Prof. Joseph Akinbode of TASFUED (19459000) says that language plays a critical role in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.
Professor The Vice-Chancellor Prof
Samuel Oladipo MNPA CMCPN MCAN FIELPN, in a warm embrace with Prof. Joseph Oluwole Akinbode at his 41st inaugural lecture
The language is an important clinical tool for the treatment of mental illness, including psychotherapy, diagnosis and therapy.
A professor of English language and general linguistics, Joseph O. Akinbode made this statement while delivering his 41st inaugural lecture at the Tai Solarin Federal University of Education in Ijagun, Ogun state, where he showed the essential role of language for psychiatry, and called on stronger inter-disciplinary collaboration between mental health and linguists.
Professor Akinbode, who spoke on the topic “Repositioning Language Studies For Varieties of Functions : English Language And Linguistics For Special Purposes”, explained that effective communication allows psychiatrists to understand their patients’ thoughts and emotions, and behaviour patterns. This enhances diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.
The psychiatric practitioner stressed the importance of attentive listening, dialogue analysis, pragmatics psycholinguistics neurolinguistics.
The inaugural speaker, based on his research involving patients receiving neuropsychiatric treatment, observed that the language patterns of individuals can provide useful insights into their cognitive and mental states.
The linguist, psychologist, and psychiatrist advocated a sustained collaborative effort among mental health professionals, including therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists to enhance clinical assessments, psychotherapy, and rehabilitation.
Akinbode stated that language is essential to every facet of life, including education, government, law, science, media, and personal relationships.
Language is the greatest gift of humanity and the basis for knowledge, culture and social interaction.
The first lecture examined four areas where English Language and Linguistics are used to serve specific societal functions: music, advertising and the judiciary. The scholar used these examples to demonstrate how linguistics can be used to address real-world challenges and promote national development.
In his study of language and music Prof. Akinbode examined Yoruba Apala, showing how the discourse analysis and pragmatics revealed cultural values, messages, and communicational intentions that are embedded in native musical expressions.
Such studies enrich language scholarship while contributing to the preservation and promotion of African culture, he said.
He also looked at the language used in advertising. The professor highlighted the use of cultural symbols, sociolinguistic reality, and linguistic choice to affect consumer behavior. The Professor argues that students who understand these communication strategies will have the skills they need to pursue careers in media, advertising and public relations.
Professor Akinbode, in his lecture on Legal English advocated for the simplification and accessibility of the legal language. This would make the laws as well as the judicial process more easily accessible. Prof.
Akinbode noted that complex sentences, old-fashioned vocabulary and excessive technical terms often hinder comprehension. These should be minimized in order to improve communication and promote justice.
Akinbode argued throughout the entire lecture that English Language, Linguistics and other related subjects should be redefined to meet contemporary social needs. Prof. Akinbode urged the universities to enhance teaching of specialist language courses which prepare students for careers in areas such as healthcare, law and advertising.
The future of language studies is in the practical application of their study to solve human problems, and foster interdisciplinary cooperation capable of driving a national transformation.
Members of the University Management, Ayinla Oowura Fan Club members, representatives of Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Aro officials, professional association members, family and friends attended the inaugural lecture.
