International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics (IJSSLL)
All articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (CC BY 4.0). Authors retain full copyright of their work. Content is freely accessible and can be shared or reused with proper attribution. This ensures open access and promotes global dissemination of knowledge.
Towards Equitable Divorce: Reconstructing Legal Provisions for Non-Maintenance by Husbands Based on Justice Principles in Indonesia
This study critically examines the existing legal regulations governing divorce suits initiated by wives on the grounds of the husband's failure to provide maintenance, within the Indonesian legal framework. Rooted in the principles of justice, this research seeks to identify discrepancies between current legal provisions and the normative values of fairness, equity, and human dignity, particularly concerning the economic vulnerability of wives post-divorce. Employing a normative legal research methodology, the study analyzes relevant statutory laws, Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), judicial circulars, and scholarly interpretations to uncover lacunae and inconsistencies. The findings reveal that while Indonesian marriage law acknowledges non-provision of maintenance as a ground for divorce, the practical application and interpretation by courts may not always fully embody the values of justice, potentially leaving wives in precarious financial situations. This research proposes a reconstruction of these regulations, advocating for clearer legal definitions, more robust enforcement mechanisms, and a broader interpretation of maintenance obligations that align with contemporary understandings of gender equality and economic justice. The aim is to ensure that divorce proceedings, particularly those initiated due to non-maintenance, genuinely uphold the principles of justice and protect the rights and well-being of all parties, especially the economically weaker spouse.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Education as a Driver of Climate Resilience in Fiji: Integrating Climate Literacy, Indigenous Knowledge, and 21st-Century Competencies
Climate change poses profound and escalating challenges for Fiji, affecting livelihoods, infrastructure, and social systems, including education. This paper examines the role of education as a critical driver of climate resilience by analysing how climate literacy, indigenous knowledge systems, and 21st-century competencies can be integrated to strengthen Fiji’s capacity to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. Drawing on regional policy frameworks, global climate education literature, and Pacific epistemologies, the paper argues that Fiji’s education system is uniquely positioned to generate long-term resilience through transformative teaching, culturally grounded knowledge, and future-focused skills development. It highlights how climate change directly disrupts learning, through displacement, extreme weather events, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and socio-economic pressures, while also demonstrating that well-designed education can empower communities with adaptive knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and intergenerational resilience. The analysis reveals that meaningful reform requires a synthesis of scientific climate literacy with indigenous ecological wisdom, supported by teacher capacity-building, curriculum reform, and community engagement. The paper concludes that repositioning education as a strategic climate adaptation tool is essential for Fiji’s sustainable development, national security, and the wellbeing of present and future generations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Davendra Sharma (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TOWARDS A GESAMTKONZEPT FOR THE EU’S STRATEGIC PARTNERRSHIPS
This research examines the European Union's (EU) Strategic Partnerships, particularly focusing on the SP10 framework, to assess their role in enhancing global governance amid contemporary geopolitical challenges. The aim is to identify the critical governance mechanisms required to strengthen these partnerships, enabling the EU to advance its strategic interests and maintain its influence in a multipolar world. The central research questions addressed include: 1. What are the current governance challenges faced by the EU in managing its Strategic Partnerships? 2. How can the EU effectively leverage these partnerships to navigate complex global issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and geopolitical rivalries? 3. What policy recommendations can be formulated to enhance the coherence and effectiveness of the EU's foreign economic policies within its Strategic Partnerships framework? Key findings reveal that the effectiveness of the EU's Strategic Partnerships is hindered by political fragmentation, lack of accountability, and insufficient flexibility in engagement strategies. Additionally, the research highlights the importance of adopting a multi-stakeholder approach, fostering transparency, and ensuring equitable representation to address the diverse interests of partner countries. Overall, the conclusion underscores that the EU must adopt a robust, adaptable, and transparent governance framework to capitalize on its Strategic Partnerships. By integrating geoeconomic strategies, enhancing diplomatic engagement, and prioritizing sustainable practices, the EU can position itself as a credible global actor, capable of responding effectively to shared challenges and advancing a stable and prosperous international order. We recommend a three-tiered approach encompassing the resform of the UNSC and policy framework, the great power concert restored out of the UNSC, and this EU-led international society to predominate.
Geopolitical Dynamics Foreign Economic Policy
The Role of Healthy Nutrition and Parental Care in Students' Academic Performance and Discipline
The academic success and behaviour of students are influenced by a combination of factors, with healthy nutrition and parental care playing critical roles. A well-balanced diet is essential for cognitive function, emotional stability, and overall physical health, while parental involvement ensures a supportive learning environment. This paper examines the influence of these two factors on students' academic performance and discipline. By reviewing current literature and studies, it becomes clear that proper nutrition enhances concentration, memory, and cognitive abilities, while active parental care contributes to motivation, goal setting, and behaviour management. The findings underscore the importance of collaboration between schools, parents, and the wider community to ensure that students have access to proper nutrition and family support, which collectively contribute to academic excellence and good discipline.
Copyright (c) 2025 Priya Pritika Sharma (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Strategies for Enhancing Literacy and Numeracy Across Educational Levels in the 21st Century
In the 21st century, technological advancements have revolutionized the way education is delivered, but foundational skills such as literacy and numeracy continue to play a critical role in student success. As digital tools and resources become increasingly integrated into learning environments, students must not only understand how to use technology but also possess a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy to navigate and apply technological advancements effectively. This paper explores why literacy and numeracy remain essential in the context of the technologically-driven education system, discussing their importance for academic achievement, problem-solving, critical thinking, and global competitiveness. Furthermore, the paper highlights how strong literacy and numeracy skills empower students to succeed in both the digital world and their broader academic and professional lives. The conclusion emphasizes that educational systems must ensure a balance between the traditional skills of literacy and numeracy and the integration of new technologies for the holistic development of students.
Child’s Rights and Parents Responsibilities Should Complement or Compete
The issue of children's rights versus parental responsibilities has long been a subject of significant debate across legal, ethical, and cultural domains. As the concept of children's rights becomes more deeply entrenched in international law, particularly through instruments like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), questions arise regarding the balance of power between parents and the state in raising and protecting children. This paper explores the evolving dynamic between children's rights and parental duties, emphasizing the legal, social, and ethical implications. It examines the responsibilities of parents to ensure their children's welfare, protection, and development, while also considering the autonomy and rights that children should have as individuals. The discussion highlights key areas such as parental authority, child protection laws, education, and the role of the state in intervening when parental responsibilities are not met. Through examining these various aspects, the paper aims to explore the complex relationship between parental rights, children’s rights, and the role of the state in ensuring the welfare of children.
A Collaborative Approach to Preventing Drug Use in Schools: The Role of Parents, Teachers, and the Community
The increasing prevalence of drug use among school-aged children has raised serious concerns for educators, parents, and policymakers globally. Evidence suggests that early exposure to drugs has long-term negative effects on academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. While responses to drug use in schools have traditionally focused on reactive measures such as suspension and treatment programs, it is now clear that proactive prevention is essential. This paper examines the growing issue of drugs in schools, the impact they have on students, and the importance of investing in prevention strategies. It highlights the effectiveness of prevention programs, such as drug education, peer support, and community involvement, in reducing drug abuse among young people. The paper concludes that an integrated, evidence-based prevention approach is critical to addressing the problem and ensuring a healthier, more productive future for students.
Semiotic and Multimodal Analysis of Cover Design in Korean Translations of Chinese Children's Picture Books
With the increasing international dissemination of Chinese children's literature, the cross-cultural adaptation of cover design has become a crucial factor influencing reader reception. Based on Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory and the framework of multimodal discourse analysis, this study examines the cultural adaptation mechanisms in the cover designs of contemporary Chinese children's picture books translated into Korean. Through a comparative analysis of the visual (color, imagery) and linguistic (title, typography) elements in ten Chinese picture books and their Korean translations, the study finds that localization strategies—such as the reinterpretation of traditional cultural symbols and adjustments in child-oriented color schemes—facilitate cross-cultural transmission. Core cultural elements are preserved within the target language context while being enhanced through multimodal coordination (text-image interaction, color symbolism) to foster reader engagement. This study provides a systematic analytical model for the transformation of visual semiotics in children's literature translation and reveals the implicit translational function of cover design as a cultural medium, offering new perspectives and practical guidance for cultural adaptation in future translation strategies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ding Jiawei (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Safeguarding Human Agency in the Age of AI: A Culturally Responsive Framework for Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Fijian and Pacific Classrooms to Sustain Indigenous Knowledge and Well-being
The accelerating integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education has generated unprecedented opportunities for personalized learning, data-driven decision-making, and global connectivity. However, in culturally diverse contexts such as Fiji and the wider Pacific, these technological transformations also pose profound ethical and cultural challenges. This paper critically examines how AI can be integrated into Fijian classrooms in ways that support rather than diminish indigenous knowledge systems, cultural identity, and collective well-being. Drawing on culturally responsive pedagogy, indigenous epistemology, and human-centred design theory, the paper proposes a Culturally Responsive AI Integration Framework (CRAIF) for Fijian and Pacific education systems. The framework emphasizes human agency, relational learning, and indigenous values such as vanua (community and environment), talanoa (dialogue and empathy), and veiwekani (relational interconnectedness). It argues that educational technology must be guided not only by efficiency and innovation but also by cultural ethics, inclusivity, and social responsibility (Thaman, 2019; Nabobo-Baba, 2020). Through critical synthesis of global and regional literature, policy analysis, and emerging studies on the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR), the paper explores how Fijian educators and policymakers can navigate the tension between technological modernization and cultural preservation (Schwab & Zahidi, 2023). The study highlights that uncritical adoption of AI risks deepening digital colonialism, marginalizing indigenous knowledge, and weakening local epistemic authority (UNESCO, 2023; Watanabe, Nakamura, & Kato, 2022). In response, it advocates for AI policies and educational designs that position technology as a partner in cultural transmission, not a substitute for human relationships and traditional wisdom. The paper concludes that safeguarding human agency in the age of AI requires re-centring education around cultural resilience, ethical innovation, and indigenous worldviews, ensuring that Pacific societies thrive in the digital era while preserving their spiritual and cultural foundations.
From Tradition to Transformation: A Historical Analysis of Education in Fiji from the Pre-Colonial Era to the 21st Century
Education in Fiji has evolved through complex historical, cultural, and political transitions that have continuously reshaped its purpose, structure, and identity. This paper traces the historical trajectory of Fijian education from pre-colonial times when learning was grounded in communal life, oral traditions, and the vanua (land, people, and spiritual relationships), to the colonial era that institutionalised Western schooling through missionary influence and British administrative control. During this period, education became a tool for cultural assimilation and social stratification, creating enduring divides between indigenous, Indo-Fijian, and urban populations. Following independence in 1970, Fiji’s education system underwent significant reforms aimed at localisation, nation-building, and equity. However, persistent colonial legacies, socio-economic disparities, and the challenges of globalisation have continued to shape policy directions. The analysis critically examines key phases of curriculum development, teacher education, language policy, and educational governance within the broader contexts of decolonisation, modernisation, and global competency frameworks. It highlights how recent reforms, including the ongoing review of the Education Act and curriculum modernisation efforts—seek to reconcile traditional knowledge systems with contemporary pedagogical and technological imperatives. Drawing on historical sources, policy documents, and regional scholarship, the paper argues that understanding Fiji’s educational evolution is essential for designing culturally responsive, future-oriented education that balances heritage with innovation. Ultimately, the study underscores education’s transformative role in shaping national identity, promoting social cohesion, and preparing learners for the demands of the 21st-century world.
Colonial Legacies and Indigenous Resilience: Decolonization and Cultural Revitalization in Fiji and the Pacific
Colonization has left enduring social, cultural, economic, and political legacies across Fiji and the Pacific, profoundly shaping indigenous societies and their development trajectories. The imposition of foreign governance structures, land tenure systems, and Western education disrupted traditional knowledge systems, social hierarchies, and community governance, creating persistent inequalities and challenges to cultural continuity. This paper critically examines the lasting impacts of colonization on indigenous cultures in Fiji and the wider Pacific, highlighting how historical policies have influenced contemporary issues such as land disputes, educational disparities, social stratification, and economic dependency. Drawing on Human and Indigenous Knowledge frameworks, the study explores efforts at decolonization, including curriculum reforms that integrate indigenous epistemologies, community-led cultural revitalization programs, and policy initiatives aimed at restoring indigenous governance, land rights, and social equity. The paper emphasizes the resilience and agency of Pacific communities in reclaiming identity, knowledge, and cultural practices disrupted by colonial processes. Furthermore, it investigates the role of regional and international frameworks, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, in supporting local decolonization and cultural revitalization initiatives. The findings underscore that decolonization in Fiji and the Pacific is not merely a historical or symbolic endeavour but a transformative process with implications for education, governance, economic development, and social cohesion. By centring indigenous perspectives and fostering culturally grounded solutions, Pacific nations can navigate the legacies of colonization while promoting inclusive development, social justice, and cultural sustainability. This paper contributes to broader discourses on postcolonial studies, indigenous rights, and Pacific development, offering insights for policymakers, educators, and community leaders committed to creating equitable and culturally vibrant futures.
Liberty” ή “Freedom”: lost in translation?
On the one hand, "Liber Pater", the Roman god of wine and fertility, the protector of plebeian, 'vulgar' freedom, being ‘free’ himself, perhaps 'unlimited', 'uncontrolled', even 'lewd'. On the other hand, the adjective "free", which has its conceptual basis in sympathy and friendship, covers the conceptual spectrum from individual to social liberation. In the 18th century, the European Enlightenment revealed the dual nature of 'freedom'. This was probably because the importance of individual freedom grew in the context of the historical process leading to the foundation of bourgeois society, as a prerequisite for the development of its driving force, the basis for the formation of its ruling class against the domination of aristocracy, but also in the face of the rising popular demands that will very soon seek to set limits to the lawlessness of the bourgeoisie. On the contrary, at the dawn of the 21st century, processes are intensifying for a new reconciliation of the two hypostases of "freedom", in a new era where social liberation will complement the individual one and where respect for the other will not be imposed but sought.
Copyright (c) 2025 Grigoris Zarotiadis (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
AI-Powered Pipe Failure Prediction: Reducing Excavation Costs by 60% with Robotics + ML
The current research paper will discuss a new patent-based design that uses non-destructive testing (NDT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to forecast and eliminate failures of water pipes throughout the US. It is a systematic review of eight current peer-reviewed papers (2015-2025) dedicated to the topic of AI-based predictive analytics, bio-inspired robotic movement, and the economic sustainability of pipeline inspection. The quantitative results of the algorithm show that deep learning and tree-based models, such as CNN, YOLO, LSTM, and Gradient Boosting, achieved defect detection accuracy of 91 to 95%, which greatly decreases manual inspection time and, on average, excavation costs by 70 and 55 %, respectively. Moreover, the stylus of the bio-inspired robots was presented, e.g. the robots with mechanically inflatable bodies had demonstrated the ability to control 70-79% locomotion efficiency and complete 5.8 kg loads in a variable pipeline size, with these properties confirming their scalable robots with non-invasive continuous inspection. The study offers a multidisciplinary synthesis towards demonstrating how AI, robotics, and predictive maintenance are converging towards a system of developing sustainable infrastructure resilience. The proposed structure works together with making 300,000-plus ageing water mains in the United States more modernised through the adoption of cost-efficient automation, along with high diagnostic accuracy, to encourage safer, data-informed and more environmentally friendly processes. Regardless of the difficulties in the computational and operational planning, the research highlights that AI-robotic synergy has the potential to transform asset management in the civil infrastructure framework.
Copyright (c) 2025 Srushti B. Shah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Technology and Social Ills: A Double-Edged Sword in Contemporary Society
The rapid advancement of technology has become one of the most defining features of the twenty-first century, profoundly transforming the way individuals communicate, learn, work, and interact. While technology has brought unprecedented opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and connectivity, it has also generated a range of social challenges that question the ethical, psychological, and cultural foundations of modern life. This paper critically examines technology as a double-edged sword, an instrument of both social progress and moral disruption. It explores how technological innovations have improved access to education, healthcare, and global communication, while simultaneously contributing to social isolation, cyberbullying, addiction, misinformation, and erosion of interpersonal relationships. Drawing on sociological and psychological perspectives, the study investigates the interplay between digital dependency and the deterioration of traditional social structures, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy, ethical awareness, and responsible media use. Through a multidisciplinary lens, the paper analyses how human behaviour mediates technology’s impact, arguing that technology itself is not inherently harmful, but its misuse amplifies pre-existing social vulnerabilities. The discussion further highlights the implications of these trends for developing societies such as Fiji and other Pacific Island nations, where the digital divide and rapid modernization intersect with cultural change. Ultimately, the paper calls for a balanced approach that integrates innovation with social responsibility, urging policymakers, educators, and communities to promote ethical digital citizenship and sustainable technological engagement. In doing so, it reaffirms the need to harness technology’s transformative power for social good while mitigating its potential to deepen inequality and moral disconnection.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Human Work: Risks, Opportunities, and Pathways Forward
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the global world of work, raising fundamental questions about the future of human labour. While AI-driven automation offers significant opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and the creation of new industries, it simultaneously poses risks of large-scale job displacement, widening inequalities, and ethical challenges. This paper critically examines the dual impact of AI on human work, with particular attention to the balance between displacement and job creation, the changing nature of skills demand, and the emergence of human–AI collaboration as a new paradigm for productivity. Drawing on global debates and contextualizing them within small and developing economies such as Fiji and the Pacific, the analysis highlights both the vulnerabilities of low-skilled labour markets and the transformative potential of AI in reshaping education, healthcare, agriculture, and governance. The paper argues that the future of work will not be characterized by the complete replacement of human labour, but rather by its reconfiguration through reskilling, adaptability, and ethical governance. By proposing pathways that emphasize inclusive education, digital literacy, ethical AI frameworks, and policies that safeguard equity, this paper contributes to ongoing scholarship on ensuring that technological progress enhances human resilience rather than undermines it. Ultimately, the integration of AI into the labour market presents both risks and opportunities, and the outcomes will depend on how societies prepare, adapt, and innovate in response to this rapidly evolving technological frontier.
Bridging Tradition and Technology: Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge in Fiji and the Pacific
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges for the preservation and transmission of indigenous knowledge in Fiji and the broader Pacific region. Traditional knowledge, including oral histories, ecological practices, cultural rituals, and indigenous languages, forms the backbone of Pacific identity and resilience. However, globalization, urbanization, and environmental pressures increasingly threaten its continuity. This paper critically examines the intersection of AI and indigenous knowledge, exploring how emerging technologies can support the documentation, revitalization, and dissemination of cultural heritage while also addressing the ethical, social, and governance challenges inherent in their deployment. Through a review of contemporary literature, case studies, and regional initiatives, the study highlights the potential of AI-driven tools to enhance climate resilience, educational engagement, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Simultaneously, it underscores critical risks, including data misappropriation, cultural misrepresentation, and the erosion of community agency, emphasizing the necessity of community-led governance frameworks. The paper concludes that ethically guided AI integration, rooted in the principles of cultural respect, digital sovereignty, and participatory collaboration, offers a transformative pathway to safeguard Pacific indigenous knowledge for future generations while harnessing the benefits of emerging technologies.
Artificial Intelligence in Educational Assessment: Implications for Equity, Epistemology, and Development in Fiji and the Pacific
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of educational assessment, offering opportunities to move beyond standardized examinations toward adaptive, personalized, and competency-based approaches. Globally, AI-driven assessments provide real-time feedback, enable multimodal evaluation, and foster inclusivity for learners with diverse needs (Luckin et al., 2016; Holmes et al., 2022). For Fiji and the wider Pacific, these developments hold transformative potential in addressing persistent challenges such as inequitable access, limited teacher capacity, and reliance on narrow, exam-oriented systems. At the same time, the integration of AI into assessment raises critical questions about epistemology and the future of Pacific knowledge systems. Traditional learning in Fiji and the Pacific is grounded in communal, relational, and holistic epistemologies (Nabobo-Baba, 2006; Thaman, 2003), which may be marginalized if AI-driven assessment frameworks privilege Western, data-centric approaches. This paper critically examines the dual role of AI in assessment: as a tool for advancing equity, inclusivity, and educational development, and as a disruptive force that risks exacerbating the digital divide and eroding cultural epistemologies. It argues that for AI to contribute meaningfully to educational transformation in Fiji and the Pacific, policies and practices must prioritize cultural relevance, contextual adaptation, and equity-driven implementation. By aligning AI innovations with Pacific pedagogical values and development goals, educational assessment can evolve into a more inclusive, sustainable, and culturally grounded practice in the 21st century.
The Future of Environmental Monitoring and Climate Change Adaptation in the Artificial Intelligence Age
Understanding the current weather conditions of different countries within the African continent, along with their agricultural and development status, is crucial for establishing the novel use of AI in environmental monitoring and climate adaptation. Africa, being the second-largest continent in the world, indicates the urgency to forecast and prioritise climate-related disasters accurately, which is possible using artificial intelligence (AI). This study investigates the future of environmental monitoring and climate change adaptation in the AI age. The study employed a desktop research method, utilising credible journals and publications from verifiable sources. The findings revealed that AI has been deployed globally in sustainable forest management, conservation, and environmental monitoring, with great potential in agriculture. The study recommends skill analysis to determine the climate-specific areas to prioritise, with a reporting timeline to measure progress.
Copyright (c) 2025 Moro, Otuawe (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Application of Artificial Intelligence in College English Listening Teaching
Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in college English teaching. Guided by Krashen's Input Hypothesis in second language acquisition, this study uses the large language model Doubao to adapt a news text from China Daily into listening material for the College English Test Band 4 (CET-4). The research explores audio production and vocabulary list creation for the listening material, clearly demonstrating the application of artificial intelligence in college English news listening teaching. This approach effectively addresses problems in traditional teaching such as outdated news content and difficulty in obtaining appropriately leveled materials, providing an effective path for improving teaching efficiency and quality.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yafei Pang, David Marlow (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Artificial Intelligence in Education: Transforming Teaching, Learning, and Equity in the 21st Century
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping education by transforming the ways teaching and learning are designed, delivered, and experienced in the 21st century. AI-powered technologies enable personalized learning pathways, automate routine administrative tasks, and provide data-driven insights that inform pedagogical decisions (Luckin et al., 2016; Holmes et al., 2022). These innovations allow educators to shift from traditional knowledge transmission toward more student-centred, inquiry-based, and collaborative models of learning. Furthermore, AI offers opportunities to enhance inclusivity and equity by supporting multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and those in geographically remote or underserved contexts (UNESCO, 2021). However, challenges remain, particularly in addressing ethical concerns, algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the digital divide, which disproportionately affects learners in developing regions such as the Pacific (Selwyn, 2019). For AI to serve as a catalyst for equitable and sustainable educational transformation, policies and practices must prioritize human values, cultural contexts, and teacher capacity-building. This paper critically examines the opportunities and challenges of AI in education, emphasizing its implications for equity, pedagogy, and the future of learning in the 21st century.
Balancing Innovation and Integrity in the Pacific: Exploring the Dual Impact of AI on Tertiary Education in Fiji
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into tertiary education is reshaping how students learn, interact, and prepare for the future. This paper critically examines the dual impact of AI on higher education, highlighting both its potential to enhance learning and the ethical challenges it presents. On the positive side, AI enables personalized learning pathways, expands access to resources, automates routine tasks, and equips students with future-ready skills. Conversely, risks include over-reliance on technology, threats to academic integrity, unequal access, and concerns about privacy and the dehumanization of learning. Drawing on recent studies, the article argues that the transformative promise of AI in higher education can only be realized if institutions adopt balanced strategies that integrate innovation with ethical safeguards. The paper concludes by proposing policy and pedagogical frameworks that promote responsible AI use, ensuring that technological advancement complements, rather than compromises, academic integrity and holistic student development.
Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
Coconut Diplomacy: Mexico’s Foreign Policy in the Caribbean
This piece examines Mexico's foreign policy in the Caribbean within the EU-CELAC framework, aiming to comprehensively analyse Mexico's historical ties, economic interests, and regional dynamics in the Caribbean. The study explores strategic partnerships, economic ties, and security cooperation, shedding light on Mexico's potential role in the geopolitical landscape of Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, it examines Mexico's engagement with indigenous communities in the Caribbean, focusing on environmental diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, resource management, and human rights advocacy. The research also investigates the interests of France and the Netherlands in the Caribbean, emphasizing cultural cooperation, economic partnerships, environmental collaboration, and security cooperation. The research uncovers Mexico's multifaceted engagement in the Caribbean, highlighting strategic partnerships, economic interests, and security cooperation. It also reveals the significance of environmental diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and human rights advocacy in Mexico's interactions with indigenous communities in the Caribbean. Furthermore, the study identifies potential areas for enhanced cooperation between the EU and the Caribbean within the EU-CELAC framework, emphasizing the benefits of cultural, economic, and security collaboration. The research employs a comprehensive analysis of historical and contemporary diplomatic interactions, economic engagements, and security cooperation between Mexico and the Caribbean. It utilizes a qualitative approach to examine Mexico's foreign policy strategies, historical ties, and economic interests in the Caribbean. Additionally, the study incorporates insights from cultural, economic, and security perspectives to provide a holistic understanding of Mexico's role in the Caribbean within the EU-CELAC framework. The overall conclusion is the significance of Mexico's diplomatic and economic engagements in the Caribbean, offering valuable insights into regional dynamics, strategic partnerships, and potential areas for enhanced cooperation. It also emphasizes the interests of France and the Netherlands in the Caribbean region, highlighting the importance of cultural, economic, and security cooperation. The study contributes to a better understanding of the geopolitical landscape of Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the potential for collaborative initiatives within the EU-CELAC framework. Disengagement and Tolerance are not unconditionally a good thing. It can also be an expression of carelessness.
Copyright (c) 2025 Christian ILCUS (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Toward a Stable Order on the Korean Peninsula and the Management of Sino-Russian and Sino-Japanese Competition in Northeast Asia
The stability of Northeast Asia, particularly the Korean Peninsula, is crucial for global security and economic growth. The region remains highly contentious due to the competing interests of the United States, China, Russia, Japan, and South Korea, with North Korea's nuclear capabilities posing a significant threat to peace. Addressing these challenges is vital as the increasing tensions and shifting great power dynamics could lead to destabilization and conflict. Economic interdependence among Japan, South Korea, and China is substantial, yet historical grievances often inhibit security collaboration. The power dynamics in the region have evolved from a post-World War II bipolarity into a complex interplay marked by the influences of China and Russia, affecting responses to North Korea. Moreover, efforts to resolve the North Korean crisis through comprehensive agreements have stalled; instead, a focus on manageable, incremental engagements is necessary for fostering trust and stability. Failure to address these emerging challenges risks further entrenching historical animosities and fostering instability, which in turn could jeopardize economic relationships and security alliances. The absence of effective diplomacy may lead to increased militarization, potential conflict escalation, and disrupted trade flows, with significant consequences for regional and global security frameworks. To foster stability in the region, it is recommended to establish a Northeast Asia Stabilization Forum to facilitate ongoing dialogue and manage security issues collaboratively. Strengthening economic integration initiatives through mutual benefit-focused joint ventures among Japan, South Korea, and China is also vital. Additionally, coordinating humanitarian and development projects can enhance goodwill and compliance with broader security measures. A shift towards incremental diplomatic strategies that prioritize phased confidence-building measures with North Korea is essential. Engaging external actors such as the U.S. and the European Union will support regional stability through shared economic and security initiatives. In conclusion, creating a stable regional order in Northeast Asia is imperative not just for immediate crisis management but also for securing long-term peace and prosperity. By implementing these recommendations, regional actors can work towards a cooperative future that prioritizes security and economic growth, positioning Northeast Asia as a fundamental pillar of a peaceful global order.
The Digital Dilemma in Education: Global Challenges and Ethical Opportunities in the 5IR Transition
As the world transitions from the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR), education systems are confronted with a profound dilemma: how to leverage rapid technological advancements while ensuring ethical, inclusive, and human-centred learning. This review critically examines the global educational implications of the 5IR, highlighting the dual pressures of technological innovation and widening digital inequality. While 4IR emphasized automation, AI, and data-driven systems, the 5IR demands a rebalancing toward empathy, ethics, equity, and sustainability in educational practice and policy. Drawing on contemporary literature from 2000 to 2025, the paper explores key challenges including the digital divide, curriculum obsolescence, ethical concerns in AI integration, and governance lag. Simultaneously, it identifies transformative opportunities, such as personalized learning, global collaboration, digital inclusion strategies, and the embedding of ethical reasoning within curricula. Special attention is given to how under-resourced and marginalized communities are navigating these changes, with an emphasis on ensuring that innovation does not exacerbate educational inequity. The paper argues for a paradigm shift in global education discourse, from a focus on technological readiness to one of ethical resilience and inclusive digital empowerment. Ultimately, it calls for urgent, collaborative efforts among policymakers, educators, and global institutions to shape an education system that is not only future-ready but also socially just and human-centred.
The Enduring Relevance of Essay Writing in the Age of AI
As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become ubiquitous in higher education, scholars and instructors question the continued value of essay writing as an assessment and learning strategy. Critics argue that generative models like ChatGPT can automate much of the writing process, potentially diminishing students’ engagement with core cognitive and rhetorical skills. Drawing on literature from writing-to-learn research, AI in education, and composition studies, this paper argues that essay writing remains indispensable for graduate‐level social science students. Three key dimensions including cognitive development, rhetorical fluency, and metacognitive reflection are examined to demonstrate how essay assignments cultivate critical thinking, scholarly voice and self‐regulated learning in ways AI cannot fully replicate. Further, integrating AI ethically into the writing process can enhance these outcomes when assignments are reconfigured to emphasize process, attribution, and oral defense. Implications for course design and academic integrity policies are discussed, with recommendations for leveraging AI as a pedagogical partner rather than a substitute.
Copyright (c) 2025 Terence Li (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Contributions of Presocratic Greek Moral Philosophy to Contemporary Educative Leadership
This paper identifies the contributions of Presocratic Greek moral philosophers to educative leadership. Educative leadership is defined as leadership that is educative in intent and outcome, thereby including deontological and teleological ethics. Forms of educative leadership used to trace the impact of Presocratic ethics include transformational, instructional, distributed, ethical, adaptive and culturally responsive theories of leadership in education. Four themes are identified in contributions: the transition from mythology to rational thought, the development of diverse ethical approaches, understanding the cosmos and human nature, and adopting degrees of relativism and Sophistic thought. It is argued that, by integrating these Presocratic themes, educative leaders can develop a more holistic, inclusive, and ethically grounded approach to leadership, ultimately enhancing the educational experiences and outcomes for all members of a learning organisation. It is concluded that Presocratic ethical frameworks can inform educative leadership by emphasizing rationality, virtue, and evidence-based decision-making, guiding leaders to navigate diverse contexts, model ethical behaviour, and foster inclusive environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Reynold J.S. Macpherson (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AMONG LANGUAGE STUDENTS AT BABCOCK UNIVERSITY: A MULTI-LEVEL APPROACH
English language is a lingua franca and the dominant language for international communication, research, business, and education, English stands out among the many other global languages. Therefore, this study addressed the interplay between assessment approaches, student motivation, and proficiency among undergraduate language students in a private university in Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted for this study while total enumeration sampling method was used to select the participants of this study. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. Analysis of data was done using descriptive statistics and simple regression analysis fixed at the .05 significant levels. A total of 70 respondents participated in the study. Their age ranged from 20-53 years with a mean age of 36.8 years. The results show that the most common assessment approaches employed in teaching English Language are summative assessment (3.431), formative assessment (3.209), peer assessment (2.987) and self-assessment (2.339). Additionally, the overall motivation level for English proficiency was moderately high; undergraduates are proficient in English language while 34% of the total variance in the undergraduates' English proficiency is accounted for by assessment approaches employed in teaching English language and students' motivation towards English proficiency. The study concluded that assessment modes and motivation play a significant role in English proficiency among students. Additionally, motivated students are more likely to develop effective learning habits, pursue goals with persistence, and experience a greater sense of well-being.
Copyright (c) 2025 ADEBAWOJO Bolanle Omolayo (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EXAMINING THE MARKED AND UNMARKED NATURE OF CODE-SWITCHING IN ADVERTISEMENT JINGLES
When advertisers engage in code-switching, the language switches are either unmarked or marked choices. This means that the language switches are either normal and expected to occur or their occurrence are unexpected or unpredicted by the listeners. The objective of this study is to examine the marked and unmarked code-switching used by the advertisers in the selected advertisement jingles and the underlying reasons why the advertisers make these language choices. The primary source of data was drawn from 60 code-switched advertisement jingles collected from 30 radio commercials and 30 online advertisements on YouTube through purposive random sampling technique. The 30 radio jingles were collected from 12 radio stations in the Southwestern states in Nigeria which are Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti and Lagos. In each of the states, a private radio station and a public radio station were selected. The result showed that the advertisers made use of both marked and unmarked code-switching. The marked code-switching made by advertisers have a way of diverting the listeners’ attention towards the information of the advertised products and services. However, irrespective of whether the code-switching is marked or unmarked, there are some underlying reasons why the advertisers made the language switches which are ultimately geared towards ensuring an effective conveyance of intended information about the advertised products and services to the members of the society. It is therefore recommended that advertisers make use of code-switching as a rich and authentic communication tool rather than seeing it as a sign of linguistic ineptitude so as to prevent advertising from becoming fruitless and a waste of time.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mary Temiloluwa OSO, Emmanuel Taiwo BABALOLA, Abiola Omotayo. ADEWUYA, Sijuade Toyin ADENIYI (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From Instagram to Evidence: The Influence of Social Media on the Nutritional Understanding and Behavior of Young Adult Women
Background: Social media plays a central role in the daily lives of college-aged women, serving as a primary source of communication, entertainment, and health information. These platforms offer opportunities for promoting nutrition awareness but also present risks when unverified or misleading content is shared by unqualified influencers. Objective: This study examined the influence of social media on young adult women, focusing on their understanding of evidence-based nutrition guidelines, perceptions of source credibility, and related behaviors. Method: A survey distributed via Qualtrics at a mid-South U.S. university assessed participants’ foundational nutrition knowledge, social media use, and perceptions of information sources. The instrument was aligned with the most current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and included items addressing both credential recognition and demographic cues influencing trust. Results: Participants (n = 332) were primarily White women aged 18–21, with 99% actively using social media. Most respondents recognized registered dietitians as reliable sources, yet over half also trusted “nutritionists,” a title lacking standardized regulation. While many participants correctly identified certain national dietary guidelines (e.g., carbohydrates as the body’s primary fuel), notable gaps persisted, particularly regarding protein requirements. Visual and demographic cues, such as gender, age, and race, also shaped perceptions of credibility. Nearly 70% reported that social media influences their food choices. Conclusion: Social media shapes young women’s nutritional understanding and behaviors, with both informed preferences and persistent misconceptions evident. Findings highlight vulnerabilities in discerning evidence-based guidance, especially when heuristic cues override credential recognition. Interventions to improve nutrition literacy should integrate media literacy skills, clarify credential distinctions, and strategically feature diverse, relatable credentialed professionals in social media outreach.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kerri McClanahan, Kelly A. Way, Nick Johnston, M. E. Betsy Garrison (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Phenomenon of Binge-Watching Among University Students: Characterization, Driving Factors, and Reported Repercussions
The proliferation of digital streaming platforms has profoundly altered media consumption patterns, particularly among the collegiate population. This article aims to comprehensively explore television binge-watching within this demographic, focusing on its conceptualization, the underlying motivations (gratifications) that drive it, and the self-reported consequences. By synthesizing extant literature, this study provides an integrated perspective on this widespread behavior. Findings indicate that binge-watching is a complex activity fueled by desires for entertainment, emotional escape, and social engagement. Concurrently, it is associated with a range of perceived negative impacts on academic performance, sleep quality, and physical well-being. A nuanced understanding of these dimensions is crucial for educators, parents, and students to effectively navigate the evolving digital media landscape.