E-Structural (English Studies on Translation, Culture, Literature, and Linguistics)

Linguistic Readiness of Doctoral Candidates

2024-07-02T03:25:59+00:00

English language proficiency is critical for doctoral candidates, particularly in non-English-speaking countries like Indonesia, where mastery of reading and writing in English is essential for academic success. This study evaluates the effectiveness of TOEFL scores as indicators of doctoral students' abilities to comprehend and produce scientific texts in English. However, few studies have investigated how TOEFL scores represent doctoral students’ reading and writing abilities in scientific texts from the viewpoints of the individuals directly engaged. Thus, this qualitative study addresses the research gap by employing semi-structured interviews with four doctoral students from the Faculty of Agriculture at a public university in Malang, Indonesia, and the Head of the Doctoral Study Program. The data were analyzed inductively using Bloom's taxonomy to assess the depth and complexity of the participants' linguistic readiness. The results were then classified based on the Bloom Taxonomy level from the fundamental knowledge comprehension to the creation of doctoral candidates' scientific articles. The study's findings underscore the need for more comprehensive assessments of English proficiency in postgraduate admissions. While higher TOEFL scores generally indicate better comprehension and writing skills, they do not consistently reflect the specific competencies required for scientific writing. This suggests that the TOEFL score may be insufficient as a sole metric for linguistic readiness. The study contributes to policy discussions by highlighting this need, particularly in disciplines requiring specialized academic writing skills.

Analysis of English Language Hegemony in Digital Marketing Content in Indonesia

2024-10-09T06:18:22+00:00

This study examined the prevalence of English in digital marketing content among Indonesian startups, exploring the balance between global linguistic trends and local language use in an emerging digital economy. The research analyzed digital marketing materials from 10 prominent Indonesian startups across various sectors using qualitative content analysis. The findings reveal a strategic bilingual approach, with 42.3% English, 53.7% Indonesian, and 4.0% mixed language use overall. Significant variations were observed across digital platforms, industry sectors, and content types. Websites and app descriptions showed higher English usage, while social media favored Indonesians. Technology and fintech startups used more English (56.8%), contrasting with education and healthcare startups' preference for Indonesian (70.4%). Theoretically, this study contributes to understanding of strategic bilingualism and linguistic adaptation in digital marketing by demonstrating how language choices reflect both global aspirations and local market demands. Empirically, the findings reveal that Indonesian startups employ a systematic approach to language selection across different platforms and sectors, with technology companies favoring English (56.8%) while education and healthcare sectors predominantly use Indonesian (70.4%), indicating a careful balance between international reach and local engagement in their digital marketing strategies.

A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Slang Words Used in Pulp Fiction Movie Directed By Quentin Tarantino

2024-10-30T08:45:23+00:00

This research was conducted by analysing slang language in the script of "Pulp Fiction" by Quentin Tarantino. The study ac imed to identify and analyse the types, meanings, and functions of slang used in the film's script. The primary source of this research is the script of "Pulp Fiction." The writer employed a descriptive qualitative method, reviewing and identifying slang dialogues using English translations, then capturing screenshots of important dialogues relevant to the chosen title. The slang words found in the "Pulp Fiction" script are categorized into two types according to Chapman's theory (1988): Primary Slang and Secondary Slang. In this study, there are 19 slang words classified into these two types, each found in various sentences throughout the "Pulp Fiction" script. The dominant type of slang is Primary Slang, with the most frequently used word being ain't, which appears 47 times. In contrast, the word O.D.ing in Secondary Slang is used only 3 times.

A Study on Teachers’ and Students’ Speaking Anxiety:

2024-10-07T05:08:50+00:00

Anxiety about speaking English is not unusual and can affect any language learner, including teachers can experience anxiety in speaking English. When a person experiences this anxiety, they must have strategies to overcome it. While studies usually focus on students, this current study aims to explore teachers’ anxiety as well. This paper addresses three research questions: [1] What type of anxiety do the respondents experience? [2] What causes them to suffer from speaking anxiety? and [3] What strategies do they use to overcome their anxiety? Data in the form of responses from seventy-five respondents were gathered during a workshop conducted by a postgraduate program of a private university in Surabaya, East Java. The respondents were asked about their worries, causes, and strategies to overcome their anxiety. The problems were categorized into psychological, social, and language proficiency. The findings revealed that the respondents experienced social, psychological, and language-proficiency issues. Besides that, the respondents had their strategies for overcoming their anxiety. Only 14 respondents out of 75 mentioned the strategy they had to overcome their speaking anxiety. The results of this research can help university lecturers boost their students’ confidence and motivation in speaking enabling them to become competent English teachers.