Al-Kindi Center for Research and Development (KCRD) (E-Journals)
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(Un)translatability of Yemeni (Ibbi) Zawaamil and Ballads into English: Ibb University Students as a Case Study
No full textThis paper aims to study (un)translatability in the Yemeni (Ibbi) context, utilizing culture-based texts, specifically zawaamil and ballads, and examining whether they can be translated into English. The study involves 19 Ibb University MA English students. It aims at investigating the extent to which the discourse of these texts is translatable into English. The study thus identifies the difficulties encountered by these students while translating such texts, and hence, suggesting possible strategies and solutions to overcome such difficulties. It employs a mixed-method approach utilizing descriptive and empirical methods, using the questionnaire as an instrument. The findings indicate that linguistic and conceptual difficulties are highly encountered in translating zawaamil and ballads followed by cultural and discourse difficulties and the lowest difficulties are those related to psychological problems. The study concludes that while translatability exists, untranslatability does not, and that this study contributes to the ongoing trend in this regard
Culture through songs: Excavating indigenous Basotho knowledge in songs in Sannere’s Pha-Badimo
No full textFor the Basotho people songs are not just art. They are also vital mechanisms through which culture is transmitted. Additionally, writing is a fairly new phenomenon and means of information communication for them. Prior to writing being introduced, oral forms of literature were the main ways through which cultural transference, teaching, learning, and overall information communication took place. The introduction of writing among the Basotho did not replace orature. It only supplemented it as culture is still transmitted orally through methods that include songs, and lessons are still taught through oral forms of literature. In order to demonstrate the role played by songs in cultural transmission, this research excavates indigenous Basotho knowledge that is embedded in Sannere’s (2024) extended play titled Pha-Balimo. In it, the artist explored themes including monogenesis, circular time, a cyclical life journey, balimo, as well as cornerstones of the Basotho people’s societies including proverbs, clan names, myths, and dreams. This research builds on the transdisciplinary work of Phafoli and Khotso (2020) on Sesotho songs. Due to the research being centred on songs, the cultural transmission through music approach was employed
Why Do Chinese Speakers Prefer the Word ‘Shang’ (Harm)？ Exploring the Semantic Motivations Underlying Nativelike Selections
No full textThis study challenges the assumption that nativelike selections—linguistic expressions preferred by native speakers over grammatical alternatives—are inherently arbitrary. Focusing on Chinese speakers’ preference for shang ‘harm’ in bu shang shou ‘not harm hands’ to praise dish soaps’ skin-friendliness, we reveal the semantic motivation that drives this lexical choice. This semantic motivation is rooted in shang’s pragmatic nuance, specifically its prototype of “self-care suggestions for everyday life”. The findings support the hypothesis that a concept is more readily expressed by a certain linguistic expression whose prototype aligns with that concept
AI Translation of the Gaza-Israel War Terminology
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of translation equivalents given by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the Gaza-Israel War terminology and their semantic, syntactic, contextual, and orthographic inaccuracies’ and the translation strategies used by both,. A sample of 250 English and Arabic 2023-2024 Gaza-Israel War terminology that included names of cities, refugee camps, crossing, settlements, leaders, Palestinian Jihadist groups, war nicknames, brigades, Gaza hospitals, humanitarian organizations, military ranks, weapons, military operations and metaphors was collected from mainstream media. The terms were translated via two artificial intelligence (AI) systems: Microsoft Copilot (MC) and Google Translate (GT). Analysis of the translations yielded by MC and GT showed identical correct equivalents to 48% of the terms (Al-Yassin shell قذيفة الياسين & air power القوة الجوية). Both gave correct equivalents with a different wording and different word orders as غزو بري (MC) & التوغل البري (GT) for ground incursion; تحشيد عسكري ( MC) & التعبئة العسكرية (GT) for military mobilization. MC gave more accurate equivalents than GT (29% & 23% respectively). MC and GT gave correct equivalents to 58% of the Arabic items and 38% of the English items. For some terms, MC gave an explanatory equivalent as قاذفة صواريخ متعددة الأغراض for RPG, whereas GT gave ار بي جي which is commonly used by Arabic media. Both made contextual errors as ملاط الياسين (GT) for Al-Yassin mortar; فجر اليوم (MC) for Breaking Dawn. For carpet bombing, MC gave قصف السجاد & GT gave تفجير السجاد which have semantic and syntactic errors. GT gave extraneous translations for chief of staff رئيس العمال & mortar مونة الاسمنت; MC gave وسائل الإعلام الكورية for Samsung media. Both gave equivalents with faulty word order as نظام ذو مدى أطول (MC) and نظام أبعد مدى (GT) for long-range system. GT gave definite equivalents to 20% of the terms (الفجر-5). Some equivalents have orthographic variations as (هاغانا (MC), الهاجاناه (GT), حنيبعل (MC), هانيبال (GT). MC transliterated rocket arsenal أرسنال صواريخ & Sofa bush صوفا بوش. Detailed results recommendations for translation pedagogy and for improving the quality of AI translation are given
A Literature Review of News Discourse from Different Theoretical Perspectives
No full textThis study reviews the literature on news discourses from the perspectives of theoretical frameworks as explored by scholars both domestically and internationally. The study reveals that scholars have predominantly utilized theories of transitivity, appraisal, modality systems, and discourse-historical approaches to investigate news discourse. Through literature review, it is believed that future research can further explore the theories of news discourse and strengthen the study of news discourse practices.  
The Intercultural Dynamics of Persuasion: A Translation Studies Perspective on Jordanian Academic Discourse
No full textThis study investigates the persuasive strategies employed by Jordanian interlocutors within an academic setting, utilizing Aristotle\u27s rhetorical triangle—ethos (credibility), logos (logic), and pathos (emotion)—as a framework for analysis. Data was collected through observation and memo-writing, allowing in-situ analysis of naturally occurring interactions between students and professors. The study reveals that distinct preferences emerge when students and professors employ all three rhetorical appeals. Professors tend to favor logos-driven strategies, emphasizing logical reasoning and evidence-based arguments. Students, conversely, lean towards pathos-driven approaches, appealing to emotions and shared experiences to achieve their persuasive goals. Furthermore, this research incorporates a translation studies perspective, recognizing that academic discourse in Jordan often involves navigating multiple languages and cultural contexts. This highlights how language can become a persuasion tool, adding complexity to the interplay of rhetorical strategies and cross-cultural communication. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how cultural context shapes persuasive communication within academic settings, while also offering insights into the dynamics of rhetoric and translation in multilingual environments. Future research could explore the specific linguistic strategies employed within each rhetorical appeal and further investigate the interplay between cultural background and the interpretation of persuasive language. This research has pedagogical implications for enhancing communication skills in academic settings, particularly in multilingual and cross-cultural contexts
Effectiveness of a Virtual Laboratory and E-Tandem Learning to Develop King Khalid University’s Students’ Grammaring Skills
No full textThis study investigates the impact of using virtual laboratory and e-tandem learning to promote grammar skills among King Khalid University students studying an intensive English course. The study is based on a quantitative approach and uses pre-test and post-test design in the form of oral tests to collect data. The study found that most KKU students use virtual laboratories, but few communicate with other people worldwide to practice English. It also shows reasonable progress in grammaring skills in form and meaning. However, the use is not performed appropriately due to various cultural and linguistic actors’ studies recommending that grammar be taught as a tool rather than an object. Thus, it should be taught functionally with consideration of use. Moreover, students should be encouraged to use social media to communicate with people worldwide and practice English
The Handmaid’s Tale: Adaptation from Novel to Film and the Divergence in Conveyed Messages
No full textThis article examines the extent to which the film adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale (1990) preserves the core message of Margaret Atwood’s novel, despite significant changes and omissions. As a seminal work of dystopian fiction, The Handmaid’s Tale delivers a powerful critique of patriarchal oppression and authoritarian control. This study employs a comparative analysis to investigate key discrepancies between the novel and the film, focusing on excluded elements, plot restructuring and thematic shifts. By scrutinizing these modifications, the article demonstrates how the film diminishes the novel’s emotional intensity and critical perspective, ultimately distorting its intended impact. The findings suggest that the adaptation’s alterations result in a less detailed representation of gender, power and resistance, which weakens the novel’s engagement with sociopolitical issues. This study contributes to larger discussions on the fidelity of literary adaptations and their influence on audience interpretation of politically charged narratives
Common Mistakes EFL Learners Make When Using Idiomatic Expressions: A Case Study of Saudi Tertiary Level EFL Learners
No full textThis study examines EFL learners\u27 blunders and difficulties with English idioms. The study emphasizes the role of idiomatic expressions in EFL learners\u27 communication and cross-cultural understanding. Researchers have adopted the analytical research method; data was gathered through a questionnaire which was distributed to a random sample 65 EFL learners from different Saudi universities. Data was interpreted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and reported as a percentage. The study indicated that EFL learners misuse English idioms by choosing literal interpretations or employing them out of context. Cultural variations, limited exposure, lack of context, and trouble understanding figurative meaning also make English idioms challenging for EFL learners. The study found that explicit instruction, cultural context, background information, authentic language use, multimedia resources, and a practice context improve EFL learners\u27 English idiomatic expressions. Idioms\u27 literal meanings can also help language students remember them. This study recommends explicit instruction, cultural context, and background information to help Saudi EFL learners understand idioms, authentic language use, multimedia resources, and context
The Impact of Job Satisfaction and Transformational Leadership on Turnover Intention of Front-End Employees at PT.XYZ
No full textIn an era of increasingly fierce and dynamic business competition, a strong drive and effort are needed to achieve success to become a winner in business competition. In the process, several factors cannot be separated, there is the human resource factor. Companies must improve the quality of human resources but also maintains the quantity of human resources supply ti maintain the stability of company’s performance. One of the obstacles that a company experiences difficulties or obstacles in the process of running its business is the high turnover rate within a company. Therefore, companies need to think about strategies to retain employees who have high-quality of performance and know what factors influence employees\u27 intentions to leave the company. The purpose of this study is to determine the description of Job Satisfaction, description of Transformational Leadership and the description of Turnover Intention in Front End Employees at PT. XYZ, as well as a description of the effect of Job Satisfaction on Turnover Intention and a description of the effect of Transformational Leadership on Turnover Intention in Front End employees at PT. XYZ. in Indonesia. This research method was conducted with quantitative research - causality, with the population of Front-End permanent and contract employees at PT. XYZ with a minimum 3-month service period. This study uses data collection techniques through a questionnaire consisting of 41 questions regarding the variables studied and the number of samples determined by Slovin\u27s formula of 178 respondents where the sample determination uses a Proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The data analysis technique uses Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique using SmartPLS software version 3.2.8. The results of hypothesis testing state that Job satisfaction (-0.246) and Transformational Leadership (-0.562) have a significant influence and have a negative effect on Turnover Intention. This highlights the importance of conducting a thorough review of company policies and strategies related to Job Satisfaction and the implementation of Transformational Leadership to reduce Turnover Intention of Front-End employees at PT.XYZ