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- Description:
- This paper argues the case for a philosophy of communication in Africa so as to give meaning and direction of African communication research. Observing that philosophy as an activity is not alien to Africa, the author contends that it is the absence of a philosophy of communication in Africa that accounts for the lack of theoretical orientation in African communication research. He reviews the major American mass communication theories, and demonstrates that each of them is based on some American philosophy or world view. He then argues that any appropriate philosophy of mass communication in Africa must originate from African philosophy, defined in a fairly broad manner.
- Date Issued:
- 1987-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- Africa Media Review
- Description:
- This paper critically evaluates the various conceptions of self-reliance in Black Africa. It identifies some factors that may promote or hinder the realization of self-reliance in mass communication training. Observing that much of the educational philosophy and many curricula used in Black Africa's mass communication training are a colonical legacy, the author recommends that training should not just revamp such philosophies and curricula, but initiate a new, development-oriented outlook.
- Date Issued:
- 1987-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- Africa Media Review
- Description:
- This paper critically reviews the current status of African communication educational resources and needs in the context of the development of the post colonial state and its institutions. In calling for an indigenized philosophy of communication, the paper argues that the current patterns of communication education are too foreign-oriented and have very little or no indigenous component. As a result, media practitioners are institutionally incapable of interpreting dynamically complex socio-economic and development problems facing Africa today.
- Date Issued:
- 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- Africa Media Review
- Description:
- This paper explores the nature of communication research going on in Africa The author argues that while the absence of a research tradition in Africa compels researchers on African affairs to adapt and replicate some American, European, and Soviet research strategies, there is a real need for communication researchers to take cognizance of the cultural context in which their research in Africa takes place. He singles out the "focus group' approach as being particularly suitable for data elicitation from Africans because it harmonizes well with their social-group orientation. This approach, he argues, has the merit of generating new hypotheses since it allows interviewees to respond or behave in unanticipated ways. The author, however, does not expect the approach to be problem-free and he makes useful suggestions as to how some of the anticipated problems may be overcome.
- Date Issued:
- 1987-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- Africa Media Review