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Research Article
Promoting Linguistic Diversity in Multicultural Workplaces: Enhancing HR Policies and Practices at the St. Augustine University of Tanzania
Nasibu Musa Kalokola*
,
Kipara Japhert Kipara
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-8
Received:
18 March 2025
Accepted:
31 March 2025
Published:
16 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijll.20261401.11
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Abstract: Linguistic diversity in higher education institutions plays a critical role in shaping organizational culture, communication, and productivity, yet it also presents unique challenges in fostering inclusivity. This study, therefore, investigated the role of linguistic diversity at the St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) and its implications for human resource (HR) policies and practices. With Tanzania’s rich multilingual landscape-featuring Swahili and English as official languages alongside over 120 indigenous languages-SAUT serves as a compelling case study on managing linguistic diversity in an academic workplace. The research aimed to (1) assess the current state of linguistic diversity at SAUT, (2) identify associated challenges and opportunities, (3) evaluate its impact on employee satisfaction and productivity, and (4) develop tailored HR strategies to promote inclusivity. Using a qualitative approach, data was collected through interviews with faculty, staff, and administrators, supplemented by document analysis. Findings reveal that while linguistic diversity enhances cultural exchange, creativity, and problem-solving, it also creates communication barriers and feelings of exclusion among non-dominant language speakers. Key challenges include difficulties in formal communication, unequal participation in meetings, and occasional misunderstandings. However, the study also highlights opportunities for leveraging this diversity to strengthen institutional cohesion and global competitiveness. To address these challenges, the study recommends implementing structured language training programs (e.g., Kiswahili for international staff and advanced English for non-native speakers), adopting multilingual signage and documentation, and fostering inclusive communication strategies such as translation services and code-switching accommodations. By proactively managing linguistic diversity, SAUT can enhance employee satisfaction, collaboration, and productivity while reinforcing its reputation as an inclusive academic institution. This research contributes to broader discussions on linguistic diversity in higher education and provides practical HR solutions for multicultural workplaces. The findings underscore the importance of intentional language policies in fostering inclusivity, offering valuable insights for universities and organizations operating in linguistically diverse environments.
Abstract: Linguistic diversity in higher education institutions plays a critical role in shaping organizational culture, communication, and productivity, yet it also presents unique challenges in fostering inclusivity. This study, therefore, investigated the role of linguistic diversity at the St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) and its implications ...
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Review Article
A Literature Review of Conceptual Metaphors in the Traditional Chinese Medicine System
Wang Shaoci*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
9-17
Received:
9 December 2025
Accepted:
22 December 2025
Published:
19 January 2026
Abstract: This literature review systematically synthesizes the body of existing research on conceptual metaphors within the theoretical and practical system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Grounded in the analytical framework of Conceptual Metaphor Theory from cognitive linguistics, the review consolidates scholarly findings to demonstrate that metaphors are not merely rhetorical expressions but are foundational cognitive constructs that organize TCM’s understanding of physiology, pathology, and therapy. By collating evidence from numerous studies, it categorizes the pervasive metaphors documented in classical texts such as Huang Di Nei Jing into four primary types identified in the literature: ontological metaphors, structural metaphors, orientational metaphors, and philosophical metaphors. The synthesis confirms that these metaphorical frameworks are central to articulating and operationalizing core TCM doctrines, including the dynamics of Yin and Yang, the process of syndrome differentiation, and the principles of herbal formulation and acupuncture. Furthermore, the review addresses the adaptation of these traditional metaphors in contemporary contexts, particularly in digital and multimodal communication aimed at TCM communication. While highlighting their didactic and popularizing potential, it also notes challenges in multimodal representation and the risk of conceptual distortion in new media forms. This synthesis underscores metaphor as a pervasive and deep-seated cognitive mechanism that bridges TCM’s classical foundations with its modern interpretation and dissemination, with this comprehensive overview establishing metaphor as a fundamental structural element that links TCM’s historical foundations to its contemporary interpretive and communicative practices.
Abstract: This literature review systematically synthesizes the body of existing research on conceptual metaphors within the theoretical and practical system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Grounded in the analytical framework of Conceptual Metaphor Theory from cognitive linguistics, the review consolidates scholarly findings to demonstrate that metap...
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Review Article
The Dark Side of Motivation by Sakui and Cowie, N. (2011); the Role of Age in Second Language Acquisition by Dong and Ren, H. (2013): A Critical Review
Khedir Almoayidi*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
18-22
Received:
13 December 2025
Accepted:
29 December 2025
Published:
23 January 2026
Abstract: Motivation and age play crucial roles in second language acquisition. These two factors were the mainspring of many studies pertaining second language acquisition and learning. The aim of this paper was to find out how motivation and the role of age are perceived by the teachers. Two pivotal papers of eminent scholars were selected for this critical investigation. The review of the first paper revealed that even though there are situations where motivation is missing it can be developed and improved by confident teachers in the fields of both second language acquisition and second language learning. Concerning the role of age, on the other hand, the researchers of the other study, in accordance with many recent studies, emphasized that age has a significant impact on language learning and as the learner advances in age his/her ability declines. But, in contrast to this claim, there are many students in my country who start to learn English at 18 to 20 years of age and, as a language lecturer, I have found that they reach a very advanced level even though English in my country is considered to be a foreign language and within the expanding circle.
Abstract: Motivation and age play crucial roles in second language acquisition. These two factors were the mainspring of many studies pertaining second language acquisition and learning. The aim of this paper was to find out how motivation and the role of age are perceived by the teachers. Two pivotal papers of eminent scholars were selected for this critica...
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Research Article
Genre Analysis of Review Article Abstracts in Biology Subdisciplines
Sumayyah Solaiman Alghezzi*,
Sultan Hussein Alharbi
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
23-34
Received:
26 December 2025
Accepted:
13 January 2026
Published:
29 January 2026
Abstract: This study implements a genre-based approach to analyze the rhetorical structure and move patterns of review article abstracts written by biochemistry, biophysics, and bioinformatics scholars. It aims to investigate the similarities and differences between biology subdisciplines in frequency, status, sequencing and step usage. The study examined 300 review abstracts selected from 30 esteemed journals. A modified model from Santos and Swales was employed to identify the move/step structure of all three datasets. The study’s findings revealed that M-M2 is obligatory, while M4 and M5 are optional. Moreover, it showed the dominance of M1-M2 sequences across the three subfields. The three subfields shared similarities and differences in their structural organization at the move and step levels. All three subfields shared the obligatory status of M1 and M2 and differed in M3 usage. Furthermore, the results of this study highlighted that review abstracts show distinct M1-M2 dominance, unlike research article abstracts. The findings of this study have implications for novice researchers and postgraduate students by raising awareness of the variation in generic structure across three biology subdisciplines. Furthermore, the research concludes with future research suggestions that include cross-disciplinary comparisons, longitudinal studies, and linguistic feature studies. Finally, potential limitations that arise from the study are provided.
Abstract: This study implements a genre-based approach to analyze the rhetorical structure and move patterns of review article abstracts written by biochemistry, biophysics, and bioinformatics scholars. It aims to investigate the similarities and differences between biology subdisciplines in frequency, status, sequencing and step usage. The study examined 30...
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Research Article
Complex Predicate Structures in Institutional Digital Discourse: A Morphosyntactic Analysis
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
35-44
Received:
14 January 2026
Accepted:
23 January 2026
Published:
4 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijll.20261401.15
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Abstract: This study investigates the use of complex predicate structures in institutional digital discourse, with particular attention to official Facebook pages. Communication on Facebook creates a hybrid space where formal administrative language is often adjusted to fit the more flexible, semi-formal nature of a digitally mediated platform. The study aimed to identify the types of complex predicates in the corpus, describe the morphosyntactic features that govern their formation, and examine how these structures influence sentence meaning and overall syntax. It used a qualitative descriptive, corpus-based design, with some quantitative analysis to support the findings. Official Facebook posts were collected and compiled into a corpus, then manually examined using established linguistic criteria. Each complex predicate was morphologically tagged and classified, and frequencies and percentages were computed to show how often each type occurred. A total of 60 complex predicate constructions were identified in the data. Passive constructions appeared most frequently, followed by modal auxiliary and copular predicates. In contrast, perfect aspect and light verb constructions were used only to a limited extent. These findings suggest that institutional Facebook discourse relies mainly on auxiliary-based morphosyntax, where auxiliaries encode grammatical meanings such as tense, aspect, mood, and voice, while lexical verbs provide the main semantic content of the clause. The findings also show that complex predicate structures influence sentence meaning in important ways. Passive constructions tend to highlight institutional actions rather than individual actors, while modal predicates are commonly used to express future plans and institutional commitments. Copular predicates, on the other hand, allow institutions to convey evaluation and stance in a relatively straightforward way. At the same time, these structures help keep sentences clear and concise by compressing several grammatical meanings into a single predicate. Overall, the findings suggest that complex predicates serve as effective grammatical resources in institutional Facebook communication, showing that patterns of formal language use remain largely stable even in digital and online settings.
Abstract: This study investigates the use of complex predicate structures in institutional digital discourse, with particular attention to official Facebook pages. Communication on Facebook creates a hybrid space where formal administrative language is often adjusted to fit the more flexible, semi-formal nature of a digitally mediated platform. The study aim...
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