BC-Department of English and Linguistic

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    The language of instruction versus learning in lower primary schools in Kenya
    (Cambridge, 2014) Furaha, Marissa Muandike; Wangia, J. I.; Kikech, B.
    This chapter focuses on the efficacy of language of instruction in Kenya. It evaluates the nexus between the languages of instruction versus learning in lower primary schools in Kenya. The chapter advances the view that the language of instruction is critical for children to obtain the skills and knowledge that are necessary to advance to higher levels of learning/knowledge/education. Further, we note that these early years are the most critical developmental years. Therefore, education must be concentrated on providing language support to achieve the set goals. The language of instruction not only affects the child’s acquisition of basic skills in education but can also help the child in successfully meeting the challenges in their lives. The chapter concludes that an appropriate language of instruction improves the child’s opportunities for education access and achievement. In many African countries, the language of power is linked to the language of the colonizer which therefore enjoys high status as many studies (e.g. Bagwasi, 2004; Sonaiya, 2004) have shown. This language is usually the official language and/or language of instruction. It becomes the most important language overshadowing the local languages. In Kenya, a former British colony, English is a high status language, a factor which largely shapes the prevailing language attitudes (Muthwii, 2007; Kioko et al., 2008)
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    Lexico-Phonological Comparative Analysis of Selected Dialects of the Meru-Tharaka Group (Schriften Zur Afrikanistik / Research in African Studies)
    (Peter Lang GmbH, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften;, 2014) Erastus, Kanana Fridah
    This study is an investigation into the comparative phonology and lexicon of six barely-known Bantu varieties spoken in Kenya. These varieties (Imenti, Igoji, Tharaka, Mwimbi, Muthambi and Chuka) belong to the so-called Meru group. The study develops a new classification of these six dialects. Therefore, a dialectological approach is used, which includes the analysis of wordlists and lists of short phrases elicited in the field. From the data, isoglosses and similarities concerning morpho-phonological processes are drawn. The results show in which respects the dialects differ from each other. Thus, the present work contributes to comparative Bantu linguistics.
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    Linguistic Variation in a Multilingual Setting: Evidence from Kenya, Africa
    (VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2011-09-09) Njoroge, Martin C.
    The research on which this book is based set out to: identify and describe both phonological and grammatical variations in the English spoken by teachers at primary school level in Kenya, Africa; determine how these variations depart from the British standard variety; correlate the linguistic variation observed with the social variables of ethnicity, gender, educational level and rural-urban dichotomy; and discuss the implications of the emergent sociolinguistic patterns for pedagogy in Kenya and by extension, in other non-native multilingual contexts. The general finding is that the English spoken by teachers at primary school level in Kenya varies from the British standard variety - the model that is supposed to be used at all the education tiers in Kenya. This variation cuts across all the social variables investigated. The study argues for the consideration of the sociolinguistic reality of English in Kenya and adoption of a local variety of English, a variety that will be close to other standard varieties, thus making it possible for Kenyan speakers to maintain mutual intelligibility with international speakers of English while maintaining their Kenyan identity.
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    New Media in Kenya: Putting Ethnicity in Perspective
    (IGI Global, 2011) Njoroge, Martin C.; Kimani, P.; Kikech, B. J.
    The way the media processes, frames, and passes on information either to the government or to the people affects the function of the political system. This chapter discusses the interaction between new media and ethnicity in Kenya, Africa. The chapter investigates ways in which the new media reinforced issues relating to ethnicity prior to Kenya’s 2007 presidential election. In demonstrating the nexus between new media and ethnicity, the chapter argues that the upsurge of ethnic animosity was chiefly instigated by new media’s influence. Prior to the election, politicians had mobilized their supporters along ethnic lines, and created a tinderbox situation. Thus, there is need for the new media in Kenya to help the citizens to redefine the status of ethnic relationships through the recognition of ethnic differences and the re-discovery of equitable ways to accommodate them; after all, there is more strength than weaknesses in these differences.
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    Studies and Global Perspectives of Second Language Teaching and Learning
    (Information Age Publishing, 2013-02-12) Njoroge, Martin C.; Ngugi, Beth Njeri; Orwenjo, D. O.
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    When facts lie: A Pragmatics Analysis of the Language Used in Fighting HIV/AIDS in Kenya
    (VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2011-08-02) Gachara, M.
    Since the early 1980s, the AIDS scourge has relentlessly pounded man and left him confused. Scientists in the labs have busied themselves in the hunt for an HIV/AIDS' cure or vaccine in futility. Church sermons and public gatherings are quite often punctuated by talk on the disease. Further, in developing countries, it is now part of the multinationals' corporate social responsibility to address HIV/AIDS. In the meantime, hope has rested on accurate language use to enlighten the populace of the dangers of HIV/AIDS, its cost and implications. However, from our research the use of language has not corresponded with a decline in infections. This points to a defective communication mechanism that has seen facts tell a different story, or at worst, a lie. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the various linguistic items used in fighting HIV/AIDS. Message items are analyzed for their intentions. This book also investigates the interpretation of the message items by the consumers. Our findings indicate that the facts lie given the orientation of the consumers. This book recommends that message items should be designed with the orientation of the consumer in mind.