Linguistic Gap Research Articles

Indonesian Suburban Area EFL Teachers' Perspectives on Translanguaging

Bilinguals and multilingual people use translanguaging, which is the technique of using different linguistic components or forms of independent languages to improve communication. When incorporated into teaching methods, translanguaging strategies enable educators to bridge linguistic gaps and support the learning of a foreign language. Despite the perceived advantages of translanguaging, variations in teachers' perceptions create ideological barriers, hindering students from fully embracing translanguaging. This study intends to investigate the perspectives of Indonesian teachers teaching in suburban areas on translanguaging in English language instruction in order to obtain a deeper knowledge of this subject. This study used semi-structured interviews using a qualitative research design to go deep into teachers’ insights on the topic. The result of the study shows that the participants had a generally positive perception on translanguaging and used a variety of translanguaging strategies in their teaching methods, such as the use of contextual cues, cooperation, student-centered approaches, and bidirectional translation. The result of this study also shows participants’ perspective on a crucial need to include translanguaging to support low proficiency level EFL students in their classrooms. In addition, the finding reveals teachers’ perspectives on ramifications of translanguaging when it is used in EFL classes. The findings can be valuable for education stakeholders, particularly in suburban areas, guiding design of lessons with translanguaging practices that cater to learners’ needs in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms.

Making Knowledge in the Local Settings: Vernacular Education and Cantonese Elementary Textbooks

A growing number of Protestant missionaries engaged in vernacular education in the late nineteenth century. To meet the demands of the new era, Christian church education faced challenges not only in its curriculum design but also in the way it presented new knowledge. Previous studies have focused on church education at the tertiary level while overlooking the elementary level. This article discusses vernacular church education and vernacular textbooks at the elementary level in the late Qing, with specific reference to Youxue baoshen yaoyan 幼學保身要言 (The Human Body for Children). It argues that the demand for spreading new knowledge urged Protestant missionaries to compile vernacular textbooks and present Western knowledge in the local settings. Vernacular church education should be regarded as the precursor of indigenous education proposed by the late Qing Court. The local dialect, Cantonese in this case, bridged the linguistic gap between new terms and children’s cognition and became an effective means of presenting new knowledge. Vernacular textbooks had an unparalleled significance in the cultural sphere of dialect writing, since the language of textbooks could drastically influence the writing and reading habits of the young generation and further influence people’s attitudes towards dialects and dialect literature.

Towards Development of a Multilingual Mobile Chat Application for Enhanced Global Communication

The advent of mobile chat applications has revolutionized everyday communication. These applications facilitate the exchange of user's textual and multimedia content across languages and cultures. Most chat applications are known to only support a limited set of predominantly spoken languages, thereby, leaving a substantial portion of the user population without adequate multilingual support. This paper aims to bridge the linguistic gap by presenting Kobapp, a multilingual chat application. The Kobapp, leverages some of the cutting-edge technologies, such as React-Native, Next.js, and the DeepL API, to offer real-time, accurate translations while at the same time offering user privacy. The development process of the Kobapp is outlined from the system architecture and design, emphasizing the integration of a client-side (Android) and server-side using Node.js, Express.js, and MongoDB. Notably, user feedback plays a crucial role in shaping an application's features and functionality. Therefore, the application’s performance was evaluated through a conducted user study. Results of the study indicate a strong positive linear relationship between overall user satisfaction and translation accuracy for different language pairs. Moreover, the absence of outliers and the model's significance further reinforces the application's commitment to data quality and accuracy. Future research will explore new dimensions in multilingual communication and applications to promote a truly global community.

The Role of English Speaking- Skills in Career Progression: A Case Study among Sudanese Undergraduate EFL Students

The present study is to shed light on the nature and extent of the impact of English language proficiency on career advancement across a range of professional contexts by compiling and critically analyzing scientific research on the subject. The research shows on the connections between language proficiency, professional mobility, and socioeconomic circumstances by drawing on the ideas of linguistic capital, socio-linguistic adaptation, and globalized labour markets. Moreover, the English language has a significant influence on our workplaces and businesses. Regardless of differences in geography, society, politics, or religion, English has emerged as the dominant language in the global business community. Fieldwork was carried out at Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology & Research, Andhra Pradesh. For this, Sudanese graduating EFL students were chosen from various courses of the institute.The findings show a significant relationship between job success and English language competency, particularly in fields where English is the predominant language of exchange. The extent of this advantage, however, it varies depending on the industry, the cultural setting, and the specific organizational policies. The findings highlight the importance of English education and training in workforce development plans, particularly in locations with a low native English-speaking population. Businesses may benefit from investing in language training as a means of retaining and developing talent. Policymakers may take these findings into account when creating educational curriculum and social interventions to address linguistic gaps on a larger scale. The investigation reveals a favorable correlation between professional advancement and proficiency in the English language.

PITFALLS OF TRANSLATION: ENGLISH WORDS AND PHRASES DIFFICULT TO RENDER IN ROMANIAN

Translation is a complex art and the translator often faces the many challenges of conveying the full depth and nuance of one language into another. In this article, we explore the intriguing terrain of translating English words and phrases into Romanian, shedding light on instances where direct equivalence proves elusive. Through an examination of real-life examples, we navigate the inherent complexities and idiosyncrasies of language. This study showcases a curated selection of English words and phrases that resist straightforward translation into Romanian. Drawing from various contexts, we delve into terms such as "entitlement," "serendipity," or "holier-than-thou," demonstrating the unique cultural and linguistic gaps that emerge during the translation process. We try to provide insightful analyses and proposed translations, considering the subtleties and cultural connotations that may be lost or gained. By dissecting these linguistic challenges, we aim to enhance the understanding of the intricate interplay between languages and cultures. As language continues to evolve and global communication grows ever more important, this exploration of untranslatable English terms serves as a compelling case study. It underscores the need for a nuanced and adaptable approach to translation, one that respects the richness of both the source and target languages. Through this investigation, we aim to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the intricacies of language and cross-cultural communication.

The Futurity of Indigenous Languages in Nollywood Movies

This qualitative research delves into the futurity of indigenous languages in the context of Nollywood movies, employing a dual methodology of Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews. Participants spanning two age groups, 18-36 and 36-70, engaged in the FGD sessions, adding depth and diversity to the study. The research is anchored in the Language Vitality Theory and Cultural Hybridity Theory, providing a robust theoretical framework for exploration. The study sets forth four primary objectives. Firstly, it aims to scrutinize the audience’s consumption patterns of indigenous language films vis-a-vis English language movies in Nollywood. Secondly, it delves into the audience’s perceptions and interpretations of the cultural and linguistic dimensions presented in indigenous language movies. Thirdly, the research investigates the factors contributing to the sustained use and relevance of indigenous languages in Nollywood filmmaking. Finally, the study scrutinizes the potential future roles of indigenous languages in the Nollywood film industry. The research questions, strategically derived from the objectives, guide the inquiry process. Key findings underscore the significance of subtitles in enhancing audience engagement, comprehension, and enjoyment. Participants expressed a preference for subtitles, emphasizing their role in reducing the linguistic barrier and enhancing the overall movie-watching experience. In conclusion, the study recommends concerted efforts to enhance the quality and authenticity of indigenous languages in Nollywood. Particularly, it advocates for substantial investment in subtitles, recognizing them as a pivotal factor in bridging linguistic gaps and ensuring a broader audience base. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the role of indigenous languages in the ever-evolving landscape of Nollywood, shedding light on both current consumption patterns and potential future trajectories.

세계 물귀신설화 연구

Water demons are beings that have an inseparable relationship with water, seducing people through their voices and eventually leading them to death. Water demons are dual beings, both human and ghost, and the mechanism of seduction and death through their voices is emphasized. Even to this day, ''‘Water ghost’ stories'' stands out among ''modern ghost stories'' more than any other story, and is actively handed down. In addition to beings called ''Water ghosts'', there are also monster-like water fairies, feminine beings with ''恨'' who seduce and eat people. It is found all over the world, including Germanic mythology, Slavic mythology, and Indonesian legends. They are people and ghosts, and monsters and fairies. Until now, this linguistic gap could not be resolved because the standards and foundations for storytelling had not been established. Now these Water ghost types need to be sorted out and redefined.
 We have experienced various symbolic dimensions of nature through the presence of water ghosts in the story. The archetype of the Water ghost changes over time, from the Water ghost who tempts people to death with voices from the past to the mermaid princess who sacrifices herself for love. In this paper, I have newly introduced the “Water ghost' stories” and have attempted to establish the types and prototype meanings of new theory of “Water ghost' stories” around the world. In addition to comparing stories from Korea and abroad, focusing on stories in which water ghost appear, we will also consider women's ‘Seizure’ and death through their voices. I would also like to classify the types and clarify the meaning of the original form of the World Water ghost.

Digital Implementation of Doteli Dictionary: A Tri-Lingual Dictionary for Doteli Language

This research article discusses the development and implementation of a digital Doteli dictionary, designed to bridge the linguistic gap between Doteli, Nepali, and English. The trilingual dictionary app operates on Android platforms and offers functionalities such as word meaning searches, antonym/synonym retrieval, pronunciation guides, language translation, and the ability to bookmark words. Physical dictionaries have several limitations, including bulkiness, low portability, time-consuming searches, difficulty in modification, limited accessibility, and the absence of pronunciation features. According to the literature, no digital version of the Doteli dictionary has been developed to date. This research aims to address these limitations by providing a digital version of the Doteli dictionary that includes all the aforementioned features. Drawing inspiration from traditional dictionaries, the digital version seeks to preserve, promote, and make the linguistic richness of the Doteli language more accessible. The development and testing of the app follow the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) approach, with all sample data sourced from physical dictionaries. The system has been successfully implemented and installed on Android-based mobile devices using Java programming. This work is beneficial for language learners, linguists, researchers, teachers, students, and developers.

Enhancing English Language Proficiency in HRM: A Strategic Imperative for Logistics Efficiency

Good human resource management is critical to organizational success in the frantic logistics environment. The importance of English language skills in this setting cannot be overstated. This study piece dives into the interconnected connection between human resource management and English language abilities in the logistics sector. The internationalization of trade and the spread of supply chains across borders has prompted the development of a common language for communication. English, as the international corporate lingua franca, is critical in overcoming linguistic gaps across varied logistics teams and stakeholders. This article discusses the significant impact that English proficiency has on numerous facets of logistics operations. This study looks into the critical importance of English language competency in human resource management in the logistics industry, focusing on cross-cultural communication, talent acquisition, and retention. A comprehensive analysis of the literature, case studies, and surveys within the logistics industry was conducted to assess the significance of English language skills. Our research demonstrates a significant link between English language competency and effective cross-cultural communication, which is essential for timely information exchange in logistics operations. The strategic importance of English language ability for logistics organizations is highlighted by this research. In order to enable the staff to communicate effectively and promote operational excellence, it highlights the need for ongoing investment in language training programs. The findings of this study highlight the fact that comprehending English is a strategic need in the field of global logistics, not just a desired talent.

Translating the consent form is the tip of the iceberg: using cognitive interviews to assess the barriers to informed consent in South African health facilities

The increasing digitisation of personal health data has led to an increase in the demand for onward health data. This study sought to develop local language scripts for use in public sector maternity clinics to capture informed consent for onward health data use. The script considered five possible health data uses: 1. Sending of general health information content via mobile phones; 2. Delivery of personalised health information via mobile phones; 3. Use of women’s anonymised health data; 4. Use of child’s anonymised health data; and 5. Use of data for recontact. Qualitative interviews (n = 54) were conducted among women attending maternity services in three public health facilities in Gauteng and Western Cape, South Africa. Using cognitive interviewing techniques, interviews sought to:(1) explore understanding of the consent script in five South African languages, (2) assess women’s understanding of what they were consenting to, and (3) improve the consent script. Multiple rounds of interviews were conducted, each followed by revisions to the consent script, until saturation was reached, and no additional cognitive failures identified. Cognitive failures were a result of: (1) words and phrases that did not translate easily in some languages, (2) cognitive mismatches that arose as a result of different world views and contexts, (3) linguistic gaps, and (4) asymmetrical power relations that influence how consent is understood and interpreted. Study activities resulted in the development of an informed consent script for onward health data use in five South African languages for use in maternity clinics.

Applying a Developmental Model to Preliterate Aided Language Learning.

Childhood spoken language interventions and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions share a common purpose: maximizing communication and language outcomes. To ensure that interventions for children who require AAC also address expressive language acquisition, this clinical focus article focuses on how to apply a developmental model of language acquisition to guide AAC decision making for preliterate aided communicators, with a particular focus on vocabulary selection. A brief review of early expressive language development is presented, along with arguments for why relying on a developmental model to guide AAC decision making is so critical. A series of detailed examples of how to apply a developmental model to various AAC vocabulary selection approaches are provided, including analyses of how well each approach aligns with pragmatic, semantic, grammatical, and narrative development. No single AAC approach for preliterate AAC language learners adequately addresses both immediate and longer-term expressive language needs; every approach has both strengths and weaknesses. Clinical decision making requires an analysis of each approach to ensure that AAC service delivery teams clearly understand the inevitable linguistic gaps, with plans put into place to fill in those gaps with different approaches. Future efforts to improve preliterate AAC service provision should use a developmental model of language as a starting point, in combination with input from families, educators, and clinicians to ensure the feasibility of the chosen approaches.

Challenges and Strategies of Western Football Coaches in the Glocalized Context of Chinese Youth Football: An Exploration of Cross-Cultural Competence

In the rapidly globalizing world of football, China's youth football landscape presents unique challenges for Western coaches trying to integrate their techniques. This research delves deep into the intersection of Western football coaching methodologies and China's intricate cultural and athletic fabric. Utilizing a qualitative research paradigm, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews, the study highlights profound barriers, encompassing not just language but also deeper cultural, epistemological, and training philosophical differences. Beyond merely identifying challenges, the research underscores the importance of strategies like cultural immersion, active participation in local events, and collaborative workshops. These strategies not only bridge the technical and linguistic gaps but also foster mutual respect, shared learning, and deeper integration. This study, while rooted in China's context, contributes to the broader discourse on sports globalization, emphasizing the necessity for coaches to be globally aware yet locally sensitive. It culminates in providing both rich theoretical insights and actionable recommendations for crafting a harmonized, effective cross-cultural coaching paradigm in China and other culturally distinct regions.

Underlying Linguistic Problems Experienced by Translators in Translating the Qurʾānic Arabic l-ḥazana' الْحَزَن Words Into English: A Comparative Study

In this study, the researchers aimed to investigate the underlying linguistic problems experienced by three notable translators: Abdel Haleem (2004), Khan and AL-Hilali (1996), and Pickthall (1930) when rendering the Qurʾānic الْحَزَن l-ḥazana' words into English, and to identify the types of semantic loss produced by their renderings. Corpus-based research was conducted as the study examined three renditions of the Holy Qur’an that were sourced from the Qurʾānic Arabic Corpus (QAC) and books of Qurʾānic translation of the abovementioned translators. Based on the descriptive analytical approach, the researchers analyzed the underlying linguistic problems encountered by the aforementioned translators. Findings showed that the linguistic problems encountered when translating the Qurʾānic الْحَزَن l-ḥazana' words into English are the result of the linguistic gap arising from the cultural differences between the two source language text(Arabic) and target language text( English). Divergences in and loss of meaning are inevitable when translating the Holy Qurʾān into English in general and Qurʾānic الْحَزَن l-ḥazana' words in particular. It was also found that Arabic Qurʾānic الْحَزَن l-ḥazana' words are associated with distinctive rhetorical devices, literary style, and elegant technique which cannot be captured faithfully in English translations.

Decolonizing African science: Efforts, challenges, and future directions

Colonial legacies have deeply shaped Africa's scientific and educational realms, imposing Western knowledge systems while marginalizing indigenous wisdom. The journey of decolonizing African science involves a profound recognition of this historical bias and the endeavor to restore indigenous knowledge to its rightful place. This article explores contemporary efforts, challenges, and future directions within this crucial mission. Contemporary Africa is witnessing a resurgence of interest in its indigenous knowledge systems, spanning agriculture, medicine, environment, and culture. Curriculum reforms are underway, aiming to weave indigenous knowledge into the educational fabric, nurturing cultural relevance. Indigenous knowledge centers have sprung up to systematically study and promote traditional wisdom. Language revival initiatives are bridging linguistic gaps, democratizing access to knowledge. Yet, formidable challenges persist, including limited resources, language barriers, resistance to change, and the hierarchical dominance of Western academia. International collaboration, community engagement, and ethical considerations remain pivotal. As Africa forges ahead in decolonizing its science and education, it paves the way for a harmonious coexistence of diverse knowledge systems, fostering innovation and empowerment.

The Use of Category Shifts in the Translation of Scientific Texts

The aim of this study is to provide an in-depth analysis of the utilization of category shifts in the process of translating two scientific texts: The Science Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained by John Farndon and Spaceflight: A Concise History by Michael J. Neufeld. The study addresses the following research questions: 1) What are the types of category shifts used by Arab translators to translate scientific texts into Arabic, and 2) To what extent do the translations convey the intended meaning of the source texts and bridge the linguistic gap between the two languages (English and Arabic). The research draws on Catford's (1965) classification of category shifts. It adopted a qualitative approach in analyzing each instance of shifts that corresponds to a particular type of category shifts. The findings of the study revealed that four types of category shifts were used by Arab translators to translate the scientific texts from English into Arabic. It was also found that the use of these shifts was governed by the huge linguistic gap between the two languages. The results of this research should contribute to the growing body of literature that recognizes the importance of specialized translation. In fact, so far, very little attention has been paid to the utilization of shifts in Scientific texts. Therefore, this study makes a major contribution to research on shift in translation by unveiling the linguistic problem that arise during the translation of scientific texts and their impact on the translators' choices, especially in Arabic context.

AL KALIMᾹT AL MUQTARADAH MIN AL LUGAH AL ‘ARABIYYAH ILᾹ AL LUGAH AL INDŪNISIYYAH FĪ IFTITᾹHI AL DUSTŪR AL INDŪNISIY AL‘ ᾹM 1945

<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Loan words were foreign words used by a particular language to fill a linguistic gap, multiplying borrowed words in the target language. In addition to borrowing words from Sanskrit, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and English, the Indonesian language also use many words from Arabic. As part of this research, the researchers attempted to determine which words were borrowed and to investigate the meaning of the Arabic borrowed words in the primary body of the Indonesian Constitution. The method used for this research was the qualitative descriptive method, and the approach used is a librarian and the procedure for data collection. The researcher used written documents and the method to analyze the data. The researcher used the comparative approach to define the change of meaning of Arabic borrowed words in the Indonesian language in the preamble of the Indonesian Constitution in 1945. The result of the research was the number of Arabic borrowed words at the opening of the Basic Constitution 19. The borrowed word the research is expected to add ınsıght and knowledge ın the field of langueage and can provıde ınformatıon and ınput.</em></p>

ANALYSIS OF NASSAR’S ARABIC TRANSLATION OF FRENCH CULTURE-SPECIFIC ITEMS IN HEMINGWAY'S NOVEL "THE SUN ALSO RISES"

Translating the cultural aspects of any source language is not easy. Translation problems may vary depending on both the cultural and linguistic gap between the two concerned languages. This study examines the translation of French Culture Specific Items henceforth (FCSIs) into Arabic. It aims to identify the strategies used by the Arabic translator Sameer Ezzat Nassar (2015) in transferring the meaning of the FCSIs in Hemingway's novel "The Sun Also Rises" (1926). This descriptive corpus-based research analyzes the Arabic translation of the FCSIs to examine the strategies followed in translating them. The study has found that conservation strategies (SL-oriented strategies) and substitution strategies (TL-oriented strategies) were used in translation of the FCSIs in the novel. The naturalization strategy was the most frequently followed in Nassar’s translation. This indicates a tendency to create the TL culture in the Arabic translation.

Is It Enough? Intensive Program for ESL Students

In most EFL classes, the four language skills are taught to help students learn a language efficiently. When these language abilities are taught using the appropriate method, the linguistic gaps of English language learners may be filled. This study aims to investigate the level of improvement of EFL students after finishing 13-week semi-intensive language courses that concentrated on reading, writing, and conversation skills. A pre-test and a post-test of the same kind were administered to 62 participants, first-year students in the English department at the College of Basic Education, to gauge their language development. The participants were given a questionnaire to fill so as to understand their viewpoints concerning the treatment phase. The results showed that the majority of students improved after concluding the language skills courses. Most participants believed in the importance of reading as the most effective language learning skill and found it quite interesting.

Prepositional Phrases in Deaf and Hearing Students’ Narratives: A Functional Perspective

Comprehending the linguistic features of deaf student writers in comparison to those of the hearing group at the further phase helps in providing pedagogical treatment for mitigating the linguistic gap between both. In line with this idealism, the present study aims to reveal the phenomena of prepositional phrase positions and patterns of deaf and hearing students in representing the circumstances of their real-life narratives. Four stories about being chased by a dog were elicited from each of the groups. The analysis was carried out by employing the table adapted from the experiential framework of Halliday and Matthiessen (2004). The findings in general reveal the less flexible positions of prepositional phrases and the less complex prepositional phrase patterns of the deaf group. Though the results of this study might not be absolutely conclusive, at least they portray the insight into the certain tendency between both groups of students in representing the circumstances for their meaning making of narratives. At the further phase, the findings of the present study are expected to provide benefits for language teachers and practitioners in the context of special education especially the case of deafness.

Language proficiency predictors of code-switching behavior in dual-language-learning children.

Code-switching, switching between different languages within the same conversation, is a prominent feature in bilingual communication. This study aimed to elucidate to what extent the linguistic abilities and age of dual-language-learning preschoolers influence the frequency and purposes of code-switching (compensatory, to bridge linguistic gaps; preferential, to express content as fluently as possible; pragmatic, to phrase something appropriately for the situation). Parental code-switching ratings of 101 German/French-Turkish/Italian dual-language learners aged 32-78 months were analyzed. Generalized linear mixed models revealed positive but no negative effects of societal- and heritage-language skills on children's code-switching frequencies independent of switching purposes and with no evidence of age effects. Hence, code-switching across the preschool age mainly reflects high linguistic competences. Models with linguistically and psychometrically parallelized language scores indicated a strong switching tendency toward the societal language when proficiency in both languages is high and away from the societal language when language proficiencies are low.