Role of Language in Promoting Social Cohesion and Peace: Insights and Examples (Published)
This article examines the role of language in fostering social cohesion and peace. The article emphasises the role of language as a tool for peacebuilding, drawing on insights from 15 peer-reviewed theoretical and empirical articles on language, peace and social cohesion. The document analysis conducted on the 15 articles in question reveals two major directions of language power in peace-building and conflict management. On the one hand, it has been demonstrated that language has the capacity to intensify conflict and erode social cohesion, resulting in discord and confrontation even in contexts that are otherwise peaceful. Conversely, it has been demonstrated that language is conducive to peace and social cohesion. The capacity for social cohesion within a society hinges on the existence of a shared set of meanings that enable members to comprehend the world. This is made possible by language. The impact of language on social cohesion and peace depends on how it is used. By developing speech that is tactful, respectful, inclusive and empathetic, the speaker demonstrates sensitivity to the interlocutor’s feelings and emotions, which can help to ease tensions and foster an environment of mutual respect and cooperation. Additionally, through active listening, positive decoding, honest interaction and politeness, the worth and dignity of the interlocutor is recognised, which can contribute to a strong sense of unity and belonging.
Keywords: Conflict, Language, Peace, cohesion
Dynamics of the Chieftaincy Succession Conflict in the Akuapem Traditional Area of Ghana (Published)
This study is a contribution to knowledge on the existence of succession conflict within the Akuapem Traditional Area. The study focused on the dynamics of the conflict. This study was anchored on an interpretivist philosophical viewpoint. Methodologically, the study employed a qualitative approach with case study research design. Thirty-four adults who have lived in the area for the past five years participated in the study. They included members of the traditional council, the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly, the royal gates to the paramountcy and adults within the community. Participants were selected using extreme case, critical case and convenience sampling techniques. Data were collected with the use of interview guide, focus-group discussion and observation protocols. The data collected were analysed thematically in line with the research question and emerged patterns from the dataset. The study found out that the dynamics of the conflict revolved around causes which involves power struggle, contestation of succession processes, and the disrespect of traditional authorities and stakeholders. The multiple causes resulted in the exacerbation of the conflict. The complex dynamics of the conflict has had multiple implications on the stability and development of the society. It is therefore, recommended that various measures be put in place by the government and various institutions concerned as well as the traditional area to address the chieftaincy succession issue and adequately ensure the full functioning of the institution and the society.
Citation:Shirley Dankwa, Ernest Kumi, Francis Tsatsu Owulah, Isaac Eshun (2021) Dynamics of the Chieftaincy Succession Conflict in the Akuapem Traditional Area of Ghana, International Journal of African Society, Cultures and Traditions, Vol.9, No.1, pp.48-76,
Keywords: Akwapem traditional area, Chieftaincy, Conflict, Ghana, Succession
Natural Resources and Their Implications on Ethnic Group Conflict in Bafut Sub-Division from 1974 To 2011 (Published)
The contradictory decision and natural resources, culminated with the superiority of traditional administration made ethnocentric conflict inevitable. The role of actors involved in conflict management was based on personal interest and lack of collective effort to bring lasting solution to the situation. Interviews, administrative documents, dissertations, journals, articles, text books and internet websites were consulted. The result shows that administrative units, and natural resources disposition, attempted acculturation, domination in traditional governance provoked conflict in Bafut fondom. The implication on development in the area was a mixed blessing. Finally diverse actors in conflict management were controlled by self interest.
Keywords: Conflict, Implication, conflict management, ethnic group, traditional institution
Jukun-Tiv Relations in the Benue Valley Region: The 2019 Scuffles in Southern Taraba State, Nigeria (Published)
Conflict, in general, is an inevitable part of relationship within and between groups and societies. It is intrinsic and thus natural to human and is expressed in diverse forms, differences in opinion, views and sentiments etc. When conflict occurs, interests are always at stake. The values attached to these interests mostly define the nature and character of such conflict. The most disturbing is the violence that often leaves in its wake several loss of lives, destruction of valuable property and a general sense of insecurity. The 2019 Jukun-Tiv conflict in Wukari assumed such a character with the attendant consequences of violent conflict, fast becoming the “normal” reality of our time. This is not only dangerous and unacceptable, but has formed the basis on which this research work is dedicated to resolving. Through a multi-disciplinary approach, the research attempt an analysis of the nature and character of the 2019 Jukun-Tiv conflict within a broader context of relationship in the Benue Valley Region of Nigeria. At the end, practicable and justifiable processes and ways that would guarantee positive and viable relationship between the Jukun and Tiv are suggested.
Keywords: Colonial, Conflict, Economic, Political, Politics, Relationship, Social, policies, pre-colonial
Jukun-Tiv Relations in the Benue Valley Region: The 2019 Scuffles in Southern Taraba State, Nigeria (Published)
Conflict, in general, is an inevitable part of relationship within and between groups and societies. It is intrinsic and thus natural to human and is expressed in diverse forms, differences in opinion, views and sentiments etc. When conflict occurs, interests are always at stake. The values attached to these interests mostly define the nature and character of such conflict. The most disturbing is the violence that often leaves in its wake several loss of lives, destruction of valuable property and a general sense of insecurity. The 2019 Jukun-Tiv conflict in Wukari assumed such a character with the attendant consequences of violent conflict, fast becoming the “normal” reality of our time. This is not only dangerous and unacceptable, but has formed the basis on which this research work is dedicated to resolving. Through a multi-disciplinary approach, the research attempt an analysis of the nature and character of the 2019 Jukun-Tiv conflict within a broader context of relationship in the Benue Valley Region of Nigeria. At the end, practicable and justifiable processes and ways that would guarantee positive and viable relationship between the Jukun and Tiv are suggested.
Keywords: Colonial, Conflict, Economic, Political, Politics, Relationship, Social, policies, pre-colonial
The Role of Magico-Spiritual Powers in Understanding the Culture of Impunity and Lack of Transparency in Nigerian Politics (Published)
The culture of impunity and lack of accountability on the part of the Nigerian politician is simply incredible. While democratic tenets, the world over, presuppose uncompromising observance of the rule of law, accountability and transparency, the Nigerian experience stands as classical case of irony and paradox. Thus, it deserves much more than a cursory interrogation, but an in-depth study. In order to understand the Nigerian situation, many researches have been carried out. Their conclusions point out corruption, weak institutional and legal framework, ethno-religious bias and inclinations as well as lack of free, fair and credible elections as factors responsible for the current state of affairs. However, the believe and indeed the practice of the Nigerian politician to indulge (almost incurably) in magico-spiritual activities in order to invoke powers that will enable them evade justice, mute public scrutiny and veil their culture of impunity and lack of transparency has received little or no deserving scholarly attention. Therefore, this paper examines this phenomenon and its impact on the body polity. Politicians and their allies, members of election petition tribunals, personnel of anti-graft agencies and magico-spiritual jobbers themselves attest to the endemic nature of the phenomenon. Interviews with these constitute primary source for this paper. Laced in segments of this paper are suggestions on how to put the practice of magico-spiritualism on the proper cause that will not be on a coalition part with democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
Keywords: Conflict, Democracy, Good Governance, impunity, magico-spiritual