The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Dept of English and Communication

How can clinicians and researchers accurately measure the digital literacy of patients navigating prostate cancer care? In this study, Prof. Stefano Occhipinti from our department and co-authors describe the development and validation of the Prostate Cancer Electronic Health (eHealth) Literacy Instrument (P-CeHLI).

“What would happen if I die in a foreign country?” In this co-authored study, Dr. Neupane Bastola Madhu, Prof. Jeffry Oktavianus and Prof. Margo Turnbull from our department explore how Indonesian migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong navigate personal uncertainties.

"BITCH or BASTARD"—In this study, Prof. McEnery from our department and co-authors examine how these swearwords construct gendered identities in contemporary British conversation.

🎉【 Celebrating Prof. Li Shaofeng’s Distinguished Scholar Award! 】🌟

Prof. Li has been honoured with the Distinguished Scholar Award by the International Association for the Psychology of Language Learning (IAPLL) at its biennial conference, held from 20 to 24 May 2026 at Shantou University. This prestigious award recognises individuals making world-class waves in the psychology of language learning.

During the conference, Prof. Li also took centre stage to deliver an insightful plenary speech on & , lead a masterclass workshop on -analysis, and represent the Research Methods in Applied Linguistics journal at the editors' forum.

We are incredibly proud to have Prof. Li representing PolyU and pushing the boundaries of global linguistic research. 👏

How can structured, collaborative professional development help EFL teachers achieve meaningful digital integration rather than superficial technology use? In this study, Dr. Jo Shan Fu from our department and co-authors examine a technology-facilitated lesson study (TFLS) model, demonstrating how it enhances teachers' CALL competencies, technological confidence, and instructional efficacy.

How do metaphor and hyperbole interact within a single lexical unit? In this co-authored study, Dr. Joanna Zhuoan Chen and Prof. Ahrens Kathleen from our department develop a lexical-conceptual account of metaphorical hyperbole, discussing how scalar modification and cross-domain mapping operate together in authentic hospitality discourse.

【PolyU-CALLS 2026: Advancing Excellence in Undergraduate Research】

We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the 4th PolyU Undergraduate Conference on Applied Linguistics and Language Studies (PolyU-CALLS), held on 28 March. The event served as a vibrant platform for academic exchange, fostering innovation among the next generation of language scholars. 🎓

Conference Highlights:
• Global Participation: Welcomed approximately 120 attendees from the PolyU Faculty of Humanities, local institutions, and international peers from Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and Russia. 🌏
• Scholarly Exchange: Featured over 70 student-led presentations, showcasing rigorous research in applied linguistics and communication.
• Collaborative Environment: Facilitated meaningful dialogue between emerging researchers, seasoned academics, and industry observers.

Our sincere appreciation goes to our student volunteers for their professional coordination and to all presenters for their high-calibre contributions. Your dedication ensured that PolyU-CALLS 2026 was a significant milestone for our academic community. 👏

We look forward to welcoming you to our future initiatives as we continue to inspire excellence in language studies.

【FINAL CALL: Join the Future of Language Education at AIinLT 2026! 】🚀

⏰ Time is running out - Registration for the International Summit on the Use of AI in Language Learning and Teaching 2026 (AIinLT 2026) is closing soon. Don't miss your chance to engage with global experts and explore the cutting edge of AI-driven pedagogy.

📅 21 – 22 June 2026: The Summit (✅ TCS Course ID: EI0020260076)
🎙️ Keynote Speakers:
💎 Prof. LEE, Jang Ho – Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
💎 Prof. MCENERY, Tony – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
💎 Prof. MOORHOUSE, Benjamin Luke – City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
💎 Prof. PRATSCHKE, B. Mairéad – Independent Researcher & Advisor
💎 Prof. YANG, Hongxia – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR

📅 23 – 24 June 2026: Workshop Series (✅ TCS Course ID: EI0020260097)
Choose from a variety of 90-minute interactive sessions designed to provide classroom-ready AI strategies and hands-on experience.

🌐 Thematic Website: https://polyu.hk/hmcCh
🔗 Registration (Summit & Workshops): https://polyu.hk/ZOhCo
🔗 Workshop Details & Schedule: https://polyu.hk/AnbxN
🔗 Summit Programme schedule is now live! https://polyu.hk/WwEnI

✅ Earn Expert Insights and Learn Practical Skills! Keynotes and presentations from leading scholars in Applied Linguistics and AI. Connect with educators and researchers from around the world at PolyU. We look forward to seeing you in June!

Note: Participation is free of charge for all presenters and attendees worldwide. Please note that the Workshop Series are intended for teachers. Any remaining places will be offered to other participants if available. Placement is subject to availability. Please check your confirmation email for session allocation details.

How do social media platforms redefine what it means to be a professional teacher? In this study, Dr. Nejadghanbar Hassan from our department and his co-author Juyoung Song utilize a sociomaterial perspective to examine how English language teachers on Instagram negotiate and adapt their professional identities and practices.