Masaryk University Journals / Časopisy Masarykovy univerzity
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Humour as a multifunctional strategy to communicate propositional meanings in sitcom discourse : a relevance-theoretic account
No full textThis paper views humour as a conversational strategy, whose potential is to serve a number of different, sometimes divergent, goals simultaneously. It will be demonstrated that the sole purpose of humour rarely lies in amusing the audience. Drawing upon the relevance-theoretic view on communication, the objective of the paper is to report on research into a variety of functions that a conversationalist may possibly attain by dint of a humorous episode in sitcom. On the relevance-theoretic approach, it is assumed that the meaning communicated by the speaker can range from fully determinate to less determinate. It will be shown that whilst the former meaning has to do with the recovery of humorous intention, the latter is related to non-humorous functional information. Overall, the paper shows that the functions served by humour can be grouped into the categories of affiliation, aggression or cognitive benefits
Lara Croft as a spiritual seeker : religious and spiritual motifs in the Tomb Raider transmedia universe
No full textIn this article, I offer a concise survey of the religious/spiritual motifs identifiable in Tomb Raider. Based on hermeneutics and discursive analysis applied mainly (but not exclusively) to the main game series, I identify a marked influence of both Western Esotericism (in the case of the older games) and Alternative Spirituality (especially in the case of the Survivor Trilogy). Furthermore, there is enough ground to interpret Lara Croft as a spiritual seeker rather than an archaeologist
Fear of missing out mediates the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and problematic smartphone use severity
No full textDespite the widespread use of smartphones, not all users develop problematic use. Understanding the pathways that lead from healthy to Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU) is essential for uncovering underlying mechanisms and informing effective prevention strategies. Building on theoretical models of PSU, this study explores a maladaptive regulatory-focused pathway linking Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) to PSU through Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) as a mediator. Although previous research has linked IU, FoMO, and PSU in pairs, few studies have examined these constructs simultaneously within a unified explanatory framework. By integrating them into a theoretically grounded mediation model, this study offers a more comprehensive understanding of psychological mechanisms that may underlie PSU. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with 343 U.S. undergraduate students, recruited through a university research pool in exchange for course credit. Participants completed self-report measures of IU, FoMO, and PSU. Using structural equation modeling, we examined a mediation model incorporating latent variables for IU, FoMO, and PSU, assessing both direct and indirect effects of IU on PSU through FoMO. Results indicated that IU showed a positive association with FoMO, which was further associated with elevated PSU levels. The direct association between IU and PSU was non-significant. These findings support theoretical models positing that personal predispositions, such as IU, contribute to PSU through Internet-related cognitive biases like FoMO. Preventive initiatives should focus on raising awareness about the adverse effects of IU and FoMO on PSU and promoting strategies to effectively manage IU and FoMO, potentially reducing the risk of PSU
Adjustment Issues of International Students in the Czech Republic: Prevailing Social Conditions and Financial Challenges
Get PDFThe inflow of international students into the Czech Republic has significantly increased over the past decade, contributing to the country's cultural diversity and academic richness. However, these students experience various forms of challenges as they adjust to life in a new environment. This paper explores the adjustment experiences of international students in the Czech Republic, focusing on roles of financial stability, the prevailing social conditions in their adjustment and inclination to complete the study abroad programme. The study uses a mixed research method to gather and analyse data gotten from 112 international students from the Masaryk University in the Czech Republic. 102 of these participants provided data through a survey via a questionnaire which was analysed, while 10 students provided data via interviews carried out with the use of the Zoom application. From the results of this study, the study will explore the role of universities and the Czech society in facilitating the adjustment process of international students
Religionistický výzkum na Mauriciu a jeho současný (de)koloniální rozměr : rozhovor s Evou Kundtovou Klocovou z LEVYNA
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Editorial: The many strands of research on new media and democracy
No full textEditorial: The many strands of research on new media and democrac
Editorial: An increase in published articles and special issues
No full textEditorial: An increase in published articles and special issue
Editorial: Would you like to be cited more? Write about social networking sites
No full textEditorial: Would you like to be cited more? Write about social networking site