Journal of Pragmatics Research

Metaphorical Euphemisms in Dholuo Marriage Conflict Resolution Program ‘Dak Man Gi Ndhadhu’ on Radio Nam Lolwe

Felix Owino — 2025-11-03

This paper investigates the Marriage Conflict Resolution (MCR) discourse among Dholuo speakers, which is full of taboo words, particularly those with sexual connotations and other obscenities. The purpose is to examine the use of metaphorical euphemisms by interlocutors to enhance the comprehension of ideas and to politely avoid taboos for culturally acceptable communicative purposes. The study employs a cognitive linguistics approach to analyze these metaphorical euphemisms. Using a descriptive research design, data are collected through Key Informant Interviews and a digital corpus from the Dholuo marriage conflict resolution program Dak Man Gi Ndhadhu on Radio Nam Lolwe, a vernacular station for Dholuo speakers broadcasting in Kisumu County, Kenya. The Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit (MIPVU) is employed to interrogate whether the expressions and lexical items identified are metaphorical. The items are then transcribed and translated into English.The study findings show that MCR metaphorical euphemisms are conceptualized through the interlocutors’ experiences, such as actions, organisms, food, body parts, journeys, objects, human beings, and nature. The findings indicate that Dholuo speakers effectively apply their understanding of these concepts to enhance their comprehension of marital issues. The study focuses solely on the cognitive-linguistic processes underlying metaphorical euphemism and not on gender-based perspectives. The study concludes that Dholuo speakers conceptualize MCR issues through metaphorical euphemisms to avoid taboo language.

Technology-Assisted Informal Pragmatic Learning Among EFL Learners: Awareness, Speech Acts, And AI Tools

Dewi Cahyaningrum — 2025-11-27

In today’s digitally connected world, developing pragmatic competence is essential for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. This competence encompasses both pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic abilities, which are critical for using language appropriately across diverse contexts. This study explores how EFL learners informally develop pragmatic competence through digital and AI-assisted learning outside formal classroom settings. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected from 20 purposively selected Indonesian EFL learners through questionnaires and interviews. The study investigates three dimensions: learners’ pragmatic awareness and practices, types of speech acts acquired informally, and the digital tools they employ. Findings reveal that learners show a notable awareness of context-sensitive and polite language use, which is often shaped by repeated exposure to digital content. Commonly acquired speech acts include polite requests, expressions of gratitude, and compliments—frequently encountered in online media. In contrast, more complex acts such as refusals and complaints were less frequently acquired, suggesting limited exposure and the need for deeper sociopragmatic engagement. Learners demonstrated proactive engagement with digital platforms, highlighting the mediating role of technology in informal pragmatic development. Tools such as ChatGPT were valued for their dialogic simulation and personalized feedback, while Grammarly assisted with tone adjustment in written communication. Although digital tools enhance pragmatic awareness, their effectiveness in fostering sociocultural sensitivity appears limited without reflective guidance. This study underscores the need for pedagogical scaffolding to complement informal, AI-assisted learning environments.

Understanding Social Status through Social Deixis and Politeness Strategy in German Series Maxton Hall: The World Between Us

Cattleya Ismi Arafah — 2025-11-28

Using Brown and Levinson's (1987) approach, this study examines how politeness and social deixis are used in the German television series Maxton Hall: The World Between Us. The study uses a qualitative descriptive methodology, collecting, classifying, and analyzing data according to the model developed by Miles and Huberman. The analysis finds 196 social deixis, including 35 politeness strategies and relational and absolute forms. Relational social deixis, which mainly expresses intimacy between speakers, seems to occur far more frequently than absolute deixis. The characters' attempts to maintain their dignity and negotiate hierarchical relationships in the affluent setting of Maxton Hall are also evident in the prevalence of Negative Politeness and Off-record strategies. The results imply that politeness strategies and social deixis serve as linguistic instruments for communicating familiarity, controlling social distance, and resolving power dynamics. All things considered, this study shows how Maxton Hall language reflects larger societal trends in German communication, where deixis and politeness are used to strike a balance between authority and intimacy in intricate social structures.