Le but de cette thèse est d'étudier les corrélats comportementaux et neuronaux du transfert inter-linguistique (TIL) dans l'apprentissage d’une langue seconde (L2). Compte tenu de nos connaissances sur l'influence de la distance linguistique sur le TIL (Paradis, 1987, 2004; Odlin, 1989, 2004, 2005; Gollan, 2005; Ringbom, 2007), nous avons examiné l'effet de facilitation de la similarité phonologique à l’aide de la résonance magnétique fonctionnelle entre des langues linguistiquement proches (espagnol-français) et des langues linguistiquement éloignées (persan-français). L'étude I rapporte les résultats obtenus pour des langues linguistiquement proches (espagnol-français), alors que l'étude II porte sur des langues linguistiquement éloignées (persan-français). Puis, les changements de connectivité fonctionnelle dans le réseau langagier (Price, 2010) et dans le réseau de contrôle supplémentaire impliqué dans le traitement d’une langue seconde (Abutalebi & Green, 2007) lors de l’apprentissage d’une langue linguistiquement éloignée (persan-français) sont rapportés dans l’étude III. Les résultats des analyses d’IRMF suivant le modèle linéaire général chez les bilingues de langues linguistiquement proches (français-espagnol) montrent que le traitement des mots phonologiquement similaires dans les deux langues (cognates et clangs) compte sur un réseau neuronal partagé par la langue maternelle (L1) et la L2, tandis que le traitement des mots phonologiquement éloignés (non-clang-non-cognates) active des structures impliquées dans le traitement de la mémoire de travail et d'attention. Toutefois, chez les personnes bilingues de L1-L2 linguistiquement éloignées (français-persan), même les mots phonologiquement similaires à travers les langues (cognates et clangs) activent des régions connues pour être impliquées dans l'attention et le contrôle cognitif. Par ailleurs, les mots phonologiquement éloignés (non-clang-non-cognates) activent des régions usuellement associées à la mémoire de travail et aux fonctions exécutives. Ainsi, le facteur de distance inter-linguistique entre L1 et L2 module la charge cognitive sur la base du degré de similarité phonologiques entres les items en L1 et L2. Des structures soutenant les processus impliqués dans le traitement exécutif sont recrutées afin de compenser pour des demandes cognitives. Lorsque la compétence linguistique en L2 augmente et que les tâches linguistiques exigent ainsi moins d’effort, la demande pour les ressources cognitives diminue. Tel que déjà rapporté (Majerus, et al, 2008; Prat, et al, 2007; Veroude, et al, 2010; Dodel, et al, 2005; Coynel, et al ., 2009), les résultats des analyses de connectivité fonctionnelle montrent qu’après l’entraînement la valeur d'intégration (connectivité fonctionnelle) diminue puisqu’il y a moins de circulation du flux d'information. Les résultats de cette recherche contribuent à une meilleure compréhension des aspects neurocognitifs et de plasticité cérébrale du TIL ainsi que l'impact de la distance linguistique dans l'apprentissage des langues. Ces résultats ont des implications dans les stratégies d'apprentissage d’une L2, les méthodes d’enseignement d’une L2 ainsi que le développement d'approches thérapeutiques chez des patients bilingues qui souffrent de troubles langagiers. / The purpose of this thesis was to study the behavioral and neural correlates of Cross-linguistic Transfer effects (CLT) at the word level, in second language learning. Moreover, given that language distance has an impact on CLT, (Paradis, 1987, 2004, Odlin, 1989, 2004, 2005, Gollan, 2005, Ringbom, 2007), two distinct language pairs were examined: Close language pairs (Spanish-French) and distant language pairs (Persian-French). This thesis comprises three studies. In study I, Spanish speakers and in study II Persian speakers were trained for lexical learning until consolidation level. Cognates (phonologically and semantically similar words), Clangs (phonologically similar words with different meanings), and Non-cognate-non-clangs (semantically similar words), were presented in a picture naming task. Accuracy rates and response times as well as event-related fMRI BOLD responses to each word category were measured. Simple and direct contrasts with phonologically similar and phonologically distant words were performed. Thus, Study I reports the results of close languages (Spanish-French) and Study II, reports the results of distant languages (Persian-French). The neurocognitive processing of language learning was further investigated in terms of networks using functional connectivity analysis in distant languages (Persian-French) and the results are reported in Study III. The Results with the General Linear Model analysis show that with close language pairs (French-Spanish), the processing of phonologically similar words (cognates and clangs) relies upon a shared L1-L2 language specific neural areas, whereas processing of phonologically distant words (non-clang-non-cognates), activates L1 language processing areas, but also relies upon working memory, attentional, and processing structures. However, with distant language pairs (French-Persian), even phonologically similar words (cognates and clangs) activate areas known to be involved in attentional processing and cognitive control. Moreover, phonologically distant words (non-clang-non-cognates) also activate areas involved in working memory and executive function processing structures. Thus, the factor of L1-L2 cross-linguistic distance appears to modulate the executive load imposed to the system, on the basis of the degree of phonological overlap between L1-L2 items; thus in order to compensate for more effortful processing demands, the system recruits executive function supporting structures. The results of the connectivity analysis show that, in line with literature (Majerus, et al., 2008; Prat, et al., 2007; Veroude, et al., 2010; Dodel, et al., 2005; Coynel, et al., 2009), when the language proficiency is low, there is enhanced functional connectivity between and within language specific and other cognitive processing (working memory, attentional and cognitive control) networks. However, as proficiency increases, integration values (functional connectivity) decrease. This reflects that language tasks become less effortful and demand less cognitive resources. The results of this dissertation contribute to a better understanding of CLT effects on L2 learning, both in regards to different word types and L1-L2 language distance. These results have implications with regards to L2 learning and teaching strategies and approaches as well as with regards to the development of data-driven therapy approaches in the case of language break down in bilingual population.

Cette thèse porte sur la création d'un système expert d'alignement automatique des signaux chromatographiques répondant à une problématique de dérives et de décalages de signaux rencontrée dans l'inter-comparaison de données en milieu évolutif. Après un état de l'art des différentes méthodes d'alignement qui existent dans la littérature, les performances des méthodes librement disponibles ont été testées sur des jeux de données chromatographiques simulées et réelles. A l'issu de ce travail méthodique, il s'est avéré qu'aucune des méthodes n'apportait pleinement satisfaction en matière de performances définies dans le cahier des charges. Ainsi, une optimisation de la meilleure de ces méthodes d'alignement a été développée afin qu'elle puisse être annexée à un logiciel d'acquisition et de traitement de données chromatographiques. La dernière partie de ce manuscrit traite d'une problématique complémentaire, la conformité des échantillons en terme de contrôle qualité. La similitude des pics est évaluée selon des critères développés et validés par une exploitation manuelle des données. / This thesis focuses on the creation of an expert system for automatic alignment of chromatographic signals in response to a problem of drifts and shifts of signals encountered in the inter-comparison of data in evolving environment. After a state of the art of the different alignment methods that exist in the literature, the performances of freely available methods were tested on sets of simulated and real chromatographic data. At the end of this methodical work, it turned out that none of the methods did not provide fully satisfactory in terms of performance defined in the specification. Thus, an optimization of the best alignment method has been developed so that it can be attached to a software acquisition and processing of chromatographic data. The last part of this thesis deals with a complementary problem, the conformity of the samples in terms of quality control. The similarity of the peaks is evaluated according to criteria developed and validated by manual operation data.

The location of the site where the pioneers settled permanently was determined by the availability of water in the immediate environment. The Highveld contains fertile soils, a fine climate, and an abundance of water. The area has always been extensively used for crop and stock farming, but in general, mixed farming was practiced. The farmers depended on the availability of water, therefore their experiences, observations, weather forecasts, and conclusions, developed into a popular folk meteorology. Furthermore, environmental factors such as local topography, micro climate, hydrography, ground fertility, and the appearance of natural vegetation determined whether or not an area was suitable for permanent residence. The farmstead may be divided into three functional zones (the core-, extended-, and outer farmyard) that are joined by a canal network, used for irrigation and drinking water. The farmhouse and buildings, erected a stones throw away from the water source, served as a focal point for the activities of the farmer. The manipulation of the water source by obstruction of streams and the construction of water canals, weirs and water furrows, assisted the farmer in planning his activities and in using the water to his advantage. The settlement and development of the residence on the rural parts of the Highveld may be divided into three distinct phases. Firstly, the temporary trekboer phase, secondly the pioneer phase and thirdly the permanent settlement phase. The permanence of residence had a direct influence in the layout of the house, the method of construction, and the use of the available water supply. At first, the trekkers were content to reside in roof dwellings (their wagons and tents and a grass screen as their kitchen and a hut near a spring). The first houses were hartbieshuise and kapsteilhuise. The more permanent homesteads of the earlier settlers were a simple rectangular structure (pioneer house) with a saddle grass roof. With the introduction of galvanised iron sheeting, the house was expanded and developed into the veranda-, stoeproom- and a flat roofed rectangular house. This development resulted into a typical rural Highveld homestead. After the discovery of gold in the vicinity of the Witwatersrand, the first gold rush took place resulting in the proclamation of Johannesburg in 1886. Prospectors, mostly foreigners, descended upon the Witwatersrand. Housing took on a more planned structure resembling the late Victorian period of housing in England. The water supply and drainage systems were planned and improved, making it possible to provide running water to kitchens and bathrooms. This impacted firstly on the upper riches of society in the cities, later on the lower middle classes and lastly on the rural areas. European technology regarding the supply of hot pipe water and drainage systems changed the layout of the house. The cooking activity moved from outside behind a screen to a seperate room inside the house. Inevitable changes regarding collecting, storage, purpose, saving and drainage of household water took place. Between 1840 and 1910, evolutionary changes took place regarding sanitation, water supply and personal hygiene. Being part of a particular social class made certain facilities available to certain individuals. A rural Highveld dwelling rarely included sanitary facilities, instead dwellers had a more primitive wash basin in each room in which they washed daily. On a Saturday, a weekly bath was taken in a bathtub in the kitchen or bedroom. Trekkers simply relieved themselves outside. A revolution in sanitary habits and facilities became inevitable. The Victorian dwelling on the Highveld was built according to a standard plan, including a flush water system already in place. This was the ultimate manifestation of sophistication and civilization. The aim of this investigation is to identify the similarities and differences between the use of water by the pioneer, the poor people and the wealthy in their rural dwellings. Furthermore, information has been obtained regarding water usage and sanitation in the bathroom and kitchen in the rural dwelling to be useful in the area of historic architecture and the heritage of our water history. / Thesis (M.A. (History))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2008.

Le but de cette thèse est d'étudier les corrélats comportementaux et neuronaux du transfert inter-linguistique (TIL) dans l'apprentissage d’une langue seconde (L2). Compte tenu de nos connaissances sur l'influence de la distance linguistique sur le TIL (Paradis, 1987, 2004; Odlin, 1989, 2004, 2005; Gollan, 2005; Ringbom, 2007), nous avons examiné l'effet de facilitation de la similarité phonologique à l’aide de la résonance magnétique fonctionnelle entre des langues linguistiquement proches (espagnol-français) et des langues linguistiquement éloignées (persan-français). L'étude I rapporte les résultats obtenus pour des langues linguistiquement proches (espagnol-français), alors que l'étude II porte sur des langues linguistiquement éloignées (persan-français). Puis, les changements de connectivité fonctionnelle dans le réseau langagier (Price, 2010) et dans le réseau de contrôle supplémentaire impliqué dans le traitement d’une langue seconde (Abutalebi & Green, 2007) lors de l’apprentissage d’une langue linguistiquement éloignée (persan-français) sont rapportés dans l’étude III. Les résultats des analyses d’IRMF suivant le modèle linéaire général chez les bilingues de langues linguistiquement proches (français-espagnol) montrent que le traitement des mots phonologiquement similaires dans les deux langues (cognates et clangs) compte sur un réseau neuronal partagé par la langue maternelle (L1) et la L2, tandis que le traitement des mots phonologiquement éloignés (non-clang-non-cognates) active des structures impliquées dans le traitement de la mémoire de travail et d'attention. Toutefois, chez les personnes bilingues de L1-L2 linguistiquement éloignées (français-persan), même les mots phonologiquement similaires à travers les langues (cognates et clangs) activent des régions connues pour être impliquées dans l'attention et le contrôle cognitif. Par ailleurs, les mots phonologiquement éloignés (non-clang-non-cognates) activent des régions usuellement associées à la mémoire de travail et aux fonctions exécutives. Ainsi, le facteur de distance inter-linguistique entre L1 et L2 module la charge cognitive sur la base du degré de similarité phonologiques entres les items en L1 et L2. Des structures soutenant les processus impliqués dans le traitement exécutif sont recrutées afin de compenser pour des demandes cognitives. Lorsque la compétence linguistique en L2 augmente et que les tâches linguistiques exigent ainsi moins d’effort, la demande pour les ressources cognitives diminue. Tel que déjà rapporté (Majerus, et al, 2008; Prat, et al, 2007; Veroude, et al, 2010; Dodel, et al, 2005; Coynel, et al ., 2009), les résultats des analyses de connectivité fonctionnelle montrent qu’après l’entraînement la valeur d'intégration (connectivité fonctionnelle) diminue puisqu’il y a moins de circulation du flux d'information. Les résultats de cette recherche contribuent à une meilleure compréhension des aspects neurocognitifs et de plasticité cérébrale du TIL ainsi que l'impact de la distance linguistique dans l'apprentissage des langues. Ces résultats ont des implications dans les stratégies d'apprentissage d’une L2, les méthodes d’enseignement d’une L2 ainsi que le développement d'approches thérapeutiques chez des patients bilingues qui souffrent de troubles langagiers. / The purpose of this thesis was to study the behavioral and neural correlates of Cross-linguistic Transfer effects (CLT) at the word level, in second language learning. Moreover, given that language distance has an impact on CLT, (Paradis, 1987, 2004, Odlin, 1989, 2004, 2005, Gollan, 2005, Ringbom, 2007), two distinct language pairs were examined: Close language pairs (Spanish-French) and distant language pairs (Persian-French). This thesis comprises three studies. In study I, Spanish speakers and in study II Persian speakers were trained for lexical learning until consolidation level. Cognates (phonologically and semantically similar words), Clangs (phonologically similar words with different meanings), and Non-cognate-non-clangs (semantically similar words), were presented in a picture naming task. Accuracy rates and response times as well as event-related fMRI BOLD responses to each word category were measured. Simple and direct contrasts with phonologically similar and phonologically distant words were performed. Thus, Study I reports the results of close languages (Spanish-French) and Study II, reports the results of distant languages (Persian-French). The neurocognitive processing of language learning was further investigated in terms of networks using functional connectivity analysis in distant languages (Persian-French) and the results are reported in Study III. The Results with the General Linear Model analysis show that with close language pairs (French-Spanish), the processing of phonologically similar words (cognates and clangs) relies upon a shared L1-L2 language specific neural areas, whereas processing of phonologically distant words (non-clang-non-cognates), activates L1 language processing areas, but also relies upon working memory, attentional, and processing structures. However, with distant language pairs (French-Persian), even phonologically similar words (cognates and clangs) activate areas known to be involved in attentional processing and cognitive control. Moreover, phonologically distant words (non-clang-non-cognates) also activate areas involved in working memory and executive function processing structures. Thus, the factor of L1-L2 cross-linguistic distance appears to modulate the executive load imposed to the system, on the basis of the degree of phonological overlap between L1-L2 items; thus in order to compensate for more effortful processing demands, the system recruits executive function supporting structures. The results of the connectivity analysis show that, in line with literature (Majerus, et al., 2008; Prat, et al., 2007; Veroude, et al., 2010; Dodel, et al., 2005; Coynel, et al., 2009), when the language proficiency is low, there is enhanced functional connectivity between and within language specific and other cognitive processing (working memory, attentional and cognitive control) networks. However, as proficiency increases, integration values (functional connectivity) decrease. This reflects that language tasks become less effortful and demand less cognitive resources. The results of this dissertation contribute to a better understanding of CLT effects on L2 learning, both in regards to different word types and L1-L2 language distance. These results have implications with regards to L2 learning and teaching strategies and approaches as well as with regards to the development of data-driven therapy approaches in the case of language break down in bilingual population.

The location of the site where the pioneers settled permanently was determined by the availability of water in the immediate environment. The Highveld contains fertile soils, a fine climate, and an abundance of water. The area has always been extensively used for crop and stock farming, but in general, mixed farming was practiced. The farmers depended on the availability of water, therefore their experiences, observations, weather forecasts, and conclusions, developed into a popular folk meteorology. Furthermore, environmental factors such as local topography, micro climate, hydrography, ground fertility, and the appearance of natural vegetation determined whether or not an area was suitable for permanent residence. The farmstead may be divided into three functional zones (the core-, extended-, and outer farmyard) that are joined by a canal network, used for irrigation and drinking water. The farmhouse and buildings, erected a stones throw away from the water source, served as a focal point for the activities of the farmer. The manipulation of the water source by obstruction of streams and the construction of water canals, weirs and water furrows, assisted the farmer in planning his activities and in using the water to his advantage. The settlement and development of the residence on the rural parts of the Highveld may be divided into three distinct phases. Firstly, the temporary trekboer phase, secondly the pioneer phase and thirdly the permanent settlement phase. The permanence of residence had a direct influence in the layout of the house, the method of construction, and the use of the available water supply. At first, the trekkers were content to reside in roof dwellings (their wagons and tents and a grass screen as their kitchen and a hut near a spring). The first houses were hartbieshuise and kapsteilhuise. The more permanent homesteads of the earlier settlers were a simple rectangular structure (pioneer house) with a saddle grass roof. With the introduction of galvanised iron sheeting, the house was expanded and developed into the veranda-, stoeproom- and a flat roofed rectangular house. This development resulted into a typical rural Highveld homestead. After the discovery of gold in the vicinity of the Witwatersrand, the first gold rush took place resulting in the proclamation of Johannesburg in 1886. Prospectors, mostly foreigners, descended upon the Witwatersrand. Housing took on a more planned structure resembling the late Victorian period of housing in England. The water supply and drainage systems were planned and improved, making it possible to provide running water to kitchens and bathrooms. This impacted firstly on the upper riches of society in the cities, later on the lower middle classes and lastly on the rural areas. European technology regarding the supply of hot pipe water and drainage systems changed the layout of the house. The cooking activity moved from outside behind a screen to a seperate room inside the house. Inevitable changes regarding collecting, storage, purpose, saving and drainage of household water took place. Between 1840 and 1910, evolutionary changes took place regarding sanitation, water supply and personal hygiene. Being part of a particular social class made certain facilities available to certain individuals. A rural Highveld dwelling rarely included sanitary facilities, instead dwellers had a more primitive wash basin in each room in which they washed daily. On a Saturday, a weekly bath was taken in a bathtub in the kitchen or bedroom. Trekkers simply relieved themselves outside. A revolution in sanitary habits and facilities became inevitable. The Victorian dwelling on the Highveld was built according to a standard plan, including a flush water system already in place. This was the ultimate manifestation of sophistication and civilization. The aim of this investigation is to identify the similarities and differences between the use of water by the pioneer, the poor people and the wealthy in their rural dwellings. Furthermore, information has been obtained regarding water usage and sanitation in the bathroom and kitchen in the rural dwelling to be useful in the area of historic architecture and the heritage of our water history. / Thesis (M.A. (History))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2008.

Completely couched in and steered by the qualitative research method, this study examines the linguistic constraints on the code-switching of the bilingual Shona-Xhosa speakers in Cape Town. The views of the key research participants obtained through participant observation, interviews and questionnaires were heavily relied on. The motivations for the code-switching of the bilingual Shona-Xhosa speakers in Cape Town were explored in this study, including the Shona-Xhosa interlink. Myers-Scotton‟s Markedness theory was scrutinized to discern the assorted social variables motivating the bilingual speakers to code-switch in Cape Town while the Matrix Language Frame Model was used to determine that Shona is the base language and isiXhosa is the embedded language in the Shona-Xhosa code-switching in Cape Town. Diverse linguistic constraints were examined in the context of the Shona-Xhosa code-switching and their universality was disputed. Similarities between Shona and Xhosa were unearthed and the researcher recommends that further Shona-Xhosa studies be pursued. / African Languages / M.A. (African Languages)

La connaissance inter-entreprises permet à chaque société de se renseigner sur ses clients, ses fournisseurs et de développer son activité tout en limitant le risque lié à la solvabilité ou retard de paiement de ses partenaires. Avec les tensions de trésorerie, la nécessité de la croissance et l'augmentation de la concurrence, ce domaine devient plus que jamais stratégique aussi bien pour les PME que pour les grands groupes. La quantité de données traitée dans ce domaine, les exigences de qualité et de fraîcheur, la nécessité de croiser ces données pour déduire des nouvelles informations et indicateurs, posent plusieurs problèmes pour lesquels l'optimisation en général et l'optimisation combinatoire en particulier peuvent apporter des solutions efficaces. Dans cette thèse, nous utilisons l'optimisation combinatoire, l'algorithmique du texte et la théorie des graphes pour résoudre efficacement des problèmes issus du domaine de la connaissance inter-entreprises et posés par Altares D&B. Dans un premier temps, nous nous intéressons à la qualité de la base de données des dirigeants. Ce problème combine la détection et suppression des doublons dans une base de données et la détection d'erreurs dans une chaîne de caractères. Nous proposons une méthode de résolution basée sur la normalisation des données et l'algorithmique de texte et de comparaison syntaxique entre deux chaînes de caractères. Les résultats expérimentaux montrent non seulement que cette méthode est pertinente dans la détection et la suppression des doublons mais aussi qu'elle est efficace de point du vue temps de traitement. Nous nous focalisons par la suite sur les données des liens capitalistiques et nous considérons le problème de calcul des liens indirects et l'identification des têtes des groupes. Nous présentons une méthode de résolution basée sur la théorie des graphes. Nous testons cette méthode sur plusieurs instances réelles. Nous prouvons l'efficacité de cette méthode par son temps de traitement et par l'espace de calcul qu'elle utilise. Enfin, nous remarquons que le temps de calcul de celui-ci augmente de façon logarithmique en fonction de la taille d'instance. Enfin, nous considérons le problème de l'identification des réseaux d'influence. Nous formalisons ce problème en termes de graphes et nous le ramenons à un problème de partitionnement de graphe qui est NP-difficile dans ce cas général. Nous proposons alors une formulation en programme linéaire en nombre entier pour ce problème. Nous étudions le polyèdre associé et décrivons plusieurs classes de contraintes valides. Nous donnons des conditions nécessaires pour que ces contraintes définissent des facettes et discutons des algorithmes de séparations de ces contraintes. En utilisant les résultats polyédraux obtenus, nous développons un algorithme de coupes et branchements. Enfin, nous donnons quelques résultats expérimentaux qui montrent l'efficacité de notre algorithme de coupes et branchements / The inter-companies knowledge allows to every partner to learn about its customers, its suppliers and to develop its activity. Also this permits to limit the risk related to the creditworthiness, or the late payment of its partners. With the cash flow pressures, the need for growth and increased competition, this area becomes more strategic than ever, for both small (PME) and large groups. The amount of data processed in this domain, the requirements of quality and freshness, the need to cross these data to obtain new information and indicators, yield several optimization problems for which the recent techniques and computational tools can bring effective solutions. In this thesis, we use combinatorial optimization, text algorithms as well as graph theory to solve efficiently problems arising in the field of inter-companies knowledge. In particular, such problems was encountered in Altares D&B. First, we focus on the quality of the managers database. This problem combines the detection and removal of duplicates in a database, as well as the error detection in a string. We propose a method for solving this problem, based on data normalization, text algorithms and syntactic comparison between two strings. Our experimental results show that this method is relevant for the detection and removal of duplicates, and it is also very efficient in terms of processing time. In a second part of the thesis, we address a problem related to the data of ownership links. We compute the indirect links, and identify the group heads. We propose a method for solving this problem using graph theory and combinatorial optimization. We then perform a set of experiments on several real-world instances. The computational results show the effectiveness of our method in terms of CPU-time and resource allocation. In fact, the CPU time for computation increases logarithmically with the size of the instances. Finally, we consider the problem of identifying influence networks. We give a description of this problem in terms of graphs, and show that it can reduce to a graph partitioning problem. The latter is NP-hard. We then propose an integer linear programming formulation to model the problem. We investigate the associated polyhedron and describe several classes of valid inequalities. We give some necessaryand sufficient conditions for these inequalities to define facets of the considered polyhedron, and we discuss the related separation problems. Based on the obtained polyhedral results, we devise a Branch-and-Cut algorithm to solve the problem. Some numerical results are presented to show the efficiency of our algorithm.

Den här magisteruppsatsen består av en partiell översättning från japanska till svenska av IMAMURA Natsukos bok Kvinnan i den lila kjolen samt en översättningskommentar med fokus på kulturspecifika kategorier uttryckt i det japanska språket som egocentriciteten och andra kulturspecifika element i den japanska texten, de beskrivande onomatope (onomatopoetiska och mimetiska uttryck), och de västerländska låneordens förskjutningar (shifts) i en översättning. Dessa kategorier kan upplevas som svåra att översätta mellan två språk som ligger långt ifrån varandra. De teoretiska ramarna för uppsatsen lägger tyngdpunkten på riktningsekvivalens (directional equivalence), ett begrepp myntat av Anthony Pym, med fokus på likhet (similarities) i översättningen (Chesterman 1996), tillsammans med den etiska utgångspunkten representationell rättvisa (representational justice), beskrivet av Liu Yameng (2007). De utgör basen för översättningsmetoden och blir ledljus i översättningsval för översättning mellan språk i periferin av varandra. / This essay consists of a partial translation of IMAMURA Natsuko’s book The Woman In The Purple Skirt from Japanese to Swedish, together with a translation commentary focusing on egocentricity and other culture-specific concepts in Japanese texts, the descriptive onomatope (onomatopoetic and mimetic expressions) and the shifts in loanwords from western languages when translated. These categories are prone to cause issues when translating between languages so far removed from each other. The theoretical framework in this essay concentrates on directional equivalence, an expression coined by Anthony Pym, focusing on similarities in translations (Chesterman 1996) together with the ethical starting point representational justice as described by Liu Yameng (2007). These form the base for the translation method and serve as guiding lights in the choices made when translating between languages peripheral to each other.

The primary goal of this work is to answer this question: if Artificial Intelligences (AI) are proper subjects of moral consideration, then should we develop such AI – that is, AI worthy of moral consideration of its own accord? To answer the above question, it is necessary to provide a systematic overview of whether AI are, or could be, subjects of moral consideration. By combining P. Wang’s definition of AI with AK.M. Andersson’s “The Relevant Similarity Theory”, I aim to identify conditions under which an AI could be demarcated as a proper subject of moral consideration. As a comparison, I also combine Wang’s definition with M.C. Nussbaum’s “Capability Theory”. The proposed theories have two strengths in common – namely that they each are good and contemporary examples of two influential families of views in ethics, and that they, together, represent a fairly wide spectrum of ethical theory. Using the insights gained I first develop an argument showing that beings classifiable as AI under Wang’s definition of intelligence would be correctly demarcated as proper subjects of moral consideration, regardless of preference of the two moral theories. I then develop an argument answering my primary question as such: if AI are proper subjects of moral consideration, then we should not develop AI further. / <p>HT 2021</p>

This thesis examined body dissatisfaction and body change behaviors among adolescent girls and boys from a biopsychosocial framework. The contribution of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors were examined in relation to body dissatisfaction, weight loss, weight gain and increased muscle tone behaviors among early adolescent girls and boys. In particular, pubertal maturation, body mass index (BMI), perception of body shape and size and psychological factors, such as depression, anxiety, ineffectiveness, self-esteem and perfectionism, were examined as possible factors that may precipitate or maintain body dissatisfaction and engagement in body change strategies. The sociocultural factors evaluated were the quality of family and peer relationships, as well as the influence of family and peers in predicting the adoption of specific body change strategies. The specific mechanisms by which these influences were transmitted were also examined. These included perceived discussion, encouragement and modelling of various body change strategies, as well as perceived teasing about body shape and size. A number of separate cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were conducted to examine the above relationships and identify the factors that contribute to weight loss, weight gain and increased muscle tone behaviors in adolescents. Study 1 examined the psychometric properties and principal components structure of the Bulimia Test Revised (BULIT-R; Thelen, Farmer, Wonderlich, & Smith, 1991) to assess its applicability to adolescent samples. Study 2 investigated the nature of body dissatisfaction and weight loss behaviors among 603 adolescents (306 girls and 297 boys) using a standardised questionnaire. This preliminary study was conducted to ascertain whether variables previously found to be relevant to adolescent girls, could also be related to the development of body dissatisfaction and weight loss behaviors among adolescent boys. Studies 3 and 4 described the development and validation of a body modification scale that measured weight loss, weight gain and increased muscle tone behaviors. Studies 5 and 6 were designed to modify an Excessive Exercise Scale developed by Long, Smith, Midgley, and Cassidy (1993) into a shorter form, and validate this scale with an adolescent sample. Study 7 investigated the factors that contribute to weight loss, weight gain and increased muscle among adolescent girls and boys both cross-sectionally and longitudinally (over one year). Structural equation modelling was used to examine associations among self-reported body dissatisfaction, body change strategies and a range of biological, psychological and sociocultural variables both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Overall, the results suggested that both girls and boys experience body dissatisfaction and engage in a number of different body change strategies in order to achieve an ideal size. A number of gender similarities and differences were identified in the expression of body dissatisfaction and the adoption of body change strategies for both girls and boys. Girls were more likely than boys to report body dissatisfaction and engage in weight loss behaviors, while boys were more likely than girls to engage in weight gain and increased muscle tone behaviors. Generally, the same factors were found to contribute to weight loss, and more specifically, bulimic symptomatology, ad weight gain in both adolescent girls and boys. While a combination of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors contributed to bulimic symptomatology, only biological and psychological factors were found to contribute to weight gain in adolescents. The most notable gender differences were found in the model of increased muscle tone. Sociocultural and biological factors contributed to increased muscle tone behaviors in girls, while sociocultural and psychological factors were implicated in these behaviors in adolescent boys. With the exception of the model of increased muscle tone for boys, body dissatisfaction was a consistent factor in the adoption of body change behaviors. Consistent with previous investigations, the present thesis provides empirical support for the need to examine the etiology and maintenance of such concerns and behaviors from a multifaceted perspective.