Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE COMMUNICATION
No full textThe rise of digital technology has significantly influenced English language communication, shaping the way people interact, share information, and express themselves. This study examines how key technological advancements, such as the internet, mobile devices, social media, and artificial intelligence, have altered vocabulary, syntax, and communication norms. The rapid shift in language use presents challenges in both formal and informal communication contexts, impacting native and non-native speakers alike. By exploring the effects of technology on various communication scenarios: educational, professional, and social, the study identifies critical trends in digital communication and their implications for language educators, policymakers, and communicators. The findings suggest that while technology offers opportunities for more dynamic and global interactions, it also creates tensions in maintaining linguistic standards and understanding across different platforms. Understanding these shifts is essential to adapt communication practices effectively in the digital era. 
CULTURE AND INDIVIDUALISM IN DANIEL DEFOE’S ROBINSON CRUSOE AND CAMARA LAYE’S THE AFRICAN CHILD
No full textIn a real sense, the world is made of relations rather than things. The pattern of relations in which human beings learn and share together constitutes the culture of any given society. This paper points out the communalism of Laye’s culture as against the capitalistic individualism of Defoe’s. It argues that although every person is a product of a given culture, his attitude and responses to his cultural background may set him apart as a unique individual. From this premise, it further argues that while Crusoe resents the stratified social structure, which would exclude him from the wealth of the emerging mercantilism of England and ventures out to create conditions for his survival as an “emperor”, Laye’s hero on the other hand combines the opportunities of his native culture with those of the European culture for his survival. The study points to the spirit of adventure in both heroes, the fact of alienation in both heroes, and the fact that in spite of their alienation, both heroes are finally reclaimed by their different cultures. This paper examines how culture and individualism are negotiated in Daniel Defoe\u27s Robinson Crusoe (1719) and Camara Laye\u27s The African Child (L\u27Enfant noir, 1953). While Defoe\u27s novel is often read as a foundational text of English individualism and colonial modernity, Laye\u27s autobiographical account stages personal development within a communal, ritualized West African cultural environment. By comparing narrative voice, representations of selfhood, the role of religion and labour, and the texts\u27 treatments of “the other,” this paper argues that both novels articulate distinct models of individual formation that reflect their divergent cultural frameworks. The comparison illuminates how literary forms mediate cultural values and how the idea of the individual is historically situated rather than universal. 
APPLIED LINGUISTICS IN EDUCATION: BRIDGING THE GAP IN LITERACY AND TEACHER DEVELOPMENT
No full textThis qualitative study explores the role of applied linguistics in enhancing teacher development and student academic performance. It examines how linguistic theories, communication strategies, and multilingual education approaches contribute to improving literacy and teaching effectiveness. The study highlights the importance of discourse analysis, second language acquisition, and sociolinguistics in shaping educational methodologies. The data were obtained interview method with participants involving 10 language teachers, 5 educational policymakers, and 10 students. The setting in classroom discourse analysis involved observation conducted in multilingual classrooms at the secondary level; for analysis focus, there were teacher-student interactions, code-switching, questioning techniques, and student engagement levels; and participants in the Focus Group Discussions are groups of students from diverse linguistic backgrounds discussing their experiences in a multilingual learning environment. Findings support the view that integrating applied linguistics into teacher training programs can lead to improved instructional practices, enhanced language comprehension among students, and better classroom communication. The educational policymakers should seriously incorporate linguistic insights into professional development frameworks to ensure inclusive and effective teaching
UNE EVALUATION DE LA TRADUCTION AUTOMATIQUE NEURONALE (TAN) DES PROVERBES
No full textArtificial intelligence (AI) is the golden child of technology, revolutionizing all aspects of human activity. Translation is not excluded from this technological progress, because today we are talking about neural machine translation or translation software with artificial intelligence. Proverbs are the vital elements that contribute to the difficulties of literary translation. The equivalence technique is still the most widely proposed or recommended by theorists and translators alike. This study aims to evaluate the ability of artificial intelligence software to provide an appropriate equivalence of proverbs from one language to another. The data collection instrument was twenty (20) English proverbs translated into French by Google Translate, DeepL, and ChatGPT. The study is based on the theory of meaning. Fidelity to meaning and fluency of the translated proverbs were among the criteria used to evaluate the translations produced by the three software programs. Specifically, the black-box evaluation method was used to assess the translated proverbs. The study results showed that the automatic neural software can make an intelligible translation of proverbs, but they have difficulty establishing an adequate or exact equivalence. Most of the translations made were literal. In addition, ChatGPT proved to be the best translation software in comparison with the other two. Among other things, the study recommends collaboration between machines and humans to produce excellent translations.
RESUME L’intelligence artificielle (IA) est l’enfant d’or de la technologie qui révolutionne tous les aspects de l’activité humaine. La traduction n’est pas exclue de ce progrès technologique parce qu’aujourd’hui on parle de la traduction automatique neuronale ou des logiciels de traduction dotés de l’intelligence artificielle. Les proverbes sont les éléments vitaux qui contribuent aux difficultés de la traduction littéraire. La technique d’équivalence demeure la plus proposée ou conseillée par les théoriciens et traducteurs. Le but de cette étude est d’évaluer la capacité des logiciels dotés de l’intelligence artificielle de fournir une équivalence appropriée des proverbes d’une langue à une autre. L’instrument de la collection des données était vingt (20) proverbes anglais traduit en français par le Google translate, le DeepL et le ChatGPT. L’étude est basée sur la théorie du sens. La fidélité au sens et la fluidité des proverbes traduits ont fait parties des critères d’évaluation de la traduction faite par les trois logiciels. Précisément, la méthode d’évaluation de boîte noire a été utilisée pour évaluer les proverbes traduits. Les résultats de l’étude ont montrés que les logiciels automatiques neuronaux peuvent faire une traduction compréhensible des proverbes mais ils ont de difficulté à établir une équivalence adéquate ou exacte. La plupart des traductions faites étaient littérales. En plus, le ChatGPT s’est montré comme le meilleur logiciel de traduction en comparaison avec les deux autres logiciels. L’étude recommande entre autres la collaboration entre la machine et l’homme afin de produire une traduction excellente. 
Contemporary Issues in Private and Property Law in Nigeria
No full textThis paper explores the contemporary issues surrounding private and property law in Nigeria. Nigeria,like many developing nations, grapples with challenges related to land tenure, property rights,contractual obligations, and emerging legal frameworks. The paper delves into various facets of privateand property law, including land tenure systems, customary law practices, legislative reforms, judicialdecisions, and the impact of globalization on property rights. Additionally, it analyzes the role of thelegal system in addressing socio-economic inequalities, promoting sustainable development, andensuring access to justice for all citizens. Through a comprehensive examination of current issues, thispaper aims to provide insights into the complexities of private and property law in Nigeria and offerrecommendations for enhancing legal frameworks and governance mechanisms
TRANSFORMING INTERNATIONAL MARITIME CONTRACTS: THE ROLE OFELECTRONIC BILL OF LADING
No full textIn the evolving landscape of international trade, the Bill of Lading (B/L) remains one of the most vital documents facilitating the legal and logistical movement of goods across borders. Traditionally paper-based, the B/L, alongside the insurance policy and commercial invoice forms the trio of "magic documents" essential for maritime shipping. However, the rise of the Electronic Bill of Lading (eB/L) represents a significant shift toward the digitalization of maritime commerce. This article investigates the transformative impact of the eB/L on international maritime contracts, with the objective of evaluating its effectiveness, legal recognition, and practical implications. Adopting a doctrinal research methodology, the study critically analyzes statutory frameworks, international conventions, and case law, supplemented by a review of industry practices. The findings reveal that while the eB/L enhances efficiency, traceability, and reduces fraud, its widespread adoption faces barriers such as fragmentedlegal standards, technological interoperability issues, and limited recognition in some jurisdictions. The article concludes by recommending the harmonization of international legal frameworks and investmentin secure digital infrastructure to support broader implementation. Ultimately, the study underscores that the eB/L, if properly integrated, can modernize maritime contracts and significantly improve the reliability of global trade
THE NIGERIAN PATENT LAW AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
No full textLaw is an integral and dynamic part of every society for it protects the rights of individuals, promote tangible progress and undeniably maintain order. The law on Patent in Nigeria is one area of law that seeks to provide the legal framework for the development of invention, its registration, ownership, operation and protection of a patent. This consists of the intellectual property rights in that newly created invention, or materially improved upon in clear distinctive ways better than what it used to bebefore. For every inventor seeks to reap the dividends of his invention, and where such invention is unlawfully infringed upon and used without the express permission of the inventor, dispute is bound to occur. Therefore, the settlement of this dispute is such that needs to go through the channels of justice. In Nigeria, for instance, litigants would primarily resort to approaching the law courts for settlement of their disputes, even though there is an option of alternative dispute resolution. This article seeks toprovide reasons why the alternative dispute resolution should be employed by aggrieved individuals and bodies for the adjudication of matters arising from patent rights and infringement in Nigeria. The need to adopt ADR will further enhance and maintain good economic relationships amongst individuals, business partners and firms which in turn will boost the economic atmosphere in Nigeria
AN APPRAISAL OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE NATURAL GAS RESOURCE AND ITS UTILIZATION METHODS IN NIGERIA
No full textNigeria has recently seen an astronomical increase in gas utilization, particularly during the ‘post- PIA’ and ‘Decade of Gas’ era, aided by significantly favourable incentives. However, little or no attention is given to the consequences of natural gas and its utilization techniques, which include variety of technology for collecting, recycling, and using waste gas for reasons other than flaring. Some of these issues include water pollution and methane leakage, which is more severe than gas flaring. This paper argues that, although utilizing gas has various advantages, there is a critical need to strike a balance between enjoying the benefits of natural gas and safeguarding the environment. The objectives of this paper, using the doctrinal research methodology, are to examine the importance of incentives for gas utilization in Nigeria, explore the existing gas utilization projects both before and after the ‘PIA and Decade of Gas’ era, the environmental and health challenges associated with the natural gas resource and its utilization methods, and the inadequacy of the legal regime for gas utilization in Nigeria on environmental protection. This research concludes that Nigeria’s present regulatory framework for gas utilization is more concerned with reducing gas flaring than with addressing the recognized environmental breaches caused by natural gas and its utilization techniques. As a result, it advises further reforms to fundamental laws on gas utilization, such as the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, as well as the formulation and implementation of strict natural gas emissions rule.
BALANCING OWNER’S RIGHT AND HIRER’S PROTECTION: A STUDY OF SECTION 14 OF THE HIRE PURCHASE ACT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON HIRE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
No full textThe article examines the provisions of section 14(1-3) of the Hire Purchase Act Cap H4 LFN 2004 in Nigeria, highlighting its legal interpretation, and its impact on the right and obligation of parties in Hire-Purchase transactions. Through a critical examination of relevant case law and statutory provisions, this article provides insights into Section 14, stating the requirements for the owner to succeed in a claim for adverse possession which are that: the hirer must be in default of the terms of the agreement, the continual retention and possession of the goods must be against the owner’s interest, the right to recover possession of the goods must have accrued, there must be a request for the hirer to surrender the goods and the request must be in writing. However section 9 of the HPA limits the application of section 14 of the Hire Purchase Act as where the hirer has paid a relevant proportion of the hire purchase price, the owner can only recover possession of the goods through an action in court. This could limit the owner’s ability to recover possession of the goods especially if the hirer can demonstrate that he has been in possession of the goods. Implication of Section 14 is to the effect that if the hirer refuses to deliver up possession of the goods it is sufficient enough to ground the statutory cause of action in damages for adverse possession. This study underscores the limit of owner’s property rights leading to a breach of section 44 of the Constitution1, it may give the hirer an unintended advantage in disputes over ownership and possession of the hired goods. The study recommends that the right of owner to recover his goods and the right of hirer to protect his interest must be balanced. Specified time frames and mode for written requests should be provided for in the Hire Purchase Act and section 14 of the Hire Purchase Act should be reviewed to ensure it remains effective and fair addressing any unintended consequences that may arise.
Frequency and Distribution Patterns of Maximum Consecutive Dry and Wet Spell in North Western Nigeria
No full textThis study analyses the frequency and distribution pattern of maximum consecutive dry andwet spells in Northwestern Nigeria during the growing season from June to September, usingthe Anderson-Darling Normality Test. Daily rainfall data were sourced from the archives ofthe Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Abuja, covering the period from 1980 to 2021. Thefrequency of the Maximum Consecutive Dry Days (MCDD) and Maximum Consecutive WetDays (MCWD) was calculated using a frequency programme in Microsoft Excel. The resultsshowed that maximum consecutive dry periods ranged from 4 to 7 days, while maximumconsecutive wet days ranged from 1 to 5 days. Irregular distribution patterns of wet and dryspells were observed across all states, except in Katsina, where results indicated a uniformdistribution pattern, with a P-value of -0.049 for dry spells in July. Information regarding thedistribution pattern of maximum consecutive dry and wet spell lengths needs to be wellunderstood at the grassroots levels to avoid the risk of drought and flooding and ensure foodsecurity