Zimbabwe recognises 16 indigenous languages that are spoken across the country. While much has been published about linguistics in Zimbabwe, the interface of bibliology and ecclesiology with dialectology and inclusivity is minimal. Employing a qualitative literature review, decoloniality theory and reflecting on the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, this paper engages the Church with languages. It finds that Zimbabwe uses English as its language of instruction in schools and keeps Shona and Ndebele as ordinary subjects that are taught in areas where these languages are the mother languages of the majority of residents. This approach has maintained the hegemony of English and Shona because, even though about 70% of the Zimbabwean population speaks Shona, 17% speak Ndebele, and 10% speak other languages, all are forced to learn English. Citizens who speak English and Shona are only exposed to the need for Ndebele and other languages when they relocate to provinces where minority languages are commonly used. Yet, those speaking Ndebele and other languages are forced to learn Shona and English in order to fit in living, working and developmental spaces beyond their locations of birth. This paper concludes that the positive political talk and stagnant walk of developing all constitutionally recognised languages in Zimbabwe is abortive and regressive. It recommends that the Church becomes the voice for the voiceless ethnicities and promote multilingualism and national inclusivity. This paper contributes to the subject of multilingualism, which is an integral part of decoloniality and inclusivity.

The pattern of biblical hermeneutics in Africa was built on Euro-American philosophies, cultures and methodologies until the early 1960s. This necessitated a scholarly call for re-interpretation of the inherited interpretations and translations, as some scholars blamed colonial influence. Consequently, some of the newly developed methods of biblical interpretations in Africa include: neo-prophetic hermeneutics in Africa, postcolonial biblical interpretation, postcolonial perspectives in African biblical interpretations, intercultural exegesis, and mother-tongue biblical hermeneutics (MTBH). This study focused on the methodology of mother-tongue biblical hermeneutics, commending its key proponents, namely, Aloo Mojola, John D.K. Ekem, Jonathan E.T. Kuwornu-Adjaottor, and others. Using literature and interviews, this paper assessed the contributions of Kuwornu-Adjaottor in the promotion of MTBH in African biblical scholarship. Findings revealed Kuwornu-Adjaottor’s “nine-step methodology” for doing MTBH academically and practically, which is being adopted in many universities, seminaries and Bible translation societies in Africa, including Ghana. In addition to raising many student-disciples as well as taking a philosophical position for deconstruction and dynamic equivalence in biblical scholarship, the scholar advocates that Bible translation involves interpretation in order to produce a meaning that considers the contexts of the receptor or local audience. This paper contributes to the promotion of mother-tongue Bible translation and mother-tongue theologizing in Africa. Keywords: African Biblical Scholarship; Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics; Bible Translation and Interpretation; Kuwornu-Adjaottor’s Methodology

Across cultures, death does not signify the severance of an individual’s ties to their community but rather marks a transition to a revered ancestral presence. This enduring connection between the living and the dead is particularly evident in Akan society, where the black stool (Aponnwa) is a sacred symbol of ancestral authority, continuity, and communal identity. This article examines the socio-religious and political significance of the black stool within the Akan community, highlighting its role in legitimising traditional leadership, preserving cultural memory, and maintaining spiritual cohesion. Drawing on empirical data from three Bono communities in Ghana—collected through interviews and participant observations—this study engaged with existing literature to provide a comparative analysis of the black stool’s function in Bono and other Akan societies. The main argument of the paper is that the Akan black stool (Aponnwa) is not merely a cultural artefact but a powerful socio-religious and political symbol that legitimises traditional leadership, preserves ancestral authority, and reinforces communal identity. The paper contributes to broader discourses on African indigenous institutions, demonstrating how ancestral veneration shapes contemporary socio-political structures. Keywords: Akan, Black Stool, Bono, Traditional Leadership, African Indigenous Institutions

This study investigates how maternal imagery is translated and interpreted in divine metaphors of Twi, Ewe, and Dagbani Ghanaian languages. It analysed the translations of maternal nurturing metaphors in these three indigenous languages through a comparative analysis of key Bible passages (Isa. 66:13, Hos. 11:3-4, and Deut. 32:18), exploring their theological and cultural implications. This study applied a methodology that combined textual analyses with ethnolinguistic methods to compare the semantic range and cultural resonance of maternal imagery traits, as salient in translation discourses. The study found important variances in how maternal metaphors are preserved, modified, or recreated in these languages, revealing degrees of interrelatedness among linguistic constraints and worldviews regarding divine nurturing. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on the subject of Bible translation in indigenous African languages and gender-inclusive language in sacred texts. Keywords: Bible Translation, Maternal Imagery, Divine Metaphors, Gender Linguistics

Heinrich Emil Brunner’s doctrine of God has received a divergent view from biblical-theological scholars’ perspective. The doctrine of God has played a great significant and influential role throughout the era of Christian history, thus promoting the development and exploration of major theological doctrines in Christianity. The article therefore surveyed the canonical assessment of God’s doctrine in Brunner’s theology. It also sought to unlock Brunner’s hermeneutical method, contributors and opposers of his doctrine, and canonical approach in attaining salvific implications for contemporary Christians. The study employed a methodology of biblical-theological analysis to glean various literature materials. The findings revealed Brunner’s viewpoint that mankind can understand God through self-revelation. He opines that God possesses both communicable and uncommunicable tenets. Again, God is sovereign and supreme above all creatures in this world. In the light of this, God makes Himself known by His name. Thus, God as a Supreme Being, exhibits characteristic features of unknowable, innate, supernatural and He can be identified in His self-communication. God refers to Yahweh which depicts “I am that I am.” Thus, God is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, immutable, honest, loving, and holy. Again, the doctrine of God unveils that God is infallible and hence He can assist human beings to live righteous life. The study concluded that the Lord is the creator, protector, and redeemer of humanity. The study unpacks that God’s salvific value could be realized through Jesus Christ. This study will be beneficial to biblical-theological historical students as it provides literature that will help advance and improve their studies. Keywords: Doctrine of God, Theology of Emil Brunner, Canonical, Evaluation.

In 1 Corinthians 7, the apostle Paul addresses various concerns regarding relationships within the Corinthian church. He discusses the appropriate behavior and attitudes Christian spouses should have toward each other, provides guidance to the unmarried and widows, and advises against divorce. Additionally, he encourages those who have experienced divorce to seek reconciliation whenever possible. Paul also offers cautionary advice to Christian virgins about the potential challenges of marriage, providing comprehensive insight into the complexities of relationships within the Christian community. This research explored the implications of Paul’s teachings for unmarried individuals and widows, considering their spiritual, emotional, and social dimensions. By examining these verses from an Akan Christian perspective, the paper illuminated how cultural contexts influence biblical interpretation and the lived experiences of believers, providing a comprehensive understanding of the divine purpose for all believers, whether unmarried, married, or widowed. To achieve this, the researcher drew from various sources, including biblical texts and Akan literature. The study employed methodological tools such as theological analysis and mother-tongue biblical hermeneutics in its discussion. The study revealed that Paul’s endorsement of singleness is rooted in its potential for undistracted devotion to God. Thus, the study concludes that Paul’s recommendation is not a criticism of marriage but rather an acknowledgment of the benefits of celibacy for those who can maintain it. Keywords: Akunafoɔ, Asugyafuoↄ, Akan Christian, Unmarried, Widows

This study examines the stylistic restoration and representation of Yoruba culture in Wole Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel, focusing on how linguistic choices serve as vehicles for cultural preservation and dramatic expression. Through detailed analysis of the play’s language, the study demonstrates how Soyinka creates a sophisticated dramatic idiom that successfully bridges traditional Yoruba cultural expression and modern theatrical conventions. The study identifies and analyses several key linguistic phenomena, including Yorubanised English, character-specific linguistic patterns, ritual language, and gender-linked discourse. The analysis reveals how different characters’ linguistic choices reflect their positions in the cultural conflict between tradition and modernity, with a particular emphasis on Lakunle’s affected modernism, Baroka’s traditional authority, and female characters’ strategic manipulation of linguistic forms. The study demonstrates how Soyinka’s stylistic choices create a “cultural-linguistic palimpsest” where multiple layers of meaning and cultural reference coexist within single utterances. Gender relations are shown to be mediated through sophisticated linguistic strategies. The findings indicate that successful cultural representation in drama requires the use of new dramatic idioms, which accommodate both traditional and modern modes of expression, and maintain artistic coherence. This study contributes to understanding how dramatic language can serve as a vehicle for cultural preservation while creating compelling theatrical experiences, suggesting new approaches to analysing the intersection of language, culture, and dramatic form in postcolonial contexts. Keywords: Culture; Tradition; Language; Gender; Power; Drama; Yoruba

The Adinkra Symbols of the Akan of Ghana are traditional symbols that are ideographical illustrations of sayings, faith, philosophies, thoughts, and values. The Adinkra symbols aid them in socially relating with members of the community and religiously with Nyame (God). The low level of literacy in the continent among others makes the adoption and use of symbols for theological discourse very appropriate. Symbolic theology involves the use of symbols to communicate biblical truths. This study collected data through literature research using secondary sources such as books, articles, and dissertations. The study also administered a structured questionnaire to 110 Christians and 20 Clergy belonging to different denominations. The Theological reflections on the selected symbols showed a convincing correlation between the symbols and the biblical truths. The results from the fieldwork also confirmed the literature: 35% of Christians indicated that the selected symbols were good for Christian use while another 15% said it was good for African Christians. 75% of the clergy also indicated that the symbols were good for Christian use, 47% also said it was very useful and another 47% indicated it was most useful for their line of duty as clergy. The paper seeks to make a case for African Symbolic Theology as a branch of ethno-theology through ethno-hermeneutics. This is on the basis that symbols occupy a huge space in the epistemology and religious space of the people. Keywords: Adinkra, Gye Nyame, Nyame Nnwu Na Mawu, Theology, Symbols

This research explored the application of the functionalist approach to translation management. The functionalist approach, which emphasizes the purpose and function of a translation within its target context, provided valuable insights for managing translation processes effectively. The research employed a literature-based approach to examine existing literature on the functionalist approach and to examine how its principles can be integrated into translation management practices. The findings highlight how focusing on the functional needs of the target audience and context enhances the efficiency and quality of translation projects. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how functionalist theories can inform and improve translation management strategies. Keywords: Functionalist Approach, Translation Management, Skopos Theory

This article presents a Pentecostal Hermeneutics approach to resolving the synoptic problem through the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38. Employing a combination of textual analysis, comparative study, and the application of Pentecostal hermeneutics, the article unraveled the complexities and discrepancies found in these parallel passages. It explored the hypotheses put forth by various scholars, providing a nuanced understanding and trajectory of the synoptic enigma. By examining the structures, contents, and language of the genealogies, unique features and patterns were highlighted. A comparative study is conducted, shedding light on the theological and cultural implications of the differences and similarities between Matthew and Luke’s genealogies. Additionally, the article delved into the application of Pentecostal hermeneutics, demonstrating how this interpretive framework enhances the understanding of the genealogical narratives. By employing these methodological approaches, the article decoded the synoptic enigma, contributing to a deeper comprehension of the compositional techniques, theological significance, and historical context underlying these passages. This study serves as a valuable resource for academia, providing insights into a longstanding enigma in New Testament studies and helping to answer the synoptic problem. Keywords: Pentecostal Hermeneutics, Genealogy, Synoptic Gospels, and Synoptic problem.