The Great Translation Movement is a digital activity organised by Chinese diasporic netizens, having launched during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The movement seeks to translate the...Show moreThe Great Translation Movement is a digital activity organised by Chinese diasporic netizens, having launched during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The movement seeks to translate the ultranationalist, pro-Russian and anti-Western sentiments, as well as the ongoing discussion about the social events from the China online discourse and show them to the broader audience in the West. In fact, what lies behind online comments such as "Putin the Great", "US is demeaning China," and " the system is fatally broken" is the phenomenon of digital nationalism in China. Thus, this paper examines the two sides of digital nationalism. On the one hand, by promoting nation-patriotism online, the authoritarian regime of China increased support by the Chinese people worldwide. But on the other hand, nation-building in the age of ICT is a complex process that produces unpredictable outcomes, especially under the circumstances such as polarised online discourse and social discord. Thus, this paper examined the most recent data curated by the GTM, aiming to comprehend GTM's participant's ideas and behaviour and the consequences of CCP's engagement in the digital nationalism process.Show less
Although much research has been conducted into language learning strategies for the four different skills, i.e., reading, listening, writing, and speaking, no research on this topic has...Show moreAlthough much research has been conducted into language learning strategies for the four different skills, i.e., reading, listening, writing, and speaking, no research on this topic has investigated the effect of technology on the language learning process. This thesis examines the language learning strategies that are employed by experienced language learners using a technology-assisted language learning application in order to fill this gap. Data was collected by asking four participants to fill in diary entries related to their language learning behavior for 30 days, while using Duolingo. Two of the participants were then invited to participate in a follow-up interview, which was aimed at uncovering more about what the participants did and why they decided to do so. The data collected in the diary entries and interview transcriptions were analyzed using Grounded Theory. The results showed that the experienced language learners who participated in this experiment employed five different types of technology-assisted language learning strategies, namely (a) internal motivation, (b) external motivation, (c) meta-cognitive, (d) time management, and (e) cognitive. These types can be further subdivided into more specific language learning strategies, such as motivation management and resource selection. Based on these findings a new taxonomy of technology-assisted language learning was proposed and implications for autonomous and classroom-based language learners as well as language educators were concluded.Show less
The terrorist attacks of Halle (2019) and Hanau (2020) are two examples of recent killings inspired by right-wing extremism in Germany. The manifestos written by the two shooters show significant...Show moreThe terrorist attacks of Halle (2019) and Hanau (2020) are two examples of recent killings inspired by right-wing extremism in Germany. The manifestos written by the two shooters show significant differences in ideology, both through their style and their content. This paper explores to what extent these differences can be reconciled under the same concept of far-right ideologies. This research project, based on grounded theory, consisted of a discourse analysis applied on both manifestos. The two manifestos, selected in accordance with theoretical sampling, were coded in three steps, following the Charmaz approach to grounded theory. The manifestos mainly exhibited, to significantly different extents, four principal aspects: a) conspiracy theories, b) the construction of a nationalist identity and antagonization of ‘internal’ enemies, c) the stigmatization and targeting of groups due to ethnic or religious differences, and d) the interrelatedness of right-wing extremist ideologies and various subcultures, mostly stemming from the internet. All four of these aspects have been documented in other pieces of right-wing extremist writings, showing the difficulty of clearly delimiting the concept of right-wing extremism or even more precise movements contained within it.Show less
Using a grounded theory qualitative research approach the author constructs a theoretical framework around understanding the subjective experience of incoming (newly elected) Member European...Show moreUsing a grounded theory qualitative research approach the author constructs a theoretical framework around understanding the subjective experience of incoming (newly elected) Member European Parliament (MEPs) to the European Parliament and proposes a theory to explain the relationship between MEPs and the Parliament. Using a grounded study framework, a select group of MEPs were interviewed around their subjective experience of joining the European Parliament, and how they attempt to resolve their main concerns. In an on-going iterative process of ‘comparative analysis’ which stayed close to the original data, and while exploring the emerging concepts, to theorise that when transitioning into the EU Parliament, MEPs experience a changing identity, and in seeking to shape Parliament, MEPs are themselves shaped by the Parliament. The findings suggest that newly elected MEPs experience a changing identity on joining the Parliament, and in response attempt to change aspects of the Parliamentary structures and practices. However, MEPs themselves are changed during their term in office, and the Parliament remains fundamentally unchanged. The process is repeated with the periodic arrival of newly elected MEPs.Show less
