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Exploring Gender Honorifics in Tanzanian Sign Language: Cultural and Linguistic Perspectives
Full text linkSign Language is the primary mode of communication among members of the deaf community. Sign language is not only influenced by sex distinctions but also reflects the general concern about language and gender equality. That is, analysing sign language can unveil rich insights on how social identities are constructed and communicated within a deaf community. Sign language, as a tool for the transmission of deaf culture, bears cultural influence in both the formation of signs and their use. However, most sociolinguistic studies have been conducted on spoken languages, rather than sign languages. Studies in Tanzania, for instance, have focused on power and participation, as well as gender-responsive language use among students and teachers, leaving sign language discourse largely unexplored. It is against this backdrop that this study examines the influence of cultural-linguistic attributes on the formation of signs in Tanzanian Sign Language (TSL). The study focuses on the extent to which honorifics are represented in these signs. The study analysed the sign language lexicon to identify signs that denote gender, where 10 signs were identified from the Tanzanian Sign Language Dictionary to represent the male and female genders. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was adopted as the main analysis tool, complemented with Critical Discourse Analysis to highlight language and gender in their respective contexts of use. Thematic and ethnographic analyses were the main methods employed in the study. The analysis shows that cultural-linguistic attributes have contributed to the formation of gender-based signs. Language attributes, such as dominance and diversity, have underscored the choice and use of such gender-based signs
Normative Gender Identities in Social Greetings across Ethnic Groups in Tanzania
Full text linkThis paper addresses a critical gap in understanding how social greeting practices perpetuate gender inequalities in multicultural societies like Tanzania. This oversight limits insights into how routine interactions contribute to the broader reproduction of gendered power dynamics. To bridge this gap, the paper examines how social greeting practices function as a medium through which gendered norms are both reflected and reinforced across diverse cultural contexts. Based on qualitative data from ethnographic observations and semi-structured interviews across ten ethnic groups in Tanzania, the study analyses social greetings categorised into three primary types: gender-specific greetings addressing both men and women, greetings reserved exclusively for men, and plain, gender-neutral greetings, revealing embedded gender expectations. Revealing these gendered voices is important because it sheds light on how language and interaction perpetuate normative gender identities, providing opportunities for challenging inequalities and promoting gender equity across diverse sociocultural contexts. Guided by Judith Butler’s performativity theory and Norman Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis, the findings show that greetings are not just ritualised exchanges but also performative acts that subtly communicate and sustain culturally specific gender roles. Differences in greeting styles between men and women, as well as gendered expectations within greetings, demonstrate how daily communication rituals contribute to the maintenance of social hierarchies
Parental collaboration in implementing the competency-based curriculum for learners with special needs in primary schools: A case of Thika West Sub County, Kenya
Full text linkAwareness and Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence Tools for Effective Administration in Public Secondary Schools in North-Central Nigeria
Full text linkThe study investigated the awareness and utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the administration of secondary schools across North-Central Nigeria—a region marked by distinctive educational challenges and opportunities. The objectives were threefold: to assess the level of AI awareness among school administrators, evaluate the extent of AI tool utilisation, and identify barriers hindering their adoption for effective school management. To address these aims, three research questions were formulated. Using a multi-stage random sampling technique, 300 secondary school principals were selected as respondents. Data were collected through a researcher-developed instrument titled Principals’ Awareness and Utilisation of AI Tools Questionnaire (PAUATQ). Descriptive statistics, specifically mean and standard deviation, were employed for data analysis. Findings indicated low levels of AI awareness (M = 1.79, SD = ±1.04) and utilisation (M = 1.68, SD = ±1.29), with prominent adoption barriers including inadequate infrastructure and high costs of acquisition and maintenance (M = 2.86, SD = ±0.94). Based on these results, the study recommended that counselling psychologists and key educational stakeholders organise targeted workshops, seminars, and training programmes to enhance the technical competence and confidence of school administrators and teachers in implementing AI tools
Investigating tourists’ satisfaction with infrastructures located proximal to attractions
Full text linkThere is limited information concerning relationship between tourists' satisfaction and awareness of infrastructure locations, particularly with regard to associated impacts to the Outstanding universal values (OUVs). The study was conducted in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) World Heritage Site (WHS) in Tanzania employing a quantitative research approach. Theoretically, the study employed Expectancy-Disconfirmation model and Dissonance Theory on customer satisfactions. The study was guided by two null hypotheses: H01: Demographic characteristics (age, education, nationality and sex) do not influence tourist’s satisfactions with infrastructures located proximal to attractions; and H02: Tourists’ awareness of potential consequences of infrastructures located proximal to attractions do not influence their satisfactions. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on the 210 responses to investigate the relationships between tourists’ demographic characteristics and awareness of potential consequences and satisfactions. Both hypotheses (H01 and H02) were rejected, indicating that tourists are satisfied with infrastructures located proximal to attractions despite being aware of the potential consequences. In addition, tourists who were aware were twice as likely as those who were not to be satisfied. However, highly educated tourists (Masters and PhD) were less likely to be satisfied of infrastructures located proximal to attractions compared to tourists with lower education levels. This study recommends that infrastructure developers and NCA WHS conservators collaborate to develop monitoring and evaluation strategies to constantly balance conservation and tourism objectives because tourists are more satisfied with infrastructure proximal to attractions. Future research should focus on new construction materials, designs and technology to safeguards WHS OUVs
Unveiling the Agriculture -Trade-Capital Dynamics Nexus in Tanzania: A Structural Approach to Sustainable Economic Growth
Full text linkRural Tourism Entrepreneurship Skills and Knowledge as Strategy for Poverty Reduction: A Case of Bagamoyo District, Tanzania
Full text linkEntrepreneurship is a process and art of managing business which needs an entrepreneur to have relevant sets of entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. These sets are considered as an alternative tool to minimize socio economic problems especially problem of high unemployment, environmental pollution, and poverty. The paper established entrepreneurship skills and knowledge as strategy for poverty reduction in Tanzania. The specific objectives of this study were to understand the local community’s perception regarding the effects of entrepreneurial skills and knowledge, examined what are the key driving forces that make rural areas relevant to rural tourism, and to examine the destination-controlled challenges that militates its sustainability. The methods used included structured questionnaires, stakeholder's key informant interviews, and reviews of relevant literature. A likert scale range from 1 to 7 was used to measure the level of ranking and acceptance of variables from the sample of 100 respondents. SPSS software version 20 was used in all methods to analyze multivariate analysis. Findings revealed that entrepreneurial skills and knowledge is the most important dimension to explain rural tourism performance as opportunities for poverty reduction in local communities. Thus, it was recommended that there was a need to institute entrepreneurial training and tourism programmes that would ultimately provide chance for rural communities to be employed in high cadres with high pay, all tourism stakeholders have to provide enabling environment conducive for the smooth operation of both indigenous entrepreneurs and foreign investors. Further, there should be sound national tourism economic policy with respect to Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to make sure that rural tourism is promoted effectively and the community to integrate its marketing and products strategies. Areas for further research are also suggested
Exploring learning strategies among accounting students undertaking an online program
Full text linkThe shift toward online education has transformed the learning landscape for many groups of learners, including accounting students. However, many still struggle to adopt effective strategies suitable for virtual environments. Unlike traditional classrooms, online learning emphasises strong self-regulation, digital literacy, and independent study habits, skills that not all students possess equally. This study explores the learning strategies used by accounting students enrolled in online Bachelor of Business Administration programs. Using a quantitative survey, data were collected from 86 students and analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques. The findings reveal that cognitive strategies, resource management, and time management all play a key role in boosting comprehension and academic performance. Of these, resource management had the most significant impact, highlighting the value of collaborative tools and instructor support in fostering self-directed learning. These findings highlight the importance of self-discipline and intrinsic motivation in navigating the flexible structure of online education. The study also provides practical insights for educators to enhance instructional design and student support, ultimately improving the online learning experience for accounting students
Decentralisation of Wildlife Conservation in Tanzania: Analysing Stakeholders' Power Relationship in Makao Wildlife Management Area
Full text linkThis paper examined power devolution in Makao Wildlife Management Area (WMA) using the descriptive research design. Three villages, Jinamo, Mwabagimu, and Makao, were purposively selected out of seven villages. The data collection method included questionnaires (281 heads of households), key informant interviews (9), focus group discussions (1 in each village), and a literature review. Results showed that WMA actors were internal (local community) and external (State agencies and investors). External actors were powerful and influenced most decisions in WMA, hence the lack of power devolution. Results further showed that the state remains a very authoritative player in all decision-making processes where stakeholders in the whole process are practically powerless, and formations of Authorised Associations do not empower the local communities. The study found several effects of power disparities like limited resource access, ineffective conflict resolution, insufficient enforcement of regulations and reduced accountability. This study recommends advocacy for local 'community empowerment to minimise power disparity among WMA actors through legal and policy reforms. 
The Change in Personal Names and Naming Practices in the Iraqw Speech Community
Full text linkPersonal names and naming customs have changed in the contemporary Iraqw speech community. Most members of the Iraqw speech community today bear foreign names in their formal domain. This is revealed in aspects such as official documents, hospitals, and schools. The traditional naming customs and naming ceremonies for newborns have also evolved. Prior to the implementation of these modifications, the Iraqw speech community's traditional names and naming customs were based on customary ceremonies and rituals. This descriptive qualitative study was conducted in Karatu District, Arusha Region, to analyse the reasons behind changes in personal names and naming customs within the Iraqw speech community. Although many studies, including Arega (2016), Lusekelo and Muro (2018), and Mensa et al. (2020), have examined changes in personal names across different languages, the causes of these changes in the Iraqw language have not been adequately addressed. This study was grounded by the Communication Accommodation Theory. The data for this study were collected from Iraqw native speakers from three schools and two villages in Karatu District. The two villages and their respective schools were purposefully selected because of their limited interaction with other speech communities. To achieve the study’s objective, a semi-structured interview was conducted with 50 informants from the two villages. These were selected through purposive sampling, and the number was determined using the saturation principle to determine an appropriate sample size. The school register books were also reviewed from the three schools, and the collected data were analysed thematically. The study found that foreign religions, specifically Christianity and Islam, as well as the Swahili language, have had a significant influence on Iraqw names. Other factors driving changes in Iraqw names include personal preference, mispronunciation, and spelling errors. Thus, this study suggests that, since Iraqw traditional names are potential lexicons in the Iraqw language, initiatives should be taken to safeguard the remaining Iraqw traditional names