Journal of Asian Pacific Communication - Current Issue

Abstract

This study analyzed the website contents of 10 Japan-based study abroad agencies to examine how Japanese students are encouraged to study English in Hong Kong. The deductive content analysis revealed that the agencies (mis)represent Hong Kong as (1) a former British colony with English being used “throughout the city”, (2) a global education hub that thrives on and produces elite English-speaking youth, and (3) a Mandarin-speaking city economically flourishing with the rise of China. The study also found the city was marketed with nearly no reference to Asian and pro-Japan hospitality. This study discusses the significance of examining the present and future of Hong Kong’s English study abroad market which is situated in the increased competitiveness of the Philippines and Singapore, the continued western English/education supremacy, the shifting linguistic and national identity development in the city, and its new relation with the rest of the world.

Abstract

This study examines how feminist issues have been represented in South Korean press discourse from 1990 to 2022, using a corpus of 49,028 articles referencing feminism (peminijeum), gender equality (seong pyeongdeung), and gender discrimination (seong chabyeol), drawn from 54 national, regional, and online news outlets. Employing keyness analysis and structural topic modeling, we trace longitudinal trends and partisan variations in the framing of feminism. The findings reveal a marked lexical shift from gender-specific terms (e.g., housewife, female workforce) to more gender-neutral terms (e.g., youth, people), alongside a thematic transition from structural inequality to gender conflict, controversy, and electoral politics. Liberal outlets tend to emphasize structural sexism and misogyny, whereas conservative outlets frame feminism in relation to misandry and electoral and parliamentary politics. These results underscore the media’s role not only in amplifying feminist visibility but also in reframing feminist discourse through a polarized and depoliticized lens. This study contributes to feminist and Korean media scholarship by documenting the depoliticization of feminist discourse in the Korean press through a large-scale, longitudinal, and ideologically comparative analysis, while highlighting the need for journalistic practices that can foster informed and structurally grounded public engagement with gender issues.

Abstract

This study examines how English-, Malay-, and Chinese-language newspapers in Malaysia represent the local LGBT community. Drawing on the Discourse-Historical Approach, 167 online news articles published in 2023 by The Star Online (English), Harian Metro (Malay), and China Press (Chinese) were analysed. The Star Online appears to take a relatively inclusive stance, incorporating diverse terms and occasionally quoting LGBT individuals while balancing progressive narratives with sociopolitical sensitivities. In contrast, Harian Metro tends to frame LGBT issues through moral and religious lenses, often portraying those who renounce their identities as examples of repentance. China Press presents a broader range of perspectives, offering both supportive and critical views without anchoring itself to a fixed ideological stance. Compared to Harian Metro, both The Star Online and China Press appear to provide more space for civil society and international voices. These distinct patterns highlight how language in news reporting operates not merely as a tool for communication but as a mechanism for negotiating ideological boundaries. Collectively, these findings shed light on how multilingual news reporting reflects differing ideological positions shaped by Malaysia’s complex sociocultural and political contexts.

Abstract

This study analyzes the queerbaiting phenomenon that expresses an ambiguous queer relationship without confirmation in two films, Song Lang (Vietnam) and A Balloon’s Landing (Taiwan). Combining narrative analysis, visual discourse, and fan community feedback, the research indicates that elements (light, dialogues, and character motivations) are used to evoke romantic emotions between male characters. In a different sociopolitical context, Song Lang reflects the reticence of a conservative environment through cai luong, dim lighting, and silence. A Balloon’s Landing represents freer expression after Taiwan’s legalization of same-sex marriage but still maintains ambiguity to appeal to wider audiences. Findings show that queerbaiting is not simply a narrative device, but a cultural strategy influenced by law, censorship, market expectations, and active viewer interpretation. The study expands the queerbaiting framework into East and Southeast Asian context, emphasizing the role of meaning-making by the audience community in shaping a contemporary Asian queer cinema space.

Abstract

Translanguaging has emerged as a powerful pedagogical tool in multilingual education, yet its emotional dimensions remain underexplored. This study examines how Thai university students perceive translanguaging enjoyment in Chinese elective classes using Q methodology. Fifty-two undergraduate students participated in Q sorting, followed by semi-structured interviews to provide qualitative insights. Factor analysis identified three distinct perspectives on translanguaging enjoyment: (1) emotional engagement, which highlights reduced anxiety and increased participation, (2) cognitive benefits, emphasizing comprehension and metalinguistic awareness, and (3) individualized multimodal strategies, where learners integrate gestures, symbols, and digital tools. Findings suggest that translanguaging fosters both affective and cognitive engagement, reinforcing the role of positive emotions in language learning. The study offers pedagogical recommendations for incorporating structured translanguaging strategies, multimodal resources, and emotionally supportive classrooms. Additionally, policy implications highlight the need for flexible language policies and teacher training programs that embrace multilingualism.

This article reviews Multilingual Selves and Motivations for Learning Languages Other than English in Asian Contexts978-1-80041-721-2$ 123.80

This article reviews Humor, Identity, and Belonging: Constructing the Foreign in American-Japanese Interaction9783110759716€ 115

This article reviews Multimodal Chinese Discourse: Understanding Communication and Society in Contemporary China9780367672911$ 160.00

This article reviews Multilingual Crisis Communication: Insights from China978-1-032-56770-9£ 135.00

This article reviews Power, Affect, and Identity in the Linguistic Landscape: Chinese Communities in Australia and Beyond9781003320593£ 42.99

This article reviews Vietnamese Language, Education and Change In and Outside Vietnam978-981-99-9092-4€ 49.99