International Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities (IJSSH)
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A Study of the Speech act of Advising in Pahlavi with Reference to its Realization in English
Get PDFSpeech act of advising is the utterance by illocutionary point of getting the hearer to conduct the action in hearer’s own sake without obligation. The present study aims at analyzing speech act advising in Pahlavi text of Counsels of AdarbadMahraspandan in the light of pragmatics in general and speech act theory in particular. It is a pragma-linguistic analysis of the speech act of advising with particular focus on their establishment and their realization in both source which is in Pahlavi (SL.) and the target language which is English (TL.). It can also be regarded as a quest to verify whether it is possible to postulate felicity conditions and semantic rules for the acts under study; and whether structural and cultural divergences between Pahlavi and English exhibit differences in the status and realization of these acts in the two languages. Several hypotheses are put forward in the study; for example, it is hypothesized that speech act theory can be applied to this particular literary genre (Counsels), that felicity conditions and asemantic rules can be generated to establish and analyze speech act of advising, that literary texts resemble normal ordinary conversations in structure and realization, that the SL and TL might exhibit a network of different patterns of the acts under discussion, and so on. In addition to verifying the validity of the above hypotheses, the study has come out with several findings: First, speech act theory can be applied to counsels as it applies to other genres. Secondly, both the SL and TL exhibit a high degree of similarities in subject, agent, voice,etc. Thirdly, it shows structural difference in both languages. Fourth, a high degree of translatability is reflected pertaining to the realization of speech act of advising in the TL; this indirectly hints at the phenomenon of language categories which put the both Pahlavi and English under Indo-European languages
A Comparative Study of Sassanid, Qajar and Contemporary Phonetic Systems
Get PDFComparison among the phonetic of people in different eras helped us to find a better understanding of their culture. Also we can use this approached to predict the future phonetic. In this paper we study the difference among phonetic of people in the present period, Qajar era and Sassanid era. 2000 people in Tehran are selected randomly. Because Tehran is the capital of Iran, and the people from all over different parts of Iran are gathered in Tehran, this sample can be considered as the sample of Iranian people. From each one a speech is recorded. Using the VST instrument, these speeches translated to a harmony and a consensus harmony is considered as the harmony of current people’s phonetic. By Simulation of the speech of the people in Qajar era the harmony of speech of that ear is simulated. Finally by using the 504 Gushehes and Radif of Iranian Avaz, which is generated in Sassanid ear, the harmony of the people in this era is simulated. By comparison of these three harmonies, we obtained a significant different between the harmony of current era and Sassanid era, which is in the basic musical interval. These differences between now and Qajar era is in the upper fifth musical interval. It is shown that during the last 1500 years there exist 2.5 blind musical deviations between harmony of current phonetics and Sassanid Harmony phonetics. This deviation from Qajar era until now is 0.5 blind musical interval. Our results show that the deviation in the harmony of Iranian phonetics from the phonetics of the people of last century is more with respect to the people in the ancient time
Context as a Basis for Understanding Pragmatic Ambiguity with Reference to Arabic
Get PDFThe study of ambiguity has been a central issue in the formulation of linguistic theory, and has been an area which serious psycholinguistic study has focused on since the past two decades. The current study deals with “Context as a Basis for Understanding Pragmatic Ambiguity with Reference to Arabic” and the methods that can be used for translating this phenomenon into Arabic taking into consideration the same effect of the SL writer. No doubt, pragmatic ambiguity is problematic since it is based on intentionality. However, it becomes more problematic when it is translated into Arabic, simply, because English and Arabic are genetically different languages. This research paper aims at (1) studying the phenomenon of pragmatic ambiguity which is the output of any other type of ambiguity such as phonetic ambiguity, phonological ambiguity, lexical ambiguity, sentential ambiguity as well as semantic ambiguity, (2) making the context crystal clear which has an effective impact on understanding the expressions under investigation since intentionality cannot be deduced without knowing context, (3) specifying different patterns of pragmatic ambiguity in the books and articles of pragmatics, (4) translating the specified patterns into Arabic to show their realizations and whether, they will have the same effects as to that of source language or not. It is hypothesized in this research that (1) there is no formal correspondence between English and Arabic, (2) pragmatic ambiguity cannot be solved unless both context and co-text of the phenomenon in question are known, (3) all types of ambiguity cannot be interpreted unless the intention of the writer is clear which is context and co-text bound. To test the validity of the above mentioned hypothesis, it is to be noted that only eight different patterns have been chosen to be translated into Arabic, (2) these expressions were translated by six assistant lecturers in the department of Translation/Cihan University/Erbil, (3) Newmark’s method of communicative translation will be adopted in the research under investigation, since it tackles the intention of the writer. The basic conclusions of this research are that, (1) all types of ambiguity are based on the intention of the writer, (2) there was no formal correspondence between both source language and target language, (3) the pragmatic ambiguity was solved by resorting to both co-text and context
The Aspect of Perspectiveness of the English Verbs
Get PDFThe category of perspectiveness has long been the subject for research of many scientists. It is defined as the concept of an action that has to happen in the near future and it reflects understanding of action inevitability. In the given paper the author describes the category of perspectiveness linguistically using onomasiological approach. Since linguistic expression allows to distinguish between several shades of action, we can say that the category of perspectiveness is represented by a number of separate conceptual situations, including the “intention” (“intentionality”), “willingness to join the action”, “approximation to the entry into action”, “inevitability”. These four features make up the structure of the linguistic category under analysis. In the course of investigation it was discovered that each logical stage of the perspectiveness category is associated with particular linguistic expressive means. The observed means were selected and analyzed according to each phase of perspectiveness in the context. The works of literature used in the research were “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by O. Wilde and “The Lady of the Camellias” by A. Dumas (son). This analysis stated the frequency of these verbal means use in linguistic discourse with the help of ranking method
A Political Analysis of "A Man of the People" by Chinua Achebe
Get PDFThis present research paper is concerned with one of the most successful and political novelists in the twentieth century Africa named, Chinua Achebe, who could really depict the real situation of his country, Nigeria, in terms of political instability and corruption. Especially, in his fourth produced novel entitled, A Man of the People in which he portrays his birthplace as one of the most corrupted countries around the world during post-independence era. Achebe is a Nigerian author who writes about different aspects of his country during his lifetime and the reflection of his society could be noticed very clearly in his literary works; especially, in his selected novel. Achebe based his most prominent characters in his novel like M.A. Nanga and Odille on some political figures of his time that have a major role in the corruption in Nigeria. In this sense, his chosen literary text can be seen and read as political source for his country
Multi-Criteria Data Evaluation Strategy for Development Scales: An Example Study
Get PDFThis study illustrates checks using data from the sustainability and Appraisers' scale designed to make causal analysis between perceived industrial sustainability benefits and Appraisers' support. It obtained questionnaire responses from 267 Real Estate Appraisers. The study objectives are to assess the pattern and extent of the missing data; the assumptions of the multivariate normality with the bootstrap resampling; the consistencies of the slopes of change, and identify the costs that may arise from poor data quality. The work also investigates convergent, discriminant, cross boundary validities and highlights their relevance to the validity of research findings. The missing values at <10%; the normality assumption holds for the SUP, BPG, BLR constructs. Bollen-Stine bootstrap analysis could not validate the normality models for BQL, BCS, BHBV; 60 of the 109 slopes of change are consistent (p>.05). The factor loadings reliably represent the unobserved variables (p>.35) and there is sufficient evidence for convergent and discriminant validities, but cross boundary validity is not proven. Nevertheless, with appropriate data transformation, there could be no necessity for further data collection, nor a new survey of data. The study contributes to the accuracy of assessments and the interpretability of scores for testing theories
Rationality and Gricean Inference with Reference to English-Arabic Translation
Get PDFThe present study tackles “Rationality and Gricean inference” in English and its translation from English into Arabic. Inference can be defined as a logical conclusion that is drawn from a premise and it is used to describe that process which the reader (hearer) must go through to get from the literal meaning of what is written (or said) to what the writer (speaker) intended to convey. Rationality can be defined as thinking, speaking, reasoning, making a decision, or acting in a way that is generally reliable and efficient for achieving one's goals. This study aims at (1) specifying and studying a number of different patterns of inferences in books of Pragmatics and some Pragmatic periodicals in order to grasp their nature and role in the process of communication, (2) giving a comprehensive coverage of inferences in English and, (3) testing the translatability of the inferences in question which are linguistically, culturally and genetically different and (4) showing the realizations of the inferences in the TL (Arabic) and (5) showing that inferences in English cannot be successfully translated into Arabic without grasping cultural values, and linguistic variation. To achieve the above mentioned aims the study hypothesizes that: (1) inferences in English cannot be successfully translated into Arabic without grasping cultural values and linguistic variations, (2) multiplicity of inferences that can be concluded from every utterance results in different renderings by the subjects, (3) taking Grice's maxims of conversation into consideration enables the translators to arrive at how inferences in the utterances under investigation can be deduced and (4) inference cannot be deduced without the premise. The study is based on a corpus of (16) English examples involving inferences derived from various written speech situations in books of pragmatics. These examples are translated by 5 subjects (M. A students in the Department of Translation /College of Arts/University of Mosul). The utterances involving the respective inferences with their Arabic renderings have been analyzed in terms of “type of inference”, “what is said” (natural meaning to use Grice's 1975 terms), what is inferred (non natural meaning), and method of translation (semantic or communicative). Each text analysis is supplemented by pragmatic interpretation and translational discussion. As for the proposed rendering, the most appropriate one will be chosen. In case of subjects' failure, a new rendering will be suggested. The main findings the study arrived at is that inference is regarded a problem in translation in the SL is different from that of the TL and it depends on many elements such as the context which specifies the situation, the speaker's observance of Grice's Maxims
Rewriting the Holy Grail: The Grail-Hero (From Arthurian Romance to Pop Culture)
Get PDFUsually identified as the dish, plate or cup used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper, the Holy Grail is, since the late twelfth century, a key part of the Arthurian Cycle. Although some authors (such as R.S. Loomis and J. Weston) have claimed its origin to rest in pagan traditions, the Holy Grail has become deeply intertwined with Christian myth, particularly with the legend of the Holy Chalice. In the earliest Arthurian romances, the Grail-Hero(es) had to prove himself (themselves) physically and mentally worthy of finding the Holy Grail. However, in later retellings he (they) must also be pure and spiritually perfect. In modern adaptations, though, such requirements are seemingly ignored so college professors, like Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Lost Crusade (1989), may find the Holy Grail. This paper aims at analyzing the role of the Grail-Heroes in Arthurian romance, identifying their main characteristics, how they evolved as well as to reflect upon and compare their features in contemporary reinterpretations of the medieval sources
PROBLEMS OF TRANSLATING IMPERATIVE MOOD IN THE GLORIOUS QUR’AN INTO ENGLISH
Get PDFMuch ink has been spilt on the study of imperative mood in Arabic. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted about the translation of imperative mood in the Glorious Qur'an into English. This study comes to abridge that gap. Throughout this paper, the study sheds light on the problems of translating imperative mood in the Glorious Qur'an into English. The study hypothesizes that the difficulty of translating the imperative mood into English arises from the fact that there is no one to one correspondence between the form and function of the imperative mood in the Qurān. To put it more precisely, misunderstanding the real function of the imperative verb leads to inaccurate translation. Consequently there will be confusion between what obligatory duty is and what is recommendable or apprehensive from the juristic perspective. In order to convey the functions of imperative mood into English via using communicative theory of Newmark (1988a, 1988b) in translation. The study ends by giving some recommendations and proposing some suggestions for further studies
Two Puzzle Models-Based Instructional Strategies’ Efficacy and Parental Educational Background of Junior Secondary School Students’ Achievement in Selected Concepts in Basic Science
Get PDFThe persistent poor performance of students in basic science at junior secondary school has been traced to dated teaching methods. Hence, the constant recommendations from scholars and teachers of the subject for the use of game-like instructional strategies. Regardless of these recommendations, little attention has been paid to these strategies by basic science teachers. This study, therefore, determined the potency of maze puzzle-based instructional strategy (MPS) and logic mechanical puzzle-based instructional strategy (LMPS) on students’ achievement in basic science in Ondo State, Nigeria. The pretestposttest, control group, quasi-experimental design was adopted. Participants were randomly assigned to MPS, LMPS and conventional lecture method (CLM). The treatment was for 13 weeks which involved MPS, LMPS and Conventional Instructional Guide. Two instruments used were: Students’ Achievement Test (r=0.81), al one hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and Scheffe’s post hoc test. There were significant main effects of treatments on achievement score (F(2, 277)=197.93, ƞ2=0.588). The LMPS (=18.28) performed better than MPS (=14.92) and CLM (=12.53). Logic mechanical and maze puzzle-based strategies enhanced students’ achievement in basic science. Parental educational background had significant main effects on students’ achievement (F(2, 277)=78.60, ƞ2=0.356) High PEB (=16.67) students performed better than their moderate (=15.40) and low (=13.67) counterparts. Logic mechanical and maze puzzle-based strategies enhanced students’ achievement in basic science. Therefore, the two strategies should be adopted by teachers to enhance better performance in basic science