Browsing by Author "Satyo, S C"

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    A study of transitivity in Xhosa
    (1995) Jama, Zukile; Satyo, S C
    This study is an explicit description of transitivity in Xhosa. The introductory chapter {Chapter One) outlines relevant theories relating to the issue of transitivity. The controversies surrounding transitivity and grammatical relations in general are noted. Special emphasis is put on Hopper and Thompson 1980's study. Different opinions from linguists across languages of the world as well as African linguists are assessed and evaluated. The debate revolves around their adequate/inadequate handling of the problem of transitivity. Emphasis is here put on main declarative sentences although it is acknowledged that language • cannot be described nor understood without its communicative intent. Chomsky's idea of autonomous syntax is here found suspect and this study yields more towards pragmatics. Most of the discussions is persued along the following lines: noncontroversial issues, controversial issues and tentative solutions, unresolved problems and verb extension suffixes as devices for either increasing or decreasing transitivity and therefore posing a theoretical problem. A solution is extracted from J.L. Taylor (1991)'s study which secures a polysemous relationship among constructions. general theoretical controversies suggests that controversies exist theoretical levels. This chapter also handles in grammar and at theoretical therefore and preThe second chapter is a sequel to Chapter One and provides further discussions of the transitivity components and updates them by introducing the notion of control and ability and the speaker's perspectivization of grammatical material. It is concluded here that these are crucial transitivity notions and that the morpho-syntactic reflexes of transitivity are discourse conditioned. The third chapter is a discussion of the different verbal categories in Xhosa. There is an indepth discussion of controversial issues such as locative nouns, body parts and instrumentals. Morphological marking is assumed to be significant in this regard and is related to the pragmatic use of language. It is concluded here that a binary classification of verbs into a clear cut transitive intransitive dichotomy is unacceptable. Chapter Four handles the question of verb extension and divides them into two groups. The transitivizing ones and intransitivizing ones and the implication thereof for transitivity. The theoretical problems posed by verb extension by either augmenting or diminishing transitivity is evaluated and it is suggested that if grammatical relations are seen as a continuum, and within polysemy (meaning relatedness}, this presents few or no problems. Verb extension is also seen as a productive process but which is linked to pragmatic use of language. Chapter Five links the issue of transitivity with specialized meaning. It is an expansion of the last four chapters and eliminates cases left unclear in these preceding chapters. The chapter starts by giving philosophical definitions of meaning and relates semantic conceptualization with pragmatic factors. It is concluded here that syntactic structures should be seen as instantiations of pragmatic options. Chapter Six is the last chapter and conclusion. It sums up the issues raised in the last five chapters and the standpoints taken in this dissertation. It is concluded that transitivity is a property of clauses than verbs, and that it is discourse determined. Lastly it is proposed that Hopper and Thompson's theory needs updating. In this instance the concepts of control and ability as well as meaning relatedness amongst constructions are introduced.
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    An analysis of the social vision of post-independence Zimbabwean writers with special reference to Shona and Ndebele poetry
    (1998) Gambahaya, Zifikile; Satyo, S C
    This dissertation analyses creative trends in Shona and Ndebele poetry published after the attainment of political independence in 1980. The research tries to establish the close link between poems in the two national languages and post-independence Zimbabwean history in order to examine the link between creative writing and nationalism, which is the context in which creativity takes place, an attempt is made to outline major trends in nationalist history vis-a-vis colonialism. Having set the background for analysis, the research focuses on texts that are published in the context of the apparent cultural renaissance that is ushered by the apparent victory of African nationalism over colonialism. The texts are analysed in the context of the dialectic of nationalism and colonialism.
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    A critical exposition of historicism and implicit activism in Elundini Lothukela
    (2000) Kwetana, Washington Mntuwoxolo; Satyo, S C
    It is the gentle but sharp manner of refutation of negative labels that early Europeans, through negative and undermining othering, attached to the Nguni in South Africa, that was investigated and discovered in this novel, that the author of this thesis is putting under the spotlight here. This thesis seeks to demonstrate that this novel is one radiant example of typical combative, counter-hegemonic, and engage works in Xhosa literature, the kind of resistance and indictment literature where the message on national liberation lies embedded in its and groundwork; in it we see graphic reflections of the pre-colonial Nguni Indigenes in South Africa, their admirable and glorious which manifested itself in a virile political pattern, orderly social-religious systems, and structured industrial practices. We use these aspects to reinforce our exposition of this novel as a work of art that refutes all negative labels that were attached to the Nguni Indigenes.
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    An examination of the socio-political undercurrents in Mqhayi's novel Ityala lamawele
    (1992) Dikeni, Clifford; Satyo, S C
    Mqhayi, a Xhosa writer of the early 1900's is able to deconstruct the black and white dichotomy by using the twins as depicting some characteristics of black and white culture. The dissertation thus examines the way in which Mqhayi presents this dichotomy. He manipulates literary forms in order to articulate specific cultural attitudes which were dominant then. Xhosa writers at this time, being entirely dependent on the technologies provided by the missionaries, were forced to use metaphorical devices in order to avoid heavy censorship from the missionaries who were prescriptive and would not accept any book which they considered to be political, their main interest being in books which had a religious theme. The novel, Ityala Lamawele, coincides with some of the major political moods of its time. It is fully socialized and is absorbed directly into the dominant patterns of thought, mood and outlook of the moment from which it emerges. It addresses in a very subtle manner the socio-political conditions in which the Black people found themselves.
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    The forms, functions and techniques of Xhosa humour
    (1996) Dowling, Tessa; Satyo, S C; Gowlett, Derek F
    In this thesis I examine the way in which Xhosa speakers create humour, what forms (e.g. satire, irony, punning, parody) they favour in both oral and textual literature, and the genres in which these forms are delivered and executed. The functions of Xhosa humour, both during and after apartheid, are examined, as is its role in challenging, contesting and reaffirming traditional notions of society and culture. The particular techniques Xhosa comedians and comic writers use in order to elicit humour are explored with specific reference to the way in which the phonological complexity of this language is exploited for humorous effect. Oral literature sources include collections of praise poems, folktales and proverbs, while anecdotal humour is drawn from recent interviews conducted with domestic workers. My analysis of humour in literary texts initially focuses on the classic works of G.B. Sinxo and S.M. Burns-Ncamashe, and then goes on to refer to contemporary works such as those of P.T. Mtuze. The study on the techniques of Xhosa humour uses as its theoretical base Walter Nash's The language of humour (1985), while that on the functions of Xhosa humour owes much to the work of sociologists such as Michael Mulkay and Chris Powell and George E.C. Paton. The study reveals the fact that Xhosa oral humour is personal and playful - at times obscene - but can also be critical. In texts it explores the comedy of characters as well as the irony of socio-political realities. In both oral and textual discourses the phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics of Xhosa are exploited to create a humour which is richly patterned and finely crafted. In South Africa humour often served to liberate people from the oppressive atmosphere of apartheid. At the same time humour has always had a stabilizing role in Xhosa cultural life, providing a means of controlling deviants and misfits.
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    The poetry of David Livingstone Phakamile Yali-Manisi
    (1994) Bokoda, Alfred Telelé; Satyo, S C
    Yali-Manisi, a Xhosa writer, performs and writes traditional praise poetry (izibongo) and modern poems (isihobe) and can, therefore, be regarded as a bard because he also performs his poetry. One can safely place him in the interphase as he combines performance and writing. The influence of oral poems and other oral genres can be perceived in his works as some of his works are a product of performances which were recorded, transcribed and translated into English. The dissertation, among other things, examines the way in which Yali-Manisi's work has been influenced by such manipulations. In this study we examine lzibongo Zeenkosi ZamaXhosa, lmfazwe kaMianjeni, Yaphum'igqina and other individually recorded poems. His poetry is characterised by an interaction between tradition and innovation. The impact of traditional poetic canon on the poet, the way of exploiting traditional devices are the most outstanding characteristics concerning his poetry. His optimistic disposition towards the future of the South African political situation leaves one with the impression that he envisages an end to the Black-White political dichotomy. Yali-Manisi manipulates literary forms to articulate specific socio-political and cultural attitudes which are dominant among the majority of South Africans. His writings coincide with some of the major political changes in South Africa. In his recent works, he is explicit and protests against Apartheid structures especially in Transkei and Ciskei. In his earlier works he could not articulate the feelings of his people as an imbongi because of the fear of censorship and themes of protests had to be handled with extreme caution if one's manuscripts were to be published at all. He often alludes to national oppression of the majority by the minority and instigates the former to be politically conscious. In some instances (e.g. in his historical poems) he seeks to correct inaccuracies which are presented in history books. Thus showing the listener/reader another side of the coin. He displays very keen interest and deep knowledge of natural phenomena such as seasons of the year and the behaviour of animals during each period. Poems about historical figures are characterised by certain allusions which refer to realities and events in the life of the 'praised one' or his forefathers. This helps to shed light on the present situation. Although fictitious adaptations of genuine events have been done, an element of reality is still prevalent.