Linguistic Shift Research Articles

Emotion regulation elicits cross-linguistically shared and language-specific forms of linguistic distancing

Cognitively reappraising a stressful experience—reinterpreting the situation to blunt its emotional impact—is effective for regulating negative emotions. English speakers have been shown to engage in linguistic distancing when reappraising, spontaneously using words that are more abstract or impersonal. Across two preregistered studies (N = 299), we investigated whether such shifts in language use generalize to Spanish, a language proposed to offer unique tools for expressing psychological distance. Bilingual speakers of Spanish and English and a comparison group of English monolinguals transcribed their thoughts in each of their languages while responding naturally to negative images or reappraising them. Reappraisal shifted markers of psychological distance common to both languages (e.g., reduced use of “I”/“yo”), as well as Spanish-specific markers (e.g., greater use of “estar”: “to be” for temporary states). Whether these linguistic shifts reflected successful emotion regulation depended on language experience: in exploratory analyses, the common markers were more strongly linked to reduced negative affect for late than early Spanish learners, and one Spanish-specific marker (“estar”) also predicted reduced negative affect for early learners. Our findings suggest that people distance their language in both cross-linguistically shared and language-specific ways when regulating their emotions.

English as a medium of instruction in the Algerian higher education: Issues and new avenues

It is widely approved that whatever may be the drive for acquiring or learning a new language, it remains an asset. The instruction of a foreign language is resourceful for any nation as it enhances the linguistic capital among its people. In Algeria, following the discourse of languages at universities, a linguistic shift has been introduced from French as a Medium of Instruction to English as a Medium of Instruction. Nevertheless, this language reform is not free from the impact of some factors such as: political and social since language planning cannot be detached from its social and historical context. Using a mixed-method approach, this research paper attempts to examine teachers’ perceptions and expectations about the effectiveness of the integration of English. Sixty students from various faculties and levels responded to a questionnaire by the researchers. The results show that, despite their enthusiastic and supportive views toward the new language project, the respondents affirm that Saida and the Algerian university as a whole are not prepared for this sudden shift. Hence, a myriad of recommendations arises for both teachers and policy-makers in enhancing the acquisition planning for the successful implementation of EMI in higher education. Keywords: Acquisition planning; EMI; higher education; linguistic capital

UNVEILING THE VEIL: EXPLORING GENDERED ABUSIVE LANGUAGE IN CONTEMPORARY PUNJABI DISCOURSE

The pervasive use of coarse language, despite its prohibition grounded in cultural values and traditions, presents a complex societal phenomenon that warrants in-depth exploration. The ubiquitous nature of this linguistic shift is particularly evident in daily verbal exchanges and media dissemination, challenging the conventional understanding of language as a mere preserver of cultural and religious identity. Abusive language, which finds expression in moments of surprise, frustration, and happiness, has become a multifaceted tool that not only defies established norms but also plays a pivotal role in shaping social dynamics. This paper's specific focus on profanity within the Punjabi language community serves as a microcosm for understanding broader issues related to gendered language. Through a comprehensive study involving interviews with Punjabi respondents aged 21 and above, encompassing both genders, the research exposes the deeply ingrained gendered nature of coarse language. Females are frequently and directly associated with insults and curses, highlighting a troubling pattern that reinforces the societal devaluation of women. The findings underscore how profanity, beyond its linguistic implications, acts as a mechanism that perpetuates and strengthens the existing patriarchal system within the Punjabi community. As society grapples with evolving language norms, this examination sheds light on the intricate interplay between language, gender dynamics, and cultural practices, providing valuable insights for addressing the broader implications of linguistic shifts in contemporary society.

Language varieties and labor mobilities

Abstract While language is clearly an important aspect of (labor) migration, there have not been many contemplations and interrogations, although truly compelling and necessary, on language varieties and their place and position in labor migration and transnational work in the contemporary world, and hence why we intend to do so in this article. In our paradigmatic analysis of language varieties in the context of labor mobilities, we shall take the case of the varieties of English arising from the global spread of the language worldwide as our focal point. The world Englishes paradigm thus greatly informs and substantiates our discussion so we shall first give the principles of this paradigm shift in linguistics begun by Braj Kachru. We subsequently connect world Englishes theorizing to labor migration practices. We shall argue that language is not only integral to the work being done by migrants, but is actually the work in itself. A consequence of this is that there are language varieties and Englishes which fit the work to be done more than others, and, therefore, these varieties and Englishes are becoming commodified as well in labor migration. We shall also take a look at the structural ramifications of labor migration on Englishes, how these new varieties are restructured further as they move from one place to another along with labor migrants. As it will become apparent, our discussion covers the situation of labor migrants in precarity more than the hyper-mobile elites often privileged in migratory contexts. Ultimately, we shall synthesize issues relating to language varieties in the context of transnational work and propose strategies in dealing not only with multilingual but also language-varietal diversity in (labor) migrations and mobilities.

A critical discourse analysis of NAEYC's developmentally appropriate practice texts: Shifting rhetoric and implications for advancing equity in family-school partnerships

ABSTRACT The most recent iteration of NAEYC’s key Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) texts (the 2020 Position Statement and the fourth edition of the DAP book) reflect a more robust stance on family educator-relationships and attention to issues of equity as reflected in linguistic shifts. This article analyses NAEYC’s rhetorical moves between the 2009 texts and the present versions, presenting a mixed-methods critical discourse analysis (CDA) of the changes in the texts drawing on critical theory, Doucet’s framework for anti-racist practice, discourse theory and critical linguistics. The findings reveal meaningful changes in the language and framing of family-educator relationships, highlighting a move towards more inclusive, reciprocal partnerships. And while the current editions of NAEYC’s key DAP texts show greater attention to cultural inclusivity and anti-bias approaches, we make a case to push for explicitly anti-racist reciprocal partnerships with families and communities within the DAP texts. We discuss the implications of these changes for policy and practice in early childhood education, as well as suggestions for future research in diverse cultural contexts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This analysis contributes to the ongoing conversation about equity and social justice in educational partnerships and practices.

Middle Passages: The Multiple Forced Migrations of Enslaved Africans

ABSTRACT This article proposes a linguistic shift for scholars of trans-Atlantic slavery regarding the quintessential term ‘the Middle Passage' to the plural ‘Middle Passages'. As a singular noun, ‘the Middle Passage' conforms with the ‘triangular trade' which represented the three-way relationship between Europe, Africa and the Americas. The term almost exclusively encompasses the North Atlantic, failing to explore South Atlantic trading routes. By changing our language, we can look deeper into the multiple forced journeys of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic world. Through application of plurality, we can better study people's multiple ‘Middle Passages' from the ancient silk roads to the slave castles and forts along the African littoral in a system of movement that does not belittle the horrors of the Atlantic oceanic passages. Indeed, multiple ‘Middle Passages' as a concept exacerbates the experiences of enslaved persons through continual uprooting and journeys. ‘The Middle Passage' is evocative of a peregrination preceded with a beginning and succeeded with an ending; while the pluralistic ‘Middle Passages’ forces us to recognize the multiple complex facets of journeys. For many enslaved persons, there existed no end to continual relocations on arrival in the Americas and people were in a constant state of flux.

Dialect in Decline: The Dilemma of Sichuan Dialect and Possible Means of Revitalization

Sichuan dialect, one of the most popular dialects in China, is continuously receiving a wide range of attention among teenagers. However, in recent years, the users of this dialect are becoming less and less. This paper talks about the reason why the users of the Sichuan dialect are experiencing the process of decline. It is separated into various aspects such as society, technology and educational influences that may be influencing the declining trend. Studying the reason for the reduction of users of the Sichuan dialect can help contribute to the preservation of local dialects. Understanding these factors is crucial not only for comprehending the dynamics of linguistic shifts, but also for formulating strategies to safeguard and inherit this local dialect. Efforts to maintain and renaissance local dialects are essential for safeguarding cultural heritage and identity. The presented findings aimed at providing a renewed appreciation for the Sichuan dialect among the younger generations.

Management’s tone change in MD&A and tax avoidance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how variations in management’s tone within management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) sections of 10-K reports can serve as an indicator of tax avoidance and highlight the complex relationship between such linguistic shifts and the tax avoidance decisions within firms. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a textual analysis approach to identify linguistic cues in MD&A sections of 10-K filings related to tax avoidance, going beyond traditional quantitative measures. The study uses differences in negative word occurrences in MD&A to measure management’s tone change and examines various measures of tax avoidance. The sample covers the period from 1993 to 2017 and comprises all firms with 10-K filings available on EDGAR, totaling over 30,000 firm-year observations. Findings The findings indicate a complementary relationship between tax avoidance and other drivers of firm performance. When firms have more negative management’s tone, they are less willing to engage in tax avoidance and vice versa. The study’s approach with management’s tone change provides a different and statistically significant improvement in model fit for detecting tax avoidance. Practical implications This paper provides actionable insights for detecting tax avoidance through the analysis of management’s tone in corporate disclosures, offering a new tool for researchers, investors and tax authorities. It highlights the importance of linguistic cues as indicators of tax avoidance behavior, complementing traditional financial metrics. Originality/value The paper contributes to the literature by using management’s tone change as a time-varying factor to explain tax avoidance behavior. It uncovers a larger set of linguistic cues in MD&A that can be used to detect tax avoidance. This research provides a complementary approach to traditional quantitative tax avoidance measures and offers insights into the overall relationship between tax avoidance and firm performance, going beyond one-dimensional measures typically used in prior literature.

From private dialect to public language: Transforming Moroccan Arabic through the voices of sub-Saharan African immigrants

Over the past few decades, Morocco has witnessed a surge of activity related to colloquial Moroccan Arabic, or Darija ( dārija), a vernacular variety of Arabic that is unstandardized and officially unrecognized. Darija has become increasingly present in domains that were previously reserved for standard Arabic ( fuṣḥā), and there has been a tangible shift in how Moroccans think about their “mother tongue.” Largely unremarked, though, is the fact that this linguistic shift has coincided with another major transition: the transformation of Morocco from a “sender” country to a “receiver” country, i.e., from a mere transit point for irregular Mediterranean migration to a sought-after destination for cosmopolitan African immigration. This article investigates the intersection of these two shifts by looking at the use of Darija by sub-Saharan African immigrants in Morocco. Based on fieldwork in two urban centers, Casablanca and Tetouan, it argues that Darija has become a key site for sub-Saharan African immigrants to negotiate their place in Moroccan society. It also argues that their growing audibility in the Moroccan soundscape is challenging commonplace assumptions about the limited and provincial nature of Darija. Ultimately, I contend that Darija is transitioning toward what Woolard (2016) has called a public language, and that this shift is due not only to Moroccan language activists but also to sub-Saharan African immigrants.

L1 content adaptations and English language teaching at tertiary level: Case of EFL learners at Tlemcen University

The Algerian reforms in higher education have shifted from the communicative approach towards the Competency-Based Instruction and the role of the teacher has changed to someone who caters to his learner's needs. On the other hand, the Englishization process of Algerian higher education obliged subject matter teachers in different fields to learn English, which is considered a foreign language in Algeria. This exploratory research paper strives to present the findings of a study measuring the success of English Medium lectures relying on L1 content adaptations. In other words, this study examines the adapted English lectures’ content taught to students belonging to the Department of Political Sciences studying at Tlemcen University, to investigate which changes, if any, accompany the linguistic shift from L1 to English-medium teaching. It takes into account our target population, which is represented by 50 Master One Public Administration students who belong to the University of Tlemcen. Two research instruments were used in this study: an achievement test and a questionnaire. The analysis revealed the learner's good quality output and positive response to the Learning Oriented Assessment (LOA) model.
 Keywords: Content adaptations; Englishization; integrated content and language; learning-oriented assessment ; political sciences.

Christianization, Islamization, and Judaization in Jerusalem

Throughout its history, the region of the Middle East has been marked by significant religious transformations, including the processes of Christianization, Islamization, and Judaization. Jerusalem, as a city sacred to the main religions of the Abrahamic faiths, stands as a compelling case study for examining these processes, given its unique holiness and the historical confrontations among these religions in the region. This study introduces Jerusalem as a focal point for analyzing the dynamics of each of these processes, tracing the emergence of the first communities of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam within this city. Through this examination, the study underscores both the similarities and differences among these transformative processes that unfolded in Jerusalem. The historical timeline of these processes in Jerusalem reveals that Christianization was the earliest to be implemented during Roman rule, followed by Islamization in the Medieval age, and, finally, Judaization in the modern era, which continues to the present day. Each of these processes can be distinguished by two distinct stages of application in Jerusalem, each leaving its impact on the city's demographics, resulting in the dominance of the majority population associated with the respective religion. Moreover, these transformations were accompanied by significant shifts in language, reflecting the cultural changes that took place. In addition to demographic and linguistic shifts, this study delves into other similarities and differences, shedding light on the evolution of Jerusalem's religious identity. Jerusalem serves as an illustrative example for other cities in the Middle East that have experienced religious shifts primarily linked to the Abrahamic faiths, showcasing the complex interplay of history, religion, and culture in shaping the identity of these cities over time.

Cultural Resilience in the Face of Globalization: An Anthropological Exploration of Traditional Societies' Adaptation Strategies and Identity Dynamics

The study delves into the adaptive strategies and identity dynamics of traditional societies in Albania within the context of globalization. Employing a purposive sampling technique, three distinct communities were selected, and a structured questionnaire was employed as the primary data collection instrument. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, regression, ANOVA, and ANCOVA were utilized for quantitative insights, complemented by qualitative data from interviews and participant observations. The findings unveil significant economic adaptations, linguistic shifts, and varying success factors in cultural preservation initiatives across communities. The nuanced impact of community size, geographical location, and historical influences highlights the need for tailored interventions. Comparisons with previous studies in Albania enrich the discourse, while the practical implications underscore the imperative for culturally sensitive policies in preserving traditional societies' heritage amid globalization.

“This is one Lucianus, nephew to the king!:” Political Dynamics of Four Hungarian Translations of "Hamlet"

In this paper I endeavour to retell a partial history of the Hungarian translation of Hamlet’s commentary: “This is one Lucianus, nephew to the King!” (3:2:239) on the “Murder of Gonzago,” aiming to elucidate the intricate interplay between translation, cultural discourse, and socio-political dynamics. Hamlet’s commentary, seemingly straightforward yet laden with complexity, poses implications capable of reshaping the trajectory and purpose of his theatrical experiment, crafted to probe and establish Claudius’ guilt. The partial history of translations encompasses the epochs of Ferenc Kazinczy (18th century) and János Arany (19th century) up to the modern renderings of István Eörsi and Ádám Nádasdy (20th-21st centuries). Within this framework, I claim that exploring these translations of Hamlet’s commentary offers a gauge of Hamlet’s position in Hungarian cultural discourse. The evolving connotations of words, reflective of linguistic shifts, imbue layered meanings not only onto the statement itself but also onto the theatrical experiment it encapsulates. This exploration of translation, interpretation, and linguistic evolution sheds light on Shakespeare’s and Hamlet’s socio-cultural-political role in Hungary, as translations serve not merely as transparent channels of meaning but also as reflections on the political and cultural commitments of translators and their audiences.

Language processes and practices of residents in the Republic of Tatarstan in an intergenerational perspective

The study is focused on the intergenerational language transmission as a fundamental condition for ensuring the vitality of minority languages. Based on the materials of a mass representative survey in the Republic of Tatarstan with a quota sample of 2,000 respondents, the language attitudes and practices of representatives of youth and the age group over 55 years are revealed in a comparative perspective. The article examines the use of the Russian and Tatar languages, as well as bilingualism in the public sphere (at work, in public places, state institutions, use of the media). In Tatarstan, known for its protectionist policy towards the titular Tatar language, despite the measures taken in the post-Soviet period, the prevailing trend has become to preservation of the linguistic shift in favor of the national Russian language. At the same time, the continuous intergenerational language transmission of the Tatar language as a condition of its viability is complicated.

Can a Part Be more Predisposed to Sustainable Development than the Whole? (The Evidence of the Island Dialects of Scots)

The purpose of the article is to determine the extent to which the Ulster and Shetlandic regional varieties of the Scots language correspond in their parameters to the definition of an island resettlement dialect, and also to show that the island nature of the areas to be considered is an important factor that has a favourable effect on the development of the dialects in question, as well as the entire Scots language as a whole. The evidence considered in the work confirms the island character of the areas of Ulster-Scots and Shetlandic and substantiates the conclusion that it is a condition that counteracts the linguistic shift and favours the sustainable development of the idioms in question.

Analyzing Linguistic Shifts in Political Discourse: A Corpus-Based Study of Political Rhetoric in the Digital Age

The present era is the era of digitalization which has profoundly impacted the different segments of the society. Hence, the present research was conducted to explore the linguistic shifts in the political discourse in the digital mass communication era. This study gathered data from reputable news sites, social media platforms, government archives, and academic libraries. Employing a stratified random sample technique ensured a diverse dataset, encompassing texts from varied political affiliations, historical periods, speeches, tweets, and articles. Rigorous preparation methods, such as data cleaning, standardization, and tokenization, were applied to enhance the study's consistency and reliability. The linguistic analysis investigated numerous linguistic elements, including vocabulary richness, sentence structure, sentiment, and the use of rhetorical techniques in political discourse. The findings highlight the diverse implications of linguistic shifts in the digital age, spanning emotional tone, information credibility, misinformation proliferation, and nuances of political polarization. As the digital age continues to shape political speech, the conclusions e the critical need for political communicators to strike a delicate balance between linguistic simplicity and discursive richness. Keywords: linguistics shifts, political discourse, corpus, political rhetoric, digital age, linguistic analysis, sentiment analysis, impact analysis, content analysis.

How do I sound? Vowel production of multilingual students at Ma Chung University

This study aims to evaluate the Indonesian, English, and Mandarin vowel production of Ma Chung University students, a prominent Indonesian institution with a strong emphasis on workforce readiness. Given the university's language offerings encompassing Indonesian, English, and Mandarin, we employed a descriptive qualitative approach in acoustic-phonetic theory. Our respondent pool comprised of 15 PPBM (Chinese language major) students selected based on intermediate proficiency levels in all three languages, as indicated by TOEIC and HSK scores. First and second formant data for monophthongs were recorded in PRAAT tools and the data is compiled on Microsoft Excel, forming the foundation for Vowel Space Area (VSA). The data reveals a notable phenomenon: students' native language (Indonesian) influences their pronunciation of both the second (English) and third (Mandarin) languages. Particularly, English displays a distinct pattern of compressed vowel spread compared to the standard VSA table due to the lingering impact of L1 VSA. This effect accounts for observed vowel anomalies in student pronunciation. Importantly, this L1 and L2 influence is evident in their attempts to articulate L3 (Mandarin) sounds, exemplified by the significant deviation of /ə/ from the VSA. Moreover, students navigate a linguistic shift by modifying phonemes to align with their L1, inadvertently resulting in substantial deviations during English and Mandarin speech production.

Linguistic Shift among Ghanaian and Nigerian New English Native Speakers (NENS): Pedagogical Implications

This study adopts a mixed-methods research design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methodologies, to examine the proficiency of Non-Native English Speakers (NENS) in Ghana and Nigeria with respect to language concord usage. The research focuses on individuals who utilize English as their primary means of communication. A total of four hundred students, equally distributed between Ghana and Nigeria, participate in the study. Quantitative data is acquired through the administration of a survey questionnaire, which explores participants' language backgrounds, patterns of language use, and competence in employing concord and tense structures in English. The overall percentages of correct responses for both countries are computed, yielding approximately 42.65% for Ghana and approximately 39.15% for Nigeria in concord performance. Notably, Ghana exhibits a marginally higher overall percentage of correct responses compared to Nigeria. The findings of this investigation hold significant implications for pedagogy in both nations. To address the observed linguistic challenges in Ghana, the study advocates for the adoption of more communicative and task-based approaches to English language teaching, alongside an increased emphasis on authentic language exposure. The research underscores the pressing need for more effective pedagogical methodologies in instructing English concord usage. English language instructors in Ghana and Nigeria, as well as analogous contexts, are encouraged to acknowledge the identified challenges and devise strategies to enhance language concord instruction.

Black Womanhood: Raciolinguistic Intersections of Gender, Sexuality & Social Status in the Aftermaths of Colonization

Abstract In this essay, we highlight the colonial invention of oppositional and binary categories as a dominant form of social sorting and meaning-making in our society. We understand language as a tool for the construction, maintenance, and analysis of these categories. Through language, these categorizations often render those who sit at the margins illegible. We center the Black woman as the prototypical “other,” her condition being interpreted neither by conventions of race nor gender, and take Black womanhood as the point of departure for a description of the necessary intersecting and variable analyses of social life. We call for an exploration of social life that considers the raciolinguistic intersections of gender, sexuality, and social class as part and parcel of overarching social formations. In this way, we can advocate for a shift in linguistics and in all social sciences that accounts for the mutability of category. We argue that a raciolinguistic perspective allows for a more nuanced investigation of the compounding intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and social status that often function to erase Black womanhood.

Языковой сдвиг и этническое самосознание: детерминация, интердепенденция или констелляция?

The article discusses some aspects of the relationship between the ethnic identity of the collective and the preservation of the native language. This question is one of the most controversial problems, far beyond the scope of the science of language, and it is often not linguists who speak most fervently and categorically about it. An unambiguous solution is hardly possible here. When analyzing aspects related to it, it is necessary to distinguish whether we are talking about a language collective living in a foreign-language environment (diaspora in the broad sense of the word), but having its historical homeland, where this idiom is the main means of communication, or about the indigenous population of the territory that is part of a larger state entity that has no another “national hearth”. In the first case, the gradual “extinction” of the original language does not lead to the loss of it among the people as a whole; in the second, this process will most likely be perceived precisely as the desire of the dominant ethnic group to assimilate the corresponding people. Even after factual linguistic shift, if the sense of ethnic identity remains, the latter often begins to find linguistic expression. On the other hand, the struggle of the authorities against ethnic separatism often extended to the language, the displacement of which from any socially significant spheres, and preferably from everyday communication, was sometimes conducted by rather harsh means. Thus, of the three functions indicated in the title of the article, the leading trend is usually interdependence, although others may prevail in certain periods of history.