English-speaking Research Articles

Vocal pitch enables differential motor learning of speech segments.

Sensory feedback is crucial for accurate motor control. One process of movement correction is sensorimotor adaptation, or motor learning in response to perceived sensory errors. Recent studies demonstrate that people can adapt to opposing errors on a single movement given context that differentiates when each error occurs. In speech production, linguistic structure (e.g., the same vowel in different words) can provide context for differential adaptation, but it is unclear whether this is restricted to the same effectors (i.e., lips, tongue, jaw) or also includes movements of other speech effectors (i.e., the larynx). Reaching studies show that contextual movements need not be produced with the same effector as the learning target, but thus far have only tested left-right pairs. We present three simultaneous adaptation experiments in speech that examine whether laryngeal movements for pitch can provide context for oral articulator movements for vowels. In each experiment, the resonances that correlate with vowel articulator position were perturbed in three directions that were predictable given a pitch context. First, Mandarin speakers differentially adapted given pitch contexts that signaled differences in word meaning, suggesting that lexical pitch provides context for vowels. Second, English speakers differentially adapted given arbitrary pitch matching contexts on the word "head", suggesting that non-meaningful pitch movements provide context for vowels. Third, English speakers did not differentially adapt when listening to contextual pitch, indicating that mere auditory input of pitch is insufficient. Together, these results indicate that sensorimotor context for learning can be provided by effectors other than the learning target.

On the salience of prenuclear accents: evidence from an imitation study.

Whereas some authors claim that the distribution of prenuclear accents in English largely follows from rhythmic and other non-informational considerations, other authors report a small but meaningful effect of prenuclear accents on the interpretation of sentences. In this paper we report on an experiment where native English speakers were asked to repeat stimulus sentences with one of three different accentual patterns on a word in sentence-initial prenuclear position: unaccented, with a high pitch accent on the syllable with primary stress or with a high accent on an earlier syllable with secondary stress. Participants were moderately successful in reproducing the intonational patterns. The early high accent pattern was reproduced particularly well. An automatic classification algorithm nevertheless produced four clusters of contours, instead of the three patterns present in the stimuli. Two distinct contours were used to signal the presence of a high tone before the syllable with primary stress. We conclude that the early high accent pattern is a strong attractor in imitations, but it was implemented with F0 trajectories that would be analyzed as phonologically different, suggesting an equivalence class of prenuclear contours. We also note a preference for rhythmic anchoring in the prenuclear position.

A Strategic Study on the Integration of Chinese Culture into the Course of "College English Audiovisual and Speaking" under the Background of Cultural Self-confidence

This paper discusses the importance and implementation strategies of integrating Chinese culture into College English Audiovisual and Speaking Course under the background of cultural confidence. By analyzing the role of traditional Chinese culture in English teaching, this paper emphasizes the importance of integrating Chinese culture into teaching to expand students' knowledge, improve comprehensive quality, cultivate cultural self-confidence, enhance cultural communication and improve teaching level. This paper diagnoses the problems existing in the current English audio-visual speaking course, including the lack of understanding of traditional Chinese culture, ignoring language and cultural differences, and the lack of confidence in traditional culture among college students. In response to these problems, this paper proposes a series of improvement strategies, including integrating more cultural factors into teaching, strengthening teachers' cultural sensitivity training, student-centered promotion of cultural self-confidence, active participation of families, and clarifying the goals and contents of cultural self-confidence in teaching. This study aims to provide theoretical basis and practical guidance for English education practice, promote the inheritance and development of traditional Chinese culture, enhance students' cultural self-confidence, and effectively improve the quality of English teaching

Enhancing Oral Proficiency and Medical Communication in Medical English for Non-Native Speakers through Collaborative Strategies: A Case Study at Grigol Robakidze University

Enhancing Oral Proficiency and Medical Communication in Medical English for Non-Native Speakers through Collaborative Strategies: A Case Study at Grigol Robakidze University

Sociopragmatic and Pragmalinguistic Analysis of Speech Act of Apology by Saudi EFL Learners

The current study aims to examine the nature of apology strategies by Saudi EFL learners. The strategies are discussed in response to the social external factors of power and distance. The sample of the study consists of 100 Saudi male EFL learners from Onaizah Colleges, Qassim province. Samples responded to discourse completion task (DCT) which consists of six structured scenarios. Results shows that learners are influenced by the factors of social power and distance power. IFIDs were the most utilized strategies by participants who have low social power followed by explanation or Account, while the least used strategies were concern for the hearer. Explanation and account were the most utilized strategies by participants with high social power. Pragmatic transfer is spotted in the findings in which respondents used culture specific terms which are not understandable by English native speakers ENSs.

Improving EFL speaking performance among undergraduate students with an AI-powered mobile app in after-class assignments: an empirical investigation

English speaking represents one of the most challenging competencies for EFL learners, mainly due to the limited opportunities for authentic practice, especially within monolingual contexts like China. However, the ubiquitous personal mobile devices (smartphones) and the advent of AI-powered mobile apps equipped with automatic speech recognition, natural language processing, and text-to-speech present novel solutions to overcome these hurdles. This study investigates the effects of an AI-powered mobile application (Liulishuo) on Chinese undergraduate EFL students’ speaking performance, using features such as automatic feedback, process-oriented monitoring, and tailored instructions. Employing a quasi-experimental design, this 10-week study was conducted at a Chinese university with two groups of participants. The control group (n = 31) engaged with WeChat for after-class assignments, whereas the experimental group (n = 32) supplemented WeChat use with Liulishuo, diversifying their educational tools. Results indicated that participants in the experimental group significantly outperformed those in the control group regarding overall speaking performance. More specifically, notable improvements were observed in pronunciation and fluency, while vocabulary and grammar enhancements were not statistically significant. These findings underscore the capacity of AI-powered mobile apps to enhance EFL speaking performance, signaling novel pathways for the evolution of language education.

Do You Speak English or Spanish? Language as a Predictor of Health Outcomes Among Hispanic Adolescents.

Language is our primary tool for communication and a salient component of acculturation status among Hispanic populations. Importantly, language is associated with behavioral health outcomes and can identify and confront health disparities among Hispanic adolescents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between adolescent language identity and drug use and depressive symptoms and examine parent-adolescent communication and parent language identity as mediators and moderators, respectively, of this association. We conducted a secondary data analysis (N = 746) of a study evaluating the effectiveness of a family-based intervention to prevent drug use and condomless sex among Hispanic adolescents. We evaluated whether adolescent language identity (i.e., Spanish or English) predicted (1) past 90-day drug use and (2) symptoms of anxiety and depression 30-months post-baseline and whether this relationship was mediated by parent-adolescent communication. We also examined whether the mediational pathway was moderated by parent language identity. English language identity was positively associated with past 90-day drug use and this association was mediated by parent-adolescent communication. The mediational pathway was not moderated by parent language identity. There was not a statistically significant association between English language use and anxiety/depression. However, this association was mediated by parent-adolescent communication. The mediational pathway was not moderated by parent language identity. Hispanic adolescents with an English language identity may have a greater propensity for drug use. Results emphasize the importance of promoting biculturalism and considering parent and adolescent language and communication when developing culturally syntonic interventions for Hispanic adolescents.

Spine Surgery Outcomes in Patients With Limited English Proficiency.

Retrospective cohort study. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of language-discordant spine care. Specifically, do non-English speakers (NES) experience (1) increased length of stay? (2) increased rates of complications (ie, intra/perioperative complications, revision surgery, reoperation)? To provide the best care, there exists a growing focus on understanding which patient groups may be at greater risk for poorer outcomes. In the current body of orthopedic and spine literature, there is little data regarding outcomes for patients where there is language discordance between the physician and patient. This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent spine surgery at a single institution between 2017 and 2023 were included. Translator usage was used as a proxy for poor English language proficiency. Patient demographic and outcome data were collected from the electronic medical record. Patients were matched on surgical and demographic factors and analyzed for outcome variables. Multivariable logistic regressions were run to assess variables associated with poor outcomes. A total of 214 NES and 9217 English speakers (ES) were reviewed. The final matched cohort resulted in 158 NES and 313 ES with no differences in demographic data. NES patients had significantly more postoperative visits (2.19 vs 1.73; P < 0.001) and increased readmission rates (0.96% vs 4.43%; P = 0.033). On multivariable analysis, NES were predictive of readmission (OR = 4.22; P = 0.039). Patients with low English proficiency experienced significantly higher rates of readmissions following spine surgery. These patients may benefit from increased and more effective preoperative and postoperative communication. Level IV.

Exploring Teachers’ Priorities in Teaching English Poetry: A Focus Area Analysis

Background: Teaching English poetry is a complex task that demands imaginative, creative, experienced, dedicated, and resourceful teachers. Effective poetry instruction helps students develop a sound evaluation, veritable appreciation, and balanced interpretation of poetic works. Understanding teachers’ priorities in teaching poetry can enhance pedagogical strategies and improve student engagement with literary texts. Objective: This study aims to explore the key focus areas prioritized by teachers while teaching English poetry in grades XI and XII. The research specifically examines instructional emphases in 20 academic institutions within Hetauda sub-metropolitan city, Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional research survey design was employed. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 50 English teachers in 2024. The sample was drawn from a population of 57 using a simple random sampling technique with a 5% margin of error. Descriptive analysis was used to interpret the data. Additionally, secondary data from books and journal articles were reviewed to provide context and support the primary findings. Findings: The study identified key areas emphasized in teaching English poetry, including title, theme, speaker, tone, setting, diction, figurative language, sound devices, historical and cultural context, and form and structure. Among these, title, theme, and speaker were the most frequently prioritized aspects. Conversely, elements such as epigraph, motif, layout, punctuation, and epitaph were given minimal attention in poetry instruction. Conclusion: The findings suggest that teachers focus primarily on thematic and structural aspects of poetry, with less emphasis on certain literary and stylistic devices. This highlights potential gaps in poetry instruction and suggests the need for a more comprehensive teaching approach that incorporates overlooked poetic elements. Novelty: This study contributes to the pedagogical literature on English poetry education by systematically identifying and analyzing teachers' instructional priorities. It provides empirical insights into poetry teaching practices, offering valuable guidance for curriculum design and teacher training to enhance poetry appreciation and literary analysis skills among students.

Identifying Common Errors in Speaking English among Fourth-Semester Students of IGM University

English speaking skills English teachers play an important role in helping students to achieve their goals of learning the language. Appropriate techniques for improving this skill must be considered by students of the English language education program or FKIP, where students are prospective English teachers. This research examines whether it is effective for learning English speaking skills. This research used a test with a sample of 8 participants for the 2024/2025 academic year. The data from the results of this research are analyzed qualitatively. These results show that it is effective in learning English because, from the test results, this technique is therefore an alternative learning technique that English teachers can use in learning to speak English. Education is a fundamental pillar of individual and societal development, which plays a vital role in shaping the future of a nation. In Indonesia, education is highly valued, and efforts have been made to improve the quality and accessibility of education throughout the country. In line with global trends, English has become an important language in education and communication and is recognized as a lingua franca for international interaction. Indo Global Mandiri Palembang, the purpose of identifying common errors is to find errors and correct them when pronouncing and also to become good words in speaking so that students understand when pronouncing or speaking and also to make the correct words and participants in this study were 8 people, the results of common errors correcting words, pronunciation and correct speaking Conclusion This study was conducted to find out common errors that occur when students speak. Some of the errors that can occur in students when speaking include Mispronunciation of Articles and Plural Nouns, Misuse of Prepositions, Misorder of Words, and Confusing Homophones. However, the identification carried out showed that the errors that were often made were related to pronunciation errors and word order errors. Keywords: Speaking, Proficiency, Common Error

Improved Patient-Reported Outcomes With Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide: A Quality-of-Life Evaluation and 2-Year Outcomes of BMT CTN 1703.

The BMT CTN 1703 phase III trial confirmed that graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy), tacrolimus (Tac), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) results in superior GVHD-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS) compared with Tac/methotrexate (MTX) prophylaxis. This companion study assesses the effect of these regimens on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Using the Lee Chronic GVHD Symptom Score and PROMIS subscales (physical function, GI symptoms, social role satisfaction) as primary end points and hemorrhagic cystitis symptoms and Lee subscales as secondary end points, responses from English and Spanish speakers were analyzed at baseline and days 100, 180, and 365 after transplant. PRO scores were compared between the arms using inverse probability weighted-independent estimating equation models. The PTCy arm had significantly lower scores on the Lee Chronic GVHD Symptom Scale (P = .01), indicating lower GVHD symptom burden. Lee Scale nutrition and mouth subscores were also better in the PTCy arm compared with the Tac/MTX arm (P < .01 for both). Older participants (age >65 years) reported better Lee Scale psychological subscores than younger participants (P = .003). No significant differences were identified in hemorrhagic cystitis or in the PROMIS subscales between treatment arms. The updated clinical end points at 2 years for the parent trial confirmed that PTCy/Tac/MMF maintained a significant advantage over Tac/MTX in GRFS (42.4% v 28.8%, P = .001). In addition to improved GRFS, patients randomly assigned to the PTCy arm reported lower symptom burden during the first year after transplant.

Revolutionizing molecular and cellular biomechanics research: The impact of innovative English curriculum in biological sciences

This study focuses on the crucial role of English curriculum construction in biological sciences for molecular and cellular biomechanics research. Taking a school’s biotechnology major as an example, it analyzes the existing problems in current English courses and teaching methods. By applying theories like spiral curriculum and constructivism, teaching materials and classroom methods are updated. The results show that this reform significantly improves non-native English speakers’ professional English abilities in the field of molecular and cellular biomechanics. Specifically, it promotes the development of scientific thinking and expression skills, which is expected to enhance international communication and collaboration in molecular and cellular biomechanics research, thus directly contributing to the progress of this research field in China.

Fans between and beyond boundaries: exploring the ‘unremarkable’ translingual practices of anglophone Korean pop music fans on social media

ABSTRACT Integrating translingualism and media studies on participatory fan cultures, this study examines how fans of Korean popular music use social media to navigate linguistic, cultural, and digital boundaries. Five Anglophone K-pop fans, self-identified as monolingual English speakers with little connection to Korea, participated in four to 5 hours of semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis revealed these fans’ repertoires of English, Korean, and other semiotic resources developed through social media affordances. While the resources holistically situated individuals within successful meaning-making contexts, their varied use was in play with the fans’ awareness of their online communities and offline backgrounds. Despite their unmarked, seemingly passive online presence, the fans’ active translingual practices were in constant negotiation between languages and in motion beyond their immediate communities. Thus, the study underscores how such digital literacies, manifested through translingual practices, address and redefine the boundaries of languages and communities surrounding fans on social media.

A single composite index of semantic behavior tracks symptoms of psychosis over time.

Semantic variables automatically extracted from spontaneous speech characterize anomalous semantic associations generated by groups with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). However, with the use of different language models and numerous aspects of semantic associations that could be tracked, the semantic space has become very high-dimensional, challenging both theoretical understanding and practical applications. This study aimed to summarize this space into a single composite semantic index and to test whether it can track diagnosis and symptom profiles over time at an individual level. The index was derived from a principal component analysis (PCA) yielding a linear combination of 117 semantic variables. It was tested in discourse samples of English speakers performing a picture description task, involving a total of 103 individuals with SSD and 36 healthy controls (HC) compared across four time points. Results showed that the index distinguished between SSD and HC groups, identified transitions from acute psychosis to remission and stabilization, predicted the sum of scores of the Thought, Language and Communication (TLC) index as well as subscores, capturing 65% of the variance in the sum of TLC scores. These findings show that a single indicator meaningfully summarizes a shift in semantic associations in psychosis and tracks symptoms over time, while also pointing to variance unexplained, which is likely covered by other semantic and non-semantic factors.

Technology ownership, use, and perceptions of web-based program design features for older adults prescribed oral anticancer medication.

Technology ownership, use, and perceptions of web-based program design features for older adults prescribed oral anticancer medication.

Underlying Knowledge vs. Surface Realization: A Study of Oral and Written Competence of the Third Person Singular -s in L2 English

This study was an attempt to analyze an elicited set of data from a second-language speaker of English. The informant was an Arab female student living in an English-speaking country who has had English-language training in an intensive English-language program for approximately one year. The purpose of the study was to identify the utterances, phrases, or dialogues that contain the use of the third-person singular -s (3SG -s) morpheme and investigate the patterns and reasons for the informant’s use of 3SG -s in light of the missing surface inflection hypothesis (MSIH). The research examined the informant’s underlying knowledge of the simple present tense to determine whether the resulting oral production reflected that knowledge. The study utilized two instruments to collect the data: a picture-based task and a sentence completion task. Although the results revealed no significant discrepancy between the informant’s oral and written productions, the study offers explications from other instances in which the 3SG -s was incorrectly used or omitted. While additional tests are needed, the study provides insights for English-language teaching professionals and classroom practices.

Foreign-language skills of student paramedics studying undergraduate Paramedic Science in the UK: a nationwide cross-sectional exploratory study

Introduction: Communication is essential in healthcare, but language barriers between patients and clinicians can hinder care quality, especially as the UK sees an increasing number of non-native English speakers. The 2021 UK census revealed that 5.1 million people do not speak English as a first language, with many having limited or no proficiency. Despite these trends, little research has been carried out to explore the experiences of these individuals in pre-hospital care, where language challenges often arise. UK paramedic education includes communication training, but foreign-language learning is not part of most curricula. Some universities offer optional language modules, yet there is no data on how many paramedics or student paramedics speak additional languages. Clinicians with foreign-language skills could enhance patient satisfaction and reduce communication barriers, but there is a lack of pre-hospital evidence in this area. This exploratory study aimed to capture the foreign-language skills of student paramedics in the UK, addressing a gap in the literature and laying the groundwork for future research.Methods: This exploratory study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design using an online survey distributed to student paramedics across 24 higher education institutions in the UK during April and May 2024. The survey captured demographic data and language competencies, with descriptive statistics used for analysis.Results: Out of 105 respondents, 73 were female (69.5%), and the mean age was 23.65 (± 8.25). Over half (53.3%) reported proficiency in at least one foreign language, predominantly languages spoken in Europe, such as French (48.2%), Spanish (35.7%) and German (21.4%). Most respondents had beginner-level skills (64.3%), with no formal language training in their programmes. However, 57.7% expressed interest in studying an optional foreign-language module.Conclusion: This study found that over half of student paramedics possess foreign-language proficiency. The majority of the sample indicated a desire to study a foreign language if given the opportunity during their paramedic training. Given the increasing linguistic diversity in the UK, integrating language modules into paramedic education could enhance patient care and satisfaction. Further research is needed to explore the feasibility of such training and its impact on pre-hospital care outcomes for non-native English speakers.

Exploring research practices with non-native English speakers: A reflective case study

Exploring research practices with non-native English speakers: A reflective case study

Disparities in the expansion of telemedicine in pediatric specialty care through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the rapid expansion of telemedicine, including in specialties traditionally dependent on physical exams, such as pediatric surgery. Trends in its utilization as in-person visits resumed are not well understood, nor is its effect on mitigating disparities related to social determinants of health (SDOH). We hypothesize that telemedicine utilization increased after the pandemic and has remained higher compared to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, we hypothesize that increased telemedicine use has contributed to lower no-show rates and more equitable access to care. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of all outpatient visits at a single outpatient pediatric surgery clinic at a quaternary academic center from 01/02/2018 to 10/26/2022. Clinical variables extracted included demographic data, no-show rate (patient did not attend scheduled appointment), and visit type (in person vs telemedicine). Geocoded census data was used to determine SDOH variables such as internet and computer access. A mixed effect logistic regression model was performed to identify which variables were associated with differences in telemedicine usage. 6339 encounters for 2735 patients were analyzed. Odds of presenting to a scheduled telemedicine visit compared to an in-person visit was 0.76 (CI 0.63-0.91, p-value < 0.01). The odds of selecting a telemedicine visit decreased by 34 % for Spanish speakers and 63 % for 'other' language speakers compared to English speakers (p-value < 0.01). The odds of choosing a telemedicine visit also decreased by 4 % for every one-unit increase in the probability of having access to the internet (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the odds of choosing a telemedicine visit for insurance status, age, distance, or probability of having access to a computer. Telemedicine continues to be utilized at higher rates compared to pre-pandemic levels, but does not reduce no-show rates, which may reflect limits in its clinical utility. It is used less frequently by non-English speakers, which may contribute to ongoing disparities in access to specialty pediatric care.

Mouth rhythm as a "packaging mechanism" of information in speech: A proof of concept.

This paper postulated and tested the possibility that the mouth rhythm functions as a "packaging mechanism" of information in speech. Cross-spectral analysis between two time series of mouth aperture size [parameterized as sample-by-sample interlip distances, i.e., o(t)] and information variations in speech [parameterized as frame-by-frame spectral entropy values, i.e., h(t)] was employed to reveal their underlying spectro-temporal relationship. Using a corpus containing more than 1000 utterances produced by a typical British English speaker, it was observed that both signals share slow recurring rates corresponding to the stress and syllable, with a slight phase lag of h(t) behind o(t) in the vicinity of 5 Hz.