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Afterword: Egyptological anthropology
Get PDFBuilding on the articles in this special issue, this afterword examines the place of comparison and defamiliarisation in the distinctive approach to Egyptology which is outlined in these pages. Noting that the articles make creative use of a number of theoretical devices from other disciplines, including social anthropology, the piece asks what social anthropology in turn might borrow back from this Egyptological conceptual moment. Rather than follow a traditional import-export model, trading ready-made theories between disciplines, this afterword argues for a different vision of interdisciplinarity, in which the disruptive potential of ancient Egyptian epistemologies plays a leading role
„Sicher ist, dass nichts sicher ist. Selbst Sprachbildung nicht.“: Unsicherheit als Dimension in der linguizismuskritischen Lehrkräftebildung für Sprachbildung in schulischer Inklusion
Get PDFDer Beitrag diskutiert, wie Unsicherheiten das professionelle Handeln von Lehrkräften in inklusiven Sprachbildungsprozessen beeinflussen. Anhand exemplarischer Studien wird aufgezeigt, dass die Schnittstelle von Sprachbildung, Mehrsprachigkeit und Inklusion oft widersprüchliche Anforderungen erzeugt, die Lehrkräfte vor komplexe Herausforderungen stellt. Die Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass eine linguizismuskritische Lehrkräftebildung Unsicherheit als Reflexionsmoment begreift und in Professionalisierungsbemühungen münden sollte, um Lehrkräften Orientierung im Umgang mit sprachlicher Vielfalt zu bieten.This paper discusses how uncertainties influence the professional practices of teachers within inclusive language education processes. Drawing on exemplary studies, it illustrates that the intersection of language education, multilingualism, and inclusion often generates conflicting demands that pose complex challenges for teachers. The findings suggest that teacher education informed by critical perspectives on linguicism should conceptualize uncertainty as a moment for reflection and address it within professional development efforts, in order to provide teachers with guidance in navigating linguistic diversity
„Die Zukunft des Gottesdienstes ist agendarisch“: Zum Sinn und zur Funktion von Agenden in der Kirche
No full textDer Beitrag untersucht die theologische, liturgische und institutionelle Bedeutung der „Agende“ innerhalb des evangelischen Gottesdienstverständnisses. Dabei wird die Agende nicht nur als gedruckter Text, sondern als komplexes, intersubjektiv vermitteltes Medium liturgischer Praxis verstanden, das durch seine Regelhaftigkeit, Allgemeinheit und Übertragbarkeit eine zentrale Rolle in der Gestaltung von Gottesdiensten spielt. Das Papier analysiert die Bezugsgrößen der Agende – u. a. kirchliche Organisation, Gottesdienstkultur, theologische Ausbildung und kirchenleitende Instanzen – und formuliert daraus die Funktionen der Agende: Ermöglichung, Identitätsbildung, Qualitätssicherung, Bewahrung, Entlastung und Schutz. Der Autor plädiert dafür, den agendarischen Gottesdienst nicht als rückwärtsgewandte Form abzuschreiben, sondern als zukunftsfähige, theologisch fundierte und liturgisch bewährte Ausdrucksform kirchlicher Praxis ernst zu nehmen.This paper explores the theological, liturgical, and institutional significance of the "Agende" (liturgical agenda) within the framework of Protestant worship. The Agende is presented not merely as a printed manual, but as a complex, intersubjectively mediated medium of liturgical practice, characterized by its normative structure, general applicability, and transferability across diverse contexts. The text examines the Agende’s reference dimensions – including church organization, contemporary worship culture, theological education, and ecclesial leadership – from which it derives its core functions: enabling, identity formation, quality assurance, preservation, relief, and protection. The author argues that agendaric worship should not be dismissed as outdated but recognized as a theologically grounded and liturgically proven form of ecclesial expression with continued relevance for the future of the church
Aesthetic Appeal, Rhyme, and their influence on Memorability
No full textAesthetics, despite its implications for the fields of language processing and communication, has remained largely understudied within linguistic research. This paper investigates the aesthetic appeal of rhyme and its potential influence on memory. Since existing literature suggests a correlation between aesthetic appeal and memorability, this study predicts that rhyming sequences would be rated higher in terms of aesthetic appeal and, consequently, be more memorable compared to non-rhyming sequences. To test this hypothesis, I employed a dual-task design consisting of a rating and a memory task. Participants (N=26) were presented with auditory stimuli, rhyming and non-rhyming stanzas, which they evaluated in terms of their aesthetic appeal and had to recognise in a subsequent memory test. The aesthetic rating task required participants to assess the appeal of each sequence on a Likert scale, while the memory task was designed as an item recognition task and tested their ability to recognise the stimuli rather than actively recall them. The analysis focused on recognition accuracy and the correlation between aesthetic ratings and memory performance. Contrary to the original hypothesis, the results did not demonstrate a significant difference in ratings between rhyming and non-rhyming sequences. A slight tendency to recognize rhyming schemes was observed, however, without statistical significance. These findings suggest a need for further investigation into the relationship between aesthetic appeal, rhyme and memorability
Sound symbolism in J.R.R. Tolkien’s constructed language Quenya: A pilot study
Get PDFIn inventing languages, J.R.R. Tolkien was fascinated not only by phonaesthetic pleasure (Tolkien 2023: 536) but also by sound symbolism (Tolkien 2020: 24), i.e., the fitting relationship between words’ sounds and their meaning. Tolkien felt to have been most successful in implementing these ideas in his Elven language Quenya (Tolkien 2020: 23). While recent research supports Quenya’s high aesthetic appeal (Beinhoff 2023; Mooshammer et al. 2023), few quantitative studies appear to have been published on sound symbolism in Quenya. Taking into account the role of phonaesthetics and assuming that sound symbolism may relate to semantic valence, words with positive denotations can be expected to be perceived as more aesthetically appealing than those with negative denotations. To investigate sound symbolism within Quenya, an online experiment was conducted in which 35 participants unfamiliar with Quenya rated 20 randomised audio stimuli of Quenya words with either positive or negative denotations in terms of aesthetic appeal on a 6-point Likert scale. To examine the influence of native language, approximately half the participants were German L1 speakers and half were Japanese L1 speakers. Statistical analysis using t-tests revealed that overall, words with positive denotations were rated as significantly more appealing than words with negative denotations. This contrast was present in both participant groups but more distinct in German L1 speakers than in Japanese L1 speakers. These findings suggest that Tolkien may indeed have been successful in encoding sound symbolism in Quenya by aligning phonaesthetic appeal with semantic valence. The different results across the two rater groups point to cross-linguistic differences in perceived soundmeaning associations. These results may not only contribute to the growing body of research on the reception of constructed languages but may also open new research paths in the fields of phonaesthetics and sound symbolism
Reframing Research Assessment: Towards a Comprehensive Framework for Researcher Profiles
No full textThe reform of research assessment is a top priority in the European Research Area. Recognising its crucial role in a strong Research and Innovation system, recent policies call for new approaches. Traditional methods rely heavily on publication metrics, failing to reflect the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of modern research. The CoARA Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment, which was officially opened for signature on 28 September 2022 and counted 832 signatories as of 14th, March 2025, calls for better recognition of the diversity of research contributions, outputs, and career paths, and to base research assessment primarily on qualitative evaluation supported by a responsible use of quantitative indicators. The movement for reform also calls for better acknowledgement of contributions to Open Science. This contribution presents a framework for “Researcher Profiles” under development within the Horizon Europe project GraspOS (Grant Agreement n.101095129). This service aims at supporting organisations in implementing the CoARA commitments and to offer a flexible framework for assessing researchers which values diverse practices, and prioritises comprehensive quality and societal impact of research.The reform of research assessment is a top priority in the European Research Area. Recognising its crucial role in a strong Research and Innovation system, recent policies call for new approaches. Traditional methods rely heavily on publication metrics, failing to reflect the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of modern research. The CoARA Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment, which was officially opened for signature on 28 September 2022 and counted 832 signatories as of 14th, March 2025, calls for better recognition of the diversity of research contributions, outputs, and career paths, and to base research assessment primarily on qualitative evaluation supported by a responsible use of quantitative indicators. The movement for reform also calls for better acknowledgement of contributions to Open Science. This contribution presents a framework for “Researcher Profiles” under development within the Horizon Europe project GraspOS (Grant Agreement n.101095129). This service aims at supporting organisations in implementing the CoARA commitments and to offer a flexible framework for assessing researchers which values diverse practices, and prioritises comprehensive quality and societal impact of research
The Role of Change Agent Characteristics in Research Assessment: Experiences from an Evaluation of a Research Fellowship Program in Germany
No full textResearch funders are increasingly faced with the challenge to design funding programs generating both scientific and social impact, which in turn places new demands on research assessment processes. Using an evaluation of a german research funding program targeting scientists from the Global South, this paper examines how different funding goals and selection criteria - in this case research excellence on the one hand and social or development relevance on the other - can be combined in research assessment and to what extent change agent qualities of the applying researchers can be integrated into the assessment process in order to increase the chances for social impact. Drawing on interviews, a survey of funded researchers as well as a survey of a control group of non-funded scientists the study shows that funded researchers indeed, have much stronger change agent attitudes than scientists in the non-funded control group. Differences with regard to concrete change agent actions, on the other hand, cannot be determined. All in all, change agent characteristics represent a promising element for research assessment procedures, but the selection criterion suffers from an insufficient definition and conception, especially for the science sector.Research funders are increasingly faced with the challenge to design funding programs generating both scientific and social impact, which in turn places new demands on research assessment processes. Using an evaluation of a german research funding program targeting scientists from the Global South, this paper examines how different funding goals and selection criteria - in this case research excellence on the one hand and social or development relevance on the other - can be combined in research assessment and to what extent change agent qualities of the applying researchers can be integrated into the assessment process in order to increase the chances for social impact. Drawing on interviews, a survey of funded researchers as well as a survey of a control group of non-funded scientists the study shows that funded researchers indeed, have much stronger change agent attitudes than scientists in the non-funded control group. Differences with regard to concrete change agent actions, on the other hand, cannot be determined. All in all, change agent characteristics represent a promising element for research assessment procedures, but the selection criterion suffers from an insufficient definition and conception, especially for the science sector
Evaluating Transformative Innovation Policy Instruments: The Example of the Austrian Programme for the Promotion of Female Researchers “Innovatorinnen”
No full textThis paper focuses on the evaluation of transformative innovation policy (TIP) instruments through the case of the Austrian programme INNOVATORINNEN which promotes women in applied research and innovation. To contextualise the empirical analysis, the paper reviews the evolution of innovation policy, focusing on instruments designed to support female researchers and advance gender equality in Austria, as well as their evaluations. The analysis positions INNOVATORINNEN as a transformative innovation policy instrument.
Using deductive content analysis, the evaluation concept and practice of the INNOVATORINNEN programme are assessed against the requirements for TIP evaluations outlined in recent literature. Key aspects examined include evaluation strategy, the role of evaluation, theory of change, and methodology. The findings reveal a strong alignment between the programme’s evaluation and TIP evaluation criteria, particularly in fostering programme learning, reflection, and evidence-based development. Notably, the evaluation incorporates content-oriented, co-creative processes that actively engage programme participants and programme owners, resulting in a “knowledge-triangle” driving the continuous improvement of the programme. The paper concludes by reflecting on key lessons from the evaluation process emphasizing the importance of openness, flexibility, a willingness to learn, trust and mutual respect among all involved parties
Evaluating “Learning and Experimental Spaces”: When a Traditional Approach Reaches Its Limits
No full textThe paper reflects on the evaluation of a case study that seeks innovative solutions for digital transformation. In particular, it discusses the tension between traditional evaluation approaches and new perspectives on the funding process in general, the used methods and the changing role of the evaluator. The subject of the evaluation is the funding guideline of the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs: “Sustainable companies and administrations in digital change”. The Learning and experimental spaces (LES) funding instrument supports small and medium-sized enterprises in developing innovative, tailor-made and consensual solutions for employees and companies in the digital transformation. These solutions must also be supported by social partnerships. The several LES should be of a fundamentally exemplary nature and transfer to further innovative solutions. Funding was provided for 17 LES in the first funding round (starting 2018) and a further 11 LES with focus on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the second funding round (starting 2020). The duration of each funded project was about three years. Each individual project was evaluated externally and additionally subjected to an overall evaluation by the Federal University of Applied Administrative Sciences (HS Bund), which included all projects of the respective funding round. The paper first provides a theoretical framework for the background of the funding guideline. The second part presents the LES funding guideline and its evaluation, including some project examples. Then we describe and discuss the evaluation process, using five factors to compare traditional evaluation approaches and new perspectives on the funding process and the changing role of the evaluator before we end with our conclusion
Unveiling Innovation: Using Innovation Biographies in Evaluation Practice – A Reflection
No full textA wide range of RTI funding measures are implemented at regional level in European Structural and Investment Funds programmes. During the 2014- 2020 funding period, the Berlin European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme included direct funding for R&D projects by companies conducted in collaboration with research institutions, support for innovative start-ups through venture capital funds as well as the establishment of application labs and validation centres at research institutes and universities. A multi-year, accompanying evaluation (2016-2024) was conducted on behalf of the Berlin Managing Authority for the ERDF programme.
In this evaluation, the use of innovation biographies represented a novel approach. This new research approach allowed the reproduction and analysis of the entire process of knowledge generation and application in specific innovation processes of companies, universities, and non-university research institutions. A total of 23 innovation biographies were created and analysed in a joint manner in accordance with the impact pathways of the theory of change.
From the perspective of a policy maker, the results of this analysis demonstrate the interplay between various funding measures and the influence of external factors on innovation processes. The innovation biographies present an authentic portrayal of the extended periods of time required for the outcomes of funding to be realised.
The contribution presents insights gained through the utilisation of this qualitative approach in evaluation with illustrative examples. This method is particularly suited to map the complexity of innovation processes at the micro level. Consequently, the paper contributes to the advancement of R&I policy evaluation frameworks and methods