Unergativity in Embosi |
Author : Yvon-Pierre Ndongo-Ibara |
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Abstract :This contribution investigates the unaccusative hypothesis driving data from Embosí language regarding unergative predicates. It comes out from discussion that if Split intransitive is a cross linguistically based phenomenon, its diagnostic tests are rather linguistic parameters of variation. Perlmutter (1978) puts forward three different forms of unaccusative hypothesis, then I assert that it is his second form which suits and meets its explanatory adequacy cross linguistically. Moreover, Embosí resorts to two tests namely nominalization and cognate objects to diagnose unergative predicates. Finally, unergativity is related to agentivity and volition.
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Stylistic Analysis of Aurangzeb Alamgir?s Poem ?EID? |
Author : Muhammad Rashid |
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Abstract :This paper aims to analyze ‘EID’ by Auragzeb Alamgir Hashmi from stylistic perspectives including graphological, grammatical, phonological, syntactic and semantic issues. The analysis will help the reader understand not only theoretical aspects of the poem but also its technical ones. So, the study is conducted to analyze graphological, grammatical, phonological, syntactic and semantic issues. It has been helpful to comprehend theme, cultural aspects of Pakistani society, its structure and stylistic issues.
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Retranslation Theories: A Critical Perspective |
Author : Chuanmao Tian ; Jiying Chen |
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Abstract :The paper first introduces Goethe’s three-stage theory of retranslating classics and Lu Xun’s emphasis on the necessity of retranslating. Then, it summarizes the main achievements by contemporary scholars in retranslation studies, focusing on definitions of retranslation, retranslation hypotheses, reasons for retranslating and types of retranslation. There are three definitions for retranslation. Retranslations are divided into ordinary and great, active and passive ones. The retranslation hypotheses including those of increasing source focus, quality improvement, text-aging, and so on the reasons for retranslating are complex and closely related to the time of retranslating. Retranslation can be approached from different angles. Finally, the paper points out the problems with the current retranslation studies, proposes a definition of retranslation, outlines for retranslation research the theoretical system of its own and discusses the strengths of retranslation studies.
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Stress Patterns in Persian and English |
Author : Mehri Izadi ; Behnam Azarsa ; Azam Azizi |
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Abstract :Language learning has always been an essential part of effective communication and development. Being accurate in using the second language makes it necessary to be professional in all aspects of L2. One of these neglected but important areas is stress. Stress is melody of conversation and each language has its own stress patterns. Accordingly, negative and positive interferences may happen for EFL/ESL learners. In this regard, the present research provided a contrastive study on the stress patterns of Persian and English. Exploring similarities and differences can help learners to have better understanding of accent when using English language and speak fluently.
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The Impact of Task-Based Language Teaching on the Development of Learners? Language Proficiency and Thinking Skills in L2 Classrooms |
Author : Xiaorui Huang |
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Abstract :Task-Based Language Teaching, an analytic approach focusing on form, with a task-based syllabus starting with output and putting emphasis on learning outcomes, may have a positive impact on the development of learners’ language proficiency and thinking skills in L2 classrooms. By implementing a TBLT approach which is free from the limitation of synthetic approach focusing on forms and analytic approach focusing on meaning, L2 learners can benefit from its efficiency promoting both in communication competence and linguistic awareness. In addition to the advantage of TBLT approaches, a task-based syllabus, as one of the typical backward design, focusing on output or learning outcomes, are more effective in enhancing learners’ language proficiency than that in other syllabuses focusing on input or process. Moreover, learners’ thinking skills can be achieved in a task-based syllabus integrating language proficiency with thinking skill tasks.
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Lowering Foreign Language Anxiety through Technology: A Case of Iranian EFL Sophomore Students |
Author : : Farideh Ataiefar ; Firooz Sadigh |
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Abstract :This study focused on fostering learning experiences and improving students’ oral communicative potential by lowering their anxiety through technology. The participants were EFL students at the Zand Higher Education Institute in Shiraz, Iran. Their responses to the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (Horwitz et al., 1986) proved that they were suffering from some emotional factors; particularly anxiety interfering with their second language acquisition process. Voice Thread, an on-line program was introduced to them as a tool to achieve the above-mentioned goals. An oral survey based on items used by Von Worde (2003) showed this group of EFL language learners’ anxiety was alleviated by using the proposed tool. As speaking is one of the main productive skills in second language learning, the pedagogical implications of the study can be beneficial to both teachers and learners. The results can help teachers match instruction to learners’ needs.
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From Conventional to Technology-Assisted Alternative Assessment for Effective and Efficient Measurement: A Review of the Recent Trends in Comparability Studies |
Author : Monirosadat Hosseini ; Seyyed Morteza Hashemi Toroujeni |
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Abstract :There is no doubt that using computers in language testing as well as in language learning has some advantages and disadvantages. Despite the widespread use of computer-based testing, relatively few studies have been conducted on the equivalency of two test modes especially in academic contexts. However, some institutes and educational settings are going towards using computerized test due to its advantages without doing any comparability investigation beforehand. Perhaps because they mostly believe that if the items are identical, the testing mode is irrelevant. As the use of computerized test types is rapidly expanding, we need appropriate use of technology as a facet of language learning and testing. Regarding this accelerating development in computerized tests in language testing, further investigations are needed to ensure the validity and fairness of this administration mode in comparison with traditional one. This study provides a brief discussion on the importance of substituting CBT for PPT and necessity of doing comparability study before this transition. It presents the significance of the study followed by an illustration of the background of the comparability studies of CBT and PPT.
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?Being Direct or Indirect?? Politeness, Facework and Rapport Construction in Chinese Interpersonal Business Requests |
Author : Wenhui Yang ; Kaiyue Zhen |
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Abstract :This article investigates how requests, either in direct or indirect forms, are associated with politeness strategies and facework in Chinese verbal business negotiations. Drawing on authentic data and Watts (2003) social models of politeness and (Kirkpatrick, 1991; Spencer-Oatey Helen. (2000)) rapport management, the authors analyze how business negotiators manage and interpret the notion of “being (in)direct” and its connection with linguistic politeness, facework and rapport construction in business discourse. The results reveal that there is no inherent connection between Chinese politeness and Chinese facework. Interpersonal rapport in business contexts is complex and dynamic owing to different communicative motives and business relations. The Chinese facework can be classified into self face and collective face at both non-professional and professional levels. The realizations of business requests embody business negotiators’ cognition of social and professional roles and sensitivity of interpersonal rapport, together with their evaluation of interactive contexts and linguistic forms, revealing the Chinese interpersonal communication system and discoursal rapport construction in business contexts.
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Literature Review on Studies of Pragmatic Markers in the Courtroom Based on Relevance Theory |
Author : Weixuan Shi ; Hongyan Zhang |
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Abstract :Pragmatic markers are always regarded as ‘smallwords’, but they play a significant pragmatic role. In recent years, scholars have attempted to study pragmatic markers in informal situations, such as in daily conversations. While, there are few studies concentrating on the pragmatic markers in the courtroom. Besides, some relative studies base their studies of pragmatic markers on coherence-based approaches or politeness-based approaches, but they ignore the basic theory of successful communication related to speaker’s cognition of applying pragmatic markers on Relevance Theory. Therefore, on the basis of the Relevance Theory, the paper attempts to review studies of pragmatic markers in the courtroom and to provide a reference for future study in this field. It is advised that more studies on how to effectively use pragmatic markers in the courtroom based on Relevance Theory should be made.
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Assessing EFL Learner,s Authorial Stance in Academic Writing: A Case of Out Theses and Dissertations Authors |
Author : Zelda Elisifa Sam ; Elizabeth Kyara |
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Abstract :This study was an assessment of authorial stance using engagement framework by Tanzanian EFL academic writers so as to reveal the linguistic resources that enable authors to present a stance toward the research they are reviewing and presenting. Specifically, the study sought to i) explore pattern of expanding and contracting in presenting authorial stance in the selected dissertations and theses, ii) assess the authors’ linguistic resources for expanding moves, and iii) assess the linguistic resources for contracting moves by the authors. The study adapted Martin and White (2005) engagement system framework focusing on heterogloss. The study was conducted at the Open University of Tanzania. We analyzed the engagement of 20 EFL post-graduate theses and 20 Dissertations at Master’s and Doctoral levels by the EFL candidates/authors and used document analysis as a sole tool of data gathering. In conducting analyses of these texts, each was ?rst broken down into non-embedded clauses and analyzed based on the engagement system belonging to heterogloss categories then their respective sub-categories. Findings revealed that the dissertation/theses writers varied in their mode of registering their stances towards the subject matter and thence proven heteroglossic rather than monoglossic. In that way they were able to establish their authorial territory and claim their visibility or presence instead of being compilers or reporters of findings by others. It was further noted that author stance was more noticed in literature review and introduction chapters.
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The Observance of Gricean Conversational Maxims by Tanzanian Politicians in T.V. Hosted Interviews |
Author : Mrisho Massanga ; Erasmus Akiley Msuya |
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Abstract :This study aimed at appraising the observance of Gricean maxims by Tanzanian politicians in T.V. hosted interviews. The study adopted Grice (1975) cooperative principle in finding out politicians’ observance of the Gricean quality and quantity maxims.The interviews are from EATV ‘Mkasi’ session and involved Honorable Mwigulu Nchemba from CCM and Hon. Zitto Kabwe from CHADEMA and only their verbal responses were subjected to analysis. Content analysis for data collection was used and the study involved a case study design. The study findings show that politicians did not adhere to these conversational maxims as they responded to questions employing different forms of non-observances include flouting and opting out of maxims as well as maxim clash. These non-observances were meant to persuade the viewers and gain social and political credibility, achieving politeness, imposing and suppressing/avoid any face-threatening, and building the speakers’ positive images and that of their parties. However, the inferences drawn from the findings were the two politicians like other members of public service did not often observe the maxims, meaning that they intentionally chose to be non-literal and opted for indirect communication, even in their non-observances of the maxims they remained communicative in a richer and profound way than if they were literal and direct.
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Studies on the Translation of Personal Names in Red Sorghum |
Author : : Leyang Wang |
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Abstract :Personal name is one of the methods to build images of diversified characters in literary works. In Chinese culture, personal names carry abundant cultural information, so it is extremely difficult for translators to translate the personal names. This essay makes an exhaustive research of the translation of personal names in Red Sorghum and analyzes the translation effects. Howard Goldblatt employs three methods to translate personal names: transliteration, free translation and rewriting. Personal names are not just social symbols. Their translation does not equal to the transfer of linguistic codes. In some cases, Goldblatt cherishes the important role code users play in the communication, so he attemps to transmit the user-oriented cultural information represented by personal names in the source text. Goldblatt does not always transliterate into English the Chinese personal names with the Chinese phonetic alphabet. When situation permits, he free translates or even rewrites the personal names in order to transmit the pragmatic and cultural meanings, which demonstrates his magnificent creativity and initiative.
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Hybrid Language Teaching in Practice: Perceptions, Reactions, and Results (A Book Review) |
Author : Zahra Kamdideh ; Hamed Barjesteh |
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Abstract :This book is primarily aimed at implicitly setting a framework for integrating online and face-to-face instruction coherently in one language course, although the authors claim that the book is not attempting to prescribe a series of dos and don’ts. The relatively concise but well-crafted book considers teachers as its main audience, walking them through various stages of creating a hybrid class, namely decision-making, planning, integration, and evaluation.
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Analyzing English Syllabus in the Department of International Relations at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan |
Author : Muhammad Shahid Ruban ; Muhammad Rashid |
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Abstract :The aim of this research study is to analyze the appropriateness of the English syllabus according to the true language needs, which is being offered to the students of International Relations Department of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. To carry out this research study, students of IR department (Part 1 and 2) have been taken as a sample population to collect required data. To check the appropriateness of the offered English syllabus and existing level of English language competence according to the students’ needs; two research tools have been taken as: test and interview. In order to get the actual feedback from the students, a test consisted of four basic skills of English (listening, speaking, reading and writing) was conducted to 50 students of IR department. Interview was conducted to the teachers of IR department in order to get the actual information about the appropriateness of the English syllabus and the competency level of the students. Collected data through both the sources were analyzed qualitatively as well as quantitatively. The findings from these sources provided the results which were expected before the accomplishment of this research work. The findings of this research advocated that the EAP should be adopted to make the existing syllabus appropriate and need based in order to refine the basic English language skills of the students. This recommended course is very productive for social sciences disciplines of the BZU.
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Female Dominance and Men?s Subordination: Gerald and Andy in Woman in Mind, and Dysart and Frank in Equus |
Author : Muammer Ozoltulular |
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Abstract :The aim of this paper is to claim, analysing four male characters in Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind and Peter Shaffer’s Equus, that problems caused by sex/gender discrimination are not due to men only; instead, these problems exist beyond masculinity since men are also subject to oppression, subordination and victimisation in patriarchal societies. This assertion may be justified by the abundance of subordination of men in patriarchal societies. Moreover, it may be claimed that subordination is not limited to men and women and it spreads to other minorities, which lack power prevailing anything on earth. The solution to the problems caused by not only gender but also sex discriminations may be neutralisation of what is called femininity and masculinity. This article concludes with the assertion that it may be claimed based on the analysis of four male characters in Equus and Woman in Mind that the problems based on so-called gender/ sex issues in any societies are not led by only masculinity since the victims of the subordination and any kind of oppression in societies are not only women, as some of the feminist discourses claim, but also men.
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Designing Project Based- Content Language Integrated Learning (Clil) for Elf Higher Education Institutions in Indonesia |
Author : Huzairin Djahri ; Basturi Hasan ; Sudirman ; Hery Yufrizal |
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Abstract : Huzairin Djahri ; Basturi Hasan ; Sudirman ; Hery Yufrizal |
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Invoking Implicit Attitude: The Play of Graduation in News Text of China Daily |
Author : : Liu Zhi-peng |
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Abstract :The news text, unlike other texts, tends to directly or indirectly convey the media’s attitudes or thoughts with the implicit appraisal resources. Martin pointed out that graduation resource is the most significant approach to realize the implicit evaluation in the text and the scaling semantic meaning may flag the evaluation. This paper analyzed the role of graduation in English-language China Daily and then discussed the covert attitude encoded in the news text.
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A Foucauldian Reading of Peter Shaffer?s Equus |
Author : Serap Denizer Bozkurt |
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Abstract :Michel Foucault, the twentieth century philosopher, brings a new perspective to the concepts of madness and power. He shows how the perception of the concept of madness changes in his “History of Madness”. In Classical Age, mad people were treated as animals and the aim was to tame them as they were a threat to the order of the society. However, in Renaissance that perception changed and the mad were started to be appreciated because madness was affiliated with knowledge. In the eighteenth century, it was seen as the disease of the society, not of the individual. In Peter Shaffer’s “Equus” the main character, Alan, is thought to be mad and the doctor Dysart starts questioning the characteristics of madness. First, Dysart sees Alan as a customer; however, at the end of the play, he criticizes his own profession as it aims to create normal people who are purified from their passions. The definition of power by Foucault is not restricted upon the oppressor and the oppressed as he focuses more on the subjects of power. According to Foucault in all kinds of relationships, the power exercises and it can be claimed that the prerequisite of the existence of the power is the people. Power cannot only be evaluated as something possessed by certain people, classes or institutions and Foucault criticizes that kind of understanding of power. In Shaffer’s “Equus”, the power operates between the doctor and the patient and within the family members. The doctor seems superior as the hospital provides an advantage as a panoptic machine. However, the patient starts establishing the course of events, and it can be seen that the patient gains the power. The parents of Alan are quite distinct from each other. Dora, Alan’s mother, is excessively religious, but Frank, Alan’s father, is an atheist and he puts the blame on religion in Alan’s case. Both parents contribute to the madness of Alan and become object, target, and the references. All in all, we are all subjects of power in the grand mechanism of power.
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The Effects of Relearning With Audiovisual Support on EFL Learners? Vocabulary Recall |
Author : Wenhua Hsu |
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Abstract :This study investigated relearning with audiovisual support. The researcher-teacher used video for her freshman English Reading class and tested its effects on word recall. To help students remember forty newly-introduced words from four news stories, two weeks later, the four news videos were broadcast in four audiovisual modes to four groups of students alternately: (1) captioned, (2) non-captioned, (3) silent captioned and (4) screen-off. Results show that the four groups of students recalled 17.65 to18.81 words on average in the second encounter with forty target words through video in different modes. Concerning the audiovisual effects on vocabulary learning, audio track only (screen-off video) prompted the participants to recall the greatest number of target words than the other three modalities. Drawing upon the cognitive theory of multimedia learning, this study aims to raise awareness of the modality effect when using video as a repetition medium for vocabulary consolidation.
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