An exploration into the pragmatic competence of the TVET workforce at the National Youth Service
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Date
2024-10-31
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Namibia University of Science and Technology
Abstract
This thesis explored the pragmatic competence of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) workforce at the National Youth Service (NYS) by emphasising the problems of the lack successful communication in a multicultural and multilingual workforce. The study addressed the issue of communication discrepancies, a lack of clarity in instructions, and insufficient feedback mechanisms, which impede workforce performance and reduce organisational efficiency. The study is significant because it emphasised the need for enhanced communication tactics to increase productivity and cooperation in the workplace, hence contributing to the efficiency of NYS training programmes. This is a qualitative study and a semi-structured interview guide. A Pragmatic Competence Discourse Completion Tests were used to collect data, with three primary objectives: analysing pragmatic competence, investigating politeness principles, and measuring the consequences of pragmatic failure. The findings indicate modest levels of pragmatic competence, with politeness methods being helpful in conflict resolution and collaboration. However, the workforce faces considerable hurdles due to communication breakdowns and pragmatic failures, which cause operational disruptions and reduced team cohesion. The findings further reveal that the TVET workforce at the NYS has moderate pragmatic competence, with politeness strategies enhancing collaboration and reducing conflict. However, challenges like unclear instructions and delayed feedback lead to inefficiencies and lowered team cohesion. The study concluded that structured communication and regular feedback are essential to enhance productivity, morale, and teamwork at NYS.
Description
THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF ENGLISH AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS AT THE NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SUPERVISOR: PROF. HAILELEUL ZELEKE WOLDEMARIAM
CO-SUPERVISOR: DR JULIA INDONGO
Keywords
communication barriers, politeness strategies, feedback mechanisms, TVET workforce, National Youth Service (NYS), operational efficiency, Pragmatic competence, Namibia
Citation
Shilemba, E. O. (2024). An exploration into the pragmatic competence of the TVET workforce at the National Youth Service (Master's thesis, Namibia University of Science and Technology].