Análisis sociolingüístico de una hispanohablante en Harrisonburg, Virginia / Sociolinguistic Analysis of a Spanish Speaker in Harrisonburg, Virginia

Tessa Adams
Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation

Los patrones dialectales de hispanohablantes nativos quienes saben inglés como un idioma segundo han sido un foco para académicos lingüísticos por mucho tiempo. El estudio presente compara las experiencias de una hispanohablante nativa biligüe de Harrisonburg, Virginia, con patrones de voz que son común en otras investigaciones más amplias.

The dialectical patterns of native Spanish speakers who know English as a second language have long been a focus for linguistics scholars. The present study compares the experiences of a bilingual native Spanish speaker from Harrisonburg, Virginia, with bilingual speech patterns common in the broader research.

Social Barriers and Cyclical Health Inequity: Addressing Disparities in Health

Kaitlyn Gentille
Independent Scholars and Sociology

This mixed methods study examined the lived experiences of participants negatively impacted by the social determinants of health (i.e., physical environment, economic stability, education), and the repercussions regarding their ability to access quality healthcare. Three themes emerged: evidence of social determinants, barriers to healthcare, and the influence of health insurance. These three themes illustrate the interrelated nature of the social determinants of health and the cyclical entrapment of social injustice and health inequity. To address the realities of the impacts of inequitable healthcare on vulnerable populations, interventions must be initiated to enact tangible, positive change for vulnerable populations.

Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations: Using Vignettes with Patients Who Lack Insight

Katelyn Fuller
Psychology

In the United States, an attorney may request a competency to stand trial evaluation if they are concerned that their client is not mentally fit to participate in their case and defense. Clinicians and psychiatrists may use vignettes to help restore competency if the patient lacks insight into their mental illness. While vignettes have been well documented in studying attitudes and awareness, decision making, and identifying mental illness, there is little to no research into their use in psychiatric hospitals. This paper explores how vignettes in short-term inpatient facilities may decrease patient stays and encourage restoration of competency, while use in long-term facilities may allow patients to analyze all aspects of the criminal situation.

"Money That Flows in the Shadows": Citizens United, Dark Money, and the Need for Rhetorical Competence

Kristy Kocot
Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication

The 2010 United States Supreme Court decision, Citizens United v. FEC, removed limits on corporate contributions, allowing disproportionate dark money influence from corporations in American political campaigns. This paper draws on peer-reviewed scholarly journals, legal documents, and advocacy efforts to highlight the negative impact that dark money has had on American politics. Citizens United and its aftermath demonstrate the necessity for rhetorical competence in a democracy that affords broad protections for individual and corporate speech. The paper argues that citizens can counter the disproportionate influence of dark money by enhancing their rhetorical competence and media literacy skills to effectively recognize and navigate the influence of undisclosed, untraceable funds in the American political system.

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