Reader Engagement Research Articles

Two sides of the same coin? Cross-linguistic sentiment comparison and thematic discovery of reader’s reception of Wolf Totem

Abstract Despite growing attention to the global dissemination of cross-cultural literature, rigorous research on cross-linguistic sentiment analysis remains limited, especially for works like Wolf Totem, which hold both worldwide reach and cultural depth. This study conducted a cross-language sentiment and thematic analysis of online book reviews by Chinese and English readers, utilizing advanced linguistic techniques such as BERT, MAXQDA, and ProtAnt. The analysis reveals that Chinese readers are more critical of the themes “Ethnicity and Culture”, “Society and Politics”, and “Wolf and Wolf Nature”, while English readers respond more positively to “Historical Context and Background”, “Plot and Theme”, and “Emotional Response and Reading Experience”. This study not only highlights these emotional variations but also provides robust methodological insights for cross-linguistic sentiment analysis, showcasing the integration of quantitative and qualitative approaches and enhancing understanding of how cultural identity shapes reader engagement.

A Study on the Construction of Environmental Image of Four Chinese Banks: Based on Metadiscourse Analysis

With the escalating global concern for environmental issues and China's commitment to achieving carbon peaking and neutrality goals, this study aims to investigate how four leading Chinese banks have constructed environmental images through their CSR reports from 2016 to 2021. Utilizing Hyland's (2005) Metadiscourse model and AntConc 3.5.9 for corpus analysis, we quantitatively and qualitatively examine the strategic use of Metadiscourse in these reports. Our findings reveal a dominance of interactive Metadiscourse, particularly transitions and frame markers, which facilitate coherent and structured environmental disclosures. Interactional Metadiscourse, featuring self-mentions and engagement markers etc., underscores the banks' authority and reader engagement. The banks' CSR reports demonstrate commitments to carbon reduction, green finance and credit, ecological agriculture support, and environmental risk management, and then portray proactive environmental images. This research provides insights into how Metadiscourse constructs sustainability discourse in the financial sector, informing ESG reporting and environmental communication strategies.

Scaffolding patient agency: Conceptualising readers' cognitive work in the comic gutter.

A life-limiting illness can erode an individual's positive sense of self. Storytelling can help counteract this, through scaffolding patients' agency and supporting them in acting to change something which matters to them. This article explains how visual stories - comics - are used within the PATCHATT intervention to support the redevelopment of a person's agential self. Through the provision of a conceptual map, this article explores the gutter as a liminal space, arguing for the importance of the deep reader engagement which takes place there. It uses Bob's comic, a story used within PATCHATT, to explore how reflexivity and imagination work together within the liminal space of the gutter to stimulate and enhance palliative care patients' agential change leadership. It concludes by considering the implications of the argument put forward for palliative care practice.

Images as Invitations: Fostering Reader Engagement and Collaboration in Lidia Yuknavitch’s The Small Backs of Children

Abstract: This paper analyzes how Lidia Yuknavitch, an American writer and creative writing teacher, employs vivid and evocative imagery to foster a participatory reading experience in her autofictional novel The Small Backs of Children (2015). Grounded in Ellen Joann Esrock’s thesis from “Visual Imaging and Reader’s Response”, this analysis explores how Yuknavitch strategically invites readers to collaborate in the storytelling process. By doing so, Yuknavitch creates a dynamic interaction where meaning is co-created by the author and her audience. Yuknavitch’s narrative style blends the visceral with the conceptual using imagery that transcends mere description to evoke powerful emotional and intellectual responses. The imagery in The Small Backs of Children serves as a bridge between the text and the reader, transforming the act of reading into interactive practice. By blurring the lines between authorship and readership, Yuknavitch redefines traditional storytelling, positioning the reader as an active participant in the narrative. This paper demonstrates the diverse ways in which Yuknavitch’s prose engages readers, transforming the act of reading into a collaborative process of creation of meaning and emotion.

Text Redundancy in Academic Writing: A Systematic Scoping Review

Background: The aim of academic writing is to effectively communicate and disseminate new knowledge and discoveries through the clear and concise expression of scientific ideas, highlighting the importance of being both brief and thorough in academic writing. The quality of this type of writing is under question. There are various sources that degrade the clarity and quality of writing. One of these aspects is redundancy, there are studies examining redundancy in written texts, however, redundancy in academic writing has received little attention. So far, there is no common understanding of the problem in academic writing, nor a common classification, nor a clear description of the causes of this phenomenon and its effects on the quality of academic texts. Purpose: To map the existing literature on text redundancy, exploring its definitions and types, investigate the factors contributing to redundancy in academic writing, Furthermore, the article seeks to assess the impact of text redundancy on the clarity, coherence, and overall quality of academic communication. Materials and Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and the “PCC” mnemonic (Population, Context, Concept) were applied for inclusion and exclusion criteria were utilized. A literature search was carried out in June 2024. Employing a detailed search strategy, the review engaged two electronic databases – Scopus and Google Scholar, initially identifying 252 studies. Results: 65 English-language studies addressing the text redundancy were included in the review. The synthesis of the selected research revealed that redundancy is perceived differently: as a phenomenon that reduces the quality and comprehension of the text; and a strategy that makes the text understandable and explicit. Different classification of redundancy were presented: by mode of redundancy expression and repetition, by nature, and by its role and impact. The functions and impact on academic written communication redundancy were reviewed. Conclusion: This review explores the dual nature of text redundancy in communication, particularly within academic writing. It highlights that redundancy can enhance comprehension by reinforcing key ideas or hinder communication through excessive repetition. The study classifies redundancy into three categories: functional (beneficial), wordiness (excessive), and contextual redundancy, providing a framework for writers to manage redundancy effectively. The article emphasises the importance of balancing necessary repetition with conciseness to maintain clarity and reader engagement, as excessive redundancy may lead to reader fatigue.

ANALYSIS OF DATA JOURNALISM IMPLEMENTATION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN MODERN MEDIA

Data journalism has transformed the way media reports news, shifting from reliance on sources' opinions to a data-driven approach. In today's information era, this method is essential for enlightening the public. Technological advancements have made it easier for journalists to implement data journalism, but they also present challenges, such as limited access to data and a lack of analytical skills among journalists. This research analyzes the application of data journalism in various media organizations, identifying challenges and uncovering opportunities. The methods used include interviews with journalists, academics, and ethics experts. The findings indicate significant challenges, but also opportunities to enhance news quality, public trust, and reader engagement. The research recommends the need for intensive training in data analysis and the application of strict ethical standards. Thus, data journalism can be an effective tool in addressing challenges in the digital era and contributing positively to media development.

What Drives Deep Reader Engagement with Socially-Generated Content? The Critical Role of Dual-Layer Information

Social media platforms have rapidly gained popularity due to features such as personalized recommendations and real-time push notifications, attracting a large number of creators to produce content. However, with the explosive growth of content and information overload, readers’ expectations for content and interaction quality have increased, making it increasingly difficult to engage them deeply. This poses management challenges to the platform’s ecosystem, such as high visitor volume but low retention rates. This study, leveraging the latest GPT technology, provides a more scientific approach to content metrics and a detailed exploration of interaction categories to examine the impact of information, authors, and interactions on reader engagement behavior. It particularly considers the effects of internal and external layers of social-generated content and different levels of reader engagement. Combining real community data, it is found that the impact of content information is the most crucial, with this impact being distributed across content and interaction aspects. It is suggested that social media platforms should strive to balance vivacity and informativeness when producing content. Additionally, the role of content, authors, and interactions varies across different product categories, so differentiated strategies should be employed accordingly.

A Cognitive Study of Deixis in TG Klune’s the House in the Cerulean Sea

This paper investigates the cognitive and linguistic features of deixis in T.J. Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea. It examines how personal, temporal, geographical, rhetorical, and social deixis can enhance narrative immersion and reader engagement. The study uses mixed method to categorize deictic elements in the book. It argues that deictic shifts improve the reader's experience and narrative structure. By measuring the frequency and impact of deictic expressions, the study highlights their role in adjusting narrative pace, deepening thematic resonance, and engaging readers both intellectually and emotionally. The careful use of deictic phrases, especially those tied to interpersonal and geographical aspects, creates strong human connections and vivid setting descriptions. This intentional arrangement forms deep emotional bonds between readers and characters, leading to a rich and engaging environment. The paper explains how language and cognition enhance immersive reading experiences through emotional involvement and narrative understanding. Deictic changes show how narrative techniques affect reader engagement and the quality of the story.

Exploration of How Digital Media and Technology are Changing Narrative Forms and Literary Consumption

This study explores how digital media and technology are transforming narrative forms and literary consumption. With the rise of e-books, audiobooks, interactive narratives, and social media platforms, traditional linear storytelling is evolving into more interactive and participatory formats. Readers are no longer passive consumers but active participants, shaping narratives through real-time feedback and collaborative storytelling on platforms like Wattpad. The study employs a qualitative, exploratory research design, including interviews, focus groups, and observational analysis, to examine how digital platforms influence reader engagement and narrative structure. Key findings highlight the shift toward nonlinear, reader-driven narratives and the growing role of multimedia in storytelling. Additionally, the research underscores how these changes are democratizing literature, allowing diverse voices to reach global audiences without traditional publishing barriers. The study concludes by discussing the implications for authors, publishers, and literary institutions, as well as offering recommendations for future research on emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality in storytelling.

24/7 news network: A paradigm shift in the media industry

This research aims to investigate the role of 24/7 news networks in transforming how the media industry presents, consumes, and interacts with news. To achieve this goal, the study conducts a literature review on the development and evolution of 24/7 news networks and their impact on society. The analysis results show that 24/7 news networks have significantly changed the media landscape. Firstly, their ability to deliver news instantly and in real-time has shifted traditional news reporting models that relied on print editions or scheduled broadcasts. Second, the adoption of multimedia formats in 24/7 news network platforms has enhanced interactivity and reader engagement in the news process. However, the media industry faces challenges in dealing with this phenomenon. The demand to provide non-stop news puts pressure on journalists and editors to remain relevant and accurate in delivering information. Additionally, the emergence of social news platforms has brought new issues related to the validity and credibility of news. This article also highlights the social impact of 24/7 news networks. Easy access to news anytime and anywhere has influenced how society consumes news and interacts with information. Moreover, ethical questions arise on how to manage the information overload presented by 24/7 news networks without compromising the reliability of sources.

Unravelling the stylistic nuances: a comparative multidimensional analysis of amateur and professional translations of Legends of the Condor Heroes

Style research has always been an important field in corpus-based translation studies. However, the stylistic differences between amateur and professional translations of epic Chinese martial arts fiction have received limited attention in the existing literature. This study addresses this gap by examining the stylistic differences in amateur and professional translations of the novel Legends of the Condor Heroes, a representative work of this genre gaining popularity through fan-translation websites. Employing Biber’s multidimensional analysis, this study investigates fictional speech and narration in both amateur and professional translations. The findings reveal that amateur translations exhibit less variation between speech and narration, characterized by lower levels of involvement in dialog and reduced informational density in narrative passages. Moreover, amateur translations tend to employ more abstract language across both speech and narration compared to their professional counterparts. These stylistic disparities may influence readers’ comprehension and engagement with the text, potentially affecting their access to critical narrative elements. The study posits that the lack of professional training and experience, as well as the collaborative and open-source nature of amateur translation communities, may contribute to these observed differences in amateur translations. This research contributes to translation studies by examining stylistic differences between amateur and professional translations of Chinese martial arts fiction, potentially informing future studies on reader engagement and the reception of translated Chinese literature. The findings also highlight the importance of considering the impact of amateur translation practices on the dissemination and reception of popular genres in cross-cultural contexts.

Impact of Photojournalism on Readers’ Exposure and Retention: A Study on Cognitive Level of Bangladeshi Audience

Since our world is so connected these days, growth of digital devices, news, and media organizations will pay a high premium for the greatest and most interesting photographs available. As events unfold, it's easy to feel cynicism and skepticism. Word travels fast, and many search for the most trustworthy and reliable sources of information. Photojournalists are present, alongside more traditionaljournalists, to create a story that speaks for itself. Using the qualitative research method, this study primarily focuses on the social cognition theory to demonstrate the effect of photojournalism on readers' exposure and retention. The purpose of thisresearch is to show that visual aids like photographs can significantly improve memory retention. The visual aid greatly increases the chances of remembering what was read. Images that aren't directly associated with the text tend to be forgotten quickly. In this study, social cognition theory is applied to the people of Chattogram to determine the optimal conditions for maximizing reader engagement and knowledge retention focusing on the cognitive level of the audiences. This research also demonstrates the wide variety of quick-read news stories available in visual formats. Pictures in the news need to be just the right size to keep the attention of the readers.150 people from the general public aged between 18-30 were chosen for this study and three renowned newspapers from both online and offline modes (Daily Ittefaq, The Daily Star, and Bdnews24.com) were selected for gathering data. Research results lend considerable credence to social cognition arguments.

Exploring the Interpersonal Functions of Negation in Science Writing Across 35 Years

Researchers’ investment in reader engagement includes the construction of an appealing abstract. While numerous studies have been conducted on abstracts’ rhetorical features, scant empirical attention has been paid to negation use in academic writing. The current study seeks to narrow the research gap from a general and diachronic perspective by adopting an interpersonal model of negation. We found that while not, no, and little tend to be the commonly used negative markers in Science abstracts, little increased diachronically but decreased for not and no. Functionally, writers prefer to use interactive negations and employ relatively more negative markers that function as consequence (interactive dimension) and hedging (interactional dimension) in their abstracts. Finally, we discuss the possible reasons for such results as well as their pedagogical implications.

Unveiling the Cost of Free: How an Ad-Sponsored Model Affects Serialized Digital Content Creation

Within the field of serialized digital content, platforms have recently introduced the ad-sponsored model to provide free content and attract readers. Although this model potentially benefits readers by removing financial barriers, its impact on content creators remains unclear. Our study investigates the effects of the ad-sponsored model on the content creators’ productivity by leveraging a policy change on a leading web novel platform as a natural experiment. Our findings indicate a significant decline in content creators’ efforts in the ad-sponsored model, suggesting the potential adverse effects. Our results demonstrate that this decline is primarily due to reduced reader engagement, as readers may perceive lower “sunk costs” with free content compared with paid content. Our findings provide valuable insights for serialized digital content platforms adopting or considering the ad-sponsored model, emphasizing the importance of considering both creator and user dynamics when introducing new business models.

Customers’ emotional impact on star rating and thumbs-up behavior towards food delivery service Apps

This study explores the intricate relationship between emotional cues present in food delivery app reviews, normative ratings, and reader engagement. Utilizing lexicon-based unsupervised machine learning, our aim is to identify eight distinct emotional states within user reviews sourced from the Google Play Store. Our primary goal is to understand how reviewer star ratings impact reader engagement, particularly through thumbs-up reactions. By analyzing the influence of emotional expressions in user-generated content on review scores and subsequent reader engagement, we seek to provide insights into their complex interplay. Our methodology employs advanced machine learning techniques to uncover subtle emotional nuances within user-generated content, offering novel insights into their relationship. The findings reveal an inverse correlation between review length and positive sentiment, emphasizing the importance of concise feedback. Additionally, the study highlights the differential impact of emotional tones on review scores and reader engagement metrics. Surprisingly, user-assigned ratings negatively affect reader engagement, suggesting potential disparities between perceived quality and reader preferences. In summary, this study pioneers the use of advanced machine learning techniques to unravel the complex relationship between emotional cues in customer evaluations, normative ratings, and subsequent reader engagement within the food delivery app context.

Enhancing Productivity through Optimized Reading Spaces

In today's fast-paced, information-driven world, productivity is paramount for personal and professional success. Effective reading, a crucial cognitive process, significantly impacts knowledge acquisition, critical thinking, and innovation. This research offers an extensive examination of optimizing reading spaces to boost productivity. The study investigates the intricate relationship between reading environments and cognitive performance, considering factors like lighting, ergonomics, acoustics, spatial layout, and technology integration. These elements profoundly influence reader engagement, information retention, and cognitive load. Moreover, the study delves into environmental psychology's role in shaping concentration, creativity, and comfort within reading spaces. It analyzes the psychological effects of design elements like color, nature, and organization on cognitive processes. Understanding these responses empowers designers and individuals to tailor spaces for better focus and well-being. The integration of technology within reading spaces is explored, assessing digital platforms, interactive displays, and personalized content curation's benefits for efficient information consumption. It addresses challenges in balancing printed materials and digital resources. Additionally, the study considers personalized reading spaces' impact on diverse demographic groups, accounting for age, cognitive abilities, and preferences in design and customization. It emphasizes adaptable spaces catering to various needs and learning styles. This research offers a comprehensive view of reading spaces and productivity enhancement. By examining design elements, psychological factors, and technological integration, it provides insights for creating spaces that empower individuals to engage effectively with information, think critically, and achieve higher productivity in academic and professional endeavors.

MURDER OFFLINE AND ONLINE: COMPARING E-PISTOLARY AND TRADITIONAL NARRATIVES IN THE APPEAL AND BLUEBIRD, BLUEBIRD

This study examines the evolving nature of epistolary narratives in the digital age by comparing traditional and e-pistolary storytelling techniques in two contemporary crime novels: Janice Hallett’s The Appeal and Attica Locke’s Bluebird, Bluebird. Employing a theoretical framework combining digital narratology (as developed by scholars like Marie-Laure Ryan and Janet Murray) and media-specific analysis (proposed by N. Katherine Hayles), the research paper explores how the shift from traditional to digital communication impacts narrative structure, character development and reader engagement in murder mystery narratives. It investigates the unique attributes of e-pistolary writing, including the use of emojis, internet slang and multimedia elements, analysing how these digital affordances influence narrative voice, pacing and the reader’s interpretative process. The study also considers the potential for augmented reality and interactive narratives in digital epistolary works, examining their implications for the genre’s future. The comparative analysis reveals that while The Appeal leverages e-pistolary techniques to create a multi-layered, interactive reading experience, Bluebird, Bluebird employs traditional narrative methods to evoke a sense of place and history. This juxtaposition highlights the strengths and limitations of both approaches in crafting compelling murder mysteries. The findings suggest that e-pistolary narratives offer new possibilities for reader immersion and non-linear storytelling, while traditional narratives maintain their power in delivering atmospheric, character-driven tales. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the evolution of literary forms in the digital era and provides insights into the future of crime fiction storytelling.

Exploring the Dynamics of Understanding in Western Hermeneutics: From Reproducing Meaning to Rejecting Metanarratives

This study aims to provide an overview of the dynamics of emerging understanding regarding Western hermeneutics. Two main questions are addressed: (1) What is meant by hermeneutics? and (2) How has thinking about understanding evolved in Western hermeneutics? The research employs historical and verstehen methods. Two key findings emerge. First, hermeneutics represents an effort or approach to comprehend and interpret various objects of study, ranging from sacred texts, historical writings, scientific literature, culture, to human existence itself. Second, Western hermeneutics encompasses diverse perspectives on understanding. Modern hermeneutics, exemplified by figures like Schleiermacher and Dilthey, tends toward reproductive understanding, aligning with the author’s intent. In contrast, contemporary hermeneutics, associated with Heidegger, Gadamer, and Ricoeur, exhibits a productive tendency, generating new insights through reader engagement. Critical hermeneutics, as articulated by Habermas, views interpretation as a liberating endeavor. Deconstructionist hermeneutics, influenced by Derrida, leans toward radical understanding. Finally, postmodern hermeneutics, championed by thinkers such as Lyotard and Vattimo, rejects metanarratives in interpretation.

企劃論文] 일본 번안 소설의 출현과 이도영의 소설 표지화의 혁신

Yi Doyeong’s cover images emerged in tandem with the rise of new novels in the late 1900s, gaining prominence in the 1910s. Initially serving descriptive purposes by depicting story introductions and main characters, they drew inspiration from Joseon Dynasty printmaking traditions. However, Yi’s approach evolved significantly with the commercialization of novels, exemplified by his impactful designs for Haingrakdo (Dongyangseowon, 1912) and Okhogiyeon (Bogeupseogwan, 1912). These covers introduced symbolic imagery and dramatic scenes, enhancing reader engagement. Furthermore, Yi’s cover designs underwent further innovation with the adaptation of Japanese novels into Korean literature, such as Tokutomi Roka’s Hototogisu and Kikuchi Yuho’s Onogatsumi. Noteworthy examples include Dugyeonseong (Bogeupseogwan, 1912), an adaptation of Hototogisu, Ssangokru (Bogeupseogwan, 1914), an adaptation of Onogatsumi, and Okjoonghwa (Bogeupseogwan, 1913), inspired by Cho Jung-hwan’s Bulgyeogui, the translated novel of Hototogisu. These covers revolutionized novel design by integrating elements from original Japanese novels, imagery from Subsequent cover images such as Chaebonggambyeolgok (Pakmunseogwan, 1914) and Okjunggain (Singuseorim, 1914) continued to innovate, embracing a more modern book design aesthetic characterized by simplicity, symbolic iconography, and metaphorical imagery.

The descriptive analysis of paratextual elements in the case of poetry translation

Paratextual elements are significant for the construction of meaning in textual analysis. In this context, the role of paratextual elements in poetry translation, which are believed to be challenging or even impossible, is worth analyzing. Delving into the functionality and efficacy of paratextual elements, this study aims to unravel the translation choices within the light of paratextual uses in the field of poetry translation. Through the case study of Cem Yavuz’s translation of T. S. Eliot’s poetry, the study qualitatively analyzes the types of paratextual elements that are mainly provided at the notes section, the preface and a YouTube interview. Commenting on T. S. Eliot's poetic profile, Cem Yavuz emphasizes the concepts of dramatic monologue and objective correlative and bases his translation approach on these concepts. The findings acquired from the poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock reveal that paratextual elements such as religious, mythological, historical and technical notes are presented to enlighten the intertextual references, enhance reader engagement and awareness, and discover the authentic linguistic and emotional richness in the source. The examples extracted from the study show that the translator not only uses elegant language to sound poetic and natural, but also gives the paratextual elements a teaching role.