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
Promote Learning In Boychild, Sanwo-Olu Tells Stakeholders
The wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has advised stakeholders in the education sector to promote learning opportunities for the boychild.
Speaking at the 60th anniversary thanksgiving reception of Eva Adelaja Girls’ Secondary Grammar School, Bariga, Sanwo-Olu maintained that there should be equity in education.
The old girls of the school held a week-long event to celebrate their alma mater at 60.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the wife of Permanent Secretary, of Health District 4, Dr Modupe Bowale, said “We should promote educational opportunities in male children and they should also be given the orientation on how to achieve their potential. No child should be left alone.”
She also advised that the girlchild should not be subjected to harrowing experiences, adding that a culture of silence should not be encouraged.
“Girlchild should be encouraged to fulfill her potential while we pay attention to her excellence, knowledge, skills, and opportunities. We must all speak up for the girlchild and seek justice for affected persons.”
Also speaking, Global President, EAGSGSOGA, Mrs Rhoda Ayinde, explained that the milestone (60th anniversary), was a testament to the enduring legacy of excellence and achievement the school had upheld.
Education
Monarch Advises Pupils To Embrace Postive Learning , Shun Cultism
The traditional ruler of Otumara community, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye, has advised pupils and children to shun cultism and embrace positive learning for a brighter and more rewarding future.
Kalejaiye, who is the grand patron of Lagos Mainland and Yaba Local Government Schools Sports Officers Association, gave the advice at the annual Inter-House Sports competitions of Lagos Mainland Local Government Primary School, Ijero Baptist Primary School, and Eleja Primary School held last Thursday and Friday at the schools’ premises.
The traditional ruler urged the pupils to be conscious of their safety and environment and report any suspicious moves, physical harassment, or anyone trying to lure them into cultism or take advantage of them to their teachers or parents.
He said, “We thank Almighty God for making this sports event a successful one. I commend all participants in various categories of sporting events, including the teachers, pupils, and handlers in both schools. I must say, the event was well-packaged. Congratulations.
“Ijero Baptist Primary School is very dear to my heart, not just because the Omolara Kalejaiye Lemon House is sponsored by me but because I began my primary school education here before I left when I was in primary 2”.
“In fact, walking into the school premises brings to my mind the memories of yesteryears. I give God all the glory for that.
“To the pupils, the best advice I can give, and that which I have always been giving, is for you to be good children to your parents, teachers, and your neighbors.
“You should always obey your parents because being attentive and an obedient child is rewarding both now and in the future. Don’t join cultists and don’t associate with bad friends.
“Face your education for a brighter and more rewarding future. Let me ask you, is cultism good or bad? As you are aware that cultism is bad, don’t join it. We are now in an age where cultism is being introduced to primary schools.
“You are the leaders of tomorrow, and that tomorrow is what you are preparing for today. For a brighter future that lies ahead, if anybody tries to lure you into a bad company or cultism, report such to your teachers at school or if it is at home, don’t hesitate to report such a person to your parents.
“Always remember at all times to be a good child and a good ambassador of your school.”
The highpoint of the sports events was the presentation of trophies and cash gifts to the first, second, and third places by the grand patron.
Education
Tanker Crushes Fresh Graduate After Clearance In Abia Poly
A yet-to-be identified tanker last Tuesday, reportedly crushed a fresh graduate of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Ezekiel Mary Ogechi, in front of the institution.
It was gathered that the deceased, who studied accounting, was at the Polytechnic carrying out academic clearance in preparation for the National Youth Service Corps scheme
Ogechi was said to have made a distinction in accounting and received a scholarship from an organisation to do a post-graduate course.
However, the tragic incident occurred after carrying out the clearance and crossing the road when a tricycle hit her before she was crushed by a moving truck.
According to the source angry students of the Polytechnic mobilised a protest after Ogechi was found lying under the truck.
The source said: “Unfortunately, she was hit by a tricycle while trying to cross to the other side of the road; before she could get up, she was then crushed by a fast moving truck.
“The management of the Abia State Polytechnic and the Students Union Government of the institution saved the day as the angry students were begged to calm down.
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