Abstract
This study looks into the role of language as a catalyst for public health awareness in rural Katsina State, Nigeria, which is notable for its multilingualism (namely Hausa and FulfulÉ—e), low literacy rates, and limited access to digital media. The study uses Interaction Theory and a qualitative examination of radio jingles and the region's primary medium for public health messaging to investigate how the use of regional languages increases knowledge, trust and behavioural engagement with health information. The study's exploratory qualitative design employs purposive sampling to select popular radio broadcasts promoting immunisation, hygiene, and sickness prevention. Audio recordings are meticulously collected and evaluated to understand how language choice acts as a tool for cultural affirmation, inclusivity and empowerment, as well as a means of communication. Results suggest that health messages in Hausa and FulfulÉ—e are more approachable, credible and effective than those in English, particularly in populations with low or no literacy. This study closes a substantial gap in the literature by emphasising contextually grounded, non-digital audio artefacts over interview-based or digital-centric techniques. It also offers a scalable strategy for linguistically appropriate public health communication in Northern Nigeria's rural areas. The study concludes that adopting culturally sensitive, linguistically inclusive, and community-centered communication strategies that prioritise local languages to improve comprehension, trust and positive health behaviours is critical for effective public health awareness in rural, multilingual settings.
Keywords: Language, Catalyst, Public Health
Awareness, Rural Areas, and Katsina State.
DOI: 10.36349/alqajolls.2026.v01i02.006
author/Murtala Suleiman Madugu & Kaan Aondover Theophilus Ph.D.
journal/AL-QALAM JLLS 1(2) | June 2026
