Language and Translation Studies (LTS)

Abstract The global spread of English resulted in a surge in the global demand for learning this lingua franca. The majority of English language teaching is conducted through global ELT coursebooks. However, the end users have continuously criticized the promotion of Western values, consolidation of linguistic imperialism, and hegemonic practices through these books. This study describes the process of developing localized English language teaching materials based on research findings and Tomlinson’s text-driven approach. The selection of suitable texts is essential for optimizing language learning through SLA principles, such as providing learners with ample opportunities for meaningful language use and directing their attention toward meaning. After development, these materials, along with their accompanying audio and video files, were uploaded to an online platform (www.chamranelt.ir) where language teachers could employ them in their classrooms. This is the most prominent characteristic of the platform, and it is argued that it can be a solution to the possible cultural problems caused by global English language teaching coursebooks. These materials are more learner-centered, more engaging, and can provide learners with numerous opportunities to develop their intercultural communicative competence. Due to their cost-effectiveness, they can be efficiently marketed.

Abstract Albert Camus acknowledges absurdity and the only way to rebel against the fundamental emptiness of existence is to reach freedom and self-awareness. This transition would include two types: passive nihilist and active nihilist. The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of the rebel in Camus’ philosophy and its representation in Samuel Beckett’s plays. To do so, two of Beckett’s plays, Waiting for Godot and Endgame are examined. The findings reveal a new reading of the ‘Camusian Rebel’. Contrary to Camus’ philosophy, the characters in these works have the courage to commit suicide and do not even try to create meaning out of their lives. They are castrated in speech and communication with the other, contradicting the Camusian definition of absurdity. They parody all Camus’ philosophical assumptions about the meaning of life and nihilism.

Abstract  The present research investigated the reports of wrestling reporters to present a specific model for translating conceptual metaphors. This study was qualitative and corpus-based. To this end, 20 reports from the World Wrestling Cup series in 2022 were randomly selected and analyzed through linguistic-based content analysis. The analysis showed that metaphors constituted more than 8% of the reports on average. Therefore, the most frequent metaphorical sentences in these reports were identified and finally, a specific context-oriented translation model for conceptual metaphors was developed for wrestling sports reports. Considering the importance of accurate translation to find the most relevant concept in the target language, and also considering that many researchers regard metaphor translation as the most challenging problem of translation, the specific context-oriented translation model for conceptual metaphors was designed and introduced for sports reports, especially wrestling.

Abstract This article focuses on notions of ‘dirt’ and diaspora to discuss their relation with biopolitical discourse in Malamud’s The Jewbird and The Mourners from the perspective of left thinkers. Deploying Douglas’s and Bauman’s views, the writer discusses how biopolitics has used the notions of hygiene and dirt to secure its surveillance over the body of its racial other in the West. It is argued that the ‘anti-dirt’ movement, supported by the West to promote Western civilization, affected cultural geography. Therefore, it resulted in the formation of binary structures—such as clean vs. dirty, self vs. other—as well as the social categorization of people. The aforementioned condition leads to the emergence of “homo sacer” figures and the imposition of “bare life”. These figures enjoy no better position than “the inside outsiders” doomed to the status of ‘strangehood’. Consequently, they are subjected to strict exclusionary measures and even death, which is justified in light of their supposed danger to society.

Abstract Nowadays, considering the growing significance of learning English as the language of science and communication, the area of EFL teacher success appears worthy of investigation. While this topic has been explored through various lenses, one critical aspect that has been overlooked is the role of an EFL teacher’s concern for their students’ emotional and mental well-being - also known as the teacher’s emo-cognitive ability. The present research aims to bridge this gap by identifying the variables that are relevant to EFL teacher success and establishing a link between a teacher’s level of concern for their learners and their overall success. The findings of this study have significant implications for EFL teacher trainers, instructors, language learners, and researchers alike.

Abstract Considering the importance of online classes in the Covid-19 era, this study surveyed the satisfaction of English language teachers in secondary schools with teaching on the Shad educational network in 2020 and 2021. This study aimed to explore the teachers’ attitudes towards the opportunities and challenges of the Shad application and to provide the educational community with solutions to overcome the obstacles in the application. A mixed-methods research design was employed, involving 55 high school English language teachers. The quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire that was adapted from several questionnaires in the field of online education (the validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by EFL instructors of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz and its reliability was estimated at 0.84 using Cronbach’s alpha, α = 0.84). The qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. Results indicated that the use of the Shad application increased the parents’ responsibility and involvement in the student’s learning process. The identification of capable teachers and the utilization of teachers’ experiences were among the opportunities of the Shad application. The teachers commented the biggest problem with using the Shad application was that it was too slow to transfer and learn.

Abstract Audio description is one of the sub-branches of audiovisual translation, which has achieved significant growth in recent years. The current study examined the description of characters’ facial expressions of emotion in Persian audio described films. Facial expressions of emotions were initially analyzed based on Ekman and Friesen’s (2003) model. Next, we designed a questionnaire based on the proposed model and asked 50 participants to answer the questions. It was found that 60.18% of the emotions were lost in translation. The most frequently described emotions were sadness, surprise, anger, happiness and fear, in that order. The results of the first and second phases were consistent since the participants mentioned that the description of emotions were insufficient.