Quoted Research Articles

Japanese Speech Acts and Politeness in Hospitality Services

In the world of hospitality, staff provide service to guests through verbal communication. The purpose of this research is to determine the phenomenon of speech acts that are often used by hotel staff when communicating directly with Japanese guests. Conversation data is obtained through recording dialogue between hotel staff and guests when providing services. Data were analysed using Searle's (1969) speech act theory and Brown & Levinson's (1987) politeness theory. From the data analysis, it was known that in hotel services, direct voice is most widely used by hotel staff. Speech acts used by the staff are directive (50.9%) and expressive (25.4%) speech acts, assertive speech 21.8%, and commissive speech 1.8%. Judging from the principle of politeness, directive speech acts that were delivered directly by the hotel staff have the potential to threaten guests' faces. However, because hotel staff use teineigo (standard polite) form of Japanese, it can be said that the speech of hotel staff in Bali is relatively polite and safe (does not threaten the face) of guests and staff as service providers. Considering that body posture is also part of politeness in hotel guest service, this element needs to be studied further.

Response to Roberts, Stenglein, Wydeven, and others

Abstract Human-caused mortality has been the major cause of death among wolves worldwide. In 2017, we summarized a 33-year data set of >933 Gray Wolf deaths from Wisconsin, United States, and estimated that poaching was the major source of mortality. Roberts et al. (2024; hereafter, just Roberts et al. unless using a direct quote from that paper) challenge our reinterpretation of data on causes of death and disappearances and urge us to use standard known-fates survival models rather than the combined time-to-event and total accounting methods that we used. They do not cite subsequent time-to-event and competing risk and incidence models that we published, raising an issue of selective citation of only their own work. Regarding reinterpretations, Roberts et al. neither present evidence for their claims nor revisit records of cause of death to argue their claims. Regarding traditional known-fate survival models, we review the violation of a critical assumption of such models. Namely, causes of death were not independent of censoring among Wisconsin collared wolves. Rates of disappearance approximating 42% of all collared animals are incompatible with the assumption that unknown-fate collared wolves died of the same causes as known-fate animals. We demonstrate that Roberts et al. made an erroneous claim that wolves frequently outlive the operational lives of their VHF collars. We present evidence of undisclosed competing interests among Roberts et al.’s coauthors. In scientific debates, the most transparent assumptions, methods, and data prevail because outside reviewers can judge for themselves. We stand by the conclusions of our combined analyses from 2017 to 2023.

Challenges and Needs for Financing Biodiversity Conservation in Namibian National Parks

Purpose: The main objective of the paper is to discuss challenges and needs for financing biodiversity conservation of national parks in Namibia by exploring the challenges that hinder the financing of biodiversity conservation and propose innovative solutions to overcome them and establishing the funding needs for conservation projects and initiatives. Methodology: The study was based on the philosophy of pragmatism, used a qualitative research approach, and employed a concurrent research design. The study purposively selected 10 directors to participate in the study, although only nine have participated. To collect data, the aspect used structured questionnaires, which were self-administered online using Google Forms, whereby the questionnaire comprised of open-ended questions. Subsequently, the study employed various analytical tools to analyse the data, reflexive thematic analysis with direct quotations in ATLAS.ti. Findings: The study shows funding needs of biodiversity conservations. The study also concludes that the National Parks in Namibia are faced with numerous challenges, which hinder their ability to ensure financial stability. Additionally, evidence shows that National Parks need funding for ensuring effective and sustainable operations. Furthermore, data found that the National Parks in Namibia encounter challenges relating to financing of biodiversity conservations due to governance issues in terms of poor accountability, corruption, and misuse of resources. The findings signify that National Parks in Namibia depend highly on foreign aid and international donors for conservation funding, which makes funding vulnerable to changes in international priorities and economic conditions in donor countries. The issue of insufficient budget allocation to biodiversity by the government was highlighted. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that the National Parks in Namibia suffer environmentally related challenges, such as those aligned with climate change, desertification, and water scarcity, which place significant strains on both the existing conservations and the acquisition of additional funding of biodiversity conservations. The outcomes signify that the economic challenges, such as high interest rate, inflation, and economic downturn make it difficult for the National Parks in Namibia to ensure biodiversity conservations’ financing. These results imply that the National Parks in Namibia can address the issue of financing of biodiversity by adopting strategies, which are essential for tourism development, and it can be realised through the promotion of eco-tourism, research and innovation, as well as community-based tourism. The results demonstrate a call for government support in financing biodiversity conservations through budget allocation and legal policy framework. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This article will contribute to the body of knowledge in sustainable finance as it explored the theories and literature on finance, conservation, biodiversity and National Parks which makes it an important source of information, also for future studies in those fields. The research will support the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) in coordinating closely with other Ministries on formulating policies, regulations and laws that affect sustaining finance of biodiversity conservation. Lastly, this paper results, findings and discussion gives knowledge towards the improvement of the government and private sector’s capacity by strengthening government institutions and financial institutions’ ability to more effectively design, execute, and monitor biodiversity conservation sustainable financing model in realising the goals of the National Development Plans (NDPs) and Vision 2030.

Speech Act Strategies of Customer Service Officers of Internet Provider Company in WhatsApp Group Interactions

This study investigates the speech act strategies employed by customer service officers (CSO) in an internet provider company while interacting with customers via WhatsApp Group (WAG) chats. The research aims to identify and analyze the types of speech acts used and examine how cultural and digital token factors specific to Javanese communication norms influence these interactions. In 60 days, data was collected from WAG conversations between customer service representatives and clients using the non-participative observation method. Depth interviews were also conducted with the five CSOs. The analysis employed Speech Act Theory and considers the unique context of computer-mediated communication. Results revealed that CSOs frequently utilized commissive speech acts, confirming speech acts, directive speech acts, phatic speech acts, and expressive speech acts with specific purposes. Culturally, the speech acts were employed to maintain harmony and mitigate potential face-threatening situations. The study also highlights how the CSO adapts traditional Javanese communication styles to the digital medium of WhatsApp. Theoretically, these findings contribute to our understanding of cultural pragmatics in professional settings and empirically offer insights for training customer service personnel in culturally diverse contexts. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of considering cultural nuances in developing effective communication strategies for digital customer service platforms.

The Process of Teaching and Learning from the Views of Prospective Mathematics Teachers: The Case of Algebraic Inequalities

This study explores the views of prospective mathematics teachers on the process of teaching and learning about algebraic inequalities. Phenomenology, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The participants of the study consisted of 6 prospective middle school mathematics teachers studying in the last year of the Elementary Mathematics Teacher Education Program of a university in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye in the spring semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The obtained data were analyzed using content analysis, one of the qualitative analysis methods. As a result of the analysis of the interviews with the prospective middle school mathematics teachers, three main themes were obtained. Teaching inequalities, the difficulties that students may experience in inequalities, and the methods that can be used to overcome difficulties were the main categories that emerged. Direct quotations from the prospective teachers’ views were also included in the presentation of the findings. As a result of the study, it is recommended that more practice should be included in teacher education programs to improve prospective mathematics teachers' knowledge and experience of meaningful learning and overcoming difficulties.

Persuasive Speech Act Strategies of Online Fashion Sellers in Live E-Commerce: A Cyberpragmatics Approach

Through cyberpragmatics outlook, this study explores the persuasive speech act techniques utilized by online fashion vendors during live e-commerce sessions. The study investigates how sellers utilize persuasive strategies in digital communication to influence consumer behavior and increase revenue. A mixed-methods approach is employed so that the research combines qualitative content analysis of live selling sessions with quantitative measures of engagement and conversion rates. Important discoveries show that sellers frequently use a combination of assertive, expressive, directive, commissive, and phatic speech acts, which are adapted to the dynamic and interactive nature of real-time e-commerce platforms. The implications for both sellers and digital marketing strategists underscore the importance of adaptive communication techniques in enhancing consumer engagement and optimizing sales outcomes. Furthermore, the persuasive strategies emphasize the importance of using visual aids, real-time client engagement, and personalized marketing tactics. This research contributes to the understanding of digital persuasion in e-commerce and offers insights into the evolving landscape of online retail communication.

Developing a Model for Sustainable Financing for Biodiversity Conservation in Namibian National Parks

Biodiversity conservation is essential for maintaining ecological balance and fostering sustainable development. Biodiversity conservation efforts in Namibia encompass activities such as monitoring protected areas, preserving natural resources, preventing poaching, adapting to environmental changes, promoting tourism, and engaging in forestry work. Despite these efforts, funding for biodiversity conservation is insufficient, thereby necessitating innovative strategies to secure additional financial resources. Consequently, this study evaluated the total economic costs and benefits of biodiversity and its conservation to create a sustainable financing model for biodiversity conservation in Namibian national parks. This study aimed to develop a model for sustainable financing of biodiversity conservation in national parks, specifically within the context of Namibia. The research addresses the chronic underfunding of conservation activities and explores innovative financial strategies to bridge the funding gap. The study was based on the philosophy of pragmatism, used a mixed-methods research approach, and employed a concurrent research design. For the quantitative aspect, the study used the census sampling approach on 60 respondents. For the qualitative aspect, the study used purposive sampling on nine participants. To collect data, both aspects used structured questionnaires which were self-administered online using Google Forms, whereby the questionnaire for the quantitative aspects comprised closed-ended questions, while the one for the qualitative constituted open-ended questions. The study employed various analytical tools to analyse the data, precisely the PLS-SEM in SmartPLS 4 software for the quantitative aspect and the reflexive thematic analysis with direct quotations in ATLAS.ti for the qualitative aspect. The quantitative aspect of the study ensured reliability in terms of internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability using omega-a (rho_a). The quantitative aspect of the study used convergent validity based on the factor loading of the indicators and the average variance extracted (AVE), as well as discriminant validity using the Fornell-Lacker and Heterotrait-monotrait (HTMT) ratios. The findings indicate that effective financial management moderately and positively impacts the financial stability of biodiversity conservation in Namibia. Moreover, the study shows a strong positive and statistically significant correlation between sales revenue and financial stability in biodiversity conservation. However, numerous challenges hinder the financial stability of Namibia’s national parks. The study concludes that sales revenue should be a managerial focus in achieving financial stability. Drawing on these findings, a comprehensive model for sustainable financing was developed, which identifies key revenue streams and management practices crucial for long-term financial viability. The results of this study provide a noteworthy contribution to the current state of research, shedding new light on key issues and themes, and elucidating financial obstacles and opportunities pertinent to biodiversity conservation.

Co-Creation through scholarship. The Queen Mary Academy learner interns' programme

Since 2021, the Queen Mary Academy (QMA) at Queen Mary University of London has been running its Learner Interns Programme (LIP). The aim of the LIP is to support educators to undertake student-voice scholarship projects in collaboration with our diverse learner population by annually hiring interns to work on projects. In 2023-24, over 140 applications were received. The poster will discuss how learning and development, for both staff and students, occurs via instigation of such research projects, valuing learner expertise and agency. Student engagement is an element of the Queen Mary Academic Careers Framework which supports academic career paths, and engagement with the LIP has the potential for educators to develop evidence for this. Examples showed how educators deepen their approach to reflection and identified opportunities to leverage research avenues with students as active partners, contributing to their scholarly profiles. As a complimentary point, examples of how interns develop critical thinking and communication skills within academic contexts were shared, covering how interns’ exposure to research helps prepare them for professional roles. The origin and evolution of the LIP was outlined, alongside approaches to intern recruitment, onboarding, co-responsibility training, and community building, that subsequently provide opportunities for the professional development of support colleagues who are involved. Delegates took away ideas around valuing students as partners within structured internships, with direct quotes from educators and support colleagues describing the impact this initiative has had on their professional development. This approach was displayed as an effective example of educational learning development, underpinned by student involvement, for which others may wish to copy its approach or explore potential future collaborations with Queen Mary.

Directive Speech Acts In The Holy Book Dhammapada Cittavagga Verses

The purpose of this research is to explain how the Dhammapada Scripture Cittavagga Poem uses directive speech acts. The information used in this study came from a variety of literature reviews on speech actions and the Dhammapada text, particularly the 11-verse Cittavagga poem, which has four lines of sacred words in one of its verses. A qualitative approach is the methodology that is employed. According to the study's findings, which were derived from a thorough debate and analysis, the most common types of directed speech are advise (four), reprimands (three), orders (three), invitations (one), and no mention of restriction. It is highly recommended to train, direct, and tame the mind in order to bring happiness. This is the main goal of the directive speech act of advice, which is a very dominant speech act in the linear Cittavagga poem. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining creativity and thoughts that frequently cannot be still and continue to change.

The development of an environmental educational game based on the ASSURE instructional design model: a case study in Turkey

ABSTRACT This study aims to develop an educational game on the environment based on the ASSURE instructional design model. Educational games are an excellent method for learning, letting students have fun and ensuring that students are physically, emotionally, and psychologically at the highest level. The phenomenology design, a qualitative research method, was used in the study. The participants of this study were 16 6th-grade students in Turkey. The selected games were prepared taking into account the Turkish game tradition. Purposive sampling was chosen to determine the participants. The observation form and interview form were used as data collection tools. The data were analysed by content analysis. The study findings were given in codes and categories, including direct quotations. As a result of the study, it was discovered that the students found educational games entertaining, that educational games could be adapted to Science courses the best, and that playing educational games was useful regarding ease of learning and learning by having fun. In line with these results, suggestions were made, such as giving more space to educational games in the lessons.

Literary metamorphosis: a corpus-assisted approach to characterisation in The Rouge of the North and “The Golden Cangue”

Based on her Chinese story “Jinsuo Ji”, the renowned bilingual writer Eileen Chang produced two English versions, i.e. The Rouge of the North and “The Golden Cangue”. The basic difference between the two English versions lies in that The Rouge of the North is more of a rewriting, while “The Golden Cangue” is a direct translation. An interesting issue emerges as to how characters are constructed in those two inter-related texts. This study, taking direct speech as an indicator of character portrayal, adopts a corpus-assisted approach to characterisation in the two texts. The study elaborates on the functions fulfilled by direct speech in constructing characters and carries out a comparative analysis of characterisation in the two texts. The results show that, due to distinctive uses of direct speech, there are subtle yet definite differences between The Rouge of the North and “The Golden Cangue” in shaping characters’ verbal prominence, establishing characters’ verbal interactional relationships, and presenting the protagonists’ linguistic features. Devoted to the issue of characterisation in literary metamorphosis, the study demonstrates the multiple functions performed by direct speech in character portrayal and has some implications for improving corpus methods to examine the complexities of characterisation.

Directive Speech Acts and Its Response on Japanese Anime “Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken”

This study aims to classify the directive speech acts used by the character Rimuru Tempest in the anime Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken and analyze the responses of interlocutors to these directive speech acts. The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach, with data collected from character dialogues across episodes 1 to 15 of the anime. The data were analyzed and categorized based on Namatame's (1996) directive speech act theory. The findings indicate 24 instances of directive speech acts, categorized into five types: commands (meirei), with 11 occurrences; requests (irai), with 5; prohibitions (kinshi), with 3; permissions (kyoka), with 3; and suggestions (teian), with 2. Additionally, 18 responses to these directives were positive, while 6 were negative. Analysis suggests that the relationship between the speaker and the interlocutor influenced response types. Results also show that the character Rimuru Tempest predominantly used requests (irai) in their directives.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT SPEECH ACT IN OPRAH WINFREY’S MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH “LIFE ADVICE WILL CHANGE YOUR FUTURE”

This research was designed in descriptive qualitative research. The aims of the research were to find out direct and indirect speech act and the contextual meaning in Oprah Winfrey’s Motivational Speech “Life Advice Will Change Your Future”. In collecting the data, the researcher used content Analysis technique. The researcher used Miles and Huberman theory in analyzing the data. In doing the research, the theory of Finegan is used. Finegan stated that there were two types of speech act, direct and indirect speech act and it can be in the form of representatives, commissives, directives, declarations, expressives and verdictives. The result shows that there were found 30 expression of direct speech act and 26 expression of indirect speech act. Therefore, speech act can be found in many discourses and daily life conversation. The researcher expected that this research will be useful for teacher, students, and the next researcher who are going to do related research.

The Role of the Beechcraft C90 GTi Aircraft Used Within the Scope of Basic Flight Training

TThe Beechcraft C90 GTi aircraft is considered one of the technically advanced aircraft under today's conditions. Technological developments in aircraft have raised the question of how such technically advanced aircraft can be integrated into flight training. In this regard, this study investigates the use of the Beechcraft C90 GTi aircraft, which is technologically more advanced than the multi-engine aircraft used in basic flight training, in the multi-engine rating training phase of the ATP integrated training. The aim of the study is to determine the training process for this aircraft, along with its training requirements and student pilots’ perceptions during the training process. To this end, a case study, one of the qualitative research designs, is conducted. The data are collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the descriptive analysis method. The study participants consist of 14 student pilots who have received multi-engine rating training on the Beechcraft C90 GTi aircraft at the Department of Flight Training of Eskişehir Technical University. Findings are supported by direct quotations. As a result, the advantages and disadvantages of training on the Beechcraft C90 GTi aircraft and student pilots’ recommendations for improving the training are presented.

Direct quotations in social work writing: multi-functionality and double voicing

Abstract Writing comprises a core area of social work as a substantial amount of time is spent on producing case notes, assessment reports, and other required documentation in order to progress cases; however, little research has been carried out on social workers’ writing and, in particular, the specific discursive and rhetorical devices employed to create effective texts. One rhetorical device often employed in order to include the voices of service users and their families is the use of quotations. This article explores the extent to which quotations are used across social work domains and text types, the different voices represented through quotations, and the perceived functions of the quotations. The study draws on three different data types: (1) a 1-million-word corpus of social workers’ writing; (2) social worker interviews (n = 81); (3) two case studies comprising texts, interviews with the social worker writer, and researcher observations. All data were collected within the WiSP project and were interrogated through a mix of computational and qualitative analysis to develop a taxonomy of functions of quotations. In addition to furthering our understanding of how quotations are employed in professional writing, the study has implications for social worker training and practice.

Challenges in Maintaining Quality Assessments in Higher Learning Institutions: Experiences from Selected Tanzanian Universities

This study was conducted to assess the extent to which universities in Tanzania ensure quality in assessments and identify challenges facing the whole assessment process. Literature showed a poor linkage between university graduates and industry whereby some graduates were reported to be lacking essential skills expected of them beside of having good results. This situation motivated the researcher to conduct this study being guided by TQM theory. The study adopted a convergent parallel design which allowed a collection of both qualitative and quantitative at a go. The study targeted lecturers, examination officers, heads of departments and quality assurance directors from universities offering teacher education in Tanzania. Stratified convenience and purposeful sampling techniques were used to select 48 lecturers, 4 examination officers, 4 heads of departments and 4 quality assurance directors from four universities. Questionnaires and in-depth interview guides were used to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed in frequencies and percentages while the analysis of qualitative data was done in themes and its presentation was done narratively being supported by direct quotations. The study found out universities to be striving to improve quality in final examinations but doing less in formative assessments. Large classes and workloads on the other side were found to be the challenges facing the assessment process. The study recommended for universities to extend the moderation process to the continuous assessments and develop policies that will make lecturers maintain quality in the assessment process.

A systematic review: Which psycho-social-environmental factors do autistic students identify as being important for positive experiences in mainstream secondary school?

Research has shown that many autistic students do not thrive in mainstream secondary schools. Often studies focus on the challenges autistic people face rather than what supports thriving. We reviewed published articles, exploring what factors helped autistic people create a positive experience in school from their own perspective. We identified 36 studies and analysed the direct quotes made by autistic adolescents and adults in these studies. Factors important for positive experience included the autistic student feeling understood and accepted by adults and peers in school, being able to shape sensory and social environments in ways that suited them and accessing engaging activities. This review highlighted ways in which schools can become more inclusive and positive environments for autistic students.

Telaah Pemikiran Nurcholish Madjid Terhadap Politik Identitas

This research aims to determine Nurcholish Madjid's political thinking style. This research is library research or library study using a philosophical and historical approach. The data sources used are primary and secondary data sources. Primary data sources in this research are books written directly by Nurcholish Madjid, as well as books that are relevant to the discussion, while secondary data in this research are relevant literature materials that discuss identity politics. The data collection method in this research uses direct quotation and indirect quotation methods. The data analysis technique used in this research is content analysis technique. The research results show that Nurcholish Madjid's political thinking style is characterized by inclusiveness, pluralism and universal Islamic values. Madjid believes that Islamic values ​​should be applied in social life without linking them to religious-based political parties. He also advocates democracy, human rights, and education that emphasizes tolerance and pluralism. Background to the emergence of the jargon "Islam yes, Islamic parties no". This is a concern. He believes that Islamic political parties tend to divide society and are used for short-term political interests by elites. According to Nurcholish Madjid, the relevance of the jargon "Islam Yes, Islamic Party No" to the phenomenon of identity politics in Indonesia is very significant. This jargon teaches the importance of pluralism and inclusiveness in politics, so that it can reduce polarization and sectarianism in society.

Illocutionary Speech Acts on Stickers as Promotional Media of Mangroves Ecotourism in Bangkalan, Madura

The primary goal of this research is to find the lingual forms and meanings of the language in vehicle stickers used as promotional media to increase ecotourism possibilities throughout the Mangroves Ecotourism area of Bangkalan by means of illocutionary speech acts. In this research, the descriptive and qualitative research methods were used. The data for this research came from a form of vehicle sticker that was first investigated to promote Mangrove Ecotourism in Bangkalan, Madura. The following Mangrove Ecotourism sites were included in this research: Labuhan Mangrove Education Park Bangkalan, Mangrove Martajasah, and Mangrove Tajungan, Kamal. The research carried out adopted George Yule's pragmatic theory and J.R Searle's illocutionary speech act as the theoretical framework, which provides a good explanation of the representative speech act, directive speech act, expressive speech act, commissive speech act, and declarative speech act. Then, concluded that directive speech act plays a major form of this research’s finding and discussion and representative speech act as the second form whose type is commonly used in the sticker as promotional media.

Speech Act Analysis of Harry and Meghan’s Interview with Oprah Winfrey on CBS Morning News Show

This article is aimed at finding out types of illocutionary acts found in one of the most shocking viral interviews in the world, that is the interview with the royal family of former member, Harry and Meghan Markle interviewed by Oprah Winfrey, with amount of viewership of 4.79 million viewers when it first shows on air. This research is framed within mixed-method approach where the results of the study are in the form of an overview of what is said (illocutionary acts) by the three main subjects, namely Harry, Meghan, and Oprah and the percentage of each type of illocutionary acts. Data analysis was conducted through the analysis of interview videos along with the transcripts, simple statistical analysis and is supported by literature study. The results of the current study show that from 319 data of 644 sentences indicated as illocutionary acts. From those findings, it can be categorized that there are five types of illocutionary acts were found in an interview, they are 63% assertive, 27% directives, 0,6% commissive, 7,3% expressive, and 0,3% declarative. In other words, assertive is found to be the dominant type of illocutionary acts. In addition, of the 319 data, 295 data are categorized as direct speech act and 24 data are indicated as indirect speech act. In short, illocutionary acts of assertive type and direct speech acts are found to be more dominant in Harry and Meghan interview with Oprah Winfrey.