American Journal of Arts, Social and Humanity Studies

News Frames Emotion: Analyzing How Audience Are Influenced by News Frames

Akpoghiran, Idamah Patrick — 2024-01-03

Purpose: As a persistent pattern of selection, interpretation, emphasis and presentation, news frames is very fundamental in influencing individual emotions. News is the construct and presentation of the news media. The study examines how audience emotions are influenced by news frames.

Materials and Methods: The study is anchored on the theory of media framing, which deals with how the media package and present information to the audience or how audiences feel about an issue. Using analytical review of literature, the paper is exploratory and explanatory in nature as it adopts the gathering of relevant literature data with the sole aim of interpreting these data in order to achieve the desired aim of the study.

Findings: Arising from the analyses of data, the study submits that news frame as the construct and presentation of the news media is capable of influencing audience’s emotions. Individual’s perception and reaction to news is a product of the journalistic news frame. This is because news frames involve selecting and emphasizing words, expressions, and images and these are capable of influencing audience’s cognitive, attitude and emotional effects.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: However, audience emotions to news largely depend on the state of the audience’s selection, interpretation and perception processes of the news.

A Comparative Study of Traditional Art Techniques versus Digital Art Techniques in the Context of College Visual Art Education

Samuel Asare — 2023-08-10

This comparative study explores the efficacy of traditional art techniques versus digital art techniques within the framework of college visual art education. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of these two distinct approaches on students' learning outcomes, creative expression, and skill development. By employing a qualitative methodology, this research delves into the experiences and perceptions of students and educators, seeking to identify the strengths and limitations of each technique. The study's findings reveal nuanced insights into the multifaceted nature of art education, highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with traditional and digital methods. The study draws upon constructivist learning theory as the theoretical foundation, emphasizing the role of active engagement and hands-on experience in the learning process. This theory informs the investigation by guiding the exploration of how students construct knowledge and develop artistic skills through different techniques. The validation of the constructivist theory in the study is achieved through thematic analysis of qualitative data, wherein patterns and themes emerge from student and educators’ interviews. The research highlights the significance of a balanced approach to art education, recognizing the value of both traditional and digital techniques. It recommends that practitioners integrate a variety of methods to cater to diverse learning styles and preferences, fostering holistic artistic development. Moreover, the findings offer recommendations to educators to create an inclusive and adaptable curriculum that facilitates the exploration of both traditional and digital mediums. In the context of policy implications, this study underscores the need for flexible policies that support the integration of digital tools and resources in art education while preserving the essential foundations of traditional techniques. Policymakers are encouraged to promote professional development opportunities for educators, ensuring they are equipped to effectively teach and mentor students in both traditional and digital realms.

Exploring the Impacts of Artistic Expression on Minority Communities in East Africa

Carol Kambua — 2023-06-15

Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore the impact of artistic expression on minority communities in East Africa.

Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low-cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through online journals and library.

Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the impact of artistic expression on minority communities in East Africa. Preliminary empirical studies have shed light on the positive outcomes of artistic expression, including increased self-confidence, enhanced cultural awareness, improved mental well-being, and social cohesion within minority communities.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Critical Race Theory, Cultural Hegemony Theory, and Intersectionality Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the Impacts of Artistic Expression on Minority Communities in East Africa. Efforts should be made to provide accessible and affordable opportunities for minority individuals to engage in artistic expression. Moreover, governments, foundations and organizations should provide financial and institutional support for arts-based initiatives targeting minority communities. This includes funding for community arts programs, scholarships for aspiring minority artists, and grants for community-based arts organizations.

The Socio-Linguistic Implications of Personal Names in Mokpe

Joan Mapeh Eposi — 2023-10-04

Purpose: Most of our Cameroonian national languages are demographically and socio-culturally pressured by the English language. The national languages which were previously used in elementary education and religious activities currently do not have any place in any official domain and thus are limited to home and other few immediate domains. Due to this unequal coexistence of the languages, many national languages are considered endangered, calling for efforts from stakeholders to prevent the death of such a precious cultural heritage. In this line of understanding, the objective of this study was to investigate the semantic aspects, naming criteria, and typology of Mopke personal names. It is a contribution to such initiatives like the Bakweri Language and Literacy committee which aims at documenting the Bakweri language in every possible area and means.

Methodology: To achieve our objective, data was collected through participant observation, in-depth interview and self-intuition to investigate personal names of the Bakweri also called the Mokpe people of the South West Region of Cameroon, considering naming as an important aspect of the society.

Findings: As regards the theoretical framework, we looked at Mopke names within the purview of linguistic anthropology considering names as not being arbitrary labels but socio-cultural tags that have socio-cultural functions and meanings. In order to analyse and discuss the patterns observed in the data, the Thematic Analysis technique used to present the typology of the names including family names, circumstantial names, theophorous names and flora and fauna names. The paper further examined the changing nature of Mokpe naming system and practice as dictated by cultural contact mainly with Christian/ western culture.

Recommendations: The study wraps up with a recommendation for further investigation on issues surrounding naming practices and strategic measures to prevent this important African cultural resource.

Examining the Use of Art as a Tool for Social Justice in Kenya

Jeon Mukahi — 2023-06-16

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine art as a tool for social justice in Kenya.

Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the use of art as a tool for social justice in Kenya. The preliminary empirical review revealed that art education is a useful tool in promoting social justice, as it enhances student engagement and facilitates the exchange of information and resources. The study revealed that the community art project facilitated critical thinking, self-expression, and social cohesion among participants. It contributed to raising awareness of social justice issues and empowering marginalized individuals and communities.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Critical Theory, Cultural Hegemony and Aesthetics of Liberation may be used to anchor future studies on the use of art as a tool for social justice in Kenya. The government should promote inclusivity and diversity in the arts by supporting the representation and visibility of underrepresented groups as well as providing resources, funding, and platforms for artists and communities to collaborate on projects that address social justice concerns and amplify marginalized voices.