Celt: A Journal of Culture, English Language Teaching & Literature
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Challenges to Language Revitalization: The Efut Perspective
Full text linkEfut, a Bantoid language in the Niger-Congo Family, known as Balondo in its ancestral Cameroon homeland, seems to survive on the life support of cultural rituals and Ekpe (‘Leopard’) Society. There is no intergenerational transmission, as language shift is ubiquitous in almost all domains. As a corollary, except Okon Noah (2021), most works underscore only its extinction rather than resuscitation and it is not listed in Ethnologue (2019); hence, part of the momentum for our revitalization effort. From our exploratory investigations, the major challenges to Efut include: aftermath of war, lack of documentation, poor language attitude, linguistic environment, leadership tussle, economic and technological factors. We discuss these issues and suggest stimulus packages towards revitalization. Some of these include proficiency in Efut as a positive reward system and prerequisite for ascendancy to the highest Efut traditional patriarchy (Muri Munene), chieftaincy title awards and free land allocation. The use of social media, optimizing the gains of cultural rituals and Ekpe would serve also as veritable revitalization tools. The paper challenges language enthusiasts and other stakeholders, especially Efut indigenes, to bring fresh perspectives towards revitalizing the language. No human language deserves to die
Correlation Meaning of Inheritance Arrangement in Kutuh Village
Full text linkThis study aims to analyse the text of national law and the text of customary law on inheritance. This research is a forensic linguistic study to find the correlation of meaning between national legal texts and customary law texts and their implementation in society. The approach in this study is a qualitative research approach with text analysis. The method used is observation, recording, and interviews with community leaders in Kutuh village. The observation method with note-taking technique was carried out to find the correlation of meaning in national legal texts with customary law texts. The conversant method with face-to-face technique was carried out to find out the implementation of the legal text that governs indigenous peoples in the Kutuh village. The problems were analysed using the theory of forensic linguistics and supported by the theory of meaning. The result of this research is a positive correlation between national legal texts and customary law texts based on the meaning of the words in the text regulations on community inheritance rights. In addition, a positive correlation was also found in the implementation of customary law texts in the community
The Aesthetics and Mechanics of African Dance, Costumes and Rattles in Yibo Koko’s Seki Dance Drama
Full text linkWith its distinctive form and content, African dance stands apart, carving out a unique identity that sets it apart from other continents. Its inherent rhythm possesses a magnetic quality capable of compelling people to move, transcending language barriers—an attribute that has propelled African musicians, particularly those from Nigeria, to a dominating position on the global music stage. This paper delves into traditional African dance, explicitly focusing on the rhythmic opulence found in the dance of rattles, costumes, and water pots within Seki. This captivating dance drama pays homage to the vibrant culture of the Niger Delta in Nigeria, Africa. Authored by Yibo Koko, the Seki dance drama undergoes a transformative journey, skilfully repackaging the traditional village square theatre into a digitalized theatrical experience accessible both as a live performance and in the dynamic space of new media. The paper employs a robust methodology and theoretical framework, drawing on dance theories, historical surveys, and analytical reviews of Seki performances to unravel the nuanced layers of this artistic expression. In scrutinizing Seki, this paper not only sheds light on the captivating exploration of rhythmic elements, including rattles, costumes, and water pots, but also underscores the broader impact of Seki's performance. The dance drama is a compelling canvas that radiates colours and a flawless rhythm, capturing global attention and playing a pivotal role in restoring the splendour of African ancestry. Through this repackaged theatre experience, Seki becomes a vehicle for exporting African culture, offering a renewed perspective that transcends borders and celebrates the rich heritage embedded in the dance's vibrant tapestry
Illustrating Power Relations through Symbolism in The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses
Full text linkSymbolism is a powerful tool employed by authors to convey ideas and thoughts through the use of symbols and signs, imbuing everyday objects with deeper meanings in their works of literature. In addition, symbolism can have political implications, as it can represent political institutions, hierarchies, movements, beliefs, or ideologies, through objects, people, words, performances, or gestures. Through a content analysis approach, this research examines the symbolism used in The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses and how everyday objects are utilized to depict power relations. The symbols analyzed in this research are glasses, fertilizer, and tobacco. Glasses were found to represent Brille’s vulnerability/intellect. Fertilizer symbolizes Warder Hannetjie’s weakness, and tobacco symbolizes authority. By analyzing the symbols portrayed in literary works, especially writings that have a political connotation to them, it goes to show that sometimes the objects portrayed in literature are not just depicted for creative intentions, but also for critical depth
EFL Learners’ Anxiety versus Learning Strategy and Literal Listening Score: How Do They Correlate?
Full text linkThis recent study is aimed at identifying the correlation between the EFL learners’ strategy attainment and the listening score controlled by anxiety in the literal listening class and to know the causes and selected strategies to reduce anxiety. Some instruments were utilized in this study including the questionnaires on anxiety and learning strategies, and their final score. A semi-structured interview was also used to elicit the EFL learners’ experiences in the class. Participated in the study, 40 second-semester students taking the literal listening class were required to fill out the two questionnaires and their target from the final listening score was also counted. This mixed-method research utilized descriptive and correlation statistics addressed to answer the research focuses, and analyze the interview transcripts descriptively. The first finding was that there were three different distributions of scores, with “Good” category learners who experienced high anxiety. Further, strategy deployment correlated moderately and significantly with the EFL learners’ proficiency in listening class. More specific results indicated that they felt anxious when the class activities were on test or quiz time and related to the task types of literal listening. To solve such anxiety, some of the students focused on using keywords, and some are guessing the context. Few of them matched the questions to the context and searched in Google for the meaning. It is expected that EFL teachers elicit and level problems of anxiety from the early stages to determine appropriate and effective strategies to cope with and lead to better proficiency
Environmental Leadership Character Based on the Local Wisdom of Horticultural Agriculture in Ngada Flores
Full text linkThe Ngada Regency Government is developing horticulture using a group approach, namely farmer groups. Each farmer group is led by a group leader. The farmer group leader applies an environmental leadership approach based on local wisdom in developing horticultural agriculture. One of the factors that determines the success or failure of an environmental leader is leadership character. For this reason, it is necessary to identify and explain the character of environmental leadership based on local wisdom. This research aims to determine and describe the character of environmental leadership based on local wisdom in the development of horticultural agriculture. This research is qualitative research using hermeneutic analysis techniques. Data collection was carried out through observations of groups of horticultural farmers in Ngada Regency, in-depth interviews with two expert sources and 6 (six) heads of farmer groups, as well as focus group discussions (FGD) with 24 members of farmer groups. The research results show that the character of environmental leadership based on local wisdom in the development of horticultural agriculture is the character of hard work, moral character and spiritual character. This research contributes on-site knowledge-based environmental leadership
A Comparative Analysis of Decision Tree Classification Algorithms for Blended Learning Analytics in WEKA
Full text linkThis study explores the application of decision tree classification algorithms for analyzing student performance data within a blended learning environment. The analysis, conducted using WEKA 3.8.6, focused on four attributes believed to influence student performance: course type, course level outcome (CLO), topic learning outcome (TLO), and level of assessment. A comparative analysis of J48, Random Forest, and SimpleCart algorithms revealed valuable insights. J48 demonstrated efficiency in model building, while Random Forest offered a balance between interpretability and accuracy. SimpleCart achieved the highest classification accuracy but could be less interpretable. The selection of the optimal algorithm depends on the analytical goals. J48 is suitable for rapid exploration, while SimpleCart prioritizes accuracy. Random Forest offers a compromise for scenarios where both understanding and accuracy are important. This study provides a foundation for understanding student performance through decision trees and highlights opportunities for further exploration using additional attributes, rule-based learners, and other machine learning algorithms. By leveraging these techniques, educators within blended learning environments can gain a deeper understanding of student performance and tailor their practices to optimize learning outcomes
Language Politeness of Local Tour Guides in Orangutan Ecotourism Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra: A Sociopragmatic Study
Full text linkBukit Lawang is a conservation area for orangutans located in North Sumatra, Indonesia. This research aims to examine the politeness markers used by tour guides in this area. The qualitative research method with a phenomenological approach was employed. Data were collected through observation, field notes, audio video recordings, and interviews. The findings indicate that tour guides in Bukit Lawang utilize various politeness markers, including offering assistance, expressing agreement, making requests, giving commands, refusing, apologizing, providing advice, and giving compliments. Local tour guides in Bukit Lawang also employ diverse non-verbal politeness markers, such as smiling, in their interactions with tourists. Factors influencing the use of these language politeness markers include social harmony, the desire to please tourists, social and cultural norms, professionalism, and public image. In conclusion, this study provides a better understanding of the use of language politeness markers by tour guides in Bukit Lawang Orangutan Ecotourism. The research findings can serve as a basis for enhancing tourism services and enriching knowledge about cross-cultural interactions in the context of tourism
Developing Local MSMEs with Indonesian Socio-Culture Service Learning for Muria's Processed Parijoto Fruit
Full text linkThe concept of entrepreneurship empowerment was explored in depth to highlight its multifaceted nature and its role in fostering economic growth and cultivating a positive community mindset, which in turn spurred the development of essential infrastructure contributing to community empowerment. Service Learning, as a strategy for community entrepreneurship empowerment in the Indonesian culture, was enacted through the collaboration of faculty and university students who were acknowledged for their capacity to deliver authentic learning experiences. It, thereby, facilitated the acquisition of both soft and hard skills. This initiative exemplified the coordinated efforts among universities, such as the local MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) Community of processed Parijoto fruit, and its various partners. The execution of this community service program, which was done in Muria, comprised six primary phases: surveying, conducting interviews, gathering data, preparing materials, engaging in focus group discussions, formulating action plans, and conducting evaluations and reflections. The outcomes encompassed the analysis of laboratory products, educational sessions, mentoring activities, and the creation of educational resources. While the assessment of processing parijoto fruit yielded positive impacts from the endeavor, it was found to have a need to optimize support from businesses to sustain a conducive environment for MSMEs. Such entrepreneurship training initiatives have demonstrated efficacy in empowering communities and generating further prospects for individuals residing in rural areas
Implicatures Used as a Means to Develop the Plot in the Soundtracks of Encanto Movie
Full text linkThis paper analyzes the usage of implicatures in soundtracks for plot developments in Disney’s 2021 movie Encanto. An implicature, at its core, functions as a means to provide context or a deeper level of understanding that is otherwise invisible unless the listener understands the topic at hand. Such is why the usage of implicatures can be seen as literary devices, either in song lyrics or movie scripts. By comprising evidence from diaries on this topic and research conducted on this study, this paper outlines implicatures present in songs being used as a means of plot development for the movie in which the song originates. This study found that by using the concept of Gricean Maxim's flouting, a theory proposed in the study of implicatures, lyrics of soundtracks containing implicatures can be used as a means of establishing a status quo, foreshadowing future events that may later happen in the movie as either a comedic effect or alluding to real life situations for poetic effect, and also by presenting it in a more word-structurally format