Invited Talks: Dr. Daron Benjamin Loo Explored Ethical Dimensions and Unique Insights in Online Discourse Analysis
政大英語教學資源中心於3月8日（五）邀請Daron Benjamin Loo博士進行演講。在上午的學術論文工作坊中，Loo博士透過深入的討論和豐富的經驗分享，詳細解釋了學術文章的文體（genre）結構，強調認識文體結構的重要性。講者還提到學生應該培養對文體的意識，並且指出老師可以通過介紹文體的方式來向學生介紹學術文章。這種做法有助於學生更好地融入寫作過程，培養對學術文章的欣賞，同時也更好地為他們在大學課堂中處理學術文本，以及未來的學術生涯做好準備。講者通過詳細的解釋和經驗分享，使在場聽眾對學術文體結構有了充分的了解，同時也更深入地了解了在寫作教學技巧上的重要性，以及對英語寫作的更深層次認識。
在下午的場次中，講者針對「以線上公共論壇進行論述研究的考量」主題進行演講。Loo博士首先說明論述分析（discourse analysis）是一門需要與時俱進的研究領域，而線上論壇（online forums），恰巧具備了此特性，因此適合作為該領域之研究主題。Loo博士接著提到線上論壇的文字常展現出的各種對話技巧，它同時也為人們互動和交流提供了一個民主的空間，創造了一種新的「常態化」（normalized）話語形式，即打破既有的標準語言使用方式去進行對話。另外，線上論壇也提供使用「多模態」 （multimodal）交流方式的機會，例如可以使用表情符號、表情圖、GIF等等。
然而，在進行線上論壇論述分析時，也需要考慮到相關的研究論理問題，包含：即使發文者是匿名的，被引用的發文仍可能被追蹤、線上論壇發文者同意參與研究與否、以及目前針對分析線上論壇論述的好處仍未清楚等等。雖然有上述的限制，Loo博士闡述了選擇線上公共論壇作為研究主題並不僅是因為它具備與時俱進的特性，更因為它們能對所研究的觀點進行了網絡化的洞察，並消除了事物之間的界限。
最後，Loo 博士說明了自己針對線上論壇的論述進行分析之研究，其中包括對馬來西亞 Low Yat 線上論壇上近期討論或質疑方言學校合法性的主題進行內容分析，並探討了該論壇上的語言使用，包括跨語言使用的例子、公開不同匿名性觀點的可行性，以及多模態論述分析所面臨的挑戰。
The EMI Resource Center and the Office of International Cooperation at National Chengchi University jointly organized an event featuring two lectures by Dr. Daron Benjamin Loo on March 8th. In the morning academic workshop, Dr. Loo explored the genre structure of academic papers through in-depth discussions and shared his rich experiences. He emphasized the importance of understanding genre structure and highlighted the need to cultivate students' genre awareness. Dr. Loo also pointed out that teachers can effectively introduce academic papers to students by discussing genre, facilitating a smooth integration into the writing process. This approach not only fosters students' appreciation for academic papers but also equips them to navigate academic articles in university classrooms, preparing them for their future academic careers.
Through detailed explanations and insightful experience sharing, the audience acquired a comprehensive understanding of the genre structure of academic papers. Furthermore, they gained deeper insights into the significance of teaching writing skills and developed a more profound understanding of English writing.
In the afternoon session, the speaker delivered a lecture titled "Some Research Considerations for Examining Discourse of Online Public Forums." Dr. Loo began by emphasizing that discourse analysis is a field that necessitates staying attuned to contemporary developments. Online forums, given their dynamic nature, serve as an ideal arena for research in this domain. Dr. Loo also underscored the varied dialogue techniques evident in online forums, emphasizing their role as democratic spaces for interaction and communication. These forums give rise to a new "normalized" discourse, deviating from conventional language usage norms. Furthermore, they provide opportunities for "multimodal" communication, incorporating elements such as emojis, emoticons, memes, and GIFs.
Nevertheless, ethical considerations must be carefully weighed when conducting discourse analysis of online forums. These considerations encompass issues such as the potential traceability of quoted posts, even if authors remain anonymous, the necessity of obtaining consent from forum participants, and the ambiguous benefits of scrutinizing online discourse. Despite these limitations, Dr. Loo provided insights into the selection of online public forums as a research focus, citing their dynamic nature and their ability to offer networked perspectives on the studied topics while breaking down traditional boundaries.
In conclusion, Dr. Loo discussed his own research on discourse analysis within online forums. This included a content analysis of recent threads on the Malaysian Low Yat online forum, examining discussions or inquiries about the legitimacy of vernacular schools in Malaysia. Dr. Loo also explored language use on the forum, presenting examples of translanguaging and discussing the feasibility of openly presenting diverse viewpoints facilitated by anonymity. Additionally, he touched upon the challenges associated with the analysis of multimodal data in this context.
About Daron Benjamin Loo
Daron Benjamin Loo, currently serving as a senior lecturer at the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning, University Malaysia Sabah (UMS), earned his PhD in Applied Linguistics from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand. Prior to joining UMS, Daron gained extensive experience at various universities in Australia, Thailand, and Singapore.
In his current role, Daron instructs undergraduate students in English for academic and specific purposes, and has also delivered academic writing courses to postgraduate students. Beyond language skills courses, he has shared his expertise in linguistics and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Daron's academic pursuits extend to classroom-based research, contributing to the ongoing refinement of his pedagogical methods. His research has been focused on corrective feedback and language awareness, as well as exploring students' English language ecology and sociomaterial aspects within the educational setting.
Daron's scholarly interests extend to analyzing discourses surrounding social issues in Malaysia. Presently, he is actively involved in co-editing a volume that delves into the concepts of ambivalence and belongingness in Borneo.
主辦單位：
國立政治大學國際合作事務處
國立政治大學雙語及多元文化推動辦公室 英語教學資源中心
承辦單位：國立政治大學英語教學資源中心
活動資訊
活動日期： 2024/03/08(五) 上午場
時間：早上9:00～中午12:10
地點：國立政治大學 AI中心中型研討室 (行政大樓8F)
簡介
講者姓名：Dr. Daron Benjamin Loo
講者現職：馬來西亞沙巴大學高級講師
Date : March 8th, 2024 (Fri)
Time : 9:30-12:10 活動備有餐盒
Venue : Al Center Medium Conference Room, Administration Building 8F, National Chengchi University
Abstract
The genre of research articles (RAs) has been a point of interest for those studying academic discourse. University academic staff and graduate students may also have a vested interest in understanding the genre of RAs, especially if there is an expectation for them to read and publish. However, one may wonder if such an awareness should be expected of university undergraduate students. In this tutorial, we will discuss opportunities and challenges that have been observed in an undergraduate-level academic writing course that is premised upon genre analysis. In this course, students are tasked at reading at least two published RAs related to their study program. The students will need to familiarize themselves with grammar and syntax features, as well as pertinent moves found in conventional RAs. An opportunity presented to the students is the reacquaintance of grammar and syntax within the context of use. Students are also able to become familiar with specific ways of presenting knowledge. On the other hand, students also face challenges, primarily in expanding what they know about academic texts (moving away from the typical 5-paragraph academic essay). This includes unlearning writing strategies taught to them as principles of good writing. Another challenge is developing an understanding of why RAs in their disciplines might present information in a certain way. Regardless of these challenges, introducing academic texts through a genre approach may support students’ socialization into their disciplinary community. This may initiate an appreciation for RAs, and perhaps help them become better prepared in handling academic texts as they progress further in their university education.
活動資訊
活動日期： 2024/03/08(五) 下午場
時間：早上13:30～下午15:00
地點：國立政治大學 AI中心中型研討室 (行政大樓8F)
簡介
講者姓名：Dr. Daron Benjamin Loo
講者現職：馬來西亞沙巴大學高級講師
Date : March 8th, 2024 (Fri)
Time : 13:30-15:00
Venue : Al Center Medium Conference Room, Administration Building 8F, National Chengchi University
Abstract
Online public forums have become a prominent source of data for
research on discourse. In particular, researchers can gather and
examine perspectives held by people through their participation on online public forums. Because of the option to remain anonymous on these forums, participants may likely be truthful in their participation, which enhances the trustworthiness of the discourse data. In this talk, we will discuss research opportunities afforded by online forums. First, these sites offer written data, as well as other multimodal forms of data such as images and videos. Next, meanings conveyed by users may also be represented through other semiotic means, such as that of emojis or emoticons. Another viable area for research is the interconnectedness of meanings found on forums. This reflects an extent of sociomateriality. Specifically, forum posts or threads may be connected with other sources of information (e.g., the provision of hyperlinks to other materials). This offers a networked insight into the perspectives being examined. Finally, in terms of language use, online discussion forums may also illustrate instances of translanguaging, which may give insights into the socio-affective and cognitive functions of languages used by forum
participants.