Kevin D. Vinson; E. Wayne Ross
Volume 1, Issue 2 , September 2013, , Pages 1-14
Abstract
In this paper we set out to accomplish several goals. Primarily, we seek to re-interpret Guy Debord’s (1967) work The Society of the Spectacle in light of modern-day schooling, principally within North America (although we recognize the global connectivity inherent in any current discussion of ...
Read More
In this paper we set out to accomplish several goals. Primarily, we seek to re-interpret Guy Debord’s (1967) work The Society of the Spectacle in light of modern-day schooling, principally within North America (although we recognize the global connectivity inherent in any current discussion of formal education). In addition, we aim to utilize Debord’s conceptualizations as a series of means and mechanisms by and through which to examine (1) various threats posed against the ideals of publicly supported schools and (2) modes of resistance, particularly what we term “dangerous citizenship,” via which committed advocates might challenge the possible consequences of such threats, consequences including disciplinarity/ deterrence, anti-democracy, oppression, anti-collectivity, and inauthenticity.
Mansoor Tavakoli; Salva Shirinbakhsh
Volume 2, Issue 1 , March 2014, , Pages 1-24
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine Cook’s (2003) ‘multiple competence’ by investigating backward pragmatic transfer (from L2 [English] to L1 [Persian]) in refusals to invitations. It explored participants’ frequency and content of refusal strategies in L1 regarding the status ...
Read More
The purpose of this study was to examine Cook’s (2003) ‘multiple competence’ by investigating backward pragmatic transfer (from L2 [English] to L1 [Persian]) in refusals to invitations. It explored participants’ frequency and content of refusal strategies in L1 regarding the status (i.e., power and distance) of interlocutors and the proficiency level of EFL learners. The participants were Persian speakers with no knowledge of English language,and Persian EFL learners at three proficiency levels of elementary, intermediate, and advanced. Data were collected via a three -scenario role play. Results revealed significant differences between Persian native speakers and high-proficient EFL learners in terms of content and frequency of refusal strategies utilized. Concerning the different status of interlocutors, EFL learners seemed more direct and employed more specific responses to their refusals than Persian native speakers did. Overall, this study provided some evidence for backward pragmatic transfer among EFL learners.