Education
Expert Advises Linguists, Language Analysts On MCP Theory
Linguists and language analysts as well as the populace have been advised to use Multimodal Critical Pragmatics (MCP) Theory and the Multimodal CPrag3SD, a multi-functional model for analysing meaning in all natural languages.
A Professor of Pragmatics in Communication at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof Ebiere Ken-Maduako made the call last Thursday,while delivering his inaugural lecture at the 39th Inaugural lecture series of the University in Port Harcourt.
Ken-Maduako,who emphasised the need for users of words to consider the contextual and conceptual meanings to the choice of words used, so as to avoid being misunderstood as well as mis-interpreted .
“Having been given topics by my lecturer, on the title: ‘meaning of meaning’, after doing much research and understanding cleared, meaning became an intrigue. I seek and find meaning and different dimensions of meaning in everything I see, conversation I listened to, and activities that I observe, I read people’s body language effortlessly and I just seem to hear the “unsaid said” in every speech encounter.”
The Guest Inaugural Lecturer, stressed on what meaning is and how it should be applied in communications, adding that there were various forms of communication which includes verbal; non-verbal; written and visual as modes of expression with different forms of languages.
In her view on semantics, Ken-Maduako argued that it is a branch of linguistics that is concerned with the scientific study of the meaning of words in a natural language, but lacks an in-depth expression of the meaning, while the pragmatic is the practical aspect of meaning and considers the engagement of context in meaning, interpretation or ultilisation of human language in social interactions.
She explained that humans and natural signs have different connotations such as “yawning”, which could mean sign of tiredness or hunger and “don’t be silly,” which could mean an advice to a child or close friend and an insult to an elder or distant person.
She revealed that literal semantic theory cannot adequately provide interpretation to the meaning of expressions in any natural language, while Multimodal Critical Pragmatics Theory and Multimodal as a multi-functional model for analysing meaning in all natural language.
On the topic: ‘Meaning And The Linguist’, the Inaugural Lecturer, Ken-Maduako stated that words have been used differently to mean different things.
She cited a scenario where the Bible says: “If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you… Matthew 5:30 also in another scenario where drivers are held up in heavy traffic and they are looking for any possible opening to pass through, saying that words you hearing from them are: “ Madam, Oga, cut your hand to the left;” Oga na trailer you dey drive? ; Madam you no go cut your hand comot there or go your right? Which kind wahala be dis?; Abeg cut your hand comot there make I pass, concluding by asking if all the instances of the use of words above really mean to literally cut off one’s hand? No, but conceptually, the word cut, meant to leave the place, adding that in the above contexts, “cut” must have another connotative meaning different from it’s conceptual meaning,” The Prof added.
She conclude that the notion of meaning has been explored different levels, fields and contexts.
The multifarious nature of meaning highlighted immensely revealing how exceptionally ill-assorted it can be, emphasising that human language and the experiences of humans are so complex and multifaceted that a literal semantic theory cannot adequately provide interpretations to the meaning of expressions in any natural language.
The inaugural lecture thus proposed that the Multimodal Critical Pragmatics (MCP) Theory and Multimodal CPrag3SD as a multi-functional model for analysing meaning in all natural languages.
“This model has also been used in this Inaugural Lecture to foreground it’s efficacy in analysing language because it’s squeezes out the tiniest juice from the expressions under study.
She implored linguists as well as language users world wide to explore the multifunctionalism of MCP in their upcoming research and analysis of oral and written language.
“If you say this is the meaning of this, you may not be completely correct because in that context that may be the meaning of that word, but if you take it out if that context and put it to another context, you will see that it might mean something entirely different to you.
“If I say you are a fool for doing that, I am simply telling you that you have done something wrong, so in this context, it can be seen as counsel. The Speech Acts might not be to accuse you, it might be to counsel you, to open your eyes to what you have to see may be you should have done something different.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Vice Chancellor, I AUE, Prof Okey Onuchuku described academic research as relevant tool that profers solutions to problems for a better solution as well as promote innovation fir a better society.
Prof. Onuchuku commended the inaugural lecturer, Prof Ibiere Ken-Maduako for sharing her professional experience on the topic, adding that the lecture will go a long way to better the society.
“ Professor Ken-Maduako has fully presented her work with in-depth analysis of the word meaning, remarking many now have a better understanding on Semantics, Pragmatics as well as the models to be used in analysing word meaning.”
Onuchuku added that knowledge gained from the lecture will go a long way to solve problems as well create space for further research, while enjoining the university Don not to relent in her academic research so as to engender a better society.
“Inagural lecture is what actually brings out a lecturer to explain what he/she has been professing and as witnessed today, the Inaugural lecturer has really explained what she has been professing over the years. If you check out on the reference aspect of her book presentation, you will see that there are several publications that she has done and most of her speeches were drawn from there.
“She is an example of a scholar that is serious, that knows what she is doing as she excellently delivered the Inaugural lecture today.
By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
Education
Oyo Subeb Recruits More Teachers For Primary, Junior Secondary Schools
The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board has released the names of 5,600 newly recruited primary school teachers and 80 caregivers in the State.
The SUBEB Chairman, Nureni Adeniran, who announced this in Ibadan, the state capital, on Friday, explained that the list had been duly approved by the state Governor, Seyi Makinde.
“The newly appointed teachers and caregivers are the first batch of successful applicants from the recent recruitment exercise carried out by the board,” he said.
“The list will be uploaded on the portal and will be available for candidates to check their names from the portal.
Education
Corruption In Governance: Don Advocates Traditional Values Promotion
A Professor of Accountancy in the Department of Accounting , Faculty of Administration and Management, Rivers State University, Prof Lawyer Chukwumah Obara has advocated the adoption of African traditional values as a managerial tool to eradicate systemic corruption and mismanagement of public funds in governance.
According to him , the use of such African traditional methods like shrine oath-taking by public servants will deter such public officials from misappropriation of public funds while in office. He said accounting system is evolutionary science that recognises the practice of some pragmatic ideological practices such as African norms and values to fight corruption and mismanagement of funds that is predominantly noticed in both public and private governance.
Prof Obara stated this while delivering his inaugural lecture at the 106th inaugural lecture series of the state university with the topic, “Pragmatic Ideologies and Visionary Accounting: Reinforcing the Helmet, “ held at the Senate auditorium,last Wednesday.
He noted that all the 36 States including the Federal Capital Territory in the country can convinently survive without any federal allocation if they embrace pragmatic ideological accounting systems that are visionary accounting methods.
“Every State must adopt pragmatic approaches in their accounting system,there should be accountability and transparency, ,we must be flexible in our Constitution as constitutional rigidity is bane of the growth of the nation and we must go back to our root , traditional values and that will promote wonderful accounting system and the world will celebrate us,”he stated.
The erudite scholar noted that Accounting science helmet provides a safety umbrella to shade RAIR from shady accounting practices and can serve as both protective measure and forward looking.
Mr Vice Chancellor,in the foregoing senses, reinforcement can increase the probability that the accounting’ behaviour will occur again in similar situations.This implies that reinforcing the helmet is a powerful tool in shaping accountants behaviour, learning and development and this can lead to more effective strategies in accounting therapy and everyday interactions”,he stated.
The lecture examined the evolution of philosophical thought in accounting, notion of pragmatic ideologies in accounting, visionary accounting paradigm , transparency , differences and similarities,the helmet metaphor : balancing protection progress.
He posisted that accounting plays vital role in the socio-economic development of nations , stressing that Accounting is the instrument for financial management , transparency, and resource allocation.
“Over the years ,the accounting system has undergone significant transformations influenced by historical developments , regulatory reforms, and the adoption of global standards which serve as the helmet reinforcing and protecting socio_economic development.”
Reinforcement is a fundamental concept in behavioral psychology and learning theory, particularly in the context of operant conditioning. it refers to any stimulus or event that increases the likelihood of a behaviour being repeated in the future.It can be understood as a mechanism that encourages certain behaviors through rewards or consequences,”he stated.
In concluding, Prof Obara stated that Nigeria’s economic landscape demands an accounting profession that is both pragmatic and visionary .
Earlier in his speech,the Vice Chancellor of the university Prof Nlerum Sunday Okogbule represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof Victor Akujuru the lecture said is valuable and is capable to advancing the growth and development of any society if adopted, even as he commended the lecturer for a thoughtful and impacted inaugural lecture.
By: Akujobi Amadi
Education
RSUBEB Officials Visit Riverine Schools In Abua /Odual
A team of board members and directors of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board led by Member in charge of Supervision / Monitoring, Chief Nwuke Anucha visited Ogboloma,a riverine community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of the State to inspect a six classroom block built single handedly by the community recently.
Speaking at the King’s palace shortly after inspecting the building and facilities in the school, Chief Anucha, who represented the board chairman, Alabo David Briggs, commended the people of Ogboloma for remaining united and working in synergy for the good of the community and the younger generation.
While assuring them that the board chairman would surely be briefed on the effort so far made by the community in encouraging education in the area, Anucha expressed optimism that he (Briggs) will not hesitate to give his approval for the school to kick off and called on the people to see education as the responsibility of all.
He used the medium to thank the King of Ogboloma His Highness Micah Brother, the councilor, Hon. Thomas Carlson; CDC Chairman, Lucky Brave Egba, Chiefs and elders and youths for working in synergy for the progress of community.
Also speaking, the board member in charge of projects Dr. Walson Ominini lauded the people for promoting education in the area, assuring them that their effort will not be in vain.
Earlier in his speech, the King of Ogboloma, His King Micah Brother thanked the bfor finding time to visit the community, pointing out that the six classroom block was the singular effort of the community and appealed to the board chairman to give approval for the school to kick off.
The King who spoke through the councillor representing the area, Hon. Thomas Carlson narrated how children in the community are trekking long distances to neighbouring communities in search of quality education and sometimes would be bitten by snakes called on the board to come to their aid as government presence is not in any way felt in the community.
The chiefs also spoke, thanking the board officers for coming to see things for themselves.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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