Constraints of Attaining Pragmatic Relevance from English into Selected Luhya Varieties in Interpreter-mediated Sermons

Interpretation is an ultimate bridge among people who speak more than one language. In the case where the audience fails to understand the source language (SL), it is necessary to get the message to communicate with the target language (TL) speaker through an interpreter. This paper aims to evaluate the possible constraints of attaining pragmatic relevance during the delivery of interpreter-mediated sermons from English into selected Luhya varieties. The rationale for this position is that since English and Luhya belong to different language families, rendering information between these two languages can be very challenging. The Relevance Theory by Sperber and Wilson (1986) provided the background for discussing the data. Data was collected through Key-Informant Interviews for the interpreters, Focus Group Discussions for the congregants and the researcher’s non-participant observation during church services. The audio recording was used to collect corpus for analysis. The following constraints were revealed; grammatic and structural constraints, time lag, idiomatic expressions in the SL, lack of compatible hyponyms, phonological and prosodic constraints, semantic constraints, lack of lexicalized TL versions, culture-specific words in the SL and polysemous words. The findings also revealed that interpreters need to be aware of the constraints they face in interpreting sermons to determine the appropriate strategies to counteract the constraints.

Download Full-text

Levels of Equivalence in Interpreter-mediated Sermons from English into Luhya Varieties

International Journal of English Language Studies ◽

10.32996/ijels.2021.3.5.4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (5) ◽

pp. 26-30

Author(s):

Annet Aromo Khachula ◽

Lucy Mandillah ◽

Bernard Angatia Mudogo

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Participant Observation ◽

Relevance Theory ◽

Target Language ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Source Language ◽

Key Informant ◽

Audio Recorder

Languages have different concepts for conveying meanings; hence there is a problem in finding equivalents between the source language (SL) and the target language (TL) in the process of interpreting. The transfer of meaning is identified as one of the basic problems in interpreting due to the absence of equivalence between two languages. This paper identifies levels of equivalence in the interpretation of selected sermons from English into Luhya varieties. Data was collected through key-informant interviews of interpreters, Focus Group Discussions by the congregants, and the researcher’s non-participant observation during church services. An audio recorder was used to collect the corpus for analysis which was later transcribed and translated for analysis. Relevance Theory by Sperber and Wilson (1986) provided the background for the discussion of the data. The findings revealed the following levels of equivalence in the interpretation of English sermons into Luhya varieties; one to many, one to part-of-one and nil equivalence. Further, it was also revealed that interpreters need to identify these three levels of equivalence in interpreting English sermons into Luhya varieties to determine the appropriate measures to counteract the situation.

Download Full-text

Drivers and barriers to workplace-based HIV self-testing among high-risk men in Uganda: a qualitative study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11041-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Patience A. Muwanguzi ◽

Robert C. Bollinger ◽

Stuart C. Ray ◽

LaRon E. Nelson ◽

Noah Kiwanuka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Hiv Testing ◽

Private Security ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Private Security Companies ◽

Self Testing ◽

Key Informant ◽

Hiv Testing Services ◽

Security Companies

Abstract Background Men in Sub-Saharan Africa are less engaged than women in accessing HIV testing and treatment and, consequently, experience higher HIV-related mortality. Reaching men with HIV testing services is challenging, thus, increasing the need for innovative ways to engage men with low access and those at higher risk. In this study, we explore men’s perceptions of drivers and barriers of workplace-based HIV self-testing in Uganda. Methods An exploratory study involving men working in private security companies employing more than 50 men in two districts, in central and western Uganda. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results Forty-eight (48) men from eight private security companies participated in 5 focus group discussions and 17 key informant interviews. Of the 48 men, 14(29.2%) were ages 26–35 years. The majority 31(64.6%) were security guards. The drivers reported for workplace-based HIV self-testing included convenience, autonomy, positive influence from work colleagues, the need for alternative access for HIV testing services, incentives, and involvement of employers. The barriers reported were the prohibitive cost of HIV tests, stigma, lack of testing support, the fear of discrimination and isolation, and concerns around decreased work productivity in the event of a reactive self-test. Conclusions We recommend the involvement of employers in workplace-based HIV self-testing to encourage participation by employees. There is need for HIV self-testing support both during and after the testing process. Both employers and employees recommend the use of non-monetary incentives, and regular training about HIV self-testing to increase the uptake and acceptability of HIV testing services at the workplace.

Download Full-text

An Anthropological Analysis of Evil Eye, Evil Spirits, and Ancestral Spirits Afflictions: Parengi Porja Tribal Women Views About Illness Etiologies and Its Treatment Practices

The Oriental Anthropologist: A Bi-annual International Journal of the Science of Man ◽

10.1177/0972558x19862394 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 273-283

Author(s):

Srividhya Samakya V. ◽

T. Subramanyam Naidu

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Health Management ◽

Participant Observation ◽

Semistructured Interview ◽

Tribal Population ◽

Data Types ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Treatment Practices ◽

Tribal Women

This article aims to understand the perception of Parengi Porja’s ways of illness treatments and health management. The Parengi Porja is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Population (PVTG), inhabiting the hilly regions of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. They strongly believe in supernatural agents as being the cause of illness. For this study, the Parengi Porja tribal mothers were purposively selected from five villages situated in the study district. We used participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, case studies, and semistructured interview schedules. We conducted five focus group discussions (FGDs) to understand the reasons for illness, and its diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Data types include demographic variables, incidences of illnesses, and their management. The study shows that this tribal population has its own understanding about the illness etiology and management strategy to regain healthy life.

Download Full-text

Diglossia and Local Identity: Swiss German in the Linguistic Landscape of Kleinbasel

The GLOCAL in Asia 2019 ◽

10.47298/cala2019.7-2 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Edina Krompák ◽

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Participant Observation ◽

Ethnographic Study ◽

Urban Life ◽

Linguistic Landscape ◽

Local Identity ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Swiss German ◽

Written Form

The city of Basel is situated in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, in the geographic triangle of three countries: France, Germany and Switzerland. Everyday urban life is characterised by the presence of Standard German and Swiss German as well as diverse migrant languages. Swiss German is ‘an umbrella term for several Alemannic dialects’ (Stepkowska 2012, 202) which differ from Standard German in terms of phonetics, semantics, lexis, and grammar and has no standard written form. Swiss German is predominantly used in oral forms, and Standard German in written communication. Furthermore, an amalgamation of bilingualism and diglossia (Stepkowska 2012, 208) distinguishes the specific linguistic situation, which indicates amongst other things the high prestige of Swiss German in everyday life. To explore the visibility and vitality of Swiss German in the public display of written language, we examined the linguistic landscape of a superdiverse neighbourhood of Basel, and investigated language power and the story beyond the sign – ‘stories about the cultural, historical, political and social backgrounds of a certain space’ (Blommaert 2013, 41). Our exploration was guided by the question: How do linguistic artefacts – such as official, commercial, and private signs – represent the diglossic situation and the relation between language and identity in Kleinbasel? Based on a longitudinal ethnographic study, a corpus was compiled comprising 300 digital images of written artefacts in Kleinbasel. Participant observation and focus group discussions about particular images were conducted and analysed using grounded theory (Charmaz 2006) and visual ethnography (Pink 2006). In our paper, we focus on signs in Swiss German and focus group discussions on these images. Initial analyses have produced two surprising findings; firstly, the visibility and the perception of Swiss German as a marker of local identity; secondly, the specific context of their display.

Download Full-text

Study on Potentiality of Biogas Plants and Their Role for the Conservation of Environment

Nepal Journal of Science and Technology ◽

10.3126/njst.v15i2.12114 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 51-56

Author(s):

Dinesh Ghimire ◽

Jagannath Shrestha ◽

Anup K.C

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Science And Technology ◽

Primary Data ◽

Household Surveys ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

The People ◽

Key Informant ◽

Biogas Plants ◽

Biogas Technology

This study presents the potentiality of biogas plants and their role for the conservation of environment. It is basedon primary data collected from 84 household surveys, 6 key informant interviews and two focus group discussions. It was observed that more than 95% of the people residing in the VDCs were using firewood as a main source ofenergy. The total amount of firewood consumed was 510.570 ton/year which emits 775.052tCO2e/year. Due to the presence of agriculture based livestock holding population, there is a great potential of biogas technology. Thestudy showed that biogas technology could saved 34.40% of firewood which conserves 5.415 ha of forests area. There is a potentiality of 58 biogas plants of size 6 cu.m which will reduce 440.800 tCO2e/year.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/njst.v15i2.12114Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 15, No.2 (2014) 51-56

Download Full-text

Stakeholder consultations on small-scale irrigation schemes’ constraints in Zimbabwe

Environment Development and Sustainability ◽

10.1007/s10668-021-01987-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Edgar Muhoyi ◽

Josue Mbonigaba

Keyword(s):

Local Community ◽

Theory Of Constraints ◽

Small Scale ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Key Informant ◽

Technical Issues ◽

Social Environmental ◽

Political Economic ◽

Small Scale Irrigation

AbstractSmall-scale irrigation schemes (SSIS) have been considered a solution to viability challenges in drought-stricken farming areas in developing countries. However, the schemes face severe constraints. In this paper, relevant constraints are identified and ranked in terms of how serious the limitations are from the perspective of stakeholders in drought-prone areas of the Chipinge District in Zimbabwe. Information for the study was gained through a questionnaire and focus group discussions with small-scale irrigation farmers as well as key informant interviews with government irrigation officials, irrigation managers and members of the local community leadership. The information was garnered between August and December in 2017 with the analysis conducted using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, guided by the Theory of Constraints and classified in the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal (PESTEL) framework. Results indicated that SSIS are important in the drought-prone areas of the Chipinge District regarding food security and income generation. However, technical issues bedevilling the schemes are considered to be the most challenging limitations. The most important constraints—ranked in descending order of gravity—are technical, economic, social, environmental, legal and political challenges. Based on these findings, the research strongly recommends modernising small-scale irrigation schemes’ infrastructure, among other issues, as a priority in Zimbabwe's drought-prone areas.

Download Full-text

Assessing determinants of programmatic performance of community management of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea in children in Africa: Protocol and data collection for a mixed-methods evaluation of iCCM (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.33076 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Aliya Karim ◽

Don de Savigny ◽

Serge Ngaima ◽

Daniel Mäusezahl ◽

Daniel Cobos Muñoz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Focus Group ◽

Child Health ◽

Data Collection ◽

Intervention Effectiveness ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Middle Income ◽

Key Informant ◽

Low And Middle Income

BACKGROUND Integrated community case management (iCCM) is a child health program designed to provide integrated, community-based care for pneumonia, malaria and diarrhea for children in hard-to-reach areas of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The foundation of the intervention is service-delivery by community health workers (CHWs) who depend on reliable provision of drugs and supplies, consistent supervision, comprehensive training, and community acceptance and participation to perform optimally. The effectiveness of the program may also depend on a number of other elements, including an enabling policy environment, financing mechanisms from the national to the local level, data transmission systems, and appropriate monitoring and evaluation. The extent to which these factors act upon each other to influence the effectiveness and viability of iCCM is both variable and challenging to assess, especially across different implementation contexts. OBJECTIVE In this paper, we describe a mixed-methods systems-based study protocol to assess the programmatic components of iCCM which are associated with intervention effectiveness, and report preliminary results of data collection. METHODS This protocol employs a mixed qualitative and quantitative study design based on a Systems Thinking approach within four iCCM programs in Malawi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger State, and Abia State, Nigeria. Routine monitoring data is collected to determine intervention effectiveness, namely testing, treatment and referral outcomes. Surveys with CHWs, supervisors, and caregivers are performed to collect quantitative data on their demographics, activities, and experiences within the program, and how these relate to the areas of intervention effectiveness. Focus group discussions are conducted with these stakeholders as well as local traditional leaders to contextualize this data. Key informant interviews are undertaken with national and district-level program stakeholders and officers knowledgeable in critical program processes. RESULTS We performed 3,836 surveys and 45 focus group discussions with CHWs, supervisors, and caregivers, and traditional leaders; 120 key informant interviews with district and national-level program managers, health officers, and ministry officials. Policy and program documents were additionally collected for review. CONCLUSIONS Evidence from this study will inform child health programs and practice in low- and middle-income settings, and future policy development within the iCCM intervention.

Download Full-text

Understanding the Livelihood Characteristics of the Migratory and Non-Migratory Fishers of the Padma River, Bangladesh

Journal of Scientific Research ◽

10.3329/jsr.v10i3.34492 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 261-273

Author(s):

M. I. Khan ◽

M. M. Islam ◽

G. K. Kundu ◽

M. S. Akter

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Well Water ◽

Full Time ◽

Age Group ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Key Informant ◽

Part Time ◽

Tube Well ◽

Padma River

The Padma is the second longest and one of the trans-boundary rivers of Bangladesh that significantly contributes to fisheries production and supports the fishers’ livelihoods. This study assesses the livelihood characteristics of the Padma river-dependent migratory and non-migratory fishers, employing household interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews from July to October, 2015. All migratory fishers were full-time fishers, whereas, non-migratory fishers included full time (88.89%), part-time and occasional fishers (11.11%). Maximum fishers were belonging to the age group of 31 to 50 years of which 94.74% were migratory and 57.4% were non-migratory fishers. Half of the migratory and non-migratory fishers were illiterate. 89.47% migratory fishers used river water for drinking and other purposes, whereas, 94.44% non-migratory fishers used tube-well water. Average annual incomes of both migratory (58%) and non-migratory (65%) fishers ranged from Tk. 30,000 to 60,000, whereas 26% migratory and 5% non-migratory fishers had average annual incomes above Tk. 60,000. The overall livelihood status of the migratory and non-migratory fishers was not satisfactory as they have faced problems like conflicts with elite groups for resources, lack of fish preservation facilities. Effective initiatives and their proper implementations are very crucial to develop the Padma river fisher’s livelihood conditions.

Download Full-text

‘Sometimes you are forced to play God…’: a qualitative study of healthcare worker experiences of using continuous positive airway pressure in newborn care in Kenya

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034668 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. e034668

Author(s):

Helen M Nabwera ◽

Jemma L Wright ◽

Manasi Patil ◽

Fiona Dickinson ◽

Pamela Godia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ◽

Focus Group ◽

Airway Pressure ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Positive Airway Pressure ◽

Scale Up ◽

Newborn Care ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Key Informant

ObjectiveTo explore the experiences of using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in newborn care among healthcare workers in Kenya, and to identify factors that would promote successful scale-up.Design and settingA qualitative study using key informant interviews and focus group discussions, based at secondary and tertiary level hospitals in Kenya.ParticipantsHealthcare workers in the newborn units providing CPAP.Primary and secondary outcome measureFacilitators and barriers of CPAP use in newborn care in Kenya.Results16 key informant interviews and 15 focus group discussions were conducted across 19 hospitals from September 2017 to February 2018. Main barriers reported were: (1) inadequate infrastructure to support the effective delivery of CPAP, (2) shortage of skilled staff rendering it difficult for the available staff to initiate or monitor infants on CPAP and (3) inadequate knowledge and training of staff that inhibited the safe care of infants on CPAP. Key facilitators reported were positive patient outcomes after CPAP use that increased staff confidence and partnership with caregivers in the management of newborns on CPAP. Healthcare workers in private/mission hospitals had more positive experiences of using CPAP in newborn care as the relevant support and infrastructure were available.ConclusionCPAP use in newborn care is valued by healthcare workers in Kenya. However, we identified key challenges that threaten its safe use and sustainability. Further scale-up of CPAP in newborn care should ensure that staff members have ready access to optimal training on CPAP and that there are enough resources and infrastructure to support its use.EthicsThis study was approved through the appropriate ethics committees in Kenya and the UK (see in text) with written informed consent for each participant.

Download Full-text

Conservation Agriculture Promotion and Uptake in Mufulira, Zambia-A Political Agronomy Approach

Journal of Sustainable Development ◽

10.5539/jsd.v10n1p156 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 156 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Bridget Bwalya Umar

Keyword(s):

Conservation Agriculture ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Public Officials ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Smallholder Farming ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Tillage Systems ◽

The Public ◽

Key Informant ◽

Farming Households

This study utilized 120 semi-structured interviews with smallholder farming households and two focus group discussions; as well as several key informant interviews with experts to explore the promotion and uptake of conservation agriculture (CA) in Mufulira, Zambia. Results reveal that ridges and flat culture continued to be the preferred tillage systems (97 per cent and 55 per cent respectively) despite the farmers having been trained in the use of a minimum tillage technique. None of the interviewed farmers perceived CA as a solution to any of their agricultural related problems. The NGO promoting CA in the district had framed it as suited for and claimed to target labour constrained HIV/AIDS affected households. Conversely, farmers complained that CA was challenging for them due to its high labour demands (23 per cent); poor harvests (18 per cent) and was unsuited to the rainfall patterns of the area (10 per cent). Local agricultural experts contested the promotion of basins in Mufulira. The framing of CA as a solution to labour constraints did not seem to hold in the study area. This effectively limited the contestation spaces available to the public officials with dissenting views on the suitability of basin CA in the district.

Download Full-text