Professor Denise Troutman | Rethinking ‘Sassy’: The Complex Intersections of Race, Gender, and Linguistic Politeness

Professor Denise Troutman | Rethinking ‘Sassy’: The Complex Intersections of Race, Gender, and Linguistic Politeness

Research by Professor Denise Troutman at Michigan State University examines how race, gender, and social context shape perceptions of politeness and impoliteness in language, particularly focusing on the term ‘sassy’ when applied to African American women and girls. The research challenges traditional theories of politeness and reveals a need for cultural contextualizations to avert harmful stereotypes.

Professor Carsten Herrmann-Pillath and Professor Guo Man | How death rituals are changing in China’s fastest-growing city

Professor Carsten Herrmann-Pillath and Professor Guo Man | How death rituals are changing in China’s fastest-growing city

Research from Professor Carsten Herrmann-Pillath at the University of Erfurt and Professor Guo Man at Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen Campus reveals how traditional funeral practices are being transformed in Shenzhen, an area of China which has rapidly developed into a huge metropolis. The research shows how government regulations, economic forces, and cultural traditions interact to create new forms of death rituals that balance modern urban constraints with deep-rooted customs.

Professor Will Greaves | How Donald Trump has changed Canada-US relations

Professor Will Greaves | How Donald Trump has changed Canada-US relations

Research by Professor Will Greaves at the University of Victoria examines how the Trump presidency has impacted the long-standing security relationship between Canada and the United States. His analysis reveals concerning shifts in the foundations of bilateral cooperation and trust between these traditionally close allies, with implications for the future of North American security arrangements.

Professor Magnus S. Magnusson | The surprising similarities between the structures of human cells and societies

Professor Magnus S. Magnusson | The surprising similarities between the structures of human cells and societies

Research by Professor Magnus S. Magnusson at the University of Iceland demonstrates surprising similarities between the organization of cellular protein networks and of human societies. He reveals how the invention of writing and, very recently, general education, transformed human civilization in ways that mirror ancient biological developments and emphasises how this makes humans unique.

Professor Bernd Schlipphak – Professor Oliver Treib – Dr. Constantin Schäfer | How citizens’ identities shape their support for international organizations

Professor Bernd Schlipphak – Professor Oliver Treib – Dr. Constantin Schäfer | How citizens’ identities shape their support for international organizations

Research by Professors Bernd Schlipphak and Oliver Treib, both of the University of Münster, along with Doctor Constantin Schäfer of ifok GmbH, Germany, reveals how people’s sense of global identity influences their support for international organizations. Their work demonstrates that reforms to international organizations can have opposing effects on different groups of citizens, potentially increasing societal divisions about global cooperation.

Professor Shanshan Yan | Heritage Language Learners Show Unique Advantages in Chinese Language Processing

Professor Shanshan Yan | Heritage Language Learners Show Unique Advantages in Chinese Language Processing

Learning a new language as an adult is challenging, especially when the new language has features that differ significantly from one’s native tongue. This phenomenon is key to a new study led by Professor Shanshan Yan at Peking University, which examines how language learning is affected when learners encounter features in their second language that are similar to those in their first language.