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Language Attitudes toward Accented Speech in the Workplace in Switzerland
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the language attitudes toward accented speech in the workplace in Switzerland.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Language attitudes toward accented speech in the workplace in Switzerland reveals a nuanced perception influenced by the country\u27s multilingual environment. Studies indicate that individuals with native Swiss German accents tend to receive higher professionalism ratings compared to those with foreign accents, reflecting a bias that aligns with local linguistic preferences. Additionally, accents from non-European languages often face stigmatization, leading to perceptions of reduced competence and credibility. However, some findings suggest that exposure to diverse accents can foster greater acceptance and appreciation over time, particularly in multicultural workplaces.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social identity theory, linguistic accommodation theory & perception theory may be used to anchor future studies on the language attitudes toward accented speech in the workplace in Switzerland. Organizations should develop clear guidelines for performance evaluations that eliminate the subjective influence of accent bias. Organizations should establish policies that mandate participation in diversity training for all employees, including during onboarding and ongoing professional development
Analyzing Process Types in Nigerian Newspapers Political Headlines Using Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) Transitivity Approach
Get PDFPurpose: This study aims to examine the use of process types in Nigerian political headlines using the transitivity approach within the framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL). The purpose of the research is to understand how language is used to construct political narratives in Nigerian newspapers, focusing on the different process types—material, mental, relational, verbal, behavioral, and existential—that shape public perception of political events and actors.
Methodology: The study adopts a qualitative method, analyzing 50 political headlines from five major Nigerian newspapers: Vanguard, Leadership News, Punch, Daily Trust, and The Guardian Nigeria. The headlines, selected from articles published between January 2024 and September 2024, are categorized and analyzed based on Halliday\u27s transitivity framework.
Findings: The findings reveal that material processes are the most frequently used, representing 48% of the headlines, followed by mental (32%), verbal (20%), and relational processes (10%). Existential and behavioral processes were minimally represented. These results suggest that political discourse in Nigeria is predominantly action- and belief-oriented, with a focus on tangible actions and the intentions of political figures.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study makes a unique contribution to theory by applying the SFL transitivity framework to Nigerian political headlines, expanding the understanding of how process types reflect political actions, intentions, and relationships. The findings have practical implications for media practitioners and politicians in crafting messages that effectively engage the public, emphasizing actions and beliefs to influence perception. From a policy perspective, the study suggests the need for greater media literacy to enable the public to critically assess political communication and its impact on public discourse
Impact of School-Based Physical Activities on Academic Performance in Canada
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of martial arts training on self-esteem and discipline in youth in South Korea.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Studies show a strong link between school-based physical activities and academic performance. Regular exercise enhances cognitive function, attention, and memory, leading to improved classroom behavior and motivation. Schools with comprehensive physical activity programs report higher test scores and graduation rates. Integrating physical activity into the curriculum is crucial for fostering holistic student development and academic success.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social cognitive theory, brain plasticity theory & self-determination theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the impact of school-based physical activities on academic performance. Educators should receive ongoing professional development to enhance their knowledge and skills in incorporating physical activities into the classroom. Policymakers should advocate for policy changes at the local, state, and national levels to prioritize physical education and physical activity in schools
The Impact of Confucian Ethics on Social Harmony in Contemporary China
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of Confucian ethics on social harmony in contemporary China.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Confucian ethics strongly impact social harmony in contemporary China by promoting filial piety, respect for authority, and harmony in interpersonal relations. These values foster trust, cooperation, and stability within society. Integration of Confucian principles into government policies and education further enhances social cohesion and national unity.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Confucianism and social harmony, modernization theory and confucianism & cultural relativism and confucian ethics may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of confucian ethics on social harmony in contemporary China. Schools and universities should integrate Confucian teachings into their moral education programs, emphasizing virtues such as filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness. Policies should be designed to incentivize behaviors that align with Confucian ideals, such as promoting filial piety through eldercare subsidies or fostering a culture of civility and respect in public spaces
Tukutendereze: Contextualizing Salvation in Kigezi Sub-Region
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of this study was to contextualize the concept of salvation among the Anglican Christians in the Kigezi Sub-region. It takes time to investigate whether the salvation that Jesus offers is not enough in solving the Christians’ problems in the Kigezi sub-region and if the subjective theory of salvation that the East African revival movement espoused is relevant to the Bakiga Christians today.
Methodology: The researcher employed qualitative research approach. This study was conducted in the geographical jurisdiction of Kigezi Sub-region in the present-day dioceses of Kigezi, North Kigezi, Kinkizi and Muhabura. These were the cradle of revival movement in 1930s. The population for this research was the Bakiga who are the adherents to the Anglican faith in Kigezi Sub-region. the researcher used the purposive sampling technique. The key respondents in total were 8 people who included the surviving members of 1930s and 1950s Revival movement in Kigezi Sub-region, the church leaders and ordinary Christians who are only adherents to Anglican faith. The researcher used the questionnaires and interview guides. The data was analyzed by the researcher in a descriptive way
Findings: The study argues that Contextualization is central to any attempt to weave the gospel to cultures together. The context in which theology takes place shapes the form and influences the contents of the theology. All people, whether they realize it or not, are shaped by the culture in which they live. Culture even shapes a person’s reception of the Christian faith. This study asserts that no one ever meets universal Christianity in itself: we only ever meet Christianity in a local form and that means a historically, culturally conditioned form. The study concludes that there is nothing wrong in having local forms of Christianity if we remember that they are local.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that, when crisis strikes, believers should not deny the existence and potency of demonic spirits, but they should not yield to them. Instead, believers should affirm their radical commitment to the sovereign Lord. There is need for all Christians to address their cultural postulated reality of crises pastorally with seriousness, sensitivity, and respect
Effect of Computer Based Instruction on Secondary School Learners’ Academic Achievement in Biology
Get PDFPurpose: This study investigated the effect of computer based instruction (CBI) on secondary school learners’ academic achievement in Biology.
Methodology: The study was carried out in four schools, using quasi experimental research design and was guided by systems theory. The target population was 40, 564 secondary school Biology learners. Sampling was by purposive sampling and simple random sampling. The sample comprised of 161 learners. These were obtained from four form two streams in four secondary schools that had learners of mixed gender. Each secondary school contributed a stream, which gave four intact groups. Data collection was by use of questionnaires and achievement test. The collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and means and inferential statistics such as analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA), using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data was then presented in the form of tables and a graph. The significance level of the difference between the variables was done at the alpha value of 0.05.
Findings: Findings of the study indicate that learners who were taught using CBI had superior scores compared to those who were taught conventionally. The ANCOVA to explore whether or not there was a statistically significant difference between the groups of learners indicated that indeed there was a statistically significant difference between the groups. Consequently, CBI improves learners’ academic achievement in Biology. However, there was no effect of gender on the way CBI influenced the performance.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was guided by systems theory Schools should therefore enhance computer integration in the teaching and learning process
Exploring the Teaching of Reading in Lower Primary Classes: A Case Study of One Government Primary School in Kocheka Sub County, Uganda
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of this study was to investigates the methods teachers use to teach reading in lower primary classes at a government primary school in Kocheka Sub County, Uganda, focusing particularly on how these methods impact learners\u27 reading competences.
Methodology: A qualitative case study approach was utilized, employing interviews and document analysis to gather data from six teachers, one head teacher, and one District Inspector of Schools (DIS).
Findings: The findings highlight the use of phonics, whole language, and balanced methods. Further, they reveal that teachers are conversant with these methods and understand how they affect learners’ reading skills. The DIS noted that his office provides textbooks for students and offers supervisory support via school inspectors. The data also indicated that the head teacher, in his management role, provides informal mentorship to lower primary teachers. Despite teachers’ familiarity with teaching methods and the support from the DIS and head teacher, challenges such as limited resources and large class sizes hindered their full effectiveness.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends strengthening in-service and pre-service teacher training to equip educators with approaches to teaching reading in challenging, under-resourced contexts
Smallholder-based Mango Value Chain and the Integration of Food Safety and Food Loss Reduction in Cambodia’s Crossborder Trade
Get PDFPurpose: The study mapped the smallholder-based crossborder mango value chain in Cambodia; assess the practices and problems particularly in relation to food safety and food loss, and recommend future actions.
Methodology: Secondary and primary research was conducted through desktop review of literatures, focus group discussions and key informant interviews to document the crossborder value chain and the practices and problems of smallholder mango producers who are compliant and non-compliant to Cambodia Good Agricultural Practice (CamGAP). Descriptive analysis of results is presented.
Findings: Mango is grown in all Cambodia’s provinces, with about 60% in Kampong Speu and over 80% is Keo Romeat variety. From 2016-2020, production and export increased tremendously. However, unrecorded informal crossborder trade is about ten times of official record, estimated at over 945,000 tons in 2020. The value chain starts from input supply through production, postharvest and transport to crossborder market destinations in Vietnam, Thailand and China. About 80% of mango producers are smallholders and majority are non-CamGAP compliant. The practices of CamGAP-compliant and non-compliant farmers differed. CamGAP mainstreams both food safety and food loss management. Conventional farmers essentially employ chemical agriculture. Fruit losses during production and postharvest are much higher for conventional producers than CamGAP producers. Major factors contributing to fruit losses and food safety problems include lack of capital for production and postharvest inputs, deficiencies in production and postharvest practices and facilities, limited adoption of food safety management systems (FSMS) (e.g. GAP, GMP and HACCP), cumbersome certification systems including export processing, and limited access of farmers to export markets as intermediaries have big role in crossborder trade.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Improving value chains requires primary and support activities to add value and/or reduce cost, which could be achieved through managing food safety and food loss. The results of this study show that FSMS adoption, as in the case of CamGAP mango producers, could reduce food loss and harness the food safety system to increase market access. However, capital, knowhow and market support are also crucial. National policies and actions should promote the wide adoption of CamGAP and other FSMS tools such as GMP and HACCP; increase access to financial products; facilitate market access including incentive system to reduce the informality of crossborder mango trade; and capacitate smallholders to enable them to competitively engage with crossborder value chain and international market
Effects of Packaging Materials on Food Quality and Shelf Life in Australia
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of packaging materials on food quality and shelf life in Australia.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: In Australia, advanced packaging technologies such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and active packaging extend the shelf life of perishables by inhibiting microbial growth. Sustainable packaging options are gaining traction, balancing environmental concerns with maintaining food safety. Intelligent packaging with condition indicators enhances consumer decisions by providing food safety information. Strict Australian regulations ensure that packaging materials meet safety standards, supporting food quality preservation.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion theory, mass transfer theory & shelf life prediction models may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the effects of packaging materials on food quality and shelf life in Australia. Practical recommendations should emphasize the adoption of innovative packaging technologies tailored to specific food products and storage conditions. Policymakers should prioritize initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders, research institutions, and regulatory bodies to address pressing challenges in food packaging
Assessment of Food Processing Technologies on Allergen Reduction in United States
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the assessment of food processing technologies on allergen reduction in United States.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Recent advancements in food processing technologies in the U.S. are focusing on reducing allergenicity in food products. Thermal methods are traditionally used, but novel nonthermal techniques, such as high-pressure processing and cold atmospheric plasma, are now being explored for their potential to create hypoallergenic products. These methods aim to modify allergenic proteins without using heat, which can preserve food quality while reducing allergen reactivity. Despite these advancements, ensuring the complete removal of allergens remains challenging, highlighting the ongoing need for robust detection and control strategies"‹.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Risk assessment theory, health belief model (HBM) & diffusion of innovations theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the assessment of food processing technologies on allergen reduction in United States. Implementing advanced food processing technologies focused on allergen reduction can revolutionize industry practices. Regulatory bodies could use empirical data from these assessments to set more precise guidelines and safety standards for allergen levels in food products