Local Language Research Articles

The Lived Experience of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Insights From DISCOVER CKD

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can have a profound impact on patients’ lives. However, multinational data on patients’ lived experience with CKD are scarce. Methods: Individuals from the prospective cohort of DISCOVER CKD (NCT04034992), an observational cohort study, were recruited to participate in one-to-one telephone interviews to explore their lived experience with CKD. A target of 100 participant interviews was planned across four countries (Japan, Spain, the UK, and the USA). These qualitative interviews, lasting ∼60–90 min, were conducted in the local language by trained interviewers with specific experience in CKD, between January and June 2023. Transcribed interviews were translated into English for coding and analysis. Data were coded using qualitative research software. Results: Of the 105 participants interviewed, 103 were included in the final analysis. The average time since CKD diagnosis was 9.5 years, and at least half (50.5%) of participants had CKD stage 3A or 3B. CKD diagnosis was an emotional experience, driven by worry (n = 29/103; 28.2%) and shock (n = 26/103; 25.2%), and participants often reported feeling inadequately informed. Additional information was frequently sought, either online or via other healthcare providers. The proportion of participants reporting no impacts of CKD on their lives was highest in those with CKD stage 1 and 2 (64.3%). Conversely, every participant in the CKD stage 5 on dialysis group reported some impact of CKD on their lives. Across all participants, the most reported impacts were anxiety or depression (37.9%) or ability to sleep (37.9%). The frequency of the reported impacts appeared to increase with disease severity, with the highest rates observed in the dialysis group. In that group, the most frequently reported impact was on the ability to work (80.0%). Conclusion: Findings from this multinational qualitative study suggest that patients may experience symptoms and signs of disease prior to diagnosis; however, these are often nonspecific and may not be directly associated with CKD. Once diagnosed, the burden of CKD can have a diverse, negative impact on various aspects of patients’ lives. This highlights the need for early identification of at-risk individuals, and the importance of early CKD diagnosis and management with guideline-directed therapies to either prevent further deterioration of CKD or slow its progression, thus reducing symptom burden and improving quality of life.

THE USE OF DAYAK SEBERUANG LANGUAGE IN TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE

This study explores the application of the Seberuang Dayak language in teaching the English language. The focus is on how this local language can be used as a tool in improving students' understanding and English language skills. The methodology used includes interviews, classroom observations, and qualitative data analysis. The study results show that the use of the Dayak Seberuang language in English teaching helps students understand concepts better, reduces anxiety, and increases learning motivation. These findings suggest that the integration of local languages English curriculum can enrich the learning experience and support the achievement of better outcomes for students. This research provides new insights into the multilingual approach to language education.

The Role of Spoken Language on Performance of Cognitive Tests: the Indonesian Experience

Abstract Indonesia is a multicultural country with hundreds of local languages used by Indonesians with Bahasa Indonesia as a national language and used by the mass media, in formal conversation, at all levels of education, and in written language. This study aimed to investigate whether speaking Bahasa Indonesia in public and at home or not, and whether speaking only Bahasa or besides Bahasa (another language) affects the performance of seven cognitive tests when the assessment was done in Bahasa Indonesia. In case large effects will be obtained, this may demand different norm referenced scores. Data of 840 subjects, in age ranging from 16–80 with various levels of education from six regions were included. The results showed that there was a small disadvantage in the Digit Span for people who do not speak Bahasa Indonesia in public and a small advantage of speaking besides Bahasa (another language) in public on Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning Test and on time to complete the Figure Reproduction tests. Other tests, such as the TMT, Stroop, 5PT, and Bourdon were without any effect. It can be concluded that corrections for the normative data, as is commonly done for education, age and sometimes sex, for people who do not speak Bahasa daily and for speaking besides Bahasa (another language) considering that the differences were only small, is not indicated.

Conceptualizing Community Engagement for Mental and Brain Health Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Case of Kilifi County, Kenya.

Community engagement (CE) has increasingly been recognized as a critical element for successful health promotion and intervention programs. However, the term CE has been used to mean different things in different settings. In this article, we explore how CE has been conceptualized in the field of mental and brain health in Kilifi County, Kenya. We used ethnographic methods encompassing focused group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations with 65 participants, purposively recruited from Kilifi County. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Our findings show that community members and stakeholders had diverse perceptions of and experiences with CE. Factors such as trust between researchers and community members, sensitization, and awareness creation were key for acceptance of research projects. Partial involvement in research, lack of access to information, poverty and socio-economic challenges, and financial expectations from researchers hindered CE and led to resistance to participation in research projects. For effective CE, there is a need to work closely with community gatekeepers, create awareness of the research projects, use local languages, and ensure continuous engagement that promotes equitable research participation. Our findings suggest that tacit knowledge, context, and mechanisms for research are all critical features of CE and should be considered to enhance acceptance and sustainability of mental and brain health interventions in Kenya.

EXPLORING THE SCHOOL LEARNING EXPERIENCES OF INDIGENOUS STUDENTS IN EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS TO EDUCATIONAL CONTINUITY

This study explores the school learning experiences of Indigenous (Orang Asli) students who have successfully pursued higher education in Malaysian institutions. Employing a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, the research involved five Orang Asli students from various tribes currently enrolled in higher education institutions. The study aimed to explore their school learning experiences, factors influencing their success, and suggestions for improving educational continuity among Orang Asli students. Findings revealed four main themes affecting the educational experiences and success of Orang Asli students: (1) Distance and transportation, (2) Local language and culture, (3) Academic, parental, and community support, and (4) Family economic status. The study found that distance and transportation challenges were mitigated through the provision of dormitories, while language and cultural barriers were addressed through teaching approaches sensitive to individual student needs. Academic support from schools, parental motivation, and financial assistance from various parties emerged as crucial factors in Orang Asli students' success in pursuing university education. Based on these findings, the study proposes several measures to enhance educational continuity for Orang Asli students, including constructing schools near Orang Asli settlements, improving teaching and learning methods, implementing more structured support programs at the university level, and enhancing financial aid systems. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Orang Asli students and the factors influencing their success in higher education, providing insights for developing more effective strategies to increase educational continuity within the Orang Asli community.

Learners’ attitudes toward language education based on cultural identities: global citizenship agenda in higher education institutions of Pakistan

PurposeEnglish is the language of global communication, worldwide mobility, job progress, and access to new information and research. Given the numerous roles that English plays in today's society, higher education institutes (HEIs) all over the world are pursuing English-medium education. For Pakistan, however, English-medium education is a colonial legacy rather than a deliberate choice. Research suggests that English-medium education is not devoid of controversy in higher education in Pakistan; nonetheless, students have to seek English-medium education in universities to compete with the world. In fact, being committed to SDG 4.7 Education for sustainable development and global citizenship, Pakistan is supposed to educate its citizens to become global citizens, for which English-medium education is essential. Given the fact that each of the five provinces of Pakistan has a distinct culture and sub-cultures, it is important to see how Pakistani students’ attitudes to English-medium education to become global citizens are different based on their cultural identities. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze undergraduates’ attitudes toward English-medium education based on their cultural identities to become global citizens.Design/methodology/approachUnder the quantitative research paradigm, the present research adopted a comparative design. One hundred and fifty undergraduates participated in the study. The data were collected using a 15-item questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale, and it was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 27.0.FindingsThe results of the study revealed that participants regardless of their cultural identities have positive attitudes towards English-medium education as they believe it to be a source of career development, and improvement of their language, communication, and interpersonal skills. The participants also did not see English-medium education posing any threat to traditional culture and local languages. The findings of the present study also revealed that there is no statistical difference across the different categories of cultural identity.Practical implicationsThe findings of the present study regarding students’ attitudes toward English-medium education will have implications for policymakers and university administration. Since cultural identity does not hinder acceptance of English-medium education, students’ positive attitudes can help policymakers promote multilingualism and English-medium education for career development. However, high-quality English language programs are crucial for maximizing the benefits. Likewise, positive attitudes of students towards English-medium education in Pakistan suggest students’ openness to intercultural dialogue. Therefore, university administration can further enhance student exchange programs for transnational research and development. Likewise, the study implies that cultural identity may not hinder English-medium education implementation in developing countries provided that practical benefits like career advancement and communication skill are emphasized.Originality/valueThe study is unique in the sense that it analyses undergraduates’ attitudes towards English-medium education concerning students’ cultural identities and global citizenship which have not been studied previously.

Community Radio Content in Print Facebook Posts: Limitations and Opportunities for Indigenous Languages

With the advent of social media, traditional analogue radio has converged to audio-visual with print formats. Using the case of community radio in Zimbabwe, this article explores how radio broadcasters have taken advantage of media convergence to disseminate text as implant on radio. A qualitative content analysis of community radio platforms on Facebook reveals that some multilingual community radio stations still maintain their local languages in written text as captions or print, although there is a tendency towards English and major indigenous language dominance. Using language revitalisation theory, we argue that merging written text with radio on social media should always maintain the distinctness of radio and text as implant that reflect the local languages of community radio stations to revitalise or strengthen indigenous languages. We find the affordances of digital connection through Facebook useful to revitalise languages which are no longer used in the everyday communication of a digital audience.

Integrated Application for Paddy Disease Detection and Remedy Suggestion

In India, agriculture is the backbone of rural communities, with the majority of villagers relying on it as their primary livelihood. However, challenges such as disease management, soil quality assessment, and weed control often limit productivity. While Kisan call centers provide essential support, their effectiveness is constrained by communication barriers and the limitations of verbal explanations. This paper proposes an innovative solution through a machine learning- based mobile application designed specifically for farmers. The app enables users to upload images of paddy disease symptoms, soil test results, and weeds for analysis. Leveraging advanced algorithms, it provides automated, data- driven recommendations for disease control, crop management, and soil improvement. The app also offers local language interfaces, making it accessible to less educated farmers. By continuously refining its decision-making capabilities through user feedback, the app evolves to meet the specific needs of different regions and farming practices. This approach not only enhances efficiency and productivity but also empowers farmers with immediate, reliable expert advice, bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern technology. Ultimately, the application aims to significantly improve agricultural outcomes, contributing to the sustainability and growth of the farming sector in India. Key Words: Paddy crop disease, Integrated, Application, suggestion, soil, weeds, resolution etc.

International teacher survey on green and sustainable chemistry (GSC) practical activities: design and implementation

Abstract High school chemistry teachers typically share a passion to engage students with hands-on practical experiences. However, teachers worldwide face similar challenges of lack of time and resources for laboratory activities. National standards and traditions can also constrain and dictate the level and content of school chemistry practical experiences. In recent years, some national curricula have included a growing focus on the relevance of chemistry to sustainability and environmental issues. Until now, little has been known about what practical activities teachers actually do with their students, and whether practical activities concerning green and sustainable chemistry are being implemented in schools. In this project, we aimed to determine a baseline of teacher perspectives – how often they run practical activities with their students, what factors are important when choosing a practical activity, what barriers they face in running practical activities, and whether their activities relate to sustainability. This was approached through a major international survey of in-service high school chemistry teachers conducted in over 35 local languages in over 60 countries. Here, we present the initial stages of the project: design of the survey, recruitment of country coordinators, translation, and the implementation process.

Perspectives of Teachers on Learning: A Glance on the Reading Proficiency of Kindergarten Learners

This study aimed to describe the experiences of kindergarten teachers in regards to the reading problem issue of kindergarten learners in Samal District, Island Garden City of Samal. The participants were the ten kindergarten teachers, utilizing phenomenological design to explore their challenges, perceived coping mechanisms on the issue and insights. A semi- structured interview guide was used to gather the data. Ethical considerations were observed in data collection. Thematic content analysis was used to extract the themes. The findings were: were poor background knowledge, low phonological awareness skills, local language diversity, limited exposure to reading materials, engagement and attention span struggles, and economic scarcity are the main challenges; the identified teachers’ perception on the reading situations of students in coping with the issues are use of differentiated instruction, individualized support, continuous assessment and monitoring, and collaborative efforts; and importance of early intervention, recognition of learners’ diversity, continual assessment and improvement, family and community engagement, and teacher’s professional development are the insights drawn. The recommendation included allocating resources, funding, and support services by the Department of Education specifically targeted at addressing early literacy disparities and improving outcomes for students at risk of reading difficulties.

Clinical Audit in the Elderly by Assessing Hydration and Renal Functions Before and After Contrast CT Scans at District Headquarters Hospital, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan.

Introduction Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious risk involved in computed tomography (CT) scans, particularly for older people. The main idea of this clinical audit was to assess current practices regarding renal function tests (RFTs) and hydration status before and after contrast CT scans in older patients at District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ), Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, and to implement recommendations for improvement. CIN is a form of acute kidney injury that occurs after the administration of contrast dye used in imaging procedures and is characterized by a sudden deterioration in renal functions. Methods This clinical audit checked adherence to renal protection protocols in elderly patients undergoing contrast CT scans. Conducted over three cycles from July 5 to August 15, 2022, this clinical audit included 30 patients aged 75 and above. Each cycle had 10patients, divided equally between males and females, and further categorized into age groups of 75-85 years and 86-95 years. Data collection involved reviewing patient files, medication charts, and CT scan reports. Compliance with RFT documentation and hydration before and after the CT scan was assessed against the standards set by Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2023 (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA), and graphs were created using Microsoft Word 2023 (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA). Results The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) for males was 81.8 ± 5.01 in the first cycle, 83.4 ± 6.46 in the second cycle, and 82.4 ± 4.72 in the third cycle. For females, the mean age ± SD was 83.2 ± 5.80 in the first cycle, 85.2 ± 6.41 in the second cycle, and 83.0 ± 6.12 in the third cycle. The first audit cycle revealed that, while all patients (100%) had their RFTs documented before the CT scan, only 20% were adequately hydrated pre-scan, and none (0%) had RFTs performed post scan. Post-scan hydration was also low at 20%. These findings highlighted gaps in adherence to renal protection protocols. The second cycle showed improvements, with pre-scan hydration adherence increasing to 80%, post-scan RFTs to 60%, and post-scan hydration to 70%. By the third cycle, full compliance (100%) was achieved across all standards, including pre- and post-scan renal functions test and hydration. Conclusion The clinical audit at District Headquarters Hospital, Dera Ismail Khan, addressed gaps in renal protection protocols for elderly patients undergoing contrast CT scans. The audit improved adherence over three cycles through targeted interventions, including staff training, implementation of checklists, patient education, modifying the reporting format, and providing instructions in the local language. It also highlighted the importance of continuous education and regular monitoring. The clinical audit would be expanded to another hospital within the medical teaching institute, Dera Ismail Khan. This measure will maintain and enhance patient care, prevent CIN, and improve the renal health of elderly patients.

Cancer Care Terminology in African Languages

Effective communication between patients and health care teams is essential in the health care setting for delivering optimal cancer care and increasing cancer awareness. While the significance of communication in health care is widely acknowledged, the topic is largely understudied within African settings. To assess how the medical language of cancer and oncology translates into African languages and what these translations mean within their cultural context. In this multinational survey study in Africa, health professionals, community health workers, researchers, and scientists involved in cancer care and research and traditional healers were invited to participate in an online survey on a voluntary basis through online platforms. The survey provided 16 cancer and oncologic terms used in cancer diagnosis and treatment (eg, cancer, radiotherapy) to participants, mostly health care workers, who were asked to provide these terms in their local languages (if the terms existed) followed by a direct or close translation of the meaning in English. The survey was open from February to April 2023. Patterns of meaning that recurred across languages were identified using thematic analysis of 16 English-translated terms categorized into 5 themes (neutral, negative, positive, phonetic or borrowed, and unknown). A total of 107 responses (response rate was unavailable given the open and widespread distribution strategy) were collected from 32 countries spanning 44 African languages, with most participants (63 [59%]) aged 18 to 40 years; 54 (50%) were female. Translations for cancer were classified as phonetic or borrowed (34 [32%]), unknown (30 [28%]), neutral (24 [22%]), and negative (19 [18%]), with the latter category including universal connotations of fear, tragedy, incurability, and fatality. Similar elements connoting fear or tragedy were found in translations of terms such as malignant, chronic, and radiotherapy. The term radiotherapy yielded a high percentage of negative connotations (24 [22%]), with a prevailing theme of describing the treatment as being burned or burning with fire, heat, or electricity, which may potentially hinder treatment. In this survey study of cancer communication and the translation of oncology terminology in African languages, the findings suggest that the terminology may contribute to fear, health disparities, and barriers to care and pose communication difficulties for health professionals. The results reinforce the need for culturally sensitive cancer terminology for improving cancer awareness and communication.

Evaluating local open-source large language models for data extraction from unstructured reports on mechanical thrombectomy in patients with ischemic stroke

BackgroundA study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of open-source large language models (LLMs) in extracting clinical data from unstructured mechanical thrombectomy reports in patients with ischemic stroke caused by...

Local Identity, Language and Sustainable Tourism: Results of a Survey of Madeira University Tourism Students About their Communities

Local Identity, Language and Sustainable Tourism: Results of a Survey of Madeira University Tourism Students About their Communities

Revitalizing Aceh language through writing skills using CIRC learning model and Canva media

This study aims to determine students' ability to write persuasive text using Aceh language through the Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition (CIRC) learning model and poster media. Writing persuasive text using language and spelling in the text must follow the Acehnese Latin script. Posters with invitations are intensively written using Indonesian and even foreign languages. The use of the Acehnese language has shifted at this time. This is in accordance with Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data, namely, the use of Acehnese local language is reduced among post-gen Z people born in 2013 and above compared to the pre-boomer generation (before 1945). This is based on the 2020 population census long-form report. The use of local languages by post-gen Z (2-9 years old) is 64.36 percent. This figure is much reduced compared to the pre-boomer generation (over 75 years old), whose number reached 89.93 percent. The study results show that out of thirty students who participated in the learning process, two got a score range of less than 69 with insufficient criteria. Six students get a score range of 70-79 with good enough criteria. Ten students get a score range of 80-89 with good criteria. Furthermore, twelve students get a score range of 90-100 with excellent criteria. Based on these results, it can be seen that students' ability to write Acehnese using CANVA media generally gets good criteria. The CIRC learning model makes a solution to improve students' writing skills. However, in the learning process, researchers still find some students who are less capable of expressing ideas in writing, where students are still minimal in choosing words.

The Roles of Asylum Seeker–Led Organisations in Settlement Processes and Determinants: Evidence from Hong Kong

AbstractOrganisations led by refugees or migrants play an important role in their settlement, providing platforms for establishing connections and reaching the wider community. However, our knowledge of how they utilise these platforms for establishing connections and the factors affecting the formation of these connections remains limited. This paper, drawing on evidence from Hong Kong, examines the use of organisations led by asylum seekers as platforms for establishing connections, the roles of these connections in their settlement process, and the factors affecting the formation of these connections. Data were collected from an asylum seeker–led organisation in Hong Kong. The author conducted participant observation and 30 semi-structured interviews with adult asylum seekers while volunteering with this organisation between 2018 and 2021. The findings reinforce the importance of organisations led by refugees or migrants in their settlement process, particularly when official humanitarian aid is insufficient. They utilise these platforms to reach the wider community for support, thereby filling assistance gaps through establishing connections with the local community (bridging) and participating in policy advocacy activities (linking). Proficiency in the local language and institutional responsiveness were found to determine their ability to bridge with the local community and link with policymakers respectively. Overall, the findings suggest that, aside from the engagement of refugees or migrants, the support of host communities and institutional responsiveness are equally important in creating favourable conditions for them to adjust to and establish their lives in a new context.

PEMEROLEHAN BAHASA INDONESIA PADA SANTRI ASAL JERMAN DI SMP THURSINA IIBS MALANG

Language learning is based on the belief that a second language can only be acquired through a deliberate and conscious learning process. The development of second language acquisition is not only from local languages to Indonesian or Indonesian to English or vice versa. Foreigners who learn Indonesian are usually called (BIPA) Indonesian for Foreign Speakers. This research study is to describe the process of acquiring Indonesian as the second language of German students at Thursina IIBS Malang Junior High School. This research uses descriptive qualitative research which will describe in detail about the process of Indonesian language acquisition of German students at Thursina IIBS Junior High School in Malang. Where the source of data used is the German students themselves. The data collection procedure is taken by listening and interviewing the research subject. As a result, the Indonesian language acquisition of German students has been learnt before going to Indonesia. Upon arrival in Indonesia, German students acquire Indonesian from (a) the environment of the Thursina IIBS Malang boarding school and (b) from the BIPA subject class. Meanwhile, the ability to write free essays using Indonesian is still not fully perfect, because the influence of the Indonesian language received when outside the classroom is greater than when in the classroom.

A Study on the Language Status of Left-behind Children in Key Counties of National Rural Revitalization and a relevant Application development : A Case Study of Youyang

At present, the problem of left-behind children in our country is receiving more and more attention. As the key object of rural revitalization, the language status of left-behind children is very important to the improvement of rural education quality and the overall revitalization strategy. Taking Youyang County as an example, this paper aims to explore the influencing factors of left-behind children's language attitude in Youyang area, and analyze the role and benefits of corresponding Putonghua Help App on language learning. Through the investigation and analysis of the left-behind children's language use in Youyang area, it is found that they have the characteristics of "multi-language coexistence, strong side and weak side" in language. In this context, the emergence of Mandarin Help App provides a convenient, efficient and interesting way for left-behind children to learn. By using Putonghua Help App, left-behind children can better improve their Putonghua level and promote ethnic language exchange and cultural inheritance. Therefore, Putonghua Help App plays an important role in improving the language attitude of left-behind children in Youyang area and improving Putonghua level, which has positive significance in promoting the improvement of local language environment. Meanwhile, the research results will provide strong support for improving the language education of left-behind children and promoting rural revitalization.

ILLOCUTIONARY FORCE IN @UDARIO.ID INSTAGRAM CONTENT PROMOTION

The use of Instagram social media as a promotional medium is not only built based on marketing strategies, but it requires language distinctiveness and strong linguistic power to attract Instagram users. This study examines the marketing strategies and types of illocutionary speech acts used on the Instagram account @udario.id. The method used in this study is descriptive-qualitative. The speech acts found in @udario.id content are (1) Assertive functions to conclude, report, and express; (2) Directive speech acts function to ask, command, and inquire; (3) Expressive speech acts function to complain, blame, thank; and (4) Commissive speech acts serve to promise. The most frequent Speech Acts are illocutionary directives of asking and commanding. By employing directive phrases, creators can significantly enhance engagement and visibility, as these prompts invite followers to interact with the content. When delivered in the local language, these directives become more relatable and understandable, strengthening the connection with the audience and increasing the likelihood of a response. Additionally, such prompts encourage followers to actively participate, fostering a sense of community.

Language choices reflecting social changes: multilingualism in the popular music of Guinean jelis

ABSTRACT This paper explores multilingual popular music in the Republic of Guinea (West Africa) by focussing on hereditary musicians of Manding origin, known as jelis or griots. I demonstrate how jeli songs developed in the course of recent Guinean history as divided into three periods: the Colonial period (1898–1958), the Decolonial Socialist Regime of Sekou Touré (1958–1984), and the Liberalisation period (1984 – present). While the Colonial period featured the dominance of European music and languages in the public domain, the jeli music and Maninka language appeared at the forefront of Guinean popular music stage in the radically decolonising Socialist regime of Sekou Touré. The Liberalisation period saw a growing capitalist economy and the rise of Susu urban music. In this more competitive context, the jeli songs have become truly multilingual, featuring other local Guinean languages, mainly Susu and Pular, which now appear as mixed registers, or urban vernaculars, influenced by French through code-mixing and borrowings. The transitions between local languages, however, are constrained by the song structure, first, reflecting the actual patterns of multilingual language use in Guinea, but also potentially signalling more discreet identities of the musicians reinforced via using Maninka jeli family names as professional ‘brands’.