https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/issue/feed JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES 2026-04-06T06:12:44+00:00 Fatma Dhafir jols@tu.edu.iq Open Journal Systems <table style="height: 462px; width: 1042px;" width="647"> <tbody> <tr style="height: 446px;"> <td style="width: 317.656px; height: 446px;"><img src="https://jls.tu.edu.iq/public/site/images/admin/cover.jpg" alt="" width="326" height="452" /></td> <td style="width: 592.778px; height: 446px;"> <p style="text-align: justify;">Journal of Language Studies of Tikrit University is an international, multilingual quarterly journal publishing research papers in Eastern languages (Arabic, Kurdish, Turkish, Persian and Hebrew), Western and European languages (English, French, German, Russian, Spanish) and their literatures.</p> <p>Print ISSN: 1813-1646<br />Online ISSN: 2664-0597</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Aims and Scope </strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> The Journal of Language Studies is a scientific journal that aims to support and promote research and studies in the field of language. Its primary objective is to encourage faculty members to contribute their scholarly work and disseminate knowledge to both the scientific community and the wider public. The journal recognizes the importance of scientific research and its role in advancing knowledge in the field of language studies. By providing a platform for researchers to publish their work, the journal aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas, theories, and findings among scholars in various disciplines related to language.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1677 “The Event and Its Impact on Title Formation” An Analytical Study of the Stories of Osama Muhammad Sadiq 2025-12-14T08:59:12+00:00 Ramadhan Ali Aboud ramdanabood85@gmail.com <p>The title has become a prominent and important element in critical studies, as it represents the first threshold that appears before the recipient's eyes. This threshold seeks to perform several functions and tasks, one of which is to attract and excite the reader's attention. Perhaps this study is based on proposing the role of the event in shaping and formulating the title. This study will be demonstrated by revealing the story titles generated by the influence of the event element in a group of textual models in the two short story collections (Nothing Like the Sun) and (The Jasmine Branch) by Osama Muhammad Sadiq. These will serve as a model for this study.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1801 Methods of linguistic control according to Al-Qurtubi in his dictionary Al-Misbah 2026-01-11T08:59:44+00:00 مصطفى المشهداني osamah89kareem@gmail.com <p>This research aims to reveal the methods followed by Imam Al-Qurtubi (d. 671 AH) in controlling linguistic vocabulary in order to preserve the language of the Holy Qur’an from the linguistic corruption that began to spread during that period. This is clearly evident to the reader and researcher in the materials of his dictionary. The research consists of: an introduction, a preface, and then two sections. In the first section, I presented the concept of linguistic control and the efforts of scholars in it. As for the second section, I studied in it the methods of linguistic control according to Al-Qurtubi in his dictionary. Then I concluded it with a conclusion containing useful results.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1864 The Transformations of Discourse in Abu Al-Atahiyah 2026-02-09T07:47:33+00:00 Amany Kanaan Khudair amany.kanaan.khudair@gmail.com <p>Abu al-Atahiyah is considered one of the most prominent poets of the Abbasid era, and his poetry witnessed a clear shift in poetic discourse. He was initially influenced by the spirit of frivolity and debauchery prevalent in Baghdad, particularly during the Abbasid period. This was due to the Abbasid lifestyle, which was characterized by significant openness at the time. However, his life soon changed, and he turned to asceticism, wisdom, and contemplation of the afterlife, death, and the transience of this world. Our study examines this shift and transformation in his poetry.</p> <p>The nature of the research necessitated dividing it into an introduction and two sections. In the introduction, we dealt with defining discourse linguistically and technically, then we moved on to defining the biography of Abu al-Atahiyah. As for the first section, we dealt with the transformations of discourse in Abu al-Atahiyah from love poetry and amusement to asceticism and preaching, from praise to admonition, from pleasure to admonition, from worldly description to description of the afterlife, and from individual concern to human concern. We explained in it how the poet's discourse in his poetry completely transformed into asceticism, his belief in the afterlife, his fear of death, and his call for the people of his society to return to God and draw closer to Him. As for the second section, we dealt with the stylistic and artistic features of the transformation of discourse in terms of language, which relies on rhetorical methods and the way they are employed in poetry, and the external and internal rhythm that helped the poet to establish the meter and attract the recipient through the language of the poet who expresses it.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1817 Correcting Morphological Structures in Sibawayh’s Works: Its Reality and Causes 2026-02-22T09:43:58+00:00 Niran Kanean Muhammed Alabbasi nerank70@gmail.com <p>This research addresses the issue of scholars' criticisms of Sibawayh regarding morphological structures used by the Arabs that Sibawayh allegedly overlooked, or so some scholars thought. This issue gained significant traction in the fourth century AH and later, after early Arab scholars had acknowledged Sibawayh as the first to comprehensively list all the morphological structures used by the Arabs. </p> <p>The research focuses on analyzing the underlying</p> <p> reasons for these criticisms, arriving at several key findings, including: the variation in the languages used as sources of evidence; differing scholarly opinions on derivation; the identification of root and augmented letters; the shift of words between nominal, adjectival, and verbal forms; the weakness of some narrations or the singularity of their transmitters; the use of certain words in poetic license; and the possibility that some morphological structures were newly coined or became widespread after Sibawayh's time. </p> <p> Other reasons will be discussed in the research. The morphological correction of Sibawayh should be understood in its scientific and historical context, with a distinction between genuine omissions, methodological differences, and additions arising from the different conditions of argumentation, while emphasizing that Sibawayh’s book will remain the central reference around which the efforts of morphologists revolve in explanation, correction, and interpretation, without any other book replacing it or surpassing it.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1605 Social and Cultural Principles in Kurdish Language 2025-11-09T17:36:03+00:00 Dashty Bahjat Mohammed dashti.bahjat@chu.edu.iq Shakhawan Jalal Haji Faraj shakhawan.faraj@univsul.edu.iq <p>This research attempts to discuss and analyze the process of perception as an important and complex process،which is the subject of many sciences. It also attempts to investigate the social and cultural principles، that influence the process of perception, because perception, as a psychological and cognitive process, plays an important role in the act of understanding،this is important for the continuity of communication in individuals' daily lives. That is, one of the main factors in our understanding of the meaning and purpose of expressions in everyday speech in our various professions and social relationships are the social and cultural principles that members of different social classes of society follow and rely on to understand purpose. Therefore, the relationship between social and cultural principles and their influence on perception is an effective factor in perception and understanding of the purpose and meaning of our expressions, Sociocultural principles also play a significant role in shaping individual perceptions and influence how they make sense of the world around them. Therefore, social and cultural factors play a role in how individuals perceive, interpret and apply the world around them.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1538 Characteristics of the TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) Framework in Pedagogical Skills" 2025-09-15T07:43:18+00:00 Reger Mohammed Saleem rakarry2@gmail.com Nidham Abduljabbar Hussein Hussein@univsul.edu.iq <p>The digital revolution is one of the transformations that the world is preoccupied with today due to its impact on information technology. This revolution has become a main pillar in all aspects of life, and its effects on education and learning have been significant. This is considered a path of progress for any society, given the importance of the teacher's role in the educational process. Teacher preparation must be balanced with the advancements occurring in the education and learning process. The emergence of the TPACK framework dates back to the model presented by Shulman (1986) to describe the types of knowledge necessary for preparing a teacher to teach effectively. He indicated that it must include two important dimensions: Content Knowledge (CK), and Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK), which was called the Pedagogical Content Knowledge framework. Koehler and Mishra (2006) added a third dimension to this model that deals with knowledge related to technology (Technological Knowledge - TK). From here, an integrated vision was formed to provide teachers with technical knowledge related to the methods of teaching the subject matter. It is called the TPACK framework, an acronym for Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge Framework (TPACK)."</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/2031 The Reflection of Social Realism in Karwan Omar Kakasoor’s The Channel of the Armed Monkeys and The Defeates of Shadmal Family 2026-04-05T07:49:49+00:00 Samir Ahmad Ibrahim m.samerahmad0105@gmail.com Karzan Mohsin Qader karzan.qader@su.edu.krd <p>This research entitled <strong>The Reflection of Social Realism in Karwan Omar Kakasoor’s </strong>‘‘<strong>&nbsp;</strong><em>The Channel of the Armed Monkeys</em><strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;</strong><em>The Defeates of Shadmal Family</em><em>’’</em>. It examines how social realism as an authentic branch of the realism school within the framework of artistic and literary genres particularly in novels which has made a significant contribution to the creation of beautiful and important texts. This branch highlights the problems and negative phenomena within society especially those that have caused societal regression and stagnation, reporting on them clearly, and attempts to find solutions to these problems. In this research, the analytical descriptive method has been applied to introduce and present concepts, to analyze and evaluate subjects. The findings of this research demonstrate that the Kurdish society is not exempt from the social problems as femicide, impurity of marriage, the scourge of poverty, sexual assault, and several other topics. In both novels, the novelist tries to find solutions for these negative phenomena that continuously pose threats to members of society. Therefore, Kakasoor becomes the voice of those who are silenced and oppressed in society.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/2033 Adverb in Cognitive Grammar 2026-04-05T18:52:53+00:00 Umer Ahmed Aziz Umer-ahmed@garmian.edu.krd Kazhal Jihabakhsh Mohammed kazhal.jihabakhsh@garmian.edu.krd <p>In Cognitive linguistics, language is a part of the human cognitive system that reflects the conceptual organization of the mind and the representation of the world in the speaker's mind. From this perspective, experience and cognitive of the world are reflected in the structure of language, and linguistic forms are closely related to the semantic structures they express. One of the most prominent models in this school is cognitive grammar, which takes a symbolic view of the nature of language, assumes language to be a set of symbolic units, and deals with the symbolization of meaning and thought. This model believes that linguistic structures are evoked through cognitive processes (conceptual metaphors, image schemas, etc.). In this grammar, the grammaticality of a linguistic expression depends on its consistency with schemas and models acquired in previous uses. In this regard, this research, entitled (Adverb in Cognitive Grammar). It is an attempt to present the principles of cognitive grammar in cognitive linguistics in Kurdish language, that is, based on the beliefs and assumptions put forward in one of the most prominent grammatical approaches in this field, namely Langaker's cognitive grammar. This research analyzes Kurdish adverbs that contain the concept of (direction and location). It also examines the effectiveness of schemas and metaphors related to the perception and understanding of different meanings of adverbs in cognitive grammar, considering the main concepts of this grammar. In this study, the analytical descriptive method was followed, and the samples were analyzed according to Langaker's Perceptual Grammar and based on the speakers' daily speech.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1680 Limitations of Economization in the Kurdish Language Dictionary 2025-12-10T10:51:50+00:00 Omer Salih Khdir omer.salih@uor.edu.krd Othman Shakhsa Mama osman.shakhsa@uor.edu.krd <p> </p> <p> This research discusses the limitations of economization in the Kurdish language dictionary, using the Mardokhi dictionary, which is a Kurdish, Persian, and Arabic dictionary, as an example. The importance of this study is that it attempts to identify economic limitations in culture. Although economy in language is beneficial to the speaker, human nature also organizes language according to the principle of low energy consumption, or economy, but a balance must be struck between shortening and complete preservation of language. Language constantly moves in two directions: expansion and contraction (economizing). Since a dictionary, like a treasury of words, consists of several cultural units that carry phonetic and semantic information, a dictionary sets conditions for cultural structures according to the law of limitation and limits economies.</p> <p> The research consists of two parts, in addition to the introduction and an abstract. The first part theoretically discusses the different concepts and interpretations of language limitations, as well as limitations at language levels in general, and then economics at language levels is presented. The second section presents practical examples of economization and limitations in culture. The study data were also interpreted and analyzed. Finally, the results, a list of sources, and an abstract of the research are presented in both Arabic and English.</p> <p> </p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1581 Morphonotactics in the Kurdish Language 2025-10-30T07:37:56+00:00 Kadhim Hassib Nadir kadhim.hasib@garmian.edu.krd Sozan Karim Mohammed sozan.karem@garmian.edu.krd <p>This research is entitled "<strong>Morphonotactic in the Kurdish Language</strong>." In this study, we attempt to define and summarize the phenomenon of morphonotactic. The study relies on the semantic analysis approach. To fill gaps in the lexicon, we resort to morphological and other word production processes, or to the breaking of verbs, nouns, pronouns, and verbs. There are a number of phonetic changes and phenomena that occur in connection with phonetics and morphology in the Kurdish language. The content of our research focuses on the topics of phonetic morphology and the theoretical approaches of Troubetzkoy, as well as the sensitivity of phonetic spaces, morpheme effects, and word boundaries. The second part of the research focuses on the practical aspects of the research, including phonetic differences between morphological types, words, and phonetic and morphological sources. Lexical changes and variations in phonology are also presented with practical examples..</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/2034 Dissociation Disorder of Pierre Janet in Dave Cousins’ 15 Days Without a Head 2026-04-05T19:47:26+00:00 Huda Ahmed Dahham hudaahmed.dahham33@st.tu.edu.iq Amer Hamed Suliman amer.albano@tu.edu.iq <p>Dissociation is a mental disorder that disturbs individual’s behaviors and thoughts. Presently, psychologists widely acknowledge dissociation as a prevalent global mental disorder that warrants thorough examination and exploration, particularly within various academic fields and through literary analysis. Dissociation is the problem of the age and we need to shed light on it. The core of the study focuses on studying Dissociation as a relabel part to mental illnesses and as a defense mechanism, its reasons, and its destructive consequences. The main data sources utilized in this study are derived from the novel <em>15 Days Without a Head</em> authored by Dave Cousins. The aim of this study is to identify and examine the mental health issue as well as how to understand it, particularly in novels. The research is of the descriptive type and employs a qualitative methodology. The writer employs Psychoanalysis theory, dissociation, and defense mechanisms as conceptual frameworks that support the analysis. The research findings indicate that the protagonist of the novel <em>15 Days Without a Head</em>, Laurance, resorts to dissociation as a defense mechanism.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/2035 From Control to Collapse: Deconstructing Binary Family Ideals in Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere 2026-04-05T20:02:59+00:00 Meaad Qader Ali miaad.ali868@st.tu.edu.iq Ahmed Khalid Hassoon ahmadartstr@tu.edu.iq <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: black;">This paper explores the deconstruction of binary family ideals in Celeste Ng’s <em>Little Fires Everywhere</em>, with a particular focus on how control and collapse function as central oppositions within the narrative. Through an exploration of the Richardson and Warren families, the study examines how rigid adherence to social norms, especially those shaped by class, race, and gender, exposes the fragility and contradictions of the so-called ideal family. Drawing on <span style="background: white;">Jacques</span></span> <span style="color: black;">Derrida’s theory of binary opposition and feminist literary criticism, the paper analyzes dichotomies such as order versus chaos, stability versus freedom, and biological versus adoptive motherhood. It argues that Ng deliberately destabilizes these binaries to reveal their ideological foundations and the limitations they impose on personal identity and emotional expression. By contrasting Elena Richardson’s obsession with order and social propriety with Mia Warren’s unconventional, emotionally attuned lifestyle, the novel illustrates how alternative family structures can offer deeper forms of connection and authenticity. The study concludes that <em>Little Fires Everywhere</em> not only critiques traditional domestic ideals but also redefines concepts of motherhood, identity, and familial legitimacy, thus contributing to contemporary conversations on race, gender, and the evolving definition of family in the American fiction.</span></p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/2036 A Pragmatic Study of English and Arabic National Anthems 2026-04-05T20:23:07+00:00 Khalaf Salih Mirhish ioskhalaf1990@gmail.com Hasan Shaban Ali Al-Thalab hassanshaban@tu.edu.iq <p>The present study conducts a pragmatic analysis of two national anthems, one English (Canada) and one Arabic (Egypt). Anthems usually express patriotism, loyalty, love, and respect. In addition, they reflect the identity and unity of the nations. In this regard, the current study tries to find out how different types of speech acts are employed, and how historical events and cultural identity are presupposed through the linguistic structure of the anthems. In this regard, the present study aims to identify speech acts and presuppositions represented in the national anthems to show historical events, enhance unity, and encourage people to behave in a right way for the sake of their country. It is hypothesized that national anthems may enhance a collective sense of national pride and unity as speech act theory can reflect these aspects. In addition, the historical events of the country could be presupposed through the language of anthems. The following procedures are followed: Reviewing the relevant literature about the field of Pragmatics, delving into the history of anthems and presenting the theoretical background of the selected national anthems. Moreover, selection of a representative sample of national anthems from English-speaking and Arabic-speaking countries. To achieve the objectives of the study, the model adopted consists of two layers that are; speech acts, and presupposition. The research results that the most frequent type of speech acts is the assertive type followed by directive one. Furthermore, the existential presupposition is the most frequent type across nearly all anthems, followed by factive presupposition, hence, these results conclude that anthems primarily employ directive and assertive speech acts that urge individuals to act, convey essential national values, and provoke strong emotional reactions. In the same vein, presuppositions allow anthems to communicate significant cultural and historical tales implicitly, so fostering a shared communal consciousness. Finally, analyzing the data qualitatively and quantitatively according to the model of analysis.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/2037 The Effect of Triangle Listening Strategy on improving EFL Iraqi intermediate pupil's Comprehension 2026-04-05T20:39:14+00:00 Rusul Qasim Jumaa Mahdy Rusul.jumaa23@st.tu.edu.iq Manal Omer Mousa momsh89@tu.edu.iq <p>The current study aim's Finding out the effect of Triangle Listening Strategy on Iraqi intermediate pupil's achievement. Finding out the effect of triangle listening strategy on EFL Iraqi intermediate pupil's listening comprehension.Finding out the effect of triangle listening strategy on EFL Iraqi intermediate pupil's reading comprehension. To achieve the aims of this research and verify its hypotheses, non-randomized control Group pretest -posttest have been chosen. The pupils have been taught during the academic year 2024-2025 in English subject. The sample of the study consists of (60) pupils selected from the first class at janat AL-Iraq School for Girls in samaraa City. The sample has been divided into two groups Group (A) represents the experimental group who consists of (30) pupils who have been taught by using TLS Strategy. Group (B) represents the Control Group which also include of (30) pupils who have been taught using the prescribed method. Both groups have been equalized in such variables as parents' academic attainment, pupils' scores in previous schooling years, and the pretest of both groups. A posttest contains five questions, which are constructed to collect data. Face and content validity have been achieved. The reliability coefficient has been verified, and the researcher herself teaches both groups. The data is collected from the results of the posttest have been analyzed statistically by using a t-test for measuring the pupils' performance. The results show that there is a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the experimental group and control group in posttest. Moreover, there is a statistically significant difference between the mean score of the experimental group in pre and posttest. which indicates that triangle listening strategy is more effective than the prescribed method. The study ends with recommendations and suggestions for further studies based on the obtained results.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/2038 Pragmatic Failure and Communicative Success in Political Translation 2026-04-05T20:57:44+00:00 Ruaa Kareem Ahmed ruaak910@gmail.com Ziyad Ahmed Dahham ziyadligust@tu.edu.iq <p>This study analyzes the translation of Donald Trump's coded political rhetoric into Arabic. Using Gricean pragmatics to decode the messages and Newmark's theory to evaluate the translations, the research shows that literal (semantic) approaches fail to transfer the original's strategic ambiguity and ideological force. In contrast, communicative strategies that prioritize functional equivalence successfully recreate the intended persuasive effect. The study concludes that pragmatic competence is crucial for political translators, who must focus on a text's function over its form.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/2039 Challenges in Translating Legal Performative verbs from Arabic to English 2026-04-05T21:06:58+00:00 Salwa Sadon Makki sunflowe266@gmail.com Shifaa Hadi Hussein shefahadi70@tu.edu.iq <p>Legal translation is deemed to be one of the most complicated and accurate fields in translation because of its close connection with various legal systems and the binding legal effect its texts carry. The most prominent linguistic features are the use of <strong><em>performative verbs, </em></strong>which perform dual functions: they do not only convey the information but also, they create legal actions after saying them. This use poses a major challenge in translating them from Arabic into English, due to the differences of the structures, legal systems and cultures between the two languages, which affects the understanding of the function of these actions.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp; This study aims to examine the difficulties encountered by the translators to render the Arabic performative verbs in the legal texts into English. Then predicts the translation strategies used by the translators to render them.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To verify these aims, the study hypothesizes that it is difficult for the translators to translate the Arabic performative verbs in the legal texts into English. In addition, the translators rely heavily on the literal strategy to translate the Arabic performative verbs in the legal texts into English. Translators do not maintain explicitness when translating the Arabic performative verbs in the legal texts into English.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/2040 A Sociolinguistic Study of Sexual and Animal Swear Words in English and Arabic Movies(1980s-2000s) 2026-04-05T21:24:13+00:00 Taibah Jomaah Ahmed Al-Qaissi tj231373ped@st.tu.edu.iq Ahmed Mohammed Salih Ahmed.thanoon@tu.edu.iq <p>This study investigates the sociolinguistic aspects of sexual and animal terms in English and Arabic movies produced between the 1980s and 2000s. The problem of the study is the lack of comparative studies that examine swear words from a diachronic sociolinguistic perspective. The main research questions are to what extent do gender, gender targets, and education level influence the use of swear words in movies, and which gender is the most frequently targeted in both languages. The study aims at identifying the historical development of sexual and animal swear words that are used in English and Arabic, and specifying the influence of gender and the level of education on the type of swear words. It is hypotheses that swear words are more used by females than males in most English movies, while this ratio differs in some modern Arabic movies and the speaker's education influence the type, frequency, and function of swear words used in languages and movies. A mixed methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis, is employed to compare the frequency, targets, and education. The findings reveal that English movies exhibit a higher frequency and diversity of swear words than Arabic movies, attributed to differences in cultural and religious censorship. The research underscores the influence of social factors such as education, and gender on the use of taboo language in cinematic discourse.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1562 Assessing The Quality of Arabic-English translation Of Journalistic texts: A Case Study of Iraqi News Agency 2025-10-17T11:01:26+00:00 Omar Ali Saleh omar.saleh122@tu.edu.iq <p>&nbsp;&nbsp; In an ever-growing and globalized media landscape, the role of translation in shaping the dissemination of news across the cultural and linguistic boundaries has become more crucial. &nbsp;The study investigates translation quality of news texts and headlines in Iraqi news agency, the research case study. It employs Mildred Larson’s model (1984) of TQA in the analysis and discussion of the data. The criteria of the model which are accuracy, clarity, naturalness and correctness are applied to assess the quality of Iraqi news agency translation of news into English.</p> <p>&nbsp;The study hypothesizes the adopted model can be applicable, valid and efficient in assessing the quality of translated texts. To achieve this, the researcher applies each criterion to three examples from news text and headlines and assess the translation and to what extent the source text is appropriately rendered.</p> <p>The study concludes that Larson’s model (1984) — with its four key criteria (accuracy, clarity, naturalness, and correctness) — is a valid, practical, and reliable framework for assessing translation quality in journalistic contexts. When applied to the English translations produced by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), it revealed consistent issues that undermine the communicative and professional quality of the output.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1911 A comparative Study between Human Translation and Machine Translation in Arabic Texts 2026-02-16T09:42:15+00:00 Marwan Mudhhir Abbas Marwan.abbas@tu.edu.iq <p class="Body" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 115%; tab-stops: right .5in; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; color: windowtext;">This study aims to assess human and machine translation of academic texts and critique the accuracy of these translations, the consistency of the translations in their use of specialized terminology, and the overall linguistic fluency of the translations. Although there is plenty of research relating to the translation of nonspecialized or literary texts, there is a pronounced shortage of studies attempting to evaluate the translation of academic texts, given the particular challenges of specialized vocabulary, syntax, and other structures. This study is intended to fill that particular gap. For this study, a corpus of 10 to 12 academic texts was evaluated using the MQM (Multidimensional Quality Metrics) model (a quality assessment model that captures both quantity and quality). The research findings show that although there is unparalleled speed and fluency in obtaining draft translations through the use of machine translation, there is typically no adequate use of contextualized or domain-specific terminology. This is in contrast to human translation, which is able to provide determinate accuracy, constancy, and appropriate use of specialized vocabulary, syntax, and structures. Other findings indicate that the amalgamation of human and machine translation is the optimal means of rendering academic texts, or at least the most effort-free means therein.</span></p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/2041 A Phono-Pragmatic Analysis of Assertive Speech Acts in English and Arabic Political Discourse 2026-04-06T06:12:44+00:00 Mishaan Muhammed Hussein mshaanmuhammed44@gmail.com Hadeel Kamel Ali hadelkamel@tu.edu.iq <p>This study investigates the phonological characteristics that support assertive speech acts in English and Arabic political discourse, emphasizing how prosodic aspects extend the pragmatic force of political claims. Political discourse extensively employs assertive speech acts as strategic communicative tools, yet a significant research gap exists in understanding how phonological features systematically enhance the pragmatic force of political assertions across different languages. While extensive research has examined political discourse through pragmatic lenses, particularly focusing on semantic and contextual aspects of speech acts, the crucial role of prosodic elements, including intonation patterns, pitch variations, and acoustic features, in strengthening the illocutionary force of assertive utterances remains underexplored. This study addresses fundamental research questions: (1) What phonological features characterize assertive speech acts in English and Arabic political discourse? (2) How do politicians manipulate prosodic elements to enhance the effectiveness of their assertions? The research aims to identify the phonological characteristics of assertive speech acts in both languages, analyze how these features contribute to pragmatic force in expressing commitment, certainty, authority, and persuasive intent, establish systematic correlations between phonological patterns and pragmatic functions, and compare language-specific patterns while identifying cross-linguistic similarities. The study hypothesizes that assertive speech acts exhibit distinctive phonological patterns that systematically contribute to their pragmatic force, with different types of assertive acts (asserting, boasting, affirming, denying, concluding, claiming, stating, and lamenting) displaying distinct phonological signatures reflecting their specific pragmatic functions. Employing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, this research combines quantitative acoustic analysis with qualitative pragmatic interpretation. Arabic exhibits higher intensity and broader F0 variation compared to English. The findings reveal both universal and language-specific prosodic strategies that politicians utilize to enhance the persuasive effect of their assertions. While both languages employ similar prosodic strategies to strengthen the pragmatic force of assertions, reflecting universal trends in political communication and cross-cultural pragmatics.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1551 The Effect of Using Podcasts as A Supplementary Tool On Students’ Achievement 2025-09-30T09:16:35+00:00 Noor Arkan Ghalib noor.arkan89@tu.edu.iq <p> </p> <p> This study examined student achievement when podcasts replaced traditional lectures in the mandatory technology course for all students. “Podcasts are a tool that assists students in their education, with numerous advantages in medical education.” Podcasts can be categorized by duration: short (1-5 minutes), moderate (6-15 minutes), and long (beyond 15 minutes). Short-duration podcasts are advantageous as they provide high-yield information efficiently and concisely. Subsequently, it analyzed the efforts of the podcast group and the obstacles to podcast utilization. Moreover, the students preferred using a computer and mobile device for downloading podcasts, which they predominantly listened to at home before the classroom presentation. They generally appreciated the podcasts and their duration, believing them to be effective enough for learning. They concurred that the podcasts were user-friendly but contended that they should not supplant lectures.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1542 An Intersectional Analysis of Race, Gender, Age, and Disability Discrimination in Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” 2025-09-24T10:27:29+00:00 Chinar Kamal Tayib chinar.tayib@su.edu.krd Hazha Salih Hassan hazha.hassan@su.edu.krd <p style="font-weight: 400;">This study adopts a critical approach to scrutinizing John Steinbeck’s novel, <em>Of Mice and Men </em>(1937), by integrating the conception of intersectionality to explore how the story examines the interdependence of discrimination based on race, sex, age, and disability. By pinpointing the marginalized characters of Crooks, Curley’s wife, and Candy, the analysis proves why Steinbeck stops to portray the oppression of these characters through a single identity factor, but rather through a combination of several social disadvantages. The study demonstrates that Steinbeck uses these characters to stress the injustices that are inflicted upon them within the social and economic context of 1930s America. This way, the novel becomes not only a depiction of human misery but also a critique of institutional inequality and marginalization. Using an intersectional lens, this study draws attention to how Steinbeck brings about a transparent understanding of deeply ingrained structures of oppression. <em>Of Mice and Men</em> can be used as a strong tool of literature that echoes the unchanging tendency of social ranks and reminds modern audiences about the ongoing topicality of such problems in contemporary conditions.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1652 A Pragmatic Analysis of Retribution in Selected Quranic Verses 2025-12-11T05:34:48+00:00 Rasha Hilal Kareem rashahk901@uowasit.edu.iq Mazin Jasim Al-Hilu malhilu@uowasit.edu.iq <p><sup>The present research seeks to discover and examine the speech acts and presuppositional methods of retribution in selected verses of the Glorious Quran. In this context, certain research inquiries are delineated to fulfill the objectives of the study. An eclectic approach is used, using Searle’s (1969) categorization of speech acts, Yule’s (1996) classification of presupposition, and Hymes’ (1974) SPEAKING Model to evaluate four qualitative Quranic verses. The pragmatic study indicates that the depiction of retribution in the Glorious Quran is closely connected to its overarching ethical and theological framework. The deliberate use of language portrays the gravity of divine justice while simultaneously guiding, warning, and inspiring the listener towards virtuous conduct. The Glorious Quran conveys the significance of moral responsibility and the unavoidable repercussions of deeds by integrating the notion of retribution into several language frameworks.</sup></p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1795 A Critical Discourse Analysis of Gender in English series English for Iraq 2026-01-07T13:20:09+00:00 Ahmed Ibrahim Abed ahibrahim60@gmail.com <h1> </h1> <p>Many nations, including Iraq, have begun to change their attitudes regarding the status of sexism in English series namely English for Iraq textbook, which is utilized four English series textbooks including ( 1st intermediate textbook, 2nd intermediate textbook. 4th preparatory textbook and 6th preparatory textbook). To achieve this knowledge gap, I performed a textual study of the English for Iraq textbook, which is utilized in Iraqi intermediate and primary schools. The study focused on the graphic texts that accompanied the linguistic materials. Within a framework for analysis, Kress and van Leeuwen's "Visual Grammar" was utilized. The consequences demonstrated that the pictures that combine with language texts strengthened gender asymmetry illustrations. In addition to being portrayed as more reliant than men, women were also thought to be admirers of actions conducted by men. Multimodality of meaning construction necessitates deliberate attempts to give equal weight to both genders in imagery, according to the study.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES https://jls.tu.edu.iq/index.php/jls/article/view/1694 The Role of FOS in FLE Classes (Case of Students at the Faculty of Tourism Sciences at the University of Mosul/ Iraq) 2025-12-10T09:07:54+00:00 Alaa Tawfiq Aziz alla.t@uomosul.edu.iq <p>This study examines the role of French for Specific Purposes (FOS) in teaching French as a Foreign Language (FLE) at the Faculty of Tourism Sciences, University of Mosul. It distinguishes between FOS, which focuses on targeted professional skills, and the more generalist approach of FLE.</p> <p>A survey of students reveals a clear preference for FOS, considered essential for communication in the tourism sector and for accessing career opportunities. They recommend its integration into courses, with a focus on field-specific vocabulary and real-world situations, and suggest using authentic materials.</p> <p>The advantages of FOS lie in its relevance and motivational power, despite the challenges of pedagogical adaptation and the risk of neglecting general culture. The study recommends establishing a solid foundation in FLE before specializing in FOS, and increasing the hours dedicated to FOS to better prepare students for the professional environment.</p> 2026-03-31T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES