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)
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
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.
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 Catholicosate of The Great House of Cilicia
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.
Key words: modal meaning, idiom, evaluative semantics, intensification of values, positive value, negative value
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.
THE EMERGENCE OF MASS ATROCITY CONCEPTS: REFLECTIONS ON GENOCIDE, CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY, WAR CRIMES AND ETHNIC CLEANSING
The article commences with a brief listing of some of the key words and phrases used in journalistic accounts in the 1915 New York Times about the mass deportations and killings of ethnic Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. Exploring the emergence of academic and legal terms associated with such mass atrocities in general, a number of key concepts have been formulated, most notably war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and ethnic cleansing. Other suggested terms include democide, politicide, ethnocide, urbicide, gendercide and omnicide, which are also briefly discussed by way of background and overview. Amidst an analytical comparison of the meanings of the two terms ethnic cleansing and genocide, problematic aspects of using the term ethnic cleansing are raised and discussed. There has been a continuing global challenge of mass atrocity crimes, and today we witness increased usage of the problematic concept of ethnic cleansing in important, yet diverse case studies such as Nagorno-Karabakh and Gaza. It is suggested that other terms, such as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, are more suitable terms, both analytically and morally.
THE IMPACT OF THE COGNITIVE ACADEMIC LANGUAGE LEARNING APPROACH (CALLA) ON ACADEMIC READING SKILLS: THE CASE OF FIRST-YEAR EFL STUDENTS AT BATNA 2 UNIVERSITY
This present study investigated the impact of the Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA) on academic reading skills among first-year English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students at Batna 2 University. Over a 15-week intervention period during the 2024-2025 academic year, the study used a quasi-experimental design with two student groups (n = 50) and control (n = 50) groups. Results suggested statistically significant improvements in reading comprehension (p < .001, Cohen's d = 1.82), vocabulary acquisition, as well as metacognitive strategy use among the experimental group. The experimental group showed notable gains from a pre-test mean of 12.4 to a post-test mean of 19.8, whereas the control group showed minimal gains (12.6 to 13.1). A strong positive relationship was revealed, by means of correlation analysis, between metacognitive strategy use and reading performance (r = .72, p < .001). Findings substantiate the efficacy of the CALLA model in enhancing EFL reading skills and advocate for its integration into EFL curricula to foster meaningful comprehension and metacognitive awareness. Study results match prior research on strategy-based instruction and seek to offer insights into the growing body of literature on the role of explicit strategy instruction in academic language learning contexts.
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.
THE REFLECTION OF THE IDEA OF REPATRIATION OF THE ARMENIAN DEPORTEES IN DJAGADAMART (BATTLE), HAIRENIK (HOMELAND) AND ASBAREZ (ARENA) PERIODICALS IN 1920
In 1920, the periodicals Djagadamart (Constantinople) and Hairenik (Boston), Asbarez (Fresno) published an interesting analysis on the issue of returning deported Armenians to their homeland. The political sections of newspapers emphasized the significance of addressing the issues related to the deprivation of the Armenians from their homeland, their exile, and their right to return within the context of the current Middle East situation. They have also covered the Paris International Peace Conference, the Eastern policies of the Allied Powers, and the foreign policy pursued by the First Republic of Armenia. In this context, the publications regarding the Sevres Treaty signed on August 10, 1920 and the Arbitral Award of the U.S. President Woodrow Wilson regarding the Armenian-Turkish border on November 22nd are of particular interest. These periodicals have made valuable contributions to clarifying safeguards for the safety and security of Western Armenians, and promoting ideas for an Independent and United Armenia. Challenges to the concept of repatriating deported Armenians back to their homeland have also been raised in the pages of the above-mentioned publications. The topic is relevant as the periodicals Djagadamart, Hairenik, Asbarez are being presented for the first time within the context of discussing the issue of repatriation of deported Armenians.
idea of an Independent and United Armenia
THE SOCIOPRAGMATIC DIMENSIONS OF APOLOGISING AS A COMMUNICATIVE ACT
In the context of sociopragmatics, communication plays a fundamental role in the expression and negotiation of social norms and expectations. Effective communication hinges on an understanding of sociopragmatic principles, such as politeness strategies and speech acts. This study aims to examine the communicative act of apologizing, focusing on the speaker- sign-listener- social context correlation. The objective is to determine how the choice of various linguistic forms influences perceptions of politeness and social appropriateness in communication. By analyzing different types of apologies, the present paper seeks to identify apology strategies within the communication process and to evaluate how these strategies facilitate the repair of relationships and the restoration of trust. Ultimately, the research enhances our understanding of the power of language in interpersonal communication and underscores the significance of effective apologies in contemporary society. The findings provide insights into the diverse linguistic and social factors that contribute to effective apologies, which typically involve acknowledging responsibility for wrongdoing, expressing remorse, and offering reassurances for future conduct.
PERSONAL BRANDING: SHAPING AND MAINTAINING A SUCCESSFUL PERSONAL BRAND
The present article studies personal branding as a strategic process in which individuals actively shape and promote their unique identities. By creating a personal brand, individuals aim to stand out, shape a likable and trustworthy public image and enhance their professional growth, leading to greater career opportunities. In today's digital world, the importance of developing a successful personal brand is increasing in order to thrive in the competitive environment. Skillfully presenting the personal brand on social media and various online platforms enables individuals to reach a wider audience, build credibility, foster trust and influence public opinion. The purpose of the research is to examine the efficient strategies that are used for creating a personal brand, the key elements and peculiarities of personal branding. Descriptive and analytical methods are used to analyse the linguistic and extralinguistic means employed by personal brand builders. In particular, Michelle Obama’s personal brand, which exemplifies effective communication and branding strategies in both personal and professional spheres, is studied.
TEACHERS’ MOTIVATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING SPEAKING PROFICIENCY AMONG ALGERIAN EFL LEARNERS
Since the 1990s, research on motivational strategies has shifted focus from a sociological perspective to an education-oriented approach, highlighting situational factors such as language courses and teachers. This study explores how English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ motivational strategies support learners in developing speaking proficiency. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, it integrates quantitative and qualitative data for a comprehensive analysis. The research involved 101 second-year English students at Batna 2 University, with a randomly selected sample of 62 students, alongside 12 experienced second-year teachers. Data were collected through separate questionnaires for students and teachers. The findings reveal that motivational strategies play a pivotal role in fostering EFL learners’ speaking proficiency. Both teachers and students emphasized the usefulness of strategies such as interactive activities, personalized feedback, and positive reinforcement. Teachers regularly implemented these strategies, particularly interactive grammar games and fluency-focused activities, while students highlighted the value of establishing rapport and maintaining a positive classroom atmosphere. This study underscores the importance of tailored motivational strategies in helping students improve their speaking skills in EFL contexts.
IMPERIALISM, SOCIAL INEQUALITY, AND THE POTENTIAL DANGERS OF SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS IN WELLS’ "MEN LIKE GODS"
Wells’ science fiction novel Men Like Gods (1923) explores themes of utopian societies, human nature, and the potential for societal transformation. It comments on issues such as imperialism, social inequality, and the probable dangers of scientific progress. The Utopian world he had created, The Island, includes an advanced society where humans live in an idyllic state of equality, peace, and technological sophistication. The inhabitants of The Island, known as Men Like Gods, have transcended many of the social and political issues that plague the Earth's societies. The novel presents travelers who are transported to a technologically advanced world where the society is balanced and free from the destructive technological influences that exist in our own world.
LINGUISTIC PROPERTIES OF LAWYERS’ SPEECH: A CASE STUDY
The following article is focused on the integrative study of the court trial of Quaneesha Johnson who was accused of her boyfriend’s murder. The aim of the paper is to analyze the lawyers’ speeches and consider the linguistic and extra-linguistic means evident in them. The importance of the study lies within the outcome of the trial case, and, therefore, it is crucial to find the linguistic elements prevalent in those speeches. The lawyers’ speeches are of paramount importance and strictly conditioned by the persuasive and influential strategies and techniques to make an impact on the jury from the standpoint of the verdict to benefit the attorneys. This means that the lawyers are accepted to resort to rhetorical means to sound as convincing and persuasive as possible. Thus, our primary task is to study the speeches through the employment of the method of rhetorical analysis and reveal how artfully, strategically and effectively language is used by the lawyers in the courtroom to affect the court in the decision-making process. To find out the elements of persuasion it was also necessary to look into the semantic, and stylistic properties implemented in the speeches under investigation.
THE SOCIOLINGUISTICS OF BUSINESS NAMES IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
This study examines the sociolinguistic dimensions of business names in Lagos, Nigeria, analyzing the linguistic strategies employed in their formation and the socio-cultural factors influencing their selection. It also classifies business names based on their linguistic structures and sources. Data were collected from small and local businesses in Lagos, as well as registered business names from the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) database. Findings reveal that business names in Lagos are created through various linguistic mechanisms, including blending, abbreviation, and coinage. Additionally, graphology, pronunciation, and multicultural considerations play a crucial role in business naming practices in Nigeria’s diverse linguistic landscape. The study highlights how business names serve as identity markers, branding tools, and cultural signifiers, influencing customer perception and marketability. A well-crafted business name enhances brand recognition, fosters consumer engagement, and ensures competitiveness in both local and international markets. Moreover, in an era of online commerce and social media marketing, business names must be linguistically adaptable and culturally resonant to appeal to diverse audiences. This study contributes to the broader field of sociolinguistics by providing insights into the intersection of language, business identity, and cultural dynamics in Lagos, offering valuable implications for entrepreneurs, linguists, and brand strategists.
BOOK REVIEW: GOVERNMENT OF SHADOWS BY MONDHER AL-QABANI (Arab Scientific Publishers, Inc. Beirut, Lebanon, 2011)