Voice Language in Documentary Films on HIV/AIDS Geared Towards Behavior Change Among Rural Dwellers in Kisumu County, Kenya
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Date
2022
Authors
Osome, Antony
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
When there are literary challenges, the effectiveness of film as an educational
prevention tool exhibits improved long-term retention, perceivably, through
effective voice language use in BCC films. This study intended to identify, analyse
and interrogate the significance of voice languages as used in BCC Films geared
towards risk behaviour change in documentaries on HIV/AIDS among rural dwellers
of North West Kisumu. In doing so, four Kenyan BCC documentary films on
HIV/AIDS, Deadly Catch (2005) by David Gough, Aids Prevalence in Nyanza
(2013) by Baraka Karama, Kitoweo Cha Mauti (2016) by Cecilia Wakesho, and
Fishers of Pain (2016) by Timothy Otieno were analysed for their choice and use of
voice language in advancing BCC. The Audience Reception Theory and
Entertainment-Education (E-E) for Behavioural Change Model were adopted as the
frame of reference through which the study was anchored. This study employed the
Sequential Mixed Methods Research Design in which priority was given to
qualitative data collection and analysis, whose findings informed the development of
quantitative data collection and analysis tools. Using purposive sampling, three
Community Groups in North West Kisumu were selected. A sample of 89 and 14
participants were drawn for the survey and FGDs respectively. Despite qualitative
findings having established that the bulk of Kenyan HIV/AIDS BCC documentaries
depict multilingual circumstances, statistical findings established that English took
up the larger share (57%) of the verbal sound track. It was then established that
message comprehension is a big challenge to those audiences that do not fully
understand English and Kiswahili. The study also observed that with regard to the
voice language used, audiences often strove to understand the documentaries either
through individual efforts or assistance from others. While the findings confirmed
that several factors lead to certain choice of voice languages in BCC documentary
films, the dominant of these factors were identified as producer/director style and
preference in production aesthetics which often overlooks audience preferences. One
surprising finding in this regard was that despite a majority (86.8%) of the audiences
preferring a mix of languages, most BCC documentaries had more English hence
hampering comprehension as was evidenced through re-narration and subsequent
application of acquired knowledge to their everyday life experiences and
expectations. The findings of this study also assert the hypothesis that voice
language used in has a significant effect on communicating that intended message
through the BCC documentary. Finally, this study concludes that Voice language
plays a crucial role in enhancing an audience’s comprehension especially of change
messages, with an almost near equal measure of weight as Mise-en-scene. The
findings of this study lays a foundation for debate on the essence of the verbal sound
track in Kenyan BCC documentaries and films. The recommendations of this study
base on the fact that, understanding factors related to HIV/AIDS transmission,
behaviour and practices is invaluable in designing appropriate BCC initiatives.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts (Film Studies) in the School of Creative and Performing Arts, Film and Media Studies of Kenyatta University, April, 2021
Keywords
Voice Language, Documentary Films, HIV/AIDS, Behavior Change, Rural Dwellers, Kisumu County, Kenya