Current Issue
January–June 2026
In this edition, AIJOSH presents four scholarly articles that examine the evolving relationships between identity, language, communication, and cultural transformation. Drawing on literary studies, discourse analysis, applied linguistics, and cultural studies, the contributions explore how individuals and communities navigate increasingly interconnected social environments. From the uncertainties of migrant identity and the persuasive language of digital advertising to multilingual education and the adaptation of culinary traditions, this issue demonstrates how cultural encounters generate new meanings, opportunities, and challenges. Together, these studies reaffirm the importance of interdisciplinary perspectives in understanding the complexities of contemporary social and cultural life.
The opening article, “Migration, Hybridity, and Identity in Salman Rushdie’s In the South,” by Dyani Prades Pratiwi, Andina Meutia Hawa, Diah Tyahaya Iman, Nurhayati, and Ferdinal, explores the complexities of migrant identity through Salman Rushdie's short story In the South. Drawing on Homi K. Bhabha's postcolonial theory of hybridity, the authors examine how migration places individuals within cultural spaces where established identities become unstable and subject to continual reconstruction. Their analysis reveals that cultural encounters produce forms of hybridity and liminality, compelling characters to negotiate their sense of belonging between different social and cultural worlds. Rather than portraying migration simply as geographical movement, the study highlights its psychological and cultural consequences, particularly the tensions that emerge when individuals attempt to reconcile inherited identities with new environments. The article contributes to broader discussions of migration, displacement, and identity formation in postcolonial literary studies.
Shifting from literary representations of identity to contemporary digital communication, “Interpersonal Meanings in Nike's ‘Winning Isn’t for Everyone’ Instagram Campaign,” by Ilma Alfi Rahmi, Zulprianto, Eva Najma, and Zulfakhri Dt. Majo Datuk, investigates how linguistic choices shape relationships between commercial brands and their audiences. Employing Systemic Functional Linguistics, particularly the analysis of mood structures, the authors examine 72 clauses drawn from 53 Instagram captions associated with Nike's campaign. Their findings indicate a strong preference for declarative clauses and positive polarity, suggesting that the campaign primarily constructs an encouraging and engaging relationship with its audience through statements rather than questions or direct commands. By demonstrating how grammatical structures contribute to interpersonal meaning, the study offers insights into the persuasive strategies of digital advertising and the increasingly significant role of language in shaping public engagement within social media environments.
The third contribution, “Phonological Challenges in ESL Learning among Sinhala and Tamil Speakers in Colombo, Sri Lanka,” by Fathima Fazna Jawzi and Rohan Abeywickrama, examines the difficulties encountered by multilingual learners in acquiring English pronunciation. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study investigates how first-language interference influences pronunciation patterns among Sinhala- and Tamil-speaking students. The findings identify recurring challenges involving consonant substitution and syllable-based rhythm, alongside factors such as learner anxiety, limited pronunciation-focused instruction, and sociocultural attitudes towards accents. The authors also draw attention to the possibility that persistent pronunciation difficulties may become established habits when insufficiently addressed during language learning. By recommending contrastive teaching approaches, explicit practice of English stress patterns, and improved teacher preparation, the article contributes practical insights into the development of more responsive English-language instruction in multilingual educational settings.
Concluding the issue, “Cultural Acculturation in French and Indonesian Cuisine: The Case of Croissant Geprek,” by Diah Aulia Tiara Rahma, Yovita Renata Sophu Wera, and Dewi Fortuna Sari, examines the transformation of culinary traditions through cross-cultural adaptation. Focusing on Croissant Geprek, a hybrid food product combining elements of French pastry with Indonesian culinary preferences, the authors investigate how global gastronomic forms are modified to accommodate local tastes and consumption practices. Drawing on culinary literature, market reports, and digital consumer references, the study identifies processes of adaptation involving flavour, texture, ingredients, and preparation techniques. Its findings illustrate how culinary innovation can preserve recognisable elements of different food traditions while producing new forms of cultural expression. Through the concept of glocalisation, the article positions contemporary food practices as important sites for understanding the negotiation between global influences and local cultural identities.
The fifth and final article, “The Social Life of Animal Farm through Robert Escarpit’s Sociology of Literature,” by Hafidh Dwi Ahmad and Rima Devi, turns to the relationship between literary works and the social environments in which they circulate. Focusing on George Orwell’s Animal Farm through the theoretical perspective of Robert Escarpit’s sociology of literature, the study brings attention to literature as a social phenomenon rather than merely an autonomous artistic creation. This perspective encourages consideration of the relationships among authors, literary texts, readers, and the broader social structures that influence literary production and reception. By situating Animal Farm within a sociological framework, the article contributes to discussions of how literary works acquire significance beyond their narratives and participate in wider processes of cultural communication and social interpretation.
Taken together, the four contributions reveal a shared concern with the processes through which meanings and identities are constructed, communicated, and transformed. Whether through migration, digital discourse, second-language learning, or culinary innovation, each article demonstrates that cultural interaction is rarely a straightforward process of replacement or assimilation. Instead, it involves negotiation, adaptation, and the emergence of new forms of expression. These studies also highlight the value of examining everyday experiences and cultural practices as significant sources of knowledge about wider social transformations.
This issue reflects AIJOSH's continuing commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and international academic dialogue. By bringing together research situated in literary, linguistic, educational, and cultural contexts, the journal seeks to encourage critical engagement with the diverse ways societies respond to changing circumstances while sustaining and redefining their cultural identities.
The Editorial Team extends its sincere appreciation to the contributing authors for their scholarly contributions and to the reviewers for their valuable assessments and commitment to academic quality. We hope that the articles published in this issue will stimulate further research, constructive debate, and meaningful collaboration among scholars, educators, and readers interested in the dynamic relationships between language, culture, identity, and society.
Editor-in-Chief