Al-Kindi Center for Research and Development (KCRD) (E-Journals)
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Mapping the Moves: Genre Analysis of Saudi EFL Students\u27 Argumentative Essays
No full textArgumentative writing poses significant challenges for EFL learners, particularly in contexts with limited exposure to academic English conventions. This study investigates the rhetorical move-step structures in 30 argumentative essays written by Saudi female EFL students, using Hyland’s (1990) genre-based model as the analytical framework. The findings reveal that while students consistently incorporated the three main stages of argumentative writing—Thesis, Argument, and Conclusion—there were notable variations in their use of both obligatory and optional moves. For example, the Information move, although optional in Hyland’s model, appeared in nearly all essays, suggesting its perceived necessity among learners. Conversely, persuasive strategies such as the Gambit move were underutilized. The study also highlights areas of structural weakness, particularly in the conclusion stage, and suggests pedagogical interventions to enhance students’ genre awareness. The results offer practical implications for EFL writing instruction, emphasizing the value of explicit genre-based teaching in improving learners’ academic writing proficiency
A Corpus-Based Multidimensional Analysis of Linguistic Features between Human-Authored and ChatGPT-Generated Compositions
No full textThis study presents a corpus-based multidimensional comparative analysis of linguistic features in human-authored and ChatGPT-generated English compositions, with a focus on four core dimensions: lexical difficulty, syntactic complexity, textual cohesion, and error patterns. A total of 120 compositions were analyzed—60 produced by ChatGPT-4 and 60 authored by Chinese L2 English learners from the Ten-thousand English Compositions of Chinese Learners corpus—equally distributed across three educational proficiency levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Quantitative analyses indicate that human-authored compositions exhibit a progressive increase in lexical complexity aligned with educational advancement, while ChatGPT-generated texts demonstrate limited differentiation between primary and secondary levels, followed by a sharp lexical elevation at the tertiary level. This pattern suggests an algorithmic reliance on generalized discourse rather than sensitivity to developmental variation. In terms of syntactic complexity, ChatGPT consistently produces structurally uniform texts with high usage of subordinate clauses and logical subordination, whereas human writing displays greater contextual flexibility, albeit with occasional simplification. Regarding textual cohesion, ChatGPT-generated compositions—particularly at the tertiary level—rely heavily on overt logical connectors and referential markers, resulting in structurally coherent but stylistically formulaic discourse. In contrast, human-authored texts, while sometimes lacking explicit cohesion markers, employ more nuanced devices such as collocations and implicit semantic links. Error analysis reveals a near absence of grammatical, lexical, and orthographic errors in ChatGPT outputs, contrasting with the relatively high error frequency in human compositions, especially at lower proficiency levels. These findings highlight ChatGPT’s strengths in producing grammatically accurate and syntactically complex texts, yet also underscore its limitations in mimicking authentic learner development and stylistic variability. The study concludes that while generative AI can serve as an effective auxiliary tool in L2 writing instruction, its pedagogical integration should be carefully calibrated to avoid undermining learners’ development of rhetorical sensitivity, authorial voice, and context-appropriate expression
The Evolving Role of Human Translators in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Perceptions, Challenges, and Adaptation Strategies
No full textThe rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in translation has drastically altered the profession, with machine translation (MT) and neural machine translation (NMT) introducing automation and efficiency. While AI brings benefits such as increased productivity and cost reduction, it raises significant concerns among translators regarding job displacement, ethical risks, and the devaluation of human translation. This study aims to explore the perceptions of translators, educators, and students about the impact of AI on their translation profession, addressing concerns and suggesting strategies for adapting to the AI-driven landscape. Using a qualitative method (semi-structured interviews), the research gathered insights into how translators perceive the evolving nature of their roles, the challenges they face, and their recommendations for skill development and adaptation. Findings indicate that AI has enhanced efficiency in translation work, particularly in technical, legal, and research-based translations, shifting translators’ roles toward editing and post-editing AI-generated drafts. Tools like MemoQWeb help maintain consistency through translation memories and term bases. However, AI struggles with literary and cultural translations due to figurative language and cultural nuances, and ethical concerns such as data privacy and translator deskilling remain pressing. Translators emphasize the need for skill development in AI-assisted workflows to balance automation with human expertise. This study contributes to the growing discourse on AI in translation by providing empirical insights into how translators navigate AI-driven changes, the skills required for adaptation, and the ethical challenges they face. It highlights the importance of integrating AI literacy into translator education and professional development, offering strategies for leveraging AI while preserving human creativity and linguistic accuracy
The Degree of Success of the Educational Loss Plan and the Obstacles to their Implementation from the Point of View of Science Teachers
No full textThe study aimed to determine the degree of success of the educational loss plan and the Impediments to its implementation from the point of a science teacher’s view. The study followed the descriptive-survey method, the study sample Included (79) science teachers for the basic stage in (Marka) district in Jordan. The study tool was a questionnaire consisting of two parts, the first to determine the degree of success of the plan, and it consisted of (27) items. The second section reveals the Impediments facing science teachers in applying the plan, and it consists of (15) paragraphs, the results showed that the degree of success of the plan and the Impediments to their implementation was moderate. The results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in the degree of success of the plan and the Impediments to their implementation due to the variables of “gender and experience”. The study recommends the need to provide training courses and programs that increase teachers’ skills to deal with the plan based on basic skills
A Case Study of Separatist Movement in Thailand: South Thailand Insurgency
No full textThailand is a nation deeply steeped in Buddhist traditions and has endured protracted separatist disturbances, predominantly in the southern region, orchestrated by certain Malay Muslim factions. The turmoil is concentrated within the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. Insurgent elements have perpetrated a significant number of violent incidents, particularly in the year 2004. During this period, the separatist unrest resulted in the loss of nearly 7,000 lives
The Effectiveness of Language Games in Teaching Vocabulary to Non-Native Arabic Learners from the Perspective of King Abdulaziz University Faculty Members
No full textThis study examines the effectiveness of using language games in teaching vocabulary to non-native Arabic learners from the perspective of faculty members at King Abdulaziz University. Many studies indicate that vocabulary is a key element in achieving language proficiency, and in order to develop non-native learners’ communication skills, it is essential to expand their vocabulary reservoir and motivate them to activate it in appropriate contexts. However, this needs creative teaching strategies that can capture learners’ attention and ensure their involvement in the learning process. “Language Games” is one of the strategies used to teach vocabulary by incorporating interactive activities into lessons to engage the learners and increase their learning ability. The present study aims to explore the learning strategies used in teaching vocabulary by faculty members of the Arabic Language Institute for Speaker of other Languages, at King Abdulaziz University. It also seeks to identify the strategies they prefer and those they avoid, investigate their use of language games, and the challenges facing implementing them in their classes, as well as their suggestions to overcome these challenges. In order to do so, the study interviews six faculty members of the Arabic Language Institute, employing qualitative analysis method to analyze the data. The results of the analysis show that members of the study sample use diverse strategies in employing “Language Games” to teach vocabulary in their classes and have different views on the assessment of this teaching strategy. They also reveal the presence of numerous serious challenges facing implementing it in language classes and suggest ways to overcome them
The Impact of Destination Attributes on Perceived Value of Tourists: The Case of Kien Luong District, Kien Giang Province
No full textDestination attributes and perceived value are key concepts in tourism research and practice. Studying the relationship between these two constructs can provide valuable insights for both academics and tourism managers. However, there is still limited empirical evidence in this research area. To analyze the impact of destination attributes on perceived value, this study was conducted in Kien Luong District, Vietnam. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 120 respondents. Through reliability testing of the measurement scale, exploratory factor analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis, it was found that perceived value is influenced by various factors in decreasing order of intensity: attractions, people, environment, cost, facilities, and accessibility. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of the relationship between destination attributes and perceived value and provides practical implications for destination management
Gelato and Gelato Entrepreneurship in Bangkok, Thailand – Food, Fashion or just Happiness?
No full textThis is a study at many levels of very current and seemingly expansive gelato entrepreneurship in Bangkok. Thailand is a country of many waves of food importation over the years. Countries of origin perhaps most obviously include Portugal and China, but also Italy. This study particularly focuses on the motivations and attitudes of current gelato entrepreneurs, especially in the early years of their businesses at and shortly after start-up. All started the businesses they run. However, the study had a further aim, to place gelato culturally in contemporary Bangkok society. Is its currency part of what cultural anthropologists label a culture “vibe”, culturally highly on-trend and what associations might that bring with other product categories? Out of such a mixture of aims came the simple research questions of 1. What are the attitudes and motivations of entrepreneurs within the contemporary gelato Industry of Bangkok, Thailand. 2. What sense do entrepreneurs within the contemporary gelato industry of Bangkok have of the place of their businesses in broader contemporary lifestyles and culture of the city and of the history of food in Thailand. These were to be researched in greater Bangkok, through qualitative inquiry, mainly based on formal semi-structured interviews of gelato business owners but also including observation and lengthy informal discussion with owners. The research revealed that the entrepreneurs were very much aligned with descriptors of artisanal entrepreneurship, such as lack of concern to maximise income or profit and a positive concern to educate customers. Relative to seeing their product and themselves as placed within contemporary society there was only a vague sense of being culturally and commercially on-trend and that as part of their choosing gelato entrepreneurship. However, when specific connections were mentioned, the strongest responses appeared lukewarm, and referring to the generality of social media as a necessary presence for start-up and young businesses at this time
Co-existence of Sickle Hepatopathy with Autoimmune Hepatitis: More than a Coincidence – A Case Report
No full textSickle Cell Hepatopathy is a multifactorial liver disease that can have an impact on half of patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), with a cryptic and puzzling connection appearing to be associating Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) with Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH), repeatedly yielding diagnostic neglect and delay, bringing about disastrous consequences. This case introduces to you a 41-year-old single Saudi male known to have Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), who was accidentally diagnosed with advanced liver cirrhosis by pure chance during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study will draw attention to the diagnostic challenges concerning the overlap between sickle hepatopathy and Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH), while sharing intriguing histopathological findings. Suggested theories that point out the unique relationship between the two entities are offered for a greater understanding of the complex pathophysiological process. Literature gaps are also discussed, owing to the absence of an agreed-upon recommended and safe therapeutic option for Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) in the context of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) specifically, which forced starting the patient on the second line of treatment – Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF). We learn from this case the value of early screening for liver disease in patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) as well as the essential need for tailoring the therapeutic plan according to the type of patients when Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) is present
How Are Cutting-Edge Approaches and Established Practices Revolutionizing Mental Health Care for hospitalized patients?
No full textParticularly in hospitalized patients, the COVID-19 epidemic brought to increased mental health issues all around. This study thus looks at the developing mental health problems experienced by inpatients, best practices for tackling these difficulties, and creative ideas to enhance the delivery of treatment. The study of mental health systems in South America during the epidemic informs the work. The study found some alarming trends like more anxiety, worry, and dread brought on by restricted access to resources and isolation policies. Likewise, recognized as major hurdles to efficient mental health support were challenges including disrupted outpatient care, drug shortages, and poor virtual health systems. The study covers best practices like telemedicine integration, psychosocial support hotlines formation, and capacity-building for medical professionals to assist in delivering mental health treatment under demanding environments. The studies have guided various reform plans for mental health care that stress changing from hospital-centered systems to community-based models, improving legal and policy frameworks, and promoting local and worldwide cooperation. Conversely, virtual platforms and mobile health apps are offered as transforming instruments for providing mental health treatments to underprivileged groups