Human Discourse Research Articles

‘Firm but fair’? Migrant children’s rights through dramaturgy and nation branding in Norway and the UK

Applying nation branding literature and the work of Erving Goffman on dramaturgy to the situation of asylum-seeking children in Norway and in the UK, this paper develops a comparative framework for understanding why child rights appear to be de-prioritised in the current climate of ‘migration control’. The paper identifies historically grounded differential approaches towards child rights and children in the two countries, which currently appear to merge into a common trajectory of migration control, framed in terms of national security and economic productivity. It explores similar tensions in both countries between the discourses of national migration management on the one hand and children's welfare and rights on the other. It finds that universal rights which should protect the welfare of all children are limited and fragmented by ideas of nationalism and foreignness. Despite a more robust legal framework for child rights, Norway is on a similar pathway as the UK; a worrying indictment of how nations fulfil their obligations towards children.

Norm shaper, norm implementer, or norm antipreneur? Assessing Turkish foreign policy towards R2P

Turkish policymakers and elites voiced a commitment to a ‘humanitarian foreign policy’ during the 2000s, signalling Ankara’s intent to actively address humanitarian crises both regionally and globally while advocating for a fairer global order. This article critically examines the practical implications of Turkey’s post-2000 rhetoric on order and justice based on its claim to adopt a humanitarian foreign policy through the case study of Responsibility to Protect (R2P). It questions the coherence and contradiction of Turkey’s humanitarian discourse and actions as well as its proximity to other non-Western rising countries. In this regard, firstly, the study integrates norms literature and the English School’s solidarism–pluralism debate. Then, it scrutinises Turkey’s stance on R2P cases through an analysis of its discourse and voting behaviour. The findings suggest that Turkey’s approach to R2P leans more towards that of a solidarist norm implementer rather than a pluralist norm shaper or norm antipreneur as observed in other rising powers.

A comparative analysis of landfill practice between Poland and Indonesia

This research addresses the global challenge of waste management (WM) by comparing landfill management practices in Poland (Radiowo landfill) and Indonesia (Kebon Kongok landfill) to define the differences in landfill WM systems and analyse the main challenges in implementing effective landfill management WM systems in Poland and Indonesia. The data was analysed by employing the rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM). The analysis focused on three critical areas: gas management, leachate management and landfill reclamation. The results showed that the Polish landfill demonstrated high efficacy, particularly in leachate management with water quality impact (96), gas emissions control with methane extraction (96), and site reclamation for site restoration (96). For these purposes, the landfill uses advanced leachate treatment technologies and drainage systems. Conversely, Indonesian landfill practices show severe inefficiencies, with negative scores in almost all sectors. The lowest score was in leachate management with water quality impact (–48), gas emissions with air quality impact (–48), and site reclamation in community space development (–48). The study contributes to the sustainable waste management discourse, providing actionable insights for policymakers and environmental managers.

Perceptions of Stakeholders on the Financial and Economic Crisis in Lebanon: An In-depth Analysis

Abstract This study examines Lebanon’s enduring financial and economic crisis, exacerbated by economic challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Port of Beirut explosion. With over 80 % currency devaluation due to sovereign debt default, the crisis has intensified poverty and unemployment, compounded by political turmoil. Using survey data from 178 stakeholders, experts, and academics, this research explores the intricate drivers of Lebanon’s crisis and offers insights for policymakers. Employing quantitative methods, it uncovers the intertwined role of financial mismanagement, government failures, mounting public debt, financial engineering techniques, and political instability in driving the crisis. Recommendations emphasize prudent financial practices, sound governance, and policy interventions. This study sheds light on Lebanon’s complex financial and economic challenges with data-backed perspectives from diverse stakeholders, providing valuable insights for management practitioners and scholars navigating crises in tumultuous environments. It aims to contribute to the management discourse, equipping stakeholders with actionable strategies for addressing and preventing similar crises. It also explores the interplay between stakeholder perspectives and the determinants of the financial crisis in Lebanon. It delves into the interconnected nature of the crisis and demonstrates how stakeholders from various sectors and backgrounds mirror the factors identified in the literature.

Intelligent Conversations: A Theoretical Framework for Understanding Natural Language Processing within Artificial Intelligence Systems

The present study paper presents a theoretical framework for understanding the language capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, with a particular emphasis on natural language processing (NLP). The proposed framework, known as the Framework of Key Performative Attributes in AI Discourse (FKPA-AID), is based on a survey of pertinent linguistic theories and AI literature. It specifies six essential dimensions for modeling intelligent conversations: linguistic precision, contextual adaptation, fluid dialogue management, self-learning capacities, socio-emotional sensitivity, and continuity. The study also uses FKPA-AID to assess the strengths and weaknesses of present AI chat capabilities, and uses this analysis to propose prospective research directions for improving machine-based language mastery to better mimic human discourses. The study conducts a literature review of current breakthroughs in AI, notably in the field of natural language processing. It investigates AI's disruptive influence across industries and its role in driving digital transformation, with a particular emphasis on mobile technology applications. The paper also dives into the development of Generative AI (GAI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP), explaining its intricacies, models, applications, and recent advances. Furthermore, it emphasizes the use of AI and NLP in voice-controlled homes and healthcare, with a focus on designing intuitive interfaces and analyzing health data. The primary goal of this literature review is to provide a complete knowledge of the emerging landscape shaped by the combination of AI and NLP. The findings from the studied literature highlight the disruptive potential, ethical difficulties, and practical applicability across multiple disciplines. The paper emphasizes the importance of responsible development in the dynamic and ever-changing world of AI and NLP, and calls for collaborative efforts from interdisciplinary experts such as linguists, computer scientists, psychologists, sociologists, and philosophers to guide future research in this field. The proposed FKPA-AID framework is positioned as a theory-based systematic tool for assessing AI conversation capabilities, contributing to overall improvements in the field.

Contrasting Human Speech in Hebrews 12–13

Abstract This article will analyze an under-studied aspect of the Epistle to the Hebrews: human speech. In so doing, the author will show how the letter-writer creates an implicit comparison between the audience of the epistle and Moses, placing the audience in a position more privileged than Moses himself. The argument will proceed by justifying the scope of the material to be considered, Heb 12–13, then examining the few but significant instances of human discourse in the letter. The author will argue that the letter-writer’s use of explicitly human discourse serves the epistle’s overall argumentative purpose of encouraging the audience to continued adherence to Jesus through a comparison of the Mosaic and new covenants, particularly in reference to the events immediately after the exodus from Egypt. Then the author will conclude with reflections on the rhetorical use of human discourse and the potential implications for the structure and literary unity of Hebrews.

Analysis of lecturers’ role in forming classroom interaction among students: A case study at Smaratungga Buddhist Study College

The importance of classroom interaction in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) instruction is occasionally lost on educators. The interaction in the classroom is crucial to assimilating and embracing the target language. As a result of successful information transfer from the teacher to the students, good contact can lead to an increase in students' language acquisition. Because the focus of the classroom interaction study is on how interlocutors make meaning of one another's contributions, the findings can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify issues with discourse management and crucial occurrences that learners confront. Researchers used qualitative methods, including discourse analysis and case studies. Smaratungga Buddhist College Study College was conducted this investigation. The researchers anticipate that learners will be motivated and inspired by the interactional situation. This study focuses on how the teacher creates interaction in the classroom. The success of all outcomes depends on how well students interact. Researchers agree with their actions while they are interacting with the teacher or one another.

Integrating popular culture tourism in local communities: a scoping review and ways forward

ABSTRACT There is nowadays a growing scholarship examining the intersection of popular culture and tourism. Most of this literature reveals that much of this work is grounded in an optimistic predisposition about the positive effects that tourism induced by popular culture has for locales. This is mainly featured in the dominant management discourse that feeds an overly positive tone about the benefits of popular culture for tourism development. However, there is a less loud line of scholarship originated in critical social studies that views regional popular culture tourism contexts in a more nuanced way bearing dubious outcomes. To address these shortcomings, the purpose of this scoping review is to demarcate and establish the strategic role of popular culture in regional tourism development. We put forward that a holistic approach entails the comprehensive treatment and multi-level embeddedness of popular culture tourism into regional contexts, epitomised by their territorial capital. On this basis, we present the predominant themes shaping the discourse in the field of popular culture tourism by discerning its two primary disciplinary streams, namely management and critical studies. Next, implications are drawn for the sustainable territorial touristification of places by leveraging comprehensively the development of popular culture tourism in local communities.

Yurok–wildlife relationship through the context of Traditional Ecological Knowledge

AbstractVarious aspects of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) continue to be integrated in the wildlife conservation and management discourse; however, there may be challenges in cross‐cultural understanding of the complex social‐ecological systems that make up the fabric of TEK. In a 2‐phased approach, we implemented research to better understand an Indigenous perspective of human–wildlife relationship. In phase 1, we conducted 16 semi‐structured interviews with Yurok and Yurok‐affiliated people about the relationship of Yurok people with wildlife and Yurok community hunting values. In phase 2, we conducted a secondary analysis of a subset of 10 interviews from phase 1. Permissions were obtained from the Yurok Tribe, under the project's previously established Institutional Review Board process, to access archived interview data for subsequent research relevant to the original research goals. We identified the following themes: Yurok conceptualizations of wildlife, cultural understanding of animals as people, animal harvesting protocols, cultural guidelines that maintain wildlife populations, and consequences for not following cultural guidelines as related to hunting. We explored how the terms wildlife and wildlife management are difficult to interpret within the context of Yurok TEK, as wildlife, in the same meaning as Western wildlife management, does not exist in the Yurok cultural paradigm. A fundamental, multifaceted aspect of the Yurok–wildlife relationship through a TEK context is the concept of animals as people, which we discuss in relation to Yurok spirituality. As Indigenous Knowledge continues to be recognized in scientific discourse, there may be opportunities to reconceptualize, Indigenize, and shift approaches to research, wildlife and wildlife habitat management, and conservation. Results of our study may support Yurok Tribe wildlife managers, Western‐trained biologists, and others in their considerations of Indigenous Knowledge in wildlife management and conservation.

Fintech as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable growth: analyzing the dynamics of R&D Investment in China

ABSTRACT This comprehensive analysis explores the pivotal role of financial technology (fintech) investments in enhancing Research and Development (R&D) within China's rapidly evolving corporate landscape. Drawing on an extensive dataset covering 3,335 listed Chinese companies from 2012 to 2019, the study employs a multifaceted methodological approach, including panel data analysis, cluster analysis, and predictive modelling, to dissect the interplay between fintech investments and R&D activities. Our findings illuminate a robust positive correlation between fintech investments and the intensification of R&D endeavours, underscoring the instrumental role of fintech in propelling innovation and fortifying competitive edges. Through cluster analysis, the research identifies distinct patterns of R&D and fintech investment, spotlighting fintech's critical function as an innovation accelerator, notably among startups and technologically advanced enterprises. Predictive modelling forecasts a sustained uptrend in R&D investments, propelled by fintech advancements, suggesting a trend towards more profound business strategy integration. Moreover, the study delves into the environmental and societal ramifications of fintech-enhanced R&D, offering valuable perspectives on sustainable development and formulating policy recommendations to facilitate inclusive economic growth. This investigation significantly enriches the R&D management discourse, highlighting fintech's strategic importance in spurring innovation and tackling socio-economic challenges in the Chinese corporate sector.

Defining, operationalising and translating ‘vulnerability’ in humanitarian work in Jordan

ABSTRACT ‘Vulnerability’ saturates contemporary humanitarian discourse and practice in English. But how is ‘vulnerability’ operationalised and translated – both literally and figuratively – and what can these dynamics tell us about the humanitarian system? Drawing on an extensive engagement with humanitarianism in Jordan, this article explores how ‘vulnerability’ is turned from a ubiquitous designator of need to an operationalizable indicator in humanitarian assessments, how ‘vulnerability’ overlaps and collides with national systems for determining need and targeting, and how the idea of ‘vulnerability’ is communicated in Arabic. I argue that, despite ‘vulnerability’s’ unquestioned centrality in humanitarianism, there is a pervasive unclarity about how it should be understood, with parallel and largely disconnected debates, using strikingly different frameworks and terminology, happening in English and Arabic. This Anglo-centric system both expresses and reinforces the humanitarian sector’s intersecting hierarchies of race and labour, as ‘local’ humanitarian workers take on the work of translating ‘vulnerability,’ while ‘international’ colleagues centre their work on concepts that have very little meaning to those they are ostensibly for and about. If localisation is to involve a meaningful transfer of power to local and national actors, humanitarianism’s Anglo-centrism must be dismantled.

Pragmatic perspectives on disagreement

Abstract The introduction to this special issue provides an overview of the notion of disagreement in relation to argumentative practices and presents the rationale for investigating disagreement management in argumentative discourse from a pragmatic perspective. It describes how existing accounts of disagreement in argumentation have focused on limited instances of the phenomenon, both in terms of its pragmatic embedding (which has predominantly focused on assertive speech acts) and of its scope (which usually covers the normative dimension of argumentative quality). The contributions to this special issue are then presented and contextualised within this broader topic to expound how each of them addresses key pragmatic aspects of disagreement management in argumentative discourse.

Unlocking Employee Innovative Behaviour: Exploring the Power of Transformational Leadership and Tacit Knowledge Sharing Among Indonesian White-Collar Workers

Abstract Research purpose. The study explores the impact of transformational leadership on innovative employee behaviour, with tacit knowledge sharing as a mediator. This contributes to existing literature on the dynamic interplay between transformational leadership, employee innovation, and tacit knowledge sharing within organisational contexts. Design / Methodology / Approach. The study used a cross-sectional research design to examine relationships between the variables. 450 questionnaires were distributed among white-collar employees in Greater Jakarta, and a high response rate of 91.2% was achieved. Using the widely accepted Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling technique, the study further analysed the hypothesised relationship among transformational leadership, tacit knowledge sharing, and innovative work behaviour. Findings. As evident from the study, transformational leadership would play a major role in influencing the level of sharing of tacit knowledge among employees and, therefore, would result in a supportive, innovative environment. It also has a direct effect on the employees to behave in an innovative way by the inculcation of new ideas or changes. Tacit knowledge sharing is positively related to innovative behaviour. Transformational leadership also indirectly affects innovative behaviour via tacit knowledge sharing. The model explaining these linkages was also further evidenced to be effective through the conduction of structural equation modelling. Overall, the results underline transformational leadership as a critical success factor for a knowledge-sharing culture and innovation development within the organisation, either directly or indirectly. Originality / Value / Practical implications. The research topic area also encompasses the role of tacit knowledge sharing in mediating the relationship of transformational leadership with innovative work behaviour and, hence, reveals the connection between leadership and innovation through knowledge exchange. It places transformational leadership in a discourse of knowledge management and outcomes of innovation, which points to the general importance of intangible assets and specifically to knowledge sharing. The empirical findings supported the idea that transformational leaders provide a climate where sharing tacit knowledge is an important aspect of organisational innovation. This review, therefore, focuses on the knowledge management, innovation, and leadership literature, with the aim of providing a multidisciplinary overview that would be helpful for readers in management, organisational psychology, and business innovation. This is the approach of leadership development by organisational leadership. HR professionals need to focus on strategies supporting the inculcation of a culture of sharing tacit knowledge around innovation. It ought to support measurement approaches for evaluating effectiveness in leader-led efforts to promote innovation and knowledge exchange.

The term «neo-mythology» in the foreign humanities discourse of the XX-XXI centuries: the specifics of its existence

The article is devoted to the specifics of existence of the term «neo-mythology» in the foreign humanities discourse of the XX-XXI centuries. The foreign texts, which contain the term «neo-mythology» as a key word, have become the focus of research for this article. The genesis and semantics of the idea of «neo-mythology» in foreign research papers are the subject matter of the research. The origin matters of the term «neo-mythology» in the Italian cinema of the 1950s-1960s are overviewed in detail. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the main tendencies of the development of the notion «neo-mythology». Russian and foreign researches touching upon contemporary mythology differ both in the content and in the usage of the term «neo-mythology» crucially. The following research was inspired by the necessity to find the terminological equivalents in Russian and foreign scientific works on modern mythogenesis. The research is based on structural-semantic and semantic-cognitive methods. Traditional methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison and generalization are used. The results of the research enabled us to make conclusions on the peripheral role of the term «neo-mythology» in foreign scientists’ works and conclude that their preferences lie within the terms «contemporary/modern mythology». The term «neo-mythology» in the foreign discourse is mostly used in works, which are either devoted to the research of some aspects of mass culture or closely connected with Russian humanities. The usage of the term «neo-mythology» in foreign research of mass/pop culture reflects the background of theoretical analysis of modern mass consciousness turning to myths. The conclusions made in the research are supposed to help Russian scientists work with foreign studies of contemporary mythology more productively.

DEVELOPING COMMUNICATION PROFICIENCY: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF LANGUAGE COMPETENCIES

This study delves into the multifaceted nature of communication proficiency, exploring the diverse language competencies essential for effective interpersonal and professional interactions. Through a multidimensional analysis, it is being investigated how linguistic, sociolinguistic, and strategic competencies interplay to shape an individuals communicative abilities. Drawing from contemporary linguistic theories and empirical research, the study identifies key components of language proficiency, including grammar, vocabulary, pragmatics, and discourse management. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative assessments of language skills with qualitative interviews to capture nuanced insights into the participants communication strategies and challenges. Findings reveal that proficiency extends beyond mere linguistic accuracy, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness, context sensitivity, and adaptability in real-world communication scenario. The study also highlights the role of continuous practice and feedback in enhancing language skills, proposing practical frameworks for educators and learners to foster holistic communicative competence. Ultimately, this analysis underscores the need for an integrated approach to language education that prioritizes functional and adaptive use of language, preparing individuals for the dynamic and diverse communication demands of contemporary society.

The Prospects and Perils of Humanist Discourse

The correspondence of Erasmus and Guillaume Budé represents an exemplary performance of the kind of intellectual exchange prized in humanistic circles of their day, though its sudden collapse has continued to puzzle interpreters. The design of this essay is to examine the prospects and perils of this epistolary venture set against the cultural, political, and religious circumstances of the time, and thus to show that this humanist project floundered not so much because of differences in personal character as due to fissures concealed in the rhetorical landscape over which these correspondents wished to travel. This rich and intricate theatre of humanist letters thereby illustrates both the noble aspirations and the inherent fragility of humanist discourse.

Fake News: a conceptual model for risk management

This article proposes a model based on a systematic literature review (SLR) that investigates the intersection of Fake News, Risk, and Risk Management. Employing Design Science Research as the primary methodology, it introduces a conceptual model to mitigate Fake News-related risks in specific communities. The model uses ArchiMate to depict a community as an organisational entity, exemplifying its practicality through a Fake News instance from the Central European Digital Media Observatory. The research undergoes rigorous evaluation using the Bunge-Wand-Weber Model, ensuring its consistency and value to the scientific community. This evaluation formalises the proposed conceptual model, offering a structured framework systematically mapping Fake News concepts to mitigate associated risks and disinformation. This study contributes to the Fake News management discourse, providing a practical risk management tool to counter the phenomenon.

Rhetorical strategies in Chinese and English talk show humor: a comparative analysis.

Humor is a kind of cognitive psychology activity, and it is diverse among individuals. One of the main characteristics of talk shows is to produce humorous discourse to make the audience laugh; however, rare studies have made a deeper comparative investigation on the rhetorical strategies in different language humorous utterances. Therefore, the current study adopted a mixed method of sequential explanatory design to identify the types of rhetorical strategies in the monolog verbal humor of Chinese and English talk shows, examine their similarities and differences. Two hundred monolog samples from 2016 to 2022, which consisted of 100 monologs of Chinese talk shows (CTS) and 100 monologs of English talk shows (ETS), were downloaded from the internet as language corpus. Berger's theory was adopted to identify the types of rhetorical strategies. Based on the obtained findings, this study found that both language talk show hosts use a variety type of rhetorical strategies to produce humorous discourse. The comparison of similarities and differences revealed that the most frequently used rhetorical strategies in both talk shows were almost similar (e.g., satire, exaggeration, facetiousness, and ridicule), but the percentage of usage of these various rhetorical strategies in both talk shows was slightly different. Interestingly, misunderstanding occurred 20 times in CTS but was not found in ETS. Meanwhile, simile and personification were used more often in ETS. Conclusively, this study contributes valuable insights on the use of different types of rhetorical strategies to create verbal humor in different language contexts.

Food metaphors and humour in Nigerian online interaction

AbstractThis article explores the complementary role of Cultural Linguistics in making up for the inadequacies of linguistics‐oriented theories of humour in unpacking culturally embedded meanings in humorous discourse. On the basis of purposively sampled internet memes, it analyses different types of cultural presuppositions in some food metaphors that netizens in Nigerian online interaction appropriate to negotiate gender and class identities, which reflect inherent beliefs, shared values and communicative practices in the Nigerian world. It applies Sharifian’s categorisation of the analytical tools of Cultural Linguistics―cultural schemas, cultural categories and cultural metaphors. The article concludes that mental spaces and conceptual blending are instrumental in forging a holistic conceptual approach, which can account for not only the linguistic but also cultural and discursive meanings of humour as an essentially social and interactional phenomenon.

Unveiling Power Dynamics: Diversity Interpretations, Management Practices, and Inclusion Perceptions in the Workplace

The current diversity management literature highlights a lack of empirical investigations into nuanced diversity characteristics within specific contexts, with a predominant focus on the USA, Europe, and Asia. This article addresses these gaps by exploring the intricate relationship between interpretations of workforce diversity dimensions and ensuing diversity management practices, shaping perceptions of inclusion or exclusion. Workplace diversity is viewed subjectively, influenced by contextual factors like industry and location. A case study was conducted in June 2022 within a Japanese automotive company, gathering qualitative data through techniques such as semi-structured in-depth interviews and non-participant observations were made during two guided visits. AtlasTi was utilized for the analysis of results. Findings reveal that socio-economic differences' interpretation is swayed by power imbalances in labor relationships. Diversity management practices aligned with the dominant group exacerbate inequality among demographic groups, establishing metaphorical «glass ceilings» for minorities and fostering exclusion perceptions. Considering the case study’s limitations, the research contributes to the diversity management discourse, prompting a reevaluation of practices to mitigate unintentional inequality perpetuation in the workplace.