UNAM Open Access Journal University of Namibia
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Examining the complications encountered by Grade 10-11 Oshikwanyama teachers and learners in conducting research projects (Paper 4) within the revised NSSCO Curriculum
Full text linkThis study critically examines the complexities encountered by Grade 10–11 Oshikwanyama teachers and learners in executing research projects (Paper 4) within the NSSCO Revised Curriculum. The impetus for this research stems from the continuous decline in learner performance in Paper 4, despite curriculum enhancements introduced five years ago. Employing robust constructivist and ethnographic research frameworks, this study investigates the multifaceted challenges faced by teachers and learners. A qualitative research methodology was adopted, with purposive sampling selecting participants actively involved in Oshikwanyama research in 2024. Data were meticulously gathered through semi-structured interviews and comprehensive document analysis. Content analysis was utilised to distil and interpret the data, identifying prominent themes and patterns. The findings elucidate several critical issues. Teachers grapple with inadequate training in research methodologies, insufficient parental involvement, and logistical constraints. Learners confront challenges such as limited access to reliable cultural information, prohibitive transportation costs, and a lack of intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, the abstract nature of research concepts and inadequate resources significantly impede the research process. To address these robust challenges, the study recommends strategic interventions, including enhanced awareness programs for parents, targeted professional development workshops for teachers, and practical support such as funding for research-related expenses. Additionally, it advocates for a re-evaluation of the Paper 4 component to boost engagement and mitigate academic dishonesty. By addressing these challenges, the study aims to inform educational stakeholders and develop strategies to improve the pedagogy and practice of Oshikwanyama research. This, in turn, will contribute to enhanced educational outcomes and support the preservation and archiving of Oshikwanyama culture, aligning with the aspirations of Vision 2030.
A book review of the work, metaphor: A practical introduction
Full text linkThis work is a review of the book, Metaphor: A Practical Introduction
Lexical Loss and Replacement in Kinga
Full text linkLexical loss and replacement in Kinga are among the impacts of lexical change in language. Language contact acts as a main mediator in linguistic change. In this case, the recipient language may be affected in language systems, especially lexical loss and replacement, leading to lexical change. Kinga has been in contact with Swahili and other nearby languages for a long time. Some of the Kinga words have been lost permanently, and others have been replaced. This paper traces the way Kinga is losing some of its lexical items while others are being replaced by items from different languages, mainly from Swahili. The data analysis processes are based on a qualitative approach. This study is guided by the Cultural Transmission Theory developed by Kenny Smith in 2003. The findings of this paper reveal that Kinga has experienced lexical change because it incorporates words from other nearby languages into its lexicon. Kiswahili seems to have many words in Kinga. The study also postulates that there are changes experienced in phonology, syntax, morphology, and semantics in Kinga. Generally, the results of this paper show that many Swahili words have penetrated into Kinga in the contact situation, whereby some of Kinga’s lexical items have been lost while others have been replaced. Language and culture are two things that are intertwined. Elders have to use the language according to their linguistic backgrounds, whereas the new generation learns it as it is used in the natural context. This situation makes the vitality of Kinga as one of the Ethnic Community Languages in Tanzania
Stakeholders’ concerns regarding the standard of Sign Language interpretation in Zimbabwe’s Justice System: Implications for access to justice: Implications for access to justice
No full textThis qualitative study investigates three issues related to court interpreting in Zimbabwe's justice system. It examines stakeholders' concerns about the quality of interpreting and its impact on deaf parties' rights in legal disputes. It also assesses the application of the 2013 Constitution and other laws in courtrooms, the relationship between language and the legal system in Deaf communities, and the linguistic techniques used in deaf communication. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observation of open court sessions. The study revealed a shortage of proficient Zimbabwean Sign language interpreters in Zimbabwean courts, leading to communication challenges during trials and misconceptions about the government's commitment to protecting deaf people's language rights. The researchers suggest that the Zimbabwean government and other stakeholders should establish a pool of interpreters and allocate funds for training for proficient Zimbabwean Sign language court interpreters
The Prevalence of depression among inpatients and outpatients and key associated sociodemographic and clinical factors, 2010 - 2022: A systematic review
No full textDepression has a higher prevalence than other mood disorders, and the disability it causes is a global burden. Although mental health is an essential component of normal functioning and health, mental disorders such as depression are neglected. The study aimed to summarise the prevalence of depression, gender differences, and associated factors in inpatients and outpatients. A systematic review approach was used, whereby the PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus electronic databases were searched for studies published between the years 2010 and 2022 to identify observational studies with the above information on different continents. Data characteristics were extracted independently by two investigators. After scanning and evaluation, 52 articles were initially identified. After further screening, 29 articles were reviewed for the study. These 29 cross-sectional studies included a total of 46979 individuals. From the literature reviewed, common factors associated with depression included demographic characteristics, biopsychosocial factors, substance abuse, a history or family history of mental illness, and a history or family history of chronic illness. Women were more prone to depression than men (54.9%). In terms of geographical location, the prevalence of depression was highest in North America at 36.0% and lowest in Europe at 25.0%. Further studies are needed to evaluate the prevalence of depression and associated factors specific to other geographical locations
Visual culture of foreign languages: What to do with cultural stereotypes?
Full text linkAlthough previous studies have shown that learners’ visual representations of a culture and its community can affect performance and motivation in the language acquisition process, there are no studies to date on how students engage and interpret the visuals of foreign cultures. Understanding students’ visual representations of foreign cultures will inform educators about their teaching strategies and classroom practices when conveying the visual cultural content of the foreign language to students. This should also help students to understand their sometimes overly stereotypical representations of foreign culture and to view learning the cultural content of the foreign language as a useful and realistic intercultural experience. This study explores students’ visual representations of foreign cultures. The study was conducted at the University of Namibia in 2022, and the study population was divided into three groups of participants: 21 beginner-level students learning one of the following foreign languages offered in the Department of Humanities and Arts (Chinese, French, Spanish and Portuguese), 24 Visual Arts students enrolled in Visual Culture course but not registered in foreign languages and four foreign languages lecturers from the Department of Humanities and Arts. A quantitative method was used with language students and lecturers through the distribution of online questionnaires. Visual students were requested to produce an artistic work on any medium representing a foreign culture they are not familiar with. Students’ view of the visual culture of foreign languages, both foreign language learners and non-learners, generally stereotyped the foreign culture and underestimated its diversity. From the lecturers’ perspectives, the results showed that all of them include visual cultural material in their teaching, but half of them have really reflected on the cultural content of their teaching resource nor are they well aware of the critical cultural competencies of their students
Radioactivity concentrations in anthill soils used for building construction: A case study of Oshikoto region, Namibia
Full text linkThe level of background radioactivity concentration is gradually increasing worldwide due to anthropogenic activities. Humans are exposed to radiation either from terrestrial sources emanating from these activities or cosmological sources. The main aim of the study was to measure the radioactivity concentrations in anthill soils used for building residential dwellings in the northern region. The study was conducted along the B1 road of the Oshikoto region to determine the natural activity concentration of terrestrial radionuclides of 238U (226Ra), 232Th and 40K by using a high-purity germanium detector and to assess the radiological health parameters associated with the anthill building material. The average activity concentrations for (226Ra), 232Th and 40K were found to be 8.01 ± 0.43, 11.75 ± 0.48 and 159.33 ± 5.19 Bq/kg, respectively. All measured average activity concentrations of the radionuclides were below the world safety limits. The corresponding radiological parameters of interest of the study (absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalence, radium activity, external hazard index, and internal hazard index) were estimated. The averages for the absorbed dose rate and annual effective dose equivalent were found to be 17.02 ± 0.42 nGy/h and 0.02 ± 0.00 mSv/y, respectively, whilst the averages for radium equivalent activity, external hazard index and internal hazard index were 36.08 ± 0.92 Bq/kg, 0.10 ± 0.00 and 0.12 ± 0.00, respectively. The absorbed dose rate for soil was approximately three times (x3) lower than that of the world average. The spread of data from the mean value was 5.94 nGy/h for the absorbed dose rate, 6.29 mSv/y for annual effective dose, 11.02 Bq/kg for radium equivalent activity, 0.03 for the external hazard index and 0.04 for the internal hazard index. The average values for the external and internal hazard indices were below unity, implying that the external exposure of humans to radiation is negligible and therefore, the soil materials are safe for building constructions of human shelter
Covid-19 COVID-19 AND NATURAL HERBS: A WAY FORWARD
No full textThe emergence of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in late 2019 has caused dramatic downfall of economies, health and social mobilization of people all over the world. Up to date, there is no widely accepted drug for the treatment of COVID-19, necessitating the exploration of medicinal plants or plant components as therapeutic agents. To make matters worse there is massive Covid -19 vaccination hesitancy in the public and even in medical staff. Medicinal plants, according to various studies have shown varying efficacy in clearing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 which includes dry cough, loss of appetite, fever, tiredness, sore throat and diarrhea, as well as complications like chest pain, shortness of breath and loss of speech and movement. This review explores the extensive flora of Africa and other parts of the world for information on medicinal herbs with potentials for the treatment of COVID-19. Africa is in pole position because of her rich history, practice and knowledge of medicinal plants to treat varying number of infections to find the perfect herb for the cure of COVID-19. Bioactive phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenes and so on with varying mechanism of action could target the virus architecture such as the structural protein (Spike protein), the virus genome (RNA), and the non-structural proteins of the virus which are responsible for replication, transcription and host cell recognition. The indiscriminate use of medicinal plants in the treatment of various infections, should be avoided against COVID-19 and thus strict regulations and education of such implications should be highlighted to the publi
The voice of the people is the Voice of God: An analysis of religious metaphors in Zimbabwean election campaign speeches
Full text linkThis study examines the use of religious metaphors in Zimbabwe’s 2018 and 2023 election campaigns, focusing on how ZANU PF, the MDC Alliance, and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leveraged Christian beliefs and values through strategic language to persuade voters. The analysis argues that it is not merely the choice of metaphors that matters, but how they are employed to achieve persuasive goals. Grounded in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), the study draws on campaign speeches and church addresses by presidential candidates. Findings reveal that both ruling and opposition parties used religious imagery to construct ideologies, frame identities, and influence public perception. These metaphors served as persuasive rhetorical tools, drawing on cultural and spiritual resonance to shape voter attitudes and portray candidates as divinely sanctioned leaders. The study highlights the broader implications of religious discourse in legitimizing political authority and influencing democratic engagement in highly religious societies
Omayityo nomunyolelo gwokatungithi ‘Bantu’ mOshiwambo: (The meanings and orthography of the word "Bantu" in Oshiwambo)
No full textAbstract
This paper examines the meanings of the morpheme ‘Bantu’ and the reasons why authors write it differently in the Oshiwambo language. The paper further analyses the morphological and phonological changes that occur during borrowing the morpheme ‘Bantu’, investigates noun classes in which it is found, as well as its orthography in the Oshiwambo language. The study adopts the Natural Generative Phonology (NGP) theory, as proposed by Hooper (1976), along with Word Formation theory and the Use Theory of Meaning (UTM), as its theoretical framework. This study adopted a qualitative approach, and data were collected through documented texts, text analysis, daily texts and utterances. After the analysis and interpretation of data, it has become evident that the morpheme ‘Bantu’ is a polysemic word in the Oshiwambo language. Data reveals that the author’s level of education, knowledge of other languages, geographical location, meaning and the noun class in which the author allocates the morpheme ‘Bantu’ are the reasons authors write it differently in Oshiwambo. The finding reveals that the morpheme ‘Bantu’ undergoes various morphological and phonological changes such as prefixation, nasalisation, free variation and modern trend to be integrated into the Oshiwambo speech system. Furthermore, it has been found that the orthography of the morpheme ‘Bantu’ in the Oshiwambo language is: Mbantu, Mbanhu, Banhu, Bantu, Aambantu, Ovambanhu, Aambanhu/Aabanhu, Aabantu, or Ovabantu, and Oshimbantu, Oshimbanhu, Otshimbanhu, Otshibanhu, or Oshibantu. These words are in Oshiwambo noun class 1.a., 2 and 7 respectively (cf. Oshiwambo 18 noun classes). Teachers, lecturers, learners, students, authors, journalists, and lexicographers could utilise knowledge acquired through this study.
Engongo
Ombapila ndjika oya lalakanene okwiilonga omayityo gokatungithi ‘Bantu’ nokukonakona omatompelo kutya omolwashike aanyoli haye ka nyola sha yooloka mElaka lyOshiwambo. Ombapila oya sinasina wo omalunduluko gopamofolohi nopafonolohi ngoka ga holoka mokuhehela okatungithi ‘Bantu’ mElaka lyOshiwambo, oya konakona wo oongundutyadhina dhOshiwambo moka taka adhika nomunyolelo gwako gwomondjila mElaka mOshiwambo. Oshinyolwakonakono oshi iwega kOmadhiladhiloyukitho gOpafonolohi yElaka ngoka ga andjaganekwa nokuyambulwa po kuHooper (1976), Omadhiladhiloyukitho gEndulukopo lyIitya nosho wo Omadhiladhiloyukitho gEyityo lyOshitya mokundjandjukununa uuyelele. Oshinyolwa shika osha longitha omukalo gwomadhiladhilo gomuule nuuyelele owa gongelwa okupitila mokulesha iinyolwa ya nyanyangidhwa, okusinasina iinyolwa, omishangwa dhakehe esiku nosho wo omatumbulo ga popiwa. Konima yokusinasina nokundjandjukununa uuyelele wa gongelwa, osha kolekwa kutya okatungithi ‘Bantu’ oshipolisemitya mOshiwambo.Uuyelele otawu ulike kutya okatunguthi ‘Bantu’ ohaka pangwa sha yooloka pamofolohi nopafonolohi ngaashi momukalo: gwokunkotseka ko oshitetekeli, gwokukwamayupaleka, gwokupingenapo okanyolo/uunyolo nokanyolo/nuunyolo uukwawo nogwopashinanena okutambiwa ko momutumbulilo gwOshiwambo. Kakele kaashono, okwa monika wo kutya omunyolelo gwokatungithi ‘Bantu’ mOshiwambo ogwo: Mbantu, Mbanhu, Banhu, Bantu, Aambantu, Ovambanhu, Aambanhu, Aabanhu, Aabantu, nenge Ovabantu, nosho wo Oshimbantu, Oshimbanhu, Otshimbanhu, Otshibanhu, nenge Oshibantu. Iitya mbyoka otayi adhika mongundutyadhina 1.a., 2, nosho wo 7 yOshiwambo (cf. [mekwatathano] noongundutyadhina 18 dhOshiwambo). Aalongisikola, aalongiputudhilolongo, aanasikola, aalongwaputudhilolongo, aanyoli, aatolinkundana naanyolimambwiitya otaya vulu okulongitha uunongo wa gongelwa okupitila moshinyolwakonakono shika. Hugunina, oshinyolwasinasino shika otashi thaneke kutya oompata dha li pokati komulongi gwOshindonga nomulongi gwoshilongwa shOmayilongo gOnkalathano osho dha yi pehulilo.