Language Selection in Service, Performance and Communication Encounters: A Book of Reading in Honour of Professor Anjola A. ROBBIN

Across cultures, institutions, and disciplines, language serves not merely as a tool for communication but as a dynamic force that shapes human relationships, social structures, knowledge systems, interaction, negotiation, identity formation and performance practices. This volume, Language Selection in Service, Performance and Communication Encounters, is a significant scholarly contribution that examines the intricate relationship between language choice and communicative effectiveness across diverse settings. It is presented in honour of Prof. A. A. Robbin, whose academic contributions, intellectual leadership, and commitment to scholarship have made remarkable impacts in the fields of language, communication, and interdisciplinary studies. This book celebrates the enduring relevant contributions of Prof Robbin to understanding language as a social, cultural, and functional phenomenon. The central theme of this volume recognizes that language selection is never accidental. In multilingual societies such as Nigeria, where language diversity intersects with complex social realities, language selection becomes especially significant in understanding communication encounters. The book is organized into five major distinct yet dialogically interconnected parts, each interrogating the core theme through unique methodological and disciplinary lenses. Part One, Language Selection in Service Encounters, explores how language functions within everyday interactions, institutional settings, and mediated communication. The chapters examine language attitudes, sociolinguistic convergence in communication practices, and the role of Nigerian Pidgin in politeness, humour, and social negotiation. The section further investigates issues of power, identity, multilingual interactions, political discourse, advertisement narratives, humour performance, and semantic interpretation. Together, these studies reveal the strategic role of language in facilitating service delivery, managing relationships, and influencing interpretation in diverse communicative spaces. Part Two, Language Encounter in Literary Studies, extends the discussion into literary discourse by exploring how language mediates cultural identity, gender relations, historical consciousness, and diasporic experiences. The chapters address patriarchy and female emancipation in The Virtuous Woman by Zaynab Alkali, African historical realities in modern poetry, and diasporic identity in Everything Good Will Come by Sefi Atta. These contributions demonstrate how literary language serves as a medium for resistance, memory, identity reconstruction, and socio-cultural critique. Part Three, Language, Performance and Encounters, focuses on the performative dimensions of language in religious, artistic, and social spaces. The chapters investigate communicative intent in Òṣun worship across Nigeria and Brazil, the symbolic and cultural significance of the Yoruba dundun drum tradition, and the contributions of theatre practitioners with special needs in Southwestern Nigeria. These studies highlight the inseparable relationship between language, performance, ritual, embodiment, and cultural transmission. Part Four, Language Selection and Encounter in Education, examines language as a central component of teaching, learning, and knowledge construction. The chapters explore psycho-educational support in French language classrooms, the communicative dimensions of chemistry education, and language selection in mathematics instruction. These contributions underscore the importance of linguistic clarity, symbolic interpretation, and pedagogical communication in enhancing educational outcomes. They also reinforce the fact that teaching is fundamentally a communicative act requiring careful language selection to bridge knowledge gaps and improve learner comprehension. Part Five, Religious Studies, addresses language in spiritual formation, peace-building, intercultural missionary engagement, and religious communication. The chapters discuss the role of speech in Christian peace-building using 1 Peter 3:8–12, as well as the impact of language and intercultural communication in missionary encounters within contemporary Christian contexts. These studies reveal the profound role of language in shaping religious understanding, fostering peaceful coexistence, and facilitating intercultural spiritual engagement. Taken together, the twenty-three chapters in this volume reflecting the interdisciplinary richness of contemporary language studies would not have been [possible without the commitment and dedication of the editorial team. I therefore extend my heartfelt gratitude to the members of the editorial team for their unwavering dedication, meticulous attention to detail, and tireless efforts throughout the review, editing, and production processes. Their collective commitment to maintaining the highest academic standards has ensured the publication of a volume that fittingly celebrates the distinguished scholarship, mentorship, and enduring legacy of Prof. Robbin A. A. We express our profound appreciation to all the contributing authors whose scholarly commitment, intellectual depth, and painstaking research have made this volume a reality. Despite their demanding academic and professional engagements, they willingly devoted their time and expertise to produce chapters that reflect excellence, originality, and relevance to the theme of this book. We sincerely thank everyone whose invaluable contributions, encouragement, and cooperation have brought this worthy academic project to a successful completion. As a book of reading in honour of Prof. A. A. Robbin, this collection stands as a fitting tribute to a scholar whose intellectual influence has inspired academic inquiry across disciplines. It reflects the values of rigorous scholarship, interdisciplinary engagement, and intellectual excellence that Professor Robbin embodies. The breadth and depth of the contributions in this volume attest to the enduring relevance of her academic legacy. It is our hope that this book will stimulate further scholarly discussions, inspire new research directions, and contribute meaningfully to global conversations on language, communication, and human interaction. Dr Michael Olayinka GBADEGESIN Coordinator, Editorial Team