International Journal of Middle Eastern Research
The International Journal of Middle Eastern Research (ISSN: 2976-5455) is a peer-reviewed academic journal published biannually by Al-Kindi Center for Research and Development. The journal was founded in 2022 to address the need for scholarly research on Middle Eastern studies. IJMER welcomes academic contributions which analyse political, economic and social dynamics and developments of the Middle East region. Articles on the language, literature, history, politics, economics, anthropology, sociology, geography, philosophy and the religions and cultures of the region are also encouraged.
Al-Kindi Center for Research and Development
The Role of Demographic Variables and Ethnic Identity in Predicting Well-being Among Syrian Circassian Returnees to the Caucasus
Return migration is widely recognised as a complex process involving reintegration, identity renegotiation, and adaptation to social and cultural environments that may differ from expectations. Despite growing scholarship on migration and well-being, limited empirical research has examined how ethnic identity relates to psychological well-being among Syrian Circassian returnees specifically. Existing findings across migrant populations have been mixed, with some studies reporting positive associations between ethnic identity and well-being, while others suggest weak or context-dependent relationships. This study investigated the role of ethnic identity in predicting well-being among Syrian Circassian returnees to the Caucasus, a population shaped by conflict-driven displacement and subsequent return migration to an ancestral homeland.We examined two research questions: first, whether demographic variables (age, gender, and household income) predicted well-being among Syrian Circassian returnees; and second, whether ethnic identity contributed additional explanatory value beyond these factors. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 102 adult returnees residing in the Kabardino-Balkarian and Adyghe Republics. Participants completed validated measures of ethnic identity (Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure) and well-being (Mental Health Continuum–Short Form). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess predictive relationships. Findings indicated that ethnic identity was a significant and moderate positive predictor of well-being, explaining additional variance beyond demographic variables. Age emerged as a modest positive predictor, whereas gender and household income were not statistically significant. These results highlight the central role of ethnic identity as a psychological resource that supports well-being during return migration. Stronger ethnic identification was associated with higher levels of emotional, psychological, and social well-being, suggesting that identity may provide continuity, meaning, and a sense of belonging in the context of reintegration. Overall, this study contributes to the limited empirical literature on Syrian Circassian returnees and extends theoretical understanding of identity processes in return migration contexts. It underscores the importance of considering psychosocial and cultural factors, alongside demographic variables, when examining adaptation among displaced populations. The findings also offer practical implications for policies and interventions aimed at supporting returnees, emphasising the value of strengthening cultural identity and community belonging to enhance psychological adjustment and well-being.
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Middle Eastern Research
Arabic Language Computing within the Framework of Computational Linguistics: Challenges of Representation and Prospects for Development
Language has transcended its traditional communicative boundaries and moved beyond its conventional foundations, becoming an inevitable force that breaks abstract constraints. It has kept pace with technological advancement and entered the domains of artificial intelligence, leading to transformations in its literary dimensions and structural systems. In parallel with technological progress, language has undergone processes of engineering and programming that have established a complex system extending beyond mere communication into the sphere of educational computing. Consequently, a new field of knowledge has emerged, one that analyzes linguistic phenomena, develops innovative computational structures, and programs linguistic symbols in order to render language suitable for automatic processing. With the rapid scientific and technological advancements of the contemporary era, the growing interest in studying the digitization of language within the framework of the humanities has become increasingly urgent. This necessitates clarifying the fundamental issues upon which such studies are based, as well as explaining the methodological and scientific relationship involved in the computational programming of language. It also requires adapting global linguistic and literary arts in general, and the Arabic language in particular, to become more effective within digital learning environments.
Language, Computer, Digitization, Computational Linguistics
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Conceptual Comparative Socio-Pragmatic Study of Congratulatory Strategies employed by University Students: Evidence from Jordan and Saudi Arabia
Positive emotions and good wishes are key elements in interpersonal communication in all cultures. In this regard, congratulatory speech acts have been identified as significant in building relationships and maintaining harmonious communication. However, congratulatory strategies in Arabic cultures have not been fully investigated. This study aims to provide a conceptual socio-pragmatic analysis of congratulatory strategies used by Jordanian and Saudi university students. This study attempts to revisit congratulatory speech acts in Jordanian and Saudi cultures by using Elwood's (2004) framework for a comparative analysis. This study attempts to provide a conceptual analysis of similarities and differences in congratulatory strategies used in Jordanian and Saudi cultures rather than focusing on statistical differences. This study aims to provide a more in-depth understanding of congruence and incongruence in congratulatory strategies used in Jordanian and Saudi cultures and contribute to the theoretical debate in speech act realization in culturally similar but socially different groups.
Congratulatory strategies, Saudis, Jordanians, pragmatics, sociolinguistics
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Linguistic Study of Jordanian Folk Rhymed Proverbs and Idioms
Folk proverbs and idioms are a basic part of the cultural heritage, as they are intangible document that reflects the deep-rootedness of civilizations and the originality of their cultural roots. The folk proverbs and idioms vary in their linguistic structure, and their functions as they are used to express different cultural, economic, social and religious values, etc. Jordanian folk proverbs and idioms occupy an important part of the national linguistic heritage, as they are used by people no matter their social and scientific backgrounds. The present study aims to explore the Jordanian folk rhymed proverbs and idioms in order to bring to light their linguistic structure and social functions. The corpus was selected from different sources and was subject to thorough investigation. The study showed that various means and tools were used in forming these proverbs and idioms and that they were used to serve different social purposes and functions.
Jordan, folklore, proverbs, idioms, linguistic structure, social functions
Psychological and Social Effects on the Host Community Towards the Refugee Crisis from Sudan in the City of Al Kufra
This study aimed to identify the psychological and social impacts resulting from the Sudanese refugee crisis on the residents of Al-Kufra city, and whether there are differences in these psychological and social impacts attributable to the variables of (gender, age group, nature of work, residential area). The study relied on the analytical descriptive method. A study sample of (300) individuals was selected using stratified random sampling to ensure the representation of various social and economic groups, based on Morgan's table. The sample included individuals aged (18 years and above). A questionnaire was prepared to measure the psychological impacts across its three dimensions (anxiety, empathy, psychological threat) and the social impacts across its three dimensions (social interaction, cultural conflict, community security). The questionnaire consisted of (30) items and the scale possessed a high degree of reliability and validity. The scale's reliability was calculated and verified using Cronbach's Alpha method, as it provides the minimum estimate of the scale's reliability coefficient, using the (SPSS) program. The reliability coefficient for the entire scale was (0.787), while its value using the split-half method was (0.851) and using the test-retest method it reached (85.0%) at a significance level of (0.01). The results showed an above-average level of psychological impact (2.26), while the overall mean for social impact was (2.69) at a high level, and there were no differences in the dimensions of age and nature of work.
Psychological and Social Effects; Host Community; Refugee Crisis; Sudan; City of Al Kufra
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Work Environment and Life Satisfaction among Municipal Cleaning Workers in Jordan: A Qualitative Study
This study aimed to identify the professional environment and its impact on life satisfaction among sanitation workers in Jordan. A qualitative approach was used on a sample of 15 sanitation workers. Additionally, two focus group discussions were held, each containing 10) workers. The sample was selected purposively. The results indicated the presence of challenges preventing the provision of a safe work environment, such as administrative and organizational obstacles represented by the absence of social protection in social security and health insurance, lack of access to official holidays and leaves, discrimination and randomness in the distribution of tasks, and poor organization of daily and overtime working hours. Among the most prominent economic challenges were the absence of financial rewards and incentives, and the lack of financial stability due to the nature of daily wage contracts (Miyawama) for sanitation workers. Social challenges also appeared, such as negative societal treatment and exposure to various forms of violence—economic, psychological, verbal, physical, and sexual—in the absence of complaint and reporting mechanisms. The results also showed deficiencies in the application of health and safety standards, such as conducting periodic medical examinations for workers, and the absence of necessary procedures to deal with accidents and injuries. Among the most important recommendations were enhancing societal respect for sanitation workers through media campaigns and social initiatives, and conducting further studies related to sanitation workers in Jordan.
Professional environment, life satisfaction, sanitation workers
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Self-Affirmation and Its Relationship to Psychological and Social Adjustment Among a Sample of Students at The University of Kufra
The research aims to identify the correlation between self-affirmation, psychological and social compatibility, and to know the differences between the average scores of the sample of the research on the scale of self-affirmation, psychological and social compatibility depending on the gender and age variable. The research sample consisted of (155) students from the University of Benghazi, Al Kufra branch, and applied the standards of affirmation, psychological and social compatibility, after the verification of their reliability and consistency. The results indicated that the rate of affirmation among the sample was 10.8%, which is low, and the ratio of psychological and social compatibility among the sample was 10.7%, which is low. The study also found that there are significant differences between males and females at the level of self- affirmation and these differences were in favor of males, while the study found differences between males and females in the level of psychological and social compatibility, but these differences are not significant.
self-affirmation; psychological and social compatibility; university students; Kufra
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The predictive Ability of Career Counseling in Reducing Obstacles Faced by Women Entrepreneurs in Managing Small Enterprises in Jordan
The study aimed to identify the obstacles faced by women entrepreneurs in managing their small enterprises and the predictive ability of career counseling in reducing these obstacles. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing a quantitative methodology with a sample of 387 women entrepreneurs, and a qualitative methodology with a sample of 60 entrepreneurs. The results revealed various obstacles faced by entrepreneurs. Prominent psychological obstacles included significant tension when conducting large financial transactions, and fear of failure or competition. Social obstacles encompassed traditional family rejection of women's financial independence and the double burden of domestic and productive work. Regarding economic obstacles, key challenges included limited access to assets and resources, insufficient technical support for investing in new fields, marketing and distribution difficulties, and weak financial inclusion with limited access to financial services such as credit, insurance, and savings. The findings indicated that career counseling is an effective tool in reducing these obstacles. It contributes to providing financial and administrative knowledge, enhancing entrepreneurs' marketing and sales skills, and supporting strategic decision-making. Furthermore, it plays a vital role in boosting self-confidence and overcoming the fear of failure through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and developing skills like time management, teaching techniques such as the Pareto principle (20/80) and Pomodoro techniques.
Contemplating G20 Presidency Branding and Impression Management - Local and Global Contextual Organization Perspectives
This review seeks to examine the effectiveness of impression management through the lens of the G20 Presidency branding for lessons in the efforts of organizations when expanding into the international business sphere. Organizations increasingly require novel approaches, such as cultural sensitivity and integration, and to understand regional and global differences and manage engagement in global contexts, that commence with refining of the local brand. This review contemplates the approach to the G20 Presidency branding as an important reflection in tailoring impression management strategies to the local contexts and effectively serving the target audiences. Markets are transitioning from domestic to international contexts, justifying the need to invest in impression management. The review focuses on innovative strategies for G20 Presidency branding and impression management, and how to enhance international significance in an increasingly competitive business environment. It synthesizes existing literature on impression management and applies the findings to contemporary business activities. The key topics for review include impression management in different regions, and how each country over the past five years uniquely branded the G20. The main countries examined are Saudi Arabia (2020), Italy (2021), Indonesia (2022), Brazil (2024), and South Africa (2025). The review also includes innovative approaches to global branding, evidence-based strategies for impression management, the role of technology in impression management, and seizing impression management opportunities and navigating associated challenges. All these topics affirm the role of impression management in aligning business values with community needs and advancing cultural intelligence, continuous improvement, and ethical practices. The review has noted that impression management affects organizational outcomes for firms entering new markets. It also influences countries’ appeal to the global community while maintaining their national identities. During the G20 presidency, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa employed distinct branding methods to increase their global appeal. Therefore, organizations must adjust their impression management strategies based on their regions of operations. The Northern, Western, Southern, and Eastern regions have different priority areas that must be adopted by businesses in their impression management efforts. The review has also emphasized the need to abandon traditional approaches for more contemporary strategies for navigating international branding. Innovative approaches such as cultural adaptability and complexity are necessary steps in aligning business operations with diverse cultural contexts. Some of the evidence-based approaches to impression management include adapting communication to environmental and cultural contexts, investing in sustainability, advancing employee engagement, and incorporating cultural intelligence in business operations. Thus, businesses should seize opportunities in the field of impression management. Transitioning from the domestic to international markets requires businesses to address contextual and cultural strategy differences. Evidence-based impression management strategies will foster collaboration and inclusivity. Organizations can leverage technologies like virtual and augmented reality to deliver immersive brand experiences that highlight their values and products, fostering customer loyalty. Equally important are inclusivity and ethical leadership. Integrating regional narratives into global campaigns enhances cultural relevance and supports a more inclusive approach to international branding. Future research should focus on the evolution of impression management approaches as seen in evolving domestic and international market trends.
G20 Presidency branding, impression management, global branding, cultural integration, adaptability, reputation management
Immigration Policy Reforms: Balancing National Security and Humanitarian Concerns
This research explores the intricate relationship between immigration policy reforms, national security, and humanitarian concerns. While governments worldwide strive to maintain national security, it is equally imperative to uphold humanitarian principles. This article critically examines the historical evolution of immigration policies, their impact on national security, and the necessity of a balanced approach that considers the human rights of immigrants and refugees. Through statistical analysis, case studies, and policy evaluation, this paper aims to propose viable immigration reforms that align security imperatives with humanitarian obligations.
Immigration policy, national security, humanitarian concerns, policy reforms, refugees, border control.
Water Resource Crisis in the Gaza Strip: The Impact of Groundwater and Surface Water Challenges Before and After the October 2023 Conflict
The Gaza Strip, a densely populated area of around 365 square kilometers, faces a severe water crisis driven by over-extraction of groundwater, contamination, and inadequate management. Groundwater, the main fresh water source, is depleting and contaminated by saline intrusion, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff, making much of it undrinkable. Surface water, including limited rainfall and local streams, cannot meet the growing demand. Gaza Strip receives only about 300 mm of rainfall annually, far below the global average. With over 2 million people relying on limited water resources, extraction exceeds sustainable levels, further exacerbating the crisis. The region's water challenges are compounded by ongoing political and military conflicts, including wars and a prolonged blockade, which have damaged infrastructure and hindered sustainable water management. As a result, 97% of Gaza’s groundwater is undrinkable, and water quality continues to decline. This paper examines Gaza's water crisis, focusing on the period before and after the October 2023 war. It highlights how the conflict worsened the situation by damaging infrastructure and depleting resources, and explores the impact on public health and agriculture. The paper also investigates potential solutions to improve water sustainability, such as water treatment, desalination, and regional cooperation in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Gaza Strip, Political Impact on Water, Water Scarcity, Water Quality, Water Management
The Gaza-Israel War Terminology: Implications for Translation Pedagogy
Student translators at my college take a Media Translation course in which they translate the latest news stories. This study proposes a model for integrating Gaza-Israeli war terminology and texts in translation instruction to familiarize the students with such terminology such as (names of weapons (grenades, mortar, drones, missiles, Merkava, Cornet anti-armor, mortar shells), toponyms (Khan Younis, Maghazi, Sderot, Ashkelon), crossings (Rafah, Erez), Jihadist groups and brigades (Islamic Jihad, Golani), military actions (incursion, bombing, shelling, genocide, displacement) war metaphors (target bank, carpet bombing, scorched earth, fire belt, Philadelphia Axis, Hannibal's plan), (UNRWA, Gaza hospitals, starvation, humanitarian aid) and others. English and Arabic texts can be collected from mainstream media as RT, BBC, CNN, Al-Jazeera and Al-Ghad. A class blog can be created for posting translations, corrections, discussions, and feedback. The students can practice full, summary, and conceptual translation and avoid word-for-word translation. They can watch news stories about the Gaza-Israel war, write a summary translation of it and receive comments and feedback. Beginners can translate short news excerpts (few lines). Students make sure their translations are cohesive, make sense and are easy to read. Students should use Google Translate and artificial intelligence (AI) with caution and should read the same news story in both English and Arabic to get used to the terminology and their equivalents. The instructor serves as a facilitator. Further instructional guidelines and recommendations are given.
Gaza-Israel Wars, war terminology, war terminology translation, military terms, Gaza-Israel media, Al-Aqsa Flood
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Relevancy and Outlook of the Technology-Enhanced Education within Digital Contents, Resources and Tools
Digital technology has become one of the most dictating determinants of this modern age; technology is gradually taking wider roles in every aspect of human activity and practice; education, teaching, and learning have centrally been apt to a wide range of changeability: technology-enhancement has facilitated the emergence of new concepts in education; technology- enhancement has also incorporated new roles for teachers, students, learning content, pedagogy, learning resources, instructional media and tools; as a consequence, the aim of this study was to investigate the relevancy and outlook of such a technology –enhanced education within the three domains of digital content, digital resources, and, digital tools. To achieve the aim of this study, a juxtaposed qualitative approach was followed to reveal and then describe such relevancy and outlook; the available literature has profoundly been surveyed to support the argument and the investigative range of this study; consequently, three essays, which are separate in form, but interrelated in their thematic topicality, have investigated three related issues: the first is why technology enhancement has dictated itself to the educational system, and how it has been changing the whole educational system; the second is why and how digital content can be an unavoidable digital resource and why there is a call to exploit digital contents and digital resources; the third is how digital tools, "Grammarly" as an example, bears some functional limitations that can cast some uncertainty over the degree of dependability that they are supposed to record. Accordingly, this study has generally concluded that technology enhancement, digital contents, digital resources, and digital tools are advantageous and exploitable as long as they are exploited rationally and reasonably; technology enhancement should be understood as an extension and not as a substitution to traditional educational practices; the study also concluded that the overdependence on technological and digital solutions could cast various risks on Human Intelligence (HI), thinking, attitudes, and behavior. This study comes up with various recommendations.
Technology –Enhanced Education; Digital Content; Digital Resources; Digital Tools; Grammarly; Theories of Learning; Aldous Huxley; Writing Skills; Human Intelligence (HI); sustainable
The Double-Edged Sword: Analyzing the Influence of Technology on English Language Learning in Kuwait Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
This study explores the dynamic interplay between advanced technology and teaching English to non-native speakers within university contexts. Focused on insights from academic staff at Kuwait University, the research explores both the merits and challenges associated with integrating technology into language education. The literature review examines the evolution from traditional to modern teaching methods, emphasizing technology's role in creating engaging and personalized learning experiences. As a global lingua franca, English is a focal point, with technology-driven approaches reshaping language education for non-native speakers. The consequences of integrating advanced technology unfold nuancedly, showcasing both positive and negative outcomes. The study reveals that while technology enhances access to diverse learning resources and improves writing tools, it poses challenges such as distractions, dependence, and potential superficial learning. The research design involves a qualitative approach, employing semi-structured interviews with 11 academic staff members in Kuwaiti institutions. Thematic analysis is utilized to extract key patterns and themes from the gathered data, providing valuable insights into teacher perspectives on the consequences of technology integration. The findings highlight drawbacks, including concerns about the quality of online content, overreliance on technology, and potential isolation, along with obstacles faced by higher education institutions, such as cost considerations and faculty challenges. The study proposes strategic solutions, advocating for professional development, equitable access to technology, and a balanced approach that integrates traditional and technology-driven methods. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of thoughtful and ethical technology integration in English language education. It advocates for a holistic approach, considering the quality of instruction, critical thinking development, and the need for a supportive culture of innovation. As universities navigate the complexities of technology, these insights offer guidance for creating inclusive and impactful language learning experiences for non-native speakers in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.
English language education, Advanced technology, Technology integration, Language learning Challenges and drawbacks
Feminine Sound Plural Endings in /ya:t/ and /yya:t/ in Native and Loan Lexemes in Arabic
A sample of 80 loanwords and 100 native Arabic words ending with /ya:t/ or /yya:t/ were analyzed and compared to find out the conditions under which /ya:t/ and /yya:t/ appear in Feminine Sound plural forms of those words. Results revealed that Arabic speakers pluralize native and loan nouns ending with the glide /y/, which is part of the words, as ناي/na:y/; & قبضاي /qabaDa:y/ (Turkish) by directly adding the feminine plural suffix /-a:t/ to the stem without making any other adaptations (نايات /na:ya:t/ flutes & قبضايات /qabadaya:t/ strong-arm). In native words with a stem ending in the graphemes ى or ي pronounced /a:/ and /i:/, the vowel is shortened and the glide /y/ is added as a liaison consonant as inتمنيات /tmanniya:t/ wishes; مديات /maday:at/ ranges). When the loan stem ends in the syllable يا /ya:/, the final long vowel /a:/ is deleted before the plural suffix /-a:t/ as Arabic phonotactics do not allow a sequence of two long vowels as in بكالوريا /bakalo:rya/ > بكالوريات /bakalory+a:t/ high school diplomas. A geminated glide /yy/ appears in the plural of native words as أدبيات /?adabiyy+a:t/ literature; برمجيات /barmadʒiyy+a:t/ software) and plural loanwords as سيديات /si:di:yy+a:t/ CD’s; سيلفيات selfies /selfiyy+a:t/; باربيات /ba:rbi:ya:t/ Barbies; سمفونيات /simfo:ni: +y+a:t/ symphonies. In these examples, there are two explanations of the stem: One assumes that the masculine singular stem ends in a geminated yy, after which the plural suffix /a:t/ is directly added. The second assumes that the stem is a feminine singular noun/adjective ending in a geminated yy followed by the grapheme ta marbouta ة ــة pronounced /a/. /a/ is deleted when the plural suffix /a:t/ is added, as Arabic does not allow the sequence of two vowels. The vowel preceding the geminate yy is shortened in the plural form of native and loanwords in Arabic. The study gives some recommendations for translation and pedagogy and for future studies on Arabic loanword morphology.
Pluralizing loanwords, borrowings in Arabic, morphological borrowing, feminine plural suffix /a:t/, feminine plural ending /ya:t/, feminine plural ending /yya:t/, morphological adaptations, phonological adaptations, grapheme-phoneme adaptations
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Magic Realism and Fantastic in Contemporary Literature
Magical Realism and Fantastic are two widely used concepts in contemporary literature. Fantastic is such fiction that blends the realities of our physical world with the supernatural in an indistinguishable manner, with the aim of leading minds of varying abilities on different trails. Both are used in combination to complete the novel. The reader is amazed by the inability to differentiate between real life and the world of fantasy. In Magical Realism, as the name implies, magic, history, fiction and myths are employed. The characters often possess supernatural abilities. It is often mistaken for imaginary realism. The main difference between the two is that in Fantastic, the characters feel shocked and horrified by the happenings, as in Harry Potter’s series, where the sudden disappearance of ‘the mirror’ causes shock. By contrast, in magical realism, the characters tend to react to the occurrence of magic. Another important point is the relation of both to scientific fiction, where events are analyzed on the basis of facts and scientific development in order to enable humans to face life intelligently.
Magical Realism, Supernatural, Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction, Unnatural, Fear.
Favorite Magazines and Reading Topics Among Saudi Female College Students
This study aimed to explore the magazines and topics that female college students like to read, and the topics that senior and junior high school reading textbooks contain. Findings of questionnaire-surveys with female college students at King Saud University revealed that 77% of the students read women’s magazines; 77% like to read about fashion and make-up; 66% read articles about movies, singers, and actors; 24% read poetry; 1-4% read religious, educational, literary, political, computer and internet, and historical articles. Analysis of the reading schoolbooks showed that 10% of the reading texts are devoted to Quranic verses and Prophet Mohammed’s Hadiths; 29% are about Islamic history; 13% focus on general topics, and 11% deal with classical literature. It can be concluded that female college students like to read magazines and topics that prevail in satellite T.V. broadcasting and social media such as Instagram. Both magazines and satellite T.V. shows marginalize young people’s local culture and distract them from vital social, and political issues. There is a discrepancy between the types of topics students read at school and those they like to read at home. Therefore, this study recommends that reading texts in the school textbooks be re-selected, re-constructed and re-designed in terms of layout, colors, pictures, paper quality, and choosing an attractive cover. It also recommends the utilization of online courses, blogs, mind-mapping software, mobile reading apps and audiobooks, digital reading, global topics and global culture, speed reading practice, and reading from multiple resources. High school and college students should be introduced to new books, magazines, and e-books. Extensive reading of serious topics should be started from the primary grades; reading texts should be diversified; developing students’ appreciation skills and visiting book fairs, public libraries, publishing houses, cultural centers should be emphasized as well.
Favorite magazines, female college students, reading interests, favorite reading topics, reading textbooks, extensive, digital reading.
Copyright (c) 2023 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Dominance of Foreign Shop Names Over Arabic Names in Saudi Arabia: Promotional, Sociocultural and Globalization Issues
This article investigates the language choice in shop names in Saudi Arabia, and the factors that determine the language choice and the reasons for preferring English to Arabic names. A sample of 500 shop names in 12 cities was collected from a Saudi Mall Directory and analyzed. In addition, a sample of 75 students and instructors from the departments of languages, translation, education, computer science and business and 25 shop owners and workers were surveyed. It was found that 64% of the shops have foreign names (25% international foreign names and 39% local names); 24% have pure Arabic names and 12% have mixed names. Some shops with a foreign name add an Arabic descriptor which is a translation of the foreign name (Perfume (عطورات بارفيوم. Foreign names are used in some mall and shop names although Arabic equivalents exist. The students, faculty and shop owners and workers gave promotional, sociocultural, linguistic and globalization factors, and lack of a business naming policy. They indicated that foreign shop names are used as a marketing strategy to attract customers who prefer foreign merchandise to local ones. They think it is more glamorous to use a foreign name as foreign names are associated with modernity, prestige, and elitism. They can reach more customers. A foreign name gives the customer the impression that the store is keeping abreast of latest international markets. They faculty added that in our cognition, foreign names are connected with high quality. Our culture looks at English as more sophisticated and fancier. An English name has a different effect. Shop owners indicated that new entrepreneurs adopt a foreign name because they are worried about their ability to compete with other shops. Shops like to Imitate shops in the West. Some think that translating a shop name to Arabic creates a barrier between the customer and the foreign franchised company as the original name is in English. As an example, foreign names are used for promoting the Riyadh Season (Oasis, Winter Wonderland, Park Avenue (بوليفارد . The article gives recommendations for protecting the Arabic language, translating shop names, and choosing glamorous and attractive Arabic names.
Foreign shop names, Saudi shops, Saudi mall, shop naming practices, factors affecting shop naming, globalization, promotional factors, sociocultural factors
Copyright (c) 2022 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Impacts of Intimate Partner Violence on Academic Performance of Married Female Students
Intimate partner violence (IPV) happens to both genders. However, women experience harsher consequences and are more often to be victims of more extreme types of IPV because women have traditionally been viewed as men's property. Effects of IPV also include academic underachievement because physical and mental health problems caused by IPV affect academic performance. Gender differences exist in the occurrence of IPV. Therefore, this qualitative exploratory case study research has been conducted through in-depth interviews from a feminist perspective to determine how IPV has been influencing the academic performance of married female students. In this study universe of the researchers is Karachi. Researchers used Purposive sampling with a sample size of 10 married female students. Data is analyzed through the thematic analysis method. It is found that significant correlations were observed between IPV and the academic performance of married female students; It has impacted the GPA and completion of the degree. Due to IPV, married female students are experiencing impaired cognition and academic challenges. It decreased academic motivation, college/ university attachment, and attendance of married female students. IPV severely impacted the academic performance of married female students.
Intimate Partner Violence, Academic Performance, Married Female Students.
Vocabulary Acquisition Techniques to Learn Second Language English Speakers: A Literature Review
This review paper investigated past studies on techniques for acquiring vocabulary to learn second language English speakers. The research in this study was picked to look into and comprehend language acquisition, its meanings and related topics, its categories, vocabulary learning techniques (VLT), historical research on using VLTs in English second language education, and the connection between effective language learners and VLT usage. The deliberate use of VLS in both official and casual settings and an accidental acquisition of VLS have all been examined in previous studies. The results demonstrated that the application of techniques significantly increased the vocabulary of ESL learners, underscoring the value of vocabulary to language proficiency. Proficient language users used VLS to enhance their vocabulary acquisition. At the end of this study, many research gaps identified in prior studies were highlighted. It was found that little study had been done on ESL students' efficiency of VLS usage. There isn't much research on LLS training models, as well. Future research is anticipated to use this review as a starting point to examine the knowledge gaps identified and concentrate on the application of vocabulary learning strategies in ESL instruction, the relationship between these strategies and users of proficient languages, and the effectiveness of LLS learning algorithms that can be utilized to teach vocabulary learning techniques to ESL students.
Teaching vocabulary, accidental, purposeful, contextual, Vocabulary strategies
Por Que Es Importante Español: Narratives on the Value of Spanish Foreign Language to the Cebuano Learners, Their Native Language, And Culture
This study aims to investigate the importance of the Spanish language to Cebuanos. It reveals that Spanish is significant to the Cebuano learners, their native language, and their culture. Using the reflexive thematic analysis, the researcher analyzed the gathered data, which was collected through one-on-one interviews with the participants via google meet. Results show that participants garnered skills and an edge over others in studying a foreign language. It also shows that it enriches the native language by studying a foreign language. Participants appreciate the Cebuano language even more. It also shows participants understand other cultures and the cultural influence of the Cebuano language by studying Spanish. Learning Spanish could have an impact on the lives of the Cebuanos.
Spanish language, importance, Cebuano language, Cebuano learners, Cebuano culture
Polemic on Human Rights Case is Still Rolling in Indonesia
The purpose of this research is to find out cases of violations related to human rights in Papua and to find out the state's responsibility for violations of human rights in Paniai Regency, Papua Province. The formulation of the problem in this study is why the issue of human rights violations in Paniai District, Papua Province, has occurred again and what is the role of the state in protecting human rights in Indonesia and what is the international view of the state's role in protecting human rights in Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of the state in protecting human rights in Indonesia and to find out the legal view of the state's role in protecting human rights in Indonesia. The research method used in this study is a normative research method with primary data sources derived from library research. This research was conducted using a statutory approach in order to further study the legal basis by examining laws and regulations related to human rights violations that occurred in Paniai district, Papua. The findings in this study are that the role of the state in protecting human rights in Indonesia has been considered in such a way as can be seen from the many laws and regulations regarding human rights, whose aim is to protect the rights of the humans themselves. However, the issue of resolving human rights cases must be carried out as fairly and transparently as possible in their settlement, considering the obligation of the state to carry out its role as a protector of human rights for all of its people must be maximized, and every right must be fulfilled. However, in practice, discrimination against human rights is still widely encountered due to injustice from the authorities.
Faculty of Law, Widya Mataram University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia