Jozac Publishers [JP] (former JFP Publishers) (E-Journals)
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Navigating Kiswahili language variations existing among speakers from different countries
Full text linkThis study explores possible ways of navigating Kiswahili language variations existing among speakers from different countries. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research analysed data from focus group discussions, documentary analysis, and questionnaires. Key findings revealed significant variations in vocabulary (62%) and pronunciation (59%) as major communication barriers, alongside accent differences (44%), dialectal variations (42%), and slang usage (36%). Accommodation was the most common coping strategy (51%). Respondents strongly supported the need for solutions, with 91% advocating for measures to address these variations. The study proposed solutions, including having a standardized Kiswahili teaching syllabus (37%), the establishment of a global Kiswahili language body (20%), and incorporating language variation awareness into curricula (18%). Other suggestions included introducing a common Kiswahili language certification (11%), discouraging the use of slang (8%), and promoting translation and interpretation (4%). The study anticipates numerous benefits that come as a result of addressing these challenges, including enhanced global communication (34%), ease of business (20%), improved access to information (16%), increased integration (10%), and improved education (12%). The research concluded that while Kiswahili language variations present challenges, they also offer opportunities for cultural exchange and linguistic diversity.
Ubuntu as an emic belief system: A quantitative analysis of humane orientated practices
Full text linkUbuntu is often described as African humanness, uniquely rooted in Southern African cultures and distinct from practices like performance orientation, which is typically associated with Anglo-Saxon cultures. Aim: This research aims to determine whether humane orientation, as measured in the GLOBE study, is more prevalent in indigenous African societies compared to other regions globally. Method: Data from the GLOBE study was analysed to assess the extent to which humane orientation is emic to Africa, Southern Africa, and specifically, the indigenous people of South Africa. Mean scores for humane orientation were used for comparative analyses across regions, countries and within South Africa. Results: More African countries scored higher than the world mean on humane orientation. Among the 10 regional clusters identified in the GLOBE study, Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the second-highest humane orientation score. However, significant differences in humane orientation were found across Africa, indicating it is not uniformly endorsed. Within South Africa, black South Africans, more than white South Africans, perceived their society\u27s practices as humane oriented. Discussion: The findings confirm a strong link between humane orientation and Africa, particularly when compared to the Anglo-Saxon cluster. Nonetheless, humane orientation is not exclusive to Africa and is observed in other parts of the world. Additionally, Africa itself is marked by diverse worldviews, with variations in the endorsement of humane orientation. Contribution: This research contributes empirical and quantitative evidence to support the argument that humane orientation, per proxy an essential part of Ubuntu, forms an integral part of being African. The study also provides empirical evidence of the presence of humane orientation outside Africa. Lastly, the research emphasises Africa\u27s cultural diversity
Unveiling the intriguing properties: A Study on the powerful Phytochemicals and Biological Marvels of the Calotropis procera plant
Full text linkCalotropis procera, known as giant milkweed, is notable for its rich array of phytochemicals that showcase various biological activities. This study aimed to analyze the plant\u27s phytochemical constituents and assess its potential antimicrobial properties. Key phytochemicals identified include flavonoids (with antioxidant properties), tannins (providing astringent qualities), saponins (possibly boosting immunity), steroids (known for anti-inflammatory effects), glycosides (involved in physiological functions), alkaloids (medicinal properties), and cardiac glycosides (influencing heart function). For antimicrobial testing, specific clinical isolates were evaluated in vitro, including Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, along with Candida albicans for opportunistic infections. Results showed that both ethyl acetate and aqueous leaf fractions were highly effective against Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, indicating the plant\u27s antimicrobial potential. Meanwhile, the aqueous and methanol root fractions effectively inhibited Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as well. Notably, hexane fractions were active only against Candida species, indicating selective anti-fungal properties
Philosophical interpretations of traditional symbols of Gbi traditional area in the Volta Region of Ghana: Sources of inspiration for textile prints and garment designs
Full text linkAbstract: Though the Gbi traditional symbols are lavishly displayed on traditional artefacts such as spokesperson’s staff, traditional stools, and other regalia, a preliminary survey in the area revealed a dearth in the knowledge and understanding of them. Hence, there was a need to fill this research gap by enhancing cultural heritage education on the Gbi traditional symbols using textile and garment production. Ethnography and arts-based research methods under the qualitative research approach guided the conduct of the study. A total of 68 study participants comprising spokespersons, elderly men and women, fashion and textile designers, and youth within the Gbi traditional area. A purposive sampling technique was used in their recruitment for the study. Key informant interviews, focus group discussions, direct observations, and photographic methods were the main data collection tools used for collecting data for the study. Qualitative thematic analysis was used for analyzing the qualitative data garnered. The results of the study revealed the literal and philosophical meanings of twenty Gbi traditional symbols. Further, four of the twenty traditional symbols were developed into textile motifs and used for printing fabrics that were produced into textile garments and other functional products such as armrest, chairbacks, and bedside lamp stands. The study found favourable acceptance among the people, especially the youth, who saw the textile products with the traditional symbols as vehicles for education and promotion of the Gbi traditional cultural heritage. The study concludes that there is a high potential for heightening cultural heritage education among the general populace, especially the youth, when traditional symbols of a people are used for the production of functional products in society. It is recommended that textile and fashion designers in Ghana ensure the use of traditional symbols in contemporary textile and fashion production processes to help in their promotion and their use as a medium for educating the youth, especially about the rich Ghanaian cultural heritage
Technology development and national development in Nigeria
Full text linkThe place of technology in achieving accelerated national development in any nation of the world cannot be overemphasized. However, despite the tremendous role that technology plays in national development, it seems this reality is far from Nigeria. This paper examined the role of technology in achieving national development in Nigeria. The paper uses the qualitative research method, where information was sourced from secondary sources using books, journals, official documents of the government from the Federal Ministry of Technology and the digital economy, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and other documents, both soft and hard copies. The content analysis was used to analyze the data collected. It was revealed that various efforts by the government to promote technological advancement include the national science, technology, and innovation policy, ICT development initiatives, research and development, and promotion of entrepreneurship. These efforts have led to the appreciation of the adoption of technology across every sector of the economy. The paper further shows that challenges such as brain drain, infrastructural deficits, digital divide, skills gaps, and funding constraints were impediments hindering technology from serving as a veritable tool for accelerating development in Nigeria. It is recommended that the government prioritize investment in critical technology infrastructure, including broadband networks, ICT facilities, and power supply, to enhance connectivity and enable digital transformation across the country
Kuɗi a mahangar karin magana
Full text linkThis research work titled ‘Kuɗi a Mahangar Karin Magana’ was a research based on Hausa Oral Literature. The research was aimed at bringing out the philosophical thoughts of the Hausa People in relation to money. In Hausaland and beyond, life and money are inseparable, and therefore, money is very important in human existence. It was because of its value in the entire life that it was portrayed in some Hausa popular proverbs. The research shows the influence of money on the day-to-day activities of a Hausa man. It also shows how some people make use of money positively in assisting others. The research findings show how wealthy people in the society assist the poor and the needy..It also reveals how a rich man perceived himself and how he is equally perceived by others. Hausa people have changed their societal values and redirected them towards money, thus neglecting moral values such as honesty, integrity, and others. It shows that acquiring money is not by hard work, dedication, but by God’s will. The research employed the use of Hausa Proverbs to bring out the philosophical thought of the Hausa man in relation to money. This research was based on the Referential Theory of Culture. In conclusion to this study, a summary of the work, findings, and recommendations to scholars who are interested in researching this area was given
Addressing learner diversity in Ghanaian classrooms using the theory and practice of Differentiated Instruction (DI) and Inclusive Education: Potentials, challenges, and practical applications
Full text linkLearners in a typical class are highly diverse. As a result, instructors often struggle to address learner variability by using one-size-fits-all curriculum and approaches. This results in segregation and high forms of marginalisation of some students, especially those who fail to conform to the usual standards. This editorial critically evaluates the theory and the practice of Differentiated Instruction (DI) and Inclusive Education (IE) from the lens of an international and contextual perspective in addressing learner variability in Ghanaian classrooms. It highlights the possibilities, challenges, and practices of Differentiated Instruction and Inclusive Educational practices in relation to learner diversity in Ghanaian classroom contexts and suggests a possible evidence-based framework of Differentiated Instruction and Inclusive Education in practice. It contends that every learner is important and, as such, educational practices, especially instruction in Ghanaian classrooms, must find ways of deploying strategies in Differentiated Instruction and Inclusive Education in addressing learner diversities
Intertextuality in Sheng Spoken Word Poetry
Full text linkThis article examines techniques of intertextuality in Sheng spoken word poetry in Kenya. Intertextuality is the connectedness of existing texts in a new text. Sheng is a non-standard language spoken in Kenya. Kristeva’s ideas of intertextuality are instrumental in this study. Bazerman & Prior’s model of intertextuality is used as an analytical tool in this study. The model has six intertextual techniques which include direct quotation, indirect quotation, mentioning a person, document, or statement, comment or evaluation on a statement, text, or otherwise invoked voice, using recognisable phrasing, and terminology associated with specific people or groups of people or particular documents and using language and forms that seem to echo certain ways of communicating, discussions among other people, and types of documents. The data of the study were sourced from Sheng spoken word poems. Ten Sheng spoken word poems were sampled from five poets. The sampling was done purposely based on the richness of the poem’s intertextuality. Through the content analysis schedule, words and phrases exhibiting intertextuality were identified and categorised into suitable intertextual techniques for description. The findings revealed that Sheng spoken word artists incorporate existing texts from discourses of religion, politics, relationships, and entertainment to voice real societal issues.
Communication strategies and development challenges among internally displaced persons
Full text linkThis study examines how communication is used to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. It focuses on how humanitarian organizations share information with IDPs and how the displaced individuals themselves access, interpret, and respond to such communication efforts. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies in addressing the development challenges faced by IDPs. A qualitative research design was adopted, using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and content analysis of communication materials from humanitarian agencies. The findings reveal that communication plays a vital role in supporting IDPs’ welfare and development; however, participation of displaced persons in the communication process remains limited. Many IDPs still lack access to digital tools and reliable information channels, and most messages focus on short-term relief rather than long-term reintegration, education, and livelihoods. The study concludes that inclusive and participatory communication strategies are essential for improving the social inclusion and development outcomes of IDPs. Enhancing digital access and adopting two-way communication frameworks will strengthen humanitarian response and empower displaced populations in post-conflict settings
A pragmatic analysis of selected Ogba proverbs
Full text linkThe way to examine the rigorous ways that language is being utilized to pass across knowledge, culture, traditional values, and social norms within the Ogba community is the use of proverbs. This study will examine a pragmatic analysis of selected Ogba proverbs. The study will be guided by speech acts and Grice’s maxims theories. The analysis reveals that the proverbs carry secret meanings, subtleties in context, and communication goals. The research looks at the pragmatic roles that Ogba proverbs provide or play in our conversations and categorizes them according to their contextual meaning, like moral instructions, social values, and life lessons. The research applies qualitative and quantitative methods using a sample of 25 Ogba native speakers in its analysis, which is done by collecting data from native speakers. The findings show that the crucial aspect of provers in maintaining linguistic and cultural identity is very important, highlighting their enduring relevance in the present Ogba society