Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities

Originality in Question: Plagiarism and Afghan English Major Students

Abdullah Noori — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Plagiarism remains a significant challenge in academic institutions worldwide, especially in contexts where English is not the primary language of instruction. Despite the widespread recognition of plagiarism as an ethical transgression, its prevalence continues to raise concerns. There is a notable research gap in understanding the specific perceptions and motivations behind plagiarism among students in non-English-speaking regions, particularly in Afghanistan. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the perceptions and underlying factors contributing to plagiarism among undergraduate English major students in Afghanistan. Through a descriptive quantitative research design, a survey questionnaire was administered to 120 English major students at a public university to explore their perceptions and reasons for engaging in plagiaristic practices. The findings revealed that students demonstrated a moderate tolerance towards plagiarism, despite acknowledging its unethical nature. Key factors influencing plagiaristic behavior include perceptions of lenient consequences, challenges with language proficiency, misconceptions about academic writing skills, and time constraints. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on academic integrity in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts. The study concludes with recommendations for students, educators, and institutions to develop strategies to combat plagiarism effectively, ultimately promoting a culture of academic integrity and intellectual honesty.

The Language Learning Journey of an EFL Student: A Case Study of Taha at Kabul Education University

Pervaiz Yaseeni — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Learning English as a foreign language is crucial for students at public and private universities across Afghanistan. English is the lingua franca of business communication, technology, medicine, and social sciences. Adult Afghans learn English to secure scholarships and enhance their competencies through academic English. However, learning English as a foreign language (EFL) is challenging for Afghans due to limited resources in social and educational environments. This research was conducted through a qualitative case study of adult students in the English Department, Faculty of Languages and Literature at Kabul Education University. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and essay evaluations using standard rubrics. The study examines a participant's foreign language learning process in a non-English speaking community, particularly investigating the strengths and weaknesses of the English language learning process in Afghanistan. It reveals how the participant overcame challenges while learning English as a foreign language and demonstrates their strengths in receptive and productive English skills. The study also highlights that EFL learners acquire English by making mistakes and errors in the initial stages of learning, and that confidence in making mistakes assists adult EFL students in improving their English language proficiency.

Diversity: Assessing its Role in Perceived Organizational Climate

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Diversity encompasses a spectrum of attributes beyond immediately visible characteristics such as age, gender, and race, including less apparent factors like religion, education, and personality types. Managing these diverse visible and invisible characteristics through managerial practices and approaches can enhance employees' perceived organizational climate that, in turn, leads to many work-related positive outcomes. This study employs a cross-sectional survey design to examine the impact of diversity management on organizational climate. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to administrative employees in Konya's 2nd Industrial Zone in central Turkey. From a population of 1,050 employees, 300 randomly selected respondents completed the questionnaire. After screening for completeness and removing duplicates, 273 responses were validated for analysis using regression statistical tests in SPSS. The findings reveal that diversity management significantly positively affects employees' perceived organizational climate. Multiple regression analysis confirms that organizational policies, practices, and procedures designed to embrace diversity positively influence employees' perceptions of the organizational climate. The study concludes with practical recommendations for managers, acknowledges limitations, and suggests directions for future research.

An Analysis of Afghan Broadcast Media News Orientation Based on Galtung’s Theory: A Study of ToloNews Programs

Zubair KhalilRahman Auzarmi — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This article examines the news reporting orientation of Afghan broadcast media, focusing on whether it prioritizes truth, people, and solutions or propaganda, elite interests, and victory narratives, potentially at the expense of national interests. It highlights the crucial responsibility of broadcast media to promote understanding of social and political issues through its essential functions: education, information, and entertainment. The study critically explores scholarly debates on broadcasting orientation and media effectiveness, using examples from Afghan broadcast media coverage of previously unexamined issues. Johan Galtung's theory serves as the theoretical framework for this investigation. The methodology employs a mixed approach, combining qualitative analysis and theory with quantitative methods to assess audience interest in specific TV channels. Data collection involved questionnaires and interview, with sample selection based on Cochran's formula and Morgan's table. SPSS software was used for data analysis, and the questionnaire's reliability was confirmed with a value of 0.9. The study hypothesizes that "Afghan broadcast media played a considerable role in positive-orientated news reporting; however, based on Johan Galtug’s theory, TOLOnews programs recently have not been a matter of concern in positive news reporting in the country." Preliminary findings suggest that Afghan broadcast media, including TOLOnews, contributes to positive coverage of events in the country.

Television's Role in Environmental Awareness: A Study of Public Perception in Northern Afghanistan

Sekandar Maihanyar, Mohammad Essa Sakhawati — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Environmental preservation is one of humanity's most critical concerns. The media holds a responsibility to raise awareness and foster a culture of environmental presevation and stewardship. The present study examines the functions of television from the citizens' perspective in three northern provinces of Afghanistan (Balkh, Jawzjan, and Sar-e Pol). The research utilizes a survey method, with a questionnaire employed as the primary tool for data collection. The statistical population of this research consists of citizens from the three selected provinces, with a relatively targeted sampling strategy encompassing various strata, including differences in gender, education level, age, and occupation. The theoretical framework for this study is grounded in prominent media theories, specifically the Uses and Gratifications Theory and the Social Responsibility Theory. The findings indicate that Afghan domestic television channels have devoted limited attention to producing programs related to environmental issues. Coverage of ecological news is largely restricted to instances where the news meets the criteria for "hard news" with significant news value. The perspectives of the surveyed population reveal that the level of audience trust and satisfaction with the current amount of awareness-raising programming on environmental preservation is low. Moreover, the findings suggest that, except for occasional advertisements by specific organizations, most domestic television networks in the country do not incorporate environmental awareness programs into their regular broadcasting schedules.