FACULTY OF ARTS

The study investigates how the speakers of different dialects, accents shift from the standard pronunciation of the RP to challenge the norms of speech production and foster understanding for diverse language and accents. The aim of this study is in two folds: 1) To document the specific phonetic changes occurring in RP central vowels including mergers, shifts in vowel space, and increased variability, 2) To investigate the sociolinguistic factors contributing to decentralization, exploring the influence in regional accents, and social class. This research is done through Qualitative Research Methodology, guided by David Stampe and Patricia Jane Donegan's Natural Phonology, as it addresses the central idea that phonological phenomena are best understood as Natural responses to the challenges of speech production and perception. The collection of data is done by recording, critically viewing, and analysing the decentralised vowels in words used by student speakers.

This study examined the intersection of digital communication and modern-day journalism practice within the National Television Authority (NTA) and Independent Television (ITV) broadcast stations in Benin City, Nigeria. The research sought to understand the extent to which these organizations have adopted digital communication tools, assess the impact of digital communication on their journalistic practices, identify the challenges they face in integrating digital elements, and ascertain the audience responses and engagement with the implemented digital communication initiatives. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study and survey was the research instrument. Findings of the Study include that NTA and ITV have made progress in adopting and utilizing various digital communication tools and platforms, such as social media, online news portals, and multimedia content. More so, the the implementation of digital communication channels has influenced the way the audience engages with and responds to the news offerings from NTA and ITV. It was recommended that NTA and ITV management should conduct a comprehensive audit of the organizations' current digital communication capabilities and infrastructure to identify areas for improvement. This should Involve evaluating the adoption and utilization of various digital tools and platforms across the newsrooms, and developing a strategic plan to enhance the integration of digital communication into core journalistic workflows.

In recent years, social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, significantly influencing various aspects of society, including education. This work focuses on the relationship between social media and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) students, specifically examining their use of and dependence on digital marketing. The objective of this study is to explore how social media platforms have transformed the marketing landscape for UNIBEN students and to assess their dependence on digitalmarketing strategies. The study employed the use of a survey research method to gather data. Structured administered questionnaire was distributed among a representative of UNIBEN students to collect data. The study showed that UNIBEN students heavily rely on social media platform forms for communication, information sharing, and engagement with brands, leading to a high dependence on digital marketing strategy. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the impact of social media on university students, shedding light on the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies in reaching and influencing a targeted audience. The implications of this research are substantial, as, they help companies and sellers to plan effective strategies to engage specific target audiences. It also assists university students in leveraging social media platforms to enhance their marketing efforts, improve student engagement, and foster a sense of connectivity with sellers. Overall, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the relationship between social media and UNIBEN students, highlighting the extent to which they depend on digital marketing strategies, this research will also help shape future researchers on social media marketing as an effective tool for digital marketing practice.

This study aimed to appraise the transformation process of Christ Apostolic Church in Nigeria from an Indigenous Church to a Pentecostal Model. This has become necessary since the Church founded in the 1940s as purely an African Indigenous Church has acquired the features of a Pentecostal Church to the surprise of Church historians, theologians, and critics alike over the years. To achieve the above objectives, the study employed three major research methods in religious study: the historical, phenomenological, and evaluative. The historical method used to obtain information about African Indigenous Churches, Pentecostal Church and the Christ Apostolic Church. The phenomenological method was used to gather information from the members on what the status of the Church was before now and her present state, while the evaluative method was used to analyze the information from the members. The questionnaire was administered on a simple random sampling method. Those who were issued the questionnaire are members of the church, the clergy in particular. The findings of the study were; from the onset, there have been some Pentecostal features in the doctrine and practices of the Christ Apostolic Church, the Youth are attracted to Pentecostal Churches because of the glamour and social aspect of their worship, and many orthodox Churches now emulate aspects of Pentecostal worship to improve on their liturgy, to avoid the exodus of their members to other Church groups, emphasis on prosperity, healing, deliverance and to have solutions to all life challenges are major attraction to Pentecostal Churches. As change is the only constant thing on earth, it is recommended that the administration, while embracing reforms, the foundation of the Church must not be distorted. Proposed reforms in the Church liturgy and polity must be critically examined before they are implemented. The Church is a spiritual entity; therefore, its managers must not be swayed by sight but constantly in tune with the Holy Spirit. Dynamism is needed in every organization- socio/religious, political, and economic; otherwise, such a body may not be able to meet the challenges of the ever-changing needs of the changing world. It is needed in every field of human endeavour but this must be well articulated and coordinated otherwise things may begin to fall apart, and copy-cat could cause an organization to derail from its mission statement.

Syncretism is worldwide and it’s affect almost any two religion that meets. It is also perceived in the encounters of two worldviews. The belief is one of the challenges facing Religion in contemporary times. Christianity is faced with a stark reality that the Christian faith did not permeate the culture of our people well enough, thus there is such confusion and a mirage of different practices with professing Christianity. This can be seen in the lifestyles and beliefs of some Christians in Benin City particularly in times of difficulties in Life. Thus the aim of this research work is to examine the double allegiance of faith among some Christians in Benin City who interestingly are devotees of both Christianity and African traditional beliefs. This research work set to critically examine the factors that are responsible for persistent of religious syncretism among some Benin city Christians. This Research work will adopt a descriptive method for data analysis, personal interviews and library resources that will constitute the primary and secondary sources of data. This data will be collected from published and unpublished articles. This research work tends to offer dialogue as a way forward to achieve authentic spirituality in any religion one may opt for.

The objective of this research was to investigate the function of radio in disseminating culture within the context of Nigeria. This paper presents a case study focusing on Benin City, located in the Edo State of Nigeria. The research aimed to evaluate the extent to which radio disseminates culture and the effects it has on the population in Benin City. The research was grounded on the the oretical frameworks of cultural norms theory and social responsibility media theory. The survey approach was used, with the questionnaire serving as the tool for collecting replies. The study's results indicate that radio stations have a significant role in disseminating the cultural values of the Benin population via their cultural and news programming. The researcher so suggests that radio broadcasting should persist in its efforts to uphold cultural values by delivering news and programs in local languages. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to actively engage with cultural programming on the radio

This study explored the attitudes and knowledge of Benin residents towards the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) in the Niger Delta region. The Niger Delta, rich in oil resources, has been subjected to environmental degradation and social issues due to oil exploration and production activities. The NPDC, as a major player in the region, has implemented various Corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at addressing community needs and fostering sustainable development. This research employs surveys in gathering data on the perceptions of Benin residents towards NPDC's CSR activities. Findings suggest a varied understanding and perception of NPDC's CSR efforts, influenced by factors such as awareness, socio-economic status, and direct engagement with the company. While some residents appreciate the tangible benefits brought about by NPDC's initiatives, others express skepticism and dissatisfaction, citing issues of transparency, accountability, and the adequacy of CSR interventions. The study underscores the importance of effective communication, community participation, and stakeholder engagement in enhancing the effectiveness and acceptance of CSR initiatives in oil-producing regions like the Niger Delta. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommended among other things that NPDC and other stakeholders should improve CSR practices and foster positive relationships with host communities for sustainable development

Beyond beautiful fabrics, the Nigerian fashion transcends more than just aesthetics. The story of Nigerian Fashion does not begin on modern runway. Its roots go deep into the history of powerful Kingdoms. From the intricately woven clothes of ancient empires to the contemporary designs, Nigerian Fashion has served as a powerful tool for shaping global perceptions of the nation. Taking a look at the vibrant colour characterising the Benin people's outfits, the fine velvet textiles adorning the people, intricate coral beadwork, and luxurious woven cloth, all these was unlike anything the Portuguese had ever seen upon firstcontact in the 15th century

This research is an examination of the phonological aspects of English words borrowed into the structure of the Edo language. The study objectives are to identify and describe lexical items borrowed from English in Edo. To classify the borrowed words that have penetrated the Edo lexicon into types, and analyze the linguistic environment that characterizes the borrowed words. The
data are extracted from speakers of the Edo language are analyzed using the Borrowing Transfer Theory. The findings reveal that the borrowings occur at the lexical level as a communicative strategy of Edo speakers to find words that Stand for objects or new concepts in their culture. This study, also, shows that the borrowing situation occur as a result of the dominant language (English) exerting pressure on the less dominant language (Edo). Some of the borrowed items are already fully nativized in Ẹdo while others are only partially nativized. The partially nativized items are observed to contain forms that are not found in Ẹdo. These include English sounds (such as the voiceless palate-alveolar affricate [ʧ], the voiced palate-alveolar affricate [ʤ] and the voiceless palate- alveolar fricative [ʃ]), word initial and/or word final consonants in nouns, consonant clusters, etc.

The purpose of this project is to examine the relevance of costume and make-up and to determine their effects on cultural promotions and preservations. This study focuses on how contemporary costumes can be designed with the Benin Traditional marriage fabrics (Evbu) popularly known as Velvet. It also reveals the aesthetics of creating contemporary styles of beach wear designs using traditional fabrics. This research would enhance other researcher's knowledge of culture, promote their cultural identity and strengthen their sense of belonging