Language and Linguistics

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ECDE 412: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ECDE
(CHUKA UNIVERSITY, 2023-08-23) CHUKA UNIVERSITY
A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF KENYA’S BUILDING BRIDGES INITIATIVE SPEECHES
(Chuka University, 2023-10) GITONGA EURIDISE NKATHA
Language is vital in communication between people. People understand each other through shared knowledge between the speaker and the hearer. It is a major mechanism within the process of social construction, seen as an instrument for consolidating, manipulating concepts, seek attention, create relationships in the area of power, and use it as tool to control the society. Anchored in Critical Discourse Analysis theoretically, this study shed light on the crucial use of language in the society. The study sought to explain specific linguistic ways in which language is used to represent an instrument of control and manifest symbolic power in the Kenya’s Building Bridges initiative speeches. The study developed and proposed various strategies of (de) legitimization employed by political leaders in Kenya to justify their course of action regarding the Building Bridges initiative. The study was guided by two objectives; to analyze how political actors (de) legitimize the Building Bridges Initiative in Kenya and to analyze how political actors, use language to create a Kenyan identity through the Building Bridges Initiative discourse. Qualitative research methodology was used in this study, of which the descriptive survey method was employed for the analysis of data. YouTube videos of speeches made by specific political actors regarding the Building Bridges Initiative since November 2019 to 2021 were purposively sampled, transcribed and analyzed in their written form. De(legitimization) strategies were identified until saturation point was reached where no new strategies were being generated without resulting to redundancy. These were then categorized into thematic areas in accordance to the objectives of the study. The study established that strategies used by politicians in (de)legitimizing BBI were; authorization, rationalization, moral evaluation, and mythopoeic. It also established that majority of the speakers used language to attract attention, and advance ideologies that created a Kenyan identity. The study found that Kenya’s identity was to a large extent shaped negatively in the BBI discourse with only two out of the six having a positive orientation. These included: Kenya as a nation in need of national conversation, Kenya as a country struggling with tribalism and corruption and Kenya as a peaceful country with fairness and inclusivity. The information gathered in this study is useful to linguists since it provides them with ways to understand the language of politicians world over. Politicians may use language with hidden meaning that needs unravelling. Therefore, this study offers some of the ways of understanding and disambiguating what the politicians really say in their speeches. From the findings of this research, the researcher suggests the following areas for interested scholars: A study on creation of identity using other theories for example politeness theory, speech acts theory, or conceptual metaphor theory.
PHONEMIC AWARENESS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LITERACY AMONG GRADE THREE PUPILS IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN EMBU COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) NJIRU FRANCIS NJAGI
Studies have shown that among the factors that influence learners’ literacy acquisition in language is phonemic awareness. The purpose of this study was to investigate phonemic awareness in English language literacy and determine the level of phonemic awareness among Grade Three primary school pupils in Embu County. The study investigated the level of phonemic awareness, literacy level and the influence of phonemic awareness on the literacy level. The study was guided by Ehri’s 1995 model on phases of reading sight word. The study sampled 40 public primary schools, 78 Grade Three teachers and 380 Grade Three pupils in line with Israel 2013 sampling formula. Stratified, random and purposive samplings were employed in identifying the schools, pupils and the teachers who were the participants. The study employed mixed study designs using questionnaires and a standard test for data collection. The study population comprised 386 public primary schools, 426 Grade Three teachers and 9976 Grade Three pupils. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and One Way Analysis of Variance using software Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented in tables and charts pupils were then categorized into those who were phonemically aware, those demonstrating emerging phonemic awareness and those lacking phonemic awareness. It was found out that Grade Three pupils in public primary schools in Embu County have low phonemic awareness and English literacy level. Urban schools were found to have statistically significant higher level of both phonemic awareness and literacy. Phonemic awareness was found to have a strong positive correlation with English literacy level influencing 76% of literacy level. The researcher established that there was inadequate use of phonemic awareness strategies by Grade Three English teachers and concluded that there is need for enhanced use of phonemic awareness strategies by teachers in order to improve English literacy in lower primary.
MWEGA WA UJUMI KATIKA NGANO SIMULIZI ZA WACHUKA
(Chuka University, 2023-10) KIRIMI REBECAH WANJA
Oral literature is an important tool in the society that preserves society’s traditions and enhances language use. Studies on aesthetism in various genres of oral literature are mostly based on themes, characterization and the role of women in the society. The study of aesthetism in gichuka oral naratives has received scanty attention. This study sought to address the core of aesthetisism in Gichuka narratives. The objectives of the study are: to investigate how plot is developed aesthetically in formation of Wachuka folk tales, discuss how characterization is developed aestheticaly and analyse how the stylitic devices are used to develop aesthetism in Wachuka Folk tales. This study is based on the Emic Theory by Del Hymes. It utilized qualitative research design and employed an observation schedule as a data collection method. Ten folktales were selected purposively from those narrated based on characters and themes but only five narratives were analyzed because the saturation point was reached. Five informants who were able to narrate Gichuka folktales were used. The selection of the informants was based on the informant’s knowledge, experience of the informant, age of the informant, ability of the informant to remember and capability of the informant to narrating folktales. Data collected was analysed and presented in descriptive method. The study establishes that the formation of Wachuka folk tales develops the plot aesthetically. It also finds out that characterization in Wachuka folktales splits into the protagonist and antagonist and thus enhances aestheticism in the narratives. Finally, the study further establishes that various stylitic devices are used to develop aesthetism in Wachuka Folk tales by enhancing realism and the roles of Wachuka belief systems. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the scholary literature in narratives which traverses different fields of language study. It is expected that the study will help literary critics and social- linguists to understand the place of aesthetics and their role in Gichuka narratives. The results of this study may enable the preservation of Gichuka folktales as an important genre of oral literature.
GHOST CHARACTERIZATION IN AFRICAN PROSE: A STUDY OF SELECTED NOVELS FROM KENYA, NIGERIA, AND MOZAMBIQUE
(Chuka University, 2023-10) KAINGA KIRIMI JOSEPH
Characterization is an essential element of the African novel. Writers often use characters in novels to put forward their messages. Characters are mostly the mouthpieces of the authors. In Africa, the use of ghosts as characters in creative texts has been a recurrent factor, probably because African fiction has a connection with African oral narratives, which often feature ghost characters. However, there have been little studies on the use of ghost characters in African prose; and how such characters operate to reflect the social and the interpersonal conflicts to reveal the realities in the African continent. This research attempted to fill this gap by examining how ghost characters reflect the social environment and the interpersonal conflicts in the African novels. The study analyzed Under the Frangipani by Mia Couto from Mozambique, The Famished Road by Ben Okri from Nigeria and Terrorist of the Aberdare by Ng’ang’a Mbugua from Kenya. The study has been guided by two objectives; first, to examine how ghost characterization reflects the social environment in the three selected African novels; and second, to examine how ghost characterization reflects the interpersonal conflicts in the three selected African novels. Magical realism theory and in particular Wendy’s (2004) strand has been used to interpret the texts. The study has shown that the selected authors have employed the five principles in the Strand to capture the issues of social environment and interpersonal conflicts in African continent. The literature review showed the gap and indicated that characterization is a crucial literary element in communication with targeted audiences. Qualitative research design has been used to elicit responses on the research area. Close text analysis of the selected novels was carried out to show how the three authors’ used ghost characters to reflect the social environment and the interpersonal conflicts. The data from the primary texts was analyzed as per the stated objectives. The study comprises of six chapters. Chapter one includes background to the study that highlights the problem, objectives of the study and the research questions. Chapter Two comprises the literature review and the theoretical framework. Chapter Three has methodology and ethical considerations. Ghost characterization in reflection of social environment is captured in chapter four, which established that ghost characters reflect social aspects such as African religiosity, social vices like immorality, superstitions, and taboos. On economic; it revealed issues of corruption, economic exploitation, class conflicts, and poverty, lastly, under the political aspect; it explored political violence, bad leadership, and political instability as entrenched in colonial and post-colonial African countries. On ghost, reflection of the interpersonal conflicts in chapter five it has showed that ghost characters appearance causes tensions among other characters. Ghosts’ action, as well as verbal expressions can heighten or lessen conflicts between individuals. The findings in chapter six revealed that ghost characters exhibit the rich African traditions, beliefs and the challenges that engulfed Africans during the colonial and post-colonial period. This has been made possible through the inimitable ability of ghost characters to oscillate in fanciful and phenomenal realms. It also showed that ghost characterization is used to mimic the interpersonal conflicts that results from differences in beliefs, values, goals, and desires for esteem, control, affiliations, and wishes.
SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC RESURGENCE IN SELECTED POST-MILLENNIAL SHORT STORIES IN EAST AFRICA
(Chuka Univerity, 2023-10) OMONDI HILLARY OWINO
The short story form has been in existence in the African literary scene since the pre-colonial times when it was mainly in the oral form. With the inception of writing and publishing, many short stories have been published often covering issues addressed by novelists. The short story form has gained prominence especially in the 21st Century where writers tend to pick convenient issues in the society. However, little criticism has been done on these stories as many literary critics tend to focus on the novel, drama, poetry and oral literature. This study interrogates the short story form written by emerging writers from East Africa. It examines the socio-cultural and economic resurgence in selected short stories produced after the year 2000 to explore how the 21st Century writers are sensitive to issues affecting their society and how they attempt to propose societal transformation through literature. The study is guided by two objectives: firstly, to examine how the short story writers utilize style to reveal socio-cultural and economic resurgence in the selected post 2000 short stories of East Africa and secondly, to evaluate how the selected short stories engage with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in order to analyze the extent to which these narratives respond to the historical epoch that birthed them. The study relies on Post-colonial and Narratology theories of literature to analyze the short stories. Post-colonial theory as espoused by Homi Bhaba helps to demonstrate what the texts reveal about the need to transform the society’s knowledge and understanding on cross-cultural relations as well as highlighting how the MDGs influenced the socio-cultural and economic status of East African region. The theory further helps in examining how cultural differences, race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, cultural beliefs, and customs interact to form one unit and the effects of the resultant cultures. Narratology, on the other hand, helps to investigate how the selected short story writers utilize literary techniques to uncover the socio-cultural and economic transformation of the society in chapter 4 and 5. The study adopts a qualitative research design and close textual reading of the short stories sampled on the basis that they uncover the socio-cultural and economic resurgence and they were produced by emergent authors after 2000. Data collected is interpreted according to the objectives of the study and compiled in chapters 4 and 5 of the study. Findings of the study are that the emergent post millennial short story writers have used style creatively to reveal the socio-cultural and economic resurgence in East Africa, and they have infused the content of MDGs as themes in their creative works. Chapter Four shows that the selected works have portrayed that the artistic nature of a text works together with the content to give meaning thus supporting the argument that form and content are inseparable. Chapter 5 demonstrates that the writers under study capture issues affecting the society around them including the demands of the Millennium Development Goals that make the texts fit within the historical epoch of their production thus confirming that literature, history and the society are interlinked. The study shows that short stories can be used for religious, philosophical, economic and cultural reawakening. This study therefore makes a critical contribution to knowledge on the nexus between literature and society.
Prise en compte des identités en construction dans les interactions en classe de langue et face-work : étude exploratoire d’un atelier sociolinguistique
(Universite Grenoble Alpes, 2016) Mwakundia, Mwakazi Chrispus
EFFECTS OF PEOPLE-TECHNOLOGY INTERACTIONS ON SERVICE INNOVATION IN STAR RATED HOTELS IN NYERI COUNTY
(Chuka University, 2022-09) OLUOCH, GEOFFREY
Recently hotels have incorporated technologies to enhance profitability realized through efficiency in operation, reduced cost of production and improved service quality. Developed countries have integrated people and technology in their hotel systems but there is insufficient information in many developing countries. Developing countries such as Kenya have majorly focused on the determinants of technology adoption and installation of a well-established technological system. While interaction of people and technology is reported to improve the overall operations in Kenyan hotels, research has not adequately shown their specific impacts on service innovation. The objectives of the study were to determine the effects of Employee-Hotel Information System interaction on Service innovation and to determine the effects of Customers-Social Media Interaction on Service Innovation in Nyeri County Star Rated. This study was guided by the theory of people-technology interaction. The study used descriptive cross-sectional research design while targeting 1006 customers and 335 employees derived from bed capacity and human resource data of selected star rated hotels in Nyeri County. Purposive and Convenience Sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 278 customers and 178 employees of star rated hotels in Nyeri County. Primary data was collected by the use of semi-structured questionnaires that were administered to the employees, and customers in the selected hotels. Reliability of the data was tested by use of Cronbach’s alpha at α ≥ 0.70. Data was analyzed by use of Statistical Package for Social Scientists Software (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistic such as percentage was incorporated. Categorical Regression and Exploratory Factor Analysis were used to test the relationship of variables. Significant levels were sought at α≤0.05. The results for Employee-Hotel Information System revealed that usage level of Electronic Point of Sale System (p=0.001) had a great influence on Service innovation in Nyeri County. The usage level of Reservation System (p=0.771), Rooms Management System (p=0.447), Mobile Device Technology (p=0.717), Biometric Technology (p=0.600) and Virtual Reality (p=0.136) had an insignificant influence on service innovation. The result for Customer-Social Media Interaction indicated that Usage of WhatsApp (p=0.001), Facebook (p=0.001) and Twitter (p=0.030) had a direct influence on service innovation. The Usage of Instagram (p=0.586), Website (p=0.124) and Email (p=0135) had insignificant effect on service innovation in Nyeri County. The study concludes that most hotel management had invested on the Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and Electronic Point of Sale System that led to significant contribution to service innovation. The results showed that most of the hotels in Nyeri have adopted certain level of technology for their operations and this has enabled increased service innovation in the form of timely delivery, development of more features of food and beverage products.
USAWIRI WA DAWA ZA KULEVYA KATIKA MATINI TEULE ZA FASISHI YA WATOTO YA KISWAHILI
(Chuka University, 2022-09) MBEERE, CYPRIAN
This research sought to analyse three selected Kiswahili literary texts meant for children with an aim of showing how they portray drug abuse in children’s literature. The objectives of the research were to identify the imageries used by writers of the selected texts to portray drug abuse, to discuss the effects of drug abuse as portrayed in children’s Literature and to assess the children’s perception towards drug abuse. These objectives were achieved by analysing the selected texts: Vioja vya Musa (Mogambi, 2007), Atamlilia nani? (Mohamed, 2009) and Ah! Jizi (Nyambeka, 2015). These texts were selected because they contained substantial information on drug abuse, they were written by different authors and published in different years. These texts were analysed to identify the imageries used to potray drug abuse and discuss effects of drug abuse which are objectives one and two. In order to achieve objective three children’s perception on drug abuse, six different learners were sampled from each of the 3 schools. One from each location: Nkondi, Matakiri and Mwanyani in Nkondi Division, in Tharaka South Sub-County in Tharaka Nithi County. In selecting the texts and learners purposeful sampling was employed. The learners were expected to read the selected texts, answer a questionnaire based on Likert Scale and discuss on given questions in focus groups for the researcher to assess their perception on drug abuse. This research was guided by the Reader Response Theory whose tenets were used to analyse the selected texts based on the objectives. Descriptive method of data analysis and presentation was used. The research findings indicated that imageries were used to portray drug abuse, the texts portray effects of drug abuse and the respondents’ percpeption towards drug abuse was positive. It’s hoped that the findings of this study contribute to scholary Literature in Literary critics and works on portrayal of drug abuse in children’s Literature in providing additional information to already existing knowledge in portrayal of drug abuse in children’s literature. Furthermore, these findings can help the reader to understand the imageries as guided by stylistic devices and responses for the Children’s Literature. The research findings will be of great use to parents, Educationists and researchers in getting more additional information on portrayal of drug abuse in children’s Literature. The researchers and critics of the literary texts in children’s Literature will understand the use of Reader Response Theory in portrayal of drug abuse in children’s Literature.
MABADILIKO YA HADITHI FUPI TEULE ZA KISWAHILI: MKABALA WA USASALEO
(Chuka University, 2022-09) BUNDI MWITI, ITHINJI
The aim of this research was to investigate how some selected short stories have changed due to postmodernism. It reflected on the effects of postmodernism on the original Kiswahili short story. Because the changes due to postmodernism are continuously being witnessed in the modern short story every time, there was need for research on these changes. This research investigated how some selected short stories have relied on traditional methods and how others have applied experimental stylistics by use of postmodern techniques with language in structures, styles and themes to write the modern short story. The researcher collected data from three books: Mayai Waziri wa Maradhi na Hadithi Nyingine, Mizungu ya Manabii na Hadithi Nyingine na Homa ya Nyumbani na Hadithi Nyingine. Data was selected, arranged and analysed based on objectives and questions that guide the study. This study was guided by the theory of modern structuralism which was founded by Jacques Derrida and Michael Foucalt in the year 1960. The objectives of this research were: identifying the changes in strucutre in selected stories in Kiswahili, showing the changes in style caused by postmodernism in selected short stories in Kiswahili and explaining the changes in themes caused by postmodernism in Kiswahili short stories. In the six stories that used postmodernism, writers used postmodernism in changes on structures, styles and themes. Purposeful sampling was used to select stories used in this research. The objectives and the research questions were used to select, arrange and explain the data. Research findings are in chapter four, five and six and conclusions made in chapter seven. It is expected that the outcome of the research will benefit Secondary School Students of Kiswahili Literature. Future researchers will also get insights in styles of postmodernism. It will also provide additional information to already existing knowledge in writing of the current short story. Further more, the research contributed in filling the gap which existed in research on the changes in the writing of Kiswahili short stories as a result of postmodernism. The knowledge from the research will contribute immensely to Kiswahili Literature more so on the Kiswahili short stories.
MOTIFU YA SIRI KATIKA KAZI TEULE ZA NATHARI ZA FASIHI YA KISWAHILI
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Njeru, Beatrice
ABSTRACT Motif is an important aspect in literature. Motif is an element that involves the repetition of a certain idea or a theme in literal works like the novel, play, poems and oral literature. This study aimed at investigating a thematic analysis of the secretive motif in Kiswahili prose in the selected literatures intertextually. The study examined how the selected writers used the concept of secret in their literal works and managed to develop this concept to the level of a motif. The research investigated the way the secretive motif was used in the development of character and characterization as well as the presentation of the main ideas. The study investigated how the authors of the selected texts used the secretive motif in the development of characters and themes in their work. The research was carried out in the library and it examined the various aspects that used the secretive motif by comparing the selected works in the levels of character and characterization and the main ideas. The tenets of the theory of intertextuality by Kristeva Julia (1969) guided the study. The main idea of this theory is that; no literal work can stand on its own but each literal work is an echo of another work that was written before. The tenets also helped in investigating the consequences of keeping secrets as well as sharing out secrets in the selected Swahili literal works. This theory guided the collection and later sampling and analysis of the data collected. Purposive sampling was used to select seven literal works which were studied. The literal texts were selected because they had used the concept of secret in their titles which could be noted from all the selected books. Data analysis was qualitative based on the data collected as guided by the tenets of the theory and was presented descriptively. The findings of this study would benefit editors by enabling them to review works that are related to motifs. Teachers and students at all levels of education in the education system would also be able to understand the analysed works. Authors would also use the findings of this study to write literal works in relation to the secretive motif. The findings of the research would add more information to the existing knowledge on the secretive motif and in various Swahili Literature.
UCHANGANUZI MAKINIFU WA DISKOSI KATIKA VIKATUNI VYA SHUJAAZ
(Chuka University, 2021-11) DIMBU, SAMMY
Vikatuni vina wajibu muhimu katika aushi ya watoto na vijana ulimwenguni. Huenda ndio sababu Karne ya 21 imeshuhudia ongezeko la tafiti kuhusu vikatuni. Utafiti huu ni Uchanganuzi Makinifu wa Diskosi katika Vikatuni vya Shujaaz. Malengo ya utafiti yalikuwa: Kueleza namna muwala ulivyokuzwa katika vikatuni vya Shujaaz. Kufafanua mikakati ya mazoeaya kijamii katika vikatuni vya Shujaaz na kutathmini jinsi mahusiano ya uwezo yalivyowasilishwa katika vikatuni vya Shujaaz. Nadharia iliyoongoza utafiti huu ni nadharia ya Uchanganuzi Makinifu wa Diskosi. Maazimio ya nadharia hii ni kuwa matumizi ya lugha katika jamii huchukuliwa kuwa mchakato wa jamii. Lugha si zao la jamii tu bali ni nguvu muhimu katika kuunda michakato iliyo chanya au hasi. Mojawapo ya madhumuni ya nadharia ya Uchanganuzi Makinifu wa Diskosi ni kusaidia katika uchanganuzi wa diskosi ili kufichua imani za kiitikadi zinazochukuliwa kuwa za kweli na kukubaliwa katika jamii. Data ya utafiti huu ilitokana na sampuli ya nakala 35 zilizoteuliwa kimakusudi kwa kuzingatia uchanganuzi wa yaliyomo kwa mujibu wa maswali ya utafiti. Utafiti ulichukua muundo wa utafiti wa kimaelezo. Data ya utafiti huu ilikusanywa kwa njia ya udondoaji matini iliyojumuisha maandishi na michoro ya picha. Uchanganuzi wa data na matokeo ya utafiti yaliwasilishwa kwa njia ya maelezo. Matokeo yaliashiria kuwa muwala hukuzwa na: mada, sauti za kionomatopeya, maandishi katika mandhari ya paneli, maelezo ya mwandishi na uzungumzi nafsi. Muwala uliokuzwa ni wa aina ya; mada, msuko na muwala wa kijumla. Unominishaji, jazanda, ujumlishaji, utata wa maana, deiksisi za nafsi ndio mikakati ya mazoea ya kijamii yaliyotumika kuwasilisha diskosi ya Shujaaz. Hatimaye, mahusiano ya uwezo yaliwasilishwa kupitia kwa wahusika, wahusika na vijana, wadhamini na vijana, hadhira na mtu mashuhuri na mahusiano ya uwezo baina ya uana. Utafiti huu unatoa mchango wa kiisimu kwa kufasiri lugha teule kama mkakati wa kuwashurutisha na kuwawekea vizingiti vijana ili kuwadhibiti. Pili, kufafanua mikakati iliyotumiwa na wenye uwezo ili kujitambulisha na vikundi maalumu katika jamii hasa vijana nchini Kenya. Utafiti huu unapendekeza kuwa tafiti za baadaye zifavywe katika Shujaaz kwa kuzingatia masuala ibuka, majukumu ya sauti ya kionomatopeya kando na kukuza muwala na naratolojia.
DIDACTICS OF ORALITY AND ITS STYLE IN ALTERNATIVE RITES OF PASSAGE AMONG THE IGEMBE PEOPLE OF MERU, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2021-11) NKATHA IMIRONGO, SEVERINA
This study set out to find out the relevance of the messages and styles in oral songs, narratives, and proverbs incorporated in Alternative Rites of Passage (ARP) ceremonies as a tool for communication among the Igembe people. Proverbs are identified for analysis because of their brevity, cautionary, summative nature, memorability, and ability to address diverse issues in different contexts. On the other hand, the transient and resilient aspects of oral narratives allow them to respond to emerging realities in the society. The flexibility and spontaneity of oral songs allow them to address diverse issues in the contemporary issues in the community. The study is guided by two objectives: to discuss the didacticism of messages in oral songs, proverbs, and narratives; and to analyse styles used in the genres. This research is based on the functionalist theory and is used to analyse oral genres of literature by looking at the functions they perform in the life of the society. The field research was done to collect raw data which was augmented with data collected from the library. The data was collected from the seclusion sites for girls and graduation ceremonies for the initiated girls and boys using participant observation method and video recording. There were 17 proverbs, 15 oral narratives, and 25 oral songs identified for this analysis. The instruments used were a video camera, pens, and books. Analysis of data collected establishes that despite the changes that have taken place in the society, Igembe people have significantly incorporated use of traditional oral art forms as a tool for communication in ARP ceremonies in the literate society just as they did in the preliterate society. Chapter four discusses transformative role of oral literature in ARP ceremonies. It also highlights virtues inculcated and vices castigated. The virtues include being: hardworking, forgiving, patient, contented, tolerant, prudent, obedient, emphathetic, prayerful, focused, and God fearing among others. On the other hand, the main vices castigated are: thievery, abuse of drugs, sexual immorality, discontentment, laziness, greed, cruelty, naivety, selfishness, and indecent dressing. Finally, the traditions and beliefs of the Igembe people passed down to initiates are highlighted. They include: the social expectations and gender roles of men and women, knowledge about age groups, brotherhood ties, and traditional religious worship of the Igembe people. Chapter five establishes that the three genres use literary stylistic devices to enhance the delivery of the messages incorporated in them. The main styles used in the genres discussed are: mnemonics, parallelism, imagery, code-switching, repetition, symbolism, humour, euphemism, direct address, dialogue, elasticity, intertextuality, satire, ellipsis, direct address, personification, and hyperbole. Each of these stylistic modulations enhances the communication of varied messages to the initiates. Chapter six draws conclusions based on the study. First, the study affirms that use of oral genres and their styles is intrinsic and fluid in ARP ceremonies. Secondly, oral genres address issues affecting the initiates such as promoting good health practices, preservation of integrity and dignity of the youth, maintaining law and order by chastising vices, preservation of cultural values, practices, and beliefs of Igembe people. The study also demonstrates the dynamism of oral genres because they are innovatively and artistically composed and performed in order to address contemporary issues affecting initiates in an interesting and memorable way. Finally, the counsellors used to mentor initiates were of varied levels of education, professions, genders, and age. Oral literature is therefore seen in this study as a key to enhancing peace, gender, and economic empowerment of initiates with the central site being the ARP ceremonies.
USIMULIZI KATIKA RIWAYA TRILOJIA YA KISWAHILI: MFANO WA SIRI SIRINI
(Chuka University, 2021-11) MWONGELA, LUCYLINE NJERI
This research discusses narration in Siri Sirini trilogy authored by Rocha Chimerah (2013, 2014). Siri Sirini trilogy is written in three series: Siri Sirini 1, Mshairi na Mfungwa (2013), Siri Sirini 2, Mpiga Mbizi Kilindini (2014) and Siri Sirini 3, Mtihani wa Mwanamke (2014). The three novels have the same themes, characters, setting and style. The objectives of the study focuses on expounding various narrative devices used in narrating Siri Sirini trilogy and the way characters are depicted in the narration of this novel. This study was guided by the theory of narratology whose proponent is Plato and developed by Propp (1968), Claude (1970), Barthes (1975), Todorov (1977), Bal (1999) and Fludernik (2009). The theory of narratology deals with: The story, sequence of events in time, identifies ways and means of narrating a story and the aspect of characterization. The tenents of the theory of narratology used in this study are: To recognize various narrative devices used in narration, to realize the sequence of events in time considering the order of the story, duration and repetition in narration and the aspect of characterization in narration. This study was carried out in the library where books, research materials, thesis and literature on the theory, narration and trilogy were read. This research used purposive sampling procedure where Siri Sirini trilogy was selected. Data was obtained through reading of Siri Sirini trilogy. Sentences reflecting the use of various narrative techniques, speech and thoughts of characters were extracted from the text. Data was analysed and results presented in form of an informed discourse guided by the objectives of the study. The research findings manifested various narrative techniques such as: Speech, epistles, songs, journey motif, tautology, flashbacks, flashforwards, summary, ellipsis, scene, extension, pause and frequency in the presentation of events. The characters were presented as a hero, revolutionary and psychological. This study will benefit the scholars to understand the structure of this trilogy regarding the aspect of narration and the issues invoked. This research will assist authors of creative works in Kiswahili to comprehend the aspect of narration and its place in the narration of the Kiswahili novel that is a trilogy. This study shows another way of analysing a Kiswahili novel using the theory of narratology besides other literary devices such as style, themes and language. The findings of this study will be an additional reference in the study of Kiswahili literature. This study recommends further research in the analysis of narrative techniques in other written literature. Also this trilogy can be investigated by using other theories besides narratology.
MIKAKATI YA KUAFIKIA ULINGANIFU WA MAANA KATIKA TAFSIRI YA KIFASIHI: TATHMINI YA TAFSIRI ZA KAZI MBILI TEULE ZA BARBARA KIMENYE
(Chuka University, 2019-09) KAMUNDI, JANEROSE I.
Ulinganifu, usahihi pamoja na uwazi ni vipengee muhimu vya kuchunguzia kazi za fasihi tafsiri. Utafiti huu ulilenga kutafiti ulinganifu katika mtiririko wa kazi mbili teule za Kimenye (1968): Moses in Trouble na Moses and the Ghost zilizotafsiriwa ili kubainisha umuhimu wa kutumia mikakati mwafaka ya kutafsiri tamathali za usemi na nomino za pekee ili kupata tafsiri wasilifu. Utafiti huu ulijibu maswali kuhusu mikakati iliyotumiwa kutafsiri tamathali mbalimbali ili kubainisha ulinganifu katika tafsiri za Matundura (2013): Musa Mashakani na Musa na Pepo na kuhusu ulinganifu na usahihi katika tafsiri za nomino za pekee katika tafsiri za Musa Mashakani na Musa na Pepo. Katika kuyajibu maswali haya, mifano ilitolewa kutoka kwenye tafsiri za Matundura (2013): Musa Mashakani na Musa na Pepo na matini zake za Kiingereza za Kimenye (1968): Moses in Trouble na Moses and the Ghost. Msururu wa Musa uliteuliwa kwa kuwa umeandikwa na mwandishi mmoja na kutafsiriwa na mtafsiri mmoja. Kwa hivyo kuna uthabiti kwa upande wa mwandishi na mtafsiri. Aidha, huu ndio msururu wa pekee kuwahi kutafsiriwa kutoka lugha ya Kiingereza hadi Kiswahili. Sababu ya kuteua Musa Mashakani na Musa na Pepo ni kuwa kazi hizi zimesheheni tamathali za usemi na hivyo mtafiti alitazamia kupata data ya kutosha kuweza kuafikia madhumuni ya utafiti. Aidha kazi hizi hazijafanyiwa utafiti. Nadharia ya Ulinganifu ilitumiwa kuchunguza matini mbili za Kimenye (1968) zilizoteuliwa kama kielelezo. Utafiti huu ulifanyika maktabani. Data ilichanganuliwa kwa mbinu elezi kwani ilikuwa data ya nathari. Sampuli ilikuwa vitabu vinne vilivyoteuliwa kuwakilisha vingine: viwili vilivyoandikwa kwa Kiingereza na tafsiri zao za Kiswahili. Uteuzi huu ulifanywa kimakusudi kwa kuwa msururu mzima una wahusika walewale, mandhari haibadiliki ila matukio tu ndiyo tofauti. Vifaa vilivyotumika kukusanyia data kutoka kwa sampuli vilikuwa matini mbili za Kimenye (1968): Moses in Trouble na Moses and the Ghost pamoja na tafsiri zao za Matundura (2013): Musa Mashakani na Musa na Pepo. Utafiti huu uligundua kwamba mikakati ya kutafsiri tamathali za usemi hutumiwa kimwingiliano ili kuweza kuhamisha ujumbe usio na dosari. Ilibainika pia kuwa mikakati inayotumika kutafsiri nomino za pekee kutoka lugha ya Kiingereza hadi Kiswahili hutegemea mchango wa nomino husika katika matini. Matokeo ya utafiti huu yataifaidi taaluma ya fasihi tafsiri kwa kuwapa wasomi wa tafsiri mwongozo wa kurejelea watakapokuwa wakifanya tafiti zao. Vilevile matokeo ya uchunguzi huu yatakuwa muhimu kwa watafsiri chipukizi kwa kuwapa mwongozo kuhusu mikakati ya kutafsiri tamathali za usemi hasa istiari, tashbihi na nahau.
CRIMINALITY AND SOCIAL SET- UPS IN POPULAR LITERATURE: AN ANALYSIS OF JOHN KIGGIA’S LIFE AND TIMES OF A BANK ROBBER AND PRISON IS NOT A HOLIDAY CAMP.
(Chuka University, 2020-12) Ikiungu, Dorcus Kagwiria
This study is an attempt to use discourses of popular literature in giving an insightful probe into the relationship between criminality and social set-ups as presented by John Kiggia Kimani in Life and Times of a Bank Robber (1988) and Prison is not a Holiday Camp (1994). The study sought to investigate the various levels of crime evident in both texts in relation to urban and prison set-ups, spaces that are portrayed as conducive for criminal activities. The focus of the study is that there is a positive relationship between increase in criminality and social set-ups. Technical devices that Kiggia uses to present the criminal figure and crime as a subversion of morality have been analyzed. In this study, three theories were considered appropriate. Narratology has been useful in analyzing the stylistic devices that Kiggia uses to bring out factors that have enhanced criminality increase in both texts. Since narratology was found deficient to address societal changes, Critical social theory and new historicism have been utilized to do an assessment of the society [social set-ups] and characters by interrogating how with changing time they too change. These two theories have been pertinent in assessing and criticizing both the urban and prison set-ups in terms of how they motivate criminality levels to rise. The three theories have been hardy in providing a lens to peer into the city and prison’s underworld to get insight on activities practiced there which contribute to criminality growth. Qualitative research design was used to do a literary analysis of the content, by focusing on the characters’ transition from innocence to hardboiled criminals. An exhaustive account of Kiggia’s growth from an amateur pick pocket into a big time robber, and how the social set-ups have contributed has been done. The study has established that criminality and social set-ups cannot be stopped from influencing each other. In addition, this study ascertained that crime and criminals are such ambivalent terms to define in the world of both texts. This is because, in a social set-up where those who purport to be the judges of morality do not uphold any moral values on their part, issues of (im) morality then become volatile. The study arrives at the conclusion that the texts embody a vision of social morality whereby criminality is taken as a subversion of morality, in other words criminality is a construction of the social set-ups. The study is a contribution to the place and definition of popular literature. There are other fields of interest in the works of John Kiggia, which have come up in the course of this study that could be pursued. For instance, one could examine how women in the texts offer themselves for representation or the relevance of Kiggia’s texts to the contemporary problems. Also a comparative study on Kiggia’s works with other urban crime writers or prison, criminality and power in both texts could be done.
Masculinity in Margaret Ogola’s The River and The Source and I Swear by Apollo
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Hawala, Anne Atieno
There has been extensive literary research on gender in Kenya and Africa in general. A lot of these literary scholarships has tended to ignore male characters by concentrating on highlighting the woman and her struggle for emancipation from male dominance which has relegated the male character to the periphery. The research has attempted to fill this gap by exploring patriarchal expectation of masculinity and masculinity transformation in Margaret Ogola’s The River and the Source and I Swear by Apollo. It has been guided by two objectives: To interrogate traditional conception of masculinity and to examine how Ogola represents the transformation of masculinities in these texts. Hegemonic masculinity and African feminism theories have been used, whereby Conservative hegemonic masculinity enhanced understanding of the society’s view and expectation of the male gender as dictated by traditions and culture that perpetuate patriarchy while the reformed hegemonic masculinity aided in distinguishing men who have embraced changes. African feminism helped in the need to consider universal conditions that the African man and woman have experienced other than concentrating only on gender issues. The literature review showed the importance of the research because it revealed that the male gender has often been viewed universally as the oppressor of the woman resulting to her subsequent subjugation that leads to the men being undermined and stereotyped by society. Qualitative research design has been used to elicit response and understanding of research area. Whereby an in-depth analysis of the primary texts has been done to show how Ogola has presented her male characters in order to determine the various constructions of masculinities. The data from the primary texts has been analysed as per the stated objectives. The study is encased in six chapters. Chapter one includes background to the study that highlights the problem, objectives of the study and research questions. Literature review and theoretical framework are in chapter two and methodology and ethical considerations in chapter three. Figuring of traditional conception has been interrogated in chapter four while subverted masculinity discussed in chapter five. The findings in chapter six have shown that traditional conception of masculinity yielded idealization of the male gender while some men conformed to patriarchal expectations; a move that resulted to their entrapment. The presence of feminine men has also been noted. Subverted masculinity discussion has exhibited men who have no patriarchal tendencies, men releasing power at different levels and men who either fully or partially support women. Recommendation for further research on discourse of language as a literary tool in masculinity transformation and use of style to implement change in society’s perception of the male gender in texts studied were made. The research is important because it will augment debate on gender studies not only by literary scholars but also development partners on the importance of including men in gender discussions to enhance social growth and development.
Muundo wa Sentensi ya Kiigembe: Mtazamo wa Eksibaa
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Mutwiri, Fred John; Mutwiri, Fred John
Sintaksia ni taaluma inayojihusisha na uchambuzi wa miundo ya sentensi. Utafiti huu ulichanganua muundo wa sentensi ya Kîîgembe katika taaluma ya sintaksia. Kati ya vipashio vinavyotumika katika taaluma ya kisintaksia ni kama vile, kirai na kishazi ambavyo ndivyo vijenzi vya sentensi. Kîîgembe huzungumzwa katika maeneo ya kiutawala ya Igembe ya Kati, Igembe Kaskazini na Igembe Kusini katika Kaunti ya Meru, Kenya. Mwauo wa Maandishi ulibainisha kuwa, hakuna utafiti uliofanywa kuhusu muundo wa sentensi ya Kîîgembe kwa mtazamo wa Eksibaa. Malengo ya utafiti huu yalikuwa; kueleza miundo ya virai na kufafanua miundo ya vishazi vya sentensi ya Kîîgembe kwa mujibu wa Nadharia ya Eksibaa. Utafiti huu uliongozwa na Nadharia ya Eksibaa iliyoasisiwa na Chomsky. Nadharia hii hubainisha virai na kuonyesha mpangilio wa viambajengo mbalimbali katika kategoria ya sintaksia. Kwa hivyo, nadharia hii ilifaa utafiti huu kwa kufafanua aina za virai na mpangilio wa kategoria za viambajengo mbalimbali katika sentensi ya Kîîgembe. Katika Nadharia ya Eksibaa, kirai ni kipashio cha muundo chenye neno moja au zaidi lakini kisicho na muundo wa kikundi nomino na kikundi tenzi. Kwa hivyo, ilifaa katika kueleza vipashio vya sentensi ya Kîîgembe na kuchanganua muundo wake. Data ya utafiti huu ilikuwa sentensi za Kîîgembe ambazo mtafiti alizipata nyanjani na pia mtafiti kuzalisha mwenyewe kutokana na umilisi wake kama mzawa wa lahaja hii. Utafiti huu ulibainisha miundo tofauti ya sentensi za Kîîgembe na kubainisha sheria zinazotawala uunganishwaji wa vipashio vinavyojaliza sentensi ya Kîîgembe. Data ya utafiti huu ilikuwa sentensi za Kîîgembe mia na ishirini zilizotumika katika uchanganuzi wa utafiti huu, sentensi hizo zilijumuisha; sentensi sahili, sentensi ambatano na sentensi changamano. Kwa hivyo, kila aina ya sentensi ilichanganuliwa kwa sentensi arubaini. Katika awamu ya uchanganuzi wa data, utafiti huu ulichanganua miundo ya virai kama vile; virai nomino, virai vielezi, virai vivumishi, virai tenzi na virai vihusishi huku ikibainika kuwa kulingana na Nadharia ya Eksibaa, sentensi ya Kîîgembe ina miundo anuai ya virai vyake. Aidha, utafiti huu ulichanganua aina za vishazi kama vile vishazi tegemezi ambavyo huwakilishwa na vitambulisho vifuatavyo; nkîthîrwa, nûntû bwa, rîrîa, kinya kwethîrwa, nî kenda na kethîrwa. Vishazi huru na vishazi viambatani vimefafanuliwa miundo yake pia na kuonyesha jinsi kichwa humiliki viambajengo vingine ili kuunda sentensi mbalimbali. Viambajengo hivi viliweza kuchanganuliwa kwa lengo la kufanikisha muundo wa sentensi ya Kîîgembe. Matokeo ya utafiti huu yalibainisha isimu miundo kwa kubainisha muundo wa sentensi ya Kîîgembe. Pia, utafiti huu unaweza kusaidia lugha za Kibantu kufanyiwa utafiti zaidi kwani lahaja ya Kîîgembe inaweza kutoa mwanga kuhusu lugha za Kibantu. Aidha, ulisaidia kuhifadhi Kîîgembe katika maandishi.
Unyambulishaji wa Vitenzi Katika Kigĩchũgũ
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Gituru, Magdalene Wangu
Unyambulishaji wa vitenzi ni mojawapo ya masuala yanayoshughulikiwa katika taaluma ya mofolojia katika lugha nyingi za Kiafrika. Mofolojia ni tawi la isimu linaloshughulikia umbo la ndani la neno ambalo hujishughulisha na unyambulishaji wa vitenzi. Vitenzi ni maneno ambayo lazima yawepo katika sentensi ili ikamilike kimaana. Utafiti huu umeshughulikia unyambulishaji wa vitenzi vya Kigĩchũgũ kwa malengo ya kufafanua mifanyiko inayohusika katika utaratibu wa unyambulishaji wa vitenzi katika Kigĩchũgũ na kutathmini kanuni zinazoruhusu au kuzuia mifanyiko hiyo ya unyambulishaji. Katika uainishaji wa Guthrie, Kigĩchũgũ ni mojawapo ya lugha za Kiafrika ambayo hudhihirisha unyambulishaji. Kigĩchũgũ kinawekwa katika kundi la E hasa katika E51 linalojumuisha lugha za Kibantu ambazo zimeimarika katika mofolojia ya uundaji na unyambulishaji wa vitenzi. Utafiti huu uliongozwa na mihimili ya nadharia ya Mofolojia Leksia iliyoasisiwa na Kiparsky na kuendelezwa na Katamba na Stonham, yaani mihimili ya Ngazi Leksia, Kufuta Mabano, Kuhifadhi Muundo, Kwingineko na Mzunguko Sheria. Nadharia ya Mofolojia Leksia ni nadharia zalishi na nyambulishi. Nadharia ya Mofolojia Leksia huonyesha uhusiano wa sheria zinazojenga maumbo ya kimofolojia na sheria zinazodhibiti namna maumbo haya yanavyotamkwa. Kanuni ya Kioo kwa mujibu wa Baker pia iliongoza utafiti huu kwani inaeleza kuwa unyambulishaji wa vitenzi katika lugha za Kibantu hufuata mpangilio maalum wa unyambulishaji. Data ya sampuli ya vitenzi vya Kigĩchũgũ ilitumika katika utafiti ambapo mtafiti alizalisha kimaksudi vitenzi sitini (60) kutokana na sentensi za Kigĩchũgũ ambavyo vilitumika katika utafiti kwa kuwa ana uelewa na umilisi wa Kigĩchũgũ. Mtafiti alienda nyanjani katika kata za Kabare, Baragwi, Karumandi, Ngariama na Njukini. Kata hizi zilichaguliwa kimaksudi kwani zina wazungumzaji halisi wa Kigĩchũgũ. Vitenzi hivi viliwekwa katika kauli sita za unyambulishaji na kuainisha mifanyiko inayohusika katika utaratibu wa unyambulishaji kwa kutumia jedwali la mnyambuliko wa vitenzi. Maana zinazowakilishwa na maumbo ya unyambulishaji pia zilijadiliwa. Matokeo ya utafiti yalionyesha kuwa Kigĩchũgũ ni lugha ambishi kwani huchukua viambishi awali na tamati. Upachikaji wa viambishi tamati katika vitenzi vya Kigĩchũgũ ulichangia katika kuongeza maana za vitenzi. Matokeo ya utafiti pia yalionyesha kuwa Kigĩchũgũ hukubali mifuatano ya viambishi nyambulishi viwili, vitatu na hata vinne. Matokeo ya utafiti huu yatachangia katika kuongeza maarifa ya kiutafiti yanayohusu sarufi ya Kigĩchũgũ. Aidha, yatasaidia kuhifadhi Kigĩchũgũ kama mojawapo ya lugha za Kiafrika katika maandishi. Utafiti pia utachangia katika kuwanufaisha watafiti wa baadaye watakaoshughulikia Kigĩchũgũ.

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