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Swahili Loanwords in Jita: A Sociolinguistic Study of Patterns and Borrowing Factors
Full text linkThe thrust of this paper lies in Swahili loanwords in Jita, with particular attention to sociolinguistic patterns and the factors influencing lexical borrowing. Jita is a Bantu language mainly spoken in Mara Region, Tanzania. While loanwords from languages such as Swahili, English, and neighbouring languages reflect historical, economic, and political influences, the specific motivations and sociocultural changes behind their adoption have not been thoroughly investigated in the language. In this regard, this study has identified the common lexical categories borrowed from Swahili into Jita, as well as the factors underlying this lexical borrowing. This study was guided by the interpretivism paradigm, and it employed qualitative descriptive design. The study employed convenience purposive sampling. The data was collected using non-participant observation and semi-structured interview to explore and thematically analyse Swahili loanwords in Jita and the sociolinguistic factors behind their borrowing. The findings were analysed using thematic analysis, in which the data were grouped according to their similarities (common borrowed words and factors) and sub-themes. In the first objective, the study revealed that in 1,000 Swahili loanwords studied in Jita, 684(68.4%) were nouns, 253(25.3%) were verbs, 34(3.4%) were adjectives, 24(2.4%) were adverbs, 4(0.4%) were conjunctions, and 1(0.1%) was a preposition. In this regard, the nouns and adjectives are the most borrowed words in Jita. The findings for the second objective highlighted that the primary reasons for borrowing in Jita include expressing new concepts and prestige, as Swahili holds more social prestige than Jita. The findings also show that cultural and economic interactions with other languages, particularly through Swahili and English, lead to lexical borrowing in Jita, introducing terms related to technology, trade, and social structures. The analysis dealt with the dynamic nature of linguistic evolution, emphasising factors such as cultural contact, socio-political influences, and technological advancements. The study recommends that future studies should investigate how globalisation and technological changes continue to affect lexical borrowing in Jita and other Bantu languages, encouraging cross-linguistic studies in African language
Strategic Code-Switching in Digital Marketing: The Functions of Facebook Money-Lending Advertisements in Tanzania
Full text linkWhile previous studies have explored code-switching in social, educational, and user-generated online contexts, little attention has been given to its strategic use in digital advertising, particularly within Tanzania’s financial sector. In this regard, this study investigated the sociolinguistic features of code-switching in Facebook money-lending advertisements in Tanzania, focusing on the types, influencing factors, and communicative functions of language alternation between Kiswahili and English. Guided by Myers-Scotton’s Matrix Language Frame model and the Pragmatic-Functional Perspective, the study employed an interpretivist approach, using netnography and thematic analysis, to examine 20 Facebook adverts and 100 user comments collected between 2023 and 2025. The study finds that code-switching in Tanzanian Facebook money-lending advertisements performs multiple interrelated functions that enhance communication effectiveness. Persuasively, English is often used in slogans and taglines to signal professionalism, credibility, and global standards, while Kiswahili maintains cultural accessibility. It also serves as an emphatic and attention-grabbing device by highlighting key actions and services, making messages more engaging in fast-paced digital contexts. Additionally, code-switching fulfils relational, identity, informative, and instructional functions by bridging local and urban identities, guiding users through digital processes, and building trust through clarity, modernity, and audience alignment. In conclusion, code-switching in Tanzanian Facebook money-lending advertisements functions as a strategic resource that combines Kiswahili’s cultural appeal with English’s professionalism to enhance persuasion and trust. Marketers should therefore use it purposefully, supported by training in Business Linguistics and Sociolinguistics and further research on audience perceptions and measurable impacts. More broadly, policymakers, educators, and consumers should recognise code-switching as a functional tool in effective and inclusive digital financial communication. The study is essential in business as it explores strategic language use in online financial marketing and its implications for marketers, policy, education, and consumer understanding
Semantic Analysis of the Ndali Place Names: A Case of Bundali Division of Ileje District, Tanzania
Full text linkPlace names carry the memories, historical background, and dynamism of the respective communities and their environment. However, Ndali names have not been analysed, overshadowing their rich cultural and historical meanings. To address this lacuna, the paper analysed 148 Ndali place names in the Bundali Division, Songwe Region, to determine how they reflect cultural and environmental contexts. The study used qualitative and descriptive design to analyse data. Snowball and purposive sampling were used to collect data from 69 participants through focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews and introspection. The analysis reveals that the Ndali place names derive their meanings from water bodies, landscape features, flora, fauna, historical events, and prominent individuals. Consequently, paper analysis demonstrates that these place names are both linguistically and geographically specific, reflecting the pivotal role of language in documenting local environments, history and culture. Moreover, the findings emphasise the significance of place names in cultural and environmental preservation and historical documentation. Future research may focus on evaluating the impact of modernisation on the preservation of place names in other regions of Tanzania and globally
Assessment of ICT Integration in Competence-Based Curriculum in Moshi Public Primary Schools
Full text linkThis study assessed the integration of ICT in implementing a Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) in public primary schools in Moshi Municipality, Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed to determine teachers' perceptions of integrating ICT into their lessons and to examine the challenges they face in this process. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using a convergent parallel design and a sample of 266 respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that the majority of participants viewed ICT integration in CBC as essential for delivering quality education to pupils. Most respondents reported access to mobile devices (smartphones) with internet and email functionality (75.5%), laptops (67.3%), tablets (61.6%), and desktop computers (60.4%). However, key challenges identified included a lack of ICT facilities (39.2%) and inadequate digital infrastructure (32.2%). The study concludes that although ICT integration is critical for improving the quality of education and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, Target 4.1, its implementation in CBC remains limited. Consequently, the provision of quality education is hindered. The study recommends increased provision of ICT facilities and the development of digital infrastructure in schools. Furthermore, it calls for additional research on effective ICT integration in primary education
The Influence of the National E-Procurement System on Employees’ Performance in Selected Public Institutions in Tanzania
Full text linkThis study evaluates how the Tanzania National E-Procurement System (TANePS) affects worker productivity in a country’s public institutions. The Government Procurement Services Agency (GPSA) and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) were the two organizations where the study specifically investigated the adoption of TANePS and its impact on employee performance. With 200 employees from the chosen institutions participating in the sttudy’s self-administered questionnaire survey, 66 percent of the respondents responded. According to the study, 84% of the respondents frequently used TANePS for e-tendering and e-payment, but only a small percentage utilized it for user registration and e-contract administration. While internal resistance negatively impacted management policies and system adoption, good software design and IT readiness promoted TANePS deployment. The introduction of TANePS was successful due to supportive policies and IT, increased performance, and enhanced procurement efficiency
Friedrich Froebel’s Philosophy of Education and its Implications for Secondary School Education in Nigeria
Full text linkThis study analysed Friedrich Froebel’s philosophy of education and its implications for secondary school education in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to analyse Friedrich Froebel’s philosophy of education and its implications to secondary school education in Nigeria. Data were collected through the use of philosophical literature and interview schedule. The study sample was made up of executive selected from two associations namely; Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS). The data were analysed using philosophical analysis. The findings of the study revealed that Friedrich Froebel’s philosophy of education emphasises self-realisation, child’s natural abilities, child-centred approach, motivation for learning and discovery; Furthermore, Friedrich Froebel’s philosophy of education is relevant to Nigerian secondary education in policy and in practice; The implications of Friedrich Froebel’s philosophy of education on the Nigerian secondary education places emphasis on moral, social and spiritual developments, self-realisation, motivation for learning, education for unity of man and its relation with God. The study concluded that certain amount of emphasis on Friedrich Froebel’s philosophy of education is essential for secondary education and societal development in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that Nigerian secondary education should pursue to a greater extent child-centered education that focuses on moral, social, spiritual developments and education for unity of man and its relationship with God
Assessing the Experiences of Teen Mothers under the Re-entry Policy in Secondary Schools: A Case of Uyui District Council- Tabora, Tanzania
Full text linkThis study aimed to assess the experiences of teen mothers re-entering secondary schools under the re-entry policy in Uyui District. Guided by Max Horkheimer's Critical Theory, the study adopted a case study design appropriate for examining social realities within their natural contexts. A purposive sample of ten teen mothers who had returned to school was selected, and data were gathered through unstructured interviews. Thematic content analysis was used to interpret the data. Findings revealed significant barriers to successful reintegration, including financial hardship, psychological distress, and limited participation in social activities. The study recommends that the government and educational stakeholders implement targeted awareness campaigns in schools and communities to reduce stigma. These could include workshops, seminars, and public service announcements. Additionally, further research is recommended to examine how the implementation of the re-entry policy affects teen mothers' academic performance
Learning Environment for Visually Impaired Learners in Selected Inclusive Primary Schools in Tanzania
Full text linkThe study examined the learning environment for visually impaired (VI) learners in inclusive primary schools in Tanzania. The study employed a mixed-methods research approach and a concurrent mixed-methods design. The study involved a sample of 192 participants. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and observations for triangulation and complementarity purposes. With the aid of SPSS version 26, quantitative data were analysed by using descriptive statistics (presented in the form of tables) and inferential statistics by using the Mann-Whitney U Test. Qualitative data were thematically analysed using MaxQDA 24 and presented through explanations and direct quotations. Findings suggest that the learning environment for VI learners in Tanzania is relatively poor. It is recommended that the Government should collaborate with education stakeholders such as non-governmental organisations, development partners, and civil society organisations to ensure the availability of resources and training of teachers on inclusive pedagogical practices in primary schools
Legal Guarantees for the Establishment and Functionality of Ombudsman Institution: A Case for the Insurance Ombudsman Service of Tanzania
Full text linkThe concept of Ombudsman represents an institution or a person appointed to receive and investigate complaints against maladministration by public servants and resolve disputes amicably between consumers and service providers. This article aims to expound its basic legal guarantees for the establishment and functionality of the Ombudsman institution in line with the fundamental elements of independence, accountability, fairness and effectiveness. Employing doctrinal research approaches and reviewing ombudsman instruments and literature and case laws from other jurisdictions, it identifies legal personality status, independent resources and sustenance structures as well as procedural and substantive terms of reference as cumulative keys in guaranteeing the functionality of the ombudsman institution. In that view, it shows that the Tanzanian Insurance Ombudsman Service legislative framework does not reflect these key guarantees for its functionality. It ultimately recommends legislative and institutional improvement to entrench those legal guarantees and thereby enhance independence, accountability, fairness and effectiveness in the functionality of the insurance ombudsman service
Assessment of Solid Waste Management Practices in Hotels in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Full text linkThis study aims to examine hotel practices on solid waste management in Zanzibar Island in the United Republic of Tanzania. Specifically, the study analyses the solid waste management practices based on size and location of the hotel as well as degree of international influence. Furthermore, the study analyzes the stakeholder participation in solid waste management. A survey was conducted in December 2019 using a questionnaire to the 158 hotels in all three regions of Zanzibar obtained using stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results of the study showed that solid waste management by the hotel depends on the type of solid waste generated in which recycled was most preferred for food waste (18.4%), re-use for glass waste (23.4%), incineration for paper and cardboard waste (25.9%). Furthermore, regression analysis results showed that three variables explain practice of dumping solid waste in open space. These are contact with waste recycling firm (p=09), frequency of waste collection (p=0.011) and location (p=0.75). Hotels that have established contact with waste recycling firm are less likely to adopt open dumping, whereas high frequency of collecting waste decrease likelihood of dumping solid wastes. It has well been noted that hotel located in rural areas more likely to dispose waste in open dumping. The results also indicated that there was an association between hotel ownership (internationalization) and reduced use of plastic solid waste. Finally, the regression model was significant at 1 percent with p value of 0.001, implying that independent variables specified in the model which were hotel location and monitoring frequency correct determine whether food wastes are recycled at hotel premise or not. It can be concluded that, that management of waste is a combination of hotel related factors and external attributes that relates to regional or local administration. It is therefore recommended that local and national authorities should increase the frequency of waste collection and monitoring to enhance the sustainable waste management practices