USM Journal Management System (Univ. Sains Malaysia)
Not a member yet
2330 research outputs found
Sort by
The Use of Facebook to Promote the Learning of Spanish as a Foreign Language Outside the Classroom
Get PDFAs the age old adage goes, ‘practice makes perfect’ and this is especially true for language learners. In order to polish language skills, students are advised to practice the language outside of the dedicated class time. For students learning Spanish as a foreign language in Malaysia, this can be a challenge due to several factors such as having no one to speak to, the fear of making mistakes, and the fear of embarrassment. This paper looks at the use of a Facebook group as a platform for students to practice Spanish outside the designated classroom time. The study was conducted on a group of 12 undergraduates enrolled in a beginner-level Spanish language university elective course, who were given the daily task to publish posts in Spanish according to a list of given topics during a five-week period. The effectiveness of the task and the Facebook group was assessed by a questionnaire answered by the students at the end of that duration. Findings reveal that using Facebook provided more opportunities for students to practise Spanish and aided in the retention and recall of the language
Identity Construction via Social Hybridity: A Metatextual Analysis of Two Novels
Get PDFMixed-identity individuals often encounter many problems on questions of their identity, belonging, and other forms of multiracialism. A mixed-identity individual is often seen as a lonely or isolated individual. Two well-known novels focus on this dimension – D. Defoe’s The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders (1996) and C. Rajendra’s No Bed of Roses: The Rose Chan Story (2013). The two authors’ emphasized portrayal of their heroines’ problematized hybrid identities and resultant complex struggles are the focal points of this study. The broad aim was to analyze the explicit and implicit metatextualities of such identities (via social hybridity) in these texts, within the scope of constructing an identity in terms of (dis)inclination towards multiracial marriages. The study is grounded in Genette’s (1997, 1992) theory of intertextuality; with respect to explicit metatextuality, the researchers focused on the strategies of interpretation and negation, whereas ironies and parodies were tackled as implicit metatextuality. Intertextuality is an integral part of textology and textual analysis of both literary and non-literary works. It is a framework to study text constructions and internal relations between texts as well as interactions between authors and readers. On the whole, the results demonstrate that irrespective of the novelists’ backgrounds (Defoe being English and Rajendra a Malaysian) as well as the novels’ settings (Moll’s story was set in London, UK, while Rose’s was set in Penang, Malaysia), there are clear instances of the shaping of (dis)inclination for hybrid marriages and their resultant identities, with Rajendra’s work exhibiting more of such identities than Defoe’s. This study and its findings are of significance to scholars engaged in literary research, and might potentially facilitate students’ understanding of Western and Eastern comparative literature in terms of identity construction and mutual communication in diverse societies
Tampering of Gender Issues in the Translation of Umrao Jan Ada translated as The Courtesan of Lucknow
Get PDFThe present study investigates the lexical choices of the translators in terms of gender issues discussed in the novel The Courtesan of Lucknow (Umrao Jan Ada) translated by Khushwant Singh and M. A. Husaini. The study aims to analyze the ideologically loaded lexis (related to gender issues) of the novel with its translation. The aim is to further examine and find out how the lexical choices of the translators manipulate the original idea of the writer. The study employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as its theoretical and analytical framework for ideological manipulation of gender issues. The findings reveal that the use of different lexical choices of the translators has changed the ideological stance of the writer. This study will contribute both to the discipline of translation studies and literary translation. The novel has been studied from the perspective of feminist and literary aesthetics but the comparative aspect of both texts from a gender perspective is lacking. Therefore, the current study is an attempt to examine the ideological manipulation of gender issues of both source and target texts at the lexical level. The findings reveal that the translators have misrepresented the gender issues. 
Facilitating Accommodation of Learners with Disabilities in Summative Assessment of Literacies in Tanzania through Mobile Application
Get PDFSummative Assessment of Language Literacies in Tanzania is administered in the form of a Paper-and-pencil assessment. This kind of assessment hardly accommodates learners with disabilities such as visually impaired ones because it does not allow adjustment of the font size to suit the reader’s needs. As a result, such students might end up being judged as failures in such assessments while their failure is attributed to the nature of the assessment rather than their lack of competence in language literacies. Therefore, to improve the existing situation, the present study investigated the contribution of mobile applications to accommodating learners with diverse needs in taking language literacies assessments. We adopted qualitative action research using interviews, focus group discussion, observation, and reflection as data collection methods from one language teacher and ten standard VII students who were selected purposively. We analyzed data deductively through coding, categorizing, and relating data to available conceptual constructs. Findings show that mobile application makes language assessment more accommodating because of its flexibility in terms of presentation, response delivery, and locations and time given. The study calls for the National examination council in Tanzania to consider the integration of technology in language literacies assessment to maximize the learning opportunities for learners with disabilities. Also, teacher education should empower teachers on the use of technology in their classrooms
Loss, Gain, and Equivalence in the Translation of Culture-loaded Words in To Live: A Novel
Get PDFTranslating Culture-loaded Words from Chinese to English presents profound challenges due to their intrinsic cultural specificities. This study critically examines these challenges within To Live: A Novel, employing a novel text analysis methodology based on Bassnett\u27s (2013) and Jakobson’s (2012) definitions of loss, gain, and equivalence in translation. Our findings reveal distinctive patterns of loss and gain that are not unique to the narrative style and cultural context of the novel but also offer broader insights into the dynamics of cultural translation. Despite the expertise of skilled translators in Chinese culture, achieving complete equivalence remains elusive, underlining significant discrepancies that persist in cross-cultural contexts. The study explains these complex translation dynamics and detailed strategies to enhance cultural fidelity and equivalence in such translations. The findings can assist in bridging the cultural gaps in English translation of Chinese novels more effectively and have some implications for Chinese literary translators
Edward FitzGerald’s Interpretation of Omar Khayyam’s Quatrains: A Study in Carpe Diem
Get PDFThis study critically examines Edward FitzGerald’s 1859 translation of Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, focusing on how the work reflects Victorian England\u27s cultural and ideological biases. FitzGerald’s version, while renowned for introducing Khayyam’s philosophy to the Western world, is also a product of its time, shaped by the Victorian worldview. By analyzing the translation through the lens of power dynamics and cultural mediation, this study explores how FitzGerald’s creative liberties – including his selective interpretation and significant reductions of the original text – reshaped the themes and messages of Khayyam’s poetry to align with Victorian sensibilities. The theme of carpe diem (seize the day), central to Khayyam’s quatrains, serves as a focal point for this inquiry, highlighting the universal appeal of Khayyam’s reflections on the transient nature of life. FitzGerald’s rendering of this theme, however, was informed by Victorian attitudes towards the East, with the translation’s emphasis on hedonism and the celebration of the present moment reflecting Western values of individualism and materialism. Despite the significance of FitzGerald’s work in both Eastern and Western literary traditions, little attention has been paid to the ideological underpinnings that influenced his interpretation of Khayyam. This research, therefore, contributes to translation studies and comparative literature by underscoring the role of translators as cultural mediators. By interrogating FitzGerald’s translation choices, this study offers a deeper understanding of how cultural biases shape the reception of foreign texts, and it highlights the enduring legacy of the Rubaiyat across time and cultural boundaries
The Quranic Principle of Wasatiyyah as the Foundation of Malaysia Madani’s Civilizational Framework
Get PDFThis study explores wasatiyyah as a civilizational framework within Malaysia Madani, analyzing its Quranic foundations and practical application in contemporary society. The objective is to investigate how wasatiyyah, which emphasizes moderation, balance, and justice, can guide Malaysia’s development while promoting social harmony, ethical governance, and inclusive growth. Using a qualitative approach, the research involves a literature review and content analysis of Quranic verses, Islamic scholarship, and Malaysian policies related to Malaysia Madani. The findings reveal that wasatiyyah offers a holistic model for balancing traditional values with modern advancements. It advocates for fairness, justice, and avoidance of extremes, making it highly relevant for fostering a just and prosperous society. The study suggests that by embedding these principles into national policies, Malaysia can achieve sustainable development that prioritizes both social well-being and development progress. The application of wasatiyyah in Malaysia Madani can create a society that harmonizes spiritual values with global progress, fostering peace, unity, and moral integrity in governance and everyday life
Kegiatan Jenayah di Kedah, 1880-1939: Langkah Pembanterasan dan Impaknya terhadap Pembangunan Sosioekonomi
Get PDFKajian ini adalah mengenai kegiatan jenayah yang sering berlaku di Kedah antara 1880 sehingga 1939. Penumpuan perbincangan diberikan kepada sebab musabab kegiatan jenayah seperti mencuri, merompak dan membunuh berlaku di Kedah serta langkah-langkah yang telah diambil bagi mengatasi masalah tersebut. Kaedah penyelidikan berbentuk kualitatif digunakan yang melibatkan analisis terhadap dokumen primer dan sumber sekunder seperti tesis, artikel, prosiding dan buku-buku berkaitan dengan peningkatan kegiatan jenayah, langkah pembanterasan dan kesannya kepada sosioekonomi Kedah. Sumber primer diperoleh dari Arkib Negara Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Arkib Malaysia cawangan Kedah/Perlis, Arkib Pusat Pengajian Ilmu Kemanusiaan dan Koleksi Malaysiana dan Koleksi Arkib Perpustakaan Hamzah Sendut 1 Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Manakala sumber sekunder pula didapati dari Perpustakaan Hamzah Sendut 1 USM dan Perpustakaan Awam Kedah. Hasil kajian terhadap Kedah Annual Report for 1327 A.H, 1332 A.H, 1333 A.H, Kedah Annual Report for The Year 1908-1936, surat-surat persendirian, Pinang Gazette and Strait Chronicle, akhbar Malaya Tribune dan Fail SUK Kedah mendapati bahawa pihak pentadbir Negeri Kedah berusaha keras untuk mengatasi masalah kegiatan jenayah yang berleluasa di negeri itu dengan memperkenalkan beberapa undang-undang jenayah yang baharu di samping menambah jumlah bilangan anggota polis. Hasil daripada langkah proaktif tersebut telah menyumbang kepada perkembangan sosioekonomi secara positif di Kedah.
Kata kunci: kegiatan jenayah, kongsi gelap, Kedah, Undang-undang Jenayah, Undang-undang Polis
Kajian Awal Terhadap Shaik Dada Pendekar Pulau Pinang
Get PDFPulau Pinang memiliki tokoh-tokoh bersejarah yang telah dikaji serta ditulis mengenai sumbangan mereka dalam bidang masing-masing. Antara tokoh Pulau Pinang yang masih belum diteroka secara akademik adalah mengenai Shaik Dada atau nama sebenarnya Gulam Meah (1906-1947). Beliau merupakan pengasas Silat Pelaga Pulau Pinang atau lebih dikenali sebagai Silat Petir dan Siku 12. Objektif artikel ini adalah untuk mengumpul sejarah Shaik Dada. Metodologi kajian dilakukan dengan cara temu bual mendalam, dokumen dan kajian lapangan (spatial). Data dianalisis secara perbincangan kumpulan berfokus. Hasil kajian dibahagikan kepada biografi umum, manuskrip, sejarah pertempuran, kematian dan pengiktirafan. Kajian mendapati bahawa Shaik Dada merupakan tokoh yang signifikan dalam sejarah persilatan di Tanah Melayu khususnya di Pulau Pinang. Dicadangkan agar kajian lanjutan dilakukan mengenai Shaik Dada, manuskripnya serta perkembangan silatnya.
Kata kunci: Shaik Dada, Silat Pelaga Pulau Pinang, Mamu Dada, Silat Petir, Siku 1
Dato’ Onn Ja’afar dalam Lensa Arkib Kolonial: Analisis Kritis Dokumen Colonial Office, 1946–1948
Get PDFKajian ini meneliti peranan Dato’ Onn Ja’afar sebagai tokoh yang mencorakkan arah politik Melayu dalam detik-detik awal pembentukan negara bangsa, khususnya melalui kepimpinannya dalam menentang gagasan Malayan Union yang dianggap mengancam kedaulatan dan hak istimewa orang Melayu. Berdasarkan analisis terhadap dokumen-dokumen dari arkib Colonial Office (CO) serta pembacaan kritis terhadap sumber-sumber rasmi kolonial, kajian ini mendapati bahawa perjuangan Dato’ Onn berakar daripada keprihatinan terhadap kepentingan politik orang Melayu. Namun demikian, perjuangan tersebut bersifat terbatas, tertumpu kepada tuntutan pentadbiran sendiri dalam kerangka yang elitis, yang lebih menguntungkan segelintir kelompok bangsawan dan elit Melayu, berbanding memperjuangkan kemerdekaan menyeluruh bagi seluruh rakyat. Dalam rundingan bersama pihak kolonial, Dato’ Onn sering kali melakukan kesilapan strategi dan menunjukkan kecenderungan untuk berkompromi secara tidak seimbang. Akibatnya, momentum perjuangan rakyat Melayu yang semakin berani menuntut kemerdekaan penuh menjadi terganggu. Dokumen-dokumen CO turut menunjukkan bahawa pegawai-pegawai British memandang beliau sebagai seorang pemimpin yang lunak, mudah didekati dan dirunding, satu penilaian yang mendedahkan betapa beliau dilihat lebih sebagai rakan teknokratik berbanding ancaman politik. Namun, kajian ini juga membongkar dimensi lain yang lebih tersembunyi, permainan kuasa halus oleh penjajah British yang secara licik memperalatkan kedudukan Dato’ Onn demi mengekalkan struktur imperialis mereka. Sebagai tokoh daripada kalangan elit politik, beliau sering gagal menangkap denyut nadi rakyat bawahan yang semakin mendambakan pembebasan mutlak daripada belenggu penjajahan. Sikap komprominya tidak hanya mencerminkan kelemahan peribadi, tetapi turut membawa implikasi besar terhadap usaha kolektif menuntut keadilan sejarah bagi masyarakat pribumi.
Kata kunci: Dato’ Onn, penentangan Malayan Union, elit Melayu era Pasca Perang Dunia Kedu