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Pragmatic Competence in Saudi EFL Learners: Challenges, Consequences, and Strategies for Overcoming Barriers
Get PDFThis article critically explores the challenges Saudi learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) face in developing pragmatic competence. Despite the pivotal role pragmatic skills play in facilitating effective communication, Saudi EFL learners frequently struggle with the nuances of English pragmatics, leading to miscommunication and social misunderstandings. The article is organized around three key areas of inquiry: the factors contributing to these pragmatic difficulties, the broader consequences of inadequate pragmatic competence, and practical strategies for overcoming these challenges. Major contributing factors include limited exposure to authentic language usage, cultural divergences in communication styles, pragmatic transfer from Arabic to English, and an EFL pedagogy that prioritizes linguistic accuracy over pragmatic awareness. The repercussions of insufficient pragmatic competence extend beyond communication, affecting learners’ academic performance, professional prospects, and social integration. In response, the article advocates for the incorporation of explicit pragmatic instruction into the curriculum, the creation of opportunities for authentic communicative practice, and the inclusion of culturally relevant contexts to foster greater intercultural sensitivity. By equipping Saudi EFL learners to navigate the intricacies of English pragmatics more effectively, this study seeks to enhance their overall communicative proficiency and intercultural competence, while contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of pragmatic development in specific sociocultural contexts
An Analysis of the Aesthetic of Imaginative Space in Sculpture
Get PDFSculpture is a form of art with diverse expressions, and the concept of space in sculpture has become increasingly complex, gaining significant attention from artists. Artists are no longer solely focused on the simple expression of shapes and the relationships between forms; they now seek spiritual elevation through the space in sculpture. In the field of sculpture creation, the expression of imaginative space has gradually become one of the most important factors. Many sculptors, both domestic and international, make full use of imaginative space to enrich and perfect the language of sculpture. By cleverly utilizing imaginative space, the meaning and depth of sculpture can be enhanced. Understanding the concept of imaginative space, learning from the perspectives and practices of artists in this regard, and both inheriting and innovating are essential. Starting from the characteristics of imaginative space, artists should inherit and innovate in their understanding and use of space, incorporating space appropriately into their own sculpture creations. Recognizing and exploring the imaginative space of sculpture, appreciating the dynamic changes of this space, and experiencing its unexpected outward expansion force, absorbing power, and unique sense of mystery are important aspects. Understanding the role and effect of space in sculpture creation helps artists appreciate its significance. Imaginative space, as an essential component of sculptural space, is indispensable in the creative process. Only through conscious and intentional use can one explore the greater potential of sculpture creation
Reconstructing Cultural Identity via Paratexts: A Case Study of the English Translation of The Great Ming Code
Get PDFNegotiations of cultural identity take place not merely within cross-cultural communication endeavors, but also in the realm of translational acts. The recognition that the translation process encompasses both two linguistic systems and two distinct cultural traditions underscores the significance of translation as a pivotal tool for fostering cross-cultural understanding and communication. This study, drawing on paratexts theory, investigates how the translator has reconstructed aspects of Chinese legal culture in the English translation of The Great Ming Code. It further highlights the pivotal role of translation in fostering intercultural dialogue, with a specific emphasis on how the translation of Chinese legal classics facilitates the reshaping of Chinese national and cultural identity within the broader framework of globalization
Factors Affecting Elder Generation’ Satisfaction With Smart Care in China
Get PDFThe process of digital modernization in the area of smart care, driven by smart care, has produced tremendous respect and better life for elders throughout the world. In an environment where the population is getting older, elder care has drawn social attention in China. Encouraging the elderly to engage with the smart care system and live improved quality of life have become social priority. We aimed to analyse the needs of elder generation in care and to explore the factors affecting elder generation’s satisfaction with smart care in China. It conducted a quantitative study of 114 respondents’ satisfaction with smart care by using a survey method. The results show that smart care has attracted increasing attention among the elder generation in the past few years. The focus of the thesis is about issues and analysis of shift concerning elders’ satisfaction with smart care. The results of the study fill the gap that was identified. Therefore, according to the research results, changes can be made in robot design, age-friendly interaction, data monitoring, reliability, easy operation and reaction time to meet the needs and expectations of care for the elder generation
Optimizing Prompt Engineering in Translation Practice: A Comparative Study of ChatGPT-4.0 and ChatGPT-4.o Mini
Get PDFRecent advancements in natural language processing (NLP) have introduced large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT-4.0 and its smaller variant, ChatGPT-4o mini, which are increasingly utilized in machine-aided translation (MT). This study investigates the critical role of prompt engineering in enhancing translation quality using these models. By conducting a systematic comparison between ChatGPT-4.0 and ChatGPT-4o mini, we examine how different prompt designs influence translation accuracy and fluency across various text types. Through rigorous literature review, empirical analysis, and comprehensive sample evaluation, this research provides an in-depth assessment of how prompt engineering affects translation outputs. The findings offer practical recommendations for improving translation practices and set the stage for future research in this evolving domain
The Problems of Morality and Justice in J. M. Coetzee’s Waiting for the Barbarians
Get PDFIn its explorations of Waiting for the Barbarians, this paper examines the novel’s preoccupations with problems of morality and justice. To this end, this study employs Jacques Derrida’s view of justice and Friedrich Nietzsche’s perception of morality as a framework for understanding the portrayal of the problems of these concepts. This present paper also seeks to illustrate how the pursuit of justice and morality is futile and impossible in the novel. It also probes the extent to which the Magistrate is an accomplice in the wrongdoing of the Empire although he embarks upon a quixotic quest to restore a sense of justice and morality. This study throws light on how the Magistrate gets embroiled in a double bind between his position as a responsible official in the service of the Empire and his fervor for doing what is morally right.
Research on “3+2” Joint Training Program of Business English Major Between Higher Vocational Education and Applied Undergraduate Education
Get PDFTo actively respond to a set of national guidelines on promoting the high-quality development of modern vocational education released by Chinese government, Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU) has been carrying out a pilot project of＂3+2＂joint training program with South China Normal University (SCNU) since 2019. This joint training program has cultivated a batch of high-quality practical talents for the companies in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Simultaneously, a complete roadmap of talent cultivation has been constructed from Higher Vocational Education to Applied Undergraduate Education, Technical Professional Master of Education, and Technical Professional Doctoral Education. This pilot program has been providing practical experience and solid support for launching vocational education at the undergraduate level in Applied English Majors across China.
Mapping the Listening Test of the Jiangsu Senior High School Entrance Examination onto the CSE
Get PDFAs the first comprehensive English proficiency scale for English learners in China, China’s Standards of English Language Ability (CSE) aims to provide a transparent and consistent set of standards of English proficiency to enhance the communication between English teaching, learning and testing. It plays a significant role in promoting the cohesion of various learning stages and improving quality of examinations. This study examines the consistency between listening tests of the senior high school entrance examination (Zhongkao) in Jiangsu Province, China and the CSE Listening Scale with an aim to understand whether the educational outcomes are reflective of the nationally recognized proficiency standards and provide insights to inspire more effective cultivation of the English listening ability.Through the analysis of sample listening papers and scripts from 2019 to 2023 by using the CSE Listening Scale descriptors as the main framework, the findings showed that Jiangsu Zongkao listening tests had a high consistency with the CSE Listening Scale in terms of diverse text types, familiar topics, appropriate proportion of new words and reasonable range of subskills tested. Discrepancy was also identified in the speech rate of the sampled tests, which was much higher than the requirements of CSE. Suggestions were made for junior high school English listening teaching and assessment. First, teachers should develop better understanding of the CSE Listening Scale and integrate it in everyday practice. Second, teachers should provide ample resources and support to expose students to different listening input. Last, teachers should also focus on cultivating students’ independent learning ability and diversifying their listening learning strategies in their daily life
Politeness Strategies and Power Dynamics in Interactions Between Characters in Ama Ata Aidoo’s Anowa
Get PDFThis study examines the portrayal of politeness strategies, specifically positive, negative, and off-record politeness, in Ama Ata Aidoo’s play, Anowa. The study aims to bridge the gap in existing literature by exploring how linguistic strategies are utilized to explore power dynamics, gender roles, and societal expectations within African communities depicted in the play. Through a qualitative analysis of selected excerpts, the study employs a thematic approach to identify instances of positive, negative, and off-record politeness employed by characters and the narrator. Findings reveal a complex relationship of politeness strategies, with characters employing various linguistic techniques to assert authority, reinforce traditional gender norms, and negotiate interpersonal relationships. Positive politeness strategies, such as expressions of camaraderie and solidarity, are often used to establish rapport and build connections between characters. Conversely, negative politeness strategies, characterized by deference and indirectness, are employed to mitigate threats to face and autonomy. Off-record politeness allows characters to convey their intentions indirectly, providing a means to explore sensitive topics or assert power subtly. The study emphasises the importance of linguistic strategies in shaping interpersonal interactions and social hierarchies within the cultural context depicted in Anowa, shedding light on power dynamics and gender relations in postcolonial African society
From Oral Epic to Novel, Stage Play to Film and Teleplay: A Study on the Cross-Media Narrative Effects of the Tibetan Heroic Epic Gesar
Get PDFThe Tibetan epic Gesar is a shining pearl in Tibetan culture. From oral epic to novel, stage play to film and teleplay, its unique cross-media narrative effects make this ancient cultural heritage in the modern society full of new vitality. This article analyzes Gesar from the perspective of cross-media narration, and concludes the effects of different text narration on charm and limitation, innovation and development, complementarity and fusion, and cultural significance. Gesar’s cross-media narrative mode shows its unique charm and depth. Through the clever combination of text, image and audio and other media, Gesar’s heroic image and the essence of Tibetan culture are successfully transmitted to the vast audience. This narrative mode not only enriched the expression of the story, but also made Gesar’s wisdom, bravery and kindness fully displayed and deeply rooted in the people’s hearts