LALICO Journal of Languages, Literature, and Communication
LALICO Journal of Languages, Literature and Communication is a publication of the Departments of English and Literary Studies, Mass Communication, and Linguistics, Nigerian & Foreign Languages at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The mission of the journal is to inform, educate, challenge, and stimulate interest and debate among practitioners and scholars on all aspects of language, literature, communication, and humanities in general. The journal publishes original empirical materials concerning all aspects of language, literature, and communication. The journal is published biannually, and occasionally on a triannual basis when a special edition is released. Website: www.lalicojournals.com Email: lalicojournals@gmail.com
The Departments of English and Literary Studies, Mass Communication, and Linguistics, Nigerian & Foreign Languages at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
African Cultural Representation in Alcohol Commercials on AIT and Channels Television
The media have the responsibility to communicate, integrate, and transmit beliefs, norms, values, information gathering and dissemination, as well as other vestiges of the culture of people, and transmit them from one generation to another. Commercials are advertisements that have to do with the promotion of products, services, or ideas through various media channels. Most times, commercials are crafted to introduce new products and to further tell customers and others that the product is still in the market, and to persuade both old and new customers to continue patronage of such products and services. In Nigeria presently, many of the commercials of alcoholic beverages are done with the culture of the people in mind. This study seeks to examine the African culture representation in the commercials of alcohol on AIT and Channels Television Station. The study adopted content analysis with a population of 244, which was derived from the total number of days in September 2024 to December 2024 multiplied by 2. The study adopted the Census sampling based on the size of the population, with purposive sampling techniques using a constructed and continuous calendar. The theoretical base was the reflective-projective theory. Findings indicated that language, lifestyle, customs, and identity were key factors for the African cultural representations in the alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, what was projected on the stations depended on the individuals and members of the community, giving a deep interpretation and understanding of the message, emotional and sensory response to what is presented through the media It is, therefore, recommended that commercial should be use to harness the culture of the people, especially those that portray positive cultural heritage in the commercials of their products and services to encourage patronage.
Syntactic Structures in Political Discourse: A Government and Binding Analysis of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 65th Independence Anniversary Speech
This study examines the syntactic architecture of African political discourse through the analytical framework of Government and Binding (GB) Theory as developed by Chomsky (1981, 1986). The main objective is to explore how syntactic principles underlie the construction of political meaning, authority, and persuasion, an area often overshadowed by pragmatic, stylistic, and critical discourse approaches. Methodologically, the study employs purposive sampling to select excerpts from African political speeches, with particular focus on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 65th Independence Anniversary address. Clauses rich in noun phrase (NP) structures and clause relations are extracted and presented in interlinear gloss format for syntactic clarity and precision. The analysis applies the major submodules of GB, Case Theory, Theta Theory, Binding Theory, Government, Bounding, and Control, to reveal how political discourse is governed by systematic syntactic configurations rather than random grammatical choices. Findings indicate that declarative structures assigning thematic roles to political actors, as well as governed subject-predicate relations, serve to legitimate authority and encode ideological stance. The study concludes that syntax functions not merely as a grammatical framework but as a strategic instrument in political rhetoric, shaping the persuasive force and ideological framing of discourse. It recommends greater integration of syntactic analysis into political linguistics to uncover how language structure contributes to the production and maintenance of power in African political communication.
The Cognitive and Ideological Role of Conceptual Metaphors in Framing Post-War Gaza Reconstruction: An Analysis of the U.S. 2025 Proposal
This study investigates the cognitive and ideological functions of metaphor in the Proposed Post-War Framework for Gaza, released by the White House and published by BBC News in 2025. Drawing on Conceptual Metaphor Theory (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980) and Charteris-Black’s (2004) Critical Metaphor Analysis, the research applies the Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit (MIPVU) (Steen, 2007) to the full twenty-point text, comprising approximately 2,200 words. The analysis identifies recurrent metaphorical expressions that conceptualise peace, reconstruction, and governance. Four dominant conceptual domains emerge, ARCHITECTURE, HEALTH/DISEASE, MANAGEMENT, and HEALING, which collectively frame Gaza’s post-war future as an externally designed, medically treated, and technically managed project. These metaphors construct a cognitive model that simplifies complex geopolitical realities while legitimising external intervention through the language of care and reconstruction. The study concludes that metaphors in political discourse not only organise thought but also naturalise power relations, thus operating as cognitive and ideological instruments in the legitimation of peace narratives.
Education As “Voice” In Abi Dare’s The Girl with The Louding Voice
All children, particularly those born in low-income households, need to be empowered to fulfil their purpose in life. While there are many pathways to transformation, education remains the most reliable route out of illiteracy, poverty, destructive superstition, and other forms of limitation. This paper is a critical examination of Abi Dare’s The Girl With the Louding Voice, using the intersectionality theory. Intersectionality theory provides a framework for understanding how overlapping systems of oppression affect individuals. Specifically, the study focuses on the intersections of gender, age and class and how these categories intensify the marginalization of the protagonist, Adunni and other women in the text. The analysis reveals the devastating effects of abuse, domestic servitude, gender inequality, sexism and child marriage, while also highlighting the liberating power of education and resilience. The study finds that education empowers Adunni to find her voice, enables her to challenge oppressive structures and also advocate for others in her community. By foregrounding the interconnected nature of gender, age and class oppressions, this study contributes to broader discussion on the role of literature in revealing the experiences of marginalized groups and emphasizes the empowering role of education in challenging systemic inequalities.
The Complex Dynamics of Africanness and Westernization: A Comparative Study Of Dual Identity In African Literature
This study undertakes a qualitative comparative analysis of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart (1958), Cheikh Hamidou Kane’s Ambiguous Adventure (1961), and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s The River Between (1965), focusing on the complex dynamics of Africanness and Westernization as expressed through the theme of dual identity. Drawing systematically on postcolonial theory, cultural studies, and identity theory, the research investigates how African characters such as Okonkwo, Samba Diallo, and Waiyaki embody the tensions between traditional values and Western modernity. It draws on postcolonial theory to examine the impact of colonialism and Westernization on African cultures and identities. It employs cultural studies to analyze the cultural dynamics of Africanness and Westernization, highlighting the tensions between traditional African values and Western influences. Identity theory is used to explore the complexities of dual identity in African literature, examining how characters navigate multiple cultural identities and negotiate their sense of belonging. The analysis highlights issues of cultural assimilation, identity crisis, hybridity, and resistance, showing how these texts interrogate the challenges of belonging in colonial and postcolonial contexts. Unlike previous studies that often isolate individual texts, this work offers a comparative lens that synthesizes insights across West and East African traditions, emphasizing points of convergence and divergence in the representation of dual identity. By grounding its argument in close textual analysis and critical dialogue with existing scholarship, the study contributes fresh perspectives to debates on cultural hybridity and identity formation in African literature.
Appraisal of Dispositions and Gratifications of Artificial Intelligence Application Among Public Relations Practitioners in Rivers State
The study appraises the Dispositions and gratifications of artificial intelligence application among public relations practitioners in Rivers State. To achieve this, the study raised three objectives which are to; examine the dispositions of public relations practitioners in Rivers State toward the application of artificial intelligence in their profession; identify the gratifications derived by public relations practitioners in Rivers State from using artificial intelligence in their professional activities; assess the factors influencing the adoption or resistance to artificial intelligence among public relations practitioners in Rivers State. The study was anchored on one theory; Technological Determinism Theory. The survey research design was used for this study. The population of this study comprised all the public relations practitioners in Rivers State. The total population of this study is 250 (NIPR Secretariat, Port Harcourt). Therefore, since the population of the study is small and manageable, Census was used to adopt the entire population of 250 as the sample size. Purposive sampling technique was used to administer the instrument to the respondents. Questionnaire was used as Instrument for data collection. Weighted Mean Score (four point likert scale) was used to analyze the data generated from the questionnaire. Findings of the study showed the attitude of public relations practitioners in Rivers State towards the adoption of artificial intelligence in their work such as Concerns about AI replacing human elements, emphasis on foundational skills, recognition of AI’s enhancing capabilities etc. Findings of the study showed the benefits public relations practitioners in Rivers State derive from the application of artificial intelligence in their work such as Enhanced media monitoring, Improved crisis management, and personalized communication. The study concluded that public relations practitioners in Rivers State exhibit a mixed disposition toward the adoption of artificial intelligence in their profession. While many recognize AI’s ability to enhance their work such as improving media monitoring, crisis management, and personalized communication there are concerns about AI replacing the human elements, leading to a strong emphasis on foundational PR skills. The study recommended that public relations practitioners in Rivers State should undergo regular training and workshops to improve their understanding and practical application of artificial intelligence in their profession. The study also recommended that organizations and PR agencies should identify and promote the specific benefits of AI that enhance job satisfaction, such as improved content creation, audience analysis, and crisis communication management.
Communication, Gender Roles and Male Children's Participation in Domestic Work
In human social world, effective communication is critical to building a healthy, wholesome and peaceful family where roles are shared and implemented equally to bring about optimal attainment of goals within the home front. Healthy communication among family members is a viable way of fostering stronger bonds which are necessary to enable families navigate challenges, and support one another socially and emotionally. It is pertinent for families to develop good communication patterns in role sharing, no matter how time-consuming and painstaking the process may be. All over the world, there exists seemingly worrisome stereotyping in the distribution of gender roles, that is, certain tasks and responsibilities are assigned primarily to women, especially roles that deal with domestic work. Over time however, the need for men and boys to play roles in domestic work in the interest of family growth and balance has become more intense. There have also been growing concerns on the need to deconstruct the ideologies supporting gender role imbalances in domestic work and support the inclusion of male children in household chores and caregiving. Gender activists believe that this will not only support family development and promote gender equality but foster a culture of respect, promote teamwork and retain the self-worth of the female gender. Even with the growing argument against the opinion that certain household duties as feminine, a good number of male children still do not believe in taking up roles that fall within the domain of female gender roles. This study therefore seeks to establish the importance of communication in promoting shared roles among family members in the attainment of growth, equality, unity, peace and harmony.
Social Media Usage and Parental Responsbility Among Parents in Mile One Diobu, Port Harcourt
The study investigates social media usage and parental responsibility among parents in Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The objectives were to: Find out the level of parents’ exposure to social media and how parents use social media platforms negatively to disseminate information and divulge issues about their relationship in Diobu, Port Harcourt. The study was anchored on technological determinism and used theories. It adopted a survey research design with a total of 60,000 as the population of the study, using Taro Yamane as the sample size to arrive at 400. It employed a multi-stage sampling technique with a questionnaire as the instrument of data collection. The result of the study showed that the dominant social media platforms used by parents in Diobu were Facebook and WhatsApp. The result further showed that the extent of the awareness of the consequences of social media use by parents in Diobu on their children is very low. The study recommends that there should be community engagement where digital literacy, online safety, and responsible social media use among parents and children are highlighted.
Strands of Compassion Fatigue in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple
This paper seeks to highlight the strands of compassion fatigue which is evident in the life of Celie in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. Compassion fatigue takes place in highly stressed individuals or characters who are easily drawn to the suffering of others by nature. It happens when emotional and physical stress response begins to occur from the gradual depletion of empathy or from the ability to nurture others. It provides explanation for psychological, emotional and physical toll which can occur while dutifully offering help to others. Compassion fatigue takes a major toll on Celie in The Color Purple while caring and helping others thereby leaving her totally drained, exhausted and disconnected. This paper attempts to present the struggles that caregivers, like Celie go through and how they become burned out or apathetic through the psychotherapeutic approach. It becomes obvious that Celie’s compassion fatigue is a reflection of her need for psychotherapy. Compassion fatigue poses a risk to the individual who neglects personal mental health at the expense of helping others. Due to the emotional and physical demands of the persons around Celie, who are suffering or dealing with trauma while she constantly gives her time, energy, love and strength to attend to their own needs to a point of exhaustion. It explores the concept of Compassion fatigue and the major life-threatening dangers it can pose in the life of the caregiving individual. Celie’s epistolary therapy through her letters serve as a tool for self-therapy which eventually put her on the path to healing.
Artificial Intelligence (Ai): An Innovative Tool for The Revitalisation of The Ikwerre Language
This study explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an innovative tool for the revitalization of the Ikwerre language. As a vital marker of the Ikwerre people’s linguistic and cultural identity, the language is increasingly at risk as younger generations shift toward dominant languages like English due to its global significance and socio-economic advantages. This study adopts a theoretical evaluation approach, guided by Crystal’s (2000) theory of language revitalization. The research systematically analyzes the potential of AI in revitalizing and preserving the Ikwerre language through AI-powered technologies such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), and machine learning tools for speech-to-text conversion and vice versa, generative AI tools for creating visual materials and animations, conversational AI tools like chatbots and AI virtual assistants, amongst others. Findings suggest that integrating these tools into Ikwerre language learning can enhance accessibility, stimulate the interest of younger speakers, and contribute to culture preservation. For example, if the Ikwerre language is incorporated into a conversational AI chatbot such as DUOLINGO or a machine learning tool for speech-to-text conversion like Google Cloud Speech-to-text, they will enable widespread accessibility to the language while ensuring ease of pronunciation and spelling of the vocabulary of the language. However, the study identifies that one of the key challenges of revitalizing the Ikwerre language using AI tools is the limited availability of digital resources and online content in Ikwerre, restricting the AI models’ ability to process and teach the language effectively. The study, therefore, recommends that increased efforts should be channeled toward creating digital resources using the Ikwerre language to support AI-driven language revitalization.
Gender Study of Flora Nwapa's One Is Enough and Ifeoma Okoye's Behind the Clouds
This paper carefully examines the victimization and marginalization of women by their fellow women, it examines the role of other women play in aiding the oppression of their fellow women in modern African novels: One is Enough and Behind the Clouds by two female literary icons in Nigerian literary space, Flora Nwapa and Ifeoma Okoye respectively: Amaka, the central character in One is Enough suffers dehumanizing treatment from her mother-in-law. In the novel Behind the Cloud the oppression of women by women was also amplified by the inhumane treatment of Ije by her mother-in-law and her husband's mistress Virginia. The present paper depart from the existing ideologies and argues that the elimination of men will not stop the oppression and victimization of women. The article uses the feminist theoretical framework consenting on the Liberal feminist theory as it examines the victimization and oppression of women by women, as it proposes self-development and growth by the oppressed woman as the only solution for the oppressed female self-realization; Amaka's self realization lead to her independence and to a large extent, freedom; this can also be said of Ije, her self-realization after being thrown out of her husband's house. Moreso, the concept of women oppressing women has not received serious scholarly attention, let alone been investigated along the axis of liberal Feminism. The alarming rate at which women oppress themselves is major problem in the society today. The significance of this paper is that it has proposed self-development and financial independence as a way of curbing the challenge. Findings shows that female characters suffered oppression and victimization in the hands of their fellow women. Most men may not have been oppressive towards their wives if they were not negatively influenced. The paper concludes and recommends that women should serve as each other's keeper and that a re-orientation of women against female discrimination and victimization be done so that women can feel safe in the presence of the fellow women.
A Contrastive Study of Syllable Structures of Ika and English and their Attending Phonological Processes
Against the framework of Contrastive Analysis, this study examined the syllable structure of Ika and English highlighting the interference features observable in the speeches of Ika speakers of English as a second language (ESL). To achieve these objectives, the study explicated the syllable structures of English and Ika and carried out a contrastive description of both languages in order to determine the areas of similarities and differences between these languages. It was discovered that there are structural and articulatory similarities such as the presence of onset and nucleus in the syllable structure of both languages which facilitate the learning of English by the Ika people. Also, there are areas of differences. For instance, while the structure of the English syllable permits codas, that of the Ika does not, and this brings about interference in ESL. Forty Ika speakers of ESL were sampled. The data showed 80.7% of deletion errors and 75% of vowel insertion errors, bringing the average of syllable structure interference errors to 77.9%. In view of the above, it was recommended that curriculum designers and English Language teachers in Ika land should take note of the differences that exist between Ika and English in order to enhance effective teaching and learning of English among Ika learners.
Green Consciousness: G'ebinyo Ogbowei And the Poetry of Environmental Praxis
It is no news that environmental issues have permeated recent literary writings, just as Postcolonialism and Neo-colonialism did in the later part of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries African and Nigerian literatures. This new bride of artistic consciousness is derived from the need to restore the pristine environment from untoward despoliation, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, this study considers environmental restoration as the artistic focus of G'Ebinyo Ogbowei's poems against the backdrop of Green consciousness. Consequently, the Green consciousness in the poems of Ogbowei is noted as an aspect of his environmentalism purviews. Environmentalism here refers to the activist role poetry and other genres of literary creations have played in calling for the restoration of the pristine environment - the Niger Delta environment, in the view of this study. Green theory is employed in this study to analyse the environmental praxis of some of the poems. Note that Green theory as a recent critical theory in literature, discusses the prognosis of ecological damage, the primacy of nature; its biological and ecological survival in an era of anthropocentrism. Green Studies is often regarded as the bedrock of Eco-Criticism. It also takes into consideration the political and economic dimensions to environmental protection and survival. These dimensions give rise to what is regarded as Green Political theory and Green Economic theory. However, in this study focus is on Green theory as an ecocritical concept. This work is carried out with particular attention to Ogbowei's poems entitled 'moods of the wounded river' to showcase his activist role in calling for the return of a pristine environment.
Impact of Social Media on Language Evolution and Effective Communication
The increased use of social media platforms (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) in communication has fundamentally altered the use of language by introducing new vocabularies (slangs, acronyms) reshaping both written and verbal communication styles. This paper evaluates the influence of social media on vocabulary, grammar and effective communication. The paper is rooted on social network theory, diffusion of innovation, and speech-community frameworks, synthesizes a qualitative review of recent case studies and desk-based textual analyses of sampled posts from TikTok, X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook, supplemented with relevant scholarly literature. Findings show that platform affordances and influencer dynamics promote rapid diffusion of novel vocabulary (e.g., acronyms such as LOL, TBT, idk, brb, etc.; internet-specific lexemes like simp, ghosting, ratioed; and locally emergent items such as the Nigerian trend “No Gree for Anybody” and youth slang “kapa”, etc.). Multimodal conventions (emojis, GIFs, memes) used across platforms frequently increase brevity and can clarify intent in short messages, but they also produce ambiguity across audiences unfamiliar with these terms. The analysis also found punctuation omission, non-standard capitalization, and truncated forms that, while efficient for rapid exchange, risk eroding norms of formal writing in academic and professional contexts. The paper also outlines how these platform-driven changes simultaneously democratize linguistic innovation and create challenges for clarity, register-control, and intergenerational comprehension. The paper concludes by recommending possible remedies to the implications outlined.
Silence and Speech: Exploring Language and Social Justice in Shema’u Abubakar Umar-Ari’s AMAL
This paper examines how language operates both as an instrument of control and a medium of resistance in Shema’u Abubakar Umar-Ari’s Amal. Drawing on feminist linguistic theory and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), it explores how the female protagonist, Amal, negotiates systemic oppression through acts of speech and silence. Textual analysis demonstrates that when Amal remains silent in response to her father, Alhaji Bala’s coercion, her silence resists his authority by exposing the emotional violence underlying patriarchal power. Similarly, her refusal to verbally consent to the forced marriage highlights how the absence of speech functions as symbolic resistance. Conversely, moments when Amal speaks, such as her plea to be allowed to pursue education instead of marriage, reveal how female voices, though emotionally charged, are frequently dismissed and delegitimised in a male-dominated cultural order. The findings suggest that silence, rather than mere submission, can signify resilience and dissent, while speech acts expose structural inequalities in the cultural hierarchy. The paper argues that linguistic practices are central to pursuing social justice and gender equality, contributing to feminist literary scholarship by underscoring the urgent need to amplify and validate the voices of marginalised girls. It concludes by recommending a more inclusive discourse that disrupts oppressive norms and empowers women’s expression in literature and society.
Portrayal of Oppression and Resistance in Nigerian Women’s Prose Fiction: A Generational Study of Amaka Azuike’s Violated and Other Selected Short Stories
This paper discusses Amaka Azuike 2019 collection of classic short stories to commemorate the historic 1995 global demand for gender equality and development as ascertained in the Beijing Declaration of the 4th Word Conference on Women. The creative writer joins her global counterparts to assert women’s rights by challenging the male status quo and overall position of women in the society. Azuike’s Violated, as situated in womanist discourse, as argued by Chikwenye Ogunyemi and Mary Kolawole is set to break the culture of silence on the daily oppression of women as wives, lovers, sisters, daughters and staff. In Violated and other selected short stories, her female protagonists are depicted as vulnerable and victims of male oppression and violence. The five stories treated in this paper highlight sexual molestation / abuse, incestuous crime, harassment, physical abuse and emotional blackmail among others. While emphasizing the consequences of being a woman in an abusive relationship as tantamount to losing vital privileges such as education and financial security; Azuike’s collection of short stories depict real life events that have eaten deep into the fabrics of Nigerian, and of course other African societies where women are raised to be dependent and submissive. While incest, marginalized voices, cultural expectations physical abuse and disempowerment become cultural phenomena that abuse relationships entail thus engendering women as victims who consequently remain in bad situation with no means of financial support. The creative strategies of encouraging comprehensive education and professional skills as a weapon against masculine abuses, amplify the prose writer’s voice in proffering negotiation or defiance to engender a meaningful balance where both male and female should be accorded their fundamental full respect as homo-sapiens.
From Petrofiction to Praxis: The Impact of Oil Exploitation on Mental and Physical Health in Ted Elemeforo's Fountain of Betrayal
The intersection of social challenges and their profound impact on the mental and physical health of individuals within the context of some Niger Delta literary writers, with emphasis on Ted Elemeforo's novel, Fountain of Betrayal, is the preoccupation of this paper. Embracing Petrofiction as a theoretical framework, the analysis ventures into the intricate narrative that intertwines the environmental, economic, and sociopolitical challenges posed by the oil industry in the Niger Delta and its effect on the mental and physical health of characters like Papawey, whose trauma from displacement reflects community-wide psychological strain, Bodiere and Amatu, whose health issues symbolize the physical toll of pollution and its effect; not forgetting some of the lives lost as a result of the menace that comes with unguarded oil exploration. Petrofiction as a theory facilitates an understanding of how the narrative mirrors real-life struggles caused by the injurious activities of petroleum production, shedding light on the interconnectedness of societal challenges and the intricate web of impacts on the mental and physical well-being of individuals and the communities of operation. Through this exploration, the study emphasizes the urgent need to address the complex interplay between societal challenges and health outcomes in Niger Delta literature, offering insights into the broader implications of oil-driven narratives for contemporary literary studies.
Comparative Analysis of Word - Formation Processes in Abua And English
The thrust of this paper is a comparative analysis of word-formation processes of Abua and English languages. The main aim of the study is to examine the similarities and differences in word-formation processes of the aforementioned languages. The study adopts constrastive analysis theory propounded by Robert Lado in 1957. The data for this study was derived from personal conversations, discussions with informants, textual materials, online research and oral renditions. Consequently, the study discussed word formation process in both English and the second language learners of Abua language. The study also focuses on the differences and similarities of morphological formations of words in English and Abua languages in the area of affixation, clipping and loaning, blending of words which are problematic areas in the study of morphology of English as a second language. The findings show that the presence of the prefix á- which has a high tone, obligatorily changes the tonal pattern of the verb root it is attached to from a mid or low tone to a high tone in the derived words. The research employs descriptive analysis design.
Code-Switching and Code-Mixing in Kemi Adetiba's Nigerian Nollywood Movie: "Wedding Party "
Code-switching and code-mixing are linguistic phenomena where speakers alternate or blend multiple languages or language varieties within a conversation or text. These practices are prevalent in multilingual societies, such as Nigeria, and are often depicted in the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood. This study aims to explore the extent, patterns, and sociolinguistic motivations behind code-switching and code-mixing in Nollywood, with a focus on the movie Wedding Party 1 by Kemi Adetiba. A qualitative analysis of the script and dialogue from Wedding Party 1 was conducted to identify instances of code-switching and code-mixing between English, Nigerian Pidgin, and various indigenous Nigerian languages. The study also examined the sociolinguistic factors influencing these language shifts. The analysis revealed three primary forms of code-switching: inter-sentential, intra-sentential, and tag-switching. These occurred across English, Yoruba, Nigerian Pidgin, and, to a lesser extent, Igbo. The analysis reveals that the key sociolinguistic motivations for these switches include the creation of humour, assertion of cultural identity, facilitation of intimacy, signalling of social class, and enhancing the authenticity of interpersonal exchanges. Notably, Nigerian Pidgin and Yoruba were used strategically to convey familiarity and solidarity, while English was often reserved for formal or status-marked interactions. These findings highlight how The Wedding Party 1 not only reflects Nigeria's complex multilingual landscape but also positions multilingualism as a resource for narrative humour, cultural representation, and audience engagement. The study contributes to the growing body of work on Nollywood's linguistic creativity, offering insights for comparative studies in global multilingual cinema.
Effects of Nigerian Pidgin English on English Pedagogy
This study examined the effects of Nigerian Pidgin English on English pedagogy. The data was generated from primary and secondary sources comprising of questionnaires, indept interviews as well as close class observation. The sampling techniques was the simple random sampling with a sample size of one hundred and twenty (120) students randomly selected from Community Secondary School, Ubima and Community Secondary School, Omagwa. It was revealed in the study that the achievement of efficiency in the teaching and learning of English language is hinged on the various inputs of both students and learners hence; the teachers need to be trained to have a mastery of English language. Students should be encouraged to use English language within and outside the classroom despite Nigerian Pidgin English as their mother tongue. Further analyses revealed that some linguistic interference such as lexical transfer and semantic reduplication were identified as a result of high influence of the Nigeria Pidgin English. The study therefore recommended that students should engage more in educational programmes like debates and other competition which will aid the constant use of English language in communication and also improve their classroom activities. It was also recommended in the study that English language teachers should be regularly trained on the job and basic language skills such as; listening, speaking, reading and writing be introduced early in classroom activities.
New Generation Vice in Southeast Nigeria: A Thematic Analysis of Ndi Oke ite Akalia
The quest for quick wealth by the younger generation in the South East is becoming worrisome as youths engage in vices like “Oke ite” rituals and sacrifices to get quick wealth without hard work. Some societal vices are exposed and brought to the fore through mediums like songs. This study aims to examine how the craze for quick wealth is encoded in the lyrics of the song titled “Ndi Oke ite Akalia” by Prince Chijioke Mbanefo from South east Nigeria. The song digs into the diabolical actions of internet fraudsters, stimulating reflection on the effects in the digital age. The song which served as data for this study was downloaded from the internet and transcribed, only the words of the song were transcribed. The thematic analysis focuses on patterns through which themes were derived, and how frequently the themes occurred in the song to foreground their importance. The research questions which this research provides answers to are: what are the themes in the song that show Oke ite as anti-human capital development, and in what ways are the potential usefulness of youths in Igbo land encoded in the lyrics of the song? And, how did the artiste chastise the different classes of people mentioned in the song that are involved in Oke ite practice? The findings of the study show that the alien culture of engaging in Oke ite practice imbibed by Igbo youths as revealed by the lyrics of the song are seriously against human capital development; as the involvement in Oke ite distracts one from harnessing one’s hidden inner potentials which Igbos youths had been known for. The study recommends that societal vices should not be swept under the carpet; they should be criticized in mediums like songs in order to deter youths from engaging in them. The study concludes that music is a potent tool through which societal vices can be corrected; Igbo youths should not be swayed into getting rich quick through diabolical means.
Artificial Intelligence Versus Emotional Intelligence: The Feminist Perspective in The Nigerian Novel
This paper interrogates the intersection between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional Intelligence (EI) from the feminist perspective in the Nigerian novel. The paper notes that while AI is the ability of machines to perform certain functions like humans, EI is the ability to recognize and understand emotions in oneself and others in order to make informed decisions that will be beneficial to everyone. Using Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Chimamanda Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus, this paper adopts the qualitative research methodology to explore the comparative analysis between the two concepts as it affects human relationships. Adopting the humanist feminist theory that emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion and emotional intelligence in promoting human well-being and understanding, the paper deconstructs AI as it concerns gender studies because it perpetuates and amplifies existing social bias against women. The paper concludes that AI is just an artificial elongation and perpetuation of the subjugation of the female gender because the negative stereotypes against women are still sustained. This is exhibited through Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart (1958) and Eugene in Purple Hibiscus (2006) who are the promoters of Artificial Intelligence. While Emotional Intelligence is portrayed by Ogbuefi Ezeudu in Things Fall Apart (1958) and Fr. Amadi in Purple Hibiscus (2006).
Ifeoma Chinwuba’s African Romance as a Dialogic Discourse on Gender Complementarity
For many Nigerians, the term “feminism” has, unfortunately, come to be misinterpreted as an anti-male, anti-culture, anti-marriage, and anti-religion movement. This misconception is largely influenced by certain strands of Western gender and feminist advocacy that are incongruous with African cultural experiences. While pro-feminist scholars continue to draw attention to the various forms of denigration and stereotyping of women, it is imperative to employ literature as a medium to articulate versions of feminist thought and advocacy that align with African history and culture. Ifeoma Chinwuba’s African Romance, a choreo-poem, is purposively selected for this study because it embodies an Afrocentric feminist consciousness yet has received inadequate critical attention. This analysis adopts a close reading of the text, employing Catherine Acholonu’s concept of motherism to highlight the poet’s use of poetry as a dialogic discourse to offer solutions to gender-based and marital conflicts. Mallama’s verbal exchanges with Maigida, Townspeople, and Career Mistress reveal an Afrocentric ideology that is accommodationist, pro-patriarchy and devoid of the dogmatism and aggressiveness often associated with some strands of Western feminism. Her motherist consciousness is evident in her critique of characters who perpetuate harmful traditions that undermine womanhood. The study contributes to the understanding of how writers like Chinwuba employ literature to articulate the objectives of feminist advocacy within the African context. While rejecting male chauvinism and narcissism, the discourse foregrounds values such as gender complementarity, gender equity, motherhood, womanhood, family and marriage as essential ingredients that shape Afrocentric feminist thought and practice.
Reimagining Digital Technology in a Corporate World
This paper examines the downside of digital technology as imagined in the short story “Behind our Irises” by Tloto Tsamaase (2020). It aims at identifying some unethical practices of the corporate world in their use of digital technologies and their impact on human lives. The study relies on the close reading methodology to extract primary data from the studied text. These data will be examined against the established ideas of critics to highlight unethical practices imaged in the studied text. Findings reveal that the fictitious corporate firm mind controls and siphons information from its staff through implanted nanobots. The study also reveals that the more vulnerable and greedy a person is, the easier it is for them to be preyed on in the corporate world. The study concludes that although digital technology is a life saver, it can also be a life taker. Also, that awareness and contentment are key factors in escaping the clutches of unscrupulous corporate enterprises.
Sustainable Development in Education: The Role of Technology in English Language Learning
Pursuing sustainable development in education is more crucial than ever, particularly in a globalized world where English serves as a bridge across diverse cultures. This paper contends that the incorporation of technology in English language education is not merely beneficial but also essential for advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs). By offering personalized, flexible, and accessible learning opportunities, digital tools can significantly improve English language acquisition/learning while reducing the environmental impact of traditional educational practices. This paper explores the multifaceted role of technology in promoting sustainability within English language education, emphasizing its potential to support environmental sustainability, social fairness, and economic viability. It also addresses the challenges connected with the digital divide and the need for ongoing professional development for educators. The paper concludes that a strategic and thoughtful incorporation of technology in English language education is imperative for preparing students to meet the demands of the 21st century for gainful employment or self-employment. It recommends for educators and policymakers to leverage technology to improve English language learning outcomes and contribute to broader sustainable development objectives. This paper seeks to spark a wider conversation about the role of technology in creating a more sustainable, equitable, and accessible educational environment, thereby enabling both teachers and students to key into the digital literacy skills..
The Poet as an Activist: An Eco-Critical Reading of Ibiwari Ikiriko’s Oily Tears of the Delta
This paper is entitled: "The Poet as an Activist: An Eco-critical reading of Ibiwari Ikiriko's Oily Tears of the Delta. It examines issues of environmental degradation of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and other negative effects of oil exploration and environmental exploitation. It explores the roles of the poet to lead in the agitation to stop the pollution and other issues of serious concern in the region. To drive home the message, the paper uses eco criticism as the approach, as it has a direct bearing on the issues under review. The research finds that despite the huge economic value and contributions of the region, it has been underdeveloped and ravaging in poverty and restiveness as a result of negligence by the government and the multinationals. This paper seeks to address the contributions of poets, using Ikiriko's Oily Tears of the Delta as a voice of agitation for a green and developed Niger Delta.
Rhetorics of Protest as An Emerging Perspective in Post-Colonial Literature: A Study of some Selected African Poetry
This paper examines the rhetorics of protests in post-colonial writings using some selected African poems. It does this against the backdrop of post-colonialism as the umbrella theory; although Marxist theory is considered in empasse due to the context of protest in this work. The paper is thus discussed in the order of background of study, scope of study, problem of study, significance of study, theoretical framework, contribution to knowledge and of course the main body, which is the explication of the elements of protests in some selected poems of some African poets. Post-colonialism in the view of this study, is the theoretical approach which studies works of literature from the perspectives of “challenging the status quo”. Post-colonialism involves the critical view of all forms of artistic revolution against colonial imperatives, post-independence failures and neo-colonial tendencies in the writings of former colonised societies. It looks at such works from the perspective of the colonized rather than the colonial power. Bill and Griffiths (1989) view of post-colonialism is decidedly the dominant view in this study.
Rethinking Language Policy and Implementation in Nigeria: A Case for Rivers State
Language is at the center of every activity of man, as it is the medium for expression of thoughts. feelings, ideas and opinions. Rivers state is a multi -lingual state with an indigenously diverse population and has over fifteen languages and several dialects spoken across the twenty-three local government areas of the State. This is the main cause of communication gap among citizens of same state who wish to communicate, socialize and transact. This work seeks to propose a language policy for Rivers State. The objectives are to: find out the languages and dialects spoken in the different local government areas (LGAs); identify the ethnic groups found in the state; carry out a linguistic analysis of the LGAs and classify ethnic groups in the state based on their languages/dialects; propose a language policy for the state. This work is hinged on the Applied linguistic theory and the Interactionist theory of language acquisition. It employs the descriptive survey design. Findings reveal that there are more than fifteen languages and twenty dialects in Rivers state; most of the languages in Rivers state do not have standard orthographies giving rise to a wide communication gap; most languages are mutually intelligible across the LGAs. Based on the linguistic analysis of the LGAs, the work recommends that language functions be assigned for official purposes which may cut across regional, local or community levels; early childhood should be in a child's mother tongue and the Port Harcourt pidgin; a book on diction, grammar, treatises on pronunciation and orthography for the Port Harcourt pidgin variety be developed. In concluding, each major ethnic group in the state should strive to develop a standard dialect assigned with more sophisticated roles.
Community Relations Strategies and Conflict Resolution: An Investigation of Indorma Petrochemical Company in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State
This study investigates community relations strategies use by Indorama Petrochemical Company in Eleme in managing conflict between the host communities. The study was designed to explore how participatory approach to dispute resolution will support the process of conflict management in the oil producing host communities in Rivers State. The study employed survey design. The target population of the study is 23,223 drawn from the four communities which serve as host communities to the company. The purposive sampling technique was used and a sample size of 310 was adopted for the study using Taro Yamane formula. Responses and data were collected using questionnaire. Mean score was used for the data analysis. Findings of the research reviewed that the community relations strategies employed by Indorama Petrochemical Company has been productive and efficient to a certain level in managing conflict between the company and host communities. The study further revealed that there is an understanding and good relationship between the company and host communities. It was recommended that companies should endeavour to promote good communication link with their host communities in order to foster beneficial relationship for both parties in Rivers State.
The Impact of Comorbidity in Nawal El Sadaawi’s Woman at Point Zero
The co-occurrence of mental health and physical health conditions in an individual can be occasioned by several factors such as genital mutilation and many others. The onset of a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic physical act may actually lead to devastating behavioral pattern which can be harmful and dangerous to the entire wellbeing of a person. This paper seeks to highlight the severe impact of comorbidity in Firdaus and how these conditions adversely affects her ability to cope, be productive and to contribute meaningfully to the society. The study sheds light on the psychological effects of female circumcision and how it can be linked to behavioral disturbances such as depression, anxiety, somatization, mood disorders, amongst others challenges that Firdaus had to grapple with. This study employs Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytical theory to explore the co-occurrence of mental and physical health conditions in the character of Firdaus in Sadaawi’s Woman at Point Zero. The paper brings to light the fact that long after the character has undergone this heinous procedure, the character is still left to face the long-lasting emotional scars and physical wounds which have major negative outcomes. The concomitant presence of these conditions reveals the mental and physical state of the character and how other victims of similar situation will have to deal with comorbidity for the rest of their lives.