OpenUCT :: Browsing by Subject "African Languages and Literatures"

Browsing by Subject "African Languages and Literatures"

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Open Access
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.
Open Access
The alignment between curriculum objectives and assessment of IsiXhosa at Grade 12 level
(2015) Poni, Zukiswa; Smouse, Mantoa
In the new South Africa (after 1994), the education system required an extensive overhaul to ensure that the inequalities of the past do not continue to dominate the education system. As a result, a number of debates took place and in 1998 a new educational model that is competency based was introduced (Taylor & Vinjevold, 1999). The main aim of this change was to ensure that the curriculum would integrate academic and vocational skills. The other aims was to ensure that the new education system represent a complete opposite of the apartheid education system. Language, being central to education, is one of the areas that were totally overhauled. It is therefore the aim of this study, to investigate whether the expectations of the National Curriculum Statement (NCS), articulated through curriculum objectives and expected outcomes, are fulfilled at grade 12 level, with a particular focus on isiXhosa language as a Home language. This study aims to investigate the alignment between curriculum objectives and assessment through an interrogation of the curriculum aims and assessment tools.
Open Access
An analysis of the lyrics of the top 10 African language pop songs on Umhlobo Wenene in 2016
(2019) Gobodwana, Anele; Dowling, Tessa; Deyi, Somikazi
In this dissertation I critically analyse the lyrics of the top 10 songs (sung in an indigenous African language) aired on uMhlobo weNene (the national broadcast station for the Xhosa language) during 2016. Before the analysis of the songs I discuss various academic works on pop lyrics generally – ranging from a discussion of the production of aesthetic difference, lyrics in global and local settings, the changing lexicon of pop lyrics over the years, the purpose of lyrics to teenagers and the issue of translation and code switching in the lyrics of bilingual popular songs. In the main body of the thesis I apply a thematic and detailed linguistic analysis of the top 10 songs after which I provide an analysis of interviews conducted with Xhosa-speaking teenagers with regard to their linguistic preferences as applicable to contemporary lyrics. The conclusion includes a summary of the dominant themes of the lyrics studied and a focus on what the grammar of the songs (e.g. the predominance of the first person pronoun in all of the lyrics) can tell us about the increasingly individualistic nature of contemporary lyrics sung in African languages.
Open Access
An examination of how loanwords in a corpus of spoken and written contemporary isiXhosa are incorporated into the noun class system of isiXhosa
(2019) Futuse, Liziwe; Dowling, Tessa; Deyi, Somikazi
Lexical change is a natural phenomenon for all of the world’s languages. This change can be viewed in terms of language contact, technological innovation and the adoption of new lifestyles. Whereas in the past isiXhosa, a Nguni language spoken in South Africa, borrowed words from both English and Afrikaans, contemporary speakers rely more on the English lexicon, with some previous adoptions from Afrikaans being replaced by those from English. This study focusses specifically on contemporary borrowed, or loanword nouns in isiXhosa which are brought into the noun class system of the language via a number of different noun class prefixes. The focus of this study is to understand whether there are any features or properties, whether morphological or semantic, that predispose loanword nouns to fall into a particular noun class. In this thesis I therefore analyse a corpus of new data from conversations and interviews I conducted with contemporary isiXhosa-speakers, as well as from written translation activities. After providing a general background to the semantic content of isiXhosa noun classes, I analyse the new data and try to make some conclusions as to which noun class prefix is the most productive for loanwords, as well as to argue the existence of a significant amount of variation in terms of prefixes used. The study concludes that most loanword nouns are assigned to Noun Class 9, but some speakers also use Noun Classes 1a, 5 and 7 as alternatives for Class 9 under certain morphological and semantic conditions. Even Noun Class 3 was found to contain a number of loanword nouns, suggesting that speakers are able to manipulate the grammar of isiXhosa, and particularly its noun class system, to accommodate words from other languages.
Open Access
An analysis of the challenges with respect to attaining equivalence in translation of literature pertaining to Sexually Transmitted Diseases from English into Xitsonga
(2012) Hlongwani, Given Jacqe; Alexander, Neville
Translation has been a practice that has assisted many languages the world over to develop to become languages of power. The purpose of this project was to elicit some translation challenges that translators face when translating from English into Xitsonga. It is not easy to translate a document in which the domain has not been explored because the translator has to juggle with terminology which does not exist in the indigenous language. In this project, I have made an attempt to use different theories that can guide us when we encounter a lemma which does not exist in the target language. The challenges that are faced by one indigenous language in South Africa in language development through translation are the same as for most other indigenous languages.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
A comparative study of the portrayal of characters in A.C. Jordan's The wrath of the ancestors, Modikwe Dikobe's The marabi dance and G.B. Sinxo's Unojayiti wam
(1991) Nyamende, Abner; Satyo, Sizwe C
The characters encountered in The wrath of the ancestors, The Marabi dance and Unojayiti wam bear on an African identity, and they reflect a purely African conception of life. The "Africanness" of their outlook can only be determined when measured against the real life African socio-cultural background. Therefore, as a starting point in this study, I has been essential to explore the various debates about African literature, in an attempt to reveal any common factors that can be used as the basis for a study of the portrayal of characters in this field.
Open Access
Country and city: a study of autobiographical tropes in Ncumisa Vapi's novel Litshona limpume
(2012) Macabela, Monwabisi Victor; Dowling, Tessa
The title of this thesis, Country and City - Autobiographical tropes in Ncumisa Vapi's Litshona Liphume arises out of a complex understanding of the author's narrative and literary intentions. Country refers to the fact that the story is set in a specifically named rural area in the Eastern Cape in the late 1960s and early 1970s. City on the other hand does not refer to any particular city, but is rather a symbol of changed and challenge, of opportunity and wealth but also of a world view deficient in tradition and spiritual connection with the land and the ancestors.
Open Access
The detective novel in Zulu : form and theme in C.T. Msimang's Walivuma Icala
(2001) Masondo, Meshack M; Kaschula, Russell
Includes bibliographical references.
Open Access
Eish - when to use -ish-: a study in the verbalization of English lexical items in spoken Xhosa
Madubela, Ndumiso S; Dowling, Tessa
This study examines how Xhosa speakers incorporate verbs of English origin into their lexicons with a specific focus on the -ish- suffix. The study deals with historical treatments of this phenomenon and debates its relevance and applicability to current scholarship on lexical borrowing. To ensure a wide range of data sources I used a corpus derived from interviews with 30 Xhosa speakers in Cape Town, as well as from three media sources: the first is a 1-hour long talk radio programme transcribed from the national Xhosa broadcaster, UMhlobo weNene, the second an interview with a Xhosa-speaking patient on the television programme, Siyayinqoba Beat It. The third is from social media, (Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp). The demographics of participants in this study are predominantly urban dwellers. The youngest participant (from the surveys) was 16 years old and the oldest participant was 45 years old. I say “predominantly” as it was not possible to obtain specific background data to the two Xhosa speakers on radio and television. Very little work has been done on the way in which African languages speakers grammaticalize verbs of English origin – why, for example, do some adopted words like suffix -a (e.g. Ndiyamotivate-a – ‘I am motivating') while others suffix -ish-a (e.g. Ndiyastudy-ish-a – ‘I am studying'). The main finding of the study is that speakers incorporated verbs of English origin by suffixing -a and -ish- in their speech, they were not consciously code mixing: rather, they used these suffixes as just another resource available to them to make their communication more strategic. This could indicate that in certain urban settings the -ish- verbalizing suffix might become even more popular as people need to negotiate lifestyles that require new lexicons. It is hoped that this research will shed more light on this growing phenomenon and provide a framework for discussion of verbalizers within the greater canon of language change scholarship in South Africa as a whole. A primary function of this study was to formulate rules for the adoption of -ish- and -a and to provide statistical data as to which one is preferred by speakers.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
Gender and humour; Complexities of women's image politics in Shona humourous narratives
(2017) Masowa, Angeline; Nyamende, Abner; Mberi, Nhira Edgar
Humour represents an ideal site for understanding how everyday social dynamics influence ideology and the social structure (Sue & Golash-Boza, 2013:4). This research is an examination of how gender is expressed in Shona humour. Particular emphasis is paid to how women are presented in Shona humorous narratives. Though 'what a person does in a jest is usually not accorded the same weight of responsibility as what he does seriously, humour provides a means to test the openness, accessibility, and riskiness of sensitive issues' (Lang & Lee, 2010:47). This study examines how women in particular, are reflected in Shona humour. Humour provides a 'safe' climate for expressing 'system-justifying' beliefs, (Ford et al. 2013), and this study is an exploration of the Shona beliefs about women and the reinforcement of gender norms as expressed in Shona humour. The study derives impetus from the fact that while images of women have been studied in literary and lexicographic works in Shona in particular, aspects of humour and how it presents women remain largely under-studied, as humour studies as a discipline, despite its long history the world over, is still at its infancy in Zimbabwe. From a corpus of jokes that were circulated on the social media, particularly Facebook and WhatsApp, the study examines how women are presented in Shona humour. The research made use of the Superiority Theory of humour, Incongruity and Feminism to argue that Shona humour expresses oppressive and unjust gender relations. While the humorous Shona narratives demonstrate a complex portrayal of women, generally, Shona humour expresses, ratifies and reinforces repressive norms and restrictive stereotypes about women. Women are presented as immoral, malicious and intellectually, socially and emotionally inferior to men. The study therefore argues that humour facilitates the process of promoting gender stereotypes as well as fostering gender discrimination in Shona.
Open Access
Language differentiation and gender in Southern Sotho
(2003) Rapeane, Maleshoane
Open Access
Language variation in the Botswana speech community and its impact on children's education
(1999) Ntshabele, Carol Mmamonyana; Gxilishe, D S
This study seeks to investigate Language variation in the Botswana speech community and its impact on children's education. The study is premised on the assumption that the learner's non-standard language from the home environment is not accommodated in the learning environment. The language used in the classroom is the standard language. This study deals with aspects such as language change, language contact, language interference as well as standardisation and the differences that exist in the spoken and written Setswana. Sociolinguistic factors such as language use are also dealt with. The problem of the use of non-standard varieties, as compared to the use of standard forms in the broad educational field is investigated.
Open Access
The life and works of Isaac William(s) Wauchope
(2000) Nyamende, Abner; Satyo, Sizwe
Bibliography: [355]-364.
Open Access
The life history of Z.S. Zotwana
(2003) Fihla, Goodwell Lungile; Nyamende, Abner
Bibliography: leaves 181-195.
Open Access
Literature between two worlds : the first fifty years of the Xhosa novel and poetry
(1993) Zotwana, Sydney Zanemvula; Satyo, Sizwe C
The main preoccupation in this thesis is to illustrate that, although there is no doubt that the missionaries deserve all the praise that they have been showered with, for their role in the development of Xhosa literature, there is a sense in which they can be said to have contributed as much also to its underdevelopment. It is my view that Xhosa literature has had a very unfortunate history, because of having an origin that is located in the history of Christianization. This history has haunted Xhosa literary creativity from its early beginnings to the present. The success of the mission to convert them to Christianity was anchored on the principle of total alienation of the Xhosa from their world-view: from their culture, from their religion, from their chiefs, from their literary art, and even from their homes. The intention was to turn them into new beings - Christian and loyal subjects of the British Crown - and to make them not only reject, but also despise their past. Therefore Western-style education for the Blacks in South Africa did not come out of any sense of altruism on the part of those by whom it was introduced. It was the interests of its initiators and their country that had to be served by the education of the Blacks. It was in this context that Xhosa literature was born. It was produced to promote the interests of the Christian church and therefore those of the British Crown. Its production was controlled by the missionaries, the owners of the publishing houses, but it was produced by the Christian and literate Xhosa most of whom had studied in mission schools. It was produced to crush the past and any aspirations that were in conflict with those of the Christian church and the British imperial designs. In short, it was a literature against its people. However, the Christian and literate Xhosa was never accepted as the equal of the other British subjects who were White. He was excluded from all law-making mechanisms and was affected by the many Native Laws that were passed, as badly as his non-Christian brothers and sisters. He witnessed land dispossession and all the other atrocities perpetrated by White rulers. His literary art had been harnessed to legitimize and perpetrate this situation and he dared not use his art to change it. It is in the light of this context that this thesis contends that Xhosa literature is between two worlds. It is argued that Xhosa literature, because of the writers' dilemma created by their position between these two conflicting universes, has been forced to be mute in the face of the Black people's experiences of oppression, and therefore to be indifferent to the Black people's struggles to resist colonization and to liberate themselves from this oppression. It is however, pointed out that some works are characterised by the writers' attempts to grapple with this dilemma. Finally this thesis advocates complete liberation of literary artists from state control, indirect though it may be, and also a change in the teaching and analysis of Xhosa literature.
Open Access
A study of theme and technique in the creative works of S.E.K.L.N. Mqhayi
(1979) Qangule, Zitobile Sunshine; Westphal, E O J
S.E.K. Mqhayi has been declared the most successful of all the modern Xhosa writers. He has been proclaimed "The Shakespeare of the Xhosa language". The showering of such praises upon a man have prompted us to study some of his major views about life and the manner of expressing these. * The first chapter deals with the formative influences which played a prominent part in Mqhayi's literary creativity. These are: the home, the school and the church. The portrayal of the man is made more explicit by citing what literary critics in general, and Xhosa poets in particular, have said about Mqhayi. A list of Mqhayi's published works and various comments on these add dimension to his stature. The chapter ends with a brief outline of the development of thought in Mqhayi's works. It is pointed out that each principal thought or major theme constitutes a chapter of this thesis. The first chapter serves as a thread that knits the different chapters together. * The second chapter is a study of Mqhayi's views on the nature and operation of law in Xhosa traditional society. The various techniques employed by Mqhayi in articulating his views are pointed out. Mqhayi intimates in his works that law functions in a Xhosa traditional society in a manner similar to the operation of law in modern society. we have supported Mqhayi's contentions by drawing parallels with the western legal system. It is emphasized in this chapter that "the traditional Xhosa legal system is an integral part of the Xhosa religious order". The idea that Xhosas and other Black races had no laws governing them prior to contact with Whites is refuted by conclusive argument. * Chapter three is a discussion of Mqhayi's serious concern about disunity and a lack of socio-political advancement among the Blacks of South Africa and the breaking down of law and order among the Xhosa people in general and among the various Black races in particular. The reader's attention is drawn also to Mqhayi's concern about deteriorating relations between Blacks and Whites in South Africa. We show how the author offers solutions to these grave problems. Towards the end of the chapter, Mqhayi emerges as a patriot and a humanist. * The concept of patriotism receives attention in chapter four. Biographical sketches of various Black and White leaders whom Mqhayi regarded as patriots are given. These biographies help in interpreting the poems written by Mqhayi about the said patriots. Of great interest to the reader should be the various devices employed by the poet in revealing patriotic action. A consistent and comforting note in most of the poems is the assurance that the patriots who departed from this earth are alive and active in the spiritual world. * Throughout his works Mqhayi denigrates undesirable characters and deprecates evil actions or situations. This is brought out in sharper focus in chapter five. The various techniques he uses are mentioned and discussed. The reader's attention is drawn to the following: (a) virtue is extolled in Mqhayi's writings; (b) the author "preaches the gospel of hope and faith in human progress". Thus, brief notes on the transformation of the undesirable characters bring the chapter to an end. * Literary critics will always point out what they consider as merits or demerits in a man's creative work(s). Chapter six deals with a critical appraisal of criticisms levelled against Mqhayi as a literary artist. The validity or otherwise of the opinions expressed is discussed. * Chapter seven is a general conclusion. The main observations are summarised and suggestions for further studies are indicated. * It is hoped that the entire study will serve as a design or model for understanding the creative works of S.E.K.L.N. Mqhayi. For additional information on the possible value of this study, the literary critic is referred to chapter seven (pages 249-254).
Open Access
Ubomi bukaGuybon Budlwana Sinxo nemisebenzi yakhe
(2004) Nakani, Thumeka Veronica; Nyamende, Abner
Injongo yokubhalwa kwalo mqulu kukuphakamisa ulwimi lwesiXhosa kunye nababhali bolu lwimi abaphilayo nabangasekhoyo. Iilwimi zesiNtu zijongelwe phantsi kakhulu azijongelwanga kumgangatho omnye neelwimi zaseNtshona. Kuluxanduva lwethu thina bayibonayo le meko ke ngoko ukuba sizithande, sizixabise kwaye siziphakamise iilwimi zethu ngokuthi sibonise ukuba nazo ziyalingana nezinye iilwimi.

Browsing by Subject "African Languages and Literatures"

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