مطالب

Intercultural communication is a widespread matter in today’s world with the advent of globalization and social media. Thus, this study focused on exploring the role of cultural knowledge and linguistic knowledge in the formation of intercultural competence. The researchers selected 150 Iranian learners through a purposeful sampling procedure in a qualitative design. By using interviews, observation, and reflective journals the required data was collected. The researchers used inductive analysis and thematic analysis to analyze the collected data. The results revealed that cultural knowledge and linguistic knowledge are both equally important in the formation of intercultural competence of Iranian learners. Also, it is shown that Iranian learners make use of both linguistic knowledge and cultural knowledge to have effective communication, build trust and rapport, conflict resolution, and avoid linguistic and cultural misunderstandings. This study is important for language teachers, book writers, and curriculum developers in that they should pay more attention to both linguistic knowledge and cultural knowledge in their teaching, book writing, and curriculum development respectively.

The phonological status of word-initial glottal stops in Persian has been a subject of controversy. Particularly, researchers hold divergent views on whether the glottal stop functions as a phoneme in word-initial positions. These perspectives can be categorized into three main positions: (1) glottal stops are phonemes in all occurrences (Samareh, 1985; Windfuhr, 1979); (2) word-initial glottal stops are phonemes only in loanwords, especially from Arabic (Bijankhan, 2018; Haghshenas, 1991; Jam, 2019; Kord-Zaferanloo-Kambozia, 2003); and (3) word-initial glottal stops are not phonemes in Persian (Jahani, 2005; Majidi & Ternes, 1999; Sepanta, 1973). In this paper, a critical review of previous findings is provided along with new insights and neglected evidence relevant to the underlying representations of words with glottal stops. Based on these considerations, the paper leans towards the position that glottal stops function as phonemes in all positions regardless of occurrence in loanwords or native words. It also calls for a revision of previous research, emphasizing the importance of non-acoustic aspects in exploring the phonological functions of word-initial glottal stops.

 Objective: Studies have shown that neuroticism is one of the personality traits associated with negative psychological consequences. This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of schema therapy on reducing neuroticism.Methods: The current research is a quasi-experimental type with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group. The research population was the patients referred to Shariati Hospital in Tehran in 2021, and 22 of them who had obtained a high score in the neuroticism subscale were selected by purposive sampling method and randomly assigned into two experimental (n = 11) and control (n = 11) groups. Both groups completed the neuroticism subscale of the NEO Five-Factor Inventory-3 (NEO-FFI-3) in the pre-test and post-test phases. The experimental group was subjected to the schema therapy for 10 weekly sessions, but no intervention was performed on the experimental group during this period. The analysis of the collected data was done with analysis of covariance and SPSS-18 software.Results: The obtained findings showed that schema therapy was able to significantly reduce the level of neuroticism in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.001).Conclusion: According to the findings, it can be concluded that schema therapy is effective in reducing neuroticism and can be used in treatment centers in this regard.

Purpose: This study aims to identify the limitations of English language learning in universities within the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province and to explore effective strategies proposed by students, instructors, and administrators to overcome these challenges. Methodology: Employing a qualitative research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 participants, including university students, English language instructors, and academic administrators from the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis to achieve theoretical saturation, revealing key themes and concepts related to the limitations and strategies of English language learning. Findings: The study identified two main themes: "Limitations" and "Strategies." Under "Limitations," five categories emerged: Resource Constraints, Curriculum Issues, Instructor Challenges, Motivational Factors, and Cultural Barriers, each encompassing specific challenges such as inadequate resources, outdated curriculum, instructor proficiency, and motivational and cultural issues. The "Strategies" theme also comprised five categories: Resource Enhancement, Curriculum Development, Instructor Support, Motivation Boosting, and Cultural Integration, suggesting targeted interventions like improving educational resources, updating the curriculum, supporting instructors, enhancing student motivation, and integrating cultural elements into the learning process. Conclusion: The study underscores the multifaceted nature of challenges in English language learning in the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies that address resources, curriculum, instructor capabilities, motivational dynamics, and cultural considerations. Effective implementation of these strategies could significantly improve English language education, contributing to better language acquisition and educational outcomes for students in this region and similar contexts.