https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22325 Sun, 05 Jul 2026 05:34:17 GMT 2026-07-05T05:34:17Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147771 Title: De mortuis nil nisi bonum dicendum : an exploration of semantic prosody in obituary discourse Authors: Gatt, Donovan Abstract: Motivation for this research project stems from the paradox inherent in obituary discourse: the simultaneous expectation of praise for the deceased and the potential for subtle criticism veiled beneath genre conventions. This paper investigates the semantic prosody of the evaluative items chameleon and chameleon-like in opinative obituaries, aiming to uncover the extent to which such terms may carry covert attitudinal implications. This study is important as it addresses the gap in corpus-based prosodic research applied to the obituary genre and sheds light on how appraisal and social norms interplay in memorialising the dead. The study examines whether these items display genre-exclusive prosodies and how intuitive reader interpretations align with actual prosodic patterns. An interdisciplinary methodology drawing on corpus linguistics, discourse analysis, Systemic Functional Linguistics, and pragmatics underpins the study. A triangulated approach was used to analyse three data sources: a purpose-built obituary corpus, the iWeb corpus for cross-genre reference, and an intuition diagnostic survey administered to native English speakers. Findings reveal that these terms overwhelmingly attract a favourable SP within obituaries, contrasting with both the more neutral prosody found in the multi-genre iWeb corpus and survey respondents' predominantly negative interpretations. These results suggest that obituary writers may subtly shape evaluative meaning while maintaining interpretive ambiguity. This raises questions about the effort required by obituary readers to reconcile intuitive evaluations with the more favourable prosodic patterns embedded in the discourse. The study concludes that genre context significantly influences prosodic perception, with collostructional patterns playing a key role in shaping evaluative meaning. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147771 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146975 Title: Virtual reality integration in English language education : a case study in Malta Authors: Terzic, Sanja; Xerri, Daniel Abstract: This chapter explores the implementation of Virtual Reality (VR) in English Language Teaching (ELT) within a Maltese language school, focusing on how immersive technology intersects with inclusive and equitable digital education practices. Drawing on classroom observations, interviews, and questionnaires, the study investigates stakeholder perspectives on VR’s pedagogical potential, alongside the practical and structural challenges of its integration. Findings reveal that while VR might demonstrate the potential to enhance language learning, its effectiveness is hindered by limited access to headsets, inconsistent teacher education, and insufficient professional development. The chapter highlights disparities in student participation and teacher confidence, pointing to critical gaps in technological readiness and instructional design. It concludes by underscoring the importance of equitable access to digital tools and ongoing support for educators as essential conditions for fostering inclusive and effective VR- supported language learning environments. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146975 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146974 Title: Leading and teaching on empty : understanding burnout in ELT Authors: Xerri, Daniel Abstract: Burnout is an increasingly urgent issue in English Language Teaching, affecting not only teachers but also the school leaders who support and manage them. Drawing on recent research, this plenary explores the shared and contrasting experiences of burnout among teachers, Directors of Studies, and Academic Managers. It examines the causes of emotional and physical exhaustion in demanding educational environments, the impact on wellbeing, performance, and staff retention, and the ripple effects across school communities. The session also highlights evidence-based strategies for preventing and mitigating burnout, including systemic, organisational, and individual approaches. By foregrounding the voices of both educators and leaders, this talk aims to spark reflection on how ELT institutions can cultivate healthier, more sustainable workplaces where everyone – teachers and leaders alike – can thrive. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146974 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146774 Title: Human–AI collaboration in research : practical applications, ethical frameworks, and future directions Authors: Skubis, Ida; Xerri, Daniel; Adamovic, Mladen Abstract: Human–AI Collaboration in Research: Practical Applications, Ethical Frameworks, and Future Directions positions human–AI collaboration (HAIC) as a defining feature of contemporary research ecosystems. The book examines the incorporation of AI across the research lifecycle, including research design, literature work, data collection and processing, analysis, interpretation, academic writing, and dissemination. It highlights the opportunities created by automation and generative systems, alongside the challenges raised for research integrity, accountability, transparency, privacy, and epistemic authority. Ethical and regulatory foundations are addressed through established frameworks such as the Belmont Report and the Declaration of Helsinki, as well as European governance instruments including the Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI, the General Data Protection Regulation, and the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. By combining interdisciplinary perspectives from robotics, management research, and education, the volume translates abstract ethical principles into concrete research-relevant practices, offering a coherent and human-centred approach to trustworthy AI-supported inquiry. The book offers original, research-ready frameworks and applied guidance for responsible HAIC, combining real-world case studies with practical strategies for trustworthy AI use. It equips researchers, educators, and management scholars with tools for human oversight, transparency, bias mitigation, and accountable AI-supported workflows, ensuring scientific rigour alongside innovation. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146774 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z