Browsing Faculty of Humanities by Title
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Batibo, H.M.; Kopi, M.M. (University of Botswana, Department of English, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate sex-related euphemisms in Setswana. Although sex matters, as embarrassing phenomena, are not usually talked about in Setswana communities, they have recently been brought to the open by the incidence of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The assumption in this study is therefore that, with more open discourse of sex-related matters in Botswana, more euphemisms have been created to camouflage the embarrassing nature of the various referents in this field. The sex-related matters include private parts, sexual activities, sexual secretions, sexual diseases and related phenomena. This study describes the nature, origin, and types of these euphemisms and considers their place and role in the social interaction of the people of Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/852 Files in this item: 1
Batibo_MJLL_2008.pdf (2.902Mb) -
Makgala, Christian John (Routledge (Taylor and Francis) http://www.routledge.com, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: This article is a modest sketch of the historical background to the phenomenon of xenophobia, with which policymakers in Botswana are grappling in the early twenty-first century. It is not, however, a historical treatise on xenophobia. Furthermore, it is acknowledged that scholarship on xenophobia is recent, being a post-liberation development in Southern Africa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/510 Files in this item: 1
Makgala_AHR_2006.pdf (1.805Mb) -
Akpabio, E.; Mustapha-Lambe, K. (Brill academic publishers, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: From the viewpoint of the cultural imperialism hypothesis and its complications, the overall aim of this study was to find out if foreign films still had a stranglehold on Nigerian audience members. The findings indicate that a majority of respondents watch and have a favorable attitude towards Nigerian home video films. However, in terms of preference between local and foreign films, a small percentage indicated preference for the former. The study concludes that the high squality of production of American films accounts for the favorable views held by respondents, even though it is apparent that these and other foreign productions no longer have a captive market in Nigeria. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/463 Files in this item: 1
Akpabio_pgdt_2008.pdf (1.184Mb) -
Ndana, N. (University of Botswana, Department of English, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper explores the dilemma of the emergent African intellectual, activist or modern leader by focusing on Sol Plaatje's experiences. It shows that by acquiring western education and values, the African intellectual occupied a position of in-between-ness, forcing him or her to promote and oppose both western and African values, and beliefs, resulting in a split identity. Consequently, his or her relationship with both the foreign culture and what he or believed to be his or her people, was bound to be problematic, leading to frustrations and disappointment. In dealing with such frustration Plaatje employed Shakespeare's text to lash out at his fellow Africans, and Tswana speakers in particular, for their reluctance in supporting his political and cultural projects. I conclude by showing that blaming his people for what he perceived to be their lackadaisical and cavalier attitude towards projects intended to uplift their status was somewhat misguided because it failed to recognize the dynamics of adopting and imbibing western values. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/854 Files in this item: 1
Ndana_MJLL_2008.pdf (2.410Mb) -
Molefi, R.K.K. (University of Botswana, Research and Development Unit / http://digital.lib.msu.edu/projects/africanjournals/browse.cfm?colid=12, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper examines the responses of colonial governments to outbreaks of bubonic plague in the interior, particularly that of the Bechuanaland Protectorate (Botswana) administration. Bubonic plague first reached Southern Africa through the seaports of Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, and Durban in 1900 at the height of the Anglo-Boer war of 1899- 1902. The dread disease found Southern Africa's ports, harbours and railway stations bursting at the seams with wartime commerce, and with an influx of refugees from the interior and large numbers of migrant labourers. From the ports, the plague spread to towns close to railway stations and finally into the interior where it caused havoc for the political economy of rural Southern Africa. Bubonic plague normally spreads as a disease among rodent populations living in the vicinity of human habitation. Fleas from dead rats if unable to find another rodent host begin to infest people instead. Bubonic plague became endemic in Southern Africa, and natural reservoirs of the malady still exist in the region. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/736 Files in this item: 1
Molefi_PBJAS_2001.pdf (1.105Mb) -
Parsons, N. (University of Botswana, Research and Development Unit/http://digital.lib.msu.edu/projects/africanjournals/browse.cfm?colid=12, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: This article talks about how the body of El Negro was stolen from southern Africa and how it was kept as an exhibit in a museum in Spain. Two French taxidermists stole the body later known as El Negro from a grave beyond the Cape Colony frontier in 1830-31. It was stuffed and displayed as 'Le Betjouana' (i.e. the Bechuana or Motswana) in France and as '1/ Betjouana' in Spain. From 1916 until 1998 it was the prime exhibit in a museum at Banyoles, north of Barcelona, where it became known as El Negro. Controversy over its display began in 1991, and was complicated by the assertion that a 'Betjouana' was a type of 'Bosquimano' (Bushman). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/507 Files in this item: 1
Parsons_PBJAS_2002.pdf (824.7Kb) -
Mutula, S.M. (Emerald, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose is to trace the revolution in information and communication technology (ICT) and changes in this wake such as globalization, digital divide, information society, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and e-government and how these changes impact on the provision of library and information services. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is largely based on review of literature both online and print. Findings – The paper concludes that the paradigm shifts occurring in the information environment have affected the concept of library; the perception of ownership versus access of library resources; the nature of information resources and services; and the role of the information professional among others. Research limitations/implications – The paper advocates for a proactive strategy on the part of information professionals in order to re-engineer and adapt the library to the volatile global information environment in order to remain relevant in the wake of new paradigm occurrences. Practical implications – Effective access and use of information will inevitably have great influence on the realisation of positive effects that the new paradigms occurrences engender in the global environment. It is desirable at this point in time to research into how information access and use can be brought to bear on the attainment of MDGs, bridge digital divide, enhance attainment of information society, promote e-government, etc. Originality/value – Despite, the rapid changes within the global information environment that has been occasioned by ICT, there is lack of critical mass of information science literature that addresses issues such MDGs, globalisation, information society and digital divide from the perspective of the information professional. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/768 Files in this item: 1
Mutula_LHT_2007 (1).pdf (1.058Mb) -
Magocha, K.; Arua, A.E. (Routledge (Taylor and Francis) www.routledge.com, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper examines the patterns of language use and language preference of some children aged 6–15 and their parents at the University of Botswana. The results indicate that the majority of the children speak Setswana and English, despite the fact that they come from different language groups. However, Setswana, the national language, is the more widely spoken. Very few of the children speak languages such as Ikalanga, Otjiherero and Sesotho and other minority languages. The language preferences of the children and their parents differ. Although many of the children speak two or three languages, they prefer only one – Setswana. However, the parents of the children prefer them to speak English rather than Setswana, especially in the school and playground. They also prefer their children not to speak English at home, although the children actually do so. Children from other language groups prefer English to their mother tongues. Generally, the study shows the continued growth of Setswana and English, and the gradual decline of the other local languages, except Ikalanga. The government is reported to be considering introducing a third language as a medium of instruction in the hope that it will stop the decline of minority languages. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/654 Files in this item: 1
Magocha_JMMD_2002.pdf (828.5Kb) -
Kezilahabi, E. (Taylor and Francis, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: This article argues that greeting among the Kerebe is a phenomenological project of everydayness in which the concept of being manifests itself in a dialogic manner. This is revealed through the four variables on which greetings are based: time, age, gender and relationship. The variables give us a glimpse of how the Kerebe view the question of temporality of being, the idea of being-for-the-other and the question of truth; and they cast some light on the general concept of a person in Kerebe thought. The article is oriented toward an inquiry into the concept of being-in-the-world from an African point of view. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/421 Files in this item: 1
Kezilahabi_JACS_2001.pdf (1.480Mb) -
Mekgwe, P. (Routledge (Taylor and francis), www.routledge.com, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The growing body of literature authored by women in Africa and the African Diaspora over the past four decades has been accompanied by vigorous debates out of which has evolved a body of theories pertaining to African Feminism(s). Theoretical models such as ‘Third World Feminism’, ‘African Feminism’, ‘Womanism’, ‘Stiwanism’, ‘Afrikana Womanism’ and ‘Nego-feminism’, amongst others, have responded to the anomalies exhibited by mainstream feminism, particularly its inability to address the cultural specificities out of which ‘other’ feminisms are theorised. The focus of this article has arisen out of the realisation that while such theories are invaluable to the development of feminist discourse, they have tended to focus predominantly on the politics of naming associated with the term ‘feminism’. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/997 Files in this item: 1
Mekgwe_TT_2010.pdf (311.8Kb) -
Morapedi, W.G. (Routledge (Taylor and Francis) www.routledge.com, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: For the last two decades, Botswana has had a reputation as a ‘country of immigration’, based on the large-scale import of skilled expatriates from Africa, Asia, and the West. This policy has been accompanied by a general acceptance, and even openness, on the part of Batswana towards non-citizens. In the late 1990s, however, these attitudes began to change, with intolerance towards non-citizens growing in a country where it was unknown only a few years earlier. (Crush 2003:1-2) The underlying reason for the growth in intolerance seems to be related to actual changes in immigration patterns in Botswana. The economic and political problems in Zimbabwe in particular have led to a significant increase in unauthorised migration to and through Botswana. The Botswana authorities have become considerably more active in arresting and deporting unauthorised migrants. Further adding to the visibility of the issue, the media and politicians have begun to identify the presence of ‘illegal immigrants’ as a problem. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/723 Files in this item: 1
Morapedi_JCAS_2007.pdf (1.902Mb) -
Bagwasi, M.M. (Elsevier http://www.elsevier.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Using a corpus of about 200 letters written during the time that Botswana was a British protectorate (1885–1966) by and to the British administrators on one hand, and letters written to and by Batswana (natives of Botswana) on the other hand, this paper explores the main differences and similarities between letter writing by Batswana and by the British. The study found that in the letters written by the British there is directness in presenting the point, very little stylistic ornamentation, and emphasis on information or content of the letters. The letters are more formal with shorter salutations and signatures. Letters written by Batswana on the other hand reveal that the conventions of letter writing in Setswana require greetings and an employment of address forms that convey respect and politeness in the Setswana culture. Letters written by Botswana thus have longer introductions and salutations which involve greetings and best wishes. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/731 Files in this item: 1
Bagwasi_JP_2008.pdf (1.100Mb) -
Mnjama, N. (Archlib and Information Services, http:www.hwwilson.com/journals; http://www.ajol.info, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper reviews the state of the audio-visual collections held by different government institutions in Botswana. The rationale of such review rests on the observation that although audiovisual materials constitute a vital information resource in such institutions, they are often not adequately managed after they are created. The paper identifies the types of audiovisual materials found in the public sector and the challenges in the management of the materials. The paper shows that many of the problems related to the management of audiovisual materials in the country emanate from weak legislative framework, lack of trained personnel in the management of audiovisual materials, technological challenges, inadequate storage facilities and the perception by users that audiovisual materials are not as valuable as records in other formats. The paper proffers strategies for dealing with the challenges of preserving and improving the use of audiovisual materials in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1090 Files in this item: 1
Mnjama_AJLIS_2010.pdf (117.8Kb) -
Lubinda, J. (Routledge (Taylor and francis), www.routledge.com, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: Botswana is a multilingual and a multi-ethnic nation that has had a thriving multi-party democracy, peace, and stability since independence, in 1966. Despite the superficial impression that a casual observer may have of a socalled mono-ethnic and monocultural society, Botswana is in fact home to more than 30 tribes with diverse cultures. Over the past four decades, it has scored many successes in education, health infrastructure, and the economy in general. There is one area, however, where it still needs to make much progress, namely in the governance of cultural diversity. For many years after independence, official discourse has been in favor of a culturally and lingusistically homogenous society. This was the legacy of the colonial administration that aimed at promoting only the culture and the cultural interests of the Setswana-speaking tribes. In recent years, however, the political and administrative leaderrship has begun to embrace diversity and multiculturalism, as can be determined from official pronouncements and participation in social events that celebrate cultural and liguistic diversity. The article attempts to show how attitudes have evolved in the course of time and who has been active in advocating for recognition of minority ethic groups and their rights in matters of representation in the House of Chiefs, language use in education, collective land rights, etc. It shows the role of civil society organizations and cultural associations as well as that of the University of Botswana in agitation for equality. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/970 Files in this item: 1
Lubinda_JMD_2010.pdf (1.753Mb) -
Arua, E.A.; Arua, C.E. (International Reading Association, www.reading.org/, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Reports of the poor reading culture of Batswana appear periodically in the popular media, especially the newspapers (see Baputaki, 2006; Hosia, 2007; Seboni & Swartland, 2009). These impressionistic reports speak of an alarming deterioration in the culture of reading in Botswana. In the sense in which it is employed, “poor reading culture” means lack of a reading habit among children, adolescents, and adults, both educated and illiterate. The label thus encompasses complete illiteracy, functional illiteracy, and aliteracy (Sisulu, 2004). Without supporting evidence, the poor reading culture label is difficult to justify for any population group in Botswana. Consequently, we, in this article, investigate the holiday reading behavior of some junior secondary school students in the country to ascertain the extent to which the label applies to them. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1014 Files in this item: 1
Arua_JAAL_2011.pdf (963.1Kb) -
Mnjama, N. (Sage Publications http://idv.sagepub.com, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Seeks to demonstrate that successful implementation of Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation is directly linked to effective and efficient records keeping regimes. Where records keeping systems are poor or ineffective, the implementation of FOI will either be problematic or fail to achieve the desired results. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/250 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)Mnjama_ID_2003.pdf (1.112Mb) -
Segobye, A.K. (Routledge (Taylor and Francis) www.routledge.com, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The colonial and postcolonial experiences of Africans reflect the myriad changes which African societies have undergone over the last few centuries. These include cultural, political and economic transformations mainly carried through formal education and the entrenching of western knowledge and technologies. The material and ideological changes were facilitated by a number of factors which varied over time and place. Formal education via religious missions became one of the tools for accelerated cultural transformation. It instilled new values and cultural aspirations for Africans caught in the complexities of colonial life. Education became the main vehicle for many forms of liberation from poverty, oppression and the inequities oflife. It offered an escape from what was perceived as the inadequacies of African knowledge systems creating new classes and voices within African societies. University education, as and when it became accessible to Africans, was invariably laden with multiple expectations for those who gained entry from their families and the wider communities within which they lived. The university thus became a complex landscape steeped in often contradictory aspirations including the transformation of individual and collective ideas. For some, it marked the attainment of a position of superiority, elite status, and often new forms of power, whilst for others it was a place of learning and enlightenment, associated with the creation of new liberties, and tools for realising broader freedoms. The idea of transformation in the university in Africa can thus be situated in the contradictions and opportunities that university education in Africa has come to represent. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/741 Files in this item: 1
Segobye_SD_2007.pdf (995.1Kb) -
Makgala, C.J. (Oxford university press/www.oup.com, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This article assesses the weaknesses of opposition in Botswana through the case of Kenneth Koma, the influential President of the Botswana National Front (BNF) from 1977 to 2001. This is done by examining the perception that from 1997 Koma’s relationship with the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) destabilized and weakened the opposition in the country. The article challenges a view, held by some of his detractors in the opposition, that his leadership style was out of tune with global trends. It also argues that what some people have viewed as ‘tribalism’ — the domination of the BDP leadership by members of the Bangwato tribe (of which Koma is also a member) — seems to be primarily a matter of expediency. This alleged tribalism is used by Koma’s critics as a smear. The article analyzes the relationship between Koma and the BDP at both political and personal levels. At the political level, Koma’s failure to keep the BNF united has been capitalized on by the BDP to tighten its grip on power. At the personal level, Koma has used his connections in the BDP to advantage in his business dealings. Koma’s cult status and his personal and political choices have therefore significantly contributed to de facto one-party rule in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/505 Files in this item: 1
Makgala_AA_2005.pdf (2.367Mb) -
Magogwe, J.M. (University of Botswana, www.ub.bw, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: This article is about the relationship between proficiency, gender and self-efficacy beliefs. It further says that self-efficacy beliefs are important in learning and have been found to influence learning meanwhile Univesity of Botswana first year students have been found to perform badly in English language learning. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/871 Files in this item: 1
Magogwe_MJLL_2006.pdf (1.989Mb) -
Ikpe, I.B. (crencas religioes e poderes dos individuos as sociabilidades, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Gender relations in Africa have always been important especially given the active involvement of women in production as well as reproduction processes. Women have always been actively involved in traditional economies as sole providers of food and nourishment whether such societies are agricultural or pastoral. More recently, women have been intricately involved in the production of goods and services which buoy both local and national economies of diferent African countries and could easily be noticed in various economic activities in both the trasitional and cosmopolitan locale. But more importantly , women are sometimes solely responsible for social reproduction in their capacity as minders of children and young adults. It is usually their responsibility to pass on societal norms and values to the next generation of Africans by helping them understand the ethos and cultural practices of the society. What this suggests is that Africa women have always held an important place in society both traditional and modern. The difficulty, however, has always been in analysing the power relationships between the sexes in African societies and understanding them in relation to the objectives of the feminist movement, especially, its call for womens emancipation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/369 Files in this item: 1