COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES AMONG COUPLES IN INTER-ETHNIC MARRIAGES IN PORT HARCOURT CITY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study was set out to identify the challenges experienced during communication exchanges among couples in inter-ethnic marriages in Port Harcourt City LGA of Rivers State. The objectives were to ascertain the modes of communication used among couples in inter-ethnic marriages in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State, determine the communication effectiveness among the couples, ascertain the barriers to effective communication among them, and determine the communication strategies employed by such couples to address their communication challenges. Social exchange theory was adopted as theoretical framework while the survey method was used as the research design. The population of Port Harcourt City LGA as at 2023 was put at 774,600 and the purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select members of the sample size of eighteen (18) respondents. Data was gathered from three focus groups of eighteen (18) respondents through the use of focus group discussion guide. Data gathered were presented and analyzed through the qualitative method. It was discovered that the mode of communication used among couples in inter-ethnic marriages in Port Harcourt City LGA in their various homes is generally verbal (oral) communication. It was discovered that the communication effectiveness among couples in inter-ethnic marriages in Port Harcourt City LGA was usually achieved by the use of communication competences which included making efforts to learn some bits and pieces of their spouses’ native languages. The barrier to effective communication among inter-ethnic couples in Port Harcourt City LGA was basically language barrier and there was usually no communication breakthrough with their children using native languages except English. Lastly, it was discovered that other communication strategies employed by couples in inter-ethnic marriages include creating time for dialogue about their misunderstandings and seeking clarification of the message being passed across when it is unclear what the other party is saying. It was recommended that Nigerian indigenous languages which are rich in content both for communication and upbringing of the children should be used in the home. The people in inter-ethnic families should always seek clarification of the message being passed across to them when they have doubts about the intended message and be sure that message conveyed is message received. Members of inter-ethnic families should develop listening skills and pay more attention to decode correctly the messages in the non-verbal cues that are usually embedded and unsaid in the verbal communications made.