Multilingual Communication Research Articles

Mouthings in highly multilingual contexts: typological implications from Hawai‘i Sign Language & Sinasina Sign Language

ABSTRACT HSL and SSSL are two endangered sign languages of Hawai‘i and Papua New Guinea, respectively. Mouthings of spoken words in signing, especially in smaller sign languages, is a growing topic in sign language linguistics. Here, I present an analysis of mouthings in HSL and SSSL. Mouthings in these languages may present patterns that are previously unattested in other sign languages, both because the scope of existing research on signing is often limited to North America and Europe and because HSL and SSSL are both used in highly multilingual communities. To categorize and compare mouthings in these languages, obligatoriness of manual and non-manual components, linguistic function, and likely source language are analyzed for each mouthing. Findings here suggest that the mouthing patterns in HSL are typologically unusual, while those in SSSL are more like standard mouthings described in previous literature. Multilingual mouthings are found in both HSL and SSSL, with correlations between source languages and mouthings’ functions. Incongruencies between the HSL mouthings and those in other languages and potential challenges for outsider researchers in identifying mouthings (and their source languages in multilingual contexts) have broader implications for typologies of mouth actions and research practices.

REAL-TIME ACCENT TRANSLATOR

This paper introduces the "Real-Time Accent Translator," a lightweight and accessible web-based application that bridges the gap between multilingual communication and accent adaptation. Built on Flask, the system integrates Google Translate and Google Text-to-Speech (gTTS) APIs to provide seamless translation and speech synthesis. Users can input text in a source language, specify the target language, and optionally adjust accents for languages such as English. The application translates the text, synthesizes speech with the desired accent, and provides an audio output in real time. The architecture is designed for simplicity, leveraging third-party APIs to ensure rapid deployment and scalability without the need for extensive computational resources. This paper discusses the technical implementation, including API integration, RESTful communication, and real-time audio generation. Additionally, the potential use cases of the system are highlighted, including cross-cultural communication, language learning, and accessibility for non-native speakers.

Language dominance moderates links between theory of mind and children’s externalizing behaviors in a multilingual community

Language dominance moderates links between theory of mind and children’s externalizing behaviors in a multilingual community

Code-Switching and Its Stylistic Effects in Multilingual Communities

This study explores code-switching as a linguistic and stylistic phenomenon in multilingual communities, focusing on its sociocultural and communicative implications. By analyzing various contexts such as education, workplace, and artistic expressions, it highlights the stylistic diversity and cultural resonance of code-switching. The research emphasizes its role in fostering inclusivity, shaping hybrid languages, and influencing pedagogical practices, while addressing challenges like linguistic purity and negative perceptions. Future research directions include examining code-switching in digital communication and cross-cultural contexts.

Legal Communication in Multilingual Contexts

Legal communication in multilingual contexts is a growing concern in today’s interconnected world, where language diversity intersects with legal systems, cultural norms, and power dynamics. This paper examines the barriers and challenges posed by linguistic and cultural differences in legal proceedings, highlighting the complexities of translating legal terminologies and maintaining clarity for all parties. It examines the role of interpreters, translators, and cultural competence in facilitating effective communication, as well as the systemic shortcomings and risks of misinterpretation. Practical strategies for improving multilingual legal interactions, such as training in cultural competence and leveraging technology, are discussed. Future trends, including AI advancements and the integration of language technologies, offer promising opportunities to enhance multilingual legal services. The paper concludes with recommendations for bridging gaps between legal theory and practice to foster inclusive, fair, and effective communication in diverse legal settings. Keywords: Multilingual Legal Communication, Legal Translation and Interpreting, Cultural Competence, Language and Legal System, Artificial Intelligence in Legal Contexts.

Challenges In Global Talent Management And How To Overcome Them

This paper aims to identify and analyze the key challenges inherent in global talent management (GTM), focusing particularly on cultural differences, legal complexities, language barriers, talent retention, and technological challenges. It seeks to propose actionable solutions that can be adopted by organizations, particularly in the creative industries and other sectors, to effectively manage these challenges. The study utilizes a comprehensive literature review, integrating insights from various academic journals, industry reports, and real-world case studies from multinational corporations such as IBM, Siemens, and Unilever. This approach allows for a thorough examination of both the theoretical and practical aspects of GTM, providing a balanced perspective on the challenges and potential solutions. The research expresses that while cultural misunderstandings, legal and regulatory hurdles, and communication barriers pose major challenges to global talent management, these can be reduced through targeted strategies such as cultural sensitivity training, collaboration with legal experts, and the adoption of multilingual communication platforms. Furthermore, the study shows the importance of leveraging advanced technological tools and offering competitive compensation packages to retain top talent in a competitive global market.

Crisis Translation Maturity Model for Better Multilingual Crisis Communication

Accurate, timely, and trusted communication in appropriate languages and cultural frames and through appropriate channels is vital to achieving principles of equity and inclusivity in crisis settings. However, organizations engaging in multilingual and multicultural crisis communication can struggle to know how to achieve such communication and assess their communicative capacities. Maturity models are well-established instruments to understand, review, and assess the processes and practices within organizations. This article discusses the development of a crisis translation maturity model to assist organizations to evaluate and improve their multilingual crisis communication efforts. The model presented here builds on a previously published iteration. This second iteration aimed to refine the model and was co-designed with stakeholders from 11 relevant organizations across two design workshops using a multiagency design-thinking methodology. Design thinking was chosen for this research because it is a collaborative approach to problem solving that prioritizes creativity and innovation, user-centeredness and involvement, iteration and experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This approach allowed us to co-design with stakeholders a model that considers crisis translation capabilities along 17 evaluative categories, with each category described across five maturity levels: ad hoc, repeatable, defined, managed, and optimizing. The categories are all defined in detail and the corresponding maturity levels are explained in a way that permits members of an organization to evaluate their current crisis translation capabilities and discern the changes that would be required to improve their level of crisis translation maturity. The objective of the research described in this article is to present a version of a crisis translation maturity model that will now be field-tested, customized, and refined. We plan to conduct further tests with stakeholders in authentic settings to produce improved versions of the model going forward.

A Narrative Study of Pre-Service English Teachers' Perspective on Code-Switching Activities in Their Speaking Class

The majority of Indonesians can speak two or more languages. Code-switching is the practice of language changing or switching to another, which is highly widespread in bilingual and multilingual communities like Indonesia. Code-switching is a phenomenon that also happens throughout the teaching process in ELT classrooms. English is chosen as the medium of instruction in several contexts in Indonesia. One of the contexts is when pre-service English teachers use English as their primary language of teaching. The study aims to explore pre-service English teachers’ perspectives on code-switching in their Speaking classes. The study was performed at the English Education Department in one of the state universities in Jember, Indonesia. An interview was utilized to generate the data. Three pre-service English teachers were voluntarily taken as the participants. The data were analyzed using Thematic Analysis. There were three key perceptions identified from the participants' responses, namely positive attitude, negative attitude, and suggestion on code-switching implementation.

Building Professional Relationships with Students: The Key to Focusing on Needs of the Market Trends

In the context of an increasingly dynamic and competitive job market, the cultivation of professional relationships between academia (professors and students) and different professional fields has emerged as an extremely important factor in addressing contemporary industry demands. Our study examines the critical role of fostering professional interactions in educational settings to align with the current market requirements, namely with some specialized fields (multilingual professional communication, general and specialized translation, and interpreting). Our paper aims to emphasize the role of professors in extending their roles beyond traditional pedagogy to include mentorship, guidance that integrates industry insights, tailored career advice, and practical applications. This research utilizes a “mock” service-learning project to demonstrate the positive outcomes of proactive professor-student engagements on career readiness and adaptability to market shifts. The most important findings of our project are reflected on the pedagogical approach that bridged the gap between academic theory and practical application by enhancing learning (academic concepts were applied to real-world scenarios), impacting the business community (significant and positive impact on addressing immediate needs and long-term collaborations between higher education institutions and business communities), contributing to personal growth, and preparing for future careers.

The Sociolinguistic Context of Multilingualism and Language Maintenance in a Border Suburb, Southwest Nigeria

This study observed the maintenance or otherwise of the languages in use in Saki, a border suburb in southwest, Nigeria. A total of 1200 questionnaires were administered at home, markets, schools, religious gatherings and offices and 1179 were retrieved. The theoretical framework adopted for the study is the Domain of Language Behaviour propounded by Fishman (1972). To find out the maintenance or otherwise of the languages in use in Saki, analyses of the pattern of language use in different domains were conducted. The result confirmed the words of some other previous scholars that the language situation of multilingual communities cannot be predicted as the result showed that despite the conglomeration of different languages in Saki, Yoruba the in-group language of the people extended its utility in all the domains of language use. The result showed that historical, cultural, and social factors contributed to the maintenance of Yoruba in this area. Other researchers should study sociolinguistic features such as code-mixing, code-switching and language variation in the selected border town, especially among the immigrants.

Word of mouth: Mouthing patterns in a bimodal multilingual deaf community

Word of mouth: Mouthing patterns in a bimodal multilingual deaf community

Exploring Bilingualism: Cognitive Benefits and Cultural Challenges

Bilingualism is a multifaceted phenomenon with profound implications for cognitive functioning and cultural identity. Research has consistently shown that being bilingual enhances cognitive abilities, such as improved executive function, greater cognitive flexibility, and superior problem-solving skills. These cognitive advantages stem from the constant mental exercise of managing two linguistic systems, which enhances brain plasticity and can even provide protective effects against cognitive decline in aging. However, the benefits of bilingualism are accompanied by cultural and identity challenges. Bilingual individuals often navigate complex social dynamics, including cultural duality, identity conflicts, and experiences of language stigmatization or marginalization. This article explores these cognitive benefits and cultural challenges, analyzing how bilingualism influences an individual's worldview and opens up diverse career opportunities. It also discusses the broader societal implications, highlighting the importance of creating supportive environments for bilingual and multilingual communities.

Assessing demographic and socioeconomic susceptibilities to heatwaves in the Southeastern United Kingdom

As climate change intensifies, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are rising to pose significant health risks. Population vulnerability, influenced by socioeconomic and demographic factors, is a widespread concern. We analysed heat vulnerability by demonstrating usefulness of principal component analysis on recent, localised census data at lower super output scale for vulnerability factors such as poverty, access to cooling facilities, age, and gender for a non-city yet highly heat risk vulnerable case study of Surrey, UK. Four major factors (poverty, elderly population, unemployed students, daily commute) were identified, creating a cumulative Heat Vulnerability Index, aiding in prioritising interventions and mapping vulnerable areas. Mapping revealed most areas had a moderate vulnerability level of 3 out of 6 for individual major factors, with cumulative scores ranging from 11 to 12 out of 20. The study emphasises the interconnectedness of vulnerability factors and highlights the applicability of the approach beyond Surrey. The demonstrated methodology provides a valuable template for vulnerability assessments in regions facing similar challenges and have its up-to-date effective heat action plan underlining the importance of tailored strategies for comprehensive heat risk management (e.g. cooling centres, transport aid, multilingual risk communication and home visits). Policymakers can utilise the insights gained to develop targeted measures for vulnerable populations and manage heat-related issues effectively on a global scale.

Good practices of pedagogical translanguaging: A global overview of emergence, development, and classroom applications

This paper deals with the concept of translanguaging as a powerful tool for fostering inclusive education in linguistically diverse settings. Translanguaging, unlike traditional views of languages as separate, bounded systems, recognizes the flexible, integrated nature of multilingual communication. It highlights how speakers draw from their entire linguistic repertoires to construct meaning, depending on context and need. The paper aims to provide teachers in Transcarpathia with a comprehensive understanding of translanguaging and its pedagogical applications. It explores the historical development of the concept, its key characteristics, and its differentiation from code-switching. The paper also discusses the theory and practice of pedagogical translanguaging, highlighting its benefits for both teachers and students. It presents examples from various countries, including the United States, Italy, and South Korea, to illustrate how pedagogical translanguaging has been implemented in different educational contexts. One of the core principles of translanguaging is that all languages are valuable and can be used to support learning. Teachers can create a more inclusive and equitable classroom environment where all learners feel valued and respected via accepting this principle. Translanguaging can also help students to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them by allowing them to connect their experiences across different languages and cultures. In addition to its benefits for learners, translanguaging can also be a powerful tool for teachers. By using translanguaging strategies, teachers can create more engaging and interactive lessons that are relevant to their students’ everyday lives. Translanguaging can also assist teachers to develop their own language skills and to become more culturally sensitive. While the implementation of translanguaging in the classroom may require some initial training and planning, the benefits are well worth the effort. This paper provides valuable insights and practical guidance to support teachers in harnessing the power of translanguaging to enhance language acquisition, content comprehension, and overall student success.

SMART SHOPPING ASSISTANTS: HOW GUIDE ROBOTS IMPROVE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE IN LARGE MALLS

The Shopping Guide Robot System is a cutting-edge solution designed to enhance the customer experience in large shopping malls and commercial spaces. This system provides real-time route guidance to help customers quickly locate their desired stores by calculating the shortest path. It offers personalized recommendations based on customer profiles, adjusts dynamically to environmental changes, and supports multilingual communication to cater to diverse clientele. The robot not only guides users to their destinations but also answers inquiries about mall events, discounts, restaurants, and other services. Through advanced autonomous navigation technology, the system ensures a safe and efficient shopping experience, making it an invaluable tool in modern retail environments.

<b>Medium of Instruction: The Context of Primary, Secondary and Higher Secondary Level in Bangladesh</b>

Medium of instruction (MoI) has turned into a matter of dispute in post-colonial societies for various conditions, such as favoring foreign languages over local or native tongues, enacting monolingual laws in multilingual communities, and creating inconsistencies between education policies and practices. This study aims to give a critical overview of MoI policies and practices from primary to higher secondary levels and their social, economic, and cultural effects in Bangladesh. The study employed a systematic literature review approach as part of secondary research. The study finds Bangla as a medium of instruction (BMI) by de jure and English as a medium of instruction (EMI) by de facto, which results in a remarkable inconsistency between MoI policies and its existing practices in the education sector. The further notable finding suggests that the mismatch between MoI policies and its practices leads to a disparate education structure and, eventually, a stratified society marked by inequalities, social hierarchies, marginalization, and so on. More importantly, the inequalities characterized by MoI practices are twofold: on the one hand, EMI is a source of division and inequalities for the Bangla-medium students, and on the other, BMI acts similarly when it comes to ethnic minority students.

Impact of implementing virtual journal club on developing competencies for critical appraisal among post-graduate nursing students

BackgroundVirtual journal clubs (VJCs) are innovative technologies with the potential to foster collaboration, facilitate multilingual communication, improve cultural competencies, and expand global professional networks. This allowed participants to be exposed to critical appraisal of the articles. However, its long-term impact on competency development has been debated. This study aimed to investigate the impact of implementing VJCs on developing competencies for critical appraisal among postgraduate nursing students.MethodsA quasi-experimental (pretest/posttest one-group) research design was used with a convenience sample of 40 participants from the community health nursing department, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt who agreed to participate. The participants received an online self-administered knowledge and attitude data collection tool through Google Forms. However, critical appraisal skills were evaluated by an observational checklist with a rubric through synchronized mode. Eleven VJC sessions were conducted for each participant. Descriptive analysis served as the primary method for analyzing participants’ responses. Students’ t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to measure differences between the pretest and post-test. The study also used a correlation test to assess the relationship of variables.ResultsThe findings indicated a highly statistically significant difference among the participants regarding knowledge, critical appraisal skills, and attitudes toward VJC before, immediately, and six months after VJC session implementation. In addition, a positive significant correlation with a highly statistically significant difference between the participants’ total knowledge score levels, total practice score levels, and total attitude score levels in the immediate post and after six months of VJC session implementation (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe findings indicate this intervention has the potential to enhance critical appraisal competencies among postgraduate students. Therefore, VJCs should be included regularly to enhance critical appraisal competencies in academic settings for continued professional development.

Foundations and Frameworks of ELT and Applied Linguistics Research: Principles, Processes and Practices

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the core principles, processes, and practices that characterize research in English Language Teaching (ELT) and Applied Linguistics. The article highlights the key distinctions between scholarship, aimed at personal knowledge acquisition, and research, which generates socially useful knowledge. Research in applied linguistics is problem-oriented, focused on addressing practical language-related challenges such as language acquisition, teaching methodologies, and multilingual communication. The paper emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of applied linguistics, integrating insights from fields like psychology, sociology, and computer science to provide comprehensive solutions. Methodological diversity is a hallmark of this research, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including case studies, surveys, and experimental studies. The research cycle, from identifying a problem to collecting and analyzing data, is systematically outlined. Key areas of ELT research-such as second language acquisition, curriculum development, and language assessment-are discussed, underscoring the field's contributions to both theory and practice. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of applying research findings to improve language education, develop policies, and enhance communication across diverse linguistic contexts Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 11, Issue-4: 126-135.

Student scientific and theoretical conference as a way to discover the research potential of students within the framework of the concept of Zhana Kazakhstan

The purpose of the study. To consider a student scientific-theoretical conference, organized within the framework of the concept of Zhana Kazakhstan, as a way to unlock the scientific potential of students, as one of the effective means of forming key values of the new development model and as a tool for improving communicative competencies in a non-native language within the framework of the scientific style of future professionals. To offer a number of methodological recommendations for organizing and holding such conferences, which will increase the research potential of future specialists and more effectively form the value system of the new concept of Zhana Kazakhstan.Materials and methods. The article presents the experience of holding two student scientific-theoretical conferences by the Center of Languages Development within the framework of the concept of Zhana Kazakhstan with the participation of first-year students of the Karaganda medical university NC JSC.Results and discussion. The article proposes effective ways to motivate students to scientific activity, the most effective methods of revealing their research potential. The ways of forming such Zhana Kazakhstan values as creativity, creation, innovation, professionalism and others are indicated. Methods for improving communication skills in a multilingual and multicultural communication environment are described. As examples of areas of research, some topics of student reports, material and methodological basis of their research are given.Conclusions. The experience of holding a student scientific conference, in which the concept of Zhana Kazakhstan is implemented, allows us to assert that the process of developing research competence will be effective if students are involved in such a form of research activity as a scientific conference.

Real-time Transcription Language Translation using Webrtc

This literature survey paper titled "Real-Time Transcription Language Translation Using WebRTC" explores the current landscape of real-time speech translation technologies. We summarize and analyze various research efforts in the domain, highlighting their methodologies, findings, and limitations. Additionally, we propose a novel approach that leverages WebRTC to enhance real-time transcription and translation efficiency. By identifying gaps in existing studies, we outline the scope for future research, aiming to improve user experience in multilingual communication. This survey serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers and practitioners interested in advancing real-time language translation technologies