Asian Journal of Language, Literature and Culture Studies

Coffee House Conversations in the Digital Age: An Interpretive Analysis of Cultural Memory and Digitally Mediated Adda

2026-08-13T12:53:20+00:00

This article examines how the Bengali song Coffee Houser Sei Addata Aaj Aar Nei represents adda, friendship, temporal rupture, and cultural memory, and how digital circulation changes the conditions under which that memory is encountered. Rather than treating the song as evidence of population-level change, the study adopts a bounded qualitative and interpretive design. The primary cultural text is the commercially released recording performed by Manna Dey, with lyrics by Gauriprasanna Mazumder and music by Suparnakanti Ghosh. It is read alongside purposively selected scholarship on Bengali adda and coffee-house culture, cultural memory and nostalgia, third places and the public sphere, networked communication, digital memory, and limited Bangladesh-based evidence on university students' mediated social relations. Reflexive thematic analysis is used as an interpretive orientation to develop four themes: place-bound sociability, biographical dispersion and temporal loss, cultural transmission through mnemonic objects, and digitally mediated continuity without equivalence. The analysis argues that the song preserves neither a static past nor a simple opposition between offline intimacy and online superficiality. Instead, it organizes memory around a durable place, absent companions, and recurring cultural performance. Digital platforms can extend access, recirculate the song, and support relational continuity, but their affordances, commercial governance, and altered cues mean that they should not be treated as direct substitutes for embodied adda. The article concludes that the most defensible account is one of hybrid continuity: physical and digital forms of interaction may complement one another while remaining culturally and phenomenologically distinct.

The Language of Fashion: Terminology, Borrowings, and Lexical Innovation

2026-08-21T10:03:41+00:00

Aims: This study aims to examine the language of fashion in contemporary Albanian, with particular attention to terminology, lexical borrowing, adaptation, and lexical innovation. It investigates fashion language as a dynamic area of specialised and semi-specialised vocabulary shaped by cultural change, globalisation, international fashion discourse, mass media, advertising, and digital communication. The study also explores the relationship between specialised terminology and general vocabulary and considers the sociolinguistic and didactic implications of fashion-related lexical change.

Study Design: A qualitative, descriptive, and analytical research design was employed, combining perspectives from terminology, lexicology, sociolinguistics, and language studies. The analysis focuses on the linguistic, semantic, structural, and functional characteristics of fashion-related lexical items in contemporary Albanian.

Place and Scope of the Study: The study focuses on contemporary Albanian fashion discourse and examines terminology as it occurs within media, advertising, digital communication, social networks, and other contexts of everyday and semi-professional language use. Particular attention is given to the interaction between Albanian and the major source languages of contemporary fashion terminology, especially English, Italian, and French.

Methodology: The study draws on relevant literature in terminology, lexicology, sociolinguistics, and language contact and applies qualitative lexical and terminological analysis. Fashion-related lexical items are examined according to their origin, semantic function, structural characteristics, and degree of integration into Albanian. Particular attention is given to foreign borrowings, calques, morphologically adapted forms, neologisms, and hybrid expressions combining foreign lexical elements with Albanian grammatical patterns. Examples such as outfit-i, look-u, brand-et, street style, and veshje casual are analysed to illustrate different patterns of lexical borrowing and adaptation. The study also examines the role of media and digital platforms in the diffusion and circulation of fashion terminology and considers the use of these lexical forms from sociolinguistic and didactic perspectives.

Results: The analysis demonstrates that contemporary Albanian fashion terminology constitutes a dynamic and flexible lexical domain characterised by the interaction of inherited vocabulary, foreign borrowings, calques, lexical innovations, and hybrid formations. English has a particularly strong influence on contemporary fashion discourse, while Italian and French continue to contribute to specific areas of fashion vocabulary. Borrowed forms are used both in their original forms and in morphologically adapted forms that follow Albanian grammatical patterns. The analysis further indicates that the boundary between specialised terminology and general vocabulary is often fluid, as fashion-related terms may circulate across professional, media, advertising, and everyday contexts. Media and digital platforms play a significant role in accelerating the diffusion and normalisation of new lexical forms. From a sociolinguistic perspective, the use of borrowed terminology reflects processes of language contact as well as factors such as prestige, identity, communicative efficiency, and linguistic choice. The findings also indicate that fashion terminology has considerable potential as authentic material for developing lexical and critical language awareness.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the language of fashion represents an evolving lexical and terminological domain in contemporary Albanian, reflecting broader processes of globalisation, cultural change, language contact, and digital communication. Borrowings, adaptations, calques, and hybrid forms contribute to the expansion and transformation of the Albanian fashion lexicon while simultaneously raising questions concerning linguistic choice, integration, and standardisation. The study further demonstrates that fashion terminology can provide valuable material for language teaching by enabling learners to examine lexical change, borrowing, word formation, and the relationship between language and society. Further empirical research may investigate speakers’ attitudes towards borrowed fashion terminology, patterns of acceptance and use, and the relationship between foreign forms and possible Albanian equivalents.

Training in Jolly Phonics: Strengthening Early English Literacy as Professional Development in Primary Schools in Tanzania

2026-08-24T06:54:53+00:00

This paper reports on the Jolly Phonics in-service training programme conducted by the Tanzania Institute of Education, in collaboration with Jolly Learning Ltd, across all 23 district and municipal councils in four regions of Tanzania: Arusha, Tabora, Iringa, and Rukwa, from 5 May to 28 May 2025. The training targeted Standard One teachers, heads of schools (HoSs), Ward Education Officers (WEOs), School Quality Assurance Officers (SQAOs), and District Academic Officers (DAOs). A total of 5,261 participants were trained: 2,497 Standard One teachers, 2,477 heads of schools, and 287 education supervisors, such as DAOs, WEOs, and SQAOs. The training employed a multisensory, participatory approach grounded in synthetic phonics methodology, covering five core skills and eight instructional steps. The programme sought to enhance teachers’ capacity to develop early-grade English literacy, specifically reading and writing, among Standard One pupils, in alignment with Tanzania’s 2023 revised curriculum that introduced English instruction from Standard One for all primary schools that use Kiswahili as the medium of instruction (Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, 2023b). The study employed a descriptive design using observation, document review, and interviews. This paper documents the training design, content coverage, methodologies employed, key achievements, challenges encountered, and recommendations. The findings affirm the critical role of structured, systematic phonics training for in-service teachers in addressing early-grade literacy challenges in sub-Saharan African contexts, including Tanzania. The paper concludes that with sustained implementation, follow-up monitoring, and adequate resource provision, the Jolly Phonics programme holds considerable promise for transforming early English literacy outcomes in Tanzanian primary schools.

The Perspectives of Language Practitioners on the Phonology of Basilectal Philippine English as Spoken by Labour-intensive Workers

2026-08-29T08:02:43+00:00

Background: Philippine English (PhE) is a dynamic and complex linguistic continuum shaped by diverse regional, social, and linguistic contexts. Existing academic literature on PhE has largely focused on acrolectal and educated varieties, while the basilectal variety spoken by labour-intensive workers remains comparatively underexplored.

Aims: From the perspectives of language practitioners, this study aimed to identify the factors contributing to phonological variation in basilectal PhE and to examine how this linguistic variety is perceived by its speakers and by society.

Study Design: The study employed a qualitative phenomenological design to examine the phonology and social realities of basilectal PhE speakers through the emic perspectives of language practitioners, particularly English educators and linguists.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Bulacan, Philippines, from December 2025 to June 2026.

Methodology: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and an essay-type questionnaire administered both face-to-face and online. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and the responses were analysed using a thematic analysis framework.

Results: The findings showed that the most evident phonological variations in basilectal speech included vowel merging, consonant sound substitutions, and syllable-timed rhythm. Basilectal speakers also experienced linguistic insecurity, accent-based stigma, and discrimination. In addition, speakers’ first language (L1), exposure to English, and frequency of English use influenced their pronunciation of English words.

Conclusion: Drawing on language practitioners’ insights, the study highlights the need for inclusive pedagogical approaches that promote greater recognition, understanding, and social acceptance of basilectal PhE across educational settings, workplaces, institutions, and wider Philippine society more broadly.

Community-based Workshop in Public Speaking: An Intervention to Students’ Weaknesses in Public Oral Communication

2026-08-29T14:08:04+00:00

Background: Public speaking is an essential component of oral communication, requiring learners to demonstrate both vocal and non-verbal delivery skills. During School Year 2020–2021, Modular Distance Learning and weak internet connectivity limited opportunities for some Grade 11 learners to participate in video-based oral communication activities.

Aims: To determine the performance level of Grade 11 learners in public oral communication before and after a community-based workshop in public speaking and to determine the effectiveness of the intervention in addressing their identified weaknesses in speech delivery.

Study design: Descriptive quantitative action research using a pre-evaluation and post-evaluation design.

Place and Duration of Study: San Antonio, Pilar, Capiz, during the school year 2020–2021.

Methodology: The study involved 15 Grade 11 General Academic Strand-C students of Casanayan National High School selected through purposive sampling based on their limited submission of video-based oral communication performance tasks. A researcher-made 15-item evaluation checklist was used to assess the participants' public speaking performance before and after the intervention. The three-session community-based workshop included sample speech viewing, discussion of speech delivery principles, group activities, speech imitation, facial exercises, tongue-twister practice, paralanguage drills, and speech delivery rehearsal. Frequency count, mean, mean of the means, and rating scale were used to analyse the data.

Results: Before the intervention, participants obtained an overall mean of 1.84, interpreted as Fair Performance. Their weakest areas were movement (M = 1.00), gestures (M = 1.07), and eye contact (M = 1.27). After the intervention, the overall mean increased to 3.48, interpreted as Very Good Performance, indicating a 1.64-point improvement. The highest post-intervention scores were observed in modulation (M = 4.13), volume (M = 3.87), rapport with the audience (M = 3.67), pause (M = 3.67), and intonation (M = 3.67).

Conclusion: The community-based workshop substantially improved the participants' public speaking performance, particularly in speech delivery and audience engagement. The findings indicate that structured, practice-oriented workshop sessions can be a viable intervention for addressing weaknesses in public oral communication among struggling learners. The study recommends the adoption of similar intervention activities to provide learners with sustained opportunities to practise and improve their public speaking skills.

The Protagonists in Hunger and Growth of the Soil: A Comparative Study

2026-08-31T12:07:25+00:00

This study compares the protagonists in the novels of Knut Hamsun's Hunger and Growth of the Soil, by investigating their situations as artist cum vagabond and peasant, respectively in the tensions of contemporary subjectivity. The analysis is concerned with alienation, artistic awareness, movement, labour, nature, solitude and identity, and uses existential and psychoanalytic points of view. The unnamed protagonist of Hunger is shown as deeply self-conscious, socially outcast and psychologically unstable. His experience in Kristiania, his physically suffering, his pride and his commitment to writing all speak to a broken way of life, in which creative knowledge may be both freeing and destructive. It is Isak, the peasant in Growth of the Soil who would seem to offer a new approach. His character is shaped by physical work, attachment to earth, continuity, and engagement with nature. Despite this contrast, they remain comparatively outsiders who resist prevailing social expectations and seek forms of authenticity beyond conventional social structures. The comparison also considers the autobiographical dimensions of Hamsun’s treatment of poverty, wandering, artistic ambition, rural life, and distrust of modern civilisation. The study argues that the artist cum vagabond and peasant are not opposing types but related configurations through which Hamsun explores the psychological and existential pressures of modern life. Their differing relationships with movement, creativity, nature, and community reveal a persistent tension between fragmentation and rootedness, individual freedom and social belonging.

Gond Art and Cultural Transformation: From Village Walls to Global Galleries

2026-08-31T12:13:56+00:00

Gond art, one of India's oldest Indigenous art traditions, reflects the rich cultural heritage, spiritual beliefs, and ecological worldview of the Gond tribe of central India. Traditionally created on the walls and floors of village homes during rituals and festivals, this vibrant art form has evolved into a globally recognised medium of artistic expression while preserving its deep connection to folklore, mythology, and nature. Characterised by intricate patterns, vivid colours, and symbolic representations of flora, fauna, and cosmic elements, Gond art serves as a visual narrative that preserves the community's oral traditions, collective memory, and cultural identity.

This paper examines the historical evolution, thematic richness, and socio-cultural significance of Gond art, tracing its transformation from ceremonial wall paintings to contemporary canvas art. It explores the impact of industrialisation, globalisation, and commercialisation on Gond artists and their traditional practices, while highlighting the contributions of pioneering artists such as Jangarh Singh Shyam, who introduced Gond art to national and international audiences without compromising its cultural authenticity. The study also discusses the challenges posed by cultural appropriation, commercialisation, and changing market dynamics, alongside the role of cultural institutions and government initiatives in preserving this unique artistic heritage.

The research adopts a qualitative and interdisciplinary methodology based on the analysis of historical records, scholarly literature, art catalogues, museum collections, and anthropological studies. Visual and contextual analyses are employed to interpret recurring motifs, artistic techniques, and the socio-cultural changes influencing Gond art. The study argues that Gond art is not merely an aesthetic tradition but also an important repository of Indigenous knowledge and India's intangible cultural heritage. It emphasises the need for stronger institutional support, effective cultural policies, and ethical market practices to protect Gond artists and preserve the authenticity of their artistic legacy. By highlighting the intersection of tradition and innovation, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of Indigenous art and its continuing relevance in promoting cultural diversity, heritage conservation, and sustainable development.

Reimagining Gothic in the Silent Patient: from Haunted Castles to Haunted Minds

2026-09-01T09:47:26+00:00

Contemporary Gothic fiction is gradually moving beyond its conventional reliance on Gothic terrors, including supernatural forces, ghosts, ghouls, and haunted castles. Instead, it is moving towards the fears and uncertainties of the human mind. Alex Michaelides’s The Silent Patient presents this metamorphosis by blending elements of psychological fiction with attributes of contemporary Gothic. The novel narrates the story of a successful painter, Alicia Berenson, who is accused of murdering her husband and subsequently refuses to speak altogether. Her unexplained silence becomes the principal enigma of the narrative. Meanwhile, psychotherapist Theo Faber’s constant attempts to unveil the cause of Alicia’s silence gradually expose profound layers of trauma, secrecy, and psychological turmoil. This paper scrutinises The Silent Patient as a modern Gothic text, examining how Alex Michaelides revolutionises conventional Gothic traits into manifestations of psychological horror. It ventures into the role of Gothic landscapes, particularly the Grove psychiatric facility and Alicia’s residence, and examines the dynamics of trauma, silence, and fragmented identity in creating a sense of psychological haunting. The study also identifies Theo Faber as a modern Gothic villain whose obsession, voyeurism, moral ambiguity, and fragmented identity challenge the traditional distinction between victim and perpetrator. Furthermore, the study examines the employment of diary entries, symbolism, non-linear narration, foreshadowing, and delayed revelation in creating suspense and uncertainty. The paper argues that Alex Michaelides successfully displaces Gothic terror from supernatural forces to the complexities of human consciousness. In essence, The Silent Patient demonstrates that modern Gothic fiction can remain immensely unsettling without ghosts or monsters, as the ghastliest forms of horror may emerge from trauma, deception, betrayal, and the covert darkness of the human mind.