Indian Journal of Language and Linguistics

Thought, Language, and Communication Interplay in Persons with Aphasia and Neurotypical Individuals - A Preliminary study

2025-03-26T18:01:10+00:00

Background: Stroke affects language, and language affects thoughts and the ability to communicate. Language has the primary function of enhancing communication, and enhancing thought as the secondary function. This explains the interlink between Thought, Language, and Communication (TLC), thus creating the need to explore TLC parameters in Persons with Aphasia (PWA) for a holistic perception of communication impairment. This study aimed to assess the TLC in PWA and to compare it with Neurotypical individuals (NTI). Method: A total of 10 participants (5 PWA and 5 NTI) were recruited for the present study. The conversational discourse samples on the neutral topic were collected and subjected to a perceptual 5-point rating based on domains of the Thought Language Communication Assessment Scale for Persons with Aphasia (TLCAS-PWA). Results and Discussion: The mean score was high in the communication domain, emphasizing that communication is affected among the domains of TLCAS - PWA. The comparison of TLC parameters between PWA and NTI was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test, and the results showed a significant difference between PWA and NTI. The parameters of TLC exhibited by PWA were similar to Persons with Thought Disorder (PWTD), as there is an overlap of TLC. The parameters of TLC exhibited by PWA and PWTD were similar due to the linkage of TLC. Conclusion: PWAs should undergo TLC assessment in their routine clinical evaluation for a holistic perception of Communication impairment.

Human vs. Machine Translation – Benefits and Drawbacks

2025-05-17T07:40:49+00:00

With the advances in the field of computer and information technologies (CIT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), which revolutionized the machine translation process, has become part of our lives over the last years. There has been a shift from tasks based on human intelligence to such based on AI. Living in the era of the global reach of science and technology, it was impossible for the field of translation to be left unaltered. The review focuses on the quality of Machine Translation (MT) output in terms of the complexity and diversity of Bulgarian as the source language and English as the target language. MT quality is analyzed in terms of fidelity, adequacy, lexicon and cultural uniqueness. Furthermore, the purpose of this article is to outline the drawbacks of MT in the cultural and linguistic context of Bulgarian. Some concluding remarks will be made about the dimensions and boundaries of MT. This article, however, contributes to the description of translation as the canvas on which subtle nuances and tender strokes turn into a masterpiece. Literature review was adopted as the main research method. Based on the review of 47 articles, three books and a thesis, I conclude that translation is still a domain that is a privilege to humans. Machines can only accelerate the process of human translation but they cannot serve as a universal replacement. While machine translation that operates through a computer code cannot be combined with social and cultural background, high quality translation can be stimulated through the synergy between artificial and human intelligence.

The Role of Adverbs in Astrophysical Research Paper Abstracts

2025-06-10T06:06:22+00:00

In this paper, we examine the presence of adverbs in 220 research paper abstracts published over an 11-year time span (2011–2021) in four top English-language journals in astrophysics, from both diachronic and cross-journal perspectives. Our main results reveal that, on average, adverbs account for about 3% of the total number of words, with adverbs ending in “-ly” making up approximately 40% of all adverbs and around 70% of their different variants. From a diachronic standpoint, the observed rising trend in the mean number of adverbs relative to the number of words, adjectives, main verbs, and authors may be attributed not only to the need for a thorough account of procedures and findings but also to the strategic management of discourse aimed at shaping editors’ and readers’ responses in an increasingly competitive scientific research environment. From a cross-journal perspective, the differences observed may be explained by a two-sided scenario: (1) abstracts published in journals with a more empirical and less generalist approach tend to contain more adverbs to provide a more detailed description of results and processes; (2) the use of adverbs by L2/L3 English authors varies from that of L1 English researchers, likely reflecting diverse proficiency levels in English. Our findings could benefit pedagogical studies in various fields by helping to bridge the gap between the written communication styles of L2/L3 and L1 English scientists, promoting clearer and more effective scientific discourse.

Effect of Gender in Development of Attention in Malayalam Speaking children

2025-07-09T15:44:37+00:00

Cognitive function such as attention is essential for learning, memory, daily functioning and overall quality of life. Understanding the multitude of this cognitive process, including potential gender differences, is crucial for developing tailored interventions and educational strategies. Studies that investigate the gender differences in cognitive-linguistic abilities of young children are sparse in the Indian context. Findings in this direction has revealed potential gender based differences in attention; however the findings are mixed. The current study aims to investigate these claims by exploring the impact of gender on attention development in Malayalam speaking children. 40 children between the age ranges of 4-8 years participated in the study. Equal number of males and females were included. The participants were chosen from regular schools in Thrissur district of Kerala, India. ‘Cognitive Linguistic Assessment Protocol for Children in Malayalam’, which assesses attention/discrimination, memory, and problem-solving tasks, was used for the study. The findings suggested that, there was a remarkable difference in visual discrimination task between the genders. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the attention tasks. This research supports the notion that attention development is largely influenced was not influenced by gender.