Mitigation

Genuine Criticism (GC) is an evaluative expression of annoyance with an attribute in the interlocutor, whose realization may threaten the positive image of both interlocutors. The current study investigates facework and politeness in performing GCsin different contexts and for interlocutors with low social distance and high status in terms of GC realization strategies and mitigation devices that the speakers employ to soften their criticisms. Data were collected from 70 situations from movies in which GCs arise between interactants. The interactants deal with topics that happen in their daily life. The data were transcribed, categorized and analyzed based on the adapted version of criticizing categorization developed by Nguyen (2005, 2013).The results indicate that interactants with low social distance between them and the speakers who possess higher status employ direct strategies more than indirect strategies when they carry out criticism. Besides, the speakers with higher social distance utilize direct criticizing strategies more often. With regard to mitigation strategies, both groups tend to mitigate their criticisms less often. Exploring the strategies that English NSs employ can help EFL material developers realize and depict a better picture of the strategies in learning materials so that potential learning problems are prevented.

This study investigated mitigation in the supervisory discourse of Iranian language teacher supervisors to see what mitigation devices these language teacher supervisors in Iran used to achieve a balance message clarity and politeness when delivering negative feedback. Using convenient sampling, 10 post-observation feedback conferences from Iran Language Institute, Shiraz University Language Center, and Safir English Language Academy in Shiraz, Tehran, and Mashhad were recorded and transcribed. The data were examined using Wajnryb's (1994) typology of mitigation devices. The findings of the study indicated that Iranian language teacher supervisors tended to use what Wajnryb (1994) called “above-the-utterance-level” mitigation, something between “hyper-mitigation” (highly mitigated language) and “hypo-mitigation” (hardly mitigated language) though they could have made a more appropriate use of the host of possible mitigation devices to further soften their rather directive language thereby promoting reflection on the part of the teachers. The most frequently used mitigation devices included qualm indicators, modal verbs, interrogatives, clause structures and hedging modifiers respectively with the rest of the mitigation devices considerably underused indicating that training in supervisory discourse is essential for Iranian language teacher supervisors. The findings hold implications for teacher education programs, language teaching institutes and language teacher supervisors to consider and work on mitigation devices to be able to deliver negative feedback both clearly and politely.

INTRODUCTION: The unpredictable magnitude and scope of disasters make it particularly challenging to respond effectively and provide timely assistance to affected populations. In many situations, geographical location, regional topography, and adverse weather conditions, especially in the early stages, hinder rapid access to disaster-affected areas. In recent years, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have emerged as an innovative technology that offers rapid data collection, real-time surveillance, and access to remote areas, thereby enhancing situational awareness and decision-making during disasters. METHODS: This study employed a narrative review methodology to synthesize existing research on the application of UAVs across the pre-disaster, during and post-disaster phases of disaster management. A comprehensive search of relevant databases yielded a total of 1,986 articles. After removing duplicate records and screening titles, abstracts, and full texts based on predefined inclusion criteria, nine articles were selected for final analysis and review. FINDINGS: The findings were categorized into four main phases of disaster management: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The reviewed studies demonstrated that UAVs play a significant role in improving situational awareness, damage assessment, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, infrastructure monitoring, and recovery planning. Despite certain technical, regulatory, and operational challenges, the overall evidence highlights the substantial potential of UAVs to enhance disaster management effectiveness across all phases. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this review, systematic planning for the integration of UAV technology across various stages of disaster management is essential. Although challenges remain, these can be addressed through the adoption of advanced technologies such as deep learning algorithms, as well as improved equipment, software, and analytical tools for data collection and processing. Such advancements can significantly enhance the cost-effectiveness and operational value of UAVs, supporting more efficient disaster response, mitigation, and recovery strategies.