Namibian Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Communication Studies
The Namibian Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Communication Studies was previously known as the NAWA Journal of Language and Communication (eISSN 2026-9048). Journal Frequency Statement The Namibian Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Communication Studies (NJLLCS), (eISSN 2026-9048), is committed to the publication of two issues annually, typically released in June and December. Over the past eighteen years, the journal has consistently upheld this biannual publication schedule. Nevertheless, due to limitations in editorial capacity, delays in the peer review process, the extensive nature of language editing, and graphic design requirements, coupled with a steadfast dedication to maintaining academic rigor and ethical standards, the timely release of issues may occasionally be subject to delays. The journal is published by the Department of Communication and Languages, Faculty of Commerce, Human Sciences and Education, Namibia University of Science and Technology. Peer review & Scope It is a peer-reviewed (double-blind) journal whose goal is to advance knowledge in human language, communication, and literature. The journal publishes academic articles dealing with empirical research findings, pedagogical methodologies, critical analyses and theoretical perspectives in language, literature and communication and related disciplines such as linguistics and information and communication technologies. NJLLCS encourages research without boundaries and expands the frontiers of knowledge and skill in languages, literature and communication and related areas. Audience The journal serves an international audience of academic researchers, educators, linguistic practitioners, and media professionals. Open Access This is an open access journal which means that all content is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This is in accordance with the BOAI (Budapest Open Access Initiative) definition of open access. The journal flipped from paid access to Open Access in 2023 starting with issue 16.1. Prior issues still require paid access, as their copyright belongs to EBSCOhost. Find them in the EBSCO database "Communication Source". Indexing The Namibian Journal of Linguistics, Literature & Communication Studies is indexed in the EBSCO Communication Source database. You can also search under the journal's previous title "NAWA Journal of Language and Communication".
Namibia University of Science and Technology
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Festival as an art form is a significant component of people’s cultural trajectory. Among Yorùbá, it recreates age-long traits of the people recognising and transmitting knowledge about a past that impacts the present and also foregrounds the future. Commemorative arts subsist in all cultures of the world articulating the socio-historical imaginaries of the people alongside their biological forms of identity. Although there are existing works on Yoruba festivals mainly focusing on festivals of big cities such as Osun (Osogbo), Eyo (Lagos), and Olojo (Ile-Ife). However, it is imperative to research the festivals of the smaller villages and communities because of their rich history and tradition. Therefore, this paper examines the Obedu festival of the Oba-Ile people of Osun State, Nigeria. Symbolic Interactionism serves as the theoretical framework and it is ethnographic in design. Data were collected through key Informant Interviews (comprising of the king of Oba-Ile, three high chiefs, and ten other participants at the festival) and Participant observation. Data collected were content analysed. The paper concludes that there is a need to reevaluate Indigenous performance as they continue to influence identity construction and social change despite modernity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Charles Patrick, Dr. Oyewo, Adewale Christopher https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
This study investigates the impact of communication challenges on female inmates' successful reintegration post-imprisonment in Zimbabwe. Through qualitative research, including in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis, the study examines the extent to which the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) facilitates effective communication between female inmates and their families. Findings reveal that despite constitutional mandates, the ZPCS's failure to support effective communication undermines inmate preparation for reintegration. Challenges such as limited visits, ill-treatment, and resource scarcity hinder female inmates' ability to maintain family ties and acquire necessary skills for successful reintegration. The study calls for comprehensive interventions to address these challenges and empower female inmates for a smoother transition back into society.
Copyright (c) 2026 Victor Mugari, Oswin Manhivi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of media reports on climate change
Climate change is a pressing global issue that continues to be of interest in various fields of study, including the media. This analysis aims to evaluate the media coverage of climate change, particularly in Ondo State. The study investigated the contents of two national dailies: Vanguard and The Punch newspapers and the only state based newspaper: The Hope as well as posts on twitter using content analysis to assess the media reporting on climate change in Ondo State. News articles, features, editorials, and social media posts were examined to comprehensively understand the coverage and discourse on climate change. Findings revealed that the media's coverage of climate change in Ondo State particularly by the state based newspaper were very low even though the media outlets tried to create public awareness about the climate change. The importance of comprehensive and accurate reporting to effectively convey the impacts of climate change on vulnerable sectors such as agriculture was missing. The study therefore recommended that the media should play a crucial role in highlighting the challenges that might be encountered by smallholder farmers and spreading vital information on measures for adaptation
Copyright (c) 2026 Christiana Ade-Johnson https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The usefulness of linguistic repetoires for social integration and academic success
The paper examines the perceptions and expectations held by newcomer students of the usefulness of their linguistic repertoires in helping them achieve social integration and academic success at the International University of Management (IUM) in Namibia. This qualitative study used interviews as a data collection method. Data was collected from 44 first-year students in their second semester at the IUM across faculties, using a language background questionnaire, after which interviews were held with a purposive sample of eight of the 44. Interview data were transcribed and thematically analysed. The findings reveal that IUM students are multilingual, on average speaking three languages. English is the most widely used language – the medium of instruction at the IUM and the campus-wide lingua franca, followed by Oshiwambo and Afrikaans. Other African and foreign languages also form part of the students’ linguistic repertoires and are mainly used in informal settings. It further reveals that students expected their linguistic repertoire to help them achieve social integration and academic success at university, before and after joining the institution.
Copyright (c) 2026 Beven Kamwi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Press and perception of women's employment campaign in Nigeria
This study examined media coverage of women employment campaigns in Nigeria using agenda-setting theory, content analysis, and in-depth interviews. A total of 27 articles were analyzed from The Punch and Vanguard newspapers between November 2023 and March 2024, with The Punch accounting for 56% and Vanguard 44%. Most reports (59.3%) were news analyses, followed by news reports (25.9%), features (11.1%), and editorials (3.7%). Only 3.7% appeared on the back page, showing low visibility, while 96.3% were placed within the newspapers. Coverage was limited in scope, with 70.4% of reports occupying a quarter page, and only 1.6% of The Punch reports used a full page. The study found that coverage was mostly neutral in tone, lacking prominence, and driven by human interest, conflict, and tragedy. While The Punch emphasized investigative journalism, Vanguard leaned toward advocacy. Structural, financial, and policy-related challenges limited media effectiveness. The study recommends more frequent, prominent, and diverse reporting formats—especially features and editorials—to enhance awareness and advocacy for women’s employment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ifedayo Akinwalere, Daniel Akinrinola https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Communication traits among male adolescents in urban constituencies
Male adolescents endure complex transitions from childhood. Our study explores the interpersonal and nonverbal communication traits of a sample of male adolescents in two urban constituencies of Windhoek, the capital city of the southern African nation of Namibia. The permutations of the research subjects’ lived experiences are canvassed through structured focus group discussions as well as administered questionnaires. In both data collection arrangements, the researchers sought to converse with and listen carefully to the target population. Windhoek East had 1175 adolescents and Windhoek West 4838. The research tools used to collect data for this study were a questionnaire and two focus group discussions. The study sought to explore the perception that male adolescents find it difficult to express themselves while dealing with life’s challenges, but may convey nonverbal cues, intentionally or unintentionally, about their state of mind. The intuition behind the research was that what male adolescents do and say may or may not reflect how they feel. The study’s objectives are twofold: to provide parents, social workers, and other stakeholders with insight into the challenges affecting male adolescents, their communication and behaviour, and to enhance scholarly understanding of how nonverbal cues might shape adolescent male responses.
Copyright (c) 2026 Clayton Peel, Florida Gaingos https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From towncrier to radio: Exploring the growth of newscasting in Igbo language
The growth of urban cities in Igbo land, Nigeria has necessitated the use of radio to broadcast news to a larger Igbo speaking audience, hence Igbo radio newscasting has been normalised over from the traditional town criers in the Igbo local communities. Against this background, this study examines the growth of Igbo radio newscasting and some of the issues facing Igbo newscasters during news broadcast in the Igbo language. Data were drawn from interviews collected from both retired and current Igbo newscaster veterans, and also through personal observations by the author. Findings show that time allocated to Igbo radio newscasting and stations that broadcasting in Igbo language has increased overtime. While the study argues that Igbo radio news has been on the growth from the time it started, it also pointed out areas where Igbo newscasters needs to improvements, and intervention especially in the area of curriculum development that is peculiar to the language.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kenneth Ekezie Obiorah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Reworking ‘defective knowledge goods’ in the knowledge production ‘factory’ through the peer-review process
Manufacturing defects are errors in product design or production that can cause harm, injury, or fatality to consumers. These defects are relevant to knowledge production in academic manuscript writing. This article examines how peer-review comments assist academic knowledge manufacturers in reworking their products to meet journal production requirements. The study involved 30 anonymized research articles from four Zimbabwean universities, which were returned to authors by prospective journals with feedback to revise and resubmit. The articles were written in English by authors who spoke English as their first language or as their second, third, or fourth language. The articles were reviewed using Microsoft Word's track changes function, along with reviewers' reports and editors' comments. The study found that while authors sometimes find reviewers' comments offending, they help enhance the quality of a research manuscript by improving its language, readability, and logical structure, especially when authors write in their second, third, or fourth language.
Copyright (c) 2025 Paul Svongoro, Patson Kufakunesu, Rangarirayi Mapanzure https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Learners’ experiences and perceptions towards learning reading, writing and spelling across the curriculum
This qualitative study explored the experiences and perceptions of senior secondary learners at a selected school within the Otjozondjupa region regarding the learning of reading, writing, and spelling across the curriculum. The study employed Vygotsky's socio-cultural theory as a theoretical framework to show the socio-cultural influences on language skills development in a diverse educational setting. The researchers randomly selected 10 learners who got questionnaires, 3 teachers who were part of the focus group discussions, and 3 lessons that were selected for observations. The findings disclose perspectives on the integration of language skills across various subjects, shedding light on the social, economic and cultural factors that shape learners' engagement with reading, writing, and spelling. The findings reveal different challenges among learners in mastering spelling, with a notable disparity in the perceived importance of this skill among teachers. Additionally, the study indicates difficulties faced by learners in constructing coherent written narratives, particularly in organising ideas chronologically, and highlights a struggle in reading comprehension. The irregularities in spelling are identified as a major impediment to effective writing. In response to these challenges, the study proposes remedial solutions that emphasise increased spelling, writing, and reading activities to enhance proficiency.
Copyright (c) 2025 Charlotte Chantell Haufiku, Rauna Mwetulundila, Nchindo Richardson Mbukusa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Alienation and identity crisis in fictional characters in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart (1994)
The main objectives of this paper are: To identify and examine how Chinua Achebe presents the concept of alienation and identity crisis in Things Fall Apart and to examine the experiences of the major characters in the novel and extract lessons learnt. Achebe focuses on tradition/modernity dichotomy and the conflict between traditional way of life and the modern way brought by the British. Literature has the ability of recording the characteristics of times including the social manners, customs, how people act and react, what they do, think, like and dislike. In Things Fall Apart, the way people act and react leads to alienation and identity crisis. Things Fall Apart provides us with social pictures of whole societies through the story of Okonkwo. The novel derives its strength from the quality of its writer’s understanding of the social forces at work at the time and the way he uses his knowledge of human psychology to develop his central character who is Okonkwo. The novel dramatises how conditions are changing around the protagonist especially in the social sphere bringing about many changes in the attitudes of people towards many issues
Copyright (c) 2025 Max Mhene https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Communication challenges faced by deaf patients in Zimbabwe’s health domain
This article explores the politics of inclusion and exclusion of the Deaf community in Zimbabwe's health sector, focusing on the marginalisation of Sign Language. It examines the use of Sign Language in major referral hospitals such as Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe, and the attitudes of nurses and doctors towards its use. The research aims to understand the lack of resources and programmes for the deaf community, as medical practitioners primarily use spoken language for communication. Data for the study were collected through questionnaires directed to the administration, doctors, nurses and Deaf patients at Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe Hospitals, and from two bus termini where the deaf are concentrated. Supplementary data were collected through focus group discussions and interviews with the Deaf. Data were presented and analysed using a thematic approach. The findings of the study are that there is no defined use and awareness of Sign Language in hospitals, and where there is awareness; the interventions have been weak, thereby failing to ameliorate communication challenges in healthcare settings.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tawanda Matende, Paul Svongoro https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Perception of Nigerian journalists in Lagos and Kwara states towards adopting artificial intelligence in journalism practice
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism practice seems to be gaining momentum in many parts of the world including Nigeria. However, the issue of how journalists perceive the adoption of AI and its inherent threats to their profession appears not have been nuanced in the literature, especially in African context. This study, therefore, investigates how journalists in Lagos and Kwara states of Nigeria perceive the adoption of AI in journalism practice as well as its possible threats. The researchers surveyed 376 respondents, selected proportionally among the registered journalists in both states. The study revealed that journalists in Lagos and Kwara states have a positive perception of AI journalism, acknowledging its potential benefits and values, and expressing readiness to adopt the technology. Underpinned with Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the study also found that the adoption of AI was perceived to present certain threats to journalists. These threats include possible job losses, undermining of human creativity and integrity, and the absence of monitoring and control within the industry.
Copyright (c) 2025 Semiu Bello, Abdullahi Ishola Salaudeen, Perpetua Umeaku https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Shona language mobile application to facilitate reading amongst dyslexic learners
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Floyd Tawana Dakarai Mapwanyire, Victoria Hasheela, Tulimevava Kaunapawa Ndakunda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
English language errors in undergraduate students’ written works at the University of Namibia
This study examined the English language errors found in the written works of undergraduate students at the Khomasdal Campus of the University of Namibia (UNAM). Namibian students are likely to run into a number of issues when writing essays in English because they are not permitted to use their mother tongue when learning English during the early years of schooling. In this qualitative study, purposeful and convenient sampling techniques were employed to select a sample of twenty (20) first-year students from the UNAM Khomasdal Campus's Faculty of Education. Data for this study were collected from essays written by the student participants. Each participant was required to write one essay based on one of the topics provided to them. Essays were examined using "thematic content analysis" and "error analysis" in order to determine the writing of the students' primary strengths and weaknesses. Four lecturers from the UNAM’s Department of Language Development on the main campus were also purposefully selected as key informants. Pupils' writing issues and potential reasons for these issues were then determined using these strengths and weaknesses. The findings revealed that the students' work that was reviewed lacked organisation and coherence, and the majority of the writing seemed unclear.
Copyright (c) 2025 Penehafo Henok, Hugues Steve Ndinga-Koumba-Binza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cultural discourses in Nigerian films: A multimodal study of Anikulapo and Elesin Oba
The immense growth of Nollywood or Nigerian film industry, in recent years, has made it a force to be reckoned with especially the expedient role it plays has a main participant in the African and global film market. Despite this growth, few attentions have been paid to the multimodal elements of these films, which is essential in understanding the meanings and messages conveyed. Therefore, this study takes a paradigm shift from existing scholarships by exploring the multimodal meanings embedded in film discourse. Drawing on Kress and van Leeuwen’s (2006) visual grammar framework, this study examines how Nigerian filmmakers employ different semiotic modalities to create meaning, convey messages, evoke thoughts and emotions, and tell stories through the application of the visual, linguistic, aural, and gestural elements within the selected films. Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo and Biyi Bandele’s Elesin Oba form the data base for this study. The findings from the study exposes the complex interplay of semiotic modes in the storytelling process, as well as, bringing to fore, the intricate and culturally significant aspects of Nollywood cinemas. The study concludes that an in-depth understanding of the narrative techniques employed by Nollywood films is pertinent in enriching African cinema discourses.
Copyright (c) 2025 Monsurat Aramide Nurudeen, Ayomikun Asonibare, Blessing Garuba https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Subverting and challenging patriarchy through popular music in Botswana
Songs are an integral part of almost if not all societies around the world. The primary function of songs is entertainment; however, they perform other functions as well such as to provide an understanding of the daily lives of the people, to express personal views and opinions, to transmit societal and cultural norms and beliefs, to subvert and question the status quo and so forth. This paper analyses a song entitled Magosi (Tlhatswa Lesire) thematically to find out what issues are being communicated. The argument of this paper is that the artist uses this verbal art form to critique and ridicule the Setswana societal and cultural expectations. It concludes that songs are a medium through which Batswana women can challenge and subvert the inequality and patriarchal ideology prevalent in their societies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rosaleen Oabona Brankie Nhlekisana, Dinah Kereeditse Itumeleng https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A discourse of prospects and challenges of multimedia usage in Nigeria's 2023 general elections
The study was conducted to advance points in relations to the effects of multimedia technology usage during the 2023 elections in Nigeria. The researchers relied on secondary data sources to advance a discourse of the subject of the effect of multimedia usage in the 2023 elections in Nigeria. Anchored on the social responsibility theory, the study encouraged media practitioners to produced multimedia contents that perform the roles the society entrusts on a journalist. The effect of multimedia usage during the 2023 elections was seen in election jingles, advertorials, campaign messages, posters, pictorials and how live and recorded reports from various polling units across the country were covered and reported simultaneously. Multimedia gave Nigerians a real time effect of the happenings. The usage of multimedia in the 2023 general elections in Nigeria was multidimensional and it affected every aspect of the electoral process ranging from civic engagement to disseminating effective electoral messages, increase in youth participation and keenly monitoring the election processes. However, malfunctioning of multimedia technologies and the use of multimedia platforms to spread misinformation, disinformation, fake news, hate speech were among the challenges.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sharifatu Gago Ja'afaru , Kelvin Inobemhe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The political landscape of Ethiopian television
Credibility and hostility are more closely linked than previous literature has generally recognized and some studies were able to find the inter-connection between the two. This study explicated the reason for the decline of credibility and presence of hostile media phenomenon in the Ethiopian private, regional and federal television channels. Thus, the study applied the qualitative research design with the classical grounded theory for data analysis and development of the conceptual theory. The semi-structured interview was employed to gather the data. The Amhara and Oromia regional states and Addis Ababa city were purposively selected under this study. The selection of these two regional states and the capital city emanated from their influence in the Ethiopian politics in the past and present, their substantial population and some evidence of ongoing attempts at mobilization. The snowball and convenience sampling were applied to select respondents. Purposively Fana television (FBC), Walta television (WT), Ethiopian television (ETV/EBC), Addis Television, Oromia Broadcast Network (OBN), Amhara Television (AMC). The result showed that all the private, regional and federal television channels found to be not credible but the contribution of the regional television channels to the hostile media phenomenon intense than the federal and private television channels.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bereket Wondimu Wolde, Amanuel Woldearegay https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Multilingual medium of instruction towards an inclusive curriculum
This study investigates the potential benefits of adopting a multilingual medium of instruction in Namibian schools in comparison to China's multilingual educational model. In Namibia, where English is the medium of instruction from grades 4 to 12, many students face challenges because English is not their mother language. This comparative analysis aims to gauge the perspectives of both teachers and learners on the potential adoption of native languages such as Oshindonga, Otjiherero, and Silozi as instructional mediums in Namibian schools. Using a case study design, data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions in five Namibian schools, involving 50 learners and 10 teachers. Thematic analysis revealed broad support for introducing native languages to improve student comprehension and performance. Findings suggest that incorporating local languages into the curriculum may contribute to educational inclusivity and improved academic results, similar to China's successful multilingual education model. The study recommends that the Namibian Ministry of Education Arts and Culture should consider adopting a multilingual approach, learning from China's experience to foster educational advancement. Further research is encouraged to explore the long-term impacts of mother tongue instruction in Namibian schools.
Copyright (c) 2025 Salomo Ndeyamunye Ndeshimona https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social media, public sphere and reshaping feminism in Nigeria
This research aimed to determine whether the use of social media as a public sphere influenced the development of feminism in Nigeria, the extent to which Nigerian Feminism uses social media as a public sphere for shaping and reshaping Feminism, and whether there are additional ways in which social media platforms as a public sphere can be used to promote and reshape feminism in Nigeria. One theoretical framework served as the basis for this study: Media dependency theory. A qualitative research strategy was employed to elicit primary data for a comprehensive understanding of the study. Using a purposive sampling technique, a questionnaire was used as the design instrument to recruit 656 respondents from Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. Findings show that social media has evolved into a new and effective public sphere that fosters and promotes Nigerian Feminism and feminist activism. It is suggested that Nigerian feminists should seek more opportunities to engage with the public sphere of social media to stimulate and propagate Nigerian Feminism and make it more equitable and sustainable. Nigeria must bridge the ever-widening digital divide and illiteracy gap, contributing to the underrepresentation of feminists and marginalized women in Nigeria's social media public sphere.
Copyright (c) 2025 Desmond Onyemechi Okocha, Ebi Oghegbuan Aihunume https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Post Ogunist temper and interventions in Wole Soyinka’s Alapata Apata (2011)
This article engages with Wole Soyinka’s parody on the current postcolonial realities Alapata Apata (2011). The article begins by isolating, at least, two major dimensions discernible in Soyinka’s dramaturgy- in the nodes of cultural revalidation and social interventions- and their links with Ogun in Soyinka’s plays. The paper brings these into relation with the diverse social phases and crises mirrored in Soyinka’s plays and narrows down to the current post dictatorship phase where, like other interventions Soyinka presented an avatar of Ogun in his interrogation of leadership failure and other social malaises. The paper argues that the playwright’s re-invention of Ogun is a radical departure from the avant-gardist disposition of all other Ogun avatars that preceded Alaba. The conclusion of the paper, on account of Alaba’s accidental canoniszation, is interpreted as Soyinka’s veiled chastisement of political leaders whose failures have perpetuated diverse crises in the space mirrored in the play.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kayode Afolayan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unlocking the potential of Zimbabwe's sign language
This article explores the manner in which the underdevelopment of Zimbabwean Sign Language (ZSL) has prevented ZSL from developing into an equally developed language in Zimbabwe. The investigation is grounded on Zimbabwe's lack of ZSL in postsecondary and higher education, along with the absence of foreign sign languages like American, British, or French, leading to marginalization and hindering the deaf community's full potential. The study utilized document analysis, focus group discussions with deaf vendors in Harare, Zimbabwe's Market Square and Copa Cabana bus termini, and semi-structured interviews with executive directors of organisations for the Deaf. The chapter highlights the negative impact of nonstandard sign language in Zimbabwe, highlighting the lack of foreign sign language teaching and standardized sign language on the Deaf community's participation in national development issues. Despite Zimbabwe's Constitution recognizing 16 official languages, including ZSL, deaf individuals still face prejudice and discrimination. Inclusive education forces signers to adopt spoken languages, while schools often deny deaf students, hindering their future contributions. The lack of international sign language training also makes it difficult for Deaf individuals to find jobs abroad and transfer money home.
Copyright (c) 2025 Paul Svongoro, Tawanda Matende, Kudzai Gotosa, Gildah Mhlanga https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Reporting science and technology in Nigeria
With the breakthroughs in information and communication technologies comes a paradigm shift in journalism practice where specialised reporting has taken centre stage in the media industry today. Hence science and technology reporting is a vital area that needs to be given adequate attention by the media and the society. Despite the importance of science and technology reporting to the development of society, its practice is bedevilled with a lot of problems. Using the expository library method of research the paper notes that the science and technology reporter in Nigeria is faced with the problem of capacity building, public illiteracy and phobia of science, lack of a clearly articulated government policy on science and technology and lack of technical, scientific and technological equipment to drive science and technology reporting in the country. The study concludes that because of the importance of this specialised area in journalism government should invest huge material and human resources in terms of funds, provision of specialised training and workshops for journalists to be empowered with the skills required in reporting and disseminating science and technology information to the public.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kelvin Inobemhe, Tsegyu Santas, Sharifatu Gago Ja'afaru https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
This study focuses on approaches to mitigating the negative consequences of over-exposure to social media, otherwise identified as detoxification. The theoretical basis of this study includes the social media dependence and reverse domestication theories. The dependence theory explains how individuals could get addicted in their attempts to make the most of the benefits of social media. On the other hand, reverse domestication describes how individuals can mitigate the challenges of overexposure to social media. The population of this survey study is the students in the Department of Mass Communication, Bingham University, Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered to one hundred and forty-two (142) students to obtain the primary data using the non-probabilistic survey method. Study findings validate the emerging trend and inherent dangers of overreliance on social media and approaches to detoxification, such as media fasting, deliberate cutbacks on social media use and the associated emotions. Recommendations include the need for the government to formulate a policy framework and guidelines on the minimum age of exposure to social media and the need for individuals to take responsibility for understanding the value of information on social media before committing time and materials to its consumption.
Copyright (c) 2025 Desmond Onyemechi Okocha, Obiorah Cynthia Amaka, PhD, Oseni Omata Zainab , Michael Faloseyi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Despite English being an official language of the state, the majority of Namibians speak one or two of the nation’s more than 25 indigenous dialects. However, like elsewhere in Africa local indigenous languages are often marginalised by the government. More so, Khoisan languages. Namibia and neighbouring botswana is the home to the majority of endangered Khoisan languages. These languages are marginalised in both countries. If not revitalised and/or preserved, Khoisan languages are likely going to die out within the next 50 to 100 years. Language plays a pivotal role in nation building and heritage preservation. Therefore, investing in language development and maintenance by African governments should be among the national priorities of these nations. Similarly, establishing museums specifically dedicated to showcasing the importance of language to humanity is an idea that needs to be supported by African governments in general and the Namibian government in particular. Language museums will not only serve to preserve all of Africa’s indigenous languages but also contribute to economic development and social cohesion. It is a known fact that well marketed museums the world over attracts thousands of tourists. Namibia, already popular with overseas tourists will greatly benefit from this endeavour.
Copyright (c) 2025 Christian Harris https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Guidelines for managing and utilizing generative artificial intelligence writing tools
Students use artificial intelligence (AI) generative writing tools to complete writing assignments, regardless of whether such tools are allowed or not. The quality of writing produced by AI tools is superior to that of many university students in terms of grammatical correctness, reduced spelling errors, increased average word length, expanded vocabulary, varied sentence structure, decreased word repetition, and increased punctuation usage. This re-search suggests ways in which AI generative writing tools can be used to improve student writing. It discusses how to make students better editors, so they can improve ChatGPT’s output or tailor it to specific needs. It also provides insights on how to make students better fact checkers, so that they can eliminate hallucinations that AI writing tools generate. These errors of fact make the AI writing tools far less valuable than they would be otherwise. Our work highlights the need to focus writing exercises across the curriculum more on editing and fact checking. We provide numerous insights into programs such as ChatGPT to help instructors without a technical background identify, understand, and process student writing generated by such programs in an improved fashion. We identify several tricks that students use to disguise writing produced by ChatGPT.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tulimevava Mufeti, Justina Amakali, Raymond Greenlaw https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Radio listenership patterns and language preferences
Language plays a fundamental role in communication, culture, and identity, shaping public perception and interaction within society. In mass media, language choice influences audience engagement and fosters cultural connection. This study examines radio listenership patterns and language preferences in Ogun State, Nigeria, focusing on two Yoruba-language programmes: Yoruba Ladun on Eagle 102.5 FM and Yooba Dun on Splash 106.7 FM. Using a mixed-method approach—quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews—the study analyzes audience demographics, listenership habits, and motivations for language preference. Findings reveal a strong preference for Yoruba-language programmes over English-language alternatives, with cultural connection (36.2%) and ease of understanding (34.2%) cited as primary reasons. Young adults aged 18–30 (58.1%) form the largest listener demographic. Both Yoruba Ladun and Yooba Dun enjoy high and consistent listenership, with 81.3% of respondents tuning in regularly. Audiences appreciate segments on folklore, proverbs, and book readings, which reinforce cultural heritage. Interviews with key informants confirm these findings, emphasizing the programmes' success due to engaging, well-researched content. The study concludes that Yoruba-language radio programming thrives due to its cultural relevance and accessibility. To sustain this success, stations should conduct audience analyses, enhance content innovation, and expand culturally rich programming to preserve linguistic heritage.
Copyright (c) 2025 Emmanuel Olumuji, Kayode Awojobi, Odukunle Atewolara-Odule https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
While studies on African Englishes have proliferated, research on the development of the Zimbabwean variety remains limited. This qualitative study explores the emergent linguistic characteristics of Zimbabwean English in WhatsApp-mediated communication among high school students in Harare. Through a Content Analysis of 4500 WhatsApp messages and Focus Group Discussions with 90 purposively sampled participants, the study reveals a dominant use of new English words, with neologisms being the most prevalent form. The findings also show users’overwhelmingly positive attitude toward the new language and the multifaceted communicative role of these linguistic innovations, although confined to informal communication. Guided by Schneider's Dynamic Model, the study argues that these results reflect the Nativization phase of ZE, characterized by the emergence of local linguistic features, a shift towards Endonormative stabilization, and the development of a distinct, localized variety of English. The study also offers insights into the complex dynamics of language change in digital social networking sites. It concludes that digital communication is shaping the development of postcolonial English varieties, highlighting the need to reevaluate traditional language standardization. Recommended is that language educators and policymakers should recognize the importance of digital communication in language development and support creative language use in informal digital contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Clemenciana Mukenge https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The source of this article is from a thesis by Ms Scholastika Namutenya Negongo and supervised by Dr Max Mhene. The thesis was a qualitative study which addressed the concept of entwined identities as a comparative study of fictional characters in three novels while employing the Postcolonial Hybridity Theory. This article is centred on the analysis and findings of one of the novels analysed in the thesis which is The Book of Not by Tsitsi Dangarembga. The article demonstrates how the African identity in the 21st century is not simply a product of the colonial process but a varied and intricate set of identities that are shaped by experiences of displacement and separation. In the 21st century, Africanism is a fluid identity concept of reconstruction through the influence of global movement or contention, which is the push and pull between the local and global cultures. This article contextualises the identity of the Black African man as a complex and dynamic construct evolving, mutating, and in transit as transcultural, transnational, or diasporic cultures. The selected character analysis in the narrative has a significant impact on the arguments as evidence of the study's claim.
Copyright (c) 2025 Scholastika Namutenya Negongo, Max Mhene https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Politicising and commercialising death and pain in The Uncertainty of Hope by Valerie Tagwira
This paper attempts to analyse the politicising and commercialising of death and pain in The Uncertainty of Hope by Valerie Tagwira, through the lens of trauma and resilience theories. The purpose of this paper is to explore and interpret the myriad interrelations that exist between death, pain, politics, and commercialisation as presented in the novel. The analysis found that death and pain as presented in the selected novel are closely intertwined with politics and commercialisation. The politicisation of death and pain is portrayed through character analysis. Death and pain are subsumed in the larger political and economic environments and they are also commercialised through the female body in particular. Death and pain are transformed to satisfy political and monetary needs, whereas people’s emotions and feelings are not considered and death is used as a form of generating income for businesses.
Copyright (c) 2025 Justina Remember Namupala, Max Mhene https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0