Curriculum Vitae
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Aqsa Isa is a Senior Lecturer based in the Department of English Language, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia and Research Associate at Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Her teaching and scholarly interests are focused on the areas of Critical Discourse Studies, Social Semiotics and Multimodality. She is interested in multidisciplinary work and research involving (violent) extremism and (de) radicalisation, especially on social media, as well as religion and politics, among others. As a linguist, she has looked at various violent extremist and far right propaganda materials, exploring and understanding the ideologies and linguistic strategies used to garner support and attract potential followers. She is also exploring the recruitment, radicalisation as well as the reintegration processes, in which she has worked closely with former detainees, their family members and various local and international agencies.
In addition, Dr. Aqsa has been invited as a speaker and resource person in various Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) programmes by agencies such as the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs (Security Division), Malaysian public universities, civil society organisations, the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the SEA Women Peacebuilders Network.
Currently, she is also the faculty's student mobility coordinator. Her main responsibilities include designing and implementing student mobility programs, promoting and recruiting students, providing support throughout the mobility experience, coordinating communication, and evaluating program effectiveness. Her goal is to enhance students' international experiences, foster cultural exchange, and contribute to their personal and academic development.
Forthcoming publication:
‘Dust Off the Dirt of Laziness and Break the Shackles of the Dunya’: The Language of Female Extremists in Daesh Propaganda Magazines, Journal of Gender and Language.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
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OTHER MEDIA AND COMUNICATIONSSocial Semiotics, Media Discourses
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PERSUASIONViolent Extremism, Terrorism, Radicalisation, Religion
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DISCOURSE AND PRAGMATICSCritical Discourse Studies
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION
- PhD in Applied Linguistics, (LINGUISTIK GUNAAN)Lancaster University, United Kingdom
- MESL, (English as a Second Language)Universiti Malaya (UM)
- B.A(English Language), (English Languages)Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
- Ahli jawatankuasa spesifikasi sebutharga/tender bagi perolehan bekalan/perkhidmatan/kerja10 Oct 2023 - 10 Oct 2025 (University Malaya)
- Coordinator02 Jun 2022 - 31 Dec 2024 (University Malaya)
- Mobility Coordinator03 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2024 (University Malaya)
- THE AUA INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ON CORPUS LINGUISTICS 202324 Nov 2023 - 25 Nov 2023 (International)
- Course Coordinator14 Mar 2022 - 17 Jul 2023 (Faculty)
- Course Coordinator17 Oct 2022 - 19 Feb 2023 (Faculty)
- Committee Member02 Oct 2020 - 01 Oct 2022 (Department of English Language, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics)
MEMBERSHIPS
- SAGE OPEN: SAGE JOURNALS, REVIEWERSince 2021 (International)
- MEMBER OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN WOMEN PEACEBUILDERS NETWORK (SEAWP), MEMBERSince 2021 (International)
- JAWATANKUASA STRATEGIK LAMAN WEB UNIVERSITI MALAYA (UM), MEMBER2021 to 2023 (University)
- TIX1032 / 1001 COURSE COORDINATOR, MEMBER2021 to 2022 (University)
- TOX7002 COURSE COORDINATOR, MEMBER2021 to 2022 (University)
- AHLI JAWATANKUASA PROGRAM SAMBUTAN ULANGTAHUN KE-50 FBL, MEMBER2021 to 2022 (University)
- JAWATANKUASA KURIKULUM PERINGKAT JABATAN, MEMBER2021 to 2022 (University)
- JAWATANKUASA KEPUASAN PELANGGAN, PROGRAM IJAZAH DASAR, MEMBER2020 to 2022 (University)
- JOURNAL OF MODERN LANGUAGES, REVIEWER2020 to 2022 (University)
- TIX1006 COURSE COORDINATOR, COMMITTEE MEMBER2021 to 2021 (University)
- TOX7008 COURSE COORDINATOR, COMMITTEE MEMBER2021 to 2021 (University)
AWARD AND STEWARDSHIP
- EXCELLENCE SERVICE AWARDUniversity of Malaya, 2023 (University)
PUBLICATIONS
Article in Journal
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Rasoulikolamaki, Sahar; Zhdanava, Alena; Isa, Noor Aqsa Nabila Mat; Ahmad, Mohd Nazriq Noor; Kaur, Surinderpal (2023). A meta-discursive analysis of engagement markers in QAnon anti-immigration comments, JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE AND POLITICS. 22(6), 894-917. doi:10.1075/jlp.23038.ras
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Azhari, Sarah Sakeenah; Pillai, Stefanie; Isa, N. A. N. Mat (2022). The representation of cultural identity in Melaka Portuguese cookbooks, FOOD CULTURE & SOCIETY. . doi:10.1080/15528014.2022.2138317
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Rashid, Nurul Miza Mohd; Isa, Noor Aqsa Nabila Mat (2022). Examining the Effects of News Frames as a Risk Factor of Radicalisation, INTELLECTUAL DISCOURSE. 30(2)
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Isa, Noor Aqsa Nabila Mat (2020). The representation of Bersih 4.0 and Red Shirt Rallies in a Malaysian newspaper: A comparative analysis, GEOGRAFIA-MALAYSIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIETY & SPACE. 16(4), 250-259. doi:10.17576/geo-2020-1604-18
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Aazam F., Ang P.S., Mat Isa N.A.N. (2024). Social Media and Higher Education: A Linguistic Analysis of Identity Construction of Pakistani Universities, Galactica Media: Journal of Media Studies. 6(1), 17-42. doi:10.46539/gmd.v6i1.428
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Wang X., Kaur S., Mat Isa N.A.N., Kaur S. (2024). Image restoration strategies in pandemic crisis communication: a comparative analysis of Chinese and American COVID-19 political speeches, Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. 11(1). doi:10.1057/s41599-024-03825-5
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Haq T., Mat Isa N.A.N. (2023). DISCOURSE, LAW, AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION Unraveling the Hate Speech in Basuki Tjahaja Purnama s Case of Religious Blasphemy, Journal of Indonesian Islam. 17(2), 376-402. doi:10.15642/JIIS.2023.17.2.376-402
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Rasoulikolamaki S., Kaur S., Zhdanava A., Mat Isa N.A.N. (2023). In-group and out-group identity construction in extremist discourse: a critical multimodal approach, Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression. . doi:10.1080/19434472.2023.2245011
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Rashid N.M.M., Noor Aqsa Nabila M.I. (2022). Examining the Effects of News Frames as a Risk Factor of Radicalisation, Intellectual Discourse. 30(2), 315-342
Chapter in Books
- Mat Isa, N. A. N, Mohd Rashid, N. M., & El-Muhammady, A. (2024). Understanding the roles of violent extremist dream accounts in radicalization and recruitment. In C. Shei & J. Schnell (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Language and Mind Engineering (pp. 259-273). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003289746-22
Other Publications
- Mat Isa, N.A.N & Unger J.W. (2022). The Religion of Unbelief is One : Understanding the Violent Extremist Discourse from a Linguistic Perspective. The Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT), Malaysia. - Case Study
RESEARCH PROJECT
National
- 2023 - 2025, UM International Collaboration GrantExamining the Discursive Activities of the Malaysian Radical Extremists in the Aftermath of Quran Desecration Incidents: An Interdisciplinary Study ( Co-Researcher)
- 2023 - 2025, University GrantMarketization of University Via Twitter in Pakistan: A Multimodal Analysis ( Co-Researcher)
- 2020 - 2022, IIUM Flagship Research Initiative Grant Scheme (IRF)Examining The News Framing Effect Of Ideological Narratives On Radicalisation, International Islamic University of Malaysia ( Co-Researcher)
International
- 2022 - 2026, European Research Council Advanced GrantA Multi-Theory Multi-Method Approach for Preventing Radicalization Leading to Violence (MULTIPREV), National University of Distance Education, Spain ( Co-Researcher)
- 2022 - 2024, International FundingRebuild Project : Radicalization Prevention Through Resilience Building And Family Empowerment ( Principal Investigator(PI))
- 2023 - 2024, International FundingMedia Framing Of Violent Extremism Arrests: Consequences For Post-release Integration And The Toll On Family Members ( Principal Investigator(PI))
- 2023 - 2024, International FundingExamining The News Media Coverage And Online Public Sentiments Of Quran Burning Incidents ( Principal Investigator(PI))
CONSULTANCY PROJECT
- Libat Urus Pelan Tindakan Nasional Bagi Mencegah dan Menangani Fahaman Pelampau Keganasan (Nappcve), Kementerian Dalam Negeri, Consultant18 Nov 2021 - 18 Nov 2021 (National)
- Early Warning: Developing a Malaysian Guide On Violent Radicalisation, The Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) & United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Consultant26 Jul 2021 - 28 Jul 2021 (National)
- Gendered Approach Towards Outreach On Radicalisation (Gator), The Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia, Consultant01 Mar 2021 - 01 Mar 2021 (National)
PAPER PRESENTED
INVITED SPEAKER
- Media and Violent Extremism, Technology & Innovation In Building & Enhancing Resilience (TIBER 3.0), SEARCCT, HEDAYAH CENTRE & IIUM (National) (07 Jun 2024 - 07 Jun 2024)
- The Roles & Representation of Women in Violent Extremism, "Women as Peacebuilders 2023" Forum, ISTAC-IIUM and UniSZA (National) (14 Apr 2023 - 14 Apr 2023)
- #WomeninPeace: The Equity in Gender and Peace Development, The #EmbraceEquity, 2023 International Women's Day Festival, LeadWomen (National) (08 Mar 2023 - 08 Mar 2023)
- Identifying the Linguistic Indicators of Online Radicalisation Leading to Violent Extremism, Consultation With Local Stakeholders On Establishing an Intervention & Rehabilitation Group (IRG) and Developing a Community Awareness Training Manual (CATM) to Combat Radicalisation Leading to Violent Extremism, The Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)  (International) (28 Feb 2023 - 01 Mar 2023)
- Kenapa dan Bagaimana Wanita Dipengaruhi Ideologi Ekstrem dan Radikal?, Wanita Sebagai Pemangkin dan Ejen Keamanan (Women as Peace Agents WARNA), Institut Antarabangsa Pemikiran Islam dan Tamadun, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (ISTAC-UIAM) (National) (27 Sep 2022 - 29 Sep 2022)
- Rehabilitation and Reintegration: Understanding Extremist Detainees Post-Imprisonment Mindset, Conducting Effective Social Media Research, Sentiment Analysis and Open-Source Investigations for Early Intervention against Online Radicalisation, The Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) & The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (National) (05 Sep 2022 - 07 Sep 2022)
- Developing a Critical Eye: Dissecting the Discourse in the Messaging of Individuals Vulnerable to Radicalisation, Workshop with Experts in Developing 'Intervention and Rehabilitation Group' (IRG), The Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counterterrorism & United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (National) (18 Jul 2022 - 18 Jul 2022)
- Kill, Kidnap, Destroy... : A Critical Look into Violent Extremists Manipulative and Persuasive Language, Perspectives of Language Use in Media Communication (Vocabulary in War and Terrorism), Faculty Of Modern Languages And Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) (National) (17 Jun 2022 - 17 Jun 2022)
- Of Maidens, Stars and the Blue of Night: Understanding Jihadist Narratives in Songs and Dreams, UPM Webinar 2021 Discourse Studies, Jabatan Bahasa Inggeris, Fakulti Bahasa Moden dan Komunikasi, UPM (National) (16 Dec 2021 - 16 Dec 2021)
- Discriminatory Narrative in Extremist Materials and its Role in Radicalisation: A Linguistic Perspective, Radicalisation: How does it work?, ISTAC-IIUM (National) (04 Aug 2021 - 04 Aug 2021)
- "We Are Men That Love Death" : Understanding Jihad in Terrorist Propaganda Materials, MDRG Research Talk Series, Malaysian Discourse Research Group, IIUM & USM (National) (08 Apr 2021 - 08 Apr 2021)
- Negative self-representations for recruitment? A critical multimodal approach to understanding terrorist materials, Invited talk at The NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence (NATO StratCom COE) , NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence (NATO StratCom COE), Riga, Latvia (International) (21 Nov 2019 - 21 Nov 2019)
- Semiotic Construction of Identities in Extremist Recruitment Materials, Home Office Analysis and Insight PhD Seminars 2018-2019, Home Office Analysis and Insight, London (International) (07 Mar 2019 - 07 Mar 2019)
ORAL PRESENTER
- Preventing and Countering Extremist Violence , UMLinguists' Research Webinar: Language + Health & Wellbeing , Faculty of Languages and Linguistics (University) (01 Apr 2023 - 01 Apr 2023)
- Understanding released extremist detainees mindset through social media posts: A multimodal CDS perspective on Malaysian cases, The 12th International and Interdisciplinary Conference on Applied Linguistics and Professional Practice (ALAPP) 2022 , University of Jyv skyl , Finland (International) (15 Sep 2022 - 17 Sep 2022)
- The semiotic construction of identity for radicalisation: a linguistic analysis of terrorist online recruitment materials , Society for Terrorism Research 13th Annual International Conference The Data Revolution in Terrorism Research: Implications for Theory and Practice , Society for Terrorism Research, C-REX, University of Oslo, Norway (International) (20 Jun 2019 - 21 Jun 2019)
- The representations of women in digitally-mediated terrorist recruitment materials, ADDA 2 Approaches to Digital Discourse Analysis, University of Turku, Finland (International) (23 May 2019 - 25 May 2019)
- The semiotic construction of identity for radicalisation: a linguistic analysis of terrorist online recruitment materials, CADAAD 2018: 7th International Conference on Critical Approaches to Discourse Analysis Across Disciplines, Aalborg University, Denmark (International) (04 Jul 2018 - 06 Jul 2018)
- The Discursive Construction of Identity in Digital Media: A Linguistic Analysis of Terrorist Recruitment Materials, International Symposium: Using Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis in Research Projects, Orebro University, Sweden (International) (12 Jun 2018 - 13 Jun 2018)
POSTER PRESENTER
- Linguistics in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Initiatives, UM Research Gallery: Language + Health & Wellbeing, UM Research (University) (14 Mar 2023 - 07 Apr 2023)
OTHERS
- Discussion on the important role of cities and local actors in building safe and inclusive societies that are more resilient and able to respond to violent extremism, The role of local authorities in building safe, inclusive, and resilient societies , Global Center on Cooperative Security (International) (07 Apr 2021 - 07 Apr 2021)
ACADEMIC/PROF. SERVICES
Evaluation
- (2023) Journal Reviewer Sage Open, International, (Reviewer)
- (2023) Journal Reviewer, University, (Reviewer)
- (2022) How New Trends in Food Products in China Communicate Marketized Ideas About Healthy Food Choices and Lifestyle: a Multimodal Critical Discourse Approach, University, (Internal Examiner)
- (2022) Journal Article Review, National, (Reviewer)
- (2022) A Diachronic Comparison of Neoliberal Elements in Malaysian Locally Developed English Language Textbooks, University, (Internal Examiner)
- (2022) Malaysian Youth as Peace Ambassador (Mypa) 2022, National, (External Assessor)
- (2022) Journal Article Review, University, (Reviewer)
- (2022) Intercultural Comparison of Human Images in English Textbooks for Primary Schools in The Us and China, University, (Internal Examiner)
- (2022) [De]Legitimation of Feminine Masculinity in Mainstream English Newspapers in China, University, (Internal Examiner)
- (2022) Sentence Functions in Monday Blues Memes, University, (Internal Examiner)
- (2022) #Percumalaporpolisi Trend On Twitter: a Look Into Indonesian Police Representation, University, (Internal Examiner)
- (2022) Representation of The Rohingya Crisis in The Dailystar, University, (Internal Examiner)
- (2022) Gender Disparity in Pakistani Secondary School English Language Textbooks, University, (Internal Examiner)
Contribution to external organisation
- (2024) Research Associate At Rabdan Academy, International, (Research Fellow/Associate)
- (2023) Research and Innovation At Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, International, (Research Fellow/Associate)
- (2023) Moderator for Terrorism Course, Smart College, Kuala Lumpur, National, (Expert Advisor)
- (2023) Panel Penterjemah Khas Dokumen Rasmi Jabatan Pendaftar dan Soalan Ujian Psikometrik, National, (Expert Advisor)
- (2022) Engagement With Meta (Dangerous Organisation and Individual Programs), International, (Expert Advisor)
- (2022) Workshop With Experts On Developing 'Intervention and Rehabilitation Group' (Irg), National, (Expert Advisor)
- (2022) Monitoring and Evaluation for Resilience in Collaborating With Youth (Mercy), National, (Expert Advisor)
- (2021) Focus Group Meeting - Handbook for Media in Countering Violent Extremism and Social Cohesion, National, (Expert Advisor)
- (2021) Early Warning: Developing a Malaysian Guide On Violent Radicalisation, National, (Expert Advisor)
Contribution to event
- (2024) Panel Member, Sharing Session On Interdisciplinary Research in Counter-Terrorism (Ct) and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (Pcve), National, (Panelist/Moderator)
- (2024) Facilitator, National, (Course Facilitator)
- (2023) Asean Wps Summit: High Level Dialogue to Advance The Implementation of The Regional Action Plan On Women Peace and Security, International, (Participant)
- (2023) Discussion On Hate Speech and Multiculturalism, National, (Participant)
- (2023) The Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism's (Searcct) International Conference 2023 (Sic 2023) On Building Digital Resilience in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/Cve), International, (Participant)
- (2023) Facilitator for The Regional Workshop On 'Sharing Together for Online Resilience Among Youth' (Story) Hosted by The Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (Searcct), International, (Course Facilitator)
- (2023) Facilitator for Sports for Enhancing Resilience and Amplifying Social Inclusion (Serasi) Hosted by The Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (Searcct), National, (Course Facilitator)
- (2023) Focus Group Discussion (Fgd) On Freedom of Religious Belief (Forb), National, (Participant)
- (2022) Empathy-Building as Violence Prevention, International, (Panelist/Moderator)
- (2022) Learning Misogyny in The Heart of Peacebuilders and Extremists, International, (Panelist/Moderator)
- (2021) Panel: Peaking Ethno-Nationalist Movements, International, (Panelist/Moderator)
SUPERVISION
Postgraduate Student
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(2024) Corpus-based Discourse Analysis on the International Exchange of Traditional Chinese Medicine, LI CHUNXIAO
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(2024) Language Manipulation — Translation of Government Documents, YI SHE
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(2024) Representation of Pakistani Universities through Websites: A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis, FAREEHA AAZAM
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(2024) Persuasive Appealing and Rhetorical Identification in COVID-19 Pandemic Speeches, XIPING WANG
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(2024) PENGGUNAAN BAHASA TERHADAP KAIDAH PELANGGARAN HUKUM PENISTAAN, KAJIAN sosioforensik LINGUSITIK (STUDI KASUS DI INDONESIA), THORIQUL HAQ
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(2024) A Corpus-Assisted critical Multimodal Analysis of Sentiments in Malaysian COVID-19 Tweets and Their Effects on Policies, MOHD NAZRIQ BIN NOOR AHMAD
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(2023) Comparative Study of National Image Promotional Films between China and Malaysia--Based on the Perspective of Multi-modal Critical Cognitive Discourse, Weilin Wen
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(2020) Comparative Study of National Image Promotional Films between China and Malaysia Based on the Perspective of Multi-modal Critical Cognitive Discourse, Wen Weilin
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(2024) A Systemic Functional Analysis of Clause Complexing Relations in Libyan Secondary School Textbooks, SANA YOUSIF ALHSMI ALGRTOB
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(2023) A Transitivity Analysis of US-China Relations in Diplomatic Initiatives, LIU XILIN
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(2023) A Multimodal Analysis of Glojas Aesthetics Anti-aging Advertisements on Facebook, PRESANA A/P KALAICHELVAN
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(2023) Critical Discursive Perspective on the Representations of George Floyd and Derek Chauvin in CNN and Fox News, TAN CHING LING
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(2020) The Representation of Cultural Identity in Melaka Portuguese Cookbooks, Sarah Sakeenah Binti Azhari
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(2020) TBA, Presana Kalaichelvan
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(2020) TBA, Liu Xi Lin
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(2020) Discursive Strategies in Joe Biden's Inauguration Speech, Cheah Wei Kean
TEACHING
Doctor Of Philosophy
- (2020) TVX8001 - Doctor of Philosophy
Master
- (2024) TQA7014 - Structure of English
- (2022) TOX7008 - Critical Discourse Analysis
- (2022) TOX7022 - Multimodal Studies
- (2022) TOX7002 - Semiotics and Multimodality
- (2021) TOX7008 - Critical Discourse Analysis
- (2021) TOX7002 - Semiotics and Multimodality
- (2020) TOX7008 - Critical Discourse Analysis
- (2020) TOX7008 - Master
Bachelor
- (2022) TIX1032 - Introduction to Linguistics
- (2022) TIX2020 - Introduction to Sociolinguistics
- (2022) TIX1006 - Methods in Language Research
- (2022) TIX1033 - Research Methodology
- (2021) TIX1001 - Introduction to Linguistics
- (2021) TIX1032 - Introduction to Linguistics
- (2021) TIX2001 - Language Acquisition
- (2021) TIX1006 - Methods in Language Research
- (2021) TIX1033 - Research Methodology
- (2021) TIX1006 - Methods in Language Research
- (2020) TIX1002 - Introduction to Sociolinguistics
- (2020) TIX1006 - Methods in Language Research
PATENT/IPR
- Language + Health and Wellbeing: #UMLinguists Virtual ExhibitionCOPYRIGHT
COURSE ATTENDED
Internal / External Course
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FIRST THINGS TO DO ON SPECTRUM ..., Fakulti Bahasa dan Linguistik, Universiti Malaya (05 Mar 2021 - 05 Mar 2021)
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[FBL E-LEARNING] QUIZ MODULE (SPECTRUM) , Fakulti Bahasa dan Linguistik, Universiti Malaya (03 Sep 2021 - 03 Sep 2021)
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OBS LIVE STREAMING WORKSHOP FOR ONLINE CLASSES, Fakulti Bahasa dan .Linguistik (17 Sep 2021 - 17 Sep 2021)
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FRGS PROPOSAL ENHANCEMENT WORKSHOP, Dewan Persidangan (22 Jan 2022 - 22 Jan 2022)
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UNDERSTANDING RADICALISATION THROUGH TERRORIST RECRUITMENT MATERIALS: A CDS PERSPECTIVE, (22 Aug 2021 - 20 Sep 2021)
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1. PEMAHAMAN PEMIKIRAN BEKAS TAHANAN KEGANASAN 2. PEMAHAMAN TERHADAP PENGGUNAAN MIMPI DALAM BAHAN PROPAGANDA EKSTREMIS, (01 Aug 2022 - 30 Aug 2022)