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Research Article
Analyzing Chinese “de” Under Contextual Phase Theory
Shilong Wang*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
65-75
Received:
8 February 2025
Accepted:
20 February 2025
Published:
6 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijll.20251302.11
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Views:
Abstract: Chinese “de” plays the role of connecting the modifier and modified element in nominal structures. Different viewpoints about “de” have been argued from the perspective syntax in the literature. However, none of them presents a satisfactory explanation up to now. To solve this problem, we propose, “de” is a functional category with the feature [Nom]. Under contextual phase theory, with the existence of “de”, there is the corresponding projection “DeP”; and without “de”, there is only the projection of NP or ClassifierP and no DeP. This proposal can be illustrated with ellipsis phenomenon and left branch extraction phenomenon in Chinese. In DeP structures, the whole DeP or the complement of DeP can be elided. This is in accordance with ellipsis theory, under which only phase or the complement of phase can be elided. In DeP structures, only the Spec of DeP can be extracted and moved. This is in accordance with left branch extraction requirement, under which only the Spec of phase can be extracted and moved following the rule of successive movement, PIC and anti-locality. The different “de” structures are analyzed one by one from the perspective of ellipsis phenomenon or left branch extraction. Our viewpoint of DeP can explain more “de” structures in Mandarin Chinese.
Abstract: Chinese “de” plays the role of connecting the modifier and modified element in nominal structures. Different viewpoints about “de” have been argued from the perspective syntax in the literature. However, none of them presents a satisfactory explanation up to now. To solve this problem, we propose, “de” is a functional category with the feature [Nom...
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Commentary
Translation Commentary: ‘The Tale of the Three Brothers’ by J. K. Rowling from English to Arabic
Shaden Al Kanhal*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
76-81
Received:
14 October 2024
Accepted:
27 November 2024
Published:
7 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijll.20251302.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This commentary delves into the complexities of translating J. K. Rowling's "The Tale of the Three Brothers" from English to Arabic. This narrative, part of the fictional Harry Potter universe, presents a unique set of challenges for translators. The translation process requires careful consideration of both linguistic and cultural nuances. While aiming to maintain the core message and emotional impact of the original text, translators must also ensure accessibility and clarity for the target audience, particularly young readers. The translation process involves navigating the intricacies of translating magical concepts and adapting them to an Arabic cultural context. By applying Eugene Nida's Dynamic Equivalence approach, the translation seeks to balance fidelity to the source text with effective communication in the target language. This involves strategic choices, such as adding explanatory notes or cultural equivalents, to bridge the gap between the two cultures. The analysis explores specific challenges encountered during the translation process, such as rendering fictional magic-related terms and maintaining the narrative's moral depth. It examines the strategies employed to overcome these challenges and ensure that the Arabic translation captures the essence of the original story. Ultimately, a successful translation of "The Tale of the Three Brothers" into Arabic demonstrates the importance of cultural sensitivity, linguistic expertise, and a deep understanding of the target audience. By carefully considering these factors, translators can effectively convey the magic and moral lessons of the story to a new generation of readers.
Abstract: This commentary delves into the complexities of translating J. K. Rowling's "The Tale of the Three Brothers" from English to Arabic. This narrative, part of the fictional Harry Potter universe, presents a unique set of challenges for translators. The translation process requires careful consideration of both linguistic and cultural nuances. While a...
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Research Article
A Study on the Perceptions of English Majored Students’ Towards the Uses of ChatGPT in Enhancing Pronunciation
Ngo Thi Kim Lan*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
82-90
Received:
25 February 2025
Accepted:
10 March 2025
Published:
21 March 2025
Abstract: This research examines learners’ perspectives towards ChatGPT following its application in pronunciation class. There were 64 English-majored students from Dai Nam University (a Vietnamese private university) involved in the study. Employing a mixed method research design, quantitative data from Google Form survey was collected from the students after the pronunciation course with ChatGPT application. Qualitative data were then gathered with semi-structured interviews with questions based on TAM model (Technology Acceptance Model) to further understand how students perceive ChatGPT being adapted to their pronunciation learning. Findings showed that students generally viewed the application of ChatGPT in pronunciation training as a positive experience. This is reflected in students’ favorable acknowledgement of ChatGPT’s usefulness in improving their pronunciation, the chatbot’s ease of use and their intention to continue incorporating ChatGPT in their pronunciation practice. Moreover, this research also found that compared to technology-based pronunciation assistant like ChatGPT, learners still prefer human teachers in pronunciation course and they regard ChatGPT as a useful assistant tool to further practice along with teacher’s guidance. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on Artificial Intelligence in language learning and teaching practice, which showcases ChatGPT’s potential to make radical transformation in teaching languages in general and pronunciation training in particular. Future research should include a broader sample size, a control group to avoid certain biases, and the application of ChatGPT in pronunciation course from teachers’ perspective.
Abstract: This research examines learners’ perspectives towards ChatGPT following its application in pronunciation class. There were 64 English-majored students from Dai Nam University (a Vietnamese private university) involved in the study. Employing a mixed method research design, quantitative data from Google Form survey was collected from the students af...
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Research Article
From Dialogue to Monologue: A Dialogic Syntax Approach to the Construal Mechanism of “爱(ai) V不(bu) V” in Chinese
Liying Sun*,
Mengjie Zhang
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
91-101
Received:
10 March 2025
Accepted:
22 March 2025
Published:
10 April 2025
Abstract: The “爱(ai)V不(bu)V” construction in Chinese is a parallel construction composed of “爱(ai)V” and “不(bu)V”. Based on the investigation of the corpus CCL, the parallelism and resonance between “爱(ai)V” and “不(bu)V”are analyzed in the framework of Dialogic Syntax in this paper and a construal mechanism for “爱(ai)V不(bu)V” construction is constructed and verified through case studies. The resonating “爱(ai)V” and “不(bu)V” are respectively reduced to two complex sentences with parallel forms and opposite meanings: “如果爱V就V；如果不爱V，就不V ruguo aiV, jiuV; ruguo bu aiV, jiu buV”(if you want to V, then V; if you don’t want to V, don’t V). Form resonance between complex sentences triggers semantic resonance, that is, the opposition between two hypothetical relations. This oppositional relation constructs two corresponding events through conceptual expansion, namely, choosing-to-V event and choosing-not-to-V event. Strong contrasts and conflicts between these events activate event resonance which provides two options for the choice of “爱(ai)V不(bu)V” construction. In the process of event integration, the speaker expresses an inclination for this choice through cognitive prominence, thereby conveying their communicative intentions. This study not only expands of application of Dialogic Syntax to monologue, but also represents a valuable attempt to dynamically analyze static language, offering insights into the interpretation of other parallel structures in linguistic study and natural language processing.
Abstract: The “爱(ai)V不(bu)V” construction in Chinese is a parallel construction composed of “爱(ai)V” and “不(bu)V”. Based on the investigation of the corpus CCL, the parallelism and resonance between “爱(ai)V” and “不(bu)V”are analyzed in the framework of Dialogic Syntax in this paper and a construal mechanism for “爱(ai)V不(bu)V” construction is constructed and ...
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Research Article
Language Use Practices of the Indian Migrant Community in Sydney, Australia: A Pilot Study
Ragni Prasad*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
102-110
Received:
2 January 2025
Accepted:
14 February 2025
Published:
11 April 2025
Abstract: Sociolinguistic research on the linguistic skills and repertoire of Indian migrants in Australia is scarce, despite their growing population. Indian migrants are multilingual upon arrival to Australia, but the extent to which they remain bi- or multilingual and the extent to which they transmit those languages to the subsequent generations has not been recorded. This pilot study is part of a PhD study on language maintenance and bilingualism in the Indian migrant community in Sydney, Australia and contributes to addressing the gap in sociolinguistic literature. The study adopted the mixed-methods approach, where the quantitative method using surveys in the form of a written questionnaire was the main method of investigation. This was complemented by the qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews and field observations. This paper presents the results of the quantitative method of investigation, focussing on language use practices of first and second-generation Indian migrants in the home domain. The results show that Indian heritage languages are maintained better by the first than the second generation and with certain interlocutors only. This raises the question of the prospect of the maintenance and transmission of Indian heritage languages to the subsequent generations and would be explored in this paper. The article also focuses on the linguistic and policy implications of the patterns of language use on the Indian migrant community and the linguistic landscape of Australia.
Abstract: Sociolinguistic research on the linguistic skills and repertoire of Indian migrants in Australia is scarce, despite their growing population. Indian migrants are multilingual upon arrival to Australia, but the extent to which they remain bi- or multilingual and the extent to which they transmit those languages to the subsequent generations has not ...
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Research Article
Im/Politeness in Advertising Herbal Medicines in Cameroon
Marcelline Sirri Bongnwi Ndongmanji,
Lozzi Martial Meutem Kamtchueng*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
111-117
Received:
23 January 2025
Accepted:
12 February 2025
Published:
14 April 2025
Abstract: The use of politeness and/or impoliteness strategies can hardly be standardized across cultures and communication settings. The present paper aims to examine the pragmatic use and functions of (im) politeness in advertising herbal medicines in Cameroon. Data were collected, mostly on-bus, from twenty-three herbal medicine sellers through recording, observation, interview and note-taking. The elicited discourses are analysed based on the brown-levinsonian politeness theory and Culpeper’s taxonomy of impoliteness. The results show that positive politeness (greeting, wish, thanking, and endearment expression), negative politeness (apologising, use of please and indirectness) and bald on record politeness are the main politeness strategies used in the herbal medicine sellers’ advertisement discourse. Besides, mock impoliteness speeches like teasing and jocular expression of power over H, and Meta impoliteness strategies including sarcasm are used to draw the attention of the potential customers. A number of interlanguage pragmatic features (like the odd use of apology) are observed in the herbal medicine sellers’ discourse. The paper concludes by highlighting the important function of certain impoliteness characteristics that have been identified. However, the impoliteness present in the speech acts of advertisers does not manifest as aggressive or confrontational behaviour, as one might infer from the impoliteness taxonomy. Instead, it is characterized as playful abuse intended to foster a sense of camaraderie.
Abstract: The use of politeness and/or impoliteness strategies can hardly be standardized across cultures and communication settings. The present paper aims to examine the pragmatic use and functions of (im) politeness in advertising herbal medicines in Cameroon. Data were collected, mostly on-bus, from twenty-three herbal medicine sellers through recording,...
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