Psychology Of Language Acquisition In Young Children And Implications For Language Education Policy Making

Solomon Areaya, Daniel Tefera, Belay Tefera and Demis Zergaw   

Above and beyond political implications, proper language policy planning and implementation assume a paramount role in educational practices as well. Addressing language issues to a required level of satisfaction is, therefore, a critical factor for educational quality. The objective of this paper is, then, to explore the psychological dimensions of language acquisition and learning among young children in Ethiopia and draw implications for proper language policy making. It attempts to examine psychological processes, determinants, and implications of language acquisition, and L2, L3 learning. Pursuant on this goal, existing psychological theories of language development were critically reviewed at the beginning. This theoretical review was followed by consultations of international and African experiences to learn from practices. Furthermore, Ethiopian experiences were also brought to the fore and reflected up on based on theoretical and practical experiences. Then, implications were drawn for better language planning and implementation in the country.

Disaggregation of Sources of Incom Inequality in Sudan

Nour Eldin A. Maglad and Omer Eltayeb O. Mustafa

This paper examines income inequality in Sudan, using data of the national labor surveys carried out by Ministry of Labour, in 1996 and 2011. It attempts to explore the contribution of different income sources to over-all income inequality, by disaggregating the Gini measure of household per capita income, and change in the sources relative marginal effects between the two years. A Gini coefficient of 71% is indicated in 1996 with a lower value of 61% shown for 2011. Wages and paid labor income are found to represent the largest share of household per capita income and ranked first among the different income sources in contribution to overall inequality (63.5% in 1996 and 43% in 2011). Income from agricultural and livestock represented the second largest share (36%) in income composition in 2011 and in relative contribution to inequality (39%) compared to a lower contribution of (around 9%) in 1996, when one fifth of total per capita income was made of remittances and transfers. In 1996 both income and remittances seemed to have benefited the top income recipients. It is argued that this can be attributed to the harsh economic measures implemented in mid-1990, which privatized the provision of vital services to agriculture, including provision of credit. An increase in contribution of non-agricultural income in 2011 seemed to produce favorable impact on inequality as indicated by a marginal effect of -.003. Also in 2011, though contributing less to income than in 1996, remittances and transfers had an equalizing effect on overall inequality (marginal effect of -0.02). It is suggested that improvement in agricultural infrastructure, and provision of inputs like water and credit facilities, especially to small producers, and creation of off-farm activities in rain-fed areas, and support to self-employed and small producers in services and trade in urban areas, would have a favourable impact on employment and income distribution.

Socioeconomic Impacts Of Large-Scale Agricultural Investment In The Upper Awash River Basin, Central Rift Valley Of Ethiopia

Almaz Deche, Mohammed Assen, Shimeles Damene & Poshendra Satyal

In recent years, sub–Saharan African countries including Ethiopia have largely targeted large-scale agricultural investment (LAI) on the grounds of economic growth, employment and income generation, but with little consideration of its potential impacts on local smallholder farmers. Using evidence from the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia (CRVE), this study provides an in-depth analysis of the socioeconomic impacts of LAIs, particularly on the local smallholder farmers, based on data collected through a household survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. For the purpose, descriptive and inferential statistics and qualitative thematic analysis were used to interpret the data. Our study found that the LAI has many positive socioeconomic benefits to the local communities, as measured by technological transfer, employment opportunity and local infrastructure development. However, those farmers who were able to access LAI had better positive socioeconomic benefits while those who could not access LAI (particularly the smallholder farmers) were disproportionately disadvantaged. Nonetheless, LAI motivated and prompted some farmers to use improved agricultural technologies, including irrigation, better crop varieties, chemical fertilizer and engagement in alternative sources of income such as shopkeeping, selling manufactured products and food and drinks to farm employees and casual employment opportunities within the LAI. This has resulted in improvement of the livelihood status of some farming households. Despite several positive impacts, some negative impacts, such as loss of farmlands, reduced numbers of livestock, increased price of farmland for renting, have disproportionately affected the livelihoods of local smallholder households. In light of these findings, we conclude that scaling up of agricultural technologies and targeted support to smallholder farmers for alternative income sources (with technical and financial support) could improve their livelihoods. 

Mediating Educational Gaps For Refugee Children: The Case Of South Sudanese Children In A Primary School In Addis Ababa

Eyueil A. Demissie and Ambissa K. Boru

The major purpose of the study was to understand how culturally mediated is the primary education provided for urban South-Sudanese refugee children that are found in Addis Ababa. Qualitative single case study approach was used. Interviews were used to collect data from six South Sudanese refugee students, three teachers, and two vice principals at Hibret Fire primary schools; officers drawn from Development Interchurch Aid Commission (DICAC), United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and Addis Ababa City Education Bureau. Results of the study indicated almost absence of any attempt to make use of previous educational experiences of the children; low attention to bridging language gaps; and lack of preparation on the part of the schools to teach refugee children. The leadership of the school and the teachers lacked commitment to provide for the special needs of the refugee children. In general, it was learned that no attempt was made to mediate gaps the particular refugee children phase in their education. The study hinted that this undesirable state of primary education delivery might have resulted in the reported behavioral problems, high drop-out rate, low academic achievement, and decreased interest to learn which are rampant among the refugee children. 

Conflict Dynamics Behind The State Failure And The Challenges To Peace-Building: The Case Of Somalia

Temesgen Thomas Halabo and Taddesse Berisso

This study aimed to examine Somalia conflict dynamics, trends and challenges impeding efforts to build peace in Somalia. The study used qualitative method with explanatory research design. The study indicated that the Somalia conflict has been caused and reinforced by different internal and external factors that exacerbates and sustains conflicts. The study further revealed that lack of inclusive politics and disproportionate influence by the Damul Jadiid members within the SFG is eroding its legitimacy and creating popular perception that it is not representative government of the Somalia political elites. Its key warring party, Al-Shabaab is down but not out as there is a weak or no synergy between international support led AMISOM and the SFG led internal political progress. Moreover, the study showed that AMISOM led military front has been successful. However, the SFG politics is lagging behind and threatening to derail even this huge sacrifice. This is because the SFG has failed to do a catch through strong constitutional political framework and functional local government. For achieving sustainable peace, the study recommend that the SFG politics must be inclusive of all politico-military actors, strong synergy between military achievements and the SFG political progress and continuation of external support and the SFG commitment to honestly confront the governance challenges facing the country.