Armenian Folia Anglistika is the official peer-reviewed academic journal of the Armenian Association for the Study of English (established in 2005) and Yerevan State University (affiliated since 2015). Its primary objective is to provide a platform for the dissemination of original research and critical thought in the fields of English Language and Linguistics, Literature, Methodology, Culture, Translation Studies, and Gender Studies, fostering academic dialogue and collaboration among scholars, researchers, and educators within Armenia and across the global scholarly community. In 2007, the Editorial Board of Armenian Folia Anglistika inaugurated a new section entitled Armenological Studies, designed to encourage valuable and innovative research in the areas of Armenian Linguistics, Literature, Ethnic Studies, History, Cultural History, and Genocide Studies. This section aims to promote interdisciplinary dialogue and contribute to a deeper understanding of Armenia’s cultural and intellectual heritage within a global academic context. The journal is published twice a year and welcomes original scholarly articles. Submissions are reviewed by a multi-national Editorial Board, which is committed to maintaining high academic standards and fostering international collaboration in the humanities.
Yerevan State University (since 2015) & Armenian Association for the Study of English (since 2005)
IN THE SERVICE OF A “PURE IDEAL”: GANDHI, INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS AND THE DENIAL OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Determined to reverse the impending disintegration of the Ottoman Empire after the First World War, South Asian Muslims launched the Khilafat movement (1919-1924). Realizing that this issue had galvanized Muslims like no other, Gandhi saw the movement as a rare opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims and offered unwavering support. This support was premised on the denial of the Armenian genocide. Legitimated in South Asia post-independence (1947) through historiographies, foreign policy and commemorative practices, this historical episode has transitioned into a mnemonic regime. This positive memorialization in South Asia has been extremely useful for Turkey in furthering its narratives of denial leading to a transregional mnemonic landscape that is premised on occlusion and justification of violence against the Armenians. While existing scholarship has briefly remarked on Gandhi’s denial, using a range of primary sources, including unpublished letters, this article shows the far more expansive role Gandhi played along with the Indian National Congress in mainstreaming a network of genocidal apologia and denial. Examining the absence of any detailed work on this denialism even after a century, this article also deals with the blind spots of postcolonial studies and the complicity of South Asia academia in perpetuating hegemonic narratives.
Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
CRITICAL DISCOURSE STUDIES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ARMENIAN CAUSE
In this research, we aim to shape the understanding of Critical Discourse Studies (CDS) and its relation to the Armenian Cause. By examining the interdisciplinary approaches of CDS, we explore how language, power, and societal structures act within the context of the Armenian Genocide and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This study identifies key discourse units such as statehood, genocide, ethnic cleansing, and us vs. them, and emphasizes the importance of international recognition and engagement in conflict resolution. Our research highlights the significance of legal frameworks, psychological healing, and socio-cultural structures in achieving sustainable peace and stability, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on social equality and justice. Through this analysis, we aim to enhance the academic and practical understanding of CDS and its application to complex historical and contemporary conflicts, the Armenian Cause.
DECODING DIGITAL YOUTH: COMMUNICATION TRENDS IN THE INTERNET ERA
The article focuses on increasing developments in the structure of the language of online communication. It is already common knowledge that online communication or otherwise, multimedia communication has set quite specific language rules, especially in the ways of encoding and, consequently, decoding messages. The so-called “new normal” has gradually crept into reality, even if virtual, unnoticed, and seems to have stayed. The “new normal” does not remain the same and changes with time and the new requirements of the users. The ever-growing striving of people to make things work faster has not left the sphere of human communication untouched, particularly, informal online communication. Thus, most of the changes in the means of encoding a message primarily aim at brevity and efficiency. It is noteworthy that changes are mainly implemented by young users of online space. It is usually they who set new trends in the ways and means of coding meaning in the text, often posing challenges and risks in balancing personal and professional boundaries.
Copyright (c) 2024 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
FROM MOUNT MUSA TO SINJAR MOUNT. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SELF-DEFENSE FIGHTS
The study of self-defense battles of victim groups during genocides is no less important than the study of the crimes themselves. The purpose of this article is to study the self-defense battles of Armenians during the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire and the Yazidi Genocide carried out by ISIS in the Iraqi province of Sinjar (Shangal). In particular, the article provides a comparative analysis between the self-defense battles of Mount Musa and Mount Sinjar (Shangal). The study combines historical-comparative and analytical methods to achieve the stated goals and objectives. The article has used both primary and secondary sources, as well as interdisciplinary research by specialists. As a result of the comparative analysis conducted in the article, both common features and differences were revealed between the self-defense battles of Mount Musa and Mount Sinjar during the Armenian Genocide and the Yazidi Genocide. Despite the almost century-long period separating these two cases, there are certain similarities and significant differences between the self-defense of the Armenians and the Yazidis. To emphasize the rejection of genocides in the world, I dedicate this article to the 90th anniversary of The Forty Days of Musa Dagh.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
AI-ASSISTED DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION AND EFL WRITING MOTIVATION: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for learning personalization has emerged as an approach to address diverse learner needs. This quantitative correlational study examined the relationship between the perceived value of AI-assisted differentiated instruction and task motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic) among first-year English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students at Batna-2 University. A convenience sample of 120 students participated in the study, completing a questionnaire measuring perceived value of AI-assisted differentiated instruction and task motivation in EFL writing. Descriptive statistics revealed moderate levels of perceived value and task motivation. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between perceived value of AI-assisted differentiated instruction and overall task motivation. Additionally, separate analyses showed stronger correlations with intrinsic motivation than extrinsic motivation. These findings suggest that students who perceive greater value in AI-assisted differentiated instruction demonstrate higher levels of motivation in EFL writing tasks.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bouchra Si-Mohammed, Souhila Hellalet https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
CULTURAL CAPITAL, STUDY HABITS, AND EARLY ENGLISH ACHIEVEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM ALGERIAN PRIMARY SCHOOLS
This study investigates how cultural capital and study habits influence fifth-year primary school pupils’ performance in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in El-Kantara, Algeria. Drawing on Bourdieu’s theory of cultural capital, we employed an explanatory mixed-methods design combining structural equation modeling (SEM) of survey data (n = 532) with thematic analysis of teacher interviews. Results indicate that objectified cultural capital (books, digital tools, learning spaces) exerts the strongest direct effect on EFL outcomes, while institutionalized (parental education, occupational status) and embodied capital (language routines, parental involvement) also make significant contributions, primarily through their influence on study habits. Study habits emerged as a powerful mediator, linking family resources to classroom achievement. Qualitative findings illuminated these dynamics by revealing how access to resources fosters engagement, how family discipline shapes preparedness, and how French English hierarchies affect motivation. Together, the results demonstrate that EFL achievement cannot be understood solely through individual effort or pedagogical factors, but rather through the unequal distribution of cultural resources in early schooling. We believe that this study can contribute to debates on cultural capital by extending its application to a multilingual North African context, while offering implications for policy aimed at reducing educational inequalities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saida Tobbi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
THE INTEGRATION OF MONDLY VR IN CHINESE EFL CLASSROOMS: A CASE STUDY
The emergence of Virtual Reality (VR) has drastically altered the overall layout of language education. VR-powered technology enables language learners to practice their speaking skills in real-life, stress-free, and interactive conversational scenarios, which conventional teaching methods fail to meet. Hence, the present paper seeks to examine the efficacy of integrating VR-powered technology in English as a Foreign Language classroom settings for the development of speaking skills. To evaluate the impact of VR technology in improving students’ speaking skills, the paper employs a mixed-method approach, namely, in-depth case studies and quantitative data analysis. The findings provide evidence-based insights into how VR-supported tools ameliorate students’ conversational skills in terms of fluency and accuracy. The applicability of the content in developing conversational skills underlines the strong practical value of the research, as well as makes a solid case for its massive integration in language teaching. Considering its transformative potential, future research is not only warranted but crucial to modernizing and enriching EFL pedagogy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gevorg Grigoryan, Ning Huichun, Naira Gasparyan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
This study aims to investigate and analyze the perceptions and the attitudes of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) teachers regarding the integration of AI technologies. In the context of language teaching, AI has gained increased attention among researchers; yet, the perspectives of teachers, who play an indispensable role in implementing and utilizing such technologies, remain underexplored. As such, the research aims to understand how these innovative tools are perceived and whether they help bridge existing language gaps or, conversely, deepen them in EMI settings. To this end, using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and a structured Likert‑scale questionnaire administered to 31 EMI teachers at M'sila University, this paper seeks to investigate EMI teachers’ acceptance of these AI tools, their perceived usefulness and ease of use, and the skills required for effective integration. Results indicate strong perceived usefulness (PU) and a highly favorable attitude toward use (ATT; M = 4.62, SD = 0.61), whereas perceived ease of use (PEU) is comparatively moderate. Despite positive PU and ATT, results further show that actual use (AU) remains modest (M = 2.20, SD = 1.12), suggesting a gap between favorable perceptions and pedagogical adoption. The findings corroborate prior studies reporting a gap between favorable perceptions and sustained classroom implementation, and offer insights into the growing literature on the conditions required to translate positive attitudes toward AI into actual use in EMI classrooms.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohamed Meddah, Amel Belmihoub https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
DETERMINANTS OF TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED LEARNING METHODS IN HIGHER EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENTS
The motivation behind this study is the emergence of technological tools that are rapidly transforming teaching and learning from passive knowledge acquisition confined to physical classrooms to active knowledge construction in the increasing virtual spaces. Despite the need to accelerate the digitization of learning, some institutions have demonstrated low uptake of technologically-assisted learning due to various factors, hence prompting a review study on the determinants of Technology-Assisted Learning Methods (TALM). For understanding, a qualitative research methodology has been employed involving the study of previously published research retrieved from Google Scholar, ERIC, and ScienceDirect databases and findings analyzed qualitatively alongside an in-depth exploration of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The findings reveal a positive influence of facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, social influence, habit, performance expectancy and effort expectancy on behavior intention to adopt technology. Similarly, course assessment, course design and instructor characteristics have a strong relationship with actual use. The findings of this study will inform educators, university management boards and policy makers on the considerations before integrating technology types in learning programs. This work suggests further investigation of the determinants based on a country’s level of development.
NETWORKED VOICES, DIGITAL SOLIDARITY: FEMINIST RESISTANCE AND MEDIA MOBILIZATION IN CONTEMPORARY ALGERIA
This study looks at how feminist activism in contemporary Algeria has been transformed by digital and independent audio media, such as podcasts and radio. Feminists have used these platforms to document their fight for gender justice, build solidarity across various societal segments, and get around state-controlled narratives while operating under a repressive government and patriarchal laws like the 1984 Family Code. According to the study, these media create a decentralized feminist network that cuts across regional, linguistic, and class barriers in Algeria. It examines important activists and media initiatives while recognizing persistent issues like societal norms, the digital divide, and state surveillance. The study illustrates how the media has significantly raised Algerian women's visibility and power through qualitative analysis and case studies from the Hirak protests (2019–2025). The study's final conclusion is that media are essential venues for activism and active participants in determining the future of women's rights and democracy in Algeria, rather than just being tools for communication.
JAMES JOYCE’S THE DEAD: FROM ANASTOMOSIS TO EPIPHANY
Obsession with the past is one of the dominant features of James Joyce who is known to have a nostalgic view toward Ireland. This haunting by the past is also traceable in The Dead, the prominent short story in the Dubliners; the past of Gretta's relationship has tinged her present marital relationship. For Gretta, the absence of the deceased lover is more tangible than the presence of her husband. In this study, the psychic dynamics of this love relationship will be analyzed in terms of Lacanian psychoanalysis. The questions the article asks are how the desire is addressed, and whether Gretta as a woman in love yearns for an Other jouissance. Joyce's Lacanian deconstruction sketched a pretty image of love which underscored the inevitability of love after death and the apathetic status of love despite apparent living.
STUDENTS' REFLECTIONS ON ORAL PRESENTATIONS IN AN ENGLISH AS A LINGUA FRANCA CONTEXT: A CASE STUDY
Mastering verbal communication is a key component of any academic and professional setting. However, oracy instruction can be considered a neglected aspect in students’ curricula, assuming perhaps that this skill does not need to be taught and can, instead, be acquired spontaneously along the academic pathway. This helps explain the numerous endeavours of scholars in developing writing courses. In fact, academic literacy has generally been associated with the mastery of composition skills, probably due to the long-standing tradition of scholarly publication. This study intends to highlight the importance of developing oral discourse by examining how postgraduate students from a Master’s Degree in English Studies perceive their own performance in oral academic presentations delivered in English as an L2 and lingua franca. By examining their experiences, attitudes, and perceived training needs, the study seeks to illuminate how learners conceptualise the challenges of oral academic discourse in ELF settings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Laura Lucía Laurenti, Rosa Muñoz-Luna https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
THE GENOCIDE OF ARMENIANS: A VIEW FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
This research aims to provide a fresh perspective on the Armenian Genocide by examining eyewitness accounts, missionary reports based on factual evidence, and reflections from official humanist organizations dating back to the 1890s. The research applies various universal approaches, including Gregory H. Stanton's 10 stages of genocide and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) approach focusing on identity transformation, analysis of the linguistic material through consideration of extra-linguistic factors. The paper argues that global education on genocide, particularly the Armenian Genocide, is crucial for individuals to confront the truth and foster cooperation without animosity. This multidisciplinary study emphasizes that the condemnation of genocide by global organizations is a necessary human response, that genocidal behavior should be recognized as an established illegal stage, and that the terminology and narrative of genocide should be taught at the university level to achieve prevention. The study of the historical reality and linguistic material through implementing the cognitive-linguistic, linguo-stylistic and cultural-linguistic methods presupposes a careful text selection and juxtaposition. The article demonstrates how examining the conflict between old and modern viewpoints can advance genocide education and prevention. This constitutes the novelty of the research.
INTERNATIONAL ATTITUDE TO CULTURAL GENOCIDE PREVENTION IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH: A LINGUISTIC PERSPECTIVE
The present study is an attempt to examine the tragic consequences of genocides in general, with a particular focus on cultural genocides. Cultural genocide, though not explicitly identified in international law, represents a profound and insidious form of destruction aimed at eradicating the cultural, religious, and social foundations of a group. The cultural genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), the destruction of its cultural legacy, continues to demand urgent attention. Hence, we aim to highlight the true picture of cultural genocide through a prosodic and linguistic analysis of speeches – both written and spoken – by prominent American and European politicians. The purpose is to underscore the critical importance of preserving cultural identities and to advocate for the formal recognition of cultural genocide in international law. Acknowledging both physical and cultural genocides allows for a more comprehensive strategy for preventing and responding to the destruction of communities and their unique legacies. Combining historical research with prosodic analysis of political speeches delivered between 2020 and 2023, this article explores how vocal elements such as intonation, stress, and rhythm reflect global attitudes toward the cultural erasure of Nagorno-Karabakh. The findings reveal that these speech patterns often mirror geopolitical positions – some conveying urgency, others indifference – shaping public awareness and political engagement. The study calls for the equal recognition of physical and cultural genocides to ensure the full protection of vulnerable groups and stronger mechanisms for international accountability.
THE CATHOLICOSATE OF THE GREAT HOUSE OF CILICIA AND THE EMIGRATION OF ARMENIANS FROM THE SANJAK OF ALEXANDRETTA
Following the Genocide of 1939, Armenians saw the biggest emigration from the Sanjak of Alexandretta. Over 30.000 displaced emigrants settled mostly in the territory of Syria and Lebanon. This process was predominantly regulated by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. The article highlights the organization of the emigration of the Armenians of the Sanjak and the role of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in this work.
THE HISTORY OF THE FILM VERSIONS OF FRANZ WERFEL’S NOVEL“THE FORTY DAYS OF MUSA DAGH”AND THE DENIAL OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Giving a thorough assessment to Franz Werfel’s novel The Forty Days of Musa Dagh, its relevance and historical-political significance, the article presents the attempts of film adaptation of the given novel, which has a remarkable literary value. At the same time, we have focused on the obstacles, which have appeared in this process. It is known from the history of cinema that in 1935 our famous compatriot Ruben Mamoulian (1897-1987), who was considered the heavy artillery of Broadway and Hollywood in those days, received an offer to make a film based on this novel at the The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Studio. However, under the unprecedented Turkish pressure on the American government, the film adaptation process was suspended. Decades later, in 1982, the novel was adapted into a movie by the Armenian Diaspora. The producer of the film was John Kurkjian, and the director – Sarky (Sargy) Mouradian (1931-2022). Back in the Soviet years, in 1985, Musa Dagh was also staged in the Armenian TV Theater. The directors of the five-part performance were Grigor Chalikyan and Herbert Gasparyan. The historical event on Mount Musa that formed the basis of the novel about the heroic struggle of Armenians against the Turks was also included in one of the last episodes of The Promise (dir. Terry George, 2016). The article also emphasizes the problem of denial of the Armenian Genocide, which had its actual expression and consequences in cinema.
THE HEROIC BATTLE OF MUSA DAGH ACCORDING TO THE TESTIMONIES OF THE EYEWITNESS-PARTICIPANTS AND THE COMMANDMENT OF FRANZ WERFEL
As a part of the Armenian nation, the Musa Dagh people, in particular, have felt the necessity of regeneration of the national statehood, its meaning and value, particularly following the fall of the 300-year-old flourishing statehood of Cilicia and during the 600 years of absence of power. The Musa Dagh people, who were forged and had gained sagacity in the heroic battles for survival, have formulated their feat very concisely: “Freedom is on the tip of the rifle,” (Svazlian 2015, p. 207) that is to say, freedom can be obtained only by the force of arms, which is followed by “Freedom is on the tip of the flag,” (Svazlian 2015, p. 207) that is to say, statehood is the guarantee of freedom.
MANIFESTATIONS OF POSTMODERNISM IN HERMANN HESSE'S NOVEL “THE GLASS BEAD GAME”
The paper attempts to consider the connections between postmodernism, aesthetics and Herman Hesse’s novel The Glass Bead Game referring to the history of the last most influential manifestation of the theoretical and aesthetic thought of the West – postmodernism, also characterized by paradoxes. Based on a number of fundamental principles of the aesthetics of postmodernism and data on the work of Hermann Hesse, the specific relations that connect Hesse’s work with postmodernism, are considered. This refers first to the ideas of the world as chaos, then aesthetic eclecticism, multiculturalism and finally game. Within the framework of the idea the world as chaos, the wide use of the concept of simulacrum in both Hesse’s and postmodernist works is considered. Aesthetic eclecticism, which is “the dominant sign of the culture of the postmodern era” (J.-F. Lyotard, I. Ilyin), is also found in Hesse’s novel in various manifestations. Multiculturalism, both as a social utopia and as an aesthetic principle, is also widespread among postmodernist aesthetes (especially L. Fiedler) and in Hesse’s novel. In the novel the East-West political and cultural dialogue also deepens. Finally, the game, being one of the stable European cultural codes, is rediscovered both in Hesse’s novel and in postmodernist aesthetics (U. Eco).
Copyright (c) 2023 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
THE ESSENCE OF METAPHOR AND ITS INTERLINGUAL TRANSLATION
The present article is aimed at the investigation of the essence of metaphor, exploration of its conceptual aspect and its translation from a source language to a target language. The specific way metaphor is expressed in a work of verbal art, the manner of its use by the author have always attracted the attention of not only philologists specialized in literary studies but also translators. Having a multilayered semantic structure and being almost ubiquitously expressed in everyday life metaphors prove to be of certain value not only for linguistics but also the domains of psychology, philosophy, cognitive sciences, translation studies and many others. Their significance is paramount particularly for translation studies and translators. The objective of the present article consists in revealing the cognitive aspect of metaphor translation and the optimal methodology of accomplishing an accurate translation of metaphors from a source to a target language. K
VERBAL DEVIATIONS IN CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
The harnessing development of technology has drastically modified languages that people are using in all corners of the world. It is out of the question that world languages are constantly evolving to meet the needs and requirements of the society. Nowadays social media platforms have undoubtedly become an indispensable part of daily communication. Undeniably various platforms of social media attract millions of people with different ethnic, linguistic, racial and religious backgrounds to interact and take part in various discussions in blogs, microblogs, chat groups, discussion boards, forums, etc. Over the last 20 years Internet mediated communication has generated many grammatical structures and lexical items that need to be studied and redefined. With the advent of new technologies new linguistic deviations have emerged in social media platforms. It is no wonder that scientists are holding opposing thoughts and conflicting viewpoints of the same or similar phenomena. Being the most prevalent language of social media and having the highest frequency of usage on the Internet domain the English language has underwent large-scale changes and alternations. These non-standard forms are noted in all levels of language. Over the time linguistic deviations have the tendency to become standard forms. The latter may lead the English language to changes. The current article discusses the marked variations of English verbal system in contemporary English social media platforms.
THE SCIENTIFIC AND POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF TEXTBOOKS ON HISTORY (objective history vs falsification)
This article presents the process of creating new school textbooks on Armenian history in the post-Soviet years. The author emphasizes the necessity to revise a number of issues in Armenian historiography related to the ideological attitudes of the Soviet epoch. The revision of many issues by Armenian historians during the years of independence, such as periodization, the first state formations on the territory of the Armenian Highlands, the Armenian political parties, the First Republic of 1918-1920, Sovietization, etc., is reflected in the new history textbooks. The article provides examples of the distortion of Armenian and Russian history in various textbooks and emphasizes the importance of presenting the objective history in school textbooks for educating the younger generation.
DECODING MULTIMODAL TEXTS OF MEDIA DISCOURSE
In modern print and online media, the verbal text is increasingly being replaced by a multicode material, whose verbal component is illustrated, supplemented, and multiplied by the visual component. At the same time, the value and impact of the visual component increases immeasurably: vivid images are imprinted in the mind, making a powerful effect on readers and viewers. Since most media texts being multicode, special studies of such texts have become especially relevant today. Hence, based on the descriptive, analytical, non-verbal-culturological methods of research, this article discusses the role and relationship of visual and verbal texts, the advantages of the visual code as a carrier of implicit information on the covers of periodicals. The decoding of the multimodal text from The Economist magazine demonstrates clearly that, as a rule, the non-verbal component attracts more attention and inspires more confidence in the recipient. Because the non-verbal component is quite difficult for the addressee to track consciously, the additional manipulative potential of the metaphorical image is used in the text.
ENGLISH IDIOMS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF MODAL MEANING
Being a multifaceted unit idioms can be studied from five angles: meaning, function, style, emotiveness and contrastive analysis. The merit of this paper lies in the fact that it attempts to analyze the evaluative functions of English idioms. The analysis is performed within the functional framework of evaluative thesis to establish evaluative semantics of idioms. Idioms operate as encoded resources for amplifying attitudinal meanings to the entities and phenomena they describe. They serve to entail multiple modal meanings intensifying the evaluative force in the text. The values are further divided according to whether the value which entails the intensification is positive, negative or dual. A special category of positive values concerns the use of positive idioms amplifying the negative attitudinal force.
A PRELIMINARY NOTE ON THE EXPRESSIVE USES OF AFFIRMATIVE AND NEGATIVE PARTICLES IN ITALIAN AND ENGLISH
This work examines the properties of affirmative and negative particles, such as yes and no, when used to express emotions like regret, surprise, disapproval, and others. In the cases discussed here, yes and no do not negate or affirm the truth of the previous statement but instead convey the speaker's emotional response to a certain content. They therefore belong to the category of expressive language, which transmits emotional meanings. This article compares Italian and English and argues that both languages in these cases use similar structures to express the speaker’s reactions, with specific intonation and gestures enhancing their expressive effect. This discussion will also demonstrate that pragmatic considerations can be integrated into a model of language to generate relevant expressive interpretations, framing language as a multimodal system.