International Research and Academic scholar society

IRASS Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Issue-2(February), Volume-3 2026

1. Conceptual Framings in Scenography: A Comparative Study of Set Design...
5

Mohammed Muhideen Shamsu, John...
Department of Theatre Arts, University of Education, Winneba
1-14
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18637919

This study offers a comparative analysis of the design philosophies and creative processes of two leading contemporary Ghanaian set designers, Johnson K. Edu and Prince Kojo-Hilton, as evidenced in their respective 2024 productions of Martin Owusu‘s The Legend of Akusika. Framed within the theoretical lens of Comparative Aesthetics and informed by concepts of hybridity, the study employs a qualitative case study methodology, utilising semistructured interviews and visual analysis. It examines how each designer negotiates the triad of Ghanaian cultural heritage, global scenographic trends, and material-economic constraints prevalent in local theatre production. Findings reveal a fundamental divergence in philosophical orientation shaped by their distinct backgrounds. Edu, an academic and fine artist, advocates for a naturalistic and observational approach, prioritising realism and authentic cultural representation to foster audience connection through historical fidelity. In contrast, Kojo-Hilton, a self-taught visual artist, employs a more declarative, synthesis-driven philosophy, viewing design as an emotional ―bridge between tradition and modernity.‖ His work actively integrates indigenous symbols with digital and global aesthetics to create culturally assertive experiences. Despite these differences, both designers demonstrate a core commitment to centring Ghanaian cultural identity, illustrating that the field‘s characteristic hybridity is not monolithic but a spectrum of strategic negotiations. The study also highlights how practical constraints directly shape innovation and how a mentor-mentee relationship facilitates the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and technique. By moving beyond descriptive documentation to a process-oriented analysis, this study contributes a nuanced understanding of artistic agency in Ghanaian scenography, bridging theoretical discourse with applied practice and offering implications for scholarship, professional development, and pedagogical frameworks within African theatre.

2. The Role of Social Media in Preserving Indigenous Nigerian Languages
2

Dr. Heavens Ugochukwu Obasi*
Department of Mass Communication National Institute for Nigerian Languages, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria
15-18
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18683607

This research explores the critical role of media in preserving indigenous Nigerian languages, particularly through the integration of technology and social media. As globalization threatens linguistic diversity, innovative technological solutions emerge as vital tools for safeguarding these languages. The study highlights how digital platforms facilitate documentation, education, and community building around indigenous languages. Technologies like mobile apps and online resources enhance language learning, making the process engaging and accessible to diverse audiences. Social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and WhatsApp, are pivotal in fostering connections among speakers, sharing cultural resources, and promoting linguistic visibility. Facebook creates communities that exchange knowledge and resources, while X enhances rapid communication and visibility through interactive campaigns. WhatsApp offers a more personalized communication avenue, enabling real-time conversations and safeguarding privacy in language use. Furthermore, advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, particularly in speech recognition and translation, enhance the preservation efforts by making language materials more accessible and usable. This research concludes that technology, particularly social media, is instrumental in revitalizing indigenous Nigerian languages by providing innovative avenues for documentation, learning, and community engagement, thereby ensuring their survival for future generations.

3. Evaluating Community Participation in a Wildlife Management Area, Tanz...
0

Emmanuel B. Lwankomezi*
Geography Department, St. Augustine University of Tanzania, Box 307, Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania
19-30
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18683781

Community participation is fundamental to modern conservation practices because local communities serve as essential decision-makers for wildlife governance in sub-Saharan Africa. This research investigates various elements which affect community involvement in wildlife protection within the Makao Wildlife Management Area (WMA) of Tanzania. The research employs mixed-methods analysis to combine survey data and logistic regression modelling to determine how socioeconomic factors, spatial elements, and institutional frameworks affect participation. The research shows that tangible conservation benefits, including revenue sharing, employment opportunities, and development projects, enhance participation rates. Yet, human-wildlife conflicts and distance from the WMA border reduce community involvement. The research demonstrates that household attributes such as education level, income, land ownership, and household size positively affect participation because they enable socio-economic capacity for conservation involvement. Governance elements, specifically perceptions of fairness, transparency levels, and representation in local institutions, have a direct influence on participation outcomes. Participation in conservation depends on multiple factors, including incentives, institutional trust, and structural inequalities. The study promotes a shift in community-based conservation practice by moving past procedural inclusion to focus on equitable distribution of benefits and accountable governance, which requires strengthening institutional legitimacy.

4. THE IMPERATIVE OF REST: ENHANCING SPIRITUALITY AND PRODUCTIVITY IN A C...
0

Rev. Fr. Dr. Humphrey Chinedu...
Senior Lecturer, Department of Religion and Human Relations, Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State
31-37
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18708266

In the fast-paced, technology-driven world of the 21st century, the importance of rest and relaxation is often overlooked. However, this article argues that incorporating rest into our daily lives is not only essential for our spiritual well-being but also crucial for enhancing our overall productivity and professional success. The article explores the multifaceted benefits of rest, highlighting how it can improve mental clarity, reduce stress and fatigue, and foster a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us. By drawing on scientific research and personal insights, the writers demonstrate how rest can serve as a powerful tool for unlocking our full potential and achieving a more balanced, fulfilling lifestyle. Furthermore, the article delves into the impact of rest on productivity, challenging the common misconception that longer work hours and constant activity are the keys to success. Instead, it presents compelling evidence that adequate rest is a critical component of high performance, enabling us to approach our tasks with renewed focus, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Finally, the article provides practical strategies for incorporating rest into our daily routines, offering guidance on how to prioritize relaxation, practice mindfulness, and ensure sufficient sleep. By empowering readers to take control of their rest and recovery, the article aims to inspire a cultural shift towards a more balanced, sustainable approach to work and life. Overall, this article serves as a timely and compelling call to action, urging readers to embrace the imperative of rest and unlock the transformative power it holds for both our spiritual and professional lives.

5. Child Rights Centered Preferences in Private Sector Corporate Social R...
0

Lucia Gunguwo, Blazio M. Manob...
Social Scientist and a lecturer at Catholic University of Zimbabwe
38-42
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18768019

Human dignity is the leading value on which all other human rights are grounded. The adoption of child-sensitive policies as well as programmes has not been mainstreamed in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Zimbabwe. Infrastructure that sustains business and local government interests has been at the fore-front of most CSR programs especially in the mining industry to the detriment of children‟s rights. Consequently, child focused programs such as education (including the promotion of sports for children), health, and hygiene and sanitation under CRBA are often overlooked. This paper uses a qualitative case study of Zimplats in Mhondoro-Ngezi to evaluate the extent to which CSR projects incorporate children‟s rights. The study shows that even as corporate investment has led to better infrastructure and quality of life, children‟s rights continue to take a back-seat, through exclusion from decision-making processes. Their welfare is often seen as secondary to the interests of companies and politicians. The study advocates for the embrace of a model of CSR formulation based on child rights which is premised on perceiving children as essential stakeholders in sustainable development.





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