International Journal of English for Academic Excellence
AI-Based personalisation in Indian ELT: Prospects, Barriers, and Classroom Realities
This research scrutinizes the hurdles and prospects associated with the use of AI-driven personalized learning in Indian English Language Teaching (ELT) classrooms. The paper maps out the interplay of policy factors, changes in technology, and the realities existing in the classroom that support or hinder adoption through a systematic synthesis of secondary data which included published studies, government reports, EdTech evaluations, and large-scale pilot findings, among others. Infrastructural weaknesses (limited access to devices and internet) are among the major challenges pointed out, as well as linguistic plurality and the limitations of standard speech and language models being furthered by accents, the gap in teacher readiness for AI-based instruction, and the ethical issues in relation to student data, bias and assessment validity. On the other hand, a research study on the use of adaptive learning programs along with trials carried out in a controlled environment has highlighted the existence of great opportunities: scaled differentiated remediation, more low-stakes speaking and writing practice, richer formative feedback, and analytics that augment the teacher's role when systems are adapted locally and contained within consistent pedagogy. The study suggests a practical implementation framework consisting of equity diagnostics, curriculum alignment, localized model development, teacher co-design and human-in-the-loop quality assurance. The paper ends by stating that AI personalization can significantly supplement the communicative ELT goals in India only if its deployment is pedagogically based, locally adapted, ethically managed and backed by continuous teacher support.
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of English for Academic Excellence
AI in Education: Enhancing English Language proficiency among hotel management students - Challenges and Opportunities
In today's globalized new world, there are thousands of opportunities for enhancing teaching and learning practices using the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in the field of English. For hotel management students whose careers depend on effective communication and professional skills, AI tools for enhancing the English language offer valuable support in addressing these challenges, such as lexical and grammatical errors, weak sentence structure construction, and lack of coherence. These challenges not only affect their academic performance but also stand as a wall for their confidence in professional contexts. The paper examines the pedagogical potential of widely available AI platforms in improving the English language efficiency for the hotel management students. These tools provide instant personalized feedback, encourage self-paced learning, and also incorporate gamified features to sustain learner motivation. Findings suggest that students who engage with such tools demonstrate drastic change in accuracy, confidence, and communicative competence. On the other hand, the study critically engages with the challenges faced by hotel management students in English language learning and the struggles behind it. At the same time, the study critically acknowledges limitations such as the risk of overdependence, lack of creativity, and access to digital resources. By balancing the challenges faced by the learners with the opportunity created by AI tools, this paper suggests a hybrid model in which technology supports language development while the human role of a teacher in fostering empathy, creativity, and critical reflection remains indispensable.
Narrative Construction of Identity, Hope, And Resistance in Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl
This paper examines the construction of narrative-based identity, hope, and resistance in The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, and discusses narrative identity theory and psychological development. Broken amid the holocaust traumatic experience, Anne’s diary serves as a strong self-expression vehicle, a means of emotional control, and a system of meaning. The paper examines how Anne creates two identities through her changing narrative voice and interactions, most notably with her imaginary Dear Kitty, and how this empowers her to survive her fear, her imprisonment, and even her adolescence. Her diary is a historical trauma document, and it offers her agency, dignity, and moral resilience against dehumanisation. Using a qualitative analysis, the study has underscored the importance of diary writing as a revolutionary method in psychology that builds a coherent self and offers hope even in the worst situations. The current paper is a contribution to the larger debate about narrative identity, trauma and healing that can be provided by autobiographical composition.
The Evolution and Typology of the Megatext
The concept of the megatext has undergone significant theoretical expansion over the past four decades, evolving from a narratological construct into a framework for understanding large-scale cultural and digital formations. Initially introduced by Christine Brooke- Rose (1981) to describe the background systems supporting fantastic narratives, the term was later developed by Damien Broderick (1995) to denote the shared body of genre conventions that enable communication between science fiction writers and readers. Subsequent scholarship, including The Encyclopaedia of Science Fiction, consolidated this view by defining the megatext as a collective repository of tropes and narrative practices. Despite this sustained scholarly engagement, there remains no unified typological framework that adequately accounts for the megatext’s transformation under contemporary digital, transmedia, and large-scale informational conditions. In the twenty-first century, Allen Stroud (2018) extended the concept to participatory and transmedia fantasy cultures, while Bradley J. Fest (2017, 2021) reconceptualized the megatext as a materially and digitally vast aesthetic object marked by scale and partial unreadability. This paper traces the historical development of the concept, proposes a typology of megatexts, and argues that the megatext functions both as a mode of literary communication and as a model for understanding contemporary informational totality.
A comparative study of Communicative English: Professional & Technical students in urban and rural institutions
With experience of teaching English to young students in different Technical & Professional Institutions in Delhi& NCR like “World College of Technology & Management, Gurgaon, Lingayas’ University, Faridabad, HR Institute of Science & Technology, Ghaziabad, Institute of Management Institution, Noida, Chandiwala College of Medical Science, New Delhi, I found so many problems of the students have been observed. It highlights the importance of learning English as a key language of international business. It tells that English can be learnt by the students from rural areas by integrating different methods of language acquisition. Importance of English language is the current lingua franca of the international business, technology, aviation, diplomacy, banking computing medicines engineering and tourism. It experienced me in the subjects like Essentials of Communication and Technical Communication to Engineering students, Business Communication to Management Students, Communicative English to Medical students, Professional Communication to MCA and BCA students and many more. It is about more than 65% of students are not able to communicate properly in Communicative English. About one fifth of people all over the world know more or less about English. It is spoken by 1.8 billion people in the world and the number still increasing. Almost every single university in the world is conducting scientific studies in English. Total 60% of radio programs are broadcast in English, more than 70% of the content or address of mailing letters are written in English. English plays an important role in the world. More than 80%of all stored information in the world is written in English or translated into it. Foreign language skills, and in particular the English are a good tool in work, school, on vacation, when building a career or promote business.
Resistance of Gendered Subaltern: A study of Maya Angelou's I know why the caged bird sings
Black women in America have historically endured the triple oppression of race, sex, and class. This paper examines how women have been relegated to subaltern positions through systemic marginalisation by both the White community and patriarchal structures within the Black community. The paper analyses racial and gender stereotypes directed against Black women and their responses, ranging from silent endurance to outspoken resistance. Through an in-depth exploration of Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the study reveals the courage, endurance, and agency of the gendered subaltern who strives for equality in a deeply racialised and patriarchal society. Angelou’s autobiographical narrative is examined within the frameworks of postcolonial and Black feminist thought to highlight how personal suffering transforms into collective resistance. The paper concludes that Angelou’s writing not only reclaims the silenced voice of the subaltern but also reshapes it into a form of empowerment and cultural resistance, embodying the transformation from silence to song.
Humanising Healthcare: Navigating Trauma and the quest for healing in contemporary American Literature featuring The Nix and The GoldFinch
This paper explores the domain of health and medical humanities by examining how trauma, well-being, and transformative experiences interact, as illustrated in the contemporary American novels The Goldfinch (2013) and The Nix (2016). These novels powerfully convey the difficult process of reconstructing shattered lives while highlighting the human spirit's unshakable perseverance in the face of adversity. Through a meticulous examination, this research aims to examine the psychological impact of traumatic experiences, demonstrating their significant influence on the characters' emotional well-being, pursuit of personal development, and healing. Furthermore, it unpacks the extensive ramifications of trauma on interpersonal relationships and identity formation, underscoring the vital nexus between health and the humanities. Through a critical analysis of the authors' skill in capturing the complex interplay between personal and social pain, this study seeks to foster empathy through narrative. It also examines the transformative character development, which challenges established social conventions and provides new perspectives on the complexity of life. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the psychological effects of trauma and sheds light on the complex process by which characters reconstruct their identities, fostering greater empathy and understanding within the broader discourse of healthcare and human experience.
Harmonizing Identity: Feminist perspectives on musical expression in Barbara Probst's the sound between the notes
The paper explores the relationship between feminist aesthetics and musical expression, specifically from the perspectives of identity and representation of women. The primary objective of the study is achieved by applying “Feminist Aesthetics” by Carolyn Korsmeyer and Peg Brand Weiser. The theory introduces social construction of identity, and how each of these aspects is shaped by elements like race, national origin, socioeconomic status, and historical context, are reflected and perpetuated by feminist viewpoints in aesthetics. Throughout history, women have been actively involved in music, especially in literature where their experiences and contributions are frequently discussed. Piano became associated with modesty and femininity. Numerous female writers have won significant awards for their musical novels. The Sound Between the Notes by Barbara Probst is one such novel. It examines the complications of identity, especially for women juggling personal aspirations with household responsibilities, it is incredibly pertinent to today's society. Drawing from the novel The Sound Between the Notes by Barbara Probst, this paper offers insights into the challenges and opportunities for women in the field of music. The analysis spans a variety of contexts, including character analysis, narrative technique, thematic study and music as a metaphorical element. The paper concludes with the scope for further research. Key findings suggest that The Sound Between the Notes is an effective reminder of how important it is to follow one's passions while managing relationships and life's obstacles to create one’s identity.
Developing English communications skills using AI tools for engineering Tamil medium students: A Survey based study
English communication skills are essential for engineering students' academic and professional success. However, students from Tamil medium backgrounds often struggle to acquire these skills due to limited exposure and practice. This study investigates the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in enhancing English communication skills among Tamil medium engineering students. Employing a survey-based methodology, the research evaluates the effectiveness, accessibility, and challenges of AI-based learning tools for language development. Data from 200 engineering students and 50 faculty members across autonomous engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu were analyzed using statistical methods. The findings reveal a 42% average improvement in students' English proficiency after using AI tools, along with a strong positive correlation (r = 0.76) between regular AI tool usage and skill enhancement. Participants reported a positive reception of AI-assisted learning, though the study also emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure, faculty training, and institutional support. These insights offer practical recommendations for integrating AI tools into English language curricula tailored to Tamil medium learners in engineering education.
Cancer and Disability: Understanding the intersection of chronic illness, functional impairment, and the role of literature
With millions diagnosed worldwide, cancer is a chronic illness that significantly impacts a person’s social and emotional well-being. Its adverse effects extend beyond physical suffering to emotional distress and, in many cases, long-term disability. This paper explores the intersection of cancer and disability, examining the extent to which cancer patients qualify as disabled. It focuses on the challenges faced by disabled individuals with cancer, the role of literature in articulating their experiences, and the support systems that aid in their rehabilitation and social integration. Among all mediums, literature emerges as a powerful tool for representing the lived realities of cancer patients and advocating for inclusive policies. Ultimately, this paper argues that literature plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between medical understanding and human experience, making it indispensable in the discourse on cancer and disability.
Postcolonial Identity, Trauma, and Cultural Belonging in the namesake and swades
Trauma in diaspora is often characterized by emotional fragmentation, generational disconnection, cultural alienation, and the stress of balancing competing cultural expectations rather than being restricted to experiences of physical exile or forced migration. It draws on trauma studies as well as postcolonial theory. Through careful textual analysis and theoretical framing, this research contends that Indian cinema is essential in uncovering the frequently neglected aspects of diasporic trauma. Swades (2004) and The Namesake (2006) collectively depict the emotional, cultural, and psychological challenges that individuals navigating diasporic identities encounter, despite variations in genre, tone, and narrative style. This study uses The Namesake and Swades to investigate diasporic trauma. The Namesake asserts that identity disintegration stemming from cultural hybridization and generational conflict is the focus of the book, whereas Swades provides an alternative narrative mode of reconciliation through homecoming and reintegration. Their perspectives on trauma, postcolonial identity, and belonging are, however, complementary.
Gender Fluidity and Identity Transformation in David Ebershhoff's The Danish Girl
This research paper explores gender identity and fluidity in David Ebershoff’s novel The Danish Girl through the lens of gender theory, particularly focusing on the transition and inner conflict of the protagonist, Lili Elbe. Ebershoff’s fictionalized portrayal of one of the first known recipients of gender confirmation surgery delves into the personal, societal, and psychological challenges faced by transgender individuals. Using theories from Judith Butler, Michel Foucault, and other gender theorists, this paper examines how the novel interrogates heteronormative binaries and represents gender as a socially constructed and performative identity. It further explores the power of language, social norms, and the body in shaping and expressing gender. The novel is not just a historical retelling but a cultural text that contributes to contemporary discussions about gender diversity and the rights of transgender individuals.
The Socio-Cultural impact id Indian and Tamil Cinema on Contemporary society
Indian cinema, including mainstream Bollywood and regional sectors such as Tamil cinema (Kollywood), has a substantial influence on shaping and representing the socio-cultural patterns of the nation. This article examines the distinctive ways in which cinema shapes public opinion, subverts social norms, and creates awareness about issues of importance such as caste, gender, youth identity, and tradition. From the intersection of sociology and media studies, the essay discusses some classical movies such as Karuthamma, Kaaka Muttai, and Kaala. The essay shows how films are not merely for entertainment purposes but for educating people, challenging minds, and as an effective tool of societal change on a linguistic and regional scale in India.
Feasting on Freedom: Magical realism and the subversive power of food in like water for chocolate and the Mistress of Spices
In literature, food often transcends its literal function to become a powerful symbol of identity, culture, and resistance. This paper explores the subversive power of food within the magical realist frameworks of Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Mistress of Spices. Both novels present food as a conduit for emotional expression, cultural heritage, and personal agency, particularly for women constrained by patriarchal structures. Through magical realism, Esquivel and Divakaruni elevate culinary practices to acts of rebellion and self- definition. Drawing on feminist literary criticism and postcolonial theory, this paper argues that food in these narratives is not merely sustenance but a mode of communication, resistance, and empowerment. In both texts, the act of cooking becomes an alchemical process through which the protagonists challenge societal norms, reclaim autonomy, and reshape their realities.
The Horror Within: Exploring existential despair and moral disintegration in Conrad's Heart of darkness
Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is more than a colonial novella; it is a profound psychological and philosophical investigation into the disintegration of moral boundaries and the existential crisis at the heart of human experience. This paper explores how Conrad constructs a journey not merely into the African continent but into the depths of the self, where the thin surface of civilization is stripped away to reveal the horror within. The study focuses on the characters of Marlow and Kurtz, analyzing their trajectories through existential frameworks and moral philosophy. Drawing on the works of Jean- Paul Sartre, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Sigmund Freud, the paper interrogates themes of existential despair, the ambiguity of evil, and psychological collapse under colonial pretense. By examining Conrad’s narrative style, symbolism, and the psychological undertones of his prose, this paper positions Heart of Darkness as a pioneering modernist work that prefigures the literary exploration of moral ambiguity and human isolation.
Echoes of Suffering: Trauma and Healing in Zoulfa Katouh's as long as the lemon trees grow through Cathy Caruth's Trauma Theory
Zoulfa Katouh’s As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow offers a poignant exploration of personal and collective trauma against the backdrop of the Syrian revolution. This paper employs Cathy Caruth’s trauma theory to examine how trauma manifests in the protagonist’s fractured memory, temporal disorientation, and psychological doubling. The paper argues that trauma in Katouh’s novel is not only a product of physical violence but also of moral conflict, survivor’s guilt, and forced displacement. Healing, although partial and uncertain, emerges through acts of testimony, memory reconstruction, and connection with others. This study contributes to trauma discourse by illustrating how contemporary war literature provides a platform for voicing unspeakable suffering while offering a model for witnessing and recovery.
Sangati: A narrative of Dalit Feminist resistance
This paper explores Sangati (1994), a groundbreaking work by Tamil Dalit writer Bama, as a significant narrative of Dalit feminist resistance. Emerging from the tradition of Dalit literature, Sangati challenges dominant caste and gender hierarchies through its innovative narrative structure and political urgency. Departing from linear storytelling, Bama constructs the novel as a series of episodic anecdotes, reflecting the fragmented realities of Dalit women’s lives. Central to the text are themes of systemic oppression including caste discrimination, gender-based violence, and economic exploitation. Bama’s use of colloquial Tamil preserves the authenticity of Dalit voices and acts as a political assertion of cultural identity. The evolving consciousness of the narrator illustrates the formation of a critical Dalit feminist perspective, marking a shift from passive endurance to active resistance. Sangati highlights the intersectionality of caste and gender oppression, arguing that Dalit women experience a unique form of marginalization often overlooked by mainstream feminism and Dalit male discourse. Moreover, Bama critiques the failure of religious and educational institutions to dismantle caste structures, emphasizing the necessity of self-reliance and collective solidarity among Dalit women. The paper argues that Sangati functions not merely as a record of suffering but as a dynamic text of empowerment, documenting both everyday injustices and acts of resilience. In doing so, Bama redefines notions of agency, identity, and resistance within the framework of Dalit feminism. As a literary and political intervention, Sangati remains profoundly relevant to contemporary discourses on intersectionality, social justice, and the politics of representation.
Internal conflicts and the Negotiation of identity in Easterine Kire's sky is my father: A Naga Village remembered
Easterine Kire's Sky is My Father emotionally depicts the internal struggles of Naga individuals grappling with the arrival of Christianity. The novel explores the profound sense of dislocation and loss of identity as traditional animistic beliefs are challenged and eroded by Christian teachings. This paper examines the profound impact of Christianity on the indigenous Naga people of Northeast India. Furthermore, the paper will investigate how these characters, while initially resistant, come to understand and even grudgingly accept the happiness and fulfilment experienced by their clansmen who have embraced Christianity and embraced new opportunities. By examining the complexities of these internal struggles and the evolving perspectives of the characters and drawing upon Edward Said's concept of Orientalism, the paper argues that the introduction of Christianity can be seen as a form of cultural imperialism, leading to a sense of marginalization and displacement among the Naga people.
Beyond Binaries: A gendered reading of Devdutt Pattanaik's The Pregnant King
This research paper explores the fluid, non-binary representation of gender in Devdutt Pattanaik’s novel The Pregnant King. With a deliberate departure from traditional gender norms, the novel brings forth a nuanced reimagining of Indian mythology to interrogate the fixed binaries of male and female, father and mother, king and queen. The central character, King Yuvanashva, a man who becomes pregnant and gives birth, serves as a powerful metaphor for the instability of gender roles in both myth and reality. This paper attempts to read the novel through the lens of gender theory, focusing on identity, performativity, and the societal structures that impose conformity. By analysing both the content and form of Pattanaik’s narrative, the paper underscores how myth can serve as a site of resistance against patriarchal binaries.
Language Lab: A Virtual practical space for enhancing engineering student's English proficiency
English is one of the prominent academic languages in India. The majority of higher education institutions are using English as the medium of academic communication; particularly engineering institutions. As learners in India, the students acquire English as a second language after their mother tongue. In the Indian Constitution, the English language holds the status of one of the official languages of India. Particularly, English serves as the language of choice for higher education, business, administration and professional sectors in the country. However, in higher education, English remains a direct instructional tool to receive receptive and productive skills. In the engineering curriculum, practical- oriented learning is emphasised rather than theoretical and takes place at various laboratories inside the institution. Therefore, to learn and practice English the institution is essential to have an English language laboratory (Lab). In this study, the perceptions of English language teachers toward the English language laboratory (Lab) and the problems faced by engineering students in acquiring reading and writing skills are reviewed, with the help of questionnaires collected from 150 English language teachers in Erode district, Tamil Nadu. Eventually, the article concludes by addressing the question, Is an English language laboratory (Lab) a necessity in higher educational institutions, particularly in engineering colleges?
Queering the Narrative: Emily's path through Fluidity in Aruvi
This paper explores the concept of fluid identity through the character of Emily in the Tamil film Aruvi (2016). Fluid identity refers to the idea that identity is not fixed, but rather, continuously evolves and adapts across contexts, resisting rigid categorisations of gender, sexuality, class, or cultural boundaries. Rooted in postmodern and queer theories, fluid identity challenges the essentialist notions of identity and instead embraces flexibility, multiplicity, and hybridity. In the context of neo-colonialism, fluid identity becomes a form of resistance to the dominance of Western-centric, homogenising forces that seek to impose uniform identity constructs onto diverse, non- Western cultures. Neo-colonialism often reinforces binary and rigid categories, marginalising those who live outside these structures. Emily, a key figure in Aruvi, is a striking portrayal of fluid identity in contemporary Indian cinema. Her character disrupts traditional gender roles, embraces androgyny, and navigates various intersections of class and marginalisation. In Emily, we see an embodiment of the struggle between local identities and global, neo- colonial influences, as she defies categorisation and embraces a self that is continually in flux. This paper argues that Emily’s portrayal of both a personal journey of self-acceptance and a broader critique of society’s rigid structures reflects how fluid identities confront and resist neo-colonial power dynamics. Through an analysis of Emily’s narrative and the film’s cinematic techniques, this paper seeks to demonstrate how Aruvi offers a powerful commentary on the fluidity of identity in a world still shaped by colonial legacies.
Disney and Grimm Brothers: A Cultural and Literary Analysis
This article explores the intricate relationship between Disney adaptations and the original tales by the Brothers Grimm, highlighting the cultural, social and literary implications of their transformations. Disney's reimagining of these classic tales involves significant narrative simplification and thematic shifts, which reshape the darker and more morally complex elements of the Grimms' stories to align with contemporary sensibilities and commercial objectives. A comprehensive analysis reveals how Disney’s adaptations modify character arcs, dilute moral ambiguities, and incorporate optimistic resolutions that appeal to wider audiences, particularly children. For instance, in Snow White and Cinderella, the Grimm versions emphasize harsher realities and moral lessons, while Disney’s versions prioritize romance, individual empowerment, and universal notions of good triumphing over evil. These changes not only cater to audience preferences but also reflect and reinforce the cultural ideals and gender norms of the time. By examining socio-cultural trends, this study underscores Disney’s role in shaping modern perceptions of these timeless stories. The sanitization of violence, the redefinition of characters, and the infusion of spectacle exemplify how media adaptations can serve as ideological tools, perpetuating specific worldviews while marginalizing others. These transformations extend beyond mere entertainment, influencing values, norms, and cultural identities globally. Future research is encouraged to investigate the broader impact of Disney’s adaptations on global storytelling and media. Areas such as the commodification of folklore, cross-cultural reinterpretations, and the evolving reception of these tales in different sociopolitical contexts hold particular promise for further exploration. By tracing the legacy of these adaptations, scholars can better understand the interplay between tradition, commerce, and media in shaping collective narratives and cultural memory.
Sustainable futures in Utopian and Dystopian Literature: A Comparative study of works by Thomas More, Aldus Huxley and Margaret Atwood
This research examines sustainability in utopian and dystopian literature through the works of Thomas More, Aldous Huxley, and Margaret Atwood, focusing on the balance between technological advancement, social justice, and environmental stewardship. More's Utopia envisions equality as central to harmony, while Huxley's Brave New World and Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale caution against societies prioritising control over freedom, leading to environmental and human crises. Technology emerges as a double-edged theme—used for improvement in Utopia, exploited for manipulation in Brave New World, and both enabling and threatening in The Handmaid's Tale. The study also explores the tension between individual responsibility and collective action, with More emphasising communal accountability, Huxley depicting enforced conformity, and Atwood advocating for resistance and collaboration to foster change.
Exploring the theme of Cultural infusion in Dil Bechara: From Novel to Cinema
This study explores the cultural infusion evident in the Bollywood adaptation Dil Bechara of John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. The research focuses on the plot deconstruction and comparative analysis of the novel and its adaptations in English (Hollywood) and Hindi (Bollywood). It examines the creative liberties taken to align the narrative with the cultural and emotional sensibilities of the target audience, emphasising how Bollywood’s incorporation of cultural elements creates a distinct identity for the adaptation. The role of cultural standards in Bollywood adaptations is more pronounced than in Hollywood and this paper evaluates the techniques employed by filmmakers to encapsulate the novel’s essence while catering to Indian viewers.