Examining Language Usage and Patterns in Online Conversation: Communication Gap among Generation Y and Baby Boomers

AbstractCurrently, with the rise of online communities, communication has shifted away from traditional modes that have long been based on face-to- face models of interaction, to a more digital approach such as social networks. Thus the acquisition of online literacy in social networks such as Facebook might create a gap or linguistic difference that distinguishes generation Y aged from 20 to 30 years old who are the active users of Facebook from the baby boomers aged from 40 years and above who are adopters of social network. Hence, the aim of this study is to examine topics they post, use of non standard language and the use of multimedia application in social network to highlight the issues that could allow misunderstandings to occur in social network conversation. The data is derived from the ‘status’ of selected Facebook users and analyzed qualitatively. The pilot findings show that there are differences in term of spelling innovations and capitalization, acronym and abbreviation, emoticons and punctuations. In the matter of content, baby boomers posts are more informative, direct and in order compared to generation Y. Baby boomers are also more likely to respond to the comments that are relevant to their post compared to generation Y. This study proposes that in order to minimize the differences and bridge the communication gaps generation Y need to formalize their writing and avoid unnecessary spelling innovations, capitalization, abbreviation, emoticons and punctuations that can course uncertainty to baby boomers. At the same time baby boomers should also be aware of the online literacy to mingle with the future generations

Transforming the EFL pedagogical approach towards digital age through online communities of practice (CoPs)

Since most conventional classroom learning in which English is a Foreign Language (EFL) is still characterized by learners‟ traditional roles and lacks such dynamic collaboration and interaction, EFL learners are increasingly using Social Network Sites (SNSs) as online Communities of Practice (CoPs) in adopting collaborative learning and transforming the EFL pedagogical approach as a new strategy towards achieving success in the modern digital age. Based on the theoretical background of CoPs, the current study aims to investigate the application of SNSs as a CoP in providing EFL students with the opportunity to use English, and to improve their learning through collaborative interaction in the language. The subjects of this study were 24 active and regular members of the Only for English Learning Facebook (FB) Community– a group developed and maintained by the researchers – for EFL learners coming from different countries. As to gain further information and understanding from the participants of how such EFL learning practice could be improved, online questionnaire, semi-structure interview and commentary exchanges of interaction posts were used for data collection and analysis. The findings proved that such online CoPwas perceived as an effective learning environment conducive to promoting the EFL learners‟ writing, grammar, reading andpersonal and socio- cultural skills and domains. Their perception of this CoP significantly increased during the period of collaborative learning

A development of smart village implementation plan for agriculture: A pioneer project in Malaysia

The current study mainly aimed to investigate the Malaysian Smart Village project in a rural community which is labeled as Kg Besting in Malaysia.Specifically, the study intended to address the major issues faced by the community of farmers, identify the Smart Village indicators and put forward a strategic plan for the Smart Village implementation.It was carried out among Malaysian farmers in Kg Besting community in Malaysia.Data was collected through a survey, focus group interviews and documents.The quantitative and qualitative analyses of the data revealed that the major issues faced by the farmers in this community in agriculture are limited involvement of human capital in agricultural activities, the small size of land and limited knowledge of using technologies and innovative techniques to enhance the agricultural processing and production.Other issues are relevant to Micro Small Medium Entrepreneurs (SMMEs) in Kg Besting include lack of raw materials and crops, lack of machinery, limited knowledge and lack of advice and networking on how to ensure mass production and healthy marketing competition at the regional and global levels. Thus, the study emphasizes the importance of meeting the community‘s needs in Kg Besting and offers several useful recommendations.In conclusion, by incorporating the concept of ―Smart Village‖, the current study considers the potential Smart Village as an innovative means of improving rural people‘s life and it introduces a strategic implementation of the Smart Village project in Kg Besting in three phases; social empowerment, developing the Smart Village ecosystem and economic empowermen

Rhetorical moves analysis in instagram advertisements written by women entrepreneurs

In the rapidly evolving digital economy, social media has emerged as a crucial tool for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to promote their products and services. In Malaysia, where English serves as a lingua franca for intercultural communication and business activities, English language skills are essential for non-native English-speaking SMEs to conduct business at the international level. However, there is limited research on how Malaysian SMEs write effective online advertising strategies, especially in social media. The present challenges for SMEs who may struggle with language barriers further compound this situation. To address this, this study employs genre analysis to investigate the rhetorical moves employed by women entrepreneurs in Malaysia in their online advertisements on Instagram. 15 Instagram accounts of female bakery entrepreneurs were studied. They effectively employed hashtags and call-to-action approaches in their marketing, aligning with past research on engaging consumers through social media advertisements. This study contributes to the literature on social media advertising by providing insights into the rhetorical strategies used by women entrepreneurs in Malaysia. It highlights the significance of understanding the language and cultural context in which SMEs operate to develop effective marketing communication strategies. Moreover, this study also contributes to the literature on genre theory by showcasing how it can be applied to analyze digital advertising genres. Moving forward, our findings underscore the practical implications of comprehending and harnessing these rhetorical strategies, offering a compass for SMEs to navigate the dynamic landscape of contemporary business promotion in the digital era. This study also advances genre theory by applying it to analyze digital advertising genres. The findings offer practical insights for SMEs to adeptly navigate the evolving digital business landscape

The validation and development of electronic language test.

The enormous velocity of development and advancement in Information Communication Technology (ICT) to date has remarkably transformed the educational system which incorporates aspects of teaching, knowledge delivery and training. Language testing or measurement at the present time is employing conventional method to measure the academic performance of the students. With the advent of ICT, it has initiated the new innovative approach of assessing student’s performance. The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of online and conventional mode of Malaysian English Competency Test (MECT) among undergraduates of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), focusing on reading test. The test is intended to test four components of English language; listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. This quantitative research involved a total of 43 students and was randomly divided into two groups. These groups were tested on paper test of Malaysian English Competency Test (MECT) and Electronic Malaysian English Competency Test (E-MECT). Apart from the tests, the respondents were also given a set of questionnaire to obtain the data on their computer literacy level, online reading test, and also knowledge and experience of using E-MECT online test. The results showed that there were no marked differences in terms of student’s performance even though their marks were higher in the online version. Other features such as user friendliness, interface design, interactivity and time management play important role in the success of online test. Recommendations to administer and adapt the online test are put forth at the end of the report. It could be concluded that the study has significant implications for not only the students, but also the teachers and programmer as well. Additionally, this study helps both the students and teachers in taking online language testing in a conducive and convenient way. In fact, this could also sharpen the students’ computer literacy in using the computer

Game-based learning in teaching grammar for non-native speakers: a systematic review

The emergence of Industrial Revolution 4.0 targets challenging the norm and pushing boundaries. Hence, educational institutions are expected to embrace a few methods to adopt technology as part of their instructional strategies. The incorporation of technology can nurture students' motivation to learn English, particularly grammar. While game based grammar learning provides motivation, enjoyment, and acquisition of grammar knowledge, trends in using game-based grammar learning have not been scrutinised in the context of a systematic review. Therefore, this paper reviewed articles on game-based grammar learning beginning in 2016 through 2021. The review summarises articles in the following categories: 1) research contextual dimension, 2) methodological dimension, 3) game dimension, and 4) outcomes dimension. By reviewing 25 articles, this systematic review could serve as a guide for designing language teaching and learning activities using a game-based approach. Based on the findings, the paper presents implications and suggestions for future research in terms of optimised delivery of knowledge using game-based grammar learning

Digital literacy and communicative competence among academic leaders: post-COVID-19 study

Communicative competence represents an academic leader's ability to use language effectively. However, to date, communicative competence among academic leaders is not as effective as expected. This research aims to explore the affective factors hindering the academic leaders' communicative competence, identify the cultural factors affecting their communicative competence, and investigate the impact of using technology in developing communicative competence during the Covid-19 pandemic. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with nine academic leaders from different universities in Iraq. It adopts four theories: communicative competence, leadership competence, communication and planned behaviour for the basis and guidance for data collection, data analysis, and interpretation. The qualitative data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. It was found that the following Key factors, such as digital literacy became crucial during lockdown because of COVID-19. All meetings and conferences adopt online mode instead of physical appearance. In such a situation, majority respondents mentioned that communicative competence has proven helpful in problem-solving and developing critical skills. The respondents have proposed a framework for developing academic leaders' communicative competence for digital literacy post-Covid -19. Such as training to use digital tools for language usage, monitoring the electronic examination process more efficient and initiatives for communication competence

Putus cinta: Aplikasi terapi rasional emotif tingkahlaku mendepani masalah konsep kendiri dalam kalangan remaja

Klien merupakan seorang gadis yang berusia 23 tahun dan berasal dari Jitra, Kedah. Klien berketurunan Melayu dan beragama Islam. Klien juga merupakan penuntut jurusan Pengurusan Awam dalam semester enam di Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Klien adalah anak kedua daripada tujuh orang adik beradik yang terdiri daripada empat orang lelaki dan tiga orang perempuan. Bapanya bekerja sebagai perunding dan juru ukur tanah manakala ibunya merupakan suri rumah tangga sepenuh masa. Klien mempunyai personaliti yang ceria dan peramah. Beliau senang bergaul dengan sesiapa sahaja yang dikenalinya, namun perwatakan klien berubah disebabkan oleh masalah yang dihadapinya

Faktor terapeutik kaunseling kelompok dalam meningkatkan kesejahteraan kendiri

Kaunselor berperanan dan bertanggungjawab dalam usaha mengembangkan segala potensi yang ada pada diri setiap klien. Kemahiran kaunseling dalam perhubungan terapeutik antara kaunselor dan klien adalah sangat penting dalam mendorong perubahan diri klien. Justeru, kajian ini bertujuan meneroka elemen terapeutik dalam kaunseling kelompok yang dapat meningkatkan kesejahteraan kendiri. Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah kajian kualitatif menerusi analisis kandungan terhadap artikel-artikel yang telah diterbitkan dalam pangkalan data seperti Scopus, Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) dan Science Direct. Sebanyak 45 artikel telah dipilih. Kajian ini telah mendapati bahawa terdapat lima faktor utama terapeutik yang membawa kepada kesejahteraan diri termasuklah sikap altruisme dan membantu, kemahiran insaniah, katarsis jiwa, kejeleketan kelompok dan pengkayaan maklumat serta nilai. Kesimpulannya, kajian ini secara langsung dapat meningkatkan kesedaran dalam kalangan kaunselor berkenaan pelaksanaan kaunseling kelompok yang perlu mengambil kira elemen terapeutik sebagai faktor yang dapat meningkatkan keberkesanan pelaksanaannya