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Showing 4 results for Talebzadeh
Mozhgan Younesi , Hossein Talebzadeh,
Volume 25, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
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Many studies on L1 and/or L2 pragmatic competence are constrained by universalist orientations towards sociopragmatics and overlook the idiosyncratic cultural scripts and schemas of underexplored languages and cultures. Particularly neglected is the complicating role of Iranian cultural schema of a (dis-)belief in the evil eye with regards to the speech act of complimenting (and responding to it); actually, the schema is hypothesized (Talebzadeh & Rajabi, in preparation; Younesi & Talebzadeh, 202) to pose intricate interactional challenges for both parties due to the possible interpretations of and (non-)verbal responses to compliments (as predominantly Face-Saving Acts versus potentially Face-Threatening Acts). Moreover, still unknown is the way these could confound EFL learners’ cross-cultural communications. To address these gaps, we present the second phase of a more comprehensive study of compliment response (CR) behaviors of Iranian respondents while checking the adequacy of our proposed model (inspired by Herber’s taxonomy). To qualitatively and quantitatively examine the CRs of fifteen proficient Iranian female learners of English, we initially collected the data using two sets of Discourse Completion Tasks (DCT) (in Persian and English) consisting of a variety of situations and variables (e.g., social distance and compliment topics). Then, follow-up semi-structured interviews were conducted to tap into the participants’ (non-)beliefs in the evil eye and its presupposed effects on their compliment exchanges. The findings underscore the adequacy of our modified model and the particularities of Iranian cultural schemas. Specifically, being a widespread belief, evil-eye is shown to play a pivotal role in formulating the responses to compliments through the selective application of CR types such as Cheshm-Zadan and Taarof in reaction to the compliments given (particularly those on family members or beloved ones) across both languages. The study concludes with a discussion of the findings with reference to the relevant literature and implications for intercultural communication, language education, and sociopragmatic research and practice.
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Mr Obaidullah Obaid, Dr Hossein Talebzadeh,
Volume 27, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
This study evaluated the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) needs of Afghan undergraduate economics students using Hutchinson and Waters' framework of present and target situation needs. Participants included 20 ESP instructors and 50 male economics students aged 18–27 from five Afghan universities: Kabul University, Alberoni University, Parwan University, Kardan Private University, and Rana Private University. A triangulation of qualitative and quantitative methods was employed, including questionnaires, self-assessment, semi-structured interviews, and non-participant observations. The present situation analysis revealed deficiencies in vocabulary, pronunciation, sentence structure, and skills such as reading, writing, listening, and translating subject-specific texts. Target situation needs highlighted students' expectations for proficiency improvement in these areas and mastering skills for academic and professional demands, such as using statistical software and communicating economic concepts. Findings showed that students' self-assessments aligned with their low General English Proficiency (GEP) scores, though instructors often underestimated their abilities. Students strongly preferred ESP classes, prioritizing speaking and writing skills for improvement. However, progress was hindered by outdated textbooks, limited course hours, large class sizes, and a shortage of qualified instructors. Additionally, students struggled with bilingual dictionaries and translating materials due to limited resources. Despite these challenges, 70-90% of students valued ESP classes for academic and career success. The study emphasized the need for curriculum reform and better teaching resources to bridge the gap between students' current abilities and academic goals. Findings also confirmed students' positive attitudes toward learning English. Eventually, Afghan economics students stated that English is a crucial and essential academic requirement, without it, they cannot achieve any academic progress and success since all scientific resources in economics are published in English.
Haniy Shariati, Dr Hossein Talebzadeh,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
The current study reports the steps taken in the first phase of a larger project aiming at assessing the pragmatic competence of Iranian EFL learners with a focus on L2 (im)politeness features. To this end, a Multiple-choice Discourse Completion Test (MDCT) was developed, based on the scenarios present in two recently published webcomics. First, the types and the frequencies of the L2 (im)politeness strategies found in the webcomics were determined through discourse analysis. Next, similar situations to those present in the webcomics were developed based on a table of specifications developed by the researchers. The developed (im)politeness questionnaire was first piloted by a number of native English speakers and improved according to their comments and suggestions. Finally, the finalized version of the questionnaire, i.e., the developed DCT, was administered to a few Iranian EFL learners for the final piloting. The steps taken and the findings of each one is reported and discussed.
Mr Kourosh Ghahremani, Dr Hossein Talebzadeh,
Volume 28, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Neologisms emerge within the language mainstream and constitute an indispensable aspect, particularly in literature and new phenomena in our lives. These novel terms, born from creative minds, often lack defined equivalents in other languages, posing challenges for translators. In the realm of translation studies, neologisms, especially those related to the coronavirus pandemic, have garnered significant attention. This study focuses on slang "coroneologisms" and their translations compiled by Thone (2020). Utilizing the resources provided by english-corpora.org, the frequency of coroneologisms was examined. A questionnaire featuring a selection of the most frequently occurring neologisms was randomly selected and distributed to twenty-nine translators to gauge their translation approaches. The results, classified according to Newmark's (1988) taxonomy to reveal the normalization status of equivalents. Strategies employed for translating normalized examples are identified using Molina and Albir's (2020) framework. The study finds that various neologism types, such as blends and derived words, undergo normalization, primarily through translation into blends. While translators employ diverse strategies like amplification and generalization, they generally lead to normalization. However, old words with new meanings often face mistranslations or omissions rather than normalization. Overall, blends emerge as the most normalized neologism type, whereas old words with new senses exhibit the least normalization.
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