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
Manufactured Words for WhatsApp Interactions: A Morphological Approach to the Analysis of Yaba Tech. HND II Students’ Selected Messages
This study investigates the morphological processes used by WhatsApp platform users for the formation of new words for WhatsApp communication. The WhatsApp messages of HND II students of Yaba College of Technology serve as data for the study. The selected data were analysed within the theoretical framework of Distributed Morphology. The morphological processes were employed in the analysis of the selected data in order to explore the morphological strategies that WhatsApp users adopt in deriving new words on the platform. For example, the morphological processes viz compounding, prefixation, clipping, aphetic form, abbreviation, acronyms are identified and analysed in the study. Effort is also made to find out whether the manifestations of those identified processes are the same as those of the English language word-formation processes. The findings of the paper show that the word formation processes (i.e. clipping, abbreviation, blending etc.) used for newly derived words are distinct from the English language word-formation processes. It can be concluded, based on the findings, that WhatsApp users manipulate the English word-formation processes to derive new words for communication on the WhatsApp platform.
Exploring Language Contact Phenomena: The Interplay of French and Arabic in Nigeria
This study examines French–Arabic language contact in Nigeria, addressing a notable gap in scholarship where both languages have largely been studied in isolation despite their coexistence within shared sociolinguistic spaces. While Arabic has sustained a centuries-long presence through Islamic scholarship, Qur’anic education, and trans-Saharan intellectual traditions, French has gained strategic relevance due to Nigeria’s proximity to Francophone states and its participation in regional institutions such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). However, the nature of their interaction within Nigeria’s multilingual ecology remains undertheorised. Drawing on language contact theory, linguistic capital theory, and multilingual ecology perspectives, this study argues that their relationship is characterised not by structural convergence or competition but by functional complementarity across differentiated domains. Arabic operates primarily as a language of religious authority and intellectual heritage, while French functions as a medium of commerce, diplomacy, and regional mobility. The findings demonstrate that their coexistence produces layered linguistic repertoires shaped by identity negotiation, institutional structures, and geopolitical positioning. The paper contributes to broader debates on transnational language dynamics and linguistic stratification in West Africa.
Assessment of The Use of English Language in Advertising and Marketing Strategies for Economic Development
This paper examines the role of language as a powerful tool of communication among the people. It establishes that through language human beings are able to share ideas, opinions, views, emotion, feelings with one another. In advertisement to be precise, language serves as the medium of processing, transferring, advertising and marketing one’s products or services. For people to know what anybody produces or sells, in order to patronize them, you need to advertise and market your goods and these are done through the tool of language, particularly through English, which is widely spoken in the global village. This paper investigates the importance of English language in advertisement utterances and slogans of varied products and services on billboards, newspapers, posters, radio and television adverts. Thirty (30) advertisement utterances/ slogans in English drawn by advertising agencies for different products are randomly selected. The study adopts simple random sampling techniques. Findings reveal that the impacts of English in advertising and marketing of goods and services is enormous.
AI and Advertising: Implications for Professional Creativity
This study examined the intersectionality of artificial intelligence (AI) and advertising, with a specific focus on the implications for professional creativity. The objectives of this study were to: investigate the impact of AIdriven technologies on the creative process and ingenuity of advertising professionals; assess the extent to which AI-powered tools augment or diminish the role of human creativity in advertising; and explore the strategic implications of AI-infused advertising for the future of professional creativity. Theoretically, this study was grounded in the conceptual frameworks of the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which provided a clear understanding of the relationship among technological advancements, professional practices, and creative outcomes. Methodologically, the mixed-methods approach was employed, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods, with a study population comprising 200 advertising professionals in Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State, from which a sample size of 132 participants was selected using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size determination table. The stratified random sampling was, however, employed to draw out this sample size in the two states. Data were collected via a survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that 61% of respondents reported that AI-driven technologies enhance their creative process and ingenuity, with 78% believing that AIpowered tools augment human creativity. Moreover, the study highlights the strategic implications of AI-infused advertising, with 67% of respondents anticipating a positive impact on the creative industry. The study recommended, among others that advertising professionals should develop skills in data analysis, programming, and AI literacy to effectively work with AI technologies.
Mimicry and the Performance of State Power in the Nigerian Dictator Novel
Novels produced in the postcolony have continued to represent the society in which they are produced. Novels of hope that followed political independence are being replaced by those of military/civilian dictatorship which attempt to represent the current situation of the African postcolony vis a vis the relationship between the ruling class and the masses. By adopting a close reading of Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah and Helon Habila’s Waiting for an Angel, this paper exposed the features of the autocratic regimes that have subjugated the masses by denying them of their power of agency and reducing them to the condition of prey. By adopting Homi Bhabha’s ideology of mimicry, the researchers attempt to expose the unbalanced relationship between the ruler and the ruled where both are drawn into an uncanny situation which cancels the binary opposition usually found in coloniser/colonised relationships since both classes of people are engaged in a battle of supremacy. According to Bhabha, mimicry of the coloniser by the colonised by ridiculing and undermining the hegemonic power leads to double articulation, a subversive strategy which has brought about unnecessary compromise in the affairs of the postcolonial state.
Stress and Word-Class Shifts in Nigerian English: A Phonology-Morphological Interface Analysis
This study examines the interaction between lexical stress placement and morphological category interpretation in Nigerian English, with particular attention to how prosodic restructuring affects noun-verb contrasts, compound cohesion, and lexical parsing. While previous studies have documented stress variation in Nigerian English, less attention has been paid to how such variation operates at the phonology-morphology interface and how listeners interpret stress as a morphological cue. Drawing on 320 stress-sensitive lexical tokens from recorded speech, broadcast media, academic presentations, and social media, alongside a perception-based task involving 80 respondents, the study analyses patterns of stress realisation and interpretation across lexical domains. Using Metrical Phonology as an explanatory framework, the analysis shows that stress variation in Nigerian English is systematic but non-uniform, reflecting L1-influenced prosodic templates, pragmatic prominence, and reinterpretation of morphological boundaries. The findings identify a continuum of outcomes ranging from maintained stress contrasts, through reduced contrast and variable alternation, to category neutralisation in a subset of stress-dependent noun-verb pairs. Rather than indicating communicative failure, these patterns reveal a reweighting of stress from a stable morphological signal to a more general marker of prominence. The study contributes by demonstrating how stress variation reshapes morphological signalling in Nigerian English and by integrating production and perception evidence to clarify its interpretive consequences.
Deepfakes as Multimodal Semiotic Signs: Iconic, Indexical, and Symbolic Dimensions in Nigerian Social Media
This study examines deepfakes as multimodal semiotic signs operating simultaneously through iconic, indexical, and symbolic dimensions in Nigerian social media. Employing Peirce's triadic theory, it investigates how deepfakes generate meaning and erode public trust by exploiting fundamental processes of human meaningmaking. Through semiotic content analysis of 20 deepfake samples circulated on WhatsApp and Facebook during Nigeria's 2023 general elections, combined with recognition testing among 420 participants in Ondo and Bayelsa States, this study demonstrates the stratified semiotic sophistication that distinguishes deepfakes from conventional misinformation. Results reveal remarkably high communicative effectiveness across all three semiotic dimensions: 82.3% accuracy in iconic recognition (visual and auditory similarity to target personalities), 76.1% success in indexical interpretation (understanding fabricated character associations and causal relationships), and 71.8% accuracy in symbolic comprehension (decoding culturally encoded meanings, ethnic symbolism, and political narratives). This multimodal semiotic operation creates layered plausibility structures that prove extremely resistant to detection and critical evaluation. The findings document severe trust erosion in Nigeria's digital information ecosystem, with only 18% of respondents expressing trust in social media information, while 76% reported declining trust over the past year. Paradoxically, interpersonal trust (67%) remains significantly higher than institutional trust (8% for WhatsApp groups, 11% for Facebook), creating vulnerabilities as deepfakes circulate through trusted social networks. The study reveals how deepfakes exploit visual evidence bias, transform social capital into misinformation transmission channels, and generate persistent reputational damage even after exposure - the "liar's dividend" phenomenon. These semiotic operations pose acute threats to democratic processes, with 94% of participants perceiving deepfakes as threatening fair elections in Nigeria's multilingual, culturally diverse information landscapes.
Music as an Agent of Advertising: A Study of Selected Advertising Companies in Ibadan, Nigeria
Music has historically occupied a central position in advertising practice, functioning not merely as an aesthetic complement but as a deliberate communicative strategy for attracting consumer attention and shaping interpretive meaning. This paper investigates the deployment of music as an agent of advertising in Ibadan, Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the ways musical elements are embedded within advertising campaigns and the consequences of such integration for audience engagement and perception. The study adopts a qualitative research design, drawing data from in depth interviews with advertising practitioners operating within Ibadan and a focus group discussion involving local consumers. Findings from the study reveal that music constitutes a core component of advertising messages in the city. Advertisers consciously select musical forms that resonate with specific target audiences, paying close attention to variables such as age group, linguistic preference, and cultural affiliation. Indigenous rhythms and familiar popular genres are frequently employed to enhance relatability and authenticity, while the endorsement of brands by well-known musicians is used to strengthen emotional connections and reinforce brand credibility. Consumers participating in the focus group reported that advertisements incorporating music were more engaging, memorable, and persuasive than those without musical content. These observations align with established scholarly literature emphasizing music as a resource for enhancing brand recall, eliciting emotional responses, and shaping consumer attitudes. The paper contends that music operates as a symbolic and affective mediator between advertising messages and audience interpretation, underscoring the need for systematic training and research on music centered advertising practices in Nigeria.
Spelling Pronunciation in Nigerian Variety of English
This research examines the spelling pronunciation of Nigerian version of English. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select twenty (20) participants who fall into the sophisticated variety lll of Udofot’s classification of Nigerian Speakers of English. The theoretical framework for this research is Error Analysis. A questionnaire with prepared single words of monosyllabic, disyllabic and multisyllabic was given to the participants to read, while their pronunciations were recorded for proper analysis. The audio recorded words were listened to and transcribed appropriately using the Daniel Jones’ English pronouncing dictionary as a yardstick. Perceptual method of data analysis was used to analyse the data collected from the participants. The analysis revealed that the participants pronounced English words using orthography instead of the phonemic sounds. It was discovered that silent graphemes such as /b/ in “bomb” /bɒm/, /l/ in “calf” /ka:f/, /w/ in “sword” /sɔ:d/ were made audible during pronunciations. Also, word like “Peugeot” /pɜ:ʒәʊ/ was realized as /pɜ:ʒәʊt/. The analysis shows insertion and deletion of phonemic sounds.
Evaluating the role of the media in Enhancing National Security
National security has evolved beyond traditional military defense to encompass political National security in Nigeria now spans political stability, economic resilience, public health, cyber safety, and social cohesion, going far beyond traditional military defense. Within this wider landscape, the media plays an essential role in shaping public understanding, framing security narratives, and influencing national conversations and policy actions. This study examines how Nigerian media contributes to national security by analyzing the framing of issues such as terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, cybercrime, and public health emergencies in news coverage between 2015 and 2024. Using a qualitative, desk-based approach, the research draws on secondary sources including scholarly literature, policy documents, and documented media reports. Guided by Agenda Setting Theory and Social Responsibility Theory, the study shows that the media has helped elevate major security concerns to the forefront of public debate, prompting government attention and policy responses. However, the analysis also reveals persistent obstacles, such as misinformation, limited access to reliable security information, political interference, threats to press freedom, and insufficient training in conflict-sensitive reporting. These challenges often weaken the credibility and impact of media contributions. The study concludes that the media remains vital to Nigeria’s security architecture, but its effectiveness strengthened professionalism, improved cooperation with security institutions, and stronger protections for press freedom
Anti-corruption Confidential Reporting: where are Nigeria’s Whistleblowers?
For nine years now (2016-2025) Nigeria has operated a whistleblowing policy in its unending fight against corruption. The policy was celebrated by the citizens at the outset as they consentingly participated in the nation’s bid to redeem itself from endemic corruption and successes were recorded. However, having of late observed significant lull in whistleblowing in the nation, this paper is driven by the objective to identify the hurdles against the act of whistleblowing with intent on proffering pathways towards sustaining the policy for the good of the nation. It is founded on the Utilitarian Ethical Theory as it sees whistleblowing as actions taken in public interest. Deploying the desk research methodology, the paper discovers that whistleblowing continues though in a relatively very low ebb in the nation as evidenced in the FCTA land misallocation disclosure in 2025 inter alia. The paper highlights instances of whistleblowers’ persecution to drive home repercussions citizens suffer on acts of patriotism. It identifies lack of decisiveness in government’s handling of revealed cases, an overriding sense of betrayal in whistleblowers’ continued exposure to retribution and the nation’s opaque information management system in the face of the FOI Law, as the bane of whistleblowing in Nigeria. The paper strongly recommends among others, the immediate enactment of a standalone whistleblower law and unfettered application of the tenets of the Freedom of Information Law as veritable means of sustaining whistleblowing in the nation to maximize its benefits.
Social Media Influence on Student-Users’ Writing Skills in English
Although influence of social media on students’ academic achievements has been widely investigated, much seem not to have been done on its impact on their writing skills. Some student-users’ written English have been negatively influenced. In formal compositions, such students apply some writing patterns, characteristic of social media posts in formal writing situations. This study investigated influence of social media on students’ writing skills in few selected senior secondary schools, classes1&2, in Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, to determine if the students were negatively influenced, how and why. Social Cultural and Social Cognitive theories of writing were employed. 416 copies of survey were filled out by eligible respondents. 41 of the respondents were randomly selected at the ratio of 1:10, to write a test. Kuder-Richardson Formular 21 was used, with reliability coefficient of 0.5. Their written scripts were compared to snippets from Facebook. A great resemblance between both write-ups was discovered. The students removed the pronoun “I” and replaced it with “am” as it was done in most social media write-ups. The study suggests that students be adequately guided to distinguish between both write-ups. They should acquire, maintain and adhere to English grammar rules in official writing situations. They should be encouraged to use social media for academic purposes. Teachers should always compose grammatically sound statements when writing.
Wounds of Memory and the Narrative of Healing in Veronique Tadjo’s The Shadow of Imana and Helon Habila’s The Chibok Girls
This paper offers another critical response to the one hundred days massacre in Rwanda in 1994 also known as Rwanda genocide and the kidnapping of Chibok school girls in Nigeria, represented in Veronique Tadjo’s The Shadow of Imana and Helon Habila’s The Chibok Girls respectively. The paper is literary research and thus, relies on close reading of the primary texts for analysis of some extrapolations, using trauma theory as theoretical framework. Findings in this paper reveal that, although the fratricidal massacre in Rwanda and the mindless kidnapping of innocent school girls in Nigeria may have come and gone, the experiences remain as fresh as ever, and has left scathing wounds in the memory of the survivors and their loved ones. The situation, expectedly, has subjected the victims to acute trauma that defines their existence. However, the paper notes that some victims defy the speech fright that accompanies trauma and openly narrate their experiences, as a way of renegotiating, healing and transcending their traumatic experiences. The paper concludes that an exploration of language could be therapeutic in times of trauma.
Navigating New Horizons: The Place of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Literary Studies
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the 21st century has academically triggered discussions across various fields, including literary studies. Literary studies has traditionally been viewed as anthropocentric engagement, relying on critical analysis, cultural theory, interpretative and analytical methods. However, the advent of AI has obviously introduced a paradigm shift by providing computational techniques that enhance, complement or even challenge traditional methodologies. This paper, therefore, explores the emerging role of AI in literary studies, addressing its potential contributions, ethical considerations and the challenges it presents. The research uses four prominent AI systems: ChatGPT, Bard, Claude and DeepSeek, as case studies to examine practical applications in areas such as textual analysis, authorship attribution and critical interpretation. It is qualitative research adopting Digital Humanities and Critical Posthumanism as theoretical frameworks. The paper concludes that while AI stands as valuable support for literary research, its use must be approached with caution. AI should serve as a complement to human critical insight, not a replacement.
The Future of Journalism in Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges of AI-Powered Reporting in Enhancing Efficiency and Accuracy
The media environment in Nigeria is undergoing substantial transition due to developing technology and altering news consumer patterns. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development and transmission of news is spearheading this transition. The study addresses the future of journalism in Nigeria from the standpoint of AI-driven reporting. It stresses the potential, problems, and emerging approaches of narrative that accompany this new technology. Using current trends and case studies, this study investigates how far along the AI adoption curve Nigerian newsrooms are. It zeroes in on how AI has improved journalistic operations, namely in areas like as data analysis, content customisation, efficiency, and accuracy. Issues such as algorithmic bias, disinformation, and the possible loss of journalistic independence are discussed in the article, along with other ethical, technological, and sociopolitical concerns related to the use of AI in journalism. It stresses the need of lawmakers, media professionals, and journalists having AI literacy and calls for specific training and rules to control the misuse of AI in the media. The essay highlights the importance of openness, responsibility, and diversity in the use of artificial intelligence within Nigerian media. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge on digital journalism in Africa and offers strategic advice to media companies in Nigeria on how to use AI to strengthen the credibility of their reporting, win over their audiences, and succeed in today's information-driven world.
Developing Appropriate Media Literacy Skills for Sustainable Rural Community Development
The study examined ways of developing appropriate media literacy skills for sustainable rural community development. Three research questions guided the study. The study anchored on uses and gratifications theory and adopted survey research design. The population of the study is 38 and census sampling technique was adopted. The instrument for data collection was a self-questionnaire which was validated by experts via face and content validity method and used for data gathering. The reliability of the instrument was established at 0.76 using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient (PPMC). The study found amongst others that the ways media literacy skills can be developed includes inculcating in media users’ skills that will enable them to critically analyze and evaluate media content, make informed decisions, identify bias and misinformation and incorporate media literacy into school curriculum. The study concluded that if well-established media education curriculum as currently exist in developed countries such as United Kingdom, America, Canada etc are replicated in Nigeria education system, it will go a long way to promote media literacy and hence facilitate the process of rural community development in many areas. The study recommended amongst others that educational planners should as a matter of urgency introduce media literacy education as an obligatory curriculum in the school system from primary to tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Trauma, Stereotypes and Ethnic Prejudice in Selected Nigerian Civil War Plays
The Nigerian Civil War has inspired numerous creative and critical works. However, the impact of stereotypical representations among the major ethnic groups involved in the conflict remains under-researched. This paper examines two Nigerian dramatic texts, For Love of Biafra by Amanda Adichie and Whispers of the Gods by Perp’ St. Remy Asiegbu, through the lenses of stereotype and Tajfel and Turner’s theory of social categorisation. The study aims to expose how negative ethnic stereotypes intensified tensions between the Igbo and Hausa/Fulani communities before, during and after the war. This investigation is significant in light of the ongoing strained relations and polarised political discourses between these groups in post-war Nigeria—manifestations of unresolved transgenerational trauma and the looming threat of renewed violence driven by ethnic stereotypes transmitted through oral traditions, literature and digital media. The selected texts reveal that the same prejudices that fueled the conflict remain deeply entrenched in Nigerian society. By analysing selected characters, the paper argues that engaging with counter-stereotypical figures in literature can challenge and reshape prejudiced perceptions, fostering a more inclusive national consciousness and supporting nation-building. Consequently, this study underscores the urgent need for advocacy efforts that confront the dangers of ethnic stereotyping.
Aspects of the Grammar of English and Okrika Noun Phrases
This paper addressed the study on an aspect of the syntax of English and Okrika (noun phrase). The study is necessitated by the challenges L2 speakers of Okrika face while constructing and using phrases in English and also because of limited works in the area of syntax in Okrika language. The methodology adopted was both contrastive and descriptive and data collected through primary and secondary sources. The data revealed that English and Okrika noun phrase can be found in the subject and object positions, although the difference is that where the English NP can perform dative movement, NP in Okrika cannot perform dative movement. Reason being that both languages have different sentence structure. English has a SVO while Okrika has a SOV sentence pattern. It was also revealed that the hidden verb governing the indirect object in a ditransitive verb construction is not hidden in Okrika in a ditransitive construction. It is therefore concluded that although there are areas of similarities in the position of the NP in both languages, there are still areas of differences.
AI and Ethnolinguistic Preservation: Documenting Abureni Vocabulary on Water Hyacinth Infestation in Kugbo Creek
Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) infestation in freshwater bodies has emerged as a critical environmental challenge, particularly within the Niger Delta’s inland waterways in Nigeria. Kugbo Creek, a vital waterway in this region, sustains traditional livelihoods such as fishing, boat transportation, lumbering, and farming, serving as an economic lifeline for local communities. However, the proliferation of invasive species like water hyacinth threatens native aquatic ecosystems, disrupts socio-economic activities, and impedes navigation. This study explores the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to document and analyse Abureni vocabulary associated with water hyacinth infestation in Kugbo Creek. By leveraging Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, it seeks to preserve the linguistic heritage of the Abureni people while providing actionable insights for ecological interventions. This interdisciplinary approach highlights the transformative potential of AI in bridging language and environmental studies, emphasizing its role in amplifying indigenous perspectives on pressing ecological challenges. The findings advocate for collaborative, sustainable solutions by stakeholders to mitigate the water hyacinth menace and foster a deeper understanding of the interconnected ethnolinguistic and ecological dynamics within the Abureni communities along Kugbo Creek.
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.