Pragmatic Understanding Research Articles

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.

Agency support for at-risk families: service provision, challenges and effective elements for intervention

ABSTRACT There is an urgent need to locate effective interventions for parents involved with child protection services (CPS), Oranga Tamariki in Aotearoa New Zealand. This article describes a qualitative research study that sought to understand: (1) the nature of service provision to families; (2) workers’ perceptions of challenges and effective treatment components in delivering intervention; and (3) effective practices for working with Māori. Participants were staff members working within NGOs, providing interventions to families with ongoing Oranga Tamariki involvement. Data comprised responses to semi-structured interviews (n = 9), interpreted using thematic analysis. Findings highlighted that all participants worked within family homes to deliver intervention, and drew on Te Whare Tapa Whā. Challenges included ongoing child maltreatment concerns and participants’ sense of responsibility for keeping children safe whilst being unable to do so adequately within their non-mandated roles. Perceived effective elements were: strong relationships, transparency, and having courageous conversations when needed. For indigenous clients, self-determination and the effects of colonisation were of prime importance. Themes highlighted responsive practice, with a pragmatic understanding that family priorities may not always align with professional views. This is consistent with international findings regarding challenges in delivering parenting interventions and identifies potential essential components for effective practice. HIGHLIGHTS Practitioners’ perceptions of essential elements to effective practice included: strong relationships, honesty, reciprocity, and directness regarding child protection concerns. Effective practices seen to be particular to working with Māori families were trusting, reciprocal relationships and ensuring self-determination and autonomy. Ethical tensions and a sense of complicity and helplessness at times were described, with ongoing child protection concerns evident during intervention for some families. Practitioners took a holistic approach to their work, expressing non-judgment, sympathy for, and understanding of the complex circumstantial and personal challenges faced by Oranga Tamariki-involved parents. Glossary of Māori terms: awhi: embrace, cherish; kaimahi: staff members; kanohi ki te kanohi: face to face; karakia: blessing; kaupapa Māori: Māori approach; kete: basket; kōrero: to speak; mana: prestige; manaakitanga: hospitality; mana whenua: people with rights over the land; marae: meeting house; Pākehā: New Zealander of European descent; pepeha: introduction; pēpi: baby; pono: true; pōwhiri: welcome ceremony; tamariki: children; tangata: people; tika: correct; tikanga: custom; tutū: mischevious; waiata: song; whakapapa: genealogy; whānau: family; whanaungatanga: relationship; whare: house.

Study of pragmatic analysis of literature on the development of ELT students’ receptive and productive skills: A case of North Cyprus

Language serves as a mirror reflecting our understanding of the world and mirrors the world of literature. Pragmatics extends beyond mere literal interpretation, delving into comprehending subtle implications, varying expressions and lexical ambiguities. This deepens our exploration and appreciation of the world of literature. It is worth investigating whether pragmatic instruction can improve students' language awareness and competence. To this end, a quasi-experimental study involving the students of two English language teaching (ELT) classes was conducted to determine whether pragmatic treatment could enhance students' comprehension skills and to identify how effectively the pragmatic understanding of literature through Shakespeare's language could aid the development of receptive and productive skills in ELT students. Participants took two pre-tests: multiple-choice discourse completion task (MCDCT) and discourse completion task (DCT) based on Othello. After the treatment, the same tests were administered as post-tests. Results showed that the experimental group outperformed the control group in comprehension skills. Cohen's D effect size calculation confirmed the practical usefulness of the treatment and the significant difference between the two groups. The study concludes that pragmatic training using literary texts contributes to developing ELT students' pragmatic competence.

Teaching pragmatics to instructors of L2 Japanese: A relevance-theoretic approach

There are few continuing professional development (CPD) courses for language instructors who want to incorporate the teaching of pragmatics, particularly outside second and foreign language (L2) English and Spanish (e.g., Cohen et al., 2023; Vellenga, 2011). Furthermore, most courses rarely include pragmatics theories that describe the cognitive processes involved in communication. To address this gap, this study assesses what pre-service and in-service instructors of L2 Japanese (n = 9) know about pragmatics and presents data from a 3-hCPD course. The CPD is based on Sperber & Wilson's (1986/1995) Relevance Theory, an ostensive-inferential pragmatics theory that explains the cognitive mechanisms used to interpret utterances. These cognitive processes and how to teach them are explained through a pedagogical framework that equips instructors with the pragmatic knowledge and tools needed to help their learners achieve effective communication.A qualitative pre- and post-test was employed to ascertain instructors' knowledge of pragmatics and ability to activate their pragmatic competence. Focus groups with each cohort were conducted to gather insights into instructors' willingness and preparedness to teach pragmatics. The CPD increased both participants' understanding of pragmatics and knowledge of how to activate learners' pragmatic competence. The data also reveals differences between pre-service and in-service teachers, as well as native and non-native speakers’ willingness to include pragmatics in their teaching.

PERANG BAHASA DI MEDIA SOSIAL KASUS PENGANIAYAAN PADA ANAK SELEBGRAM EMY AGHNIA: KAJIAN SEMANTIK DAN PRAGMATIK

The purpose of this research is to find out (1) semantic studies and (2) pragmatic studies in the utterances of @emyaghnia's post upload comments. Researchers used a qualitative description type of research in this study. The upload of @emyaghnia's Instagram post is the source of data in this study. The data used in this study are in the form of screenshots of @emyaghnia's Instagram post upload comments. Data collection researchers use free listening techniques and record in this study as an instrument in this study, the data analysis technique used in this study is data reduction, data presentation and the last step is conclusion drawing. Based on the results of data analysis found by researchers, it can be concluded into two. First, the form of lexical and grammatical meaning in the comments of @emyaghnia's posts. The second data type of illocutionary speech acts found is expressive, and declarative. With this research, researchers can expand their understanding of semantics and pragmatics more deeply.

What difficulties do children learning English in addition to another language experience with English oral language? A systematic review

ABSTRACT Within the majority of English-speaking settings, children learning English as an additional language (CLEAL) underperform academically relative to their monolingual, English-speaking peers. This systematic review (preregistration: https://archive.org/details/osf-registrations-zgmha-v1) identifies the elements of the English oral language where these children experience difficulty. We focused on research measuring an English oral language outcome for CLEAL between the ages of 3 and 7 and their age-matched, monolingual English-speaking peers. We searched PsycINFO, Web of Science, British Education Index and Linguistics and Language Behaviour s, for studies published between 2015 and 2024, written in English. Of the 2125 records identified, 20 were eligible for inclusion, with a low-to-moderate risk of bias. Overall, our target group performed significantly worse in tests of English receptive and expressive vocabulary, syntactic knowledge, listening comprehension, embedding, collocational knowledge and areas of narrative skill and phonological production. However, these children were comparable with their peers in other areas of narrative skill, lexical and pragmatic understanding, elements of morphological production and areas of phonological production and processing. Overall, while the picture is mixed, highlighting the need for further study of oral English in CLEAL, this review strengthens existing arguments for vocabulary and syntax acquisition as appropriate targets for intervention.

Deciphering two delay dynamics of ecological system with generalist predator incorporating competitive interference

In this manuscript, an attempt has been made to understand the delay induced (gestation and carry-over effect delay) dynamics of an ecological system with generalist predator exerted fear and its carry-over effect with competitive interference. The designed model exhibits finite time blow up depending on large initial data. The stability of both the delayed and non-delayed systems have been analyzed along with Hopf-bifurcation analysis. It has been observed that carry-over and fear effects act in opposite way in context of stability control for non-delayed system. The two delay (carry-over effect and gestation delay) have significant impact on the dynamics. The former exhibits both stabilizing and destabilizing role while the latter has a destabilizing tendency on the system dynamics. The blow up phenomena for predator species have been shown numerically by verifying the analytical conditions. Our study incorporates a diverse array of figures and diagrams to illustrate and support our findings. Through the exploration of non-linear models, our research unveils several intriguing characteristics. These insights can prove invaluable for biologists seeking a more detailed and pragmatic understanding of generalist predator–prey systems. The visual representations provided in our study contribute to a comprehensive analysis, enhancing the accessibility and applicability of the findings for researchers and practitioners in the field.

Советская экономика в годы хрущевской оттепели: дерзость реформ и противоречивость реализации

This article delves into the peculiarities of the economic development of the USSR during the years 1953–1964. It illustrates Nikita Khrushchev's endeavor as a political leader to enact economic transformations in the country in line with his ideological course of de-Stalinization and relative liberalization. It argues that the absence of a pragmatic economic strategy based on the actual state of affairs in the country led to the implementation of inconsistent reforms, primarily focused on organizational and administrative changes. Economic decisions during the Khrushchev Thaw, including the abolition of sectoral planning, introduction of egalitarian wage systems, nationalization of industrial cooperatives, and transition to a territorial principle of economic management, were conceived as bold innovative reforms but failed to consider the actual conditions and accumulated historical experience, leading to a crisis in the industrial sector. In conclusion, the economic policies pursued during the Khrushchev Thaw exemplify the challenges of implementing bold reforms without a pragmatic understanding of the prevailing economic conditions. The crisis in the industrial sector underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making and historical context in shaping effective economic strategies.

A Case Study of Public Social Advertisements Translation: Pragmatics Approach

Purpose: This research analyzed the translation of Covid-19 WHO Infographics through pragmatics. It aimed to figure out speech acts in Monroe’s Motivated Sequence in source text, translation techniques applied to render, and its impact on quality and shift of speech act. Theoretical framework: Main theories employed in this research are speech act theory by Searle & Vandervekken (1985) and translation technique by Molina & Albir (2002). Design/methodology/approach: This is qualitative descriptive research with a single embedded study case, collecting data purposively by applying the document analysis and FGD (Focus Group Discussion), and employing Spradley’s steps of data analysis about domain, taxonomy, componential, and cultural theme. Findings: The research found some speech acts such as assertive, directive, and commissive spreading in each MMS. The successful translation is mostly caused by the application of equivalent established technique. Unsuccessful translation is caused by modulation technique because the translation cannot reach the equivalency of illocutionary effect, persuasive strategy, and mis-organizing persuasive text based on MMS. This research concluded that the translator’s decision in applying the translation techniques impacted on the shift of the speech acts which is in turn to influence the quality of translation especially on the accuracy. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the translation behaviour in term of translation techniques application and its impact on the quality of translation is the image of the translator’s competency. Research, Practical & Social implications: Theoretically, this research showed that the translation skill can be supported by the understanding of pragmatics. Practically, this researched can help the translators to improve their skill in translating. Originality/value: This is original research which is conducted by taking some source text (English version) of infographics about Covid-19 campaigns and their translation (Indonesian version). The infographics is officially released by World Health Organization (WHO) from 2020 to 2022.

Fidelity, pragmatism and the “grey line” in between—exploring the delivery of a pragmatic physical activity randomised controlled trial—a secondary analysis

BackgroundIntervention fidelity in health services research has been poor with a reported lack of understanding about what constitutes pragmatic adaptation of interventions and what constitutes failure to maintain intervention fidelity. However, the challenges facing those delivering such interventions have not been thoroughly explored.The aims of this study were to critically explore the challenges in maintaining fidelity experienced by physiotherapy staff and support workers when delivering a complex intervention for older people living with frailty.MethodsThis study is a secondary analysis of data from a process evaluation of a large randomised controlled trial (RCT). The process evaluation employed qualitative methodologies with mixed methods including a variety of data collection methods, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis. Thematic analysis was used to make sense of the data.ResultsMany therapy staff felt ongoing confusion about what was acceptable to adapt and what needed to follow the protocol exactly. We found that some therapy staff were able to embrace the challenges of pragmatically adapting interventions while maintaining intervention fidelity, others stuck rigidly to the protocol and failed to adapt interventions where it was necessary.ConclusionIt was clear that the understanding of fidelity and pragmatism was poor. While pragmatic trials are vital to replicate real world clinical practice, further guidance may need to be developed in order to guide the level of adaptation that is acceptable before fidelity is undermined.

Three-Dimensional Imaging of the Patellofemoral Joint Improves Understanding of Trochlear Anatomy and Pathology and Planning of Realignment

Three-dimensional (3D) modeling using digital or printed models provides a unique perspective that caters to cognitive spatial ability in a way that can add to our understanding and mental representations of human anatomy. This is particularly useful in the setting of trochlear dysplasia, where the morphology of the groove can exhibit substantial variability and complexity. Using 3D reformatted images and models, a pragmatic understanding of how morphology influences patellofemoral pathology can be gleaned. Further, this perspective facilitates cognition of what patellar tracking may look like after realignment procedures. Using 3D modeling, concepts such as patella alta, trochlear depth, lateralization of the patellar entry point, trochlear curvature, and the presence of a proximal trochlear spur can help afford a better understanding of how trochlear anatomy may influence tracking while also providing insight as to the ideal tracking path. The use of 3D has recently emerged as a useful tool in multiple surgical subspecialties, particularly in situations involving surgical planning or complex anatomy. Given the complexity and variation in trochlear morphology in patients with trochlear dysplasia who develop either patellar instability or focal overloading, 3D modeling is well-suited to provide a perspective that can add to our understanding of trochlear dysplasia, and potentially even how we diagnose and treat it. Level of EvidenceLevel V, expert opinion.

Immortality in Veda: An Analysis with Special Reference to the Rigveda

Abstract: The Vedas are regarded as one of the earliest instances of written literature and as the epitomes of Indian knowledge and philosophical tenets. The inherent philosophical framework of the Vedas is great facilitator of human insight about seminal issues like Life, Death, Mortality, and Immortality and so on. Vedas are always prescribing a balanced and measured way of life by bridging the gap between life and death. Life and Death are not two extremes; rather they are interrelated and co-existed. In the perspective of transitoriness of human body and the immortality of soul, the Vedas talk about the attainment of Immortality by understanding the truth about the cycle of life and death. Rigveda, in particular, does have significant instances and references about the idea of Immortality-its nature and the means of attaining the same. The present Paper looks into the idea of immortality represented in the Rigveda with a view of extracting the philosophical and pragmatic understanding of the same with the help of a descriptive and analytical approach.

Exploring Pragmatic Adaptation in Television News Translation: A Case Study of Moroccan National TV

The study explores pragmatic adaptation in translating foreign TV news, focusing on Moroccan National TV practices. Translation connects cultures, necessitating an understanding of pragmatics for effective communication. Investigating this complex process is crucial to ensure that translated discourse resonates with the target audience. Foreign news, following Baker's multifunctional approach, seeks to influence audiences, demanding meticulous adaptation of linguistic nuances by translators. The study examines three axes: TV news linguistic style, translation techniques, and their efficacy. Data from translated foreign news aired on Moroccan National TV in Arabic will be analyzed, focusing on language style and register. Pragmatic adaptations in TV news translation will be scrutinized, evaluating effectiveness in fidelity to the source. A qualitative approach will be used, aligning with the study's focus on pragmatic adaptation techniques. Primary sources include culturally rich English news broadcasts translated into Arabic by Moroccan National TV translators, supplemented by al-Oula TV news topics. Through this investigation, the study aims to deepen understanding of translating foreign TV news dynamics and illuminate pragmatic adaptations in the Moroccan context.

Study on Character Images in Pride and Prejudice from the Perspective of Violation of the Cooperative Principle

This paper presents a detailed analysis of character images in Jane Austen's seminal work, "Pride and Prejudice," from the unique perspective of the violation of the Cooperative Principle. Proposed by H.P. Grice, the Cooperative Principle and its conversational maxims - Quality, Quantity, Relevance, and Manner - provide a framework for understanding how conversational implicatures operate. In "Pride and Prejudice," Austen's characters frequently violate these maxims, offering a rich field for linguistic and literary analysis. This study examines how such violations contribute to character development, reveal underlying themes, and enhance the narrative's depth. These violations are not merely linguistic anomalies but serve as deliberate narrative strategies by Austen to reveal the social constraints and personal idiosyncrasies of her characters. The paper argues that the intentional violation of the Cooperative Principle in "Pride and Prejudice" is a sophisticated tool used by Austen to critique social norms of her time and to develop her characters beyond the confines of their rigid Regency context. This analysis not only contributes to the field of literature but also expands the understanding of pragmatics in the context of classic literary texts, discussing the relationship between pragmatics and literature and offering new insights into the intricate relationship between language use and literary creativity.

Publics and counter-publics of net-zero

The proliferation of pledges to reach net-zero emissions has revealed a wide range of understandings of what such a pledge entails. The lack of international standards to define decarbonisation pathways and the many kinds of speculative offsets available for net-zero calculations have generated a multiplication of public commitments not tethered to any specific mechanism of accountability. Many have criticised this state of affairs as a governance vacuum allowing extravagant forms of ‘greenwashing,’ with corporations and countries asserting ostensibly ambitious goals without adopting verifiable instruments for their delivery. This paper addresses the situation from a slightly different perspective, exploring instead how net-zero pledges create new climate publics and counter-publics. Drawing on three case studies (UK national net-zero policy, the Race to Zero campaign, and the Science Based Targets Initiative), and informed by a pragmatist understanding of ‘public’ and ‘public formation,’ we examine how the adoption of a formal but ambiguous target leads to a collective consideration of consequences, thus expanding the range of actors engaged in disputes over alternative climate futures.

Analisis Tindak Tutur Ekspresif dan Direktif pada Video Edukasi Bertema Sains dalam Kanal YouTube Kok Bisa?

Language is a communication tool used to express an idea or emotion. In linguistics, language is comprehensively explored with the aim of developing understanding and is also used for research. In analyzing the meaning of language, a pragmatic understanding is required. Pragmatics is a linguistic field that examines the interplay between the function and form of speech acts. This research primarily focuses on the analysis of expressive and directive speech acts. Expressive speech acts involve utterances that convey the feelings or thoughts experienced by the speaker. On the other hand, directive speech acts involve utterances intended to encourage or trigger action from the listener. This research aims to obtain, examine, and discuss a variety of speech acts found in educational science-themed videos on the YouTube channel "Kok Bisa?". This research is a qualitative descriptive study using a theoretical approach, namely a pragmatic approach. The data used consists of a number of utterances in the videos. The data collection technique used is observation and note-taking. Data analysis is carried out using distributional and correlational techniques. Data presentation is done formally and informally. The potential value of this study lies in its capacity to offer insights to the author and researchers concerning expressive and directive speech acts found in utterances. The practical benefits of this research will be obtained by those in the field of science, educators, learners, and language researchers as a basis, reference, and teaching material concerning expressive and directive speech acts found within utterances. In the science videos on the "Kok Bisa?" YouTube channel, 26 expressive speech acts and 36 directive speech acts were identified from nine selected videos. This analysis reveals that directive speech acts in the form of questioning dominate these videos, enabling two-way interaction through viewer comments.

Revising and developing the environmental policy at the British Library

To preserve their collections, heritage institutions must understand and mitigate causes of damage, including environmental factors. Historically at the British Library this was addressed by policies developed over decades—frequently without overarching guidance—and in response to changing requirements. As a result, these policies were often disjointed, complex and unrepresentative of current practice. This article addresses the review, revision and application of policy. This is informed by a focus on collection needs that incorporate human, operational and practical requirements; the pragmatic understanding of contributory issues; and sufficient flexibility to encourage engagement and support Library activities without jeopardising collection safety. The revised policy has afforded a variety of benefits, not least that it is a single, concise document. It provides explicit reference to material types and vulnerabilities, and the requirements of operational activities, emphasising preventive conservation concerns. It is accessible to other stakeholders, encouraging effective collaboration and leading to achievable outcomes, benefitting the institution as a whole. As such it has strengthened the role of preventive conservation within the Library, and provided a solid and adaptable basis for future work.

Towards the Culturalization of Macroeconomics: A Veblenian Contribution

Conventional macroeconomics cannot be the basis for a pragmatic understanding of the behavior of the financial model of capitalism in which we live and for drawing practical economic policies. Its most important problem is the relegation of key monetary and financial institutions, which entrap the analysis into a self-regulated markets illusion. This article argues that Thorstein Veblen’s post-Darwinian cultural and processual analysis of the business enterprise system provides ideas, principles and foundations that can leverage a contribution to an evolutionary recontextualization of macroeconomics. The analysis focuses attention only on the role that the evolution of pecuniary habits of mind and routines have in episodes of unsustainable balance sheets, liquidity crunches and debt-deflation processes and marks out the cultural foundations of financial fragility and instability and of the principle of effective demand.

The Challenges of Implementing Good Health and Well-Being During a Pandemic: A Case Study of the Behavior of Using Telemedicine Services in the Younger Generation.

Objectives: Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial tool in addressing public health requirements, particularly during a pandemic. This aligns with the third Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) objective of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. The current generation demonstrates a greater proficiency in modern technology, prompting researchers to investigate their views and behavior trends in telemedicine. Methods: This research is aimed at examining the telemedicine adoption patterns of Generation Y and Generation Z by dividing them into two groups. Study Group 1 is comprised of those who have known modern technology but have yet to gain experience in using telemedicine. Meanwhile, Study Group 2 is comprised of those who had used telemedicine services. Utilizing structural equation model (SEM) analysis, this research investigates the magnitude of influence exerted by various determinants on an individual's tendency to utilize telemedicine. Results: Findings from both study groups indicate that younger generations have positive attitudes towards telemedicine, significantly influencing their willingness to use telemedicine. Furthermore, the level of readiness for change emerges as a crucial factor in determining the degree of affective commitment to change, continuance commitment to change, and normative commitment to change. In addition, the participants' affective experience state significantly influences all three dimensions of commitment to change. Conclusion: The results suggest the importance of fostering a positive and pragmatic understanding of telemedicine among young people. This can be achieved by encouraging the use of telemedicine services and fully adopting the shift to telemedicine. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the development of a positive view towards telemedicine, provide excellent service experiences, and promote social flexibility to attract a large user base, especially among the younger population.

Institutional Review Boards' Assessment of Local Context: A Mixed Methods Study.

The nature of the review of local context by institutional review boards (IRBs) is vague. Requirements for single IRB review of multicenter trials create a need to better understand interpretation and implementation of local-context review and how to best implement such reviews centrally. We sought a pragmatic understanding of IRB local-context review by exploring stakeholders' attitudes and perceptions. Semistructured interviews with 26 IRB members and staff members, institutional officials, and investigators were integrated with 80 surveys of similar stakeholders and analyzed with qualitative theme-based text analysis and descriptive statistical analysis. Stakeholders described what they considered to be local context, the value of local-context review, and key processes used to implement review of local context in general and for emergency research conducted with an exception from informed consent. Concerns and potential advantages of centralized review of local context were expressed. Variability in perspectives suggests that local-context review is not a discrete process, which presents opportunities for defining pathways for single IRB review.