Papers for Vol. 33(3) 2025

Specialized Forensic Techniques in Investigating Stock Market Crimes

This study draws on investigative practice and expert-methodological analyses to derive practically significant conclusions. It underscores that the use of specialized knowledge—encompassing expert consultation, departmental inspections, specialist participation in investigative actions, and the initiation and conduct of forensic examinations—constitutes a crucial instrument for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of investigations into crimes affecting stock market activities. The findings indicate that results from departmental inspections (audits, monitoring, financial audits, etc.) and consultations with securities-market specialists (primarily economists), both in general and in the course of specific investigative actions, support the assignment of appropriate examinations, ensure the collection of procedurally sound evidence, and reduce the likelihood of errors. The study identifies typical examination types employed in the analyzed proceedings: economic, handwriting, technical examination of documents, telecommunications, and computer-technical analyses. It substantiates the feasibility of expanding handwriting-experts' competencies to include the specialty “Research of Document Details,” enabling a single expert to comprehensively examine complex objects—such as short-handwritten notes produced by technical means—within one examination. Furthermore, the analysis identifies common shortcomings in the use of specialized knowledge within the examined proceedings and proposes measures to strengthen the skills of pre-trial investigation bodies and to improve their interaction with expert institutions. Keywords: Investigation, Stock Markets, Special Knowledge, Forensic Science, Handwriting Research

Ihor Samoilenko, Petro Kravchuk, Ihor Krasiuk, Andrii Gavrylenko, Tetiana Chashnytska, Anton Korshun

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.1-13

DOWNLOAD     

Media-Driven Tourism: Nigeria's National Female Football League as a Catalyst

Abstract
Football is one of the most popular team sports for all genders around the globe. It has a lot of benefits, such as enhancing health, promoting national unity, a source of entertainment and entrepreneurship. The media, in carrying out their social responsibility roles, cover male and female football competitions in their different national football leagues through the print and electronic media. Today, there seems to be an ongoing culture in the media to underrepresent women in national football leagues. Thus, this study aims to find out how the print media capture women's football league in Nigeria with particular attention to frequency, prominence, story type (genre), and content. The study adopted content analysis as its research design. Two newspapers, Daily Sun and The Guardian newspapers were purposively selected for the study. Findings show that Daily Sun and The Guardian newspapers covered 48 stories out of 112 editions investigated. Only 9 news stories were devoted to the National Female Football League (NFFL). The majority of news stories were positioned inside the pages of the newspapers examined. Just 1 news item was placed on the back page, and none of the reports were placed on the front pages. Results also indicate that news and pictorials were the major reportorial formats in the coverage of NFFL. Conclusively, the study maintained that Daily Sun and The Guardian newspapers focused less attention on their coverage of NFFL. The study recommends that reports on NFFL should be covered frequently by the media outlets in Nigeria. For better public knowledge and understanding of the essence of NFFL in sports tourism, other reportorial approaches, such as the editorial, feature, and opinion articles, should be employed. This aids in giving the public in-depth and interpretative reporting on NFFL.
Keywords: Tourism, Media, Women football league, Newspapers, Nigeria

Obinna F. Emeafor, Cynthia Ijeoma Emeafor, Chidinma C. Oguamanam

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.36-52

DOWNLOAD     

Echoes of Nineteen Eighty-Four: Is Our Education System Becoming More Controlling?

Abstract
In an era marked by heightened surveillance and control, George Orwells Nineteen Eighty-Four has regained global relevance, particularly in its critique of totalitarian regimes and their impact on education. This paper explores the parallels between Orwells dystopian vision and contemporary education systems, questioning whether totalitarian frameworks can foster 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Orwells Oceania exemplifies an education system designed for indoctrination, suppressing independent thought through tools like Newspeak and Doublethink, while modern education aims to empower individuals with adaptability and innovation. The study contrasts these opposing paradigms, highlighting how excessive control, standardized testing, and restricted information access in todays schools may inadvertently mirror Orwellian mechanisms, stifling the very skills needed for a dynamic world. By analysing the flaws in both systems, the paper underscores the importance of resisting educational practices that prioritize conformity over intellectual growth. Ultimately, it calls for reforms to ensure education remains a tool for enlightenment rather than control, preparing students to navigate and shape an interconnected, rapidly evolving society.
Keywords: 21st-century skills, George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four, Education system, Totalitarianism

Ufuk Ozen Baykent

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.53-65

DOWNLOAD     

A Socio-Literary Meaning in Sam Ukala's Skeletons: A Collection of Stories

Abstract
The study focused on enhancing women's empowerment through distance education in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State. The study was guided by three research questions. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population for the study was 640 members of the registered women's organizations in Nsukka Local Government. The sample size was 320 women. Multi-staged sampling technique was used. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire titled 'Enhancing Women Empowerment through Distance Education'(EWEDE). A reliability coefficient of 0.77 was obtained using Cronbach's Alpha. Data were analyzed using the weighted mean. Findings revealed that to a very high extent, distance education can contribute to the enhancement of political, economic, and social empowerment of women in Nsukka LGA of Enugu State. This is because women acquire sound political, economic, and social education, which results in active participation in more profitable businesses and life endeavors. A recommendation was made that the government should fund distance education.
Keywords: Distance Education, Empowerment, Women, Mental Health

Karoh Ativie, Adanma A Eguvwebere

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.66-87

DOWNLOAD     

Translanguaging Practices in Saudi Foundation English Language
Classrooms: Emotional and Linguistic Outcomes for Learners

Abstract
This study explores the perceptions of Saudi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners regarding the use of translanguaging practices in Foundation English Language (FEL) classrooms and their impact on emotional and linguistic outcomes. Through using students' native language alongside English, translanguaging addresses key emotional challenges such as anxiety, confidence, and motivation while also enhancing linguistic competence in grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. The findings indicate that 68% of learners perceive translanguaging as an effective tool for reducing anxiety and boosting confidence, while 70% agree that it helps them focus on improving their English skills without fear of making mistakes. Furthermore, 59% of learners reported improvements in vocabulary and grammar due to translanguaging practices. Emotional reassurance emerged as a significant benefit, with 78% agreeing that translanguaging provides the support needed to overcome linguistic difficulties and achieve language learning goals. However, challenges such as over-reliance on the native language and mixed readiness for complex English tasks were also noted. These findings emphasize the dual role of translanguaging as both an emotional and practical aid, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Translanguaging is a powerful pedagogical tool for enhancing multilingual competence, but it should be thoughtfully integrated with immersive English practices to balance native language support and target language mastery. Future research should explore its long-term effects through longitudinal studies and investigate hybrid models to optimize its application in diverse EFL contexts.
Keywords: Translanguaging, Multilingual Competence, Foundation English Language, Saudi Arabia, Pedagogical Effectiveness

Ahmad Kasser Mleiki

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.88-100

DOWNLOAD     

Distance Education and Women's Empowerment:
Mental Health Implications

Abstract
The study focused on enhancing women's empowerment through distance education in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State. The study was guided by three research questions. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population for the study was 640 members of the registered women's organizations in Nsukka Local Government. The sample size was 320 women. Multi-staged sampling technique was used. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire titled 'Enhancing Women Empowerment through Distance Education' (EWEDE). A reliability coefficient of 0.77 was obtained using Cronbach's Alpha. Data were analyzed using the weighted mean. Findings revealed that to a very high extent, distance education can contribute to the enhancement of political, economic, and social empowerment of women in Nsukka LGA of Enugu State. This is because women acquire sound political, economic, and social education, which results in active participation in more profitable businesses and life endeavors. A recommendation was made that the government should fund distance education.
Keywords: Distance Education, Empowerment, Women, Mental Health

Ekaette Okon Okop, Happiness A. Elufidipe-Olumide, Charity Onyeodiri Imo, Chibuike Darl Ochiagha, Vivian Paul Uyonwu, Olive Ilo, Inemesit Umofia

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.101-114

DOWNLOAD     

Reforming Subnational Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Strategies in
Vietnam: A Policy Evaluation of Quang Ngai Province amid Global Shifts

Abstract
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Quang Ngai province's foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction strategy within the context of global economic transformation, digitalization, and sustainability imperatives. Shifting from traditional investor-centric analyses, this research adopts a qualitative methodology, integrating policy document reviews, expert interviews, and institutional analysis to assess administrative capacity, policy coherence, and strategic alignment with national directives and global FDI trends. The findings reveal that despite Quang Ngai's geographical advantages and alignment with Vietnam's FDI vision, persistent challenges in institutional coordination, administrative inefficiencies, and limited sector-specific targeting undermine its competitiveness. The study highlights a disconnect between strategic aspirations and practical implementation, particularly in attracting high-tech and green investments. It recommends proactive reforms, including streamlined governance, enhanced investment promotion tailored to Industry 4.0, and human capital development aligned with sustainable growth objectives. This research contributes to the literature by offering a subnational perspective on FDI governance in transitional economies and proposes actionable solutions to bridge policy-practice gaps in regional investment management.
Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Institutional capacity, Industry 4.0, Subnational governance, Sustainable development

Hien Thu Huynh, Dung Nguyen Le Nguyen

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.115-134

DOWNLOAD     

Apology as a Politeness Strategy: The example of former President Buhari

Abstract
This paper examines the speech act of apologies evident in the official statements of President Muhammadu Buhari, intended as politeness strategies meant to mitigate certain face-threatening acts (FTA). Using Austin's (1962) speech act theory as a framework, the work sets out to analyse a sample of Buhari's presidential apologies, which, in theoretical terms, belong to expressive and commissive illocutionary acts. The central objective is to determine the extent to which the apology intended as a politeness strategy by the addresser, recognises the addressee's positive/negative face need, meets the addressee's overall face needs, and whether negative politeness is the universally preferred approach for doing face-work as Brown and Levinson claim. To this effect, we elicit data on presidential apologies from online editions of newspapers and subject them to a speech act analysis. We identify four instances of apology, namely (i) apology to Obama for plagiarism, (ii) apology for sacking vice chancellors and governing councils of Nigerian universities, (iii) apology to the senate, and (iv) apology to the Global Fund and Gavi. The results of the data analysis suggest that the speech acts of apology are basically intended to address the face needs of the addressees, redress infraction, and restore social equilibrium, and interlocutors do not value negative politeness over positive politeness, and may even have an overriding preference for avoidance-based, off-record verbal behaviour or other means of addressing face.
Keywords: Apologies, Face, FTA, Politeness, Semantic formulas, Speech act

Ebere Celina Krisagbedo, Chris Uchenna Agbedo

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.135-147

DOWNLOAD     

Gender-Sensitive Policy Implementation and Human Security among
IDPs in Abuja, Nigeria: A Mixed-Methods Study of Wassa and New Kuchingoro

Abstract
This study investigates the impact of gender-sensitive policies and programmes on human security among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Abuja, Nigeria, with a focus on Wassa and New Kuchingoro camps. Employing a mixed methods approach, the research explores how national frameworks such as the Revised Gender Policy and others influence safety, access to services, and empowerment. While frequency and regression analyses reveal that the National Educational Policy and VAPP Act are statistically significant contributors to human security, other policies showed limited or mixed effectiveness. Qualitative findings underscore the value of inclusive programming and highlight gaps in gender-responsive implementation, particularly for men, boys, and persons with disabilities. Drawing on feminist peacebuilding and peaceful masculinities frameworks, the study calls for a shift from gender-sensitive rhetoric to transformative practice through context-driven, inclusive policymaking. The findings offer actionable recommendations for state and non-state actors aiming to create sustainable, gender-equitable displacement responses.
Keywords: Gender, Human Security, Policies, Internally Displaced Persons, Abuja

Funom Rapha Yakubu, Aina Olabisi

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.148-167

DOWNLOAD     

The Interplay of Service Quality, Perceived Value, Satisfaction, and
Switching Barriers in Retaining Telecom Customers in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract
This study investigates how mobile telecommunications customer relationship management (CRM) programmes influence customer retention among selected providers in South East Nigeria. Employing a survey and correlational design, the research targeted a population of 428 GSM subscribers across three states in the region. A multi-stage sampling approach identified knowledgeable respondents who have used mobile services for more than three years. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient to assess the relationships between CRM programme dimensions and customer retention. Findings indicate that service quality, perceived value, customer satisfaction, and switching barriers within mobile CRM programmes significantly enhance customer retention. Among CRM components, the customer service and support solutions programme exhibited the strongest influence on retention. A strong positive relationship was observed between CRM programme implementation and customer retention, underscoring that retention outcomes for mobile operators are dependent on effective CRM strategies.
Keywords: Satisfaction, Service quality, Perceived value, Switching barriers, Telecommunication

Uchenna C. Anorue, Martins N. Ezugwu, Peace Nwamaka Ojonta, Dorathy Ngozi Ugwuja, Obin Ogban Obin, Chioma Chime-Nganya, Taiwo Ijeoma Njideka

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.168-187

DOWNLOAD     

Beyond Borders: The Impact of Migration and Remittances on
Nigeria's Economic Growth

Abstract
Migration and remittances are crucial in Nigeria's economic development, influencing financial stability, poverty reduction, and investment patterns. This study explores the dynamic relationship between migrant remittances and Nigeria's economic growth, examining how inflows contribute to household welfare, entrepreneurship, and macroeconomic stability. By analyzing migration trends, remittance flows, and financial inclusion strategies, the research highlights the socioeconomic impacts of diaspora contributions on national development. Using a mixed-methods approach, including economic modelling, policy analysis, and qualitative case studies, this study provides insights into how remittances enhance human capital development, infrastructure investment, and financial sector growth. The findings suggest that while remittances provide economic resilience, they also pose challenges related to dependency and inflation. The study offers policy recommendations for maximizing the productive use of remittances and improving migration governance to foster sustainable economic transformation in Nigeria.
Keywords: Migration, Remittances, Economic Growth, Diaspora, Human Capital Development

Boniface Ifeanyi Orji, Sylvester Shima Kohol

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.188-201

DOWNLOAD     

Ethics and Sustainability in Nsukka Cashew:
A Historical and Future- Oriented Appraisal (2000–2024)

Abstract
Nsukka cashew is globally recognized, yet unethical business practices within its value chain threaten market value, sustainability, and reputation. This study provides a holistic appraisal of where such practices occur in the Nsukka cashew sector (2000–2024) and their prospective consequences for industry growth. Employing a convergent mixed-methods design anchored in the concept of future self-continuity, the research integrates historical analysis with qualitative insights from key stakeholders across the cashew value chain. Findings indicate that unethical practices are perpetrated by both men and women driven by short-term gains and low future self-continuity. The study identifies specific hotspots along the value chain—production, processing, pricing, contract enforcement, and export documentation—and links these practices to adverse outcomes for market access, consumer trust, and long-term sustainability. The results underscore the need for institutional oversight and accountability mechanisms. Accordingly, the paper recommends the establishment of a regulatory body for cashew products to standardize practices, enhance traceability, and safeguard the industry's future viability.
Keywords: Language, Bullying, childless context, functional analysis, Nollywood videos

Samuel Onyenaezichi Odoh, Nnamdi Charles Ajaebili, Cosmas Ubaka Molokwu, Ogechi Akure Ikem, Chinwe A. Alazor

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.202-214

DOWNLOAD     

Bullying Ideology in Intra-Female Discourse: A Functional Analysis of
Childlessness in Nigerian Nollywood

Abstract
This study investigates intra-female bullying in the context of childlessness within Nigerian Nollywood home videos. While prior work has documented female harassment by male partners in marriage, less attention has been given to how women target other women—particularly in infertility settings. Focusing on mothers-in-law's verbal aggression toward their childless daughters-in-law, this research foregrounds co-female bullying within childless marriages. Using a purposive sample of three Nollywood films, twenty-seven sentences were selected as data and analyzed through Halliday's interpersonal metafunction of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The findings indicate that mothers-in-law deploy declaratives to state information that stigmatizes the childless woman; interrogatives to render psychological distress; imperatives to intimidate or constrain; and exclamatives to pronounce judgments on infertility. The study discusses how these functional sentence types function as bullying tools—threatening, insulting, taunting, excluding, spreading rumors, and eliciting emotional distress. It concludes that language serves as a social instrument that shapes and reflects power relations in mother-in- law/daughter-in-law dynamics. The authors advocate increased awareness of language use in such contexts and call for broader research on women's discourses across diverse settings, as well as educational initiatives to mitigate psychological harm linked to intra-female bullying.
Keywords: Language, Bullying, childless context, functional analysis, Nollywood videos

Emmanuel Jolaolu Adegbenro, Nwaugo Goodseed Ochulor, Peter E. Arikpo

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.215-225

DOWNLOAD     

Exploring Opportunities for Regenerative Tourism
in the Nigerian Tourism Compass

Abstract
The quest for economic gains and over-tourism has practically undermined the future of most tourism resources within a space; hence, the need for regenerative tourism in the global tourism debates. This study was aimed at examining the relationship between the choice of tourism resources/choice of tourist destination and regenerative tourism among travelers/tourists in Nigeria. Taro Yamane's Formula was used to determine the sample size (1000). While descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, inferential statistics of the t-test were used for the Hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that while there is a significant relationship between the choice of tourism resources and regenerative tourism in Nigeria, there is no significant relationship between the choice of tourist destination and regenerative tourism in Nigeria. The implication is that there are opportunities for regenerative tourism in Nigeria, more especially as it concerns cultural heritage resources and the like. The study concluded by recommending that host communities and other relevant stakeholders need collaborative mechanisms to actualize the gains of regenerative tourism within the Nigerian tourism space. The study has deemphasized socioeconomic gains as the focus for tourism development in Nigeria, by positioning regenerative tourism as a viable solution to sustainability issues in tourism development in Nigeria and some other sub-Saharan African States.
Keywords: Regenerative tourism, Tourism resources, Tourist Destinations, Rural tourism, Cultural heritage resources, Natural heritage resources, Sustainable tourism

Chris A. Diminyi, Demitrus O. Okim, Jerry N. Etta, Gilbert L. Laguo, Felix O. Oloda, Effiom E. Inameti, Donald O. Ewanlen

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.226-248

DOWNLOAD     

Exploring the Interplay of Language, Symbolism, and Igbo Cultural
Expressions in Isidore Diala's The Pyre

Abstract
This study explored the interplay of language, symbolism, and Igbo cultural expressions in Isidore Diala's The Pyre. The play, deeply rooted in Igbo tradition, employs linguistic techniques and symbolic elements to convey themes of identity, history, resistance, and spirituality. This study aims to appreciate the intersection of language, culture, and identity in the play through a phrase structure analysis of its morpho-syntactic patterns. The theoretical framework is anchored on Noam Chomsky's Phrase Structure Grammar (PSG). Phrase structure trees of selected sentences from the play were examined to know the linguistic patterns and relationships that underlie the play's language and Igbo cultural dynamics. On this note, the study focused on the noun phrase (NP) and verb phrase (VP) structures, exploring how these constructions reflect Igbo cultural identity. The findings reveal that the play's syntax reinforces the themes of cultural heritage, tradition, and identity, offering insights into how language shapes and reflects cultural identity. Thus, the findings demonstrate that the play's syntax reinforces the themes of cultural heritage, tradition, and identity. This study contributes to the understanding of the intersection of language, culture, and identity in African literature, highlighting the significance of PSG in uncovering the syntactic nuances in the play.
Keywords: Language, Spirituality, Modernity, Symbolism, Igbo Cultural Expressions, Societal Evolution

Cynthia Adaeze Onuegwunwoke, Chinenye C. Olekaibe, Chika Glory Opara, Perpetua Ugochi Nduka, Benedict Nkemdirim Igbokwe, Gloria Ukamaka Amadi

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.249-265

DOWNLOAD     

A Critical Discourse Analysis of Discursive Dynamics of Matriarchal
Gatekeeping in the Girl Child Commodification in Nollywood Home Videos

Abstract
This paper explores the intersection of motherhood, gendered power, and commodification of the girl child within Nollywood films-specifically Touching Love, You Must Marry Him and His Money, and Against My Wish. Using Van Dijk's Socio-Cognitive model and Lazar's Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis (FCDA), it analyzes how matriarchal language choices treat the girl child as a transactional entity within the marriage economy. The findings demonstrate that Interrogative utterances are tools through which maternal authority is weaponised to strip girls of agency, serve as discursive strategies that frame the girl child's resistance as irrational, and challenge, invoke shame, assert judgment, authority, and guilt-trip in order to enforce conformity. The Imperatives are goal-oriented actions of mothers that reflect commodification through obligation, manipulation, and authority. They serve as a discursive act of domination for mothers as they use them to demand marriage, replace choice with duty, and autonomy with submission. The imperatives also reflect a capitalist-matriarchal ideology, where marriage is not about love or agency, but about economic survival and social mobility. Declaratives are used to subsume a girl child's worth as social currency, determined by male wealth, approval, or marital status, while rationalising attributes that reassure, persuade, threaten, or assert commodification and female dependency ideologies; as well as manipulate the girl child to submission through maternal economic anxiety. The study concludes that these films serve not only as critique but also as cautionary texts, calling attention to the discursive violence embedded in commonplace maternal discourses.
Keywords: Matriarchy, Girl Child, Gatekeeping, Commodification, Nollywood, Critical Discourse Analysis

Nwaugo Goodseed Ochulor, Mercy Otuaga, Victor Kelechi Ashiegbu, Oyelami Oluwademilade Oyetola

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.266-280

DOWNLOAD     

'It's a Woman Thing': Africanfuturism and Intersectionality in Nnedi
Okorafor's The Book of Phoenix and Who Fears Death

Abstract
This article explored how the intersectional oppression of the female protagonists in Nnedi Okorafor's The Book of Phoenix (2015) and Who Fears Death (2010) empowers them to resist (intersectional resistance) and transform (intersectional redemption) their respective worlds fundamentally. Using Africanfuturism and intersectionality as theoretical perspectives, it posits that Phoenix, being Black and female, represents both the Black race and the Black woman. Thus, her trouble with Western domination, sexism, and misogyny displays the struggle of Black women with these problems. This condition is also applicable to Onyesonwu as a woman, an Okeke, and an Ewu, who grapples with patriarchy, racism, and religion. Her intersectional oppression enables her to exercise intersectional resistance and intersectional liberation, experiences that provide her with special insight into systemic modes of injustice. These Black females' intersectional resistance and intersectional redemption represent the agency of Black women who have demonstrated time and again their ability to interrogate and dismantle ideologies and systems of domination wherever they find themselves. This shows that women in Africa possess experiential knowledge of suppression and exclusion, which makes them invaluable in achieving an unprecedented renaissance and 'Africanfuture' in the continent.
Keywords: Intersectionality, Africanfuturism, Black women, patriarchy, Nnedi Okorafor

Ayodeji Isaac Shittu, Oluwatamilore Daniel Anthony, Anya Ude Egwu

https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2025.33.3.281-301

DOWNLOAD     

Discursive Constructions of Power Dynamics in Gendered Proverbs in
African Socio-Cultural Context

Abstract,/strong>
This paper examines the discursive constructions of power dynamics in the gendered proverbs of the Ezikeọ ba socio-cultural context, with a focus on role assignments and power negotiations. Using Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework, the study analyzes the language and power relations embedded in a selected set of proverbs, exploring how gender roles are both reflected and constructed through language. The analysis categorizes and interprets the key themes in these proverbs, offering insights into how linguistic structures reinforce or challenge societal norms. The literature review provides an overview of seminal works on power dynamics in gendered proverbs, specifically within the framework of the dominance approach and other gender and language theories. The study critically engages with these perspectives, assessing whether the proverbs align with or dispute the conclusions drawn in prior scholarship on gendered language. The findings suggest that the proverbs reflect traditional gender hierarchies but also highlight instances of subtle resistance and negotiation, where women exercise agency within the confines of their socially prescribed roles. This analysis contributes to the broader discourse on language and gender, offering a nuanced understanding of how proverbs function as discursive tools that both reinforce and contest established gender dynamics.
Keywords: CDA, Ezikeọba Igbo, Gendered proverbs, Power dynamics, Socio-cultural context