International Research and Academic scholar society

IRASS Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Issue-4(April), Volume-2 2025

1. An Assessment of Hate Speech as a Factor against Democratic Developmen...
21

Dr. Dennis, Ugochukwu Omeonu*, Ikpeama, Chijioke John PhD
Department of Mass Communication, Abia State University
1-7
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15118987

This study x-rayed an assessment of hate speech as a factor against democratic development in Abia State, Nigeria. The study's primary goal was to unravel An Assessment of Hate Speech as a Factor against Democratic Development in Abia State, Nigeria. Its specific goals were to determine the extent to which hate speech campaigns impact Nigeria's democratic development and to identify the issues related to the use of hate speeches in the country's democratic process. Stimulus Response Theory served as the foundation for the investigation. The survey research method was used in the study, and a questionnaire was used to collect data. In a population of 1,932,892, 501 people made up the sample size. The study used a multi-stage sampling technique. The main conclusions showed that issues with hate speech in Nigeria's political process include things like violence, murdering, seizing vote boxes, and mistreatment of individuals or groups based on their nationality, tribe, cultural heritage, or language ties. It was determined that the enormous volume of hate speech that occurs in Nigeria before to, during, and following elections encourages minority group marginalization and murders. Additionally, the electoral commission ought to remind politicians and political parties of Sections 95 and 102 of the 2010 Electoral Act, which forbid hate speech and prescribe penalties for any caught candidates or political parties. In Nigeria's democratic process, this will lessen the prevalence of hate speech.

2. On C-E Translation of Cultural Default in Hong Lou Meng from the Persp...
6

Ziyi Yang*
MTI student of University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
8-12
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15157170

Skopos Theory is an important part of German Functionalism Theory, and it is a translation theory put forward by German scholar Hans Vermeer in 1970s. Vermeer believes that translation research cannot rely solely on linguistics, and the most important factor in the translation process is the purpose of the overall translation behavior. Skopos Theory holds that the purpose of translation is the most important principle in translation activities, and translation strategies and methods should be determined by and serve the purpose of translation. Due to the differences in language and culture and social life, the problem of cultural default is becoming more and more prominent in cross-cultural communication. This requires us to strengthen crosscultural awareness and use a variety of translation methods and strategies flexibly in translation. This paper will analyze the translation of cultural default in Hong Lou Meng from the perspective of Skopos Theory, based on the phenomenon of cultural default in China’s classic novel Hong Lou Meng, in order to find the correct translation method of cultural default in literary works and improve the communication efficiency between the author and his intended readers.

3. TACKLE PROSTATE CANCER MEDIA AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AND HEALTH BEHAVIOUR O...
9

Ikpeama, Chijioke John Ph.D*, Dr Dennis, Ugochukwu Omeonu
Department of Mass Communication, Clifford University
13-19
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15162360

This study was anchored on Tackle Prostate Cancer Media Campaign and Health Behaviour of Men in South-East Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to find out the extent South-East Nigerian men access media information on tackle prostate cancer, find out the extent to which media promote campaign on tackle prostate cancer amongst men in South-East Nigeria, examine which of the media channels that South-East Nigerian men mostly use in getting information on tackle prostate cancer, ascertain the extent to which the media campaign on Tackle prostate cancer affect the health behaviour of men in South-East Nigeria, unravel the challenges associated with the media campaign on tackle prostate cancer amongst South-East Nigerian men and identify the ways in which the challenges can be handled. The study adopted framing and social judgment theories. The study also adopted triangulation method with questionnaire and interview as instruments for data collection. The sample size was made up of 385 respondents, out of a population of 5,068,566. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for the study. The major findings revealed that there is a high level of regularity in media access to information to tackle prostate cancer, awareness of media campaign about the tackle of prostate cancer, and their accessibilities to messages about prostate cancer. It was also revealed that there is a high level of interest in getting more media information about tackle of prostate cancer. It was concluded that media campaign on tackle prostate cancer and sensitization of health benefits is a serious campaign both on Social media, electronic and print. This is because of the high level of spread of the ailment and its deadly and severe painful nature. It is therefore recommended that South-East Nigeria men and beyond should endeavour to seek and access information about prostate cancer in order to be updated about the ailment as well as preventing and remedying the situation.

4. THE USE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS AS A MEANS OF FOSTERING MUTUAL UNDERSTANDI...
6

Dr. Heavens Ugochukwu Obasi*
Department of Mass Communication, Abia State University, Uturu, Aba, Abia state, Nigeria And Department of Mass Communication, National Institute for Nigerian Languages, Aba, Abia state, Nigeria
20-25
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15188149

This research examines the crucial role of public relations in improving communication between organizations and their diverse audiences, focusing on The Polytechnic Ibadan. In today's complex communication landscape, organizations must effectively communicate with stakeholders to build trust and positive relationships. The study aims to identify The Polytechnic Ibadan's public relations strategies and assess their effectiveness in connecting with different audiences like students, faculty, alumni, and the local community. Using a mix of surveys and interviews, the research gathers data on public perceptions and organizational communication practices. Results show that proactive public relations efforts significantly improve mutual understanding, facilitate dialogue, and address stakeholder concerns. Transparency and responsiveness in public relations strategies are highlighted as essential for creating a positive institutional image. This research emphasizes the importance of public relations as a strategic tool for organizations, especially in educational settings, to engage effectively with their audiences. The study's insights contribute to academic discussions on public relations and offer practical recommendations for The Polytechnic Ibadan and similar institutions looking to enhance stakeholder engagement practices. Overall, the study advocates for a more integrated approach to public relations to promote mutual understanding and collaboration between organizations and their stakeholders.

5. UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION BEFORE THE ERA OF THE VIETNAMESE NATIONAL RI...
8

Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh*, Doan Thi Hong Minh, Lam Thi Doan Trang, Nguyen Thi My Yen, Phan Thị Thu Thuy
Ho Chi Minh University of Banking (HUB) Vietnam
25-29
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15193313

The destination of the era of the Vietnamese national rise is a rich people, a strong country, and a socialist society, standing alongside the global superpowers of the five continents. The new era, the rising era of the Vietnamese nation, is developed based on advanced, modern achievements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to grow strongly and synchronously in all fields. With that goal, higher education plays a vital role in contributing to realizing the goal of socio-economic development in the era of the Vietnamese national rise. The article presents, analyzes, and clarifies the theoretical and practical issues related to university administration before the new era - the era of the Vietnamese national rise. Accordingly, university administration in the trend of university autonomy in Vietnam currently is mandatory and unavoidable; in addition, the article also points out issues that need to be focused on and resolved regarding the administration of Vietnamese public universities in the current contemporary context. The limitation of the article is that it has not yet proposed and analyzed solutions to improve the quality and effectiveness of university administration before the era of the Vietnamese national rise in the current context.

6. GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS AND SIMULATION GAMES FOR VOCABULARY TEACHING: ENHAN...
11

Dr. Olubunmi Christianah Olagundoye* , Folake Sarah Olaniyan
Department of Curriculum and lnstruction, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, Nigeria
30-35
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15196916

This study investigated the effectiveness of graphic organizers and simulation gamebased learning in teaching vocabulary as tools for enhancing students’ achievement in 21st century learning skills in Nigeria. To achieve this the study tested three research hypotheses were generated to carry out the study. A quasi- experimental pretest-posttest design was used comprising two experimental groups and one control group. Each group consisted of 80 students selected from both urban and rural areas of Ondo metropolis. The study population included all junior secondary school students in Ondo metropolis from which 240 students were selected using non-random sample technique. Vocabulary Achievement Test (VAT) and instructional packages using (graphic organizer and simulation games) were used to carry out the study. Findings revealed a significant difference between the posttest scores of students in the experimental and control group, a significant main effect of school location and students’ achievement, gender was not a determining factor of students’ achievement in the experimental and control groups. The study recommended that teachers should integrate graphic organizers and simulation games in teaching vocabulary as these can directly influence students’ learning outcome in vocabulary, English Language teachers should undergo regular training so as to be more knowledgeable about pedagogy and should always improvise relevant instructional resources that could enhance effective learning

7. RENOVATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN VIETNAM TODAY
14

Dr. Nguyen Van Cong*
Institute of Education Management in Hochiminh City
36-39
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15194455

With opportunities opening up from digital transformation and international cooperation, Vietnamese higher education is making solid strides. For higher education to develop in the new era, it is necessary not only the efforts of universities but also the strong involvement of state management agencies, enterprises, and social organizations. This will help Vietnam's higher education system develop sustainably, meet the labor market requirements, and contribute to the country's overall development in the digital era. The article presents and analyzes general issues related to the theory and practice of Vietnamese higher education in the new period – entering the new era of Vietnam in the current period. Accordingly, the implementation time of Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW from 2023 up to now (2025), Vietnam's higher education has achieved specific and proud results, reflected in aspects related to: the renewal of exams, examination, evaluation, organizational work; the promulgation of legal documents; the development of lecturers and education managers. The article also proposed basic solutions to innovate higher education in Vietnam before the era of national development. The limitation of the article is that it has not given and analyzed the factors affecting the renovation of Vietnamese higher education before the new development era.

8. HOUSING CONDITIONS – WATER MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH OUTCOMES IN SLUMS: TH...
34

NGAYI MVEHE ALIMA*
Senior Lecturer at the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Buea, Cameroon
40-43
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15241734

The aim of this research is to demonstrate that the negligence of spatial planning in a town can lead to a major public health problem. The exploitation of water as resource, in poor housing conditions generates health issues within the community. When considering the capacity of various environments to support human life, the quantity and the quality of natural resources like water should be taken into account. The ignorance of that fact has caused the management of water resources, to become a major problem in the world today. The study is qualitative and focused on the examination of the role of environment in shaping health problems and how they spray. Primary data has been gathered from Direct Observation and Interviews sustained by a questionnaire containing open-ended questions to 73 Men and 86 Women, between 16 and 70 Years old, in Melen block 4 in Yaounde, in February 2024. Secondary data were provided by a Documentary research. The field of this study is Environmental Anthropology. It demonstrates how an endemic is linked to ecology and how, what first appear to be an efficient cultural adaptation, (housing condition), to a particular environment, can raise health challenges. The Ecological/ Epidemiological Approach has been exploited to examine structural factors and also the underlying cause of health issues; also by examining how water as an aspect of the natural environment interact with culture to cause Diseases and influence their spread within the population. According to this approach, research should focus on gathering information concerning urbanization, as a significant environmental factor that has important effects on health and also about the environmental context and social patterns that cause health challenge, such as food production and distribution, poor housing conditions, the quest for potable water, sexual practices, hygiene, and populations interactions, etc. The results of this study reveal that Melen 4 quarter is a slum, characterized by overcrowding, a very poor spatial planning, poor building, insanitary conditions, absence of basic facilities such as potable water, lack of worn water drainage systems, inadequate access to sanitation, etc. As consequences, populations living in Melen slum are exposed to a range of epidemic problems, as air and water-borne Diseases and other infections that has become endemic. Considering water management in Melen 4 slum, the opportunity to address the relationship between poor housing conditions, water and health outcomes is imposing: a water born disease from Melen-slum can become a national health challenge or a pandemic. A collaboration between the State and the Civil Society for an intervention concerning a well-studied spatial planning, education and sensitization of populations for a proper Spatial planning, sanitary conditions through a hygienic management of latrines, wells, worn water, streams, domestic wastes, etc, is required.

9. TOPIC-COMMENT SENTENCES IN ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE: A CONTRASTIVE ANALY...
5

Tran Thi Thuy Lien*
Vietnam - Korea University of Information and Communication Technology, The University of Danang
44-47
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15272807

Topic-Comment sentences (TCSs) have been shown to be common structures in many languages. However, they are one of the most controversial linguistic issues and thus pose challenges for a lot of language learners. With the purpose to examine the features of TCSs in Vietnamese and English, the purpose of this study is to improve understanding of these structures in both English teaching and learning as well as Vietnamese. The ultimate purpose of this research is to assist learners of the two languages in avoiding negative transfers and making better use of TCSs in translation and in everyday communication by offering a comparative examination of the structures in English and Vietnamese

10. Staging Limitations in Ghanaian Theatre Spaces: An Exploratory Study
8

Sika Koomson* , Johnson Kwaku Edu
Department of Theatre Arts, School of Creative Arts, University of Education, Winneba
48-57
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15272812

This study investigates the staging limitations faced in multiple-set design practices within Ghanaian performance spaces. It adopts a comprehensive approach, incorporating personal interviews, direct observations, and critical assessments of selected performance spaces for theatre productions in Ghana. Key performance spaces for Theatre productions profiled are the National Theatre of Ghana, the School of Creative Arts Auditorium at the University of Education, Winneba, the Efua Sutherland Drama Studio at the University of Ghana, the Main Auditorium of the University of Cape Coast, and the Centre for National Culture in Cape Coast. Through this multi-pronged methodology, the study identifies several critical challenges: architectural inadequacies, obsolete and non-functional equipment, poor maintenance practices, and a lack of expertise and funding. These findings highlight the urgent need for infrastructural upgrade and strategic planning to enhance the functionality and versatility of performance spaces in Ghana, thereby supporting the growth and development of contemporary theatre practice.

11. A RHETORIC STYLISTIC STUDY OF SOME OLUSEGUN OBASANJO’S SELECTED POLITI...
8

Omisakin, Adeyemi Matthew, Yahya, Hussain Oyewole
Department of Language and Humanities, Directorate of General Studies, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Nigeria
58-63
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15285568

The study identifies the rhetorical devices in some selected political speeches of President Olusegun Obasanjo, a popular Nigerian politician and an African leader with a motif to determine the strength of persuasiveness of rhetorical devices in his speeches. The study analyses some identified rhetorical devices and also examine their contextual implications within the socio-economic and political realities in Nigeria. This study explores how rhetorical devices in political speeches persuade electorates, focusing on Obasanjo’s two-term administration. Using primary data from twelve extracts of his inaugural speech, it applies Geoffrey Leech’s (2008) Linguistic and Figure of Rhetoric theory, alongside Halliday’s Systemic Functional Grammar, to analyze rhetorical patterns. The research calculates the frequency of rhetorical features to assess their persuasive impact and examines their rhetorical implicatures. A questionnaire evaluates rhetoric’s influence on voters' decisions. Findings reveal that political speeches employ rich rhetorical devices, often relying on specific lexical, syntactic, and tropic patterns to sway public opinion. Politicians strategically use language to shape support, employing rhetorical devices to depict socio-economic issues and project ideologies. The study finds they deliberately craft linguistic styles to influence public perception toward their goals. For instance, Obasanjo effectively persuaded Nigerians to back his two-term presidency through such tactics.It further concludes that the linguistic modes of Geoffrey Leech Theory of Linguistics and Figure of Rhetoric with insight from MAK. Halliday’s Systemic Functional Grammar are suitably appropriate for the analysis of rhetoric in speeches.





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