A Shona language mobile application to facilitate reading amongst dyslexic learners

Main Article Content

Floyd Tawana Dakarai Mapwanyire
Victoria Hasheela
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6512-4712
Tulimevava Kaunapawa Ndakunda
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4864-1387

Abstract

Dyslexia, a neurological learning disorder affecting one’s ability to read, write or speak, is the most common learning disability experienced by children and adults. Various researchers have reported on the high illiteracy rates amongst dyslexic adults in Zimbabwe, due to inadequacy of existing intervention programs. This research was conducted to explore the benefits of integrating assistive technological solutions with existing intervention programs, so as to alleviate some of the effects of dyslexia. Using Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM), a Shona Android mobile learning application for primary school learners with dyslexia was developed with the goal of fostering learning and helping children improve some of their fundamental skills, such as reading comprehension, orthographic coding and visual motor integration skills. The application helps teach orthography, grammar and phonology of the Shona language with the use of the alphabet and its character sounds, vowels, consonants and parts of the Shona speech such as nouns, verbs and adjectives.  Both quantitative (questionnaires, observations) and qualitative (interviews) sampling techniques were used in the evaluation phase of DSRM to uncover significant information about learning outcomes and discover conclusive findings about the application. The research concludes that Assistive technological solutions hold promising prospects in learning for dyslexic learners.

Article Details

How to Cite
Mapwanyire, F. T. D., Hasheela, V., & Ndakunda, T. K. (2025). A Shona language mobile application to facilitate reading amongst dyslexic learners. Namibian Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Communication Studies, 17(2), 5–28. https://doi.org/10.59677/njllcs.v17i2.101
Section
Articles
Author Biographies

Floyd Tawana Dakarai Mapwanyire, University of Namibia

Floyd Tawana Dakarai Mapwanyire is a student at the University of Namibia. He is also a co-founder of Astray technologies, whereby he specializes in Mobile and Web technologies development.

Victoria Hasheela, University of Namibia

Victoria Tulivaye Hasheela obtained a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Namibia, and a B.Sc. Hons in Computer Science from Stellenbosch University, as well as a M.Sc. in Informatics from Mannheim University. She also obtained a D.Sc. in Technology from Lappeenranta University of Technology. She is currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Namibia. Her research interests include digital preservation of African indigenous knowledge and languages and Entrepreneurship.

Tulimevava Kaunapawa Ndakunda, University of Namibia

Tulimevava Kaunapawa Mufeti is an Associate Professor in Information Systems in the Department of Computing, Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at the University of Namibia. She holds a PhD in Information Systems and a Master of Science in Computer Science from Rhodes University, South Africa. She also serves as a Director of the Communications Regulatory Authority in Namibia, a state-owned enterprise entrusted with regulating Telecommunications, Broadcasting and Postal services in Namibia.

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