-
Research Article
Reproduction, Variation and Reconstruction of the Bashu Regional Image in the English Translation of Tang Poetry
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
1-6
Received:
14 October 2024
Accepted:
30 October 2024
Published:
9 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijll.20251301.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study explores the reproduction, variation, and reconstruction of the "Bashu regional image" in the English translations of Tang poetry, particularly focusing on the works of the esteemed poet Li Bai. Unlike traditional poetic imagery, regional images possess distinct local characteristics that reflect the unique cultural and geographical context of their origin. The Bashu region, known for its rugged landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and inclusiveness, serves as a quintessential example of this phenomenon. Li Bai's poetry, especially in pieces such as "On the Flowery Tower in the Town of Silk" and "The Moon over the Eyebrow Mountain," is infused with vivid Bashu cultural images that merit scholarly attention. This paper examines how these regional images are reproduced, altered, and reinterpreted in English translations, particularly considering the timeline of Li Bai’s experiences in Bashu. By analyzing the nuances of translation, this research aims to elucidate the complexities involved in conveying regional imagery to a global audience. Ultimately, it seeks to highlight the significance of maintaining the essence of local culture in translation, thus enhancing our understanding of both the source material and its adaptations across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Through this investigation, the study contributes to the broader discourse on the interplay between language, culture, and poetic expression in the context of ancient Chinese literature.
Abstract: This study explores the reproduction, variation, and reconstruction of the "Bashu regional image" in the English translations of Tang poetry, particularly focusing on the works of the esteemed poet Li Bai. Unlike traditional poetic imagery, regional images possess distinct local characteristics that reflect the unique cultural and geographical cont...
Show More
-
Research Article
Strategies Deployed by EFL Learners to Improve Their Speaking Fluency: An Overview
Mehrdad Nazarie
,
Amin Beigzadeh*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
7-10
Received:
16 December 2024
Accepted:
3 January 2025
Published:
21 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijll.20251301.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Background: As English emerges as the global lingua franca, non-native speakers increasingly prioritize speaking fluency to enhance communication, academic performance, and employability. This paper reviews strategies employed by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners to improve their speaking fluency, emphasizing the importance of practical insights for both educators and learners. Objective: The objective of this study is to explore effective strategies for improving speaking fluency among EFL learners, addressing key areas such as regular practice, vocabulary expansion, active listening, role-playing, and self-assessment. Main Ideas: The paper presents several foundational strategies for improving speaking fluency among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learner. Regular practice and immersion in English-speaking environments, such as language exchange programs and online platforms, are essential for real-life application of language skills. Building speaking confidence through gradual exposure to complex conversations and public speaking opportunities helps learners overcome anxiety. Vocabulary expansion techniques, including thematic instruction and technology-assisted learning, enhance learners' ability to express themselves effectively. Active listening and mimicking through shadowing exercises refine pronunciation and comprehension skills. Role-playing and conversation simulations prepare learners for real-life interactions, boosting both fluency and confidence. Lastly, self-assessment and feedback practices encourage reflection and collaborative learning, fostering continuous improvement and motivation among learners. Together, these strategies provide a comprehensive approach to enhancing speaking fluency in EFL contexts. Conclusions: While the strategies discussed offer robust pathways for enhancing speaking fluency, challenges such as limited access to native speakers and learner anxiety persist. Future research should focus on innovative solutions, including virtual language communities and AI-powered tutors, to address these challenges. By examining the long-term impacts of these technologies and the interplay between cultural adaptability and language fluency, educators can further optimize EFL learning outcomes, bridging linguistic and cultural gaps effectively.
Abstract: Background: As English emerges as the global lingua franca, non-native speakers increasingly prioritize speaking fluency to enhance communication, academic performance, and employability. This paper reviews strategies employed by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners to improve their speaking fluency, emphasizing the importance of practical ...
Show More
-
Research Article
The Linguistic Sign and the Subsystems of Language
Eric Papazian*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
11-18
Received:
24 November 2024
Accepted:
12 December 2024
Published:
22 January 2025
Abstract: The point of departure is that the traditional linguistic «components» or subsystems like phonology, semantics, lexicon and grammar are based on the linguistic sign (or symbol), and the article discusses the relation between these components: Are they independent and supplementary, or are some systems part of others? And what is their relation to the sign and its two parts, expression and content (meaning)? First, the linguistic sign is presented and discussed, and defined 1) as a general unit with any expression, not limited to speech, 2) non-mentalistically, in a manner compatible with a usage-based approach to language, namely as a social or conventional product that also comprises physical entities like sounds or letters. Then some problems concerning the relation between the sign and the subsystems are pointed out and discussed in the following sections. The main conclusions are: 1) Lexicon and grammar include (e.g. phonological) expressions, phonology deals with the expression system. 2) There is no semantic system – meaning is part of lexicon and grammar. 3) Grammar is not «autonomous», but consists of (complex) signs and includes meaning. 4) Lexicon and grammar are neither expression nor content, but represent the sign or lexicogrammatical level. 5) Languages and texts are not signs and do not consist of expression and content, but of subsystems and parts. 6) Words are the basic part of language, presupposed by grammar.
Abstract: The point of departure is that the traditional linguistic «components» or subsystems like phonology, semantics, lexicon and grammar are based on the linguistic sign (or symbol), and the article discusses the relation between these components: Are they independent and supplementary, or are some systems part of others? And what is their relation to t...
Show More
-
Research Article
Beyond Typology: How Event Integration Works in Motion Events - A Case Study of “V + Dào” Construction in Mandarin
Lin Yu*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
19-40
Received:
31 December 2024
Accepted:
14 January 2025
Published:
10 February 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijll.20251301.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study investigates the mechanisms of event integration in Mandarin motion events, with a specific focus on the widely used “V + Dào” construction, a representative verb complex in the language. Event integration, defined as the reconceptualization of events through conceptual conflation or integration, has traditionally been examined within the scope of either the main verb or the satellite. This research broadens the theoretical scope by introducing two complementary dimensions of event integration: internal event integration, where individual lexical items conflate multiple subevents, and external event integration, where subevents are integrated between the main verb and the satellite. Using a dataset of 611 “V + Dào” sentences extracted from a spoken Chinese corpus, the study identifies 12 distinct patterns of event integration. These patterns include combinations such as “(motion + manner) + (motion + path)” and “(motion + cause) + (motion + path),” illustrating the intricate interplay between semantic components. The analysis reveals that internal integration operates through the conflation of conceptual elements within “V” or “Dào,” while external integration is achieved through conceptual mapping and the semantic overlap between these components. The findings of this study advance our understanding of Mandarin’s typological flexibility and enrich existing theories on motion event encoding. By proposing a refined framework for analyzing event integration, this work offers new insights into cross-linguistic variation and highlights the significance of Mandarin as a language that challenges traditional dichotomies in motion event typology. These contributions underscore the importance of reconsidering established linguistic models to account for the complexity of event integration mechanisms in diverse languages.
Abstract: This study investigates the mechanisms of event integration in Mandarin motion events, with a specific focus on the widely used “V + Dào” construction, a representative verb complex in the language. Event integration, defined as the reconceptualization of events through conceptual conflation or integration, has traditionally been examined within th...
Show More
-
Research Article
Intergenerational Perspectives on Language Endangerment in Nigeria: A Case Study of Tarok
Hosanna Hussaini Wakkai*,
Selcit Banda
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
41-54
Received:
30 December 2024
Accepted:
16 January 2025
Published:
10 February 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijll.20251301.15
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Language endangerment has constituted a great threat to especially minority languages around the world. With several languages at the verge of extinction, the world is fast losing its rich linguistic and, of course, cultural diversity, leading to increasing resentment and mutual distrust among nations as glaringly displayed at almost all international negotiations. While native speakers of the dominant languages are comfortable with this trend, the speakers of the dominated languages get even more apprehensive because their languages are getting lost. This research investigates the attitudes of the young and old generations of native Tarok towards the endangerment of their Tarok language. It finds out the differences and similarities in the young and old generations’ attitudes of the native Tarok towards the endangerment of the Tarok language and identifies the contributing causes of the Tarok endangerment, proposing potential solutions for its preservation. The study employs the qualitative design with participants purposively selected from both generations through community organizations. Some significant differences between the young and old generations’ attitudes are revealed by the results, basically indicating that the young Tarok speakers focus on the present effects of globalization, urban migration, and education, while old Tarok speakers emphasize the impact of industrialization, technological changes, and cultural erosion on future generations. However, both generations share concerns about the loss of cultural identity and heritage associated with language endangerment, stressing the importance of parental teaching and community-driven efforts to preserve the Tarok language. Apart from the emphasis that findings exact on the urgent need to preserve the Tarok language, the comparison between young and old generations of the native Tarok speakers underscores the importance of inclusive and community-driven preservation initiatives. The findings have also deepened the understanding of the psychosocial factors involved in language endangerment phenomenon and offer valuable insights for policymakers, educators, community leaders in their collaborative work of language preservation initiatives. Because of the emphasis made by the both the old and young generations on educational system as a key factor contributing to language endangerment, the need for conscious efforts should be made to incorporate Tarok language into school curricular, particularly at primary and secondary levels. Language lessons should be intensified by not only using Tarok as metalanguage but also as a target language in early education to help younger generations develop proficiency in using the Tarok language. The study highlights the need for multifaceted approaches to language revitalization, balancing tradition with modernization, and leveraging education and technology to foster intergenerational language transmission. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and community leaders engaged in efforts to revitalize and preserve the endangered Tarok language for the sustenance of the Tarok cultural heritage.
Abstract: Language endangerment has constituted a great threat to especially minority languages around the world. With several languages at the verge of extinction, the world is fast losing its rich linguistic and, of course, cultural diversity, leading to increasing resentment and mutual distrust among nations as glaringly displayed at almost all internatio...
Show More
