, and neuroscience among others, will facilitate the achievement of this goal. Collective efforts like this will enhance our comprehension of the complex interaction between the brain, lan¬guage, and persuasion. Exploring the neural mechanisms of persuasion is a rela¬tively new field of research, even though the art of persuasion and argumentation, known as rhetoric, has been practiced since ancient times. Neurorhetoric explores the intersection between different rhetorical canons, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, and specific brain functions. This investigation focuses on both real-world and virtual communication contexts. Keywords: rhetoric, persuasion, cognitive processes, neuroscience, neu¬rorhetoric.

The Construction of Ethical Norms for Translation Technology for Medical Translators

This study explores the construction of ethical norms for medical translators who use translation technologies such as Machine Translation (MT), Neural Machine Translation (NMT), and Computer-Aided Translation (CAT) tools. As these technologies become integral to medical translation, ethical concerns surrounding accuracy, confidentiality, and humanitarian considerations arise. The study emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between the efficiency of technology and the ethical imperatives that define medical translation. Using a mixed-methods approach, including literature review, comparative analysis, and textual evaluation, the study investigates the ethical challenges posed by translation technology. It proposes ethical norms focusing on human oversight, data security, empathy, and accountability. The findings suggest that the role of the translator is evolving, requiring not only linguistic expertise but also competence in navigating the ethical complexities introduced by technology. The research contributes to the development of actionable guidelines that ensure the responsible use of translation technology while preserving the core values of medical ethics.

Validity and Reliability of the Korean Version of the Trauma-Informed Climate Scale-10

PurposeThe Trauma-Informed Climate Scale-10 is a short form developed to efficiently measure staff perceptions of the values of trauma-informed care within the service environment. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Trauma-Informed Climate Scale-10 (K-TICS-10) among Korean nurses. MethodsThe K-TICS-10 underwent a linguistic validation process, including translation, back-translation, and expert committee review. Data were collected from 218 nurses in tertiary general hospital in South Korea. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s α. Structural validity was tested through confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent validity was examined using Pearson’s correlation with affective commitment and burnout. Item-convergent validity was evaluated to examine the internal structure of the scale. ResultsThe Korean version of the TICS-10 demonstrated reliable internal consistency, with Cronbach’s α of .82. The fitness of the modified model was acceptable (χ2/Df = 2.85, goodness-of-fit index = .92, root mean square error of approximation = .09, standardized root mean square residual = .08, Normed fit index = .88, Tucker–Lewis index = .88, and comparative fit index = .91). Convergent validity of the K-TICS-10 was confirmed by significant correlation with affective commitment (r = .56, p <.001) and burnout (r = -.53, p <.001), respectively. The average extracted variances (.34) and composite reliability (.81) indicated adequate convergent validity of the items. ConclusionThe findings of this study support the satisfactory psychometric properties of the K-TICS-10, indicating its utility for evaluating the trauma-informed climate among nursing work environment in Korea.

Development of Speech Recognition in Wireless Mobile Networks for An Intelligent Learning System in Language Education

Communication has been crucial to human existence, society, and globalization for millennia. Speech Recognition (SR) technologies include biometric evaluation, security, safety, medical care, and smart cities. Most research has primarily focused on English; others neglect other lower-asset dialects like Uzbek, neglecting its research unaddressed. This study examines the efficacy of peer and ASR response in wireless mobile networks-assisted pronouncing training. This study proposes a Deep Neural Network (DNN) and Hidden Markov Method (HMM) based ASR model to develop a voice recognition system utilizing a combination of Connected Time-based Categorization (CTC)-attending networks for the Uzbek words and their variants. The suggested method diminishes training duration and enhances SR precision by efficiently employing the CTC goal function in attentiveness modeling. The research assessed the results of both linguistic experts and native speakers on the Uzbek database, which was compiled for this research. The data were gathered through a pronunciation assessment and a discussion. The participant was further instructed in the classroom. Test outcomes indicate that the suggested method attained a word error rate of 13.1%, utilizing 210 hours of records as a learning dataset for the Uzbek dialect. The proposed technique can significantly enhance students' pronunciation qualities. It might inspire pupils to participate in pronunciation learning.

Text VS Discourse: Reformulating the Definition, Integrating Different Perceptions

There have long been different perceptions on what text and discourse are. Some experts in linguistics view these two objects as the same thing whereas others see them as two different forms. Occasionally, text and discourse are parallel to each other but often the former is seen as the subordinate of the latter and vice versa. This paper aimed at formulating new definitions of text and discourse in order to clarify the nature of each as well as the relations that may exist between them. The method applied in this study was by collecting as many as definitions of text and discourse as stated by linguistic experts and quoted in references. These data were then compared and contrasted to find out the similarities and the differences between the objects for drawing a conclusion in the form of definitions and descriptions that precisely represent the characteristics of each. The result shows that, text and discourse share both similarities and differences. At certain level, they can be seen as the same entity but in other conditions one may take position as part of the other.

In Silico Decoding of Parkinson's: Speech & Writing Analysis.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) has transitioned from a rare condition in 1817 to the fastest-growing neurological disorder globally. The significant increase in cases from 2.5 million in 1990 to 6.1 million in 2016, coupled with predictions of a further doubling by 2040, underscores an impending healthcare challenge. This escalation aligns with global demographic shifts, including rising life expectancy and a growing global population. The economic impact, notably in the U.S., reached $51.9 billion in 2017, with projections suggesting a 46% increase by 2037, emphasizing the substantial socio-economic implications for both patients and caregivers. Coupled with a worldwide demand for health workers that is expected to rise to 80 million by 2030, we have fertile ground for a pandemic. Methods: Our transdisciplinary research focused on early PD detection through running speech and continuous handwriting analysis, incorporating medical, biomedical engineering, AI, and linguistic expertise. The cohort comprised 30 participants, including 20 PD patients at stages 1-4 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale and 10 healthy controls. We employed advanced AI techniques to analyze correlation plots generated from speech and handwriting features, aiming to identify prodromal PD biomarkers. Results: The study revealed distinct speech and handwriting patterns in PD patients compared to controls. Our ParkinsonNet model demonstrated high predictive accuracy, with F1 scores of 95.74% for speech and 96.72% for handwriting analyses. These findings highlight the potential of speech and handwriting as effective early biomarkers for PD. Conclusions: The integration of AI as a decision support system in analyzing speech and handwriting presents a promising approach for early PD detection. This methodology not only offers a novel diagnostic tool but also contributes to the broader understanding of PD's early manifestations. Further research is required to validate these findings in larger, diverse cohorts and to integrate these tools into clinical practice for timely PD pre-diagnosis and management.

Genres of New Media in Linguistic Expertise Practices

The article addresses the debatable points of research into present-day media genres: memes, surveys, comments, social network posts, etc. that become the materials for forensic linguistic expertise. The issue of identifying the object of linguistic expertise of information materials is discussed. The ways the new discursive reality transforms the existing methodological approaches are conceptualized. The brevity of the texts under examination, the dependence on the sociocultural context and the communicative situation, the presence of hypertext determine the complexity of the expert assessment of new media materials. The cases of ambiguous interpretation of brief comments and the peculiarities of defining the subject of speech in them are dealt with in the article. Special attention is paid to the techniques of play on words (pun) and irony as well as the linguistic semiotic analysis of creolized texts. The problem areas of expert research into new media materials included in the space of social communications are characterized. Special attention is paid to the problem of multi-discipline expertise, since the specificity of the material under study and the tasks to be solved determine the involvement of specialists of the socio-humanistic profile (psychologists, sociologists, political scientists, religious scholars, etc.) and necessitate solving the issue of the boundaries of experts’ competence. The new discursive reality associated with the involvement of mass audience in the production of media content suggests some changes in approaches to the linguistic expert assessment of the materials under scrutiny.

Conflict-Prone Time Frame Nominations in Business Discourse: Linguistic Expert Approach

The practice of conducting linguistic examinations on documentary disputes reveals the urgency of the issue connected with interpretation of time frames nominations by the parties. Time frame nominations starting from ... to ..., through ..., from ... to ..., and similar word combinations have a conflict potential, which is explained by their polyinterpretability. The article is devoted to the description of particular temporal meanings and identification of semantic regularity in the functioning of these word combinations. The research was carried out employing the information from lexicographic sources, the National Corpus of the Russian Language, and the author’s practice of linguistic expertise. The lexicographic description of prepositions involved in the formation of temporal structures was analyzed. Turning to the data from the National Corpus of the Russian Language made it possible to identify two opposite types of functionally actual precise meanings of the studied temporal structures: time frame nomination with the right boundary included in it; and the one not included. The regularity and conditions for the formation of these meanings have been established. Significant factors that influence the realization of one of the meanings within the distinguished antinomy include the semantic signs of the structure components: “pointiness” or “extension” of the object that denotes the right boundary of the time frame, as well as the duration or extension of the process within the time frames. The dominant meaning of the model under study was determined: the structure from ... to ... and the corresponding semantic model with the right boundary included in the time frame nomination. To demonstrate specific expert situations, cases are presented, in which the subject of dispute was the interpretation of constructions indicating the time frames of legally significant processes. Recommendations are given for eliminating ambiguity in time period nominations in documentary texts.

Exploring teacher candidates’ discursive shifts in translanguaging pedagogies during literacy instruction

Although existing research describes how teacher candidates (TCs) have incorporated translanguaging pedagogies through practice-based assignments, little research closely examines how TCs engage in discursive shifts, or moment-to-moment linguistic decisions, in translanguaging pedagogies during literacy instruction in their field placement internships. Drawing on a larger study that utilized practitioner inquiry with an ethnographic approach, we analyzed TCs’ literacy instruction for their discursive shifts in which TCs and elementary students 1) engaged in translanguaging 2) spoke about named languages 3) attempted to draw upon multilingual students’ cultural and linguistic knowledges. Our analyses of TCs’ discursive shifts during translanguaging read-alouds showed that TCs employed more or less effective and affirming discursive shifts to position multilingual students as linguistic experts. TCs also employed certain discursive shifts that gave multilingual students more opportunities to share cultural and linguistic knowledge unknown to the TCs and peers than others. Lastly, TCs engaged in discursive shifts that provided multilingual students space to advocate for their linguistic, cultural and textual rights. We conclude by discussing the findings and sharing implications on developing effective and affirming uses of translanguaging pedagogies in literacy instruction.

Collaborative approaches to embedding academic literacy instruction in the curriculum: examples from UK universities

ABSTRACT The development of academic literacy is fundamental to student success in higher education. Universities offer various types of student support, ranging from generic courses to discipline-specific academic literacy instruction. The approach that has been advocated as the most inclusive and systematic is the embedding of academic literacy instruction into subject curricula. Embedding is best facilitated when English for academic purposes (EAP) specialists, with their linguistic and pedagogical expertise, work in collaboration with subject lecturers. Whilst there are several published examples of embedded academic literacy instruction led by EAP practitioners, there is still little evidence of collaborations in which subject lecturers assume some responsibility for students’ academic literacy development. Although there has been a growing trend towards collaborative and embedded activities, they remain largely invisible(Tibbetts and Chapman 2023. A guide to in-sessional English for academic purposes: Paradigms and practices. London: Routledge). This study aimed to offer detailed insights into current initiatives in UK universities and to identify factors that facilitate or constrain collaborations and institution-wide provision of embedded academic literacy support. For this purpose, we conducted open interviews with EAP leaders at fifteen universities. The findings indicate that the type of institution as well as the representation of EAP staff in departmental committees are important factors for the implementation and sustainability of collaborative and embedded academic literacy provision. Based on the findings, we propose some steps that EAP leaders can take to reduce the structural and perceptual barriers preventing the expansion of this provision across institutions.

Exploring COVID-19 anxiety across demographics: psychometric validation and application of the COVID-19-Anxiety Questionnaire in Arabic

BackgroundThe emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 imposed significant shifts in global health, particularly in understanding and addressing anxiety disorders precipitated by pandemic-related stressors. The current study aimed to adapt and validate the COVID-19 Anxiety Questionnaire (C-19 A) for Arabic-speaking populations (C-19 A-A), assessing its structural integrity, concurrent validity, factorial validity, and reliability.MethodsThe data of 571 individuals, including age range, educational history, gender, and marital status, were collected through online platforms. The translation process of C-19 A-A underwent rigorous verification by linguistic and subject matter experts. Several advanced statistical procedures were used to examine the C-19 A-A’s reliability, validity, and measurement invariances across demographic subsets.ResultsThe results indicated robust internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.889, confirming the questionnaire’s reliability. Concurrent validity showed significant and positive correlations between C-19-A and FCV-19S (r = 0.77, p < 0.000). EFA revealed a dominant factor explaining 60.4% of the variance, bolstering the questionnaire’s factorial validity. CFA further validated the model’s adequacy across different demographic groups. Specifically, demographic factors such as age, gender, and educational level showed distinct patterns of COVID-19-related anxiety.ConclusionThe validated Arabic version of the C-19 A-A represents a pivotal tool for assessing pandemic-induced anxiety within Arabic-speaking communities. Its deployment enables targeted identification of vulnerable individuals, facilitating tailored health interventions and informing clinical strategies. This research underscores the pivotal role of culturally attuned assessment instruments in shaping effective public health responses and therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating the psychological sequelae of global health crises.

Pilot Testing and Vernacular Translation of EORTC Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PATSAT-C33 and OUT-PATSAT7) at a Tertiary Care Cancer Center in India

Purpose Pilot testing and translation of the English version of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) patient satisfaction cancer core questionnaire (PATSAT-C33) and complementary outpatient module (OUT-PATSAT7) into two Indian vernacular languages (Hindi and Marathi). Methods Patients undergoing fractionated radiotherapy for cancer with basic proficiency in respective language were included in the study after written informed consent. The English version of EORTC PATSAT-C33 and OUT-PATSAT7 questionnaire was pilot tested in 20 patients. The questionnaire was then translated into two Indian vernacular languages (Hindi and Marathi) using EORTC translation methodology. This included forward-translation by two independent professional translators into target languages (Hindi and Marathi) to create an intermediate version; back-translation into English by another independent pair of linguistic experts; and harmonization by comparing back-translated versions (English) to the original English version for reconciliation. The EORTC translation group provided suggestions and proofread the reconciliated versions (Hindi and Marathi) which were then administered to 20 patients in each language. Semistructured interviews were conducted for patients to identify problems in understanding the translation versions to make appropriate corrections/modifications to the questionnaire. Results Pilot testing of English version of PATSAT-C33 and OUT-PATSAT7 did not pose any major difficulty leading to subsequent translation into both target languages (Hindi and Marathi). Reconciliated version of the translated questionnaires was arrived at after incorporating suggestions and proofreading by the EORTC translation group. Pilot testing of the reconciliated questionnaires (Hindi and Marathi) did not identify major problems in understanding, difficult/confusing words, or upsetting questions leading to the adoption of the reconciliated version as final translated questionnaire without further modifications. Conclusion The English version of PATSAT-C33 and OUT-PATSAT7 has been successfully translated into Hindi and Marathi languages using standardized EORTC methodology. Psychometric properties of the same are currently being tested for validation in a larger Indian cohort.

Криминалистический компонент судебной лингвистической экспертизы

The article is devoted to the criminalistic constituent element of forensic linguistic examination singled out at the contemporary development stage. This component means that linguistic experts solve diagnostic tasks to identify (as an examination object) criminalistically important information about a crime in general or its separate circumstances in a dialogue.

Latinx Youth as Linguistic Experts: Documenting Translanguaging Moments in Youth Participatory Action Research

ABSTRACT Drawing on Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) and translanguaging frameworks, the purpose of this study is to demonstrate how Latinx youth leverage their community knowledge and language practices in community-based research. Through a multimodal and ethnographic examination of the students engagement in youth-driven research this article highlights how language is central to the expertise they cultivate of their everyday socio-political worlds. Findings showcase how the youth in this study drew on their linguistic expertise alongside their community knowledge and sociopolitical awareness to make sense of the various components of the research process. Further, they document translingual practices that are reflective of the lived realities and of the multilingualism located within their community. Engaging in translingual practices throughout the YPAR project reflected authentic, joyful, and critical practices of meaning making throughout their inquiry. Implications for this study include co-designing linguistically transformative spaces for youth and the importance of recognizing the community knowledge and experience that shapes their linguistic practices.

Discursive positioning in heritage – second language learner interaction: A case study of the dynamic construction of linguistic expertise

Drawing on positioning and sociocultural theories, this study examines heritage language (HL) and second language (L2) learners’ negotiation of linguistic expertise in mixed interactions. Through a case study of four interactions between the same HL learner and three different L2 classmates, it investigates how learners’ positioning regarding linguistic expertise shifts across interlocutors and time, shaping language learning. Data was collected at four different stages of a 10-week high-intermediate Spanish course, as learners completed four collaborative writing tasks. Posttests, a pretest, and two questionnaires were also administered. The analysis of discursive positioning showed how the HL learner initially enacted the linguistic expert position associated with his heritage status. As experiences accumulated and pre-established conceptions of expertise were contested, the HL learner came to occupy more of a peer position. The sociocultural analysis of language-related episodes confirmed that this shift resulted in more balanced interactions and enhanced opportunities for HL development.

Symbology and Codes in Dan Brown’s Origin

This paper explores the intricate web of symbology and codes found within Dan Brown's gripping novel, Origin. As a renowned master of blending history, art, science and religion, Brown weaves a tale that captivates readers with a labyrinth of symbols and enigmatic ciphers. Through an analysis of key elements in the narrative, this study aims to shed light on the significance of symbolism and cryptographic puzzles as essential devices in the plot's development. Drawing upon Brown's signature writing style, the paper examines the role of religious symbology, ancient texts and iconic art and architecture, intertwining them with scientific theories to craft a compelling narrative. The central focus lies in the protagonist, Robert Langdon, a symbologist, whose expertise in languages and linguistics plays a pivotal role in deciphering messages and solving the mystery at hand. Jean Moréas' Symbolist Manifesto (1886) is a foundational text in the development of literary symbolism. In this manifesto, Moréas emphasized the importance of symbolism in art and literature, advocating for a departure from naturalism and realism. He proposed that artists should focus on conveying emotions and ideas through symbols, rather than direct representation. Applying Moréas' theory of symbolism, the researcher analyzes how Dan Brown employs symbols and codes as key elements in Origin. By analyzing the relationship between language and technological innovation, the study aims to unveil how these elements converge to heighten the intrigue and suspense in the novel. It delves into the significance of linguistic techniques and cryptic passages, as tools for building suspense and enriching the reading experience. Langdon reveals meanings and ideas inherent in symbols and codes and demystifies the concepts- "Where do we come from?" and "Where are we going?"

Exploring Scientific Jargon: Diverse Translation Theories for Conveying Computer Scientific Terms into Arabic

Translating computer scientific terms into Arabic represents a challenge that necessitates not only linguistic expertise but also a nuanced understanding of both source and target languages. Despite the increasing demand for accurate scientific translation in Arabic-speaking communities, the process is far from being simple. This study embarks on an exploration of scientific translation with a particular focus on computer scientific terms. It aims to identify the challenges encountered by translators and check if the application of translation theories is practical for creating new terms in Arabic. The study is significant as it addresses the pressing need for accurate scientific translation into Arabic language which contributes to the enhancement of communication and knowledge dissemination. An examination of various translation strategies helped to uncover the applicability of translation theories in this context. By scrutinizing the linguistic nuances, we seek to unravel the complexities inherent in translating computer scientific terms into Arabic. Findings not only shed light on the practical application of translation theories but also underscore the importance of context and domain-specific knowledge in achieving accurate and sensitive translations. Ultimately, this study contributes to the broader discourse on scientific translation by offering recommendations for enhancing the precision and fluency of computer scientific translation into Arabic, thereby facilitating the seamless exchange of knowledge across linguistic boundaries.

Translation and validation of the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) into Kannada: a tool for clinical and research use in the Indian population

Purpose The Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) is a widely recognized measure for evaluating tinnitus and is frequently used in both therapeutic and research contexts. Unfortunately, TFI is currently not available in any Indian languages. In a multilingual country like India, cross-cultural adaptation, translation, and validation of such scales in regional languages are critical to improving their use for clinical and research purposes. Therefore, this study focused on translating and validating the TFI in Kannada for use among the Indian population. Materials and methods The original version of TFI was translated with the help of audiologists and linguistic experts who were proficient in Kannada. The translated version was content validation by five audiologists and a cognitive debriefing by native speakers to check the familiarity of words. The final version (TFI-K) was then administered to 181 participants with tinnitus. Along with the TFI, other scales like Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) were also obtained to check the convergent validity. The obtained data was then subjected to various statistical analyses like internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity, and factor analysis. Results The TFI-K was found to have an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.974) and good convergent validity (p < 0.001; r = 0.778) with THI-K. A principal component analysis with varimax rotation showed communalities ranging from 0.64 to 0.91. Scree plots with the TFI-K component showed a sharp decline after the first factor and approximately four factors above the eigenvalue of 1. The factor analysis results suggest that the TFI-K has a structurally intact 8-factor loading, with a few exceptions that are discussed in detail. Conclusion The TFI-K has demonstrated remarkable dependability and satisfactory integrity, making it a valuable tool for assessment and treatment planning in clinical and research settings.

Exemplification and reformulation in expert linguists’ writings: Elaborative metadiscourse between disciplinarity and individuality

Exemplification and reformulation are key elaborative strategies that empower clarity and argumentation in academic writing. Most research investigating their use in academic writing argues that writers’ choices in terms of frequency and marker type are conditioned by disciplinary variations and the level of expertise of the writers. This has led to an understanding of discourse communities as being homogeneous groups of novice versus expert writers and of separate soft versus hard disciplines. Through the analysis of 90 research articles and book chapters single-authored by six leading linguists, this study shows that these successful authors deviate from the common practices in linguistics and their choices deviate from each other significantly. However, the data does not reveal any steady increasing or decreasing frequencies in the use of exemplification and reformulation throughout their career stages, which makes it hard to claim that the frequency of using the two discourse functions evolves with experience. The study argues that individuality and style preferences within the same discourse community should be acknowledged as an additional variable affecting discursive choices and calls for a more nuanced understanding of disciplinarity and writing expertise.

SURFUCE STRUCTURE DAN DEEP STRUCTURE MAKNA QIRADAH

This research explores the concepts of deep structure and surface structure in the context of the interpretation of the word “qiradah” based on the analysis of Noam Chomsky's theory on Surah Al-Baqarah 65. Chomsky, a linguistic expert, developed the transformative-generative theory, providing a profound understanding of language. In this theory, Chomsky emphasizes that language consists of the surface structure, which is the visible part of language, and the deep structure, which is the core meaning of language. The author employs a qualitative method, reviewing relevant prior works for this discussion. The aim is to validate the applicability of Noam Chomsky's linguistic theory in understanding language. The study reveals that language indeed has both surface and deep structures, particularly in the interpretation of the word “qiradah” in Surah Al-Baqarah 65. The surface structure signifies the physical transformation into apes that happened to the Children of Israel, while the deep structure or core meaning indicated by the word “qiradah” is the transformation of the heart and behavior resembling apes, not the physical change itself.