Exploring Linguistic Hierarchies: The Role of Language in Shaping Power Dynamics in Public Spaces
Muhammad Haseeb Nawaz, Shenzhen University, China.
Saira Saleem, Institute of Language and Literature, Riphah International University, Pakistan.
Anam Ikhtiar, Fulbright foreign language teaching assistant at Hamilton Lugar School of lobal and International Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA.
MSI Journal of Arts, Law and Justice (MSIJALJ) | DOI https://zenodo.org/records/18818487 | Page 01 to 18
Abstract
Language in public spaces serves not only as a means of communication but also as a visible marker of social, political, and economic power. This study explores how linguistic landscapes the collection of written and visual language in public domains such as signage, advertisements, notices, and official communications reflect and shape power relations within society. By employing a comparative approach, this research examines public spaces across different urban and sociocultural contexts to investigate the presence, prominence, and hierarchy of languages. Particular attention is given to the dominance of certain languages over others and the visibility or marginalization of minority or less powerful languages. The study applies sociolinguistic and semiotic frameworks to analyze how language functions as a tool for asserting authority, negotiating identity, and constructing social inclusion or exclusion. Data collection involves systematic documentation of public signs and textual displays, followed by qualitative and quantitative analysis to reveal patterns of language use and power representation. Preliminary findings suggest that linguistic visibility often aligns with social and institutional power structures, highlighting the intersection of language, identity, and authority in shaping public perception. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics between language and power, offering insights for policymakers, urban planners, educators, and scholars in sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, and cultural studies. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of recognizing linguistic landscapes as sites where power, identity, and social relations are constantly negotiated and reproduced.
Keywords: Linguistic landscape, power representation, public spaces, multilingualism, sociolinguistics, language hierarchy, comparative study
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Issues in the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria
CHINDA, Florence Anelechi Ph. D, Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
MSI Journal of Arts, Law and Justice (MSIJALJ) | DOI https://zenodo.org/records/18817535 | Page 01 to 33
Abstract
In the wake of seemingly normalized criminality and its unabated wave in Nigeria and the need for concerted efforts to understand its pervasiveness, this paper examined the issues and challenges in the Nigeria Criminal Justice System (CJS). The administration of criminal justice in Nigeria has evolved significantly over time, mirroring the complexities and challenges of its diverse and dynamic society. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining law and order, protecting citizens’ rights, and ensuring justice. However, it faces numerous issues and challenges that impede its effectiveness. This paper examined these challenges, focusing on systemic inefficiencies, procedural delays, corruption, lack of adequate infrastructure, and the inadequate training of law enforcement officers. One of the most significant concerns is the overwhelming backlog of cases, exacerbated by limited judicial personnel and poorly equipped courts, resulting in prolonged pretrial detention and prison congestion. Additionally, corruption within the police force and judiciary further undermines public confidence in the system, as financial and political influences often distort the course of justice. Governed primarily by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, along with similar state-level laws, the system is designed to promote fair and efficient justice. The ACJA introduced reforms aimed at reducing delays in criminal proceedings, safeguarding the rights of suspects and victims, and improving the overall efficiency of the judicial process. However, despite these improvements, the Nigerian criminal justice system still grapples with significant issues such as systemic corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and resource shortages that hinder its effectiveness. This paper has made recommendations that requires an overhaul of the Nigerian criminal justice system requiring comprehensive reforms, including the modernization of legal frameworks, better training for judicial officers, investment in infrastructure, and the strengthening of anti-corruption mechanisms to restore public trust. Addressing these challenges is essential for ensuring that justice is served fairly and efficiently in Nigeria.
Keywords: Crime, Criminal, System, Justice, Administration.
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AN APPRAISAL OF THE ECO-BIO-COMMUNITARIANISM OF GODFREY TANGWA
EBEH, John Igbogo Ph. D, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts & Humanities, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State.
Rev. Fr. Dr. John Aikoye, Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts & Humanities, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State.
Odewale, Titilayo Rachael, School of General Studies, Department of Humanities & Social Sciences Federal Polytechnics, Nasarawa, Nasarawa State.
MSI Journal of Arts, Law and Justice (MSIJALJ) | DOI https://zenodo.org/records/18775013 | Page 01 to 21
Abstract
One of the major problems confronting the human society is the issue of the treatment of other nonhuman entities and the ecosystem. Most times, humans tend to exercise unnecessary dominion over every other being in the universe and hence causing harm to them. However, the major question at stake is the question of whether these nonhuman entities and the environment deserve some form of moral consideration from man. Is intelligence a valid criterion for the human entity to suppress the nonhuman entities? Is the human entity the only privileged entity in ethical considerations? What is really the difference which deciphers the human from the nonhuman? Are the nonhuman entities only at the mercy of consumption? All of these questions and more are the concern of the study and it employs the reconciling environmental ideology of Godfrey Tangwa as a blueprint. However, to do this, the study employs the analytic method of research which shall help to expose the ideology of Godfrey Tangwa and at the same time explore some contents in the ideology which reconcile the moral status of humans, nonhuman animals and the environment. At the end of the discourse, the study explores some points of appraisal which can be deduced from the ideology of Godfrey Tangwa hence showing its strengths and weaknesses.
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Legal Regulation of Child Support: International Practice and Azerbaijani Legislation
Abishov Safiyar Suleyman, Nakhchivan State University.
MSI Journal of Arts, Law and Justice (MSIJALJ) | DOI https://zenodo.org/records/18740722 | Page 01 to 13
Abstract
This article provides a comparative analysis of the legal regulation of child support, examining international practices alongside the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The study explores the “Income Shares,” “Percentage of Income,” and “Melson” models widely utilized in the United States and other jurisdictions, detailing their operational mechanisms and relative advantages. By comparing the provisions of the Azerbaijani Family Code regarding the determination and collection of alimony with international standards, the research identifies key similarities and structural differences. Furthermore, the paper covers the legal establishment of paternity, the criteria for modifying support orders, and the administrative and criminal sanctions imposed for non-compliance. The findings emphasize the necessity of refining legal enforcement mechanisms to secure the socio-economic well-being of children within diverse family structures.
Keywords: Child support, Family Code, international law, income shares model, sanctions, comparative jurisprudence.
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PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND MENTORSHIP AS CORRELATES FOR SCHOOL LEADERS ENHANCEMENT OF NEW-ENTRANT TEACHERS’ JOB PERFORMANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN AKWA IBOM STATE
Love Effiong Ebuk Ph. D, Department of Educational Management Faculty of Education Yakubu Gowon University.
Idorenyin John Ekop, Department of Educational Management Faculty of Education Yakubu Gowon University.
MSI Journal of Arts, Law and Justice (MSIJALJ) | DOI https://zenodo.org/records/18678175 | Page 01 to 17
Abstract
The paper focused on professional ethics and mentorship as correlates for school leaders’ enhancement of new entrant teachers’ work performance in secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State. The researchers set two research questions to guide the study. Survey research design was used for the study. The population of the study was 2,128 teachers and 376 principals from 376 public secondary schools located in 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. The sample of the study was 800 teachers and 200 principals sampled through random sampling technique. The 800 teachers were used to assess the 200 principals in the study. The research questionnaire was validated by experts in the Department of Educational Foundations, Guidance and Counselling, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The reliability of the instrument was carried out by conducting a pilot study. Twenty teachers (who were not part of the study) were used to respond to the questionnaire. Data was retrieved from the instruments and test-retest method of analysis was used to obtain data from the questionnaire. To test for the internal consistency was carried out usinf Cronbach Alpha statistical measure. The reliability coefficient index score of 0.78 was obtained. The findings of the study revealed that the principals had ensured that new entrant teachers practiced their professional ethics to enhance their work but they did not ensure that teachers were mentored in their task areas for job enhancement. Based on the study findings, the researchers recommended that: the principals should continue to mentor new entrant teachers to practice their professional ethics to enhance their profession. These school heads should endeavour to make sure that they mentor teachers especially the neophytes in their task areas for them to be enhanced on the job.
Keywords: Professional Ethics, Mentorship, School Leaders, New Entrant Teachers, Job Performance
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