School of Humanities, Society & Development

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Academic literacy: What's in a name?
(Namibian Educational Research Association (NERA), 2008) Smit, Talita C.
An alarming number of scholars have discussed Southern African students’ low proficiency in academic literacy on entering tertiary institutions. This article will take an in-depth look into the current interpretation of what constitutes academic literacy. It will, furthermore, look at the relationship between critical thinking and autonomy in learning. The changing profile of Namibian university students, their ethnic, social and academic identities and the marked influence this has on designing courses to integrate them into a predominantly Western academic culture will be discussed. The focus will be on the Namibian students’ need for direction and support in developing proficiency in critical literacy. Suggestions on how English for Intellectual Purposes can support courses in English for Academic Purposes will be given. Further research into the specific needs and strengths of first generation students is, however, necessary. In the course of lecturing university students in Namibia, I have increasingly become aware that no matter what method of instruction is followed, students still seem to be bewildered at the end of a semester course in English for Academic Purposes (hereafter EAP), offered as an introduction to their academic studies. Conversations with lecturers from other faculties also indicate that students do not seem to gain much from EAP courses. Otaala (2005) has found that most of those students who participated in a survey indicated that they did not experience lasting gains in academic proficiency even after attending courses to develop literacy skills. On the other hand, there appears to be constant upgrading and redefining of EAP course material in an attempt to satisfy the students’ academic needs. Artificially loading courses and extending their duration, however, seem to be contra-productive. An innovative approach towards academic literacy is needed if students should derive lasting benefits; however, some of the qualities in the successful student profile, such as the development of critical thinking skills and self-reliance, defy easy reduction to attainable course goals and would be difficult to quantify within an assessed syllabus. This is not to say that such a syllabus cannot be divised, but only that it might not be possible to subject it to the same constraints and objectives (Sowden, 2003) set for existing EAP courses. Language courses which aim to promote learner autonomy need to incorporate means of transferring responsibility for aspects of the language that the learners process (such as setting goals, setting learning strategies and evaluating progress) from the teacher to the learner (Cotterall, 2000). However, before an informed solution to the current dilemma in EAP skills teaching can be suggested, it is necessary to consider the term literacy in depth.
Access and utilisation of knowledge and information by aquaculture farmers in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2019) Yule, Wilson
This study on access and utilisation of information and knowledge by aquaculture famers in Namibia investigated the knowledge gap that exists between information and aquaculture production by providing research based evidence on the nature and extent of information utilised by aquaculture farmers in Namibia. The study was driven by the main research question; what is the level of access and utilisation of knowledge and information by aquaculture farmers in Namibia?, and it was guided by two theories: Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory that explained how a new innovation is adopted in society and Kuhlthau’s Six Stage model of the Information Search. The mixed methods research design employed a concurrent triangulation approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Data collection methods used for the quantitative research were surveys, and semi-structured interviews, observation and document analysis for the qualitative. The population comprised of all fish farmers and their managers in Namibia, and the fish farmers’ database at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources was used as a sampling frame. The survey respondents were selected using a multi stage sampling technique, starting with a simple random sample as well as employing convenient sampling technique while key informants (managers) were selected using the purposive sampling technique. The key findings of the study revealed that fish farmers lacked the required information to fulfil their information needs. They needed the information for problem solving, performing tasks and decision making. The study also showed that fish farmers used different types of information which cuts across different disciplines and this information included agricultural information, health information, environmental information, technological information, business and trade information, and government policies and plans. Several information sources used by fish farmers were newspapers, Internet, textbooks, experts, etc. and they shared information on various topics amongst themselves such as fish markets and harvests, weather forecast, types of fish species, modern fishing methods, site of shoal, fish feeds, and fishing regulations and government policies. The study established that fish farmers could not attend information literacy and knowledge competencies training regularly, though this should not be interpreted to mean that they lacked information and knowledge on aquaculture production. The study proposes an information access and utilisation model (Integrated Aquaculture Information System) that can support aquaculture farmers as users of information, and also highlights the importance of information and knowledge for sustainable livelihoods amongst fish farmers.
Access to and knowledge of sexual and reproductive health services among adolescent school girls in Gobabis, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2019) Pearce, Alice Mubanga
This study offered unique insight in the challenges and opportunities that exist for adolescent access to sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS) in Gobabis. It focused on exploring adolescent access to reproductive health services through the experiences of adolescent girls and healthcare providers. It was a qualitative case study. The data was collected through interviews with adolescent girls and key-informants who are experienced healthcare providers. This approach provided an in-depth understanding of adolescent reproductive health needs and barriers hindering their access to SRHS in Gobabis. Participating schools and health centres were selected using a purposive sampling technique while the individual girls were sampled using a quota sampling technique. The data gathered from participants was analysed manually using content analysis. The findings show that the girls have access to SRHS. However, they lack a comprehensive understanding of their sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). As such, this could have affected the meaning attached to their reproductive health. Generally, the girls are aware of a variety of SRHS available at their local health centres but needed more information on their side-effects. The most commonly sought after SRHS was the contraceptive ‘injection’, family planning pills, condoms and the morning after pill. Others included, counselling services and general health information. However, barriers such as the high cost of service in private facilities, the waiting time in government facilities, negative attitudes from nurses and lack of parental support and discussion on issues surrounding sex and sexuality continue to impact access to SRHS. The researcher recommends mother and daughter community health clubs at health centres that can facilitate discussions on SRH among parents, adolescents and health professionals in order to effectively communicate the importance of adolescent reproductive health.
Ade ,trenne nie st, denn es tut ihm weh
(eDUSA, 2006) Zappen·Thomson, Marianne
Am 1. August 2006 trat die reformierte Reform der deutschen Rechtschreibung in Schulen und Behorden in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland in Kraft. Da weder der namibianische noch der sUdafrikaniscbe Schwanz mit dem deutschen Hund wedeln kann, sollten auch wir als Lebrende uns sehr schnell mit den neuen Regeln veruaut mac hen. Bi es zu der Reform der Reform kam, vergingen Jahrzehnte. Schon 1980 wurde der lnternationle Arbeiskreis fur Rechtscbreibreform (TAR) gegrUndet und mit Germanisten aus der BRD, der DDR, aus bsterreich und aus der Schweiz besetzt. 1987 erteilt die Kultusminsterkonferenz (KMK) dem Institut fUr Deutsche Sprachc in Mannheim den Auftrag, in Abstimmung mit der Gesellschaft fUr deutsche Sprache in Wiesbaden ein neues Regelwerk zu entwerfen. Der IAR legt 1992 einen international abgestimmten Vorschlag genannt ,Deutsche Recbtschreibung - YorschHige zur ihrer Neuregelung" vor. Die Vorlage wird Uberarbeitet, u.a. wird der Vorschlag, die Substantivkleinschreibung einzufUhren, rUckgangig gemacht. 1995 beschlieBt die KMK die Neuregelung zum I. August 1998 einzufuhren und zwar mit einer Ubergangsphase bis 2004/2005. Wahrend einige Bundeslander schon mit Schulbeginn 1996/97 die neuen Regeln im Unterricht einfUhren, unterzeichnen etwa 100 Schriftstellcr und Wissenchaftler die ,Frankfurter Erklarung", die einen Stopp der Reform verlangt. Der Streit urn die Reform beginnt. Am 14. Juli 1998 erklart das Bundesverfassungsgericht die EinfUhrung der neuen Rechtscbreibung fUr verfassungsgema6. Alte Schreibweisen werden in den Schulen nicht als Fehler gewertet, gelten aber als Uberholt. Docb damit verstummt die Kritik keineswegs. Als Reaktion wird 2004 der ,Rat flir deutsche Rechtschreibung" ins Leben gerufen, des en Aufgabe es ist, die Rechtschreibung in ihrcr Emwicklung zu beobachten und begrUndete Vorschlage zur Anpassung zu erarbeiten. Dabei geht es vor allem urn die KHirung von Zweifelsfallen. fm Februar 2006 hat der Rat AnderungsvorschHige vorgelegt, die an1 2. Marz von den zusUindigen staatlichen Stellen Ubernommen wurden und nun als GrundJage fUr den Schulunterricht gelten. Bis Ende 2007 wird die alte Schreibung nicht als Fehler gewertet.
Adolescent sexuality in Namibia: An analysis of sexual knowledge, attitudes and practices among secondary school learners in Katutura
(2001) Yamakawa, Sayumi
The adoption of new media technologies by the Namibia print media: A case study of the New Era and the Namibian newspaper
(University of Namibia, 2019) Nghitongo, Kaino Iyaloo Ndeumono
This study investigated the strategies employed by newspapers in Namibia to adopt new media technologies in their daily operations with a specific focus on New Era and The Namibian newspaper. The study also assessed how the print media has adopted new media technologies and examined how new media technologies have changed operations of news organisations. Using a qualitative method in the form of a case study, a non-probability sampling technique was used to purposively select the sample from New Era and The Namibian newspaper. The sampling quota included one managing editor, one marketing manager, one Information Technology (IT) manager, and six journalists, from each newspaper. The total number of participants in this study was 18. The study revealed that media practitioners from the two newspapers all acknowledge the need to adopt new media technologies, within their operations and appreciated opportunities of being able to reach their audience on different platforms, other than the hard copy newspaper. Furthermore, the study revealed both newspapers have aggressively implemented online newspapers (E-paper), as a complimentary platform for their print editions, websites and mobile applications. The study also found that despite the flexibility in operation that is presented by new media technologies to the journalists, they now face challenges of competing for news with citizen journalists, which forces newspaper journalist to be more creative in their writing and also maintain credibility. The study concluded that newspapers in the country are gradually adopting new media technologies, with different platforms that align with the telecommunication infrastructure in the country. The study thus recommends that news organisation create more awareness on the platforms they have implemented, in order to attract interest from the audiences, to be able to explore such platforms.
Afrikaanse Spreekwoorde en Uitdrukkings
(AFRILEX, 1999) Beuke-Muir, Chrisna
Afrikaanse Spreekwoorde en Uitdrukkings. A Macrostructural Study. A restricted synchronic dictionary such as Afrikaanse Spreekwoorde en Uitdrukkings has an important role to play in modem Iexirography where user-friendly reference sources facilitate communication. A considerable number of theoretical guidelines exist for the choice of lexicon items to be included in a dictionary, and this review article attempts to provide some pointers. The research also includes sociolinguistic implications which result from the compilation of the macrostructure of a particular dictionary. The focal points are firstly taboos to which lexicographers of Afrikaans􀂸 dictionaries are subjected, and secondly establishing which expressions fall within the limits of idiomatic language usage. The treatment of idiom-like collocations particularly appears to be problematic. Another issue which will be considered briefly, ls the morphological presentation of lemmas.
An assessment of the perceptions of residents on the governance of relocations in Okalongo settlement in Northern Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2024) Kapenambili, Johanna
The main aim of the study was to determine the different roles performed by those involved in the relocations carried out in the Okalongo Settlement. Additionally, it aimed to investigate the level of their involvement in the process and examine their expectations for the new arrangements. The researchers successfully collected and analyzed data by using a combination of methodologies. The study asked specific questions about the contributions made by stakeholders to the relocations and aimed to understand the various ways in which stakeholders participated in the relocation process within the Okalongo Settlement. Lastly, it sought to examine how well different stakeholders followed the established relocation procedures in Okalongo. A mixed-method approach was used to collect and analyze the data. The findings of the study showed that while some stakeholders fulfilled their assigned roles in the relocations, others did not fulfill their responsibilities adequately. Additionally, although a majority of stakeholders actively participated in the relocation process, some residents expressed dissatisfaction. The study also revealed that 62.5% of participants believed that stakeholders had adhered to the relocation procedures, while 53.5% agreed that stakeholders had followed these procedures. However, a significant percentage of 78.39% remained neutral about the adherence of stakeholders to the relocation procedures. Furthermore, a substantial 83.0% of respondents disagreed that communication with stakeholders was effective
Analysing the environment in verse: An ecocritical study of Julia Amukhoshi's Tales of the Rainbow: A collection of poetry in English and Anneli Nghikembua's A true me in words: An anthology of poems
(University of Namibia, 2017) Andimba, Swama S.
Environmental issues have become a matter of concern for many countries and educational institutions but this subject still remains largely under-investigated in literary studies, particularly in Africa. In this study, Ecocriticism was used in the analysis of Julia Amukoshi’s and Anneli Nghikembua’s poetry anthologies, Tales of the Rainbow: A collection of poetry in English and A True Me in Words: An Anthology of poems. Ecocriticism is concerned with the relationships between literature and environment or how human beings’ relationships with their physical environment are reflected in literature. The major focus was on how the poets used and depicted aspects of nature and for what reasons. The study found that Amukoshi’s and Nghikembua’s poems are filled with significant symbolic images of nature through the use of semantic literary devices. The analysis also revealed that the poems present an interconnection between the poets and nature, whereby they treat every part in nature as if it is a creature that has a soul. Furthermore, the study established that recognizing environmental elements as entities of feeling through human depictions aids in connecting readers with their environment, which in turn culminates in a sustainable conservable relationship between the two. The study concluded that nature and humans are interdependent and that what happens to each would inevitably affect the other. However, nature can maintain itself without human interference, whereas humans need all the elements of nature to survive. The poets have successfully portrayed the environment in a positive manner. In addition the poets have managed to stimulate their audience to preserve and sustain the environment.
An analysis of code switching in the Namibian parliament
(University of Namibia, 2019) Iipinge, Sussana
The focus of this study was on code switching that occurred in the Namibian Parliament as observed from the volumes of parliamentary Hansards from the year 2015 to 2017. This was a desktop study that employed a qualitative design to determine the patterns and reasons for code switching in the Namibian Parliament. Content analysis was used to analyse data collected from the 10 volumes of printed parliamentary Hansards. Data was further interpreted using Myers-Scotton’s Matrix Language Frame Model (MLF) and the Markedness Model (MM). Although English is the official language in Namibia, the parliamentarians still make use of other languages in the parliamentary discourse which leads to code switching. Code switching in Parliament can either facilitate or create a communication barrier among parliamentarians as some of the parliamentarians do not understand some of the languages that are used for code switching. The findings revealed that the Namibian parliamentarians used intra-sentential code switching more frequently compared to tag- and inter-sentential switching. The findings further indicated that parliamentarians often code-switched during interjections and interventions. Code switching was thus used as a rhetorical device in parliamentary discourse. Other reasons for code switching in Parliament are quoting, tone-softening, humour, real lexical need, expression of identity, to strengthen a request and untranslatability of words. The study further revealed that functions and reasons for code switching, can be used interchangeably. Moreover, the findings of the study showed that parliamentarians’ code switched because English does not have some of the words that the indigenous languages have, and in wanting to be precise the parliamentarians used culturally correct terms thereby negatively affecting effective communication in parliament. In addition, the findings revealed that translation makes code switching more effective in facilitating communication among the parliamentarians. ii From the findings of the study it can therefore be concluded that, although code switching creates a communication barrier among parliamentarians, it can also be used as a communicative strategy that facilitates effective communication amongst the parliamentarians. It can further be concluded that code switching makes it easier for the parliamentarians to express themselves freely without being confined to English as the official language. It is therefore recommended that, parliamentarians may make use of code switching in Parliament given that they are able to translate their utterances into English and in cases where the speakers cannot translate their own utterances translation services should be availed to the parliamentarians for effective communication in Parliament.
Analysis of frames used by Namibian newspapers in their reportage of the San community
(University of Namibia, 2020) Magadza, Moses E.; Akpabio, Eno
This study involves an analysis of the representation of San people of Namibia in news stories published in The Namibian, New Era, Informanté, The Southern Times, The Villager, The Windhoek Observer and Namibian Sun newspapers over a two-year period - January 2012 to December 2013. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the stories. Content analysis and critical discourse analysis (CDA) were used to analyse data and point out binaries and dichotomies inherent in selected articles. The study found that balanced reportage of issues that affect San people is conspicuously absent. Much of the reportage is event-driven, lacking analysis and balance. The study recommends new media discourses
An analysis of linguistic features of male cosmetics advertisements from FHM (For Him) and GQ (Gentlemen's Quarterly) magazines
(2017) Nekongo, Rauha N.
The world of cosmetics has predominantly been a woman‟s sphere, but in recent years there seems to be an increase in the number of men who use cosmetic products. Cosmetic companies have responded to this by manufacturing and advertising various products. Advertisers design their advertisements incorporating various persuasive features, such as deviant language, images and colours, to mention just a few, to attract men and persuade them to buy the products being advertised. This qualitative study examines how linguistic and non-linguistic elements were employed in English cosmetic advertisements geared towards men. Another aspect the study analysed is how the AIDA model and the three Aristotelian proofs of persuasion were incorporated in male cosmetic advertisements. Thirty advertisements from the GQ (Gentlemen’s Quarterly) and FHM (For Him Magazine) magazines of 2015 were analysed for persuasive features. These two magazines were chosen because they are typical male magazines focusing on entertainment, travel, sex, sports and fashion. This study employed the masculinity theory to examine traces of masculinity in the advertisements, and the AIDA model of advertising to investigate how the advertisements arrest readers‟ attention, arouse interest, and create a desire that would lead to the action of buying such products. Aristotle‟s three proofs of persuasion: ethos, pathos and logos, as well as linguistic and non-linguistic features were identified and their contribution to the persuasion of male consumers to buy cosmetic products was explained. The study revealed that most advertisers used the ethos of celebrities to endorse their products. Celebrity‟s pictures were mostly paired with the product that was being advertised. The use of male celebrity endorsers fed into the notion of the masculinity theory that men are now openly using cosmetic products, and are even portrayed in magazines advertising the products they use. Most advertisers made use of multimodal aspects, semantics and syntactic, lexical and deviations to persuade potential buyers.
An analysis of policies, practices and trends in Namibian theatre in the late 20th century, with specific empasis on the work of bricks, Frederick Philander and Aldo Behrens
(University of Namibia, 2016) Olivier-Sampson, Laurinda D.
The study aimed to demonstrate the ways that theatre in Namibia was conceptualized, managed and performed from the mid-1980s to the turn of the century, a period spanning two distinct political dispensations: the pre-independence period of apartheid and foreign domination, and the post-independence era of democracy and a professed promotion of cultural diversity in unity. The operating assumption is that theatre always reflects a specific structure of feeling because it operates in a particular socio-political context and historic moment. In Namibia theatre was influenced by bureaucratic policies, or as appears to be the case after independence, by an apparent lack of clarity as far as a policy for the arts, and theatre in particular, was concerned. The researcher attempted to achieve the above aims by an analysis of the policies, practices and trends in Namibian theatre in the late 20th century, with specific emphasis on the work of Bricks, Frederick Philander and Aldo Behrens. The motivation for focusing on said theatre practitioners is that they were a constant presence in Namibian theatre throughout most of the period covered by the research and they represent both the formal and informal sectors. The research design was situated within an interpretivist paradigm, and employed qualitative data collection methods of interviews, questionnaires and an intensive documents’ search. This was in order to gather empirical evidence to establish the status and practice of theatre in the country; and to find out if the performances during the identified periods reflected the material reality of people in Namibia. The population was persons who, apart from those in institutionalized positions, influenced the development of theatre in Namibia during the periods that the research refers to. The research concluded that theatre in pre-independent Namibia during the time covered by this research reflected two different structures of feeling namely that of oppressor and oppressed. Performances of the theatre makers under consideration had a common theme, that of rejecting occupation and anticipating liberty. Expectations of radical improvement in the lot of informal and grassroots performers after independence did not happen which led to gradual disillusionment in government’s interest in the plight of artists. The lack of an official policy led to a lack of direction for the arts, planning seemed to lack continuity and forward thinking and the only discernible aim was the strengthening of traditional culture in an attempt at nation building. The study also found that trends in Namibia were largely echoed in other postcolonial African countries.
An analysis of rhetoric and humour in Dudley's political cartoons published in 2012
(2014) Mwetulundila, Rauna
This dissertation is a rhetorical and humorous study of Dudley’s political cartoons. This thesis explored the use of rhetoric and humour in 25 Dudley’s political cartoons that were printed in 2012. All political cartoons were extracted from The Namibian newspaper. This was a qualitative study. Qualitative research design was chosen because of the descriptive nature of this study. This method is also good in gaining in-depth understanding and a clear description of the characteristics of the political cartoons used in this study. Criterion sampling was used to select all political cartoons that qualify to be part of this study. The study used semiotic and content analysis to sort out the content of the cartoons. Semiotic analysis was chosen because cartoons can be decoded well if an audience has background knowledge of the context in which the cartoon is based. The cartoons were analysed for rhetoric and humour using both visually and language based elements. The analysis of this thesis has employed Aristotle’s rhetorical proofs of persuasion: ethos, pathos and logos as well as humour theories of superiority and incongruity. The study revealed that Dudley’s political cartoons employ ethos when the characters who were chastised and cheered at are individuals who have high profile in society; people whom the readers are looking at and people who are deemed to have goodwill for the nation at heart. Pathos was used to stir up the emotions of the readers so that they can support his arguments. Logos was employed to show that the cartoons are based on the truth. The analysis has found out that there are many rhetorical devices used to make informed arguments. The study has revealed that when the caricatures are criticised and put down because of their actions, superiority theory of humour is employed. The cartoons are incongruous when the cartoonist delivers something humorous and different from the readers’ expectations. There is a predominant relationship between rhetoric and humour of Dudley’s political cartoons.
An analysis of shakespeare's use of rhetoric in the king's speeches in King Henry IV part II and Henry V
(2014) Kamwi, Beven L.
This thesis is an analysis of Shakespeare’s use of rhetoric in the kings’ speeches in King Henry IV Part II and Henry V. The main aim of the study was to analyse Shakespeare’s use of rhetorical devices and their purpose in selected kings’ speeches appearing in King Henry IV Part II and Henry V. This study is based on selected extracts of speeches from the two plays. The speeches were analysed using the rhetorical analysis theory to unravel the use of rhetorical techniques and to explain the purpose of these techniques, as used by King Henry IV and Henry V with the intention to effectively communicate to their audience. The rhetorical analysis theory was used to interpret speeches; hence, it deals with the analysis of the structure of narrative texts to show how the linguistic mediation of a story determines its meaning and effect on the audience.The study revealed that the two speakers, King Henry IV and his son Henry V also known as Prince Hal, effectively employed two of Aristotle’s mode of persuasion; namely ethos and pathos, to appeal to the audience and achieve approval of their arguments. King Henry IV used God’s reference and credibility (ethos) and emotive language (pathos) to firstly convince his son, Prince Hal, to reform and secondly his subjects to support his efforts to quell the rebellion and maintain his troubled throne. On one hand, Henry V also used religious devotion (ethos) in his speeches to target his audience’s hearts (pathos) to enable him to control them. The study also revealed the use of rhetorical techniques and other tools such as metaphors, rhetorical questions, puns/humour, alliteration, hyperbole, metonymy, simile, anaphora, personification, paradox, imagery and so on. It was also found by this study that King Henry IV and Henry V employed the mentioned techniques for different purposes; namely, to impress, warn, intimidate, inspire, manipulate, invoke submission, order and command, praiseworthy, deliver ultimatums, and above all appeal to the audience. This study deduced that the kings’ speeches were not just mere ordinary expressions but utterances that qualified an intention of the speaker.
An analysis of the (re)constructions of gender identities through language use on selected Facebook pages of Namibian youth: A case study of the University of Namiia's postgraduate students
(University of Namibia, 2021) Matheus, Gerhard
The rising popularity of social networking sites among university students has led to invisible lines between students’ offline and online identities. Students are often lured into expressing themselves openly on social networks in ways that expose their personalities. The study explored how the University of Namibia’s post-graduate students (re)construct their gender identities on Facebook through language use. The researcher further explored whether students performed and sustained the societally assigned gender roles on virtual spaces as often as they may do during daily face-toface conversations. Previous scholars have provided inadequate data surrounding aspects such as socio-pragmatic competence, cyber language and gender differences among post-graduate students, and this has prompted this study. By employing the Linguistic Appraisal Theory, the Difference Approach and the Dominance Approach, the researcher pinpointed different ways of gender performance and presentation on social networks. A qualitative approach was used; ethnographic analysis was performed on Facebook walls of 12 male and 12 female students. Furthermore, one-on-one interviews were conducted with eight participants. It emerged that male participants use language that portrays dominance and order (harsh and direct). On the other hand, female participants use polite and subordinate language when engaging in conversations in virtual spaces. It is thus safe to conclude that when engaging in conversations, post-graduate students present ‘an extended offline self’ in virtual spaces. Social networks grant them an opportunity, not to reconstruct identities, but rather extend their already existing ones into more socially acceptable ones. The choice of language employed in virtual environments is similar to the traditional patterns of the language; this shows that Facebook users are still deeply engrossed in culture and maintain societal expectations on virtual environments.
An analysis of the literary representation of the causes and effects of family disintegration in memory Chirere' selected short stories from the antrology Somewhere in this country
(University of Namibia, 2018) Sibanda, Rumbidzai
The thesis explores the literary representation of the causes and effects of family disintegration in Memory Chirere’s selected short stories namely “Keresenzia”, “Beautiful children”, “An Old Man, Eyes of a Buck”, “Plastic and Cardboards” and “When Passions Gather” from the anthology Somewhere in this country. The literary presentation of the causes and effects of family disintegration is an area which has not been thoroughly explored by African writers. The six short stories were selected using purposive sampling. These have been selected because they present themes and characters which were of interest to the researcher as they express the central concern of family disintegration. A qualitative research was design was adopted to analyse the literary representation of the causes and effects of family disintegration in Memory Chirere’s selected short stories. The six short stories were read and critically examined using family systems theory. As a desktop literary research, there was no field work but a literary analysis. Content analysis was used to analyse the data collected by analyzing and examining the causes and effects of family disintegration as well as its effects on children, parents and the society. An analysis of the short stories was done by identifying themes and characters relating to family disintegration and the findings were presented in narrative form. The study indicated that behavioural problems of the characters, loss of morality, death, cultural fragmentation and poverty are some of the causes of family disintegration as portrayed by Chirere in the selected short stories. The study further noted that family disintegration turns children into vampires and killing machines due to lack of guidance from the family members who are no more. Furthermore, the society has no hope in the future generation because children are growing up with no peer role models. The study concluded that all the selected six short stories “Keresenzia”, “Beautiful children”, “An Old Man, Eyes of a buck”, “Plastic and cardboards” and “When passions gather” provided useful insights into the causes and effects of family disintegration and the objectives of the study were met. The study therefore recommends that other researchers can also do a study of the causes of family disintegration focusing in the Southern Africa since the beliefs are all African.
An analysis of the way black African women function in cohabitative relationships as portrayed in ten selected African short stories
(2016) Nashongo, Josephine M.
This study investigated how African women in cohabitative relationships, defined as married and/or unmarried couples who live together and have sexual relationships, cope, as portrayed in the selected ten short stories by black African women writers. The short stories were selected because of recurring themes about women’s empowerment and disempowerment. The study used a qualitative approach by looking at views related to black African women in cohabitative relationships as portrayed in literature. It was informed by the black womanism, stiwanism and the feminism theories. The sample was purposively selected, because the researcher only looked at how black African female authors of short stories depict the experiences of black African women in cohabitative relationships. It seems to be highly likely that the experiences of black African women in cohabitative relationships, both positive and negative, may be traced back to the traditions of a specific society and that the attitudes and culture of a specific society determine the way they cope with their experiences. The findings indicate that black African women’s unequal position in society means that they have less power, income, protection against violence and they have less access to education and even ownership of land. The study further observed that black African women in cohabitative relationships appeared to be victims most of the time and that they did not react to their fates, thus they were often depicted as passive and submissive. There appears some bias by black African women writers, as men are often portrayed in a negative light. Furthermore, black African female authors usually present and represent a certain segment of one side resulting in imbalances of gender representation. African short stories seem to provide avoice to voiceless women. However, it is likely that victims do not have access to the voices that present and represent them.
Anthropomorphism and social issues in selected Namibian children’s literature
(University of Namibia, 2022) Mubuyaeta, Mercy M.
This study explored the use of anthropomorphism in selected Namibian children’s literature texts. The texts that formed part of the analysis were obtained from the anthology, The Stolen Water and Other Stories: Traditional Tales from Namibia (1993) retold by Jennifer Davis, and Mbinda (1998) by Izona Bock. The aforementioned texts were selected because of their use of anthropomorphised animals to address social issues in the Namibian society. The stories analysed were from different tribes such as the Khoisan people, the Ovambo, the Kavango the Herero, Nama and the Damara. The stories are of a folklore nature; thus, they tell the stories from the cultural perspectives of the Namibian people. The study aimed to explore how anthropomorphism as a literary technique is used to communicate social issues in the selected Namibian’s children literature. The analysis of the data was guided by the folklorist theory, as well as primary and secondary sources on the Namibian and African cultures. The study is qualitative literary research and employed thematic analysis of the selected short stories. From the analysis, it was revealed that social issues such as discrimination, environmental destruction, crime, corruption, abuse and poverty are some of the prevalent problems raised in the various societies in Namibia. The study further revealed that most of the social issues are the consequences of the colonial legacy, the mismanagement of the country’s resources and a disregard for culture. Moreover, the analysis appeared to suggest that possible solutions to the problems could be an inclusion of traditional methods as well as the revival of the spirit of Ubuntu in Namibian societies. Finally, the researcher recommends further studies of children’s literature that explore possible imaginative solutions to social issues currently faced in Namibia.
Assessing students in English for Academic Purposes: The role of alternative assessment tools in writing instruction
(2018) Hamakali, Hafeni P.
This study aims to investigate the assessment of students in the English for Academic Purposes course at the University of Namibia Language Centre. There has been increasing criticism of standardised test and examinations and it has brought into question the value of other indirect approaches to language assessment (Reeves, 2000; Sharifi, & Hassaskhah, 2011; Tsagari, 2004). The study draws its theoretical foundation from the constructivist’s view of education (Canagarajah, 1999; Schunk, 2009; Vygotsky, 1962). The study embraces the interpretivist approach to research which tends to be more qualitative, and is open to diverse ways that people may understand and experience the same non-manipulated objective reality. The participants in this study are students and lecturers of the English for Academic Purposes course at the University of Namibia Language Centre. The study employs a qualitative research design, along with triangulation, where qualitative data was collected through lecturer interviews, lesson observations, multiple intelligence inventory, and student focus groups discussions. The study adapted the thematic approach of data analysis where the data were analysed and presented under themes derived from the research questions of the study. The findings indicate that, there was a limited stock of assessments that suits the classification of alternative assessment, namely: checklists, student-lecturer question techniques, and academic essay. The findings reveal some factors that influence the integration of alternative assessment in academic writing instruction, such as: lecturers and students’ knowledge of assessment, students’ assessment preferences, authenticity, classroom setup, and feedback. The findings also showed that the assessment practices that were used by the lecturers did not seem to fulfil the ideologies advocated in Gardener’s (1984) theory of Multiple Intelligences. However, the study found that the students and lecturers’ attitude which was skewed towards the positive direction may be an indication that there could be hope for success in attempts to integrate alternative assessment in academic writing instruction.

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