Regional Languages Research Articles

Facilitating automated fact-checking: a machine learning based weighted ensemble technique for claim detection

The rapid digitization of media, driven by technological advancements, has accelerated the spread of information through online platforms. This has heightened the need for robust fact-checking mechanisms to counter misinformation. The prevalence of misinformation necessitates the development of automated claim detection systems to support efficient automated or semi-automated fact-checking processes. Existing claim detection systems predominantly focus on the English language, with limited resources available for other regional languages like Bangla. This paper proposes a novel ensemble machine learning framework for the effective detection of claims in a low-resource language like Bangla, a critical initial step in the automated fact-checking process. The proposed weighted ensemble technique combines Support Vector Machines, Bernoulli Naive Bayes, and Decision Trees as base classifiers to effectively detect claims. An annotated text dataset comprising 5010 sentences sourced from various online platforms, including several online fact-checking sites, was developed. To determine the optimal model and feature representation for claim detection, various machine learning algorithms were evaluated using BoW, TF-IDF, Word2Vec, and FastText features. The efficacy of ensemble models was examined by investigating both averaging and weighting strategies. Evaluation metrics showcased that the proposed weighted ensemble approach outperformed all baseline models, achieving a maximum F1 score of 0.87. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first and only approach to claim detection in the Bangla language, with the potential for extension to other resource-constrained languages. Our work aspires to serve as a crucial tool in the fight against misinformation by advancing the accuracy and transparency of information.

English Linguistic Capital and Career Trajectory: Impact of Medium of Instruction on the Professional Life of Indians

ABSTRACT Medium of instruction remains an extensively explored area particularly in Asia and Africa, with studies focusing on the various aspects of English medium instruction. The qualitative study delves into the impact of the medium of instruction on the career of Indians, specifically higher education, employment opportunities, and professional experiences. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with forty regional and English medium participants from different career phases—from university students, novice workers, seasoned and retired professionals, to homemakers taking a break in their careers. Thematic analysis reveals that in addition to the difficulties in their careers that came with low English proficiency, the regional language students admitted to low self-esteem that, in some cases, diminished once they attained a certain level of English ability. The findings provide insights into a largely overlooked aspect of the medium of instruction and will potentially inform policy decisions, curriculum development and support systems aimed at bridging the gap between regional and English medium education.

Indian mining industry: exploring the significance of social audit in fostering sustainable corporate social responsibility

PurposeThis study aims to understand the relationship between social audit (SA) and sustainable corporate social responsibility (SCSR). Furthermore, this study will investigate the mediating effect of corporate social innovation (CSI) on the relationship between SA and SCSR and the moderating impact of community participation (CP) on the relationship between CSI and SCSR.Design/methodology/approachThis research was conducted in Odisha, a state in India, with 448 respondents and a response rate of 89%. The convenience sampling technique was used, and questionnaires were prepared in English and translated into regional languages during data collection. Psychological separation and Harman’s single-factor test were used to avoid common method bias. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed step by step to validate the proposed model.FindingsThe current study indicates that SA positively impacts SCSR. Findings from the analysis show that CSI partially mediates the relationship between SA and SCSR. Furthermore, this study indicates that CP moderates the relationship between CSI and SCSR.Originality/valueThis study is one of its kind concerning the variables considered, and it can work as a stepping stone for upgrading the delivery mechanism for corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, which can solve the fundamental problems faced in society more effectively. It will provide new paths for future researchers to study in the area of audit and CSR.

Testing the Feasibility of Developing Regional Language Teaching Materials for Elementary School Students in Indonesia

Testing the Feasibility of Developing Regional Language Teaching Materials for Elementary School Students in Indonesia

Advances in diagnostic imaging and interventional treatment of aphasia after basal ganglia stroke.

Post-stroke basal ganglia aphasia is an unusual and transient form of aphasia resulting from basal ganglia damage. It is commonly believed that the generation of language function primarily resides in regular language regions of the brain; however, recent findings indicate a prevalence of basal ganglia stroke aphasia as high as 22%. Subcortical structures (e.g., basal ganglia) also play an important role in language processing. Aphasia seriously affects the quality of life and functional outcomes of patients, and early diagnosis and intervention are important for the prognosis of and rehabilitation from aphasia after basal ganglia stroke. In recent years, the main diagnostic methods for basal ganglia aphasia include diffusion tensor imaging, diffusion spectral imaging, and functional magnetic resonance imaging, which explore the changes in patients with basal ganglia aphasia compared to those without from the perspectives of fiber tract imaging and brain function alteration, respectively, and are able to predict the recovery of patients before and after treatment. Treatment for post-stroke basal ganglia aphasia includes transcranial magnetic stimulation, a recent emerging therapeutic technique, in addition to conventional medications and speech rehabilitation. Consequently, understanding this condition is crucial. This review delves into its causes, imaging methods, and therapeutic interventions, offering a systematic and comprehensive analysis of these aspects.

RETHINKING TEACHER EDUCATION IN CONTEXT TO NEP 2020 AND MULTILINGUAL CLASSROOMS

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a transformative shift in India's educational landscape, particularly concerning multilingual education. As a comprehensive framework, NEP 2020 advocates for the integration of mother tongue or regional language instruction in the early years of education, underscoring the policy's commitment to preserving India's rich linguistic diversity while enhancing educational outcomes. Multilingual education is grounded in the belief that children learn best when they are taught in their mother tongue or a language familiar to them. Therefore, this idea has been strongly recommended by the policy which promotes the use of the mother tongue or regional language as the medium of instruction up to Grade 5, and wherever possible, up to Grade 8. This approach was taken up to improve comprehension, cognitive development, and academic performance by aligning the language of instruction with the students' linguistic background. Furthermore, NEP 2020 also encourages the learning of additional languages, promoting multilingualism as a means to foster cognitive flexibility, cultural understanding, and global competencies.In this paper, the authors attempted to explore the core elements of NEP 2020 relevant to multilingual classrooms, the anticipated impacts on educational practice, and the challenges and opportunities presented by its implementation. In addition to many benefits, the authors observed a few challenges in its implementation in Indian classrooms. One major obstacle was the lack of qualified teachers who can instruct in a multilingual environment and are fluent in multiple languages. Another major barrier worth mentioning was the development and distribution of teaching materials in multiple languages. The authors of this paper emphasize how critical it is to reconsider and consistently work on the curriculum of teacher preparation programs in order to incorporate the high demand aspects of today’s educational scenario. In conclusion, the authors strongly believe that by overcoming the challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities presented by NEP 2020, India can progress toward a more successful and equitable educational system that honors and builds upon its rich linguistic heritage.

Decolonising the Map Through Literary Cartography in Select Malayalam Novels

Using select indigenous novels translated from the Malayalam language, this paper will study how fictional spaces created by writers of Indian regional languages become a counter-narrative for colonial history and decolonise narrative and physical spaces. The paper will examine how postcolonial texts become ethnographic and social commentaries on colonial binaries and become resistance narratives to the hegemonic powers. Questions like how regional writers decolonise occidental maps, how the authors write alternative histories, how different versions of postcolonial communities are portrayed, how a postcolonial nation-state is built through literature, how communities that were left out in colonial discourses are brought back to the folds; how the history of a place influences power and identity of people; how Malayali writers locate an imagined space within actual geographic space through cartography; what determines the boundaries of these spaces- economically, culturally, historically, and politically, etc. will be addressed.

Innovations and Challenges in the Preservation of the Batak Language by the Protestant Batak Christian Huria Church (HKBP) among Youth in the Context of Urbanization in Jakarta

In the dynamic urban context of Jakarta, the preservation of regional languages faces significant challenges, especially among the younger generation. This study examines the role of the Huria Christian Batak Protestant Church (HKBP, a Protestant Batak Christian Church) in maintaining the existence of the Batak language in the midst of urbanization, by applying social identity theory to understand the dynamics of language preservation and cultural identity. Using a qualitative approach, the study involved in-depth interviews with 30 young congregations and 10 key HKBP figures, as well as participatory observation of church activities over a six-month period. The results of the analysis revealed that HKBP's main efforts in preserving the Batak language are centered on the use of the language in worship, with 75% of respondents stating the importance of this practice. The study also identified several additional initiatives, such as cultural seminars, cultural performances, and the use of traditional musical instruments in worship. The main challenges faced include the low enthusiasm of the younger generation (60% of respondents), the pressure of assimilation of metropolitan culture, and the limitations of effective preservation programs outside the context of worship. The findings emphasized the importance of developing more comprehensive and innovative strategies, including the potential use of digital technology and social media, to increase the appeal of the Batak language among urban youth. This research results in a religious community-based language preservation model that can be applied in urban contexts, offering a new perspective in urban sociolinguistic studies and cultural diversity management. The strategic recommendations are prepared to maximize the role of religious institutions as agents of cultural preservation, with a focus on synergy between churches, families, and urban Batak communities. This study highlights the potential and challenges of religious institutions in bridging tradition and modernity, as well as maintaining cultural identity amid urban social complexity. Although limited to the context of HKBP in Jakarta, these findings provide valuable insights for the study of minority language preservation in urban environments more broadly

Language Diversity: Perceptions of Students towards Multilingual Instruction in Higher Education Pedagogy under NEP 2020

Speaking multiple languages can take the aplomb at high level. The quality of teaching completely depends on the instruction given by the teacher in the classroom that enable students in acquiring the subject knowledge. Linguistic barrier sometimes occurs when students are taught in the classroom using a language that cannot be understood by the students. It is observed that students from different places get disconnected due to different native languages. In order to overcome such issues that are encountered by the students, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India has brought a transformative change in the educational landscape, focusing on the importance of multilingualism in higher education. The policy focuses on the use of mother tongue and regional languages as mediums of classroom instruction. Some prior findings suggest that majorly students possess positive attitude towards multilingualism in education, associating it with vitrified comprehension and retention. However, the research also highlights significant concerns that cannot be neglected. Students expressed worries about the practical implementation of multilingual instruction in higher education due to the varying proficiency levels. There are also some significant concerns about the competency of teachers in executing multilingual approach in classroom instruction as it requires training.

Case Study: Language Differences in the Challenges of New Students Adapting to the Indonesian University of Education Environment

This study examines the problems that exist in new students of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia regarding the problems of some Universitas Indonesia students from minority ethnic groups who have difficulty adapting because the language of instruction used is different from the language they use daily in their area. This research has the aim that we as students, both migrants and local students, know the differences in regional languages and also everyday languages that have an impact on adapting and how to deal with these problems. The research method we use is the Kulialitatif method with interview techniques and literature studies. The location of this research was conducted at the Indonesian Education University with new students as informants consisting of different tribes.

Minority language rights at a deadlock

Abstract This article analyses the European Union’s (EU) approach to the protection of regional or minority languages (RMLs) over the decade 2013 to 2023. It starts by providing a succinct overview of minority language rights in the international arena and focuses its analysis on the European Union, more specifically on the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The article notes the downward trend in minority language promotion in Europe and highlights the mismatch between the bottom-up, societal demands claiming more support for RMLs and the top-down approach, which shows increasing reluctance to intervene in minority language protection at EU level, on the grounds that languages remain a competence of Member States.

Moin Moin is schon Gesabbel: constructing Northern German identity in commercial Instagram posts

Abstract This paper shows how commercial Instagrammers construct a shared Northern German identity by employing the regional language Low German and other (visual) means. In today’s mobile and globalised societies, the use and functions of regional or minority languages are changing. Besides communicative purposes and the construction of regional identities in multilingual societies, these languages are commodified as signs of authenticity and regionality. Challenged by High German and other dominant languages, Low German is still spoken in the domestic domain and by older generations. It has recently gained significance in marketing and as a marker of regional identity. The question of how commercial Instagrammers construct regional identity is answered using a multimodal corpus of 1,157 Instagram posts and a discourse analysis based, qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The findings suggest that the Instagrammers express regional identity through three strategies: 1) Using well-known Low German words and short texts; 2) portraying character traits and humour as key features of Northern Germanness, and 3) a clear distinction between an out-group and an in-group through meta-linguistic commentary. Together, these strategies construct a collective, generalised regional identity, reinforcing the Instagrammers’ “Northern Germanness” and allowing consumers to express their regional identities through this content and products.

«Дивану луғәтит түрк» тоғрисида шуардики уйғур тилидики тәтқиқатлар

The article discusses the research of scientists of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in the Uyghur language about the work of Mahmut Kashgari “Diwani Lugat-it-Turk”. This dictionary was translated into Uyghur language by a group of Uyghur scholars in the early 1980s. In 2008, on the 1000th anniversary of the scientist’s birth, the dictionary was republished with corrections, including a facsimile and an index. From 1978 to 2004 alone, 240 scientific and popular science articles were published in various publications. Considering these and more recent studies available to us, it was revealed that starting from the general content of the dictionary, different thematic groups of words (12 in total), grammatical features, poems in the dictionary, proverbs, a world map and other content were written.

ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ කඳුකර සිංහල මානව සංස්කෘතිය කොළොන්න කෝරළයේ කඳුකර ගම්මාන ආශ්‍රිත ප්‍රදේශීය භාෂාව මත සිදු කරන ලද සංකල්පීයකරණ අධ්‍යයනයක් Sinhalese Hill Culture in Sri Lanka: A Conceptual Study of the Regional Language in Hill Areas of Kolonna Korala

There is a unique cultural significance and identity in the cultural life of the Sinhalese villagers who reside in hill areas of Sabaragamuwa, Uwa and Central provinces. It was observed that this hill culture is different from the Sri Lankan established village. Hill country Sinhalese are entwined with the geographical hill area economically, socially, religiously, agriculturally and politically. Hill country and humans are interconnected with cultural values and factors. This study attempts to study the regional language of hill country culture and introduce it to Sri Lankan academic discourse. It is proposed to explore hill country community as a social structure different from traditional village community. The objective of the study was to identify the cultural identity of hill country community and propose the cultural and theoretical foundation which is necessary to understand their social, economic political and religious needs. This is a qualitative research study conducted using inductive method. Sri Lankan village is recognized with the 'lake, stupa, village, temple' concept. It is the main concept with reference to village in cultural discourse. It was conceptualized by this language study that a hill country village culture was developed in relation to hill country and Sabaragamu hills from a long time. By differentiating this hill country human culture as a new social set, a novel village cultural text could be introduced to Sri Lankan society.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of abstract concept processing: An MEG study

Our current understanding of how linguistic concepts are represented and retrieved in the brain is largely based on studies using concrete language, and only few studies have focused on the neural correlates of abstract concepts. The role of the motor system, besides the classical language network, has been intensively discussed in action-related concrete concepts. To advance our understanding of spatiotemporal dynamics underlying abstract concept processing, our study investigated to what extent language and motor regions are engaged in the processing of abstract concepts vs. concrete concepts. We used concrete, metaphorical, and abstract phrases as stimuli, creating a graded continuum of abstractness. Neuromagnetic signals were recorded from 26 Chinese native speakers using a 306-channel whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG) system. Cluster-based permutation F-tests were carried out on the amplitude of source waveform for individual language and motor regions of interest (ROIs) in the three consecutive time-windows (200–300, 300–400, and 400–500 ms). Results showed that, compared with concrete and metaphorical phrases, abstract phrases evoked significantly weaker activation in the left posterior part of superior temporal sulcus (STS) at 200–300 ms, and significantly stronger activation in the left anterior temporal pole (TP) at 300–400 ms. We found no significant differences in the involvement of motor ROIs across conditions. Our results suggest that concrete concept processing engages more the posterior STS in an earlier time window, while abstract concept processing relies more strongly on the anterior TP in a later time window. Results are discussed by revisiting the ATL (anterior temporal lobe)-hub hypothesis and the novel definition of concrete and abstract concepts.

Do children speaking indigenous and regional languages benefit equally from updated curricula? A report on a longitudinal quasi-experimental pilot study in Central Asia

This study examined the effects of an updated curriculum on the literacy and numeracy development of indigenous and regional language speaking children in Kazakhstan. A quasi-experimentally designed pilot study involved 1717 students from 27 schools. Multilevel parallel linear growth models were used to analyze the impact of the updated curriculum on the co-developmental trajectories of numeracy and literacy from Grade 1 to 3. We found that the benefits of the updated curriculum were experienced equally for both the indigenous Kazakh- and Russian-speaking children. We suggest that modern reform efforts should not assume school-based inadequacies a priori but first test for the equivalent advantage of planned curricula across varying school conditions. We also suggest that other jurisdictions where multiple languages of instruction exist might consider adopting some of the changes implemented in Kazakhstan’s new curriculum for the purpose of improving literacy and numeracy outcomes in early elementary school.

Data on Swiss public's acceptance and sustainability perceptions of food produced with chemical, digital and mechanical weed control measures and the influence of information source on technology perception in agriculture.

This article describes data from an online survey conducted with the Swiss public from the two biggest language regions (German and French) in Switzerland. The survey was conducted in February 2023. Participants were recruited through a professional panel provider and quotas were used for age, gender and language region. The final sample contained 485 respondents. In the first part of the survey, respondents provided basic sociodemographic information. In the second part, their sustainability perceptions regarding four different weed management practices (full-surface spraying, hoeing machine, spot spraying and precise spraying) were investigated. Respondents were then randomly assigned to one of five experiment groups, in which information on a hoeing and a milking robot was presented, using 5 different information sources (male/female farmer, male/female scientist, no source). Technology perception was assessed using several questions and aspects (e.g. perception of economic, environmental and social sustainability). Finally, respondents answered questions assessing their attitudes towards the perception of farmers, food technology neophobia, chemophobia and the importance of naturalness. The survey can be used and adapted to different contents, aiming to investigate public perception of smart farming technologies and the influence of information sources on technology perception.

EduAssist: Chatbot for Student Admission Queries

Across engineering institutes, inquiries from students and parents surge during the admission period, covering topics like admissions processes, eligibility, college details, fees, curriculums, scholarships, and placements. Current methods like calls, emails, and visits are inefficient, leading to delays and higher workloads for staff. An AI-powered chatbot using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and NLP offers a solution by providing 24/7 instant, accurate, and personalized responses in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and regional languages. It automates answers to common questions, enhancing access to key information, easing staff workload, and improving the overall user experience.

Perkembangan Bahasa Gaul Remaja Milenial Dalam Media Sosial

Languange holds a significant role in facilitating human thinking, serving as a foundation for understanding and accessing knowledge. However, the development of Indonesian language is currently experiencing a decline, mainly due to the widespread influence of social media. Social media users, often referred to as netizens, often use terms or vocabulary that are not in line with linguistic norms. This results in the communication patterns of Indonesian people in daily life, both in oral and written forms. This study uses an observation method with reading and note-taking techniques to describe the development of slang used by millennial teenagers on various social media platforms. The research findings show that the slang used by millennial teenagers comes from various sources, including regional languages, Indonesian, foreign languages, and a combination of Indonesian and foreign languages. Therefore, the use of slang by millennial teenagers is interpreted as a form of self-expression when building friendships and fostering close relationships between fellow teenagers

A Socio-Educational Study on NEP 2020's Emphasis on Local Language Inclusion in Digital Content: With Special Reference to the Arunachal Pradesh

This socio-educational study explores the emphasis of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 on local language inclusion within digital educational content, specifically focusing on Arunachal Pradesh's unique linguistic landscape. NEP 2020 highlights the importance of multilingualism to ensure equitable access and meaningful learning experiences for students across India. Given Arunachal Pradesh’s rich linguistic diversity, implementing digital content in local languages presents both challenges and opportunities for educators, policymakers, and communities. This study investigates the effectiveness of NEP 2020’s language inclusion strategies, examining their impact on student engagement, comprehension, and overall educational outcomes. Through interviews with educators and analyses of student responses to local language content, the research assesses how digital multilingualism aids or hinders learning. Findings contribute to a broader understanding of NEP 2020’s role in supporting regional language preservation while promoting inclusive digital education, providing insights to enhance digital learning across diverse linguistic regions.