Journal of Language Studies

Abstract Al-Aqraa Al-Qushayri, the opposite dualities of the topics that manifested in life before literature in general and poetry in particular and the best example of this is the duality (death life) and the duality (light and darkness). In the poetry of al-Aqra\\' al-Qushayri, the Umayyad Islamic poet, there are many opposite dualities, some of which are apparent in pronunciation and some of which are hidden in meaning. These opposing dualities, both apparent and hidden, are not limited to the structure of the text, but revolve around the emotional states that the poet wants to translate according to the situation. The research section into an introduction to the life of the poet and the lineage of his tribe and three sections, the first included the identification of concepts, the second dealt with the opposite dualities from the ancient and modern critical perspective, and the third topic applications in the poetry of Al-Aqraa Al-Qushayri, then a conclusion of the most important results of the research, and then a list of sources and references.

Abstract This research examines the novel "Watan Min Dhabab" by the Kurdish writer Jan Dost، as a literary work that reflects crises of identity and belonging in a complex political and cultural context. This study relied on a cultural criticism approach to analyze the novel، focusing on four main issues: psychological reality، self- and physical breakdown، the subversion of religious culture، and the subversion of female centrality. The novel presents a narrative intertwined between history and myth، based on the experience of the Kurdish Republic of Mahabad. The analysis reveals how the characters represent internal and external conflicts، representing the suffocation of identities under political and social pressure. The research highlights the ideological and cultural dimensions hidden behind the narrative discourse، emphasizing that the novel is not merely a narrative but a symbolic resistance to cultural hegemony.

Abstract Causation is a prominent feature in grammatical studies and a clear hallmark of its methodology. A thorough reading of grammatical texts and continuous reflection on their content to trace manifestations of causation affirms that grammar, in essence, represents rulings. These rulings inevitably require analogy and inductive reasoning, with causation being one of the most essential pillars of grammatical analogy. Causation has been closely linked to grammatical rulings since the emergence of Sibawayh’s Book (d. 180 AH), and it gradually expanded in scope and significance. Interest in it increased to the extent that grammarians became more concerned with causation than with grammar itself. In any case, the emergence of causation was the result of the Arabs’ observation and analysis of their own language. Moreover, causation, like analogy, is instinctive in its initial form, which is based on tracing similar phenomena and searching for their reasons. No one can claim that this innate tendency is the invention of Aristotle or any other philosopher. This study is structured into three sections: the first addresses the emergence of grammatical causation; the second explores the general influences on grammatical causation, such as logic, jurisprudence and its principles, and theology and dialectics; while the third section examines the trends of grammatical causation in the fourth Islamic century.

Abstract Writing anxiety represents a significant challenge for learners of English as a second language. This study examines the correlation between writing anxiety and procrastination levels among Iraqi upper-intermediate EFL learners. Data collected from the University of Kufa regarding procrastination and writing anxiety were subjected to analysis. The investigation utilized a correlational methodology and conducted a descriptive analysis of the results obtained from two standardized questionnaires: Lee’s (2005) English Writing Anxiety Scale (EWAS) and Lay’s (1986) procrastination scale. This study seeks to investigate the potential correlation between writing anxiety and levels of procrastination among learners. The hypothesis proposes that there is no statistically significant relationship between the levels of procrastination experienced by Iraqi EFL upper-intermediate learners and their associated writing anxiety. The findings indicate that the participants exhibit a level of writing anxiety that exceeds the neutral threshold, with a mean score of 3.12. Furthermore, their level of procrastination also surpasses the neutral level, as evidenced by a mean score of 3.65. Nevertheless, the correlational analysis indicates a lack of a statistically significant relationship between writing anxiety and procrastination. The findings indicate that procrastination does not serve as a primary determinant of writing anxiety. This suggests that other psychological factors may play a significant role in contributing to heightened levels of anxiety associated with writing tasks. In light of these findings, the study advocates for a more comprehensive investigation into other variables that may contribute to writing anxiety. These variables include, but are not limited to, self-esteem, apprehension regarding negative evaluation, and cultural influences. The text further advocates for the implementation of targeted support interventions within educational institutions aimed specifically at addressing writing anxiety. Such measures have the potential to enhance both overall student performance and well-being in the domain of academic writing.

Abstract There are many demotivating factors that affect learning a foreign language. The available literature indicates that researchers in the Iraqi context are more interested in investigating the motivation factors than the demotivation ones. Thus, limited research has been conducted to examine the demotivation factors and their resources in Iraq for EFL learners. Therefore, this study attempts to shed light on these factors among EFL learners and the way to reduce through by using language awareness-enhancing strategies (LAES). The study particularly aims to examine the effect of using LAES on reducing or eliminating the demotivating sources. For this reason, a quantitative quasi-experimental study was designed. A 5-week course was implemented on 100 purposefully selected participants from the department of English, College of Arts, University of Anbar. The course provided the EFL learners with strategies related to enhancing their awareness for better foreign language (FL) learning, specifically, learning English. A questionnaire was conducted on the students and statistical analysis was implemented. The results show that these LAES had little or no influence on the learners in terms of reducing these demotivating factors. Therefore, it is suggested that LAES intervention could be integrated with other pedagogical approaches to be more effective in its applicability.

Abstract Trauma and resilience are the essential elements in understanding human experiences. These two themes provide authors with core insights into the human condition and reflecting it in their literary creation. This study employs post-trauma growth in \"orphan\" protagonists through a psychoanalytic lens, focusing on Tanika Gupta\'s The Waiting Room and William Saroyan\'s Hello Out There. The term \"orphan\" is used metaphorically to shed light on the traumatic condition of the characters who experience deep psychological, social, and emotional disconnection, rather than just the literal meaning of parental loss. By analyzing the role of the two main characters in these two plays, the study explores the psychological and emotional challenges and journeys of the protagonists, showing the intersection of vulnerability and resilience .It is the journey of self-discovery and self-reconstruction. The study offers a foundational understanding of trauma narratives in drama, emphasizing and enhancing the argument about fragility and psycho-emotional recovery. While most research projects focus on suffering and distress, this study explores and examines repression and resilience in the two plays drawing on theories mainly from Freud, with supplementary insights from Jung and Herman. The study also fills the gap in trauma literature by examining post-trauma growth (PTG) in \"orphan\" protagonist. This perspective is often overlooked in psychoanalytic trauma studies. The study follows MLA formatting and ends with a list of works cited.

Abstract The current study works toward identifying and categorising the lexical errors made by Kurdish EFL students in writing summaries. The sample of the study consists of 40 Kurdish EFL students at the college of Basic Education in Salahaddin University. The lexical errors in their summaries, i.e. 40 summaries, were calculated and categorised into seven categories (based on Ander and Yıldırım’s classification 2010). The analysis of the data revealed that misspelling is the most common type of lexical errors made by Kurdish EFL students. It was followed by wrong word choice and errors of literal translation. The most prevalent type of error was misspelling. The reason behind the dominance of this type of error is ascribed to orthographically cross-linguistic differences between English and Kurdish on one hand; and the ineffective examination policy adopted in designing the twelfth grade large-scale exams in Kurdistan Region (which depends 100% on multiple choice items).

Abstract This paper examines how sound elements are used in certain religious writings by looking at phono-stylistics, which is a study of sound patterns in language. The aim of the study is to find common sound elements in religious writings and to explore their important roles in such contexts. The data is limited to selected verses from both Holy Quran and Bible. It is suggested that the chosen verses from the Holy Quran contain more phono-stylistic features compared to those from the Bible. In this study, qualitative research design will be adopted. The researcher will follow Leech (1969)'s model. It has been noticed that sound elements in religious writings fulfill different purposes within culture and human life. Hence, sound devices are able to create a sense of rhythm, melody, and coherence that attracts the reader or listener.

Abstract This article explores Seamus Heaney's poetry through an ecological lens, focusing on the detailed ties between nature, identity, memory, and cultural history. Heaney's life and literary works can be placed in a wide ecological backdrop, showing how his writings highlight the deep links between humans and nature, while giving a critical look at human-centred views. By breaking down Heaney’s poems, this article tries to raise awareness about our environment and urges readers to rethink their bond with nature. By digging into themes like interdependence and cultural roots in his writing, the discussion highlights the importance of Heaney’s ecological commentary in improving how we grasp environmental issues. These insights from his poetry and ecology help ongoing talks in environmental studies about how literature can encourage lasting connections with nature and build a stronger sense of ecological duty. This exploration honors Heaney's literary greatness while pointing out the important role that poetry and writing play in helping us understand and appreciate the connections among all life forms.

Abstract TikTok is one of the most frequently utilized platforms by the young generation, and the language employed on the platform is developing rapidly and is characterized by using novel slang words, abbreviations, and acronyms that are incomprehensible to users outside the TikTok community. It is crucial to study these new language elements to understand the nature of language development and to facilitate better communication. This paper aims to identify the most common words and abbreviations used by TikTok users, analyze their word class (noun, verb, adjective, or adverb), and examine their literal and contextual meaning. Additionally, the paper seeks to determine the extent to which these words and abbreviations deviate from the conventional English language norms. To achieve these objectives and collect data, 100 random videos featuring a variety of content were watched on TikTok from different pages. After watching the videos, 60 words and abbreviations were selected for detailed analysis. The data was analyzed qualitatively following a semantic approach. The analysis revealed that TikTok users have coined many novel terms, expressions, interjections, abbreviations, and acronyms to enhance simplicity, brevity, and time-saving. Some words were employed with contextual meanings that differ from their dictionary definitions, while other words are extended based on their connotation, these words convey a sense of community and carry an emotional resonance. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that the language on TikTok is significantly influenced by movies, songs, music, YouTube videos, trends, and hashtags hence, leading to the appearance of many interjections that are based on sound and music integration.

Abstract This paper explores the cultural and social identities of the Yazidi women through analyzing their life experience stories. This study explores the storytelling patterns of three Yazidi Kurdish women who have been displaced from the Shingali community. It employs a qualitative methodology to shed light on their experiences during the migration in 2014. The data was gathered from individuals residing in the Khanki camp located in Duhok city. The analysis reveals that the Yazidi women construct their cultural identities through using different linguistic choices and different types of story genres and topics. Also, the selected participants tell a certain type of story genre more than others. In this case, they tell more exempla than other types of story genres as exempla highlight the moral stances of the tellers through which they can construct their social and ideological identities.

Abstract This study tries to find the role of euphemism in developing the EFL university students' levels from the instructors' and the students' perspectives. The population of this study is all the 3rd year instructors who are teaching different materials in this academic year in both universities Tikrit and Samarra/ College of Education/ English Department. They are 16 instructors (in the fields of methodology, literature and linguistics). The sample of this study is 50 female students in English Department/College of Education for women/Tikrit University through the academic year 2024/2025. Experimental study has been conducted in the second semester and two tools are used in this study: the first tool is a questionnaire for finding the role of euphemism in developing the EFL university students' levels from the instructors' perspectives, and the second tool is a questionnaire for finding the role of euphemism in developing the EFL university students' levels from the students' perspectives.

Abstract The evolution of language represents one of humanity's most fascinating yet intricate processes, influenced by an array of interconnected forces including social structures, cultural practices, mental processes, and the inherent properties of linguistic systems themselves. This investigation examines current research on how languages transform, focusing particularly on the interplay between these various catalysts of linguistic development. Through the lens of sociolinguistic theory, language contact studies, and typological research, we explore not only how linguistic changes occur but also why speech communities embrace these modifications. The methodology selected for this study is a mixed-methods approach to analyze the impact of typological and factorial variables on language change. In addition, a total of 160 bilingual participants took part in the study, divided into two language groups, firstly, 80 Kurdish participants in Iraqi Kurdistan, examining the influence of English on Kurdish. Secondly, 80 Uzbek speakers in Uzbekistan, analyzing the effect of Russian on Uzbek. Our findings enhance theoretical understanding of language evolution while providing practical insights for language education, policy development, and strategic language planning initiatives.

Abstract Communicative language teaching emphasizes discussions to enhance critical thinking and language proficiency. However, research on the role of conflicting discussions remains limited. This mixed methods study explored students' and teachers' perceptions of such discussions in an Iraqi classroom context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 grade 9 male students and two English teachers at one of the secondary schools in Baghdad/Iraq. Interview protocols focused on discussions, motivation, classroom practices, and perceived impacts. Quantitative content analysis was conducted to analyze interview data. Students perceived limited opportunities for open discussions due to large classes and teacher-centred pedagogy. While valuing diverse viewpoints, they recognized constraints on interactive learning. Teachers acknowledged challenges and recognized conflicts as constructive learning tools. Findings highlight real-world gaps compared to theory. Professional development, curricular revisions incorporating CLT principles, and strategic use of technology were recommended to foster dynamic discussions promoting critical thinking and mastery of English as a lifestyle skill. Theoretical implications concerned effective pedagogy and methodological considerations for future research. Insights inform professional growth, curriculum reform, and community engagement initiatives aiming to enhance immersive language learning. Continuous teacher-student collaboration can support ongoing enhancements in practice. Future mixed methods explorations can provide a more comprehensive understanding across settings.

Abstract As a phenomenon, colour is influential in human’s feelings, emotions, reactions, and even physical and mental products and outputs. Yet, its implications are bound by some social, mythical, historical, religious, political, psychological, and cultural perspectives. They also could be related to cultural pluralism and melting-pot theories on the one hand and multiculturalism and cross-culturalism on the other hand, since culture functions as a collective arena for different perspectives in any given society. The present descriptive study tries to illustrate the impact of different cultures and social make-ups upon the varying implications of the same colour in different poems from two different cultures that, despite their differences, may share some similar social, political, and cultural backgrounds. It tries to find answers for questions like: Can the similar social and political status of certain people be reflected in similar use of certain colours? Do such people or nations have similar psychological and cultural responses to the same colours and why? It hypothesizes that differences in norms and traditions bring about interesting and contradictory results from colour connotations in the chosen poetic texts. Searching a number of intellectual and up-to-date sources and practicing the collected and comprehended concepts in some English and Kurdish texts through a descriptive and analytical approach, the study reached some conclusions that are summed up at the end of the paper along with the list of the works cited.

Abstract This study examines racism in Winston Churchill's() selected statements through Critical Discourse Analysis, specifically using Reisigl and Wodak's (2001) Discourse-Historical Approach. The analysis, following the qualitative approach, focuses on discursive strategies of self-presentation and othering, revealing how Churchill systematically used positive in-group and negative out-group strategies. His discourse consistently reflects racial hierarchies by portraying colonial powers as superior while denigrating marginalized groups. The research reveals Churchill's use of explicit language without mitigation, demonstrating his clear ideological commitment to racial worldviews. These discursive patterns are examined within their historical context of the colonial era. The findings highlight how political discourse operates as a tool for naturalizing racism through strategic representations of self and other. The study concludes that Churchill's discourse is a reflection of embedding racist ideologies in political discourse through binary oppositions that are employed for the positive evaluation of the dominant groups and the negative evaluation of the dominated ones.

Abstract Doing a critical reading of a political speech means looking at the speech's setting, its goal, the language and rhetoric used, the audience, and the speaker's body language. The current study aims to analyze qualitatively through the use of the Aristotelian Rhetoric model the political de-escalation speeches of Iraqi politicians from a critical and persuasive discourse analysis perspective. It has been noticed that Iraqi politicians highly use persuasive discourse to influence public opinion and to promote their political agenda. Based on this, the study assumes the existence of different persuasive strategies in this specific genre. The data analyzed consists of three speech delivered by three Iraqi prime ministers after October demonstrations happened in Baghdad (2019 – 2020). The analysis follows Aristotle's Rhetoric; Logos, ethos and pathos, as persuasion strategies used to turn down the flame of popular anger agenda. Findings reveal Iraqi PMs predominantly use logos (40%) to de-escalate anger, followed by ethos (31%) and pathos (29% ).

Abstract The present study aims to find out the effect of Brunner’s Model on teaching essay writing. It has been hypothesized that there is no statistically significant difference between the achievement of student who are taught according to Brunner’s Model and those who are taught according to the academic teaching method (conventional). The selected population are students of Garmian University, College of Languages and human sciences, Department of English while the sample are students of the second year. Each of the experimental and control group consists of twenty-five participants. Pre-post experimental design is applied on the sample of the study. Data are collected and analyzed statistically, the results show that teaching essay writing through Bruner’s approach had a significant positive impact on students\' performance. Some conclusions are drawn according to the findings of the study. It is concluded that Brunner’s model is an effective strategy on teaching essay writing as it enhances students’ ability of critical thinking where they could analyze situations of real life, comment, solve problems, and discuss social phenomena.

Abstract This qualitative and descriptive study investigates the themes of personal freedom and psychological growth in Doris Lessing’s Memoirs of a Survivor to analyze this novel, the study applies Eric Berne’s theory of transactional analysis, which emphasizes overcoming the influence of the past and embracing the present as a path to self-realization. Transactional analysis helps both individuals and fictional characters recognize internal barriers and pursue growth through authentic interactions with others. (Steiner, 1974) Unlike many psychological theories that concentrate solely on the internal psyche, this approach values real-world connections and social engagement. By focusing on the quality of interpersonal relationships as a measure of autonomy, this study offers a new perspective on Lessing’s work, highlighting how her characters strive for emotional and psychological liberation

Abstract The purpose of this study is to find out bilingual practices in Iraqi Secondary Schools, which focus on how bilateralism is applied and considered by teachers and students. A qualitative case study design was employed to collect rich data through semi-composed interviews, class observations and courses and school policies. The participants included 6 teachers, 30 students and 3 administrators from three public schools. Conclusions revealed frequent code-switching between Arabic and English, especially in science classes, where teachers look at bilingualism as an essential tool to clarify complex concepts despite formal training and lack of institutional support. The students appreciated the use of Arabic for understanding, expressing a strong desire to improve their English efficiency. The study identified the absence of a clear official policy on bilingual instructions, causing incompatible practices in schools. This study contributes to better understanding of bilingual education in the Iraqi context and provides practical suggestions for its improvement.

Abstract Academic writing in the English language is one of the most difficult challenges EFL students at secondary schools face; however, little research has been conducted on these issues in Duhok city of Iraq. This mixed-methods study investigates the specific difficulties encountered by secondary school students in academic writing and examines educators’ perspectives on these challenges. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to 72 students and semi-structured interviews with 23 teachers and analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The quantitative data results showed that translation and limited vocabulary are the main challenges, with 35% of students sometimes translating from their first language (L1) and 28% sometimes experiencing vocabulary difficulties. Tense usage, spelling errors, and the use of simple words instead of more complex ones were also emphasised as primary concerns. While students highlighted translation, limited vocabulary, and tense usage, teachers noted complex words, grammar and spelling errors as greater concerns. Although educators and teachers agree that translation, grammatical rules, sentence structure, and voice usage need improvement, they also observed that students are less likely to make mistakes with capitalisation and passive and active voice usage.

Abstract The research problem lies in the existence of questions about the ability of machine translation and artificial intelligence to produce legal texts characterized by accuracy and stylistic robustness compared to human translation, especially in light of the increasing reliance on these technologies in the legal field. This study aims to offer a comparative viewpoint on the legal translations rendered by three types of agents: postgraduate translation students, Google Translate, and AI-driven MT engines. Through an analysis applied to a sample of chosen legal sentences, the quality of every translation has been rated by criteria drawn from Peter Newmark’s (1988 ) two categories of translation – communicative and semantic. Quality assessment consisted of an analysis of linguistic and legal correctness, stylistic uniformity and clarity. The study hypothesizes that AI-powered translation engines will outperform Google Translate and approach the quality of human translation in terms of stylistic coherence and legal accuracy, provided there is human supervision during the translation process. The findings of the study reinforce the promise of artificial intelligence in legal translation, particularly when there is human oversight, as well as the need for translation theory in evaluating translation quality in particular areas of specialization.

Abstract Fashion works as a complex semiotic organization, especially during political spectacles where visual appearance often strengthens ideological messaging. This research explores the fashion adoptions of main female characters at Donald Trump's 2025 presidential inauguration exactly Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump, Usha Vance, and Tiffany Trump. Moving from semiotics, sociology of fashion, and cultural theory, this paper claims that their tailored decisions work as designed visual rhetoric calculated to express authority, political alignment, class distinction, and gender performance. This study uses qualitative visual analysis of high-resolution media images and fashion reporting to decode the symbolic meanings embedded in the garments of prominent women affiliated with Trumpism, focusing on color palettes, accessories, silhouettes, and designer affiliations. It observes a shift from the pastel-toned, idealized "First Lady" aesthetic of 2017 toward a more militarized, rigid, and elite-coded style referred to as "authoritarian chic" by 2025. This stylistic transition mirrors broader ideological shifts during Donald Trump’s second presidential term, particularly those involving gender traditionalism, nationalist rhetoric, and the visual construction of class-based separation. The research aims at investigating how fashion works not as plain decoration, but as a potent device of political communication that transfers power, ideology, and identity. It's main questions are: 1-how fashion choices reveal or strengthen political messages, 2-how femininity is fashioned through conservative visual culture, and 3- how clothing may serve to show both ideological loyalty and authority . The research hypothesizes that:1-these fashion changes align with increased nationalist themes, support traditional gender roles while offering a controlled form of public authority, 2-deliberately use visual markers of uniqueness to establish elite distinction. Finally, 3- it discusses that fashion in such context is a curated political language that exposes the deeper cultural and ideological undercurrents of modern American conservatism.

Abstract This research is an examination of the usage of politeness strategies in official discourse. It uses Brown and Levinson’s (1987) Politeness Theory as the theoretical framework. Portrayal upon authentic written data collected from certain articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), this paper recognizes and labels different politeness strategies—positive, negative, bald on record, and off-record. The findings reveal that even within legal discourse, there are adaptions of politeness strategies based on social distance, power relations, and the level of imposition that are convoluted within such legal discourses. The analysis offers insight into how rigid and legal discourse employ politeness strategies in order to spread harmony and maintain acceptance.

Abstract Human mind has the ability to construe events or things from several perspectives. Construal is one of the central concepts in cognitive semantics and is used to describe and characterize this ability. The use of Construal Operation of Specificity, for investigating the construction of meaning in election billboards is thought to be significant. The current study aims to show the flexibility of this operation of construal to election billboards. To this end, four election billboards of Trump and Biden were selected from American general election (2020). Langacker’s Specificity as one of the most significant Construal Operations (2008) theory is used to demystify how meaning is constructed in the billboards. The results obtained show that the construal operation of specificity in election billboards significantly depends on the interplay between verbal and visual modes. Besides, the central message of the billboards is effectively conveyed through an analysis of the specific visual and verbal modes present in the design. It is concluded that the construal operation of specificity can account for meaning construction in electoral billboards and in addition to the semantic contents of the elements in the billboards, specificity makes up a principal element in constructing the meaning of the billboard.