Title:   IMPACT OF INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES ON CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN YOBE STATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR APPLIED PEACE LINGUISTICS IN FRAGILE SETTINGS

Abstract
The study attempts to establish the role of an indigenous language (Hausa) in
conflict management in Yobe State and the implication to applied peace
linguistics. In order to achieve this, the study conducted a participatory
observation during the community dialogue sessions conducted in Yobe State
by the British Council Managing Conflict in Nigeria Programme in 2022 in
respect of assuring community acceptance of the reintegration of repentant
insurgent into their communities. In addition, in 2023, the study conducted
focus group discussions with some of the persons that participated in the 2022
dialogue in three local government areas to ascertain how the use of Hausa
language enhanced the outcome of the community dialogue. It was found that
Hausa language contributed in persuading the communities to accept the
proposal, engendered active participation and quick absorption of the message,
bred the choice of words, negotiation of meaning and concession as well as
facilitated the respect for the worth and dignity of the participants during then
dialogue session. This study concludes, that once indigenous language users in
fragile states serve as communicative humanizers and uses it in such a way that
indicates empathy for fellow interlocutors, dignify dialogue and prioritize
positivizers; it will engender active participation, choice of words, negotiation of
meaning and concession, and respect for the worth and dignity of the
participants during the dialogue sessions leading to the resolution of the
conflict in question.

Citations:

Publication Date: 2024-03-18