Digital Commons Network^™

The Origin And Dispersal Of Austroasiatic Languages From The Perspectives Of Linguistics, Archeology And Genetics, Jian Yu, Xiaohua Deng, Zhiquan Fan, Wenjiao Yang, Zhi Ji, Chuanchao Wang

Human Biology Open Access Pre-Prints

The Austroasiatic (AA) languages are a large language family in Mainland Southeast and South Asia. Theoretical, methodological, and material constraints have limited research on the origin and dispersal of AA-speaking populations within historical-comparative linguistics. With the deepening of archaeological and genetic studies, interdisciplinary collaboration has become the key to solving this problem. Based on the latest achievements of linguistics, archaeology and molecular anthropology, we review the hypotheses and propose insights on the origin and dispersal of AA languages. The ancestors of the AA-speaking populations were suggested to be the rice farmers living in the Neolithic Age in southern China. During …

Toward Clinical-Grade Evaluation Of Large Language Models, Amy C Moreno, Danielle S Bitterman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Neurodiversifying Language Instruction, Brian Kapustka, Lara Tompkins

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

This presentation, delivered at the Alpha Mu Gamma National Convention, serves as an innovative guide for enriching the educational experience of neurodiverse learners within language classrooms. Drawing upon a rich tapestry of applied linguistics research and inclusive pedagogical frameworks, the session provided actionable insights into integrating cutting-edge learning technologies and evidence-based teaching strategies.

The core objective was to dismantle traditional monolithic teaching approaches, replacing them with dynamic, responsive methods that celebrate the diverse cognitive profiles of students. The presentation emphasized the importance of fostering a safe, engaging, and inclusive classroom climate that actively supports a range of learning needs and …

Measuring The Effects Of Selective And Divided Attention Conditions On Language Production: Comparing Across Age Groups For Aphasia Assessment, Emily Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations

This study was divided into two parts. Study 1 examined the spoken language production of neurologically healthy adults (NHA) in selective and divided attention conditions during a story retell task. NHA participant groups consisted of 21 younger (26–54), 19 older (55–69), and 20 elderly (70–85) adults. Study 2 investigated how the language production of four people with aphasia (PWA) compared to their respective NHA group. All participants retold stories in a silent baseline condition, three background noise conditions (cocktail party, conversation, phone call), and one dual-task condition (tone discrimination). Language production measures (speech rate, disfluent verbalizations, language efficiency, lexical diversity, …

Spec: A Soft Prompt-Based Calibration On Performance Variability Of Large Language Model In Clinical Notes Summarization, Yu-Neng Chuang, Ruixiang Tang, Xiaoqian Jiang, Xia Hu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Electronic health records (EHRs) store an extensive array of patient information, encompassing medical histories, diagnoses, treatments, and test outcomes. These records are crucial for enabling healthcare providers to make well-informed decisions regarding patient care. Summarizing clinical notes further assists healthcare professionals in pinpointing potential health risks and making better-informed decisions. This process contributes to reducing errors and enhancing patient outcomes by ensuring providers have access to the most pertinent and current patient data. Recent research has shown that incorporating instruction prompts with large language models (LLMs) substantially boosts the efficacy of summarization tasks. However, we show that this approach also …

Audiovisual Media Innovation: Hanyu Shuzi Learning Solution, Lukluk Ul Muyassaroh, Aiga Ventivani, Octi Rjeky Mardasari, Zakia Ikfinaa Natassja El Marah, Rendy Setyawan, Viola Ermawati

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

Despite the popularity of Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language in Indonesia, there has been a lack of attention given to the development of learning media for Indonesian learners. Consequently, this may hinder their comprehension of the materials. This study aims to develop an innovative learning media for Mandarin Chinese learners to help them master the Hànyǔ Shùzì material. The present study involves 27 students majoring in Mandarin Chinese Education at State University of Malang and employs the ADDIE research and development model by Dick and Carry. The model comprises five stages: (1) Analysis, (2) Design, (3) Development, (4) Implementation, …

Causal Influence Of Linguistic Learning On Perceptual And Conceptual Processing: A Brain-Constrained Deep Neural Network Study Of Proper Names And Category Terms, Phuc T U Nguyen, Malte R Henningsen-Schomers, Friedemann Pulvermüller

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language influences cognitive and conceptual processing, but the mechanisms through which such causal effects are realized in the human brain remain unknown. Here, we use a brain-constrained deep neural network model of category formation and symbol learning and analyze the emergent model's internal mechanisms at the neural circuit level. In one set of simulations, the network was presented with similar patterns of neural activity indexing instances of objects and actions belonging to the same categories. Biologically realistic Hebbian learning led to the formation of instance-specific neurons distributed across multiple areas of the network, and, in addition, to cell assembly circuits …

No Ela Without Ella: Understanding The Naming And Crafting Of Gendered Subjectivities In Puerto Rico, Carmín Quijano Seda

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

At the beginning of the 20th century, the official metadiscourses about gendered job titles sedimented the idea that names or indexes pointing to women should be interpreted as unskilled, cheap, or even free labor in Puerto Rico (Azize, 1985; Muñiz Mas, 1998; Baerga-Santini, 1999). For this reason, Puerto Rican women organized and fought for equality in work settings. Furthermore, they became more active in politics and the government. Nevertheless, the Estado Libre Asociado (ELA) and local media discourses and interpretations about women’s labor discouraged them from participating in more senior positions (Acevedo Gaud, 2012).

However, this interpretation seemed to have …

Intraoperative Language Mapping Guided By Real-Time Visualization Of Gamma Band Modulation Electrocorticograms: Case Report And Proof Of Concept, Kyle R Noll, Priscella Asman, Israt Tasnim, Matthew Hall, Katherine Connelly, Chandra Swamy, Chibawanye Ene, Sudhakar Tummala, Roxana M Grasu, Ho-Ling Liu, Vinodh A Kumar, Matthew Muir, Sarah Prinsloo, Hayley Michener, Jeffrey S Wefel, Nuri F Ince, Sujit S Prabhu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Electrocorticography (ECoG) language mapping is often performed extraoperatively, frequently involves offline processing, and relationships with direct cortical stimulation (DCS) remain variable. We sought to determine the feasibility and preliminary utility of an intraoperative language mapping approach guided by real-time visualization of electrocorticograms.

METHODS: A patient with astrocytoma underwent awake craniotomy with intraoperative language mapping, utilizing a dual iPad stimulus presentation system coupled to a real-time neural signal processing platform capable of both ECoG recording and delivery of DCS. Gamma band modulations in response to 4 language tasks at each electrode were visualized in real-time. Next, DCS was conducted for …

Cross-Linguistic Awareness In 90/10 Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Programs, Patricia Mondragón-Doty

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify, describe, and recommend the specific cross-linguistic connection instructional strategies that teachers in TWBI 90/10 programs have found to be most effective for fostering language and literacy development.

Methodology: This qualitative phenomenological study explored how teachers of TWBI 90/10 programs perceived the use of specific cross-linguistic connection instructional strategies to better serve emergent bilingual learners (EBLs) and what implications cross-linguistic connections had on dual language instruction. To determine what best instructional strategies support bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement and cultural competence, in-depth semi structured interviews were conducted. Ten teachers were selected to …

"Aramaic: A History Of The First World Language" [Review] / Gzella, Holger., Zdravko Stefanovic

Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)

This is a book review

Evaluation Of Cultural-Linguistic Factors In Speech-Language Testing With English Learners, Mayra Alejandra Reyes Ruiz

Theses and Dissertations

As the population of schools increases in diversity, school psychologists are challenged to provide equitable assessments for English Language Learners. However, due to lack of training in non-discriminatory assessment, inconsistent administration practices, and lack of knowledge of language development, in some districts, ELLs are overrepresented in Special Education, including Speech Language Impairment. For fair and a valid assessment, it is imperative that practitioners understand the cultural and linguistic development factors that affect ELL test performance. The Culture-Language Test Classifications, and Culture-Language Interpretive Matrix provide practitioners with information on the degree of cultural loading and linguistic demand required on a test, …

Prekindergarten Teachers’ Perceptions Of Their Role In Language Development In Play, Lena N. Cosme

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to develop a deeper understanding of prekindergarten teachers’ perceptions, beliefs, and understandings of their role in language development in supporting language development through play. Purposive sampling was used to gather a sample of 12 prekindergarten teachers who taught in classrooms worldwide. The study was guided by a qualitative research design and data were collected through semi- structured interviews. The conceptual framework that underpinned this study was based on Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and Jerome Bruner’s theory of play. Six themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) play and language go hand in hand, (b) how I see …

Language And Culture Immersion: A Case Study Of Mandarin Language And Chinese Culture Immersion, Lilliam Malave

NERA Conference Proceedings 2024

This case study examined to the extent that participation in a Mandarin language and Chinese culture immersion program enabled the participants to increase their Mandarin language proficiency, acquire culture content knowledge, and influence their self-transformation. Descriptive qualitative and quantitative data were collected using the application form, reflective journals, content and language surveys, structured interviews, and language and culture tests. The findings indicated that: 1) Participants in the immersion program learned new target language through language and culture content-based instruction, and interactions. 2) Immersion in the target language and culture resulted in participants’ culture content knowledge and understanding gains. 3) The …

Eficacia De Técnicas De Introducción De Vocabulario Para Estudiantes De Español Como Segunda Lengua, Enzo Hellmeister

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This thesis examines the effectiveness of different techniques for teaching Spanish vocabulary to second language learners, specifically focusing on students in SPAN 101 at Minnesota State University, Mankato. It compares traditional flashcards with vocabulary exercises contextualized within language contexts to determine the most impactful method for long-term retention and practical application of Spanish vocabulary. Using a mixed-methods research approach, including pre- and post-assessments and qualitative data collection, the study involves 42 Spanish students. The analysis reveals distinct outcomes: traditional flashcards result in an average improvement of 13.38% in vocabulary correctness, while in-context activities show a more substantial enhancement of 17.47%. …

When Would You Feel Like A Writer? Exploring Writing With Newcomer Students, Sinélia Peixoto, Thea Williamson

English Faculty Publications

The authors share a story of a middle school writer's experience navigating across languages in an English for Speakers of Other Languages support classroom.

Editorial: The Musical Brain, Volume Ii, Jonathan Fritz, Amy M. Belfi, Jessica Grahn, John Iversen, Isabelle Peretz, Robert Zatorre

Psychological Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Do High School Students Understand Their Miranda Rights? A Preliminary Investigation, Emma K. Hinds

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Background: Numerous studies have established that the linguistic complexity of the Miranda warning often results in poor comprehension, particularly for adolescents. Several studies have shown that persons with language disorders are overrepresented in U.S. prisons. Additionally, a few studies have shown a strong positive correlation between language scores and scores on Miranda assessments. These findings suggest that individuals with language disorders are at risk for poor comprehension of their Miranda rights, placing them at greater risk of waiving those rights, which can lead to incarceration.

Aims: The goal of this preliminary investigation is to examine how well adolescents with typical …

The Politics Of Peace In Romans : Postcolonial Intertextuality And The Double-Voiced Discourse Of Scripture And Roman Imperialism, Dain Alexander Smith

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Bilingualism And Trust On Digital Scam Susceptibility, Grace M. Casanova

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Trust is an essential component of social relationships and is connected to how we make informed decisions. Humans tend to use mental shortcuts to arrive to decisions, a strategy which may be exploited by scammers. As online scams have become more common, it is critical to understand factors that can influence appraisal of potentially untrustworthy sources. The present study focused on language, in the form of self-reported bilingualism, and its relation to scam susceptibility. Language is a factor that contributes to alterations in brain structure, cognitive performance, and cognitive control systems. Bilinguals show advantages in the form of increased synaptic …

In Shame I Will Find Paradise, Taehee Whang

Theses and Dissertations

As a Korean American non-binary digital artist and designer, my recent explorations have focused on using voice as a medium to articulate nuanced feelings of displacement and the intricate relationships between language, identity, and expression. This journey expands beyond my personal experiences with gender dysphoria, delving into the lives of non-binary and transgender individuals undergoing gender-affirming voice therapy. Through my thesis research, I have developed interactive multimedia installations inspired by dialogues with individuals such as Umico Niwa, who traveled to Korea for voice feminization surgery, and Jeong Yoon Lee from Hyperlink Press, a four-year participant in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). …

There Is No Substitute For A Lifetime: A Study Of Metaphor And Linguistic Autonomy In The Lives And Works Of Selected American Poets, Richard Tony Thompson

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Metaphor is not only figurative language, but also a way of understanding reality and creating truth. This study describes how selected American poets, including Tom Andrews, Patti Smith, and Natasha Trethewey, engage the concept of creation through metaphor in their poetic and autobiographical writing. Theories of signification, symbolism, and metaphor as defined by philosophers of language, including George Lakoff, Charles Sanders Peirce, and Roman Jakobson, are combined with complementary theories from philosophers of poetry, including Wallace Stevens, Jorie Graham, and Federico García Lorca, and used as a lens through which to view the agency of the language user as a …

Niipáitapiiyssin: How Blackfeet Ways Of Knowing Impact Identity And Well-Being, Mikalen Running Fisher

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

This thesis explores the vital role of history, traditional knowledge, traditional ecological knowledge, artifacts, and language in shaping the identity and well-being of Indigenous communities. It emphasizes how these components are vital for the survival and growth of Indigenous cultures. Using the Blackfoot Confederacy as a case study, the research highlights the significance of these elements in maintaining cultural continuity and resilience. The analysis is grounded in literature authored from an Indigenous perspective, ensuring an authentic representation of the values and insights inherent in these communities. This work aims to bridge existing gaps in the literature by demonstrating the profound …

Examining Differences In Self-Concept And Language Between Monolingual And Bilingual Undergraduate Students, Marilyn Vega-Wagner

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The literature is lacking in studies that examine self-concept and language status among individuals older than adolescence. The purpose of this study is to conduct a quantitative nonexperimental comparative design to examine differences in self-concept and language status (monolingual or bilingual) between male and female undergraduate students in California. A total of 97 participants were examined in the study. The researcher conducted descriptive statistics on the demographics as well as a MANOVA and an ANOVA to answer the proposed research question. Based on the findings presented, the researcher failed to reject the null hypothesis of research question 1: There is …

Differences In Connected Speech Outcomes Across Elicitation Methods, Tatiana T Schnur, Sharon Wang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Connected speech is often used to assess many aspects of an individual's language abilities after stroke. However, it is unknown the degree to which elicitation methods differ in generating structural and syntactic aspects of connected speech, two critical components of successful communication. Quantifying the degree to which elicitation methods differ in eliciting structurally, syntactically, and lexically complex connected speech at the earliest stage of stroke before reorganization and rehabilitation of function independent of clinical diagnosis of aphasia has not been examined to date. Addressing this gap has implications for early clinical intervention as well as empirical studies of connected …

The Effects Of Language-Related Misunderstanding At Work, John Fiset, Devasheesh P. Bhave, Nilotpal Jha

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Demographic, technological, and global trends have brought the language used at the workplace to the forefront. A growing body of research reveals that language could result in misunderstanding at work, and influence employees' performance and attitudinal outcomes. Language at work encompasses standard language (e.g., English) as well as several hybrid forms of language (non-native accents, code-switching, and jargon). We delineate how these forms of language could result in misunderstanding. We then identify relational, affective, and informational mechanisms that underlie the relationship between language-related misunderstanding and employees' performance and attitudinal outcomes, and highlight key boundary conditions. In doing so, we uncover …

The Domain-Specific Neural Basis Of Auditory Statistical Learning In 5-7-Year-Old Children., Tengwen Fan, Will Decker, Julie Schneider

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Statistical learning (SL) is the ability to rapidly track statistical regularities and learn patterns in the environment. Recent studies show that SL is constrained by domain-specific features, rather than being a uniform learning mechanism across domains and modalities. This domain-specificity has been reflected at the neural level, as SL occurs in regions primarily involved in processing of specific modalities or domains of input. However, our understanding of how SL is constrained by domain-specific features in the developing brain is severely lacking. The present study aims to identify the functional neural profiles of auditory SL of linguistic and nonlinguistic regularities among …

A Qualitative Research Study Exploring The Lived Experiences Of K-12 School Teachers Who Serve African American Students Who Speak African American Vernacular English, Kayla K. Davies

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the proposed transcendental phenomenological study will be to explore the perceptions and lived experiences of k-12 schoolteachers working with African American students and their usage of AAVE in the State of Maryland. The theories guiding this study are critical race theory and Krashen’s second language acquisition theory. This qualitative transcendental phenomenological study will collect data from 12 participants in the state of Maryland using individual interviews, focus groups, and letters. The data will then be analyzed using Braun and Clarke's qualitative descriptive research data analysis plan. The data showed that k-12 schoolteachers mainly perceived AAVE as a …

Term-Blast-Like Alignment Tool For Concept Recognition In Noisy Clinical Texts., Tudor Groza, Honghan Wu, Marcel E Dinger, Daniel Danis, Coleman Hilton, Anita Bagley, Jon R Davids, Ling Luo, Zhiyong Lu, Peter N Robinson

Faculty Research 2023

MOTIVATION: Methods for concept recognition (CR) in clinical texts have largely been tested on abstracts or articles from the medical literature. However, texts from electronic health records (EHRs) frequently contain spelling errors, abbreviations, and other nonstandard ways of representing clinical concepts.

RESULTS: Here, we present a method inspired by the BLAST algorithm for biosequence alignment that screens texts for potential matches on the basis of matching k-mer counts and scores candidates based on conformance to typical patterns of spelling errors derived from 2.9 million clinical notes. Our method, the Term-BLAST-like alignment tool (TBLAT) leverages a gold standard corpus for typographical …

Healthcare Practices In The United States Aimed At Improving Care And Language Access Services For Limited English Proficiency Refugees: A Systematic Review, Bemnet Kebede

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: The United States has accepted over 3 million refugees from all around the world since 1975. However, many Limited English Proficiency (LEP) refugees face significant barriers when seeking healthcare due to limited access, lack of knowledge, mistrust in physicians, language differences, cultural concerns, and overall complexity of the U.S. healthcare system. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify practices in the last 10 years that have improved healthcare and language access services for LEP refugees living in the U.S.

Methods: A search was conducted in four electronic databases PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus from January 2013 to …