Atras Journal

Rhythm as a counter-cultural political instrument of empowerment in James Brown’s ‘Say it Loud, I‘m Black and I’m Proud’

Kalthoum Belwefi — 2024-05-20

Like other art forms, the tensely-rhythmical genre of funk music has often been touted as a powerful weapon to counter race-based regimes and carry overt political messages during the tension-filled period of the civil rights movement in America. More particularly, at the end of the 1950s and the beginning of 1960s, funk music, which evolved from Rhythm and Blues, jazz and soul music, inspired the African American community to break free from the fetters of institutional racial segregation and give voice to the downtrodden black race. Funk music is typified by its powerfully-rhythmical tones which echo much dynamism and energy. The song’s strong bass lines, drumbeats, syncopated beats and the recurrent refrain all along the song: “Say it Loud, I’m Black and Proud” create rhythmic patterns that awaken black consciousness and emphasize black pride. Accordingly, that rhythm is a carrier of power is the quintessence of the present paper. It is a medium of expression that conveys life-changing thoughts. In this song, rhythm is featured as an effective strategy to re-construct the new Black identity and chart a new life wherein racial equity prevails. Brown’s rhythm-driven patterns are a prelude to a new life African Americans have long been waiting for.

Inclusive education in Tunisia: Expectations versus reality

Mouna Ayadi — 2024-05-20

The study aimed to investigate the barriers to the implementation of inclusive education practices in Tunisia. This study is distinguished by a focus on the psychological barriers to inclusive education. Second, it is distinguished by using speech act theory to investigate Tunisian inclusive education provisions.A mixed-methods research approach was used to achieve the study's goal. A questionnaire was used to collect data from a stratified sample of forty-four English teacher.The qualitative data was collected by analyzing five legal provisions using the Speech Act theory.According to the findings, various issues such as inappropriate policy development, insufficient support and resources, and curriculum issues hampered the implementation of inclusive education. Furthermore, an examination of the provisions revealed that the actual outcomes fell short of the authorities' expectations, highlighting the need for additional action and support to achieve true inclusivity in education. As a result, policymakers and educators must address these issues and provide comprehensive support to ensure that all students have equal access to high-quality education.

Structural errors related to word formation among the second learners of English: A case study of undergraduate students of the Department of English and Literary Studies, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki

Fidelis A. Nwokwu — 2024-05-20

Structural errors related to word formation among the second learners of English pose serious problems to L2 users of English especially at the undergraduate levels of English Studies. The study aims to find out the structural errors related to word formation in English and consider the pedagogical implications. The Item and Process (I.P.) Analytical theoretical framework is adopted while a descriptive research design method is deployed for the analysis. The finding showed that students have problems with different morphological processes in English as a result of factors such as the inconsistency in the morphological rules, misapplication of some word formation rules, and mother tongue interference. The study, therefore, recommends that teachers of English in this area of study should endeavour to master the in-depth knowledge of these morphological rules and applications to be able to transfer the skills to the second learners of English.

(Re)constructing Nigerianisms through sarcasm and irony in selected Nigerian slangs and mannerisms

Oluwayomi Rosemary Olaniyan — 2024-05-20

Nigerian English, already nativized and domesticated in the socio-political culture of the country, has its distinct lexical features. The study, therefore, investigates the use of irony and sarcasm in selected Nigerian slang and mannerisms using Incongruity Theory to bring to the fore, the distinct Nigerian linguistic features, inherent in them. Neologisms, slang and Nigerianisms were purposively selected through observations in a university environment, churches and public spaces, the internet and the Nigerian music industry; only slang and neologisms that cover the major geo-political zones from socio-political, religious and educational areas are used for the analysis. The study concludes that sarcasm and irony are tools used to construct a distinct Nigerian discursive identity; with irony being used more than sarcasm. Sarcasm and irony are used to achieve intertextuality; non-Nigerians, who are not familiar with the contextual use of these Nigerianisms, might therefore be excluded from the ongoing discourse. Youths, however, also make use of these Nigerianisms to send a subtle message, correct social vices and indirectly document the socio-political events in the country. The research submits that most Nigerian lexical innovations and derivations are humorously construed through irony and sarcasm.

Effect of social-cultural values on the growth of indigenous entrepreneurship in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Emmanuel Maganie Aku — 2024-05-20

The aim of this paper is to explore the socio-cultural factors that influence the growth of Indigenous entrepreneurial activities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The research was conducted on a sample of 400 potential entrepreneurs, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Respondents were asked questions to assess their perception of the main factors influencing the growth of entrepreneurial activities. Using an analytical descriptive statistical methodology, the data were processed. Table, Percentages, frequencies and chi squares tests were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that many businesses that were operating in the state in the past have either collapsed or operating at meagre levels and many of those entrepreneurs with businesses of their own, are nonindigents. The result shows that the major factors that affect entrepreneurial growth in Nasarawa State are nepotism, profligacy and discouragement. Given the largest proportion of nonindigenous entrepreneurs operating in the state business sector, the paper made some recommendations that can improve indigenous entrepreneurship in the state.

The scourge of human capital flight on Nigeria’s health system

Kamorudeen Adegboyega — 2024-05-20

The health workforce constitutes essential component of the effective service delivery of any health system. Today, Nigeria’s health system is faced with the trajectory of human capital flight, coupled with significant number of skilled personnel migrating to other countries for greener pastures. The trajectory poses challenges to the Nigerian society and therefore deserves attention from the academic community. The article, therefore, aimed at examining the magnitude, drivers, and consequences associated with human capital flight in Nigeria’s health system. The article employs world system theory of migration, which was developed by Immanuel Wallerstein, as the theoretical framework. Regarding methodology, the article employs a secondary source of information, where the author sourced, reviewed and organized relevant articles and materials to advance the thrust of the subject matter. Findings from the existing literature reveal that the scourge of human capital flight in Nigeria has created additional burdens for the public health system, coupled with poor service delivery and health outcomes. The article, therefore, recommends a paradigm shift such that various stakeholders in the country put in place efficient measures toward mitigating the trajectory of human capital flight in Nigeria’s health system so as to respond to the health needs of the citizens.

Factors facilitating the perpetration of Medical Identity Theft: A case of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria

Akeem Olalekan Ayub — 2024-05-20

Medical Identity Theft is a pressing concern in healthcare systems, influenced by intricate motivations and vulnerabilities. This study investigates facilitating factors behind MIT, uncovers internal vulnerabilities, and proposes mitigation strategies. This study contributes to patient well-being and trust by fostering a secure healthcare environment through holistic MIT prevention strategies. A mixed-methods approach was employed, encompassing quantitative and qualitative aspects to explore the perpetration of MIT, Zaria, a significant healthcare institution. The diverse sample of 388 participants, including patients, healthcare providers, and stakeholders, was obtained through stratified random sampling. Structured interviews and questionnaires gathered primary data. Findings showcase a diverse workforce with a mid-career presence and gender distribution in technical roles. Significant facilitating factors for MIT encompass financial gain, fraudulent service access, and expense avoidance, necessitating robust patient identification procedures and comprehensive strategies. Internal vulnerabilities and inadequate data security underscore the need for enhanced measures, updated systems, and education. Respondents endorse a multifaceted approach, advocating biometric identification, authentication, patient photograph display, unique identifiers, access controls, staff training, real-time data verification, audit trails, data encryption, and patient education. Collaboration, awareness, and technology emerge as key elements in safeguarding patient data, ethical healthcare standards, and integrity. Findings advocate a comprehensive approach, emphasizing collaboration, awareness, and technology in addressing MIT.

Nigeria’s role in the promotion of peace and security in the Gulf of Guinea through multilateral cooperation 2001-2022

Edgar Agubamah — 2024-05-20

This work examines Nigeria’s role in promoting peace and security in the Gulf of Guinea region. The regional security theory (RST), which highlights the link of interdependent relationships among states within a region, serves as the theoretical framework of the study. The objective of the research is to evaluate Nigeria’s contributions to peace and security through multilateral cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea region. The study utilizes secondary data from credible sources such as official reports, policy documents, books, diplomatic records, magazines, Newspapers, internet sources, and academic literature. Documentary evidence was used to analyze the data obtained. The data collection process follows specific criteria for relevance, reliability, and credibility. The findings reveal that Nigeria to promote peace and security in the Gulf Region, actively engages in multilateral initiatives and collaborations, such as those within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) since its establishment in 1975, the Yaoundé Architecture since 2013, and the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) since 2001. In addition, to promote peace and security Nigeria participates in joint patrols, intelligence sharing, capacity building, and collaborative efforts to address maritime security challenges. The study highlights the importance of international cooperation and partnerships in supporting Nigeria’s efforts. Consequently, the work emphasizes the significance of fostering closer collaboration among the Gulf of Guinea countries to enhance maritime security in the area. Collaboration with shipping companies, naval industry stakeholders, and port authorities is essential for sharing information, implementing best practices, and developing joint initiatives to improve security measures and promote a safe operating environment. While progress has been made, the work underscores challenges related to limited resources, capacity gaps, and member-states coordination. It emphasizes the need for sustained commitment, cooperation, and investment in capacity building and technology to address peace and security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. The work suggests further research to explore the effectiveness of multilateral initiatives, Nigeria’s domestic factors, non-traditional security threats, regional dynamics and cooperation, and gender and inclusivity considerations in Nigeria’s promotion of peace and security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Rhetorical functions of lexical collocations in the inaugural speech of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Opeyemi Emmanuel Olawe — 2024-05-20

In political communication, inaugural speeches are pivotal, signifying the start of a leader's term and a new chapter in a nation's history. These serve as a momentous occasion where the leader outlines their vision, pledging to guide the country to prosperity and unity. This study delves into the inaugural speech delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu upon assuming the highest office in Nigeria in May 2023. Through a meticulous analysis of lexical collocations, the study uncovers the underlying linguistic intricacies, thematic emphasis, and rhetorical strategies employed by President Tinubu in his address, to gain insights into the rhetorical techniques used to connect with the audience and convey his vision as well as the impact of his address on political discourse and public perception. Downloading the speech from the Punch Newspaper website, the analytical approach followed the principles of lexical collocation theory and systemic functional linguistics. The analysis reveals eight strategic rhetorical purposes in President Tinubu's use of lexical collocations in his speech. These functions encompass appeals to religiosity, political sensibility, national pride, patriotism, unity, hope, calls to action, policy clarification, and exemplifying an inclusive government. His language choices resonate with the audience, eliciting emotions and nurturing a national sense of pride and identity. The analysis of President Tinubu's inaugural speech contributes to a better understanding of his linguistic legacy and communication strategies during his tenure in office. It becomes a part of the historical record, revealing the president's approach to governance and leadership.