Linguistics Initiative
Not a member yet
90 research outputs found
Sort by
Analysis of affixation process in Barbie song
Get PDFLanguage is essential for communication, identity expression, play, and emotional release. Linguistics studies its various aspects, including morphology, affixation and word formation. Barbie's song "I Am A Girl Like You" celebrates unity and self-acceptance, which is explored through affixation in this study. The discussion includes language function, morphology, and affixation, as well as a review of related literature. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, with data collection from song lyrics. Exploring affixed words in songs and their deeper meanings. The research design, research object, data collection, data collection methods, and analysis techniques are explained in detail. They also discuss the cultural value and audience response to the song. The affixed words and their meaning in the context of the song. Analyzed the song "I Am A Girl Like You" from the movie Barbie and found the use of various prefixes and suffixes. They compared their findings with three other research journals and found similarities and differences. The dominant aspect of their research is the use of affixation in song lyrics. The source data contained hundreds of words classified into specific meanings, and the language used in the song was American English. A total of 32 affixed words were found, and an in-depth analysis of the specific meanings contained therein was conducted. A detailed analysis was conducted on the affixed words, focusing on the use of affixes in the context of Barbie song lyrics and the meanings contained therein
Perceptions of sexist humour on Kenyan stand-up comedy: Insights from the Churchill Show
Get PDFThis paper investigates how different audience demographics interpret verbal sexist humour on The Churchill Show, a leading Kenyan stand-up comedy program broadcast on TV47. Employing Norman Fairclough’s sociocultural approach to Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the study delves into audience perceptions of humour that reflects gender biases, stereotypes, and power dynamics. The analysis draws on data collected through focus group discussions, where participants responded to eight selected excerpts of comedic content from nine episodes. The findings highlight diverse audience reactions, ranging from laughter and acceptance to unease and criticism, shaped by demographic factors such as age, gender, and cultural orientation. By analyzing these varied responses, the study sheds light on how sexist humour both reinforces and challenges prevailing gender narratives in Kenyan society. These insights contribute to broader discussions on the societal implications of humour and its role in shaping public attitudes toward gender
Local wisdom on Arik Nari, Narik Ari tradition of Kamang language in Alor district
Get PDFThe research aims to develop local wisdom about Arik Nari, Narik Ari tradition, of Kamang Tribe on solving a problem. This expression is expected as a reminder for Kamang people when they have a disagreement or when they are in a serious problem. It is also conveyed as an effort to reconcile two people, or two parties who are temporarily at odds. Another expression that has almost the same meaning with the expression above is Luk Mure Tomu, Mure Mauawere Ti'awawal which means facing each other, giving each other a smile, eliminating all disputes and disappointments. These traditional terms are conveyed at every event, be it traditional events (joys, sorrows), religious events or even government events to minimize problems and even reconcile people or groups with differing opinions. The method used in the research is qualitative data analysis, meaning that the data obtained then develops certain relationship patterns or becomes a hypothesis. Then the context of this research is to collect data from observations in the Kamang tribal community. The research subjects were Kamang tribe community, especially the Lippang village community in Pido, which consisted of several traditional elders and local village officials. The results of the research show that the traditions of Arik Nari, Narik Ari and Luk Mure Tomu Mure Mauawere Ti'awawal are still maintained and preserved to this day. These findings indicate that changing times have not affected the shift in local wisdom values in Lippang village. The implication of this research is that we all have an obligation to maintain and preserve our local wisdom culture in all times so that there is no shift in these values
Variations of comparative forms in online discourses: Acceptability and practicality
Get PDFAs non-native users of English, multilinguals sometimes produce discourses that seemingly deviate from the English norm. One dispute on Facebook, for instance, tagged someone being linguistically incompetent for using double comparatives (DCs), seeing that its use (e.g. more taller) violates the English grammar. Hence this study directs its attention to DC’s emergence in online discourses to explore its acceptability and practicality. As a qualitative content inquiry informed by Chomsky’s (1961) generative grammar and theory of linguistic structure, this study found 9 DC structures, which at a glance, deviate the English norms, suggesting a variation in the application of comparative forms in English. Surprisingly, at a closer look, DCs are linguistic innovations characterizing users’ creativity and practical intent and their way to maximize the flexibility of English to serve a practical purpose. Understanding the purpose of Facebook discourses (e.g. to influence decisions) is crucial in this study to explain the use of DCs. As a result, promotional is the main purpose that justifies the use of DCs as it contains transactional and practical details to influence decisions (e.g. customers to grab discounted services). Significantly, this study introduces three types of DCs used in online discourses not yet explored in linguistics, namely: 1) intralingual (coreference) which coreferences with other lexical items composing units of linguistic references that denote meaning of an entire discourse in semantic level, 2) interlingual (intensifier) which intensifies the presentation of meaning according to how they are intended by users, and 3) extra-lingual (meaning marker) which adds related ideas not explicitly conveyed in a discourse. Although DCs appear to be acceptable in practical uses, particularly in online discourses, applying them in formal writing (where grammar accuracy is crucial) needs consensus among language experts because its usage may not be acceptable to convey technical information
A semantic study of the word فجر (fajara) in the Qur'an: Denotative, derivative, and contextual analysis
Get PDFThis study presents an in-depth semantic analysis of the word فجر (fajara) in the Qur’an using a comprehensive linguistic semantic approach. The main focus of this research is to trace the denotative, derivative, and contextual meanings of the word based on classical Arabic lexicons such as Lisan al-‘Arab, Tāj al-‘Arūs, and other authoritative Arabic dictionaries. The aim is to uncover the layered and nuanced meanings of fajara, as well as how its root evolves into various derivative forms such as فجر (fajr), فُجُور (fujūr), and فَجِر (fājir). This exploration is further supported by a literature study of classical and modern Qur’anic exegeses, including Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī, Tafsīr al-Qurṭubī, and Tafsīr al-Mishbāḥ, in order to understand the contextual use of the word in Qur’anic verses. The findings indicate that the word fajr does not only refer literally to the dawn or the beginning of the day but also carries deep symbolic and spiritual meanings. Dawn is viewed as a moment of transition between darkness and light, metaphorically representing hope, rebirth, purity, and the awakening of spiritual consciousness. In an eschatological dimension, fajr is also associated with the coming of the Day of Judgment as a divine warning. Meanwhile, derivative forms such as fujūr, meaning moral depravity, and fājir, referring to a sinner, illustrate the interconnectedness between worship time, human morality, and divine authority. Thus, this study contributes to the field of Qur’anic semantics and enriches the understanding of Arabic language meanings within the context of divine revelation
Linguistic Challenges of Courtroom Interpretation in Ghana: A Survey Approach
Get PDFThis paper presents the results of a survey on the linguistic challenges of courtroom interpretation in Ghana. It is part of a larger study on the challenges of courtroom interpreters. Specifically, the paper discusses the everyday linguistic challenges faced by courtroom interpreters, and the coping mechanisms deployed. Additionally, the paper makes proposals on ways that these challenges encountered by courtroom interpreters can be mitigated. In terms of findings, the paper shows that the main linguistic challenges include insufficient bilingual skills, terminological issues relating to legal jargon (legal terminology), terminology in specialized areas such as medical science, finance, economics, etc., measurement and quantities terms (e.g., money, fines, land, time, etc.), descriptive terms like color, height, etc., kinship terminology as well as speakers’ uses idiomatic expressions you are not familiar with. The paper notes that interpreters often use creative strategies like codemixing, omission of details, approximating color, and kinship terms, and seeking clarification through intervention to overcome these challenges. By way of recommendation, we propose the creation of glossaries in indigenous languages, collaboration with communities to identify and develop appropriate kinship terminology, the development of context-specific terminology, simplification of language, pre-session preparation, and continuous training and professional development
A Transitivity Analysis of the Manifestos of Two Nigerian Presidential Candidates
Get PDFManifestos serve as a means for political leaders to execute their plans and to touch on an array of issues. This study examines the transitivity processes in the manifestos of two Nigerian presidential candidates. A content analysis approach is adopted in the study. The findings reveal that Peter Gregory Onwubuasi Obi uses more of the major process types (material, relational, and mental) than those of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The study has further established that Peter Gregory Onwubuasi employs the major process types to establish his inclination to liberate Nigeria, to show social solidarity with the citizens, and to call for good leadership. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, likewise, makes good use of the process types but more of the mental process as a trajectory for restoring systems, crusading for financial freedom, and establishing industries. With insight from transitivity, the study has provided a linguistic perspective on political discourse, demonstrating how linguistic choices in manifestos reflect the social and political intentions of political leaders
Does the Use of L1 and L2 at Home Modulate the Academic Achievement of Primary School Learners?
Get PDFThis study explored the influence of first language (L1) and second language (L2) usage at home on pupils' academic achievement. Employing a case study design and qualitative approach, the study employed a semi-structured interview guide (primary data) and secondary data from students' academic records. Ten (10) pupils from a primary school in the Sunyani Municipality, Ghana, were selected through purposive sampling. The results indicated that none of the ten children exclusively used L2 at home; three pupils used L1 and L2, while seven used only L1. The study concluded that pupils who used L1 and L2 at home performed better academically than those who used only L1 at home. Based on these findings, it is recommended that education policies promote bilingual education and parental support programs to encourage the use of both L1 and L2 at home. Additionally, teacher training should focus on practical strategies for integrating L1 and L2 in the classroom, and curriculum design should incorporate both languages to reinforce language skills and academic content
Using Podcast Material to Modify Foreign Words and Expressions to Improve EFL Learners’ Speaking Abilities
Get PDFIt is problematic to present concepts from freshmen. In the stuck, they are frequently trapped. Ten people enrolled in the therapy to address these issues. When it comes to conducting the teaching and learning process, technology and a reliable internet connection are keys as a class communication tool, the teacher employed a WhatsApp group. The teacher displayed URLs on the screen to get things started. He challenged the students to pick up new vocabulary. After finishing it, the teacher displayed a Google Meet URL for the students to click. The students joined in and shared their personal experiences with the subject matter they had just learned. They must use the stuff they have learned in order to perform such delivery. The teacher gave the feedback in order to fulfill the students' growth. The information gathered throughout the teaching and learning process was qualitatively examined. It is concluded that manipulating the strange words and sentences in the podcast material improves the students' capacity to communicate their ideas. Teachers can use this kind of discovery in the classroom to cover relevant topics. It also encourages additional investigation by other researchers
Code-Switching and Slang: An Analysis of Language Dynamics in the Everyday Lives of Generation Z
Get PDFThis study explores the dynamics of code-switching used in Generation Z’s (Gen-Z) communication practices, revealing it as a dynamic and adaptive strategy employed in diverse social contexts. Gen-Z exhibits context-specific types of code-switching, utilizing informal and casual forms, such as slang and non-formal language, in peer interactions. Within familial settings, a seamless transition between formal and informal language aligns with established family norms, while professional environments witness the use of formal and professional language. The strategic use of code-switching and slang by Gen-Z serves as a nuanced communication approach, catering to specific social scenarios. In informal peer contexts, the incorporation of slang fosters a sense of camaraderie, while code-switching acts as a tool for expressing emotions and personal identity, reflecting individuals’ comfort in conveying specific feelings or ideas in a chosen language. This research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of Gen-Z’s language practices, showcasing their adeptness in navigating diverse linguistic landscapes, expressing identity, and adapting to social expectations. Such insights are pivotal for fostering effective intergenerational and cross-cultural communication, bridging understanding between different linguistic and cultural groups