Suchergebnisse

PurposeThis study explores how second language (L2) East Asian international students at an Australian university describe themselves as foreign-accented speakers and develop a new L2 identity within a sociolinguistic landscape that reinforces hierarchies between first language (L1) and L2 speakers.Design/methodology/approachDrawing upon van Manen's (2016) hermeneutic phenomenology, this study employs a qualitative-dominant mixed methods approach. An initial survey with 306 participants informed subsequent phenomenological interviews with five students, enabling a comprehensive exploration of their L2 identity construction.FindingsThe analysis revealed four themes: being proud to be L2 speakers, the value of having L2, complex attitudes towards foreign accents, and miscommunication as natural. These findings underscore the importance of critical engagement with evolving L2 identity and highlight the role of university interventions in fostering students' agency, which aids their successful transitions to host institutions.Originality/valueThis study addresses a gap in existing research by exploring how L2 students develop a new L2 identity beyond the challenges of language proficiency. It emphasises the significance of contextualising their experiences within the broader sociolinguistic landscape, offering insights that contribute to a better understanding of L2 identity construction among international students.

Abstract Background The 1996 Australian National Firearms Agreement introduced strict access limitations. However, reports on the effectiveness of the new legislation are conflicting. This study, accessing all cases of suicide 1997-2004, explores factors which may impact on the choice of firearms as a suicide method, including current licence possession and previous history of legal access. Methods Detailed information on all Queensland suicides (1997-2004) was obtained from the Queensland Suicide Register, with additional details of firearm licence history accessed from the Firearm Registry (Queensland Police Service). Cases were compared against licence history and method choice (firearms or other method). Odds ratios (OR) assessed the risk of firearms suicide and suicide by any method against licence history. A logistic regression was undertaken identifying factors significant in those most likely to use firearms in suicide. Results The rate of suicide using firearms in those with a current license (10.92 per 100,000) far exceeded the rate in those with no license history (1.03 per 100,000). Those with a license history had a far higher rate of suicide (30.41 per 100,000) compared to that of all suicides (15.39 per 100,000). Additionally, a history of firearms licence (current or present) was found to more than double the risk of suicide by any means (OR = 2.09, P < 0.001). The group with the highest risk of selecting firearms to suicide were older males from rural locations. Conclusion Accessibility and familiarity with firearms represent critical elements in determining the choice of method. Further licensing restrictions and the implementation of more stringent secure storage requirements are likely to reduce the overall familiarity with firearms in the community and contribute to reductions in rates of suicide.

Global concerns about the growing impact of ageing populations on workplace productivity and on welfare budgets have led to a range of governmentsupported measures intended to retain and upskill older workers. Yet, a consistent theme in the research literature is that older workers are reluctant and harder to train than younger workers, and that, regardless, employers are ambivalent about supporting such training. However, a survey of over 250 mature-age workers in mainly professional and administrative (i.e. 'white collar') roles identified strong interest and belief in their capacity to engage in learning required to maintain their employability, and that their employers are often supportive of their ongoing education and training. The data also indicate that these workers found personal worth in their work, felt respected and acknowledged by coworkers, and wanted to contribute more fully to their workplaces. These findings not only contradict what is consistently reported elsewhere, but suggest that age per se may not be the factor that shapes perceptions of older workers' employability, but the kinds of employment and level of education held by older workers. Therefore, extending the working lives of these valued 'white collar' workers might need to be realised through continuing to provide them with opportunities for rich work and further development to sustain their capacities and interest in contributing to their work and workplaces. ; Full Text