Varsities partner to promote social sciences
By John Okumu
University Don pioneers language documentation in Kenya
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By Jaspher Otieno
Senior Lecturer of Linguistics in Maseno Univeristy, Dr Benson Ojwang has pioneered a language documentation project in Kenya that applies the latest techniques and computer software. The project documents Terik, an endangered Kalenjin language under the auspices of the London-based Endangered Languages Documentation Programme. This approach to language preservation entails the systematic technology-assisted strategy of collecting, recording and archiving language data for comparative study, analysis and vocabulary compilation. It is envisaged that professionally documented and annotated data can aid future recoverability in case all the language speakers eventually die out. The exercise is particularly urgent for the numerous critically endangered languages of Africa. Dr Ojwang recently attended training at Buea University in Cameroon organized by the Endangered Languages Documentation Programme based at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Through this training, Dr Ojwang can help the hosting of the project in Maseno on behalf of the East African region. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dominic Makawiti commended Dr Ojwang on this feat and commented that this will definitely boost the capacity of Maseno University in the national and international community of linguists. ?
From Left: Dr Felix Kioli, Chairman Sociology Department; Professor Dominic Makawiti, Vice-Chancellor; Merja Seppala, Student Counselor Centria University; Ilmo Antila, Coordinator of International Affairs Centria University; Professor Rosebella Onyango, Director School of Public Health; Professor Sussy Gumo, Dean School of Arts and Social Sciences; Professor Wilson Odero, Dean School of Medicine; and Mr Jaspher Otieno, Director Public Relations
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aseno University has entered into partnership with Finland’s Centria University in a bid to promote the study of social sciences in both institutions. Maseno University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dominic Makawiti, recommended the partnership and believed it will be a solution to many challenges facing Kenya. ‘We believe this agreement will in the long run help solve societal challenges like crime and extensive drug abuse mostly caused by luck of employment’, he said. The two institutions agree ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????]???????????????????Y????
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