International Journal of Pedagogical Language, Literature, and Cultural Studies (i-Plural)

“Jeder hat seinen eigenen Geschmack”: Comparative Analysis of AI and Human Raters in German Proverb Oral Performance Assessment

2026-07-17T19:08:08+00:00

This study aims to analyze scoring variations and test the statistical significance of differences between AI-based evaluation (Large Language Model) and human raters in assessing the oral performance of German proverbs. Using a quantitative, within-subjects design, the study involved 30 students who were evaluated on four parameters: grammar, pronunciation, fluency, and the use of proverbs. The results of a paired-samples t-test reveal highly significant differences (p < 0.001) across all assessment aspects. The AI consistently demonstrates a leniency bias, assigning higher absolute scores than human raters. The largest discrepancy is in the use of proverbs, with a mean difference of 3.73 points. These findings indicate that AI tends to operate at the level of structured linguistic surface features, yet remains limited in capturing cultural nuances, implicit meanings, and pragmatic contextual appropriateness. These are areas that constitute the core strength of human cognitive sensitivity. This study recommends implementing a hybrid app using language to evaluate, in which AI assesses structural-mechanistic aspects, while interpretive sociolinguistic dimensions remain under human raters' control.

An Albatross on the Neck: Implications of Artificial Intelligence in a Fijian University’s ESL Classrooms

2026-07-17T19:09:30+00:00

With the inclusion of innovative technological advancements in English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms, it is now possible to predict the future of ESL learning in Fijian universities, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous. This study seeks to explore the perceptions of university ESL educators regarding the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in their classrooms. By leveraging the power of AI, educators can provide personalized feedback, adaptive learning experiences, authentic resources, and collaborative opportunities for students. The respondents for this study consist of ten ESL university educators, who were selected purposefully based on their expertise and familiarity with AI technologies. By exploring the perspectives of these educators, this research seeks to gain insights into the effectiveness, challenges, and potential benefits of AI integration in ESL education at a university level. The findings indicate that these educators have optimistic, as well as pessimistic perceptions towards the use of AI. The results also highlight the importance of considering students’ motivation levels and educators’ technological and pedagogical competence when integrating AI into the ESL classrooms. Also, this research provides insights into the educators’ perceptions and sheds light on the considerations needed for effective implementation of AI technologies in university’s ESL education.

Application of Uno Stacko Media in Mandarin Vocabulary Mastery Among Second-Semester Students of Mandarin Language Education

2026-08-24T07:37:17+00:00

This study discusses the implementation of Uno Stacko media in mastering Mandarin vocabulary among second-semester students of the Mandarin Language Education program. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method, and the data collection techniques used include observation and interviews. The research subjects are second-semester students of Offering C who are enrolled in the Chinese Comprehensive 2 course. This study aims to describe students’ activities during the learning process and to understand students’ perceptions regarding the use of Uno Stacko media in learning activities. The results of this study show that the implementation of Uno Stacko media in learning Mandarin vocabulary runs smoothly. Although several obstacles were encountered, this media is considered to make the learning atmosphere more interesting, help students remember vocabulary, and increase their learning motivation. Thus, the implementation of Uno Stacko media is able to assist students in practicing their Mandarin vocabulary mastery.

Distribution of Determiners and Modifiers in Noun Phrase Density: An Analysis of Digital News Headlines

2026-09-25T13:28:26+00:00

In the rapidly developing digital era, news is now very easy to search and find. Thus, the media continues to find ways to attract potential readers. One effective strategy to capture readers' attention is the structure of the news headline. The news headline provides a space to convey the whole through the compression of words so that readers can grasp at a glance what is being discussed. News headlines contain a noun phrase structure within them. Using the theory developed by Quirk, the noun phrase structure contained in news headlines, consisting of a head, determiner, or modifier, each has its own role. Using the mix method approach, the noun phrase structure identified in 56 news headlines discussing the free nutritious meals program totaled 8 structures, and the most dominant structure was Pre Modifier + Head. The use of determiners throughout the news shows that parameters in the form of nominal and genitive are very common by the media. The media also more often modify a head noun directly in front of it.

Language Varieties as Representations of Social Stratification in Andrea Hirata’s Novel Orang-Orang Biasa: A Sociolinguistic Approach

2026-10-19T06:15:13+00:00

This study aims to identify the forms of language varieties used by characters to represent social stratification and to analyze how these varieties shape identity and power relations in Andrea Hirata's novel Orang-Orang Biasa. The study uses a descriptive-qualitative approach with directed content analysis. Data were gathered from the characters' dialogues and classified using Martin Joos's typology of language varieties. Out of the five categories, three were identified: formal, consultative, and casual styles, while frozen and intimate styles were absent. Furthermore, the language varieties were connected to Max Weber's dimensions of social stratification: class, status, and party. The analysis of 18 selected data excerpts revealed 10 instances of casual style, 5 of consultative style, and 3 of formal style. Regarding social stratification, 8 instances reflected the class dimension, 4 referred to the status dimension, and 6 represented the party dimension. The findings show a clear link between language variety and social stratification; however, language use does not directly determine a character's social position, as it is heavily influenced by the context of communication and the relationships between characters. Additionally, the specific language varieties used and the social positions represented help shape the characters' identities within specific social classes and reinforce relationships of dominance and subordination among them.