A comparative analysis of the phonological acquisition of consonants in the speech of pre-school age isiXhosa and English-speaking children in selected schools in the East London area
- Authors: Myoli, Ndileka
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (African Languages)
- Identifier: vital:11151 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015437
- Description: The problems of reading and incomprehension found in South African schools are often linked to children‟s differences of phonological acquisition rates and the articulation of consonants. This is according to the report of the Impact Study of the System Method for Reading Success study (SMRS) of 2009. This problem has always been associated with the racial inequalities that have previously ruled the South African education system. An understanding of the existence of the differences in children‟s articulation of consonants between the English-speaking and the isiXhosa-speaking children may lead to further understanding of the causes of such differences and the application of strategies that are aimed at remedying that situation. While many studies have been conducted in the area of language acquisition, this study found it necessary to contribute further to this debate. This study investigated the different rates of consonant articulation between pre-school-going Englishspeaking and isiXhosa-speaking children of 2-6 years of age. The main aim was to establish which of these two cohorts have early phonological acquisition of consonants and, therefore, master their articulation and why. 26 children from the two pre-schools within the East London directorate weren sampled, 13 consisting of females and males from each of the two pre-primary schools. This study used informal interviews and case study as the means of data collection as well as a case study as its investigation strategy. Children‟s speech utterances were recorded in order to analyse and compare with respect to order of acquisition, types of errors as well as the ages at which consonants were acquired. This study ensured a high degree of validity as well as giving due consideration to ethical matters in order to ensure the reliability of the results. The problems of reading and incomprehension found in South African schools are often linked to children‟s differences of phonological acquisition rates and the articulation of consonants. This is according to the report of the Impact Study of the System Method for Reading Success study (SMRS) of 2009. This problem has always been associated with the racial inequalities that have previously ruled the South African education system. An understanding of the existence of the differences in children‟s articulation of consonants between the English-speaking and the isiXhosa-speaking children may lead to further understanding of the causes of such differences and the application of strategies that are aimed at remedying that situation. While many studies have been conducted in the area of language acquisition, this study found it necessary to contribute further to this debate. This study investigated the different rates of consonant articulation between pre-school-going Englishspeaking and isiXhosa-speaking children of 2-6 years of age. The main aim was to establish which of these two cohorts have early phonological acquisition of consonants and, therefore, master their articulation and why. 26 children from the two pre-schools within the East London directorate weren sampled, 13 consisting of females and males from each of the two pre-primary schools. This study used informal interviews and case study as the means of data collection as well as a case study as its investigation strategy. Children‟s speech utterances were recorded in order to analyse and compare with respect to order of acquisition, types of errors as well as the ages at which consonants were acquired. This study ensured a high degree of validity as well as giving due consideration to ethical matters in order to ensure the reliability of the results. The study found that isiXhosa speaking children have earlier consonant acquisition than English-speaking children do. While that is the case, the study also found that English-speaking children‟s rates of phonological acquisition accelerated from the age of 4 years to the age of 6 years much more than the isiXhosa-speaking children of the same age could do. The implications of these results to education stakeholders, particularly the teachers and other related professionals who deal with children with articulation disorders on a daily basis, will create an understanding as well as an awareness of the existence of such problems. Policies formulated will have to take the existence of articulation disorders into consideration. The distribution of resources relevant to the needs of children will include and cater for children with such disorders. Further research is recommended to investigate more around this area of study to a point where solutions for the existing differences of articulation of consonants for one group of children over another are realised.The study found that isiXhosa speaking children have earlier consonant acquisition than English-speaking children do. While that is the case, the study also found that English-speaking children‟s rates of phonological acquisition accelerated from the age of 4 years to the age of 6 years much more than the isiXhosa-speaking children of the same age could do. The implications of these results to education stakeholders, particularly the teachers and other related professionals who deal with children with articulation disorders on a daily basis, will create an understanding as well as an awareness of the existence of such problems. Policies formulated will have to take the existence of articulation disorders into consideration. The distribution of resources relevant to the needs of children will include and cater for children with such disorders. Further research is recommended to investigate more around this area of study to a point where solutions for the existing differences of articulation of consonants for one group of children over another are realised.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Myoli, Ndileka
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (African Languages)
- Identifier: vital:11151 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015437
- Description: The problems of reading and incomprehension found in South African schools are often linked to children‟s differences of phonological acquisition rates and the articulation of consonants. This is according to the report of the Impact Study of the System Method for Reading Success study (SMRS) of 2009. This problem has always been associated with the racial inequalities that have previously ruled the South African education system. An understanding of the existence of the differences in children‟s articulation of consonants between the English-speaking and the isiXhosa-speaking children may lead to further understanding of the causes of such differences and the application of strategies that are aimed at remedying that situation. While many studies have been conducted in the area of language acquisition, this study found it necessary to contribute further to this debate. This study investigated the different rates of consonant articulation between pre-school-going Englishspeaking and isiXhosa-speaking children of 2-6 years of age. The main aim was to establish which of these two cohorts have early phonological acquisition of consonants and, therefore, master their articulation and why. 26 children from the two pre-schools within the East London directorate weren sampled, 13 consisting of females and males from each of the two pre-primary schools. This study used informal interviews and case study as the means of data collection as well as a case study as its investigation strategy. Children‟s speech utterances were recorded in order to analyse and compare with respect to order of acquisition, types of errors as well as the ages at which consonants were acquired. This study ensured a high degree of validity as well as giving due consideration to ethical matters in order to ensure the reliability of the results. The problems of reading and incomprehension found in South African schools are often linked to children‟s differences of phonological acquisition rates and the articulation of consonants. This is according to the report of the Impact Study of the System Method for Reading Success study (SMRS) of 2009. This problem has always been associated with the racial inequalities that have previously ruled the South African education system. An understanding of the existence of the differences in children‟s articulation of consonants between the English-speaking and the isiXhosa-speaking children may lead to further understanding of the causes of such differences and the application of strategies that are aimed at remedying that situation. While many studies have been conducted in the area of language acquisition, this study found it necessary to contribute further to this debate. This study investigated the different rates of consonant articulation between pre-school-going Englishspeaking and isiXhosa-speaking children of 2-6 years of age. The main aim was to establish which of these two cohorts have early phonological acquisition of consonants and, therefore, master their articulation and why. 26 children from the two pre-schools within the East London directorate weren sampled, 13 consisting of females and males from each of the two pre-primary schools. This study used informal interviews and case study as the means of data collection as well as a case study as its investigation strategy. Children‟s speech utterances were recorded in order to analyse and compare with respect to order of acquisition, types of errors as well as the ages at which consonants were acquired. This study ensured a high degree of validity as well as giving due consideration to ethical matters in order to ensure the reliability of the results. The study found that isiXhosa speaking children have earlier consonant acquisition than English-speaking children do. While that is the case, the study also found that English-speaking children‟s rates of phonological acquisition accelerated from the age of 4 years to the age of 6 years much more than the isiXhosa-speaking children of the same age could do. The implications of these results to education stakeholders, particularly the teachers and other related professionals who deal with children with articulation disorders on a daily basis, will create an understanding as well as an awareness of the existence of such problems. Policies formulated will have to take the existence of articulation disorders into consideration. The distribution of resources relevant to the needs of children will include and cater for children with such disorders. Further research is recommended to investigate more around this area of study to a point where solutions for the existing differences of articulation of consonants for one group of children over another are realised.The study found that isiXhosa speaking children have earlier consonant acquisition than English-speaking children do. While that is the case, the study also found that English-speaking children‟s rates of phonological acquisition accelerated from the age of 4 years to the age of 6 years much more than the isiXhosa-speaking children of the same age could do. The implications of these results to education stakeholders, particularly the teachers and other related professionals who deal with children with articulation disorders on a daily basis, will create an understanding as well as an awareness of the existence of such problems. Policies formulated will have to take the existence of articulation disorders into consideration. The distribution of resources relevant to the needs of children will include and cater for children with such disorders. Further research is recommended to investigate more around this area of study to a point where solutions for the existing differences of articulation of consonants for one group of children over another are realised.
- Full Text:
A critical analysis of the isiXhosa translation of Chinua Achebe’s ‘things fall apart’ with specific reference to the translation of cultural phenomena
- Authors: Mbatyoti, Pheliwe Yvonne
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (African Languages)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/701 , vital:26489
- Description: Chapter one deals with the aims, objectives, methodology and the structured organisation of the study. Chapter two discusses theories of translation and literature review to supply the necessary theoretical basis of the current study. Chapter three deals with the translation of linguistic concepts using strategies that were applied by Bongela (1993) in the translation of linguistic concepts. Idioms, proverbs, figurative language, symbolism and imagery will be analyzed in this chapter. The extent to which these concepts were translated literally, or were adapted into more familiar IsiXhosa forms, will be analysed. Chapter four critically analyses Igbo cultural practices and norms as found in “Things fall apart”. These will be compared with the amaXhosa cultural practices and analysed using the strategies of translation. The extent, to which these practices have been adapted in order to make them more accessible to the Xhosa reader, will form the main focus of the analysis.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mbatyoti, Pheliwe Yvonne
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (African Languages)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/701 , vital:26489
- Description: Chapter one deals with the aims, objectives, methodology and the structured organisation of the study. Chapter two discusses theories of translation and literature review to supply the necessary theoretical basis of the current study. Chapter three deals with the translation of linguistic concepts using strategies that were applied by Bongela (1993) in the translation of linguistic concepts. Idioms, proverbs, figurative language, symbolism and imagery will be analyzed in this chapter. The extent to which these concepts were translated literally, or were adapted into more familiar IsiXhosa forms, will be analysed. Chapter four critically analyses Igbo cultural practices and norms as found in “Things fall apart”. These will be compared with the amaXhosa cultural practices and analysed using the strategies of translation. The extent, to which these practices have been adapted in order to make them more accessible to the Xhosa reader, will form the main focus of the analysis.
- Full Text:
An evaluation of the role of child and youth care centres in the implementation of South Africa’s children’s act
- Authors: Agere, Leonard Munyaradzi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South Africa. Children's Act, 2005 , Children's rights -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015406 , South Africa. Children's Act, 2005 , Children's rights -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role played by CYCCs to provide support and protection to children who have been found to be in need of care, according to the criteria given in the Children’s Act No. 38/2005 as amended. The study made use of a qualitative approach and the research design was provided by the case study. Data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The most important findings to emerge from the study were that the factors which affect the operation of CYCCs are either institutional, or else challenges arising from issues pertaining to infrastructure and human resources. However, it was also acknowledged that, despite the challenges which affect their ability to provide their services to young people, the CYCCs had also made progressive steps to halt the suppression of the fundamental rights of children. It has been recommended that the government should apply comprehensive funding to the objectives of the Children’s Act, which would entail increasing the subsidies to CYCCs. It has also been recommended that the Policy on Financial Rewards should call for the same benefits and salary scales to apply for professional staff working in the government and to those working in the CYCCs. The repercussions from failing to adjust to these recommendations will inevitably lead to the employment of a remedial model of care.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Agere, Leonard Munyaradzi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South Africa. Children's Act, 2005 , Children's rights -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015406 , South Africa. Children's Act, 2005 , Children's rights -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role played by CYCCs to provide support and protection to children who have been found to be in need of care, according to the criteria given in the Children’s Act No. 38/2005 as amended. The study made use of a qualitative approach and the research design was provided by the case study. Data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The most important findings to emerge from the study were that the factors which affect the operation of CYCCs are either institutional, or else challenges arising from issues pertaining to infrastructure and human resources. However, it was also acknowledged that, despite the challenges which affect their ability to provide their services to young people, the CYCCs had also made progressive steps to halt the suppression of the fundamental rights of children. It has been recommended that the government should apply comprehensive funding to the objectives of the Children’s Act, which would entail increasing the subsidies to CYCCs. It has also been recommended that the Policy on Financial Rewards should call for the same benefits and salary scales to apply for professional staff working in the government and to those working in the CYCCs. The repercussions from failing to adjust to these recommendations will inevitably lead to the employment of a remedial model of care.
- Full Text:
Challenges faced by traditional healers when treating people living with HIV and AIDS: the case of Intsika Municipality, Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Zimba, Zibonele France
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: People with HIV and AIDS disease -- Healers -- South Africa , Traditional medicine -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11768 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015357 , People with HIV and AIDS disease -- Healers -- South Africa , Traditional medicine -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of the study was to examine the procedures followed by traditional healers treating people living with HIV and AIDS in the Instika Municipality and the challenges faced by them in this endeavour. Using the qualitative research method, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with twenty traditional healers. Among the significant findings of this study were the hardships encountered by traditional healers in terms of finance, the transport needed to collect medicinal plants, the shortage of medicinal plants, the lack of co-operation from the formal health care sector and the discrimination and abuse suffered at the hands of members of the community, with Christians and members of the SAPS being among the chief antagonists. It is also acknowledged in this study that traditional healers have been trained by the Department of Health concerning issues of hygiene and that traditional healers have knowledge of the symptoms of HIV and AIDS. It can therefore be concluded that traditional healers have a significant role to play in preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS if they employ preventative measures such as the use of protective gloves and limiting the use of a blade to one patient only. However, traditional healers are not supplied with safety kits or condoms to distribute to patients who consult them for treatment of STIs.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Zimba, Zibonele France
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: People with HIV and AIDS disease -- Healers -- South Africa , Traditional medicine -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11768 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015357 , People with HIV and AIDS disease -- Healers -- South Africa , Traditional medicine -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of the study was to examine the procedures followed by traditional healers treating people living with HIV and AIDS in the Instika Municipality and the challenges faced by them in this endeavour. Using the qualitative research method, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with twenty traditional healers. Among the significant findings of this study were the hardships encountered by traditional healers in terms of finance, the transport needed to collect medicinal plants, the shortage of medicinal plants, the lack of co-operation from the formal health care sector and the discrimination and abuse suffered at the hands of members of the community, with Christians and members of the SAPS being among the chief antagonists. It is also acknowledged in this study that traditional healers have been trained by the Department of Health concerning issues of hygiene and that traditional healers have knowledge of the symptoms of HIV and AIDS. It can therefore be concluded that traditional healers have a significant role to play in preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS if they employ preventative measures such as the use of protective gloves and limiting the use of a blade to one patient only. However, traditional healers are not supplied with safety kits or condoms to distribute to patients who consult them for treatment of STIs.
- Full Text:
Changing marriage practices: the case of urban working class in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Stofile, Zimkhitha Sphokazi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Interpersonal relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (African Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1283 , vital:26542 , Marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Interpersonal relations
- Description: This research sought to examine changing meaning of marriage and meaning of family among urban working class residing in East London and how their perceptions of marriage have shifted from the orthodox norms. This study was conducted in Amalinda, which is one of the East London suburbs. Interviews were conducted with male and female informants. It is acknowledged in this study that marriage has traditionally been regarded as imperative in both African and Western cultures. However, there have been some drastic changes in the marriage institution in the twenty-first century. This study found out that people have shifted from the orthodox practices of marriage. The traditional culture has been influenced by various factors such as education, globalisation, and urbanisation. Furthermore, there has been a rise in the number of people who cohabit, increase in the age of first marriage, premarital childbearing and there has been a decline in the number of polygamous marriages and arranged marriages and a number of people have no problem with same-sex marriages. Furthermore, financial implications and financial securities play are influences on why some people choose or not choose to marry.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Stofile, Zimkhitha Sphokazi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Interpersonal relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (African Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1283 , vital:26542 , Marriage -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Interpersonal relations
- Description: This research sought to examine changing meaning of marriage and meaning of family among urban working class residing in East London and how their perceptions of marriage have shifted from the orthodox norms. This study was conducted in Amalinda, which is one of the East London suburbs. Interviews were conducted with male and female informants. It is acknowledged in this study that marriage has traditionally been regarded as imperative in both African and Western cultures. However, there have been some drastic changes in the marriage institution in the twenty-first century. This study found out that people have shifted from the orthodox practices of marriage. The traditional culture has been influenced by various factors such as education, globalisation, and urbanisation. Furthermore, there has been a rise in the number of people who cohabit, increase in the age of first marriage, premarital childbearing and there has been a decline in the number of polygamous marriages and arranged marriages and a number of people have no problem with same-sex marriages. Furthermore, financial implications and financial securities play are influences on why some people choose or not choose to marry.
- Full Text:
Frontiers of exclusion and enclusion: post-apartheid suburban social dynamics in East London, Beacon Bay
- Authors: Buku, Luzuko
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Apartheid -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1316 , vital:26545
- Description: This dissertation deals with the nature of the black middle-class assimilation in the South African suburban space, a space that was the sole preserve of the white middle-class during apartheid. It explores the relationship between these races as they come to meet in this space and what new identities are being formed. It also explores the relationship between both the black and white suburbanites and the urban poor who stay in an adjacent area to the suburb. The study uses the Beacon Bay area, which is constituted by one of East London’s most affluent suburbs and a poor township, Nompumelelo, to show how the emergent black middle-class has managed to enter this space in the post-apartheid era. Previous studies by Richard Ballard (2004) and Grant Saff (2001) have shown how the white middle-class has always been against any form of race or class mixing. Within the suburb, the new black suburbanites in Beacon Bay appear to have been welcomed but with conditions by their fellow white counterparts. The relationship between these two races does not stretch beyond meet and greets and it is only in the second generation black middle-class that you find better and non-superficial relations with fellow white suburbanites. In the older generation, the generation that experienced apartheid, the relationship between these two races has been that of tolerance and serious escape of contact unless when necessary. The children of both white and black families, though, have a far better relationship in school and in sport than their parents. This has created another area of contact for both these races and it bears potential for meaningful integration in the suburban space. Externally as it relates to relations between the black middle-class and the urban poor, the findings show that these new black suburbanites express a similar discomfort as the white suburbanites about the urban poor’s presence in the area. This shows that the evolution of the Beacon Bay suburb, with its deep-rooted discourse of white middle-class exclusivity, has not been entirely about hatred of the urban poor necessarily but about an identity ascription of what it means to live in a suburb. Despite these realities traditional ceremonies organised by the black middle-class in the suburbs and the church appear to be playing a role in creating relations between these suburbanites and the Nompumelelo residents. This is why we have decided to use the conceptualisation of the 18th century frontier zone as the borders of segregation within the suburb and between the suburban residents and those of the township can be crossed and re-crossed.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Buku, Luzuko
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Apartheid -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1316 , vital:26545
- Description: This dissertation deals with the nature of the black middle-class assimilation in the South African suburban space, a space that was the sole preserve of the white middle-class during apartheid. It explores the relationship between these races as they come to meet in this space and what new identities are being formed. It also explores the relationship between both the black and white suburbanites and the urban poor who stay in an adjacent area to the suburb. The study uses the Beacon Bay area, which is constituted by one of East London’s most affluent suburbs and a poor township, Nompumelelo, to show how the emergent black middle-class has managed to enter this space in the post-apartheid era. Previous studies by Richard Ballard (2004) and Grant Saff (2001) have shown how the white middle-class has always been against any form of race or class mixing. Within the suburb, the new black suburbanites in Beacon Bay appear to have been welcomed but with conditions by their fellow white counterparts. The relationship between these two races does not stretch beyond meet and greets and it is only in the second generation black middle-class that you find better and non-superficial relations with fellow white suburbanites. In the older generation, the generation that experienced apartheid, the relationship between these two races has been that of tolerance and serious escape of contact unless when necessary. The children of both white and black families, though, have a far better relationship in school and in sport than their parents. This has created another area of contact for both these races and it bears potential for meaningful integration in the suburban space. Externally as it relates to relations between the black middle-class and the urban poor, the findings show that these new black suburbanites express a similar discomfort as the white suburbanites about the urban poor’s presence in the area. This shows that the evolution of the Beacon Bay suburb, with its deep-rooted discourse of white middle-class exclusivity, has not been entirely about hatred of the urban poor necessarily but about an identity ascription of what it means to live in a suburb. Despite these realities traditional ceremonies organised by the black middle-class in the suburbs and the church appear to be playing a role in creating relations between these suburbanites and the Nompumelelo residents. This is why we have decided to use the conceptualisation of the 18th century frontier zone as the borders of segregation within the suburb and between the suburban residents and those of the township can be crossed and re-crossed.
- Full Text:
Heterosexual students’ attitudes towards gays and lesbians: an Eastern Cape University survey
- Authors: Barry, Hilde-May
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1009 , vital:26517
- Description: While South Africa stands apart from other countries as being more progressive in terms of gay and lesbian rights, attitudes towards this population continue to be intolerant. Attitudes shape people’s behaviour and in a university setting young students are vulnerable to discrimination. This is often a time when young people are still shaping their identities. An electronic survey comprising the Attitudes towards Lesbians and Gay Men Scale was administered to 401 students taking undergraduate psychology courses at the East London Campus of the University of Fort Hare, to assess their attitudes towards gays and lesbians. The survey measured their attitudes in terms of the biographical variables of gender, age, race, and religiosity, commitment to religious practice, urban or rural upbringing and nationality. The results of the research found that gender, race, religiosity, religious attendance and rural or urban upbringing do influence students’ attitudes significantly. However, age did not have an effect on attitudes towards gays and lesbians in the present study. The significance of the differences in attitudes in terms of nationality was not able to be tested due to the small sample size of foreign students. The findings of this study show that there are fairly consistent predictors of students’ attitudes concerning gays and lesbians. This information can help us to clarify areas to target for improvement in the campus climate for gay and lesbian communities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Barry, Hilde-May
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (C Psy)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1009 , vital:26517
- Description: While South Africa stands apart from other countries as being more progressive in terms of gay and lesbian rights, attitudes towards this population continue to be intolerant. Attitudes shape people’s behaviour and in a university setting young students are vulnerable to discrimination. This is often a time when young people are still shaping their identities. An electronic survey comprising the Attitudes towards Lesbians and Gay Men Scale was administered to 401 students taking undergraduate psychology courses at the East London Campus of the University of Fort Hare, to assess their attitudes towards gays and lesbians. The survey measured their attitudes in terms of the biographical variables of gender, age, race, and religiosity, commitment to religious practice, urban or rural upbringing and nationality. The results of the research found that gender, race, religiosity, religious attendance and rural or urban upbringing do influence students’ attitudes significantly. However, age did not have an effect on attitudes towards gays and lesbians in the present study. The significance of the differences in attitudes in terms of nationality was not able to be tested due to the small sample size of foreign students. The findings of this study show that there are fairly consistent predictors of students’ attitudes concerning gays and lesbians. This information can help us to clarify areas to target for improvement in the campus climate for gay and lesbian communities.
- Full Text:
International students in South African universities: an examination of their academic choices, challenges and social integration at the University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University
- Authors: Olujobi, Omobola
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Students, Foreign -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social integration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internalization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11949 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020183 , Students, Foreign -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social integration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internalization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: International students have become major role players in international education across the globe. Their enrollment in different universities has increased in the past few decades worldwide. Most of these students bring rich cultural diversity and skills to their various host institutions and countries. These trends signal the need to examine and understand international students within the South African context. Against this background, this study explores the factors that influence academic choices of international students, academic and social challenges they face and the role of social capital in influencing international student integration at the Universities of Fort Hare and Rhodes in South Africa. A qualitative research design was employed in this study. Thirty international students were selected (and interviewed) using purposive sampling and snowballing. The study found that some of the main factors that influence the academic choices of international students include availability of scholarships and funding, recommendations of the institution by family and friends, availability of preferred course and the reputation of the institution. Some of the main challenges faced by international students in these two institutions include language barriers, financial difficulty, expensive but improperly maintained accommodation and culture shock. These challenges impede the smooth integration of international students into their new academic and social environment. However, the students employ several strategies in attempt to address the challenges they face. These include joining a student or community social organization, community engagement and making friends. These social networks and organizations serve as a support system and connection hub for the students. The study recommends that it is pertinent for the University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University to meet the needs and expectations of its international students through regular surveys that give them room to speak about their experiences. The need for efficient International Offices at both institutions is crucial as well as the employment of open‐minded multicultural trained staff in these offices. The study also suggests the need for the both institutions to provide affordable and comfortable accommodation for its international students.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Olujobi, Omobola
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Students, Foreign -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social integration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internalization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11949 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020183 , Students, Foreign -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social integration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internalization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: International students have become major role players in international education across the globe. Their enrollment in different universities has increased in the past few decades worldwide. Most of these students bring rich cultural diversity and skills to their various host institutions and countries. These trends signal the need to examine and understand international students within the South African context. Against this background, this study explores the factors that influence academic choices of international students, academic and social challenges they face and the role of social capital in influencing international student integration at the Universities of Fort Hare and Rhodes in South Africa. A qualitative research design was employed in this study. Thirty international students were selected (and interviewed) using purposive sampling and snowballing. The study found that some of the main factors that influence the academic choices of international students include availability of scholarships and funding, recommendations of the institution by family and friends, availability of preferred course and the reputation of the institution. Some of the main challenges faced by international students in these two institutions include language barriers, financial difficulty, expensive but improperly maintained accommodation and culture shock. These challenges impede the smooth integration of international students into their new academic and social environment. However, the students employ several strategies in attempt to address the challenges they face. These include joining a student or community social organization, community engagement and making friends. These social networks and organizations serve as a support system and connection hub for the students. The study recommends that it is pertinent for the University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University to meet the needs and expectations of its international students through regular surveys that give them room to speak about their experiences. The need for efficient International Offices at both institutions is crucial as well as the employment of open‐minded multicultural trained staff in these offices. The study also suggests the need for the both institutions to provide affordable and comfortable accommodation for its international students.
- Full Text:
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and poverty reduction strategies in Zimbabwe: The case of the Catholic Development Commission (CADEC) in the Binga district
- Authors: Mhaka, Walter M
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Sociology)
- Identifier: vital:11958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015409
- Description: The main objective of this study was to explore non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and poverty reduction strategies in Zimbabwe through an assessment of the activities of the Catholic Development Commission (CADEC) in the Binga district in the Matabeleland North province. The research method used was triangulation and the theoretical framework combined insights of both the Basic Needs Approach and the Capability Theory. The core argument which has emerged is that despite criticisms levelled against NGOs that they cater for immediate relief and basic needs, the operation of CADEC in Binga shows in contrast that NGOs can operate in such a way that the capabilities of the participants can be enhanced or expanded such that the Binga district can be capable of independently engaging in sustainable livelihoods and development. This study argued that participation in projects has enabled CADEC to realise and expand people’s capabilities and participation was identified as a means of gaining a sustainable livelihood. To achieve the objectives of the study the researcher collected data using a survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The study was framed within the concept of Fundamental Human Needs by Manfred Max-Neef and the Capabilities Approach of Amartya Sen. The concept of Fundamental Human Needs argues that human needs do not change but the ways of satisfying the needs do change and unsatisfied needs results in poverty. The Capabilities approach on the other hand, sees poverty as caused by the deprivation of human capabilities. These theories were utilized for this study because they complement each other. Max-Neef believed that development should focus on promoting community agency where beneficiaries are the primary actors for development. Development for him is people-centred, participatory and environmentally sound whilst the Capability Approach of Sen is of the view that development is about developing or expanding human potentials. Being anchored on these two theories this study found out that CADEC use supplementary feeding, sustainable projects such as gardens and livestock production, educational initiatives, the provision of shelter and participatory development as strategies to alleviate poverty in the Binga district. CADEC’s long term projects that focus on farming practices and sustainable livelihoods have enabled Binga people to respond to their poverty. Thus, the results of this study substantiated the views on Max-Neef and Sen since CADEC does not only provide for basic needs but also enhances the capabilities of the people in Binga. However, even if the majority of the respondents believed that CADEC has managed to reduce poverty in Binga, a lot still needs to be done since poverty is still the main problem in the district.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mhaka, Walter M
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Sociology)
- Identifier: vital:11958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015409
- Description: The main objective of this study was to explore non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and poverty reduction strategies in Zimbabwe through an assessment of the activities of the Catholic Development Commission (CADEC) in the Binga district in the Matabeleland North province. The research method used was triangulation and the theoretical framework combined insights of both the Basic Needs Approach and the Capability Theory. The core argument which has emerged is that despite criticisms levelled against NGOs that they cater for immediate relief and basic needs, the operation of CADEC in Binga shows in contrast that NGOs can operate in such a way that the capabilities of the participants can be enhanced or expanded such that the Binga district can be capable of independently engaging in sustainable livelihoods and development. This study argued that participation in projects has enabled CADEC to realise and expand people’s capabilities and participation was identified as a means of gaining a sustainable livelihood. To achieve the objectives of the study the researcher collected data using a survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The study was framed within the concept of Fundamental Human Needs by Manfred Max-Neef and the Capabilities Approach of Amartya Sen. The concept of Fundamental Human Needs argues that human needs do not change but the ways of satisfying the needs do change and unsatisfied needs results in poverty. The Capabilities approach on the other hand, sees poverty as caused by the deprivation of human capabilities. These theories were utilized for this study because they complement each other. Max-Neef believed that development should focus on promoting community agency where beneficiaries are the primary actors for development. Development for him is people-centred, participatory and environmentally sound whilst the Capability Approach of Sen is of the view that development is about developing or expanding human potentials. Being anchored on these two theories this study found out that CADEC use supplementary feeding, sustainable projects such as gardens and livestock production, educational initiatives, the provision of shelter and participatory development as strategies to alleviate poverty in the Binga district. CADEC’s long term projects that focus on farming practices and sustainable livelihoods have enabled Binga people to respond to their poverty. Thus, the results of this study substantiated the views on Max-Neef and Sen since CADEC does not only provide for basic needs but also enhances the capabilities of the people in Binga. However, even if the majority of the respondents believed that CADEC has managed to reduce poverty in Binga, a lot still needs to be done since poverty is still the main problem in the district.
- Full Text:
Sources of advertisement messages and their impacts on purchasing behaviour: a case study of Walter Sisulu University students
- Authors: Oladimeji, Olawumi Kate
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Com)
- Identifier: vital:11371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015413
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the sources of advertisement messages and the impacts they have on the buying behaviour of students of Walter Sisulu University (WSU), and examine whether traditional mass media advertising still influences the students’ decision to buy and whether advancement in communication technology affects how the students receive information. This study also investigated the impact of traditional mass media advertising in comparison to new media advertising. Questionnaires were administered to students of WSU, Mthatha campus. The survey was conducted within the period of February 2013 – March 2013. The desired sample size was 270 students. A final sample of 220 valid responses was analysed, representing 81% of the desired sample. The study revealed that majority are aware of television while billboards and direct mails have the least awareness. The results also revealed that 78% of the respondents felt that traditional mass media still influences their buying behaviour, (90%) of the respondents prefer the traditional mass media advertising. This study demonstrated that the students of WSU are aware and exposed to the various sources of advertisement messages. In addition, existing literature and this research report have shown that the various mediums have distinctive characteristics which make them unique. In spite of the advent of modern technology, the traditional mass media still influences buying behaviour with television being the most influential media.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Oladimeji, Olawumi Kate
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Com)
- Identifier: vital:11371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015413
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the sources of advertisement messages and the impacts they have on the buying behaviour of students of Walter Sisulu University (WSU), and examine whether traditional mass media advertising still influences the students’ decision to buy and whether advancement in communication technology affects how the students receive information. This study also investigated the impact of traditional mass media advertising in comparison to new media advertising. Questionnaires were administered to students of WSU, Mthatha campus. The survey was conducted within the period of February 2013 – March 2013. The desired sample size was 270 students. A final sample of 220 valid responses was analysed, representing 81% of the desired sample. The study revealed that majority are aware of television while billboards and direct mails have the least awareness. The results also revealed that 78% of the respondents felt that traditional mass media still influences their buying behaviour, (90%) of the respondents prefer the traditional mass media advertising. This study demonstrated that the students of WSU are aware and exposed to the various sources of advertisement messages. In addition, existing literature and this research report have shown that the various mediums have distinctive characteristics which make them unique. In spite of the advent of modern technology, the traditional mass media still influences buying behaviour with television being the most influential media.
- Full Text:
Spirit possession and social panic: Amakhosi possession and behaviour among learners in selected schools in Mdantsane Township
- Authors: Meveni, Siphiwo Douglas
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Spirit possession -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cults -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Anthropology)
- Identifier: vital:11775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018564 , Spirit possession -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cults -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This research sought to investigate the phenomenon of strange behaviour related to spirit possession called amakhosi in Mdantsane Township in East London in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This spirit phenomenon has recently been prevalent in Township schools in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces where school children were said to be possessed by a spirit which caused them to demonstrate a strange kind of destructive behaviour. These occurrences were also reported in the newspapers and community radio stations. All these media communications reported that teachers, parents and community leaders were increasingly concerned over a growing trend wherein children purchase muti called amakhosi which makes them to behave mysteriously and at times climbed school walls with their bear hands and at time becoming violent to the extent of threatening other learners and educators. The informants included community members, learners and educators. In a mainly qualitative research method, empirical data was collected from five selected high schools by means of observations, individual interviews and group discussions. The main aim of this study was to better understand this amakhosi phenomenon and to determine whether it is a spiritual, drug related or a social phenomenon. The findings of the study suggested that amakhosi possession is partly a spiritual phenomenon and should not be overlooked as it can result into serious crimes leading to death just like in the recent cases of satanic killing reported among the youth in South Africa. Secondly, there is also a strong element of drug abuse among the youth associated with amakhosi rituals. Lastly, amakhosi is more than just a spiritual issue. It is a socio-economic problem which mostly involves the youth who are struggling in identifying their roles and positions in the post apartheid South Africa. The main recommendation is that the amakhosi phenomenon needs a „wholistic‟ approach and not to just intervention by involvement of prayers and traditional healers.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Meveni, Siphiwo Douglas
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Spirit possession -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cults -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Anthropology)
- Identifier: vital:11775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018564 , Spirit possession -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cults -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This research sought to investigate the phenomenon of strange behaviour related to spirit possession called amakhosi in Mdantsane Township in East London in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This spirit phenomenon has recently been prevalent in Township schools in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces where school children were said to be possessed by a spirit which caused them to demonstrate a strange kind of destructive behaviour. These occurrences were also reported in the newspapers and community radio stations. All these media communications reported that teachers, parents and community leaders were increasingly concerned over a growing trend wherein children purchase muti called amakhosi which makes them to behave mysteriously and at times climbed school walls with their bear hands and at time becoming violent to the extent of threatening other learners and educators. The informants included community members, learners and educators. In a mainly qualitative research method, empirical data was collected from five selected high schools by means of observations, individual interviews and group discussions. The main aim of this study was to better understand this amakhosi phenomenon and to determine whether it is a spiritual, drug related or a social phenomenon. The findings of the study suggested that amakhosi possession is partly a spiritual phenomenon and should not be overlooked as it can result into serious crimes leading to death just like in the recent cases of satanic killing reported among the youth in South Africa. Secondly, there is also a strong element of drug abuse among the youth associated with amakhosi rituals. Lastly, amakhosi is more than just a spiritual issue. It is a socio-economic problem which mostly involves the youth who are struggling in identifying their roles and positions in the post apartheid South Africa. The main recommendation is that the amakhosi phenomenon needs a „wholistic‟ approach and not to just intervention by involvement of prayers and traditional healers.
- Full Text:
The information-seeking behaviour of economically disadvantaged communities: a case study of the Amsterdam community in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa
- Authors: Chimezie Obi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Information behavior , Information resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Bibl
- Identifier: vital:11574 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015358 , Information behavior , Information resources
- Description: This study examined the information – seeking behaviour of members of the economically disadvantaged community of Amsterdam. The study involved both a qualitative and quantitative investigation of the critical factors that affected information – seeking, need, and use in the Amsterdam community. The research design included a study of various information behaviour models with particular emphasis on Wilson’s 1996 general model of information – seeking behaviour. The three factors identified by Wilson for the study of various groups’ information behaviour were personality, work – related or work – role and environmental factors. Information science researchers, in the study of rural communities’ information behaviour, have used these three factors extensively. The data collection was triangulated with the use of survey, observations, and focus group discussions and in – depth interviews. The findings show how the person, in the context of information – seeking and the role-played within a given environment, could determine information needs and use. A person in the context of information – seeking, could be a father, a mother, a group leader, a nurse or a teacher. The main elements are the situation within which a need for information arises, and the person performing a role in an environment situated within the context of information – seeking. Information was found to be a critical commodity for the socio – economic, political, and educational development of any given community. Recommendations were made that could transform the community of Amsterdam, through the provision of sustainable information.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chimezie Obi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Information behavior , Information resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Bibl
- Identifier: vital:11574 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015358 , Information behavior , Information resources
- Description: This study examined the information – seeking behaviour of members of the economically disadvantaged community of Amsterdam. The study involved both a qualitative and quantitative investigation of the critical factors that affected information – seeking, need, and use in the Amsterdam community. The research design included a study of various information behaviour models with particular emphasis on Wilson’s 1996 general model of information – seeking behaviour. The three factors identified by Wilson for the study of various groups’ information behaviour were personality, work – related or work – role and environmental factors. Information science researchers, in the study of rural communities’ information behaviour, have used these three factors extensively. The data collection was triangulated with the use of survey, observations, and focus group discussions and in – depth interviews. The findings show how the person, in the context of information – seeking and the role-played within a given environment, could determine information needs and use. A person in the context of information – seeking, could be a father, a mother, a group leader, a nurse or a teacher. The main elements are the situation within which a need for information arises, and the person performing a role in an environment situated within the context of information – seeking. Information was found to be a critical commodity for the socio – economic, political, and educational development of any given community. Recommendations were made that could transform the community of Amsterdam, through the provision of sustainable information.
- Full Text:
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »