Ethiopian Journal of Language, Culture and Communication

Practice and challenges of computer-assisted language learning in English classes at Ethiopian teacher education colleges

2025-04-23T10:04:17+02:00

The purpose of this study was to investigate the practice and challenges of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in English classes by English language teacher educators at Ethiopian teacher education colleges. The participants of the study were 29 English language teacher educators teaching in six teacher education colleges in Ethiopia, which were elected through convenience sampling. Data were collected through questionnaire and interview. The quantitative data were analyzed using mean and frequency count. However, the qualitative data from the open-ended items of the questionnaire and the interview were analyzed thematically. The results of the study indicated that the participants rarely or never applied CALL in their teaching of English. They did not even send assignments via email or created Telegram or WhatsApp groups to encourage their students to share ideas in writing or learn English independently. The results further showed that there were major barriers faced by the participants in integrating CALL into language classrooms such as lack of technical support from the administrations of the colleges where they were teaching and limited access to the internet. Moreover, the results revealed that the participants perceived that the students they were teaching had low English language proficiency which could potentially hindered them from applying CALL in their classrooms. In fact, the participants also perceived that their students did not have the required computer skills. The participants underscored the significance of timely training to introduce EFL teachers to the application of multimedia in language classrooms. Finally, it is recommended that further research be made on how prospective teachers use technology to improve their English language skills.

Effects of teaching reading using novel story textes on Amharic reading interest and reading comprehension

2025-05-28T14:41:47+02:00

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of teaching reading using novel story textes on Amharic reading interest and reading comprehension. A quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test control group was employed to examine the effects of teaching reading by novel story textes on these variables. The study involved 87 seventh-grade students from two classrooms at Debre Markos Bruh Tesfa Primary School. These participants engaged in research-designed lessons for ten weeks (20 class periods). In the reading comprehension lessons, students in the intervention group were taught using novel story textes, while students in the control group were taught using the student textbook reading passages. To assess the study participants' reading interest and reading comprehension before and after the intervention, written questionnaire and reading test were administered. The collected data were analyzed using independent ANOVA. The result revealed that teaching reading using novel textes had a direct positive effect on students' reading interest (F(1,85) = 42.5, p < .001) and reading comprehension (F(1,85) = 9.42, p = .003). Therefore, the findings suggest that integrating novel story texts into Amharic language reading comprehension instruction can significantly enhance the quality in reading comprehension.

Effects of phonics instruction on improving the decoding and word reading skills of first-grade English as foreign language students in Ethiopia

2025-04-23T10:07:36+02:00

Decoding and word-reading skills are foundational for children in English as foreign language environments with limited exposure to the language. Despite the very low reading achievement of students in this area, instructions in Ethiopia primarily rely on whole-word reading rather than grapheme-phoneme correspondence skills to recognize the meaning behind written words. Several studies have investigated the word-reading skills of EFL students using implicit instructional methods; however, studies on the effect of explicit phonics on decoding and word-reading are limited. Thus, the current study aimed to examine whether explicit phonics instruction improves the decoding and word-reading skills of EFL students in Sekota Primary School, Ethiopia. Two grade 1 EFL classes were randomly selected as experimental (N = 28) and control (N = 32) groups. Intervention based on explicit decoding and word reading was conducted for the experimental group for 20–25 minutes each school day over twelve weeks. Test results were measured based on participant pretest and posttest scores, and they were analyzed using a t-test. Results revealed that explicit phonics significantly improved the word-reading skills of the experimental group compared to the control group. Accordingly, this study suggests the necessity of emphasizing phonics to improve the word reading skills of EFL.

Differentiated instruction and its impact on students' academic writing skills: Assosa University

2025-05-28T14:43:26+02:00

The study aimed to investigate the impact of differentiated instructional approach on the students' academic writing skills. A pre-posttest quasi-experimental research with a single group interrupted design was employed. Data were obtained through tests, focus group discussion, and reflective journal from 27 third year EFL students who were selected using comprehensive sampling. Side by side with the interventions, three tests were administered to the sample students weekly. The quantitative data were analyzed using one-way repeated measure ANOVA, and the qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that differentiated instruction is effective on students' academic achievement in writing skills. As a result, this study advises that researchers, instructors, and teacher training institutes give careful consideration to how well the current language instruction fits into today's academically diverse classrooms.

Exploring health communication strategies to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 in health centers in Ethiopia

2025-03-22T19:37:18+01:00

This study explored how health communication strategies were applied to health centers in Ethiopia to address the risks of COVID-19. To explore this issue, the theory of health communication was used as a lens to explore the strategic efforts of health centers and the problems they encountered when applying risk-minimization health communication strategies. Accordingly, a qualitative research approach was used to explore the issues of the pandemic in this study. Moreover, qualitative data were explored through in-depth interviews and group discussions. The participants were selected purposely to meet the purpose of the study. The main findings indicate that to play their role, the health centers in Bahir Dar town used a half-hazard communication system. The majority of practitioners are nonhealth communication professionals who need to improve their communication knowledge and skills. During an outbreak, health communication plays a role in interventions during the pandemic, but the government and health organizations are currently diverting their attention to other transmissible diseases, ethno-political conflicts, and current market inflation. We suggest that health centers revisit the current strategies used to minimize the risk of COVID-19.

Effects of metacognitive writing strategies on writing self-efficacy beliefs: A study of ninth-grade Amharic mother tongue students

2025-03-22T19:37:19+01:00

This study examined the direct and indirect effects of metacognitive writing strategies on students' writing self-efficacy and writing performance. A quasi-experimental Solomon four-group design was implemented with 155 ninth-grade students from Memhir Akalewold Secondary School. The experimental group received instruction in metacognitive writing strategies, while the control group adhered to conventional writing practices. Data were collected through writing tests and a writing self-efficacy questionnaire, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for data analysis. The results revealed that metacognitive writing strategies have significant positive direct effects on writing self-efficacy (Î² = .785, t = 7.449, p < .001). Furthermore, these strategies exert a significant indirect effect on writing performance through writing self-efficacy (B = 6.485, t = 2.163, p = .013). These findings indicate that incorporating metacognitive writing strategies into Amharic language instruction can enhance students' writing performance. Based on the results of the study, educational recommendations and future research directions were suggested.

The role of cognitive, metacognitive and environmental strategies in improving reading comprehension and strategies use.

2025-03-24T15:01:22+01:00

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the role of cognitive, metacognitive and environmental strategies in improving reading comprehension and strategies use. In order to achieve the objective, quasi experimental research design was implemented, and the participants were sixth grade students who attended liwul Alemayheu Theodores full Cycle Primary School in Gondar City Administration in 2016. Among the sixth grade students in the school, two of the five classes taught by the same teacher were selected by random sampling. The data were collected through a reading comprehension test and a written questionnaire in the pretest and posttest classes. After the data were organized according to their type, they were calculated and analyzed by mean score and analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis method (MANOVA). The results show that the use of strategies in the post reading comprehension test and post strategies use; The experimental group students showed a statistically significant difference (P = <0.05) from the control group students. This result also indicated that cognitive, metacognitive and social strategies have a significant role in improving students' reading comprehension skills and the strategies use of skills.

Effects of the word wall strategy on sight word reading in second-grade students: A single-group quasi-experimental study

2025-04-28T10:29:26+02:00

This study investigated the effects of word wall strategy on sight word recognition among second-grade students at a primary school in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. A single-group quasi-experimental design was employed, with a purposive sample of 50 second-grade students. The effectiveness of the strategy was evaluated through a pre-test-post-test design, supplemented by observations and teacher interviews. Quantitative findings revealed that the use of the word wall strategy significantly improved students' sight word reading performance. Qualitative results indicated that students with lower reading confidence were less likely to take risks, emphasizing the strategy's role in enhancing engagement and better reading. The results suggest that second-grade teachers should integrate sight word instruction into their plans and cultivate a literacy-rich environment to offer students ample opportunities to practice sight words. Future research could look into the strategy across various class sizes, grade levels, and educational settings.

Analysis of Ashura ritual performance and its symbolic representation at the Dire Sheikh Hussein Shrine

2025-04-24T10:32:05+02:00

The objective of this research is to analysis ritual performance and its symbolic representation of Ashura Ritual performances at the nalysis ritual performance and its symbolic representation of Ashura Ritual performances at the Dire Sheikh Hussein Shrine. This religious site, situated in the Gololcha Woreda, Anajina Kebele of the Bale Zone, is believed to have been established in the 12^thcentury. Ashura Ritual is performed on Muharam month, the first month of Hijira. Ashura Ritual is performed for ten consecutive days at the shrine of Dire Sheikh Hussein. The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing observation and interview methods for data collection. The Performance and Symbolism Theories are guided the analysis of the collected data to describe their meanings. The study revealed that Ashura Rituals are performed at the place called â€˜Doqqoo Karaaâ€™, in front of the main gate of the shrine. During Ashura reading Quran, prayong, Baroo spiritual music performing, Chincha, Shubisa spiritual music performing, eating food together rituals are performed. The study indicated that from ten consecutive days, the ninth and the tenth days are fasting days. Ashura ritual is performed once a year at the shrine. The Ashura ritual is classified on commemorative ritual types. The study suggests that the Ashura spiritual ritual occupies a distinctive position regarding its social and spiritual significance. These rituals are fundamental community practices that encapsulate vital cultural and spiritual beliefs. Furthermore, the Ashura rituals promote values such as unity, solidarity, communal support, and spirituality among local residents.

Vocabulary learning strategy as a perceived predictor of EFL learners’ written receptive vocabulary knowledge among Ethiopian university students

2025-05-01T15:11:00+02:00

Studies emphasize on combination of incidental and intentional vocabulary learning strategies in English as foreign language pedagogy. The current study established the significance of vocabulary learning strategies as a perceived predictor of written receptive vocabulary knowledge among Ethiopian university EFL students. A quantitative correlational design was employed. To gather the appropriate data, a vocabulary learning strategy questionnaire and vocabulary size test were administered to 356, randomly selected, freshman English as a foreign language learners. To analyze the data, correlation and multiple linear regressions were computed using SPSS version 23. The major findings of the study revealed a significant positive relationship between perceived vocabulary learning strategies and written receptive vocabulary knowledge among the target English as a foreign language university students. In addition, the overall vocabulary learning strategy preferences have a significant positive linear relationship with perceived written receptive vocabulary knowledge. Remarkably, while metacognitive, social consolidation, cognitive, social determination, and memory strategy were analyzed, only determination strategy significantly contributes to predicting students’ written receptive vocabulary knowledge. This study provides useful insights to EFL teachers, and curriculum designers with regard to improving learners’ vocabulary learning. The authors also suggest conducting research to understand the directivity of the relationship between vocabulary learning strategies and written receptive vocabulary knowledge.

Navigating the influencing of Africa media ethical dilemmas in the Digital Age

2025-05-01T10:53:31+02:00

This study examined how African identities influence ethical dilemmas in the digital age. Global ethics in journalism, particularly in the digital age, deserves attention considering the amount of content readily available to the masses. To investigate the challenges, a qualitative cross-sectional design is used and thematically analyzed. The findings indicate that the rise of citizen journalism and the development of deontological ethics of new media are the main factors in the failure of the profession in Africa. Citizen Journalism triggered the violation of normative ethical issues, like, privacy and pornography. This problem is also acculturated in the African media. Several debates challenge global thinking about normative media ethics, particularly in Africa media. A new generation of media ethics emanates from current controversies and debates, and there is a green light and a growing concern about the development of global media ethics. Moreover, it affects accuracy in terms of source reliability, the nature of audiences. I suggest that media ethics should not ignore the current global thinking of developing universal global media ethics to restrict local ethical enforcement. The pull of drawing local media ethics and political context should be reversed because it subjugates the practice of journalism, the profession, and citizens' rights to information.

The role of Folk music in identity construction, expression and promoting healing in case of Janamora

2025-05-28T15:22:11+02:00

This study investigated the dual role of folk music in expressing collective identity and facilitating healing within a community. It explores how participants use folk music performances to express a shared sense of identity, understood as a collective or group identity, and examines its construction and reflection within the social fabric. The study also examines the therapeutic role of folk music, focusing on in the context of healing. A qualitative research methodology was employed, involving observation and in-depth interviews as primary data collection methods. The data were analysed using theoretical frameworks, including structural-functionalism, psychoanalysis, and social identity theory. Field notes, audio recordings, and video recordings were utilized to capture relevant data. An ethnographic research design was adopted to gain an in-depth understanding of the community’s cultural practices and social perceptions. The analysis discovered that the community’s identity is intricately tied to themes of heroism, gender roles, history, tradition, productivity, generosity, and religiosity. The findings show that the community expresses its collective identity through musical performances, using music as a coping mechanism and tool for healing from socio-psychological challenges. Issues such as crop failure, infertility, persecution, war, and the erosion of moral values are perceived as forms of social illness. In response, especially during the Epiphany, the community participates in rituals such as collective singing, lamentation, and the sharing of historical narratives, employing these practices as strategies for social healing and resilience. The study highlights song, chanting, Sacred Promise (Selete), and storytelling as central expressions of healing within the community.

Content analysis of oral poems performance on agricultural inputs of farmers in Borena district

2025-05-30T11:51:43+02:00

The main objective of this study is to conduct a content analysis on the oral poem performed by farmers in Borena district when using chemical fertilizer, compost, herbicide, & terracing in their farm land to increase their productivity. The study followed a qualitative research method, and 15 farmers were selected through purposive & snow ball sampling methods, & the necessary data for the study were collected from the field through interviews. In addition, field observations & document reviews served as data collection method. The data collected through these methods were captured through note books, audio recordings, photographs, video cameras and then organized by type & analyzed using functional & performance theories, as well as descriptive methods. The results of the data analysis indicated that farmers engaged in agricultural activities praised the fertilizer in oral poems for being able to be productive by using chemical fertilizer that are suitable & beneficial for their crops, which are manufactured in factories & are a mixture of various ingredients. The compost which is prepared with indigenous knowledge has been praised in oral poetry for increasing productivity. The herbicide which increases the farmers’ productivity has been praised in the poem. The farmers praised the work of the terraces for its great benefits in protecting the fertility of the soil from various natural & man – made hazards & increasing productivity. Finally, the researcher suggests that historians, sociologists & anthropologists who want to study the history, social life, culture, etc. of the district where the study was conducted could use the oral poems as a source of information.