Papers by Mohammed Nasser
Kut University College Journal for Humanitarian Science, 2023
Mediated by technology, delivered by professionals, and facilitated by moderators, webinars are a... more Mediated by technology, delivered by professionals, and facilitated by moderators, webinars are any online sessions, workshops, and seminars streamed live, recorded, or pre-scheduled times and dates, to discuss a certain educational, business, scientific, or any topic. Webinars often receive a huge attendance or audience from many peers, laymen, or professionals. This paper investigates the use of speech acts in two American Academic webinars drawing on a preobservation that presenters and moderators in webinars use pragmatic devices. The paper introduces and defines the research key terms; speech acts, webinars, and online discourse. Then, previous studies, research questions, data, methodology, and limits are presented. The analysis is limited to two American educational webinars. Following data selection, the analysis is conducted according to Searle's (1975) theory of speech acts. The research finds that presenters and moderators in webinars used certain speech acts to express meanings, issue directions, direct sessions, react to the audience, share background demos, and switch topics. Moreover, the presenters and moderators in webinars use speech acts more than other linguistic devices because these forms can easily and clearly communicate meanings and feelings.
Journal of Education College Wasit University, 2018
Official Translation refers to the translation of official signboards which are found on gove... more Official Translation refers to the translation of official signboards which are found on government offices. In Iraq, signboards tagged on most government offices show considerable variation regarding translation; two or more offices tackling the same business show two different translations, as in College of Administration vs. College of Management, taking into account that these two institutions do the same business. The same applies to words such as Union, Federation and Association. Variant appear these words to be, yet they are used interchangeably to refer almost to the same sort of business. This phenomenon is noticeable on the signboards of most offices across Iraq. The present paper elaborates on the state of current translations, suggests alternative translations, reaches certain conclusions and finally proposes some recommendations that may help solve this problem
Wasit Journal for Humanities & Social Sciences, 2022
This paper pragmatically examines sympathy in two refugee-focused speeches, one by Jordan’s King ... more This paper pragmatically examines sympathy in two refugee-focused speeches, one by Jordan’s King Abdulla II and another by Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel. This is achieved by unfolding the illocutionary activities and presuppositions underlying compassion and sympathy and then contrasting these subthemes across the two speeches. To do so, a qualitative methodology combining Searle’s (1969) model and Levinson’s (1983) model has been followed in the analysis. The paper, principally, elaborates on sympathy as a crucial aspect in the pragmatic interpretation of the two selected speeches. This involves a rigorous study of the words, phrases, and sentences relevant to sympathy, supported by frequencies. The two speeches, then, are compared to compassion, speech actions, and presupposition. Firstly, the paper introduces the topic, and this covers key definitions, theoretical assumptions, and a few similar studies, as well. Then, two speeches are selected, examined, and probed for sympathy. The paper, finally, concludes with findings, results, and some suggestions for further research. The paper finds that the two speeches have been very supportive of migrants. There is, also, a remarkable difference between the Arab discourse and the European discourse concerning the refugees and migrants’ crises.
Journal of Studies in Social Sciences , 2023
Mediated by technology, delivered by professionals, and facilitated by moderators, webinars are a... more Mediated by technology, delivered by professionals, and facilitated by moderators, webinars are any online sessions, workshops, and seminars streamed live, recorded, or pre-scheduled times and dates, to discuss a certain educational, business, scientific, or any topic. Webinars often receive a huge attendance or audience from many peers, laymen, or professionals. This paper investigates the use of speech acts in two educational webinars drawing on a pre-observation that presenters and moderators in webinars use pragmatic devices. The paper introduces and defines the research key terms; speech acts, webinars, and online discourse. Then, previous studies, research questions, data, methodology, and limits are presented. The analysis is limited to two American educational webinars. Following data selection, the analysis is conducted according to Searle's (1975) theory of speech acts. The research finds that presenters and moderators in webinars used certain speech acts to express meanings, issue directions, direct sessions, react to the audience, share background demos, and switch topics. Moreover, the presenters and moderators in webinars use speech acts more than other linguistic devices because these forms can easily and clearly communicate meanings and feelings.
Neophilology, 2022
We consider the politeness maxims implied in the discussion on refugees between Lebanese Prime Mi... more We consider the politeness maxims implied in the discussion on refugees between Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri and French President Francois Hollande. Based on the approach of the six-maxims of politeness by G. Leach (1983), the study is aimed at recognizing these maxims, describing their forms and revealing the intended goals. Mutual understanding is considered as a key element of the pragmatic analysis of the selected two speeches. A thorough study of words, phrases and sentences was carried out in order to sort and highlight all forms of mutual understanding. We make a brief comparison of the two speeches in terms of mutual understanding and politeness. Firstly, the study presents the preliminary stages of studying the definition of key terms, examines politeness in detail, builds on Leach's theory of politeness, and reviews several related studies. Secondly, a sample of two speeches is selected, analyzed and examined for politeness. It is concluded that the two speeches studied are very sympathetic towards refugees and that the corresponding references contain several forms of courtesy rules. We note the difference between the Arab and European discourse about refugees and their suffering.
PIONEER: Journal of Language and Literature, 2021
This research explores how language mediates Corona or Covid-19. To find out this phenomenon, a f... more This research explores how language mediates Corona or Covid-19. To find out this phenomenon, a few Corona-related words, phrases, and structures are put into discussion. The paper, also, draws on the languaging of Corona, as a global disaster, with a highlight of the practices, attitudes, and discourses expressed over this disaster. First, the paper introduces a generic exposition on the various aspects of global disasters in terms of linguistic structures, which are all supported by some previous researches. Then, a broader interpretation of how language mediates Corona is elaborated. Finally, the paper states a few findings, conclusions, and further areas of research. Language plays a significant role in shaping disasters, and in this concern, the paper revealed that Corona pandemic is highly mediated at the lexical, meta-linguistic, and conceptual levels. Additionally, relating Corona to meta-linguistic aspects can underline a media-catastrophe link, one that may be worth a broa...
Journal of Education College Wasit University, 2018
Performative verbs are the verbs that are used along with the act identified in the sentence. In ... more Performative verbs are the verbs that are used along with the act identified in the sentence. In Arabic, performative verbs are often stated explicitly, namely in context-based sentences. In a few cases, the verb as well as the utterance has a locutionary force, i.e. , both contribute to the meaning of the sentence. The use of the performative verbs is significant in reported sentences , as certain sentences can have a different meaning if these sentences are uttered in direct speech.
Professional Discourse & Communication, 2021
This paper explores how academic webinars are translanguaged by drawing on the sort of linguistic... more This paper explores how academic webinars are translanguaged by drawing on the sort of linguistic strategies and techniques implicated in these webinars. The research, therefore, poses two key questions relevant to how knowledge is communicated and what strategies are used in this communication. The main hypothesis of the research maintains that academic webinars communicate knowledge from a single professional presenter to many knowledge-receiving attendees, based on a presupposed view that presenters and moderators in webinars adhere to certain linguistic and conversational moves. To explore how academic webinars proceed and what they imply, a single academic webinar is randomly sampled for analysis. First, academic webinars are analyzed, key terms defined, and some previous literature on the topic overviewed. Then, the sampled webinar is administered for analysis (gathering, transcription, analysis), and a discourse-conversational model of analysis is applied. The author conclude...
Professional Discourse and Communication, 2021
This paper explores how academic webinars are translanguaged by drawing on the sort of linguistic... more This paper explores how academic webinars are translanguaged by drawing on the sort of linguistic strategies and techniques implicated in these webinars. The research, therefore, poses two key questions relevant to how knowledge is communicated and what strategies are used in this communication. The main hypothesis of the research maintains that academic webinars communicate knowledge from a single professional presenter to many knowledge-receiving attendees, based on a presupposed view that presenters and moderators in webinars adhere to certain linguistic and conversational moves. To explore how academic webinars proceed and what they imply, a single academic webinar is randomly sampled for analysis. First, academic webinars are analyzed, key terms defined, and some previous literature on the topic overviewed. Then, the sampled webinar is administered for analysis (gathering, transcription, analysis), and a discourse-conversational model of analysis is applied. The author concludes that webinars are knowledge-specific and highly professional in their character, and they manifest certain linguistic and discourse strategies. The research also reveals that webinars feature such strategies as reformulation, mono-versation, on-screen sharing, speaker invisibility, indirect engagement, inactive moderation, and graphic interaction. Further recommendations suggest a more linguistic investigation into online learning, whether in webinars, online workshops, massive open online courses, or in any virtual learning practices.
Expression of Wish in English and Arabic
It is said that a book can be judged by its cover! Well, that does not work with all books, as ju... more It is said that a book can be judged by its cover! Well, that does not work with all books, as judging a book cannot be done right from its cover, though. Reading a book does matter, too, if it is not worthy. Investigating how wishes are expressed, constructed, and verbalized may worth attempting after all, as it is not only a matter of sentences, phrases, or a handful of grammatical constructions. It also goes well beyond grammar and sentences in order to unveil the meaning, purpose, and aims underlying such wishes. Have a wonderful reading, and and may all your wishes come true!
An Analytical Reconsideration of Donald Trump’s Tweets
This paper analyzes the tweets of the US president Donald Trump through a linguistic approach. It... more This paper analyzes the tweets of the US president Donald Trump through a linguistic approach. It sheds light on the content, structure and style of his tweets as well as the discourse aspects of these tweets, such as the rhetorical devices, hedging, and the like. At the beginning, a brief definition is introduced concerning Twitter, social media and politics, previous studies. Then, a broader discussion is given to the main content of this paper as represented by Trump’s tweets. Finally, a few conclusions and results are laid down. The paper has found that Trump’s tweets are significant in that they not only reflected on the political discourse of the US president, but they also shed light on the linguistic importance of the political tweets. In addition, this paper is a simple step towards understanding the political aspect of twitter, an area that needs a further investigation in the future.
Mustansiriya Journal of Arts, 2018
Morphophonemic changes are the morphological and phonological changes that take place in a single... more Morphophonemic changes are the morphological and phonological changes that take place in a single word due to plural, case, tense, or gender. The current paper elaborates on this interconnection from an Arabic perspective, by considering the issue of morphophonemic changes in Standard Arab as a process that involves significant changes in the various irregular patterns of plural. It draws on the structure of Arabic mainly phonology and morphology, and therefore it focuses on irregular plural which has many forms. First, the paper introduces plural in Arabic, by elaborating on its various forms. Then, the paper classifies irregular plural. Finally, the paper suggests a few conclusions and recommendation
Phonaesthemes are a set of sound-inspired meanings in a language.They represent a set of words, n... more Phonaesthemes are a set of sound-inspired meanings in a language.They represent a set of words, nouns, adjectives, or verbs whose general meaning is related. The present paper sheds light on this area by investigating phonaesthemes in Standard Arabic through a broader consideration of all the possible syllables and sound sequences which are expressive of phonaesthemes. There exist certain sound syllables, mainly initial ones, in Standard Arabic that manifest a noticeable similarity in meaning and this paper attempts at investigating this area. First, phonaesthemes are introduced as to definition, history, and cross-linguistic familiarity. Then, phonaesthemes in Standard Arabic are listed along with a broader discussion. Finally, a few conclusions, results, and implications are proposed at the end of the research.
This paper analyzes the tweets of the US president Donald Trump through a linguistic approach. It... more This paper analyzes the tweets of the US president Donald Trump through a linguistic approach. It sheds light on the content, structure and style of his tweets as well as the discourse aspects of these tweets, such as the rhetorical devices, hedging, and the like. At the beginning, a brief definition is introduced concerning Twitter, social media and politics, previous studies. Then, a broader discussion is given to the main content of this paper as represented by Trump’s tweets. Finally, a few conclusions and results are laid down. The paper has found that Trump’s tweets are significant in that they not only reflected on the political discourse of the US president, but they also shed light on the linguistic importance of the political tweets. In addition, this paper is a simple step towards understanding the political aspect of twitter, an area that needs a further investigation in the future.
During the first decade of the 21 st century, politicians and academics have
been intensively deb... more During the first decade of the 21 st century, politicians and academics have
been intensively debating the reasons underlying such tensions and what
should be done to enhance societal cohesion in European societies. The
question that is being posed, some times in more and others in less po-
litically correct terms, is what kind of ethnic, cultural or religious diver-
sity can be accommodated within liberal and secular democracies and in
what ways (see also Vertovec and Wesserdorf eds. 2010; Triandafyllidou,
Modood and Meer, eds. 2011; Zapata-Barrero and Ewijk, eds. 2011). A
number of thinkers and politicians have advanced the claim that it is al-
most impossible to accommodate certain minority groups, notably Mus-
lims, in European countries because their cultural traditions and religious
faith are incompatible with secular democratic governance. Others have
argued that Muslims can be accommodated in the socio-political order
of European societies provided they adhere to a set of civic values that lie
at the heart of European democratic traditions and that reflect the secu-
lar nature of society and politics in Europe. Others still have questioned
the kind of secularism that underpins state institutions in Europe. Some
writers have also argued that citizen attitudes towards religion in Europe
are not secular but rather tend towards individualised forms of religiosity.
Hence the tension with Muslims lies at the level of public or private expres-
sion of religious feelings rather than on religiosity as such
This paper discusses word formation in both English and Arabic. Processes of word formation are t... more This paper discusses word formation in both English and Arabic. Processes of word formation are the bases upon which words are formed in a language. Firstly, the paper introduces word formation as to definition and processes, along with a few previous studies. Secondly, processes of word formation are discussed in English, and then in Arabic. Then, these processes are compared. Finally, certain conclusions, as well as some further areas of research, are proposed. There are different types of these processes. In English, there are eleven processes of word formation; they are acronymy,
There is a general perception that synchronous, online
chat about politics is fragmented, incoher... more There is a general perception that synchronous, online
chat about politics is fragmented, incoherent, and rife with ad hominem
attacks because of its channel characteristics. This study aims to better
understand the relative impact of channel of communication versus topic
of communication by comparing chat about four different topics. Discourse
analysis and coding for topic drift were applied to two hours of chat devoted
to the topics of politics, auto racing, entertainment, and cancer support.
Findings demonstrate that topic may have an effect on the coherence of chat,
with discussion in the politics chat room surprisingly being more coherent
than in the other rooms. This research suggests that users can sustain
relatively coherent interaction on political talk, suggesting chat technology
may not be an inherently problematic medium for political discours
This paper discusses word formation in both English and Arabic. Processes of word formation are t... more This paper discusses word formation in both English and Arabic. Processes of word formation are the bases upon which words are formed in a language. Firstly, the paper introduces word formation as to definition and processes, along with a few previous studies. Secondly, processes of word formation are discussed in English, and then in Arabic. Then, these processes are compared. Finally, certain conclusions, as well as some further areas of research, are proposed. There are different types of these processes. In English, there are eleven processes of word formation; they are acronymy,
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Papers by Mohammed Nasser
been intensively debating the reasons underlying such tensions and what
should be done to enhance societal cohesion in European societies. The
question that is being posed, some times in more and others in less po-
litically correct terms, is what kind of ethnic, cultural or religious diver-
sity can be accommodated within liberal and secular democracies and in
what ways (see also Vertovec and Wesserdorf eds. 2010; Triandafyllidou,
Modood and Meer, eds. 2011; Zapata-Barrero and Ewijk, eds. 2011). A
number of thinkers and politicians have advanced the claim that it is al-
most impossible to accommodate certain minority groups, notably Mus-
lims, in European countries because their cultural traditions and religious
faith are incompatible with secular democratic governance. Others have
argued that Muslims can be accommodated in the socio-political order
of European societies provided they adhere to a set of civic values that lie
at the heart of European democratic traditions and that reflect the secu-
lar nature of society and politics in Europe. Others still have questioned
the kind of secularism that underpins state institutions in Europe. Some
writers have also argued that citizen attitudes towards religion in Europe
are not secular but rather tend towards individualised forms of religiosity.
Hence the tension with Muslims lies at the level of public or private expres-
sion of religious feelings rather than on religiosity as such
chat about politics is fragmented, incoherent, and rife with ad hominem
attacks because of its channel characteristics. This study aims to better
understand the relative impact of channel of communication versus topic
of communication by comparing chat about four different topics. Discourse
analysis and coding for topic drift were applied to two hours of chat devoted
to the topics of politics, auto racing, entertainment, and cancer support.
Findings demonstrate that topic may have an effect on the coherence of chat,
with discussion in the politics chat room surprisingly being more coherent
than in the other rooms. This research suggests that users can sustain
relatively coherent interaction on political talk, suggesting chat technology
may not be an inherently problematic medium for political discours