Doctoral Degrees (African Languages)

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An analysis of contemporary IsiZulu performance poetry.
(2019) Myeni, Gladness Bongephiwe.; Sibiya, Nakanjani Goodenough.
Poetry is the most basic and profuse form of emotive expression in Africa. The African manifests feelings through an outburst of song or poem when he loves and when he hates, when he works and when he plays, when he is in peace and when he fights, when the child is born and when death takes its toll. Poetry should be understood as a part of ongoing sets of aesthetic traditions, acts of distinction, and values. These are recognizable genres of expression (in either the ways they actively align, reject, or refigure received traditions of use).This study is an analysis of thematic distribution and poetic features in isiZulu performance poetry and also seeks to explore its socio-linguistic impact in the society. An ethnographic methodological approach was employed in this study. Data collection involved use of interviews, voice recordings and observations of the performance sessions. This is informed by two complimentary theories that served as the theoretical framework. Firstly Bourne (2001) and Tolstoy’s (2001) expressive theory of arts was used as a background theory to provide benchmarks to the understanding of the main aim and appreciation of performance poetry. Secondly, the study used Hyme’s (1981) ethnopoetic theory, where ethnopoetics is concerned with composition in the course of performance. Ethnopoetics is the study of the ways that narratives are structured into “lines” and are thus poetic (Hymes, 1981). The findings demonstrate that most of the poems studied in this research dwelt much on the theme of love but without necessarily ignoring other issues such as women and child abuse, corruption and many other social ills. The researcher also discovered that isiZulu contemporary poetry employs unique linguistic elements in its expression of the diverse thematic issues. Code-mixing or code-switching and borrowing seem to be getting more attention in the composition of performance poems. = Izinkondlo e-Afrika ziyinto elula kakhulu neyindlela ejulile yokuveza imizwa. Abantu abangama-Afrika bakhombisa imizwa ngengoma noma ngenkondlo uma bethanda, bezonda, besebenza noma bedlala, uma benokuthula noma belwa, uma kuzelwe ingane noma kuvele isifo. Kumina izinkondlo zibukeka ziyizixazululo eziwusizo, ezingabukwa njengezingxenye zezinhlanganisela zobuhle besiko, izindlela zokuhlukanisa namazingakuphila. Lezi izinhlobo ezivamile zokuveza imizwa (okungaba izindlela abazihlanganisa ngokunamandla, bazinqabe, noma baphinde bazibhekisise izindlela ezitholakele zokusebenza). Lolu cwaningo luhlaziya izinkondlo zesiZulu ezihaywa bukhoma zesimanje. Lolu cwaningo luhlose ukubuyekeza ukwabiwa kwezindikimba zezinkondlo zesiZulu ezihaywa bukhoma. Okwesibili, ukuhlaziya izici noma iminxa zobunkondlo emkhakheni omusha wezinkondlo zesiZulu, bese luphetha ngokuphenya umthelela walo mkhakha omusha wezinkondlo sesiZulu emphakathini. Kulolu cwaningo kusetshenziswe ikhwalithethivu egxile empilweni yabantu namasiko abo (ethnographic methodological approach) njengendlela yokuqhuba ucwaningo. Ukuqoqwa kolwazi kubandakanya, izingxoxo, amazwi aqoshiwe kanye nokuhlaziywa kokwenzeka kwezinto zinjengoba zinjalo. Lokhu kusekelwa izinjulalwazi ezimbili ezihambisanayo njengesisekelo socwaningo. Okokuqala, injulalwazi yokuzwakalisa imizwa yobuciko (expressive theory of arts), eyethulwa nguBourne (2001) noTolstoy (2001) njengomgogodla oyisizinda sokwazi inhlosongqangi yezinkondlo nokuhaywa kwezinkondlo zeshashalazi. Okwesibili, injulalwazi eqopha imibhalo wezinkondlo ezihaywa ngomlomo (ethnopoetic theory) kaHyme (1981), lapho le njulalwazi egxile esakhiweni senkondlo ngenkathi yenziwa. I-ethnopoetic iyisifundo sezindlela zokuhlela okudluliswayo kube imisho kanye nobunkondlo (Hymes, 1981). Ulwazi olutholakele luveza ukuthi izinkondlo eziningi ezikulolu cwaningo zigxile kakhulu endikimbeni yothando. Ngale kwalokho, kongoti bezinkondlo, osonkondlo noma izimbongi babuka uthando njengengxenye yempilo ehlukile kodwa kuya ngendlela imbongi ngayinye eqonda ngayo izindaba zothando. Umcwaningi uphinde wathola ukuthi izinkondlo zesimanje zisebenzisa izingxenye zolimi lapho ziveza okuthile ezindikimbeni ezahlukahlukene. Ukuxutshwa kolimi nokuboleka kwezinye izilimi kudla umhlanganiso uma kukhiqizwa izinkondlo zeshashalazi.
An analysis of the depiction of males in selected postcolonial novels written in IsiZulu.
(2023) Shabalala, Sicelo Cyril.; Zulu, Nogwaja Shadrack.
This study analyses the depiction of males in selected postcolonial novels written in isiZulu. The texts were selected from the literary period 1996- 2017. The study employs a masculinist literary criticism as a theoretical framework, in analysing the selected isiZulu novels. The novels in question were selected using purposive sampling. The study points out stereotypes that are used to portray men in literary texts. Moreover, the study reveals that the traditional role of men in society and in families has not changed in line with the democratic dispensation. Section 9(4) on gender equality is not feasible in a patriarchal society. Men have no domestic obligation. Women cook, clean, wash, and take care of children. Men expect absolute obedience from women: their word is final. A wife must not refute the word of her husband. The man is the head of the family. Men provide for women, children, and the extended families. Those who cannot provide for their families feel emasculated; then resort to crime. Women expect protection from men; therefore, men assume the role of a protector. Men do not succumb to emotions. They have been socialised not to cry even in taxing situations. Boys and men are territorial: they chase away rivals in their marked terrain. Men are risk-takers − they drive recklessly while under the influence of alcohol. They have multiple sexual partners even though HIV and AIDS is at its peak. The number of sexual relations one has is a validation of masculinity. Society praises brave men while mocking acts of cowardice. Boys aspire to be warriors. The findings suggest that there is little progress towards gender equity − men in their homes still favour gender inequality. Household chores are arranged according to gender.
Conscientisation : a motive behind the selected poems of Sepamla, Serote, Gwala and Mtshali.
(2013) Sibisi, Zwelithini Leo.; Nxumalo, Otty Ezrom Howard Mandlakayise.
The thesis looks at how the poets Sepamla, Serote, Gwala and Mtshali (SSGM) make concerted efforts to demonstrate how different forms of social activities have sought to whitewash black people in believing myths about themselves. These myths were perpetuated by the government of apartheid policies and its related bureaucratic organs like the education system. The fallacies were also communicated through biased literature and denigrating terminologies. The study analyses how the selected poems of SSGM set out to conscientize black people to realise how they had unconsciously accepted certain behaviours. This had led them to compare themselves to the “privileged cultures” and to strive to be identified with those who were in power and those who were despised and were therefore powerless. The main aim of this study is to demonstrate how the poetry of Sepamla, Serote, Gwala and Mtshali exposed the extent to which black people had been psychologically subjected to internalising negative views of who they were. From the title of the thesis we note a claim that conscientization was the motive behind the poetry of Sepamla, Serote, Gwala, and Mtshali. This claim was discerned from the poetry that was analysed. It was also deemed fit to verify this through structured interviews and questionnaires that were arranged and conducted with the poets. However the interviews did not include the late Sepamla who had been called to higher service by the time the research was conducted. The researcher’s interactions with the poets confirmed the claim that conscientization was indeed the motive behind their poetry. Aspects of peoples’ lives which had been targeted as tools for disempowering black people were experienced in the form of racism, apartheid policies, Bantustan institutions, and laws, demeaning terminologies, cultural superiority, and prejudiced beliefs, arts, music, literature, theatre and sport. An analysis of the poetry under review led to the conclusion that the poetry of SSGM was not protest poetry as some scholars had claimed. The aim of the poetry was not to instigate any militancy against oppressors but to make black people aware of their identity and to affirm them in their resistance against cultural hegemony. The study makes use of Marxist theories and specifically cites those aspects which relate to the tools used to analyse the poetry of SSGM. Georg Lukacs’s viewpoint that literature reflects the social reality of its time is applied to some of the selected poetry. Eagleton and Althusser talk about the formalization of literature which makes ideology to become visible to the reader. Gramsci says the task of producing and disseminating ideology is performed by organic intellectuals. Writers are regarded as organic intellectuals. In spite of the limiting circumstances the four black writers whose poetry is being considered, managed to conscientize people around issues that needed to be opposed or rejected. This study is significant in so far as it exposed how poetry of black selected writers conscientized people and indirectly contributed to the liberation of the oppressed in South Africa. It is suggested that further studies are undertaken to re-assess the role of literature written by the black writers during the apartheid regime. A special attention must be given to those literary works that were banned and reasons for such action by those who were hell bent on subjugating black people. One of the challenges encountered during the research was that some of the books were out of print. However, a thorough and persistent search did result in the final access to those books which were not easily available.
Cultural and religious contrasts and symbiosis in D.B.Z. Ntuli's short stories.
(1994) Mayekiso, Almitta Cordelia Theresa-Marie.; Nxumalo, Otty Ezrom Howard Mandlakayise.; Olivier, Theo.
No abstract available.
Feminist discourse analysis in four selected Zulu literary texts beyond 'woman as a victim'.
(2018) Gumede, Hendry Sifiso.; Mathonsi, Nhlanhla Naphtal.
The study’s hypothesis was that the condition of women in Zulu patriarchal society as reflected in the selected Zulu literary texts is still intolerable. Some female and male authors tend to echo social tendencies and trends, wanting to maintain the status quo of the system of patriarchy. The study surfaces the traditional patriarchal views on marriage, ukungena (taking over of the responsibilities of the late brother) and other gender inequities. The research qualitatively examines these traditional issues and approaches in the four selected literary texts from a literary feminist discourse perspective. The study has managed to portray various situations in which women discover their potential by focusing on the various major problems they have to face in the patriarchal society. The four literary texts analyzed depict women characters as victims. For instance, the novels Ifa Lenkululeko and Umshado portray the widows’ world as a hybrid space characterized by forces of tradition and modernity. Both novels show how widows are usually trodden upon and least protected by the society from patriarchal interpretations, and expectations of the tradition. The plays, Ngiyazisa Ngomtanami and Ngiwafunge AmaBomvu, on the other hand, depict flaws and failures of the patriarchal system. Both plays expose these flaws and failures in a subtle manner that an inattentive reader may not be able to observe. They both reflect women’s maturity in challenging the stereotypes of the patriarchal system. These literary texts display some transformed approaches in the portrayal of female characters. The study calls for a change of mindsets from members of society who still endorse patriarchal stereotypes of women. It makes it clear that, only by affording full consideration to women’s needs and contributions, can the civilization grow and mature.
A historical perspective and linguistic analysis of onomastic elements with special reference to the Shangase clan.
(2006) Shangase, Sibusiso Elphus.; Ngubane, Sihawukele Emmanuel.
The overall questions that were provided in the higher degrees proposal have been fairly answered throughout this doctoral dissertation. The following questions have been asked and answered throughout the thesis: What has been identified a's changes from traditional naming practices to Western naming practices? What morphophological comparisons can be made in naming practices? What influenced the cultural and historical background and language of the Shangase clan? Every social group of people has certain norms of behaviour. How does this culturally and structurally affect the system of naming within the Shangase Clan? Since there are different language names, how are these names related, or can any: system of their relationship be found within the Shangase Clan? From which parts of speech are different names (which are nouns) normally derived and what prefixal and suffixal elements are applied? What poetic techniques can be used to analyse the personal praises or praise names of Kings, Royal Family Members and the ordinary people? It has therefore, been realized that the personal names and place names are well known to have played a more substantial role in the identification of different people and places of different clans. Surnames and address names have promoted the identification and classification of different clans. The researcher has used both the qualitative and quantitative research methodologies as tools for data collection. Research methods have entailed verbal descriptive practices, which include oral inquiries, questionnaires, interviews and observational information. The purpose of this research has been to locate the study within the context of the topic and the historical background of the Shangase people which eventually deals with personal names, place-names and personal praises. The literature has been reviewed according to the recommendations of the researcher's supervisor Prof S.E. Ngubane. Five scholars were chosen and the focus was on history, genealogy, linguistic, onomastics of personal names, place-names and how these names are derived and changed from time to time with naming practices changing from generation to generation. This has enabled every member of the Shangase clan to identify himself easily with the founder, Shangase (Mkheshane), son of Vumizitha, of Mthebe of Mnguni 1. The researcher's main objective has been to focus on the history and genealogy of the Shangase clan from the time of Vumizitha (d.c.l688) to the present time (AD 2006), how personal names and place names are given when one looks at the circumstances of naming and history surrounding the names and the linguistic analysis of the onomactic elements. The personal names, place names and praise names are analysed and synthesized within the parameters of word formation, and as words they are isolated or syntactically used to assign a particular meaning in Zulu. Lastly, the researcher is mostly interested in this study because, as a member of the Shangase Community, he has a thorough knowledge of where the Shangase clan is located. The researcher's method of interviews using interview questionnaires assisted him to accomplish the main objectives. Through these interviews and observations, the researcher highly recommends that those who might be able to read this thesis, and feel interested and create new challenges in the field of onomastics, which the researcher hopes this thesis has done, should further undertake a study of personal praises within the Shangase clan.
The indigenous knowledge systems based on religion and healing as encapsulated in O.E.H.M. Nxumalo and L.B.Z. Buthelezi's poetry.
(2010) Mdanda, Mandlakayise Gilford.; Maphumulo, Abednego Mandlenkosi.
This study concerns itself with indigenous knowledge systems related to religion and healing as encapsulated in Nxumalo and Buthelezi's poetry. Most of the poems referenced in this study are laced with religion and healing, with the aspects of healing being related to religion and success? In short, the healer has to be upright as far as religion is concerned. Any deviation from religious norms and values tarnishes and nullifies the healer's expertise and their ability to heal. In short the ancestral spirits dislikes deviant behaviours such as witchcraft, when the healer lives in two worlds, that of healing and that of bewitching others. The ancestors strip the healer of the healing powers, as a punishment. To gain their expertise, the practitioners of religion and healing undergo training in the art of detecting illness and witchcraft using bones and other devices, and this training, to a greater extent, must come with the approval of ancestors. It is also upon the diviners and traditional healers to perform rituals when death has struck, by preparing rituals that should enable the living dead to meet their ancestors spotless. Since, the indigenous people believes in the life-hereafter, it is believed that a person pursues with living, similarly to an earthly one even in death. It is believed that failing to perform these rituals, invites death to encroach and repeatedly strike the community or family. Witchcraft is deplored in indigenous religions and communities often gather together with healers to fight against witches. In indigenous religions untimely death is believed to be the work of the witch. All in all indigenous religion and healing complement each other in the worship of the Supreme-Being through deities. In short, Chapter One concerns itself with a general introduction for the entire study. Some key concepts such as: indigenous knowledge systems; deconstruction; inter-textuality; new-historicism; influence and so on, will be discussed in this said chapter. Whereas Chapter Two discusses how theories like deconstruction, inter-textuality and new-historicism will be utilised in the study. Take for instance deconstruction is to be utilised since it deals with multiplicity of meaning in interpretation of poetry. Chapter Three deals with the link between Nxumalo and Buthelezi's poetry as they relate to indigenous religion and healing and the relevance of these two concepts. Chosen poems by Nxumalo and Buthelezi will be analysed in this regard. Chapter Four touches on instances of the indigenous knowledge system and how it is constructed within the poetry of Nxumalo and Buthelezi. Specifically, the position of the Supreme-Being and that of the deities will receive attention here. In Chapters Five, discussions of the instances of indigenous rituals within the selected poetry and the training of prospective traditional healers will be analysed. Finally, Chapter Six presents the conclusion, findings, recommendations and possible future directions for research in this field.
Indikimba yokudingiswa ezinkondlweni zikaMazisi Kunene zesiZulu.
(2018) Xaba, Melusi.; Sibiya, Nakanjani Goodenough.
Lona ngumsebenzi wocwaningo ohlelwe ngokwalezi zahluko eziyisikhombisa.Ucwaningo olwenziwe kulo msebenzi lumayelana nendikimba yokudingiswa etholakala ezinkondlweni zesiZulu zikaMazisi Kunene. Isahluko sokuqala Kulesi sahluko ilapho kuthulwa khona ucwaningo ngokuthi kuchazwe isihloko socwaningo esingumgogodla wocwaningo lonke. Esahlukweni lesi kuvezwa kafushane okuzogxilwa kukhona ocwaningweni, kuchazwe amagama azobe eqavile ocwaningweni lonke. Kuvezwa izinhloso kanye nezidingo zocwaningo ngenhloso yokhanyisa umsuka wocwaningo olwenziwayo. Kubuye kubhekwe izindlela zokwenza ucwaningo ezizosetshenziswa ocwaningweni. Kuvezwa ngamafuphi ukuthi ucwaningo luzokwenziwa kanjani. Kuphindwe kuthulwe izinjulalwazi eziyisisekelo socwaningo. Kugcinwa ngokuveza umklamo wocwaningo kanye nomklamo wezahluko lapho kuvezwa khona ngamafuphi ukuthi ucwaningo luzogxila kuphi nokuthi umcwaningi izahluko zocwaningo uzozimisa kanjani. Isahluko sesibili Lesi yisahluko esiyisendlalelo socwaningo lonke. Kulesi sahluko kuxoxwa kabanzi ngezinkondlo nokuthi buyini ubunkondlo. Kuzophinde kubuyekezwe nemibhalo ehlobene nesihloko socwaningo olwenziwayo. Isahluko sesithathu Lapha kubhekwa izindlela zokuqhuba ucwaningo kanye nezinjulalwazi eziyisekelo socwaningo lonke.
Ingcindezelo engokobuhlanga njengoba ivezwa ubucikomazwi besiZulu.
(2018) Myeza, Mthokozisi Christopher.; Sibiya, Nakanjani Goodenough.
Lolu cwaningo lubheka ingcindezelo ngokobuhlanga emibhalweni yobucikomzawi besiZulu ebhalwe ngesikhathi sobandlululo nangesikhathi senkululeko eNingizimu Afrika. Lucwaninga indikimba yengcindezelo emibhalweni yeminxa eyahlukene luveze ukuthi ababhali bathi kwakuyiziphi izinto abansundu ababecindezelwa kuzo, imaphi amasu ayesetshenziswa ukubhala leyo mibhalo kanye nezinhloso zokubhalwa kwayo. Ngale kokuveza izinto le mibhalo ezidingidayo, lolu cwaningo lubuye luveze namasu asetshenzisiwe ukubhala lolu hlobo lwemibhalo ngesikhathi lapho umbuso wengcindezelo nobandlululo wawukwenze kwaba nzima khona kubabhali ukuba babhale ngokukhululeka. Luphinde luveze isibindi nobuchule bababhali ekubhaleni imibhalo enendikimba zengcindezelo ngokobuhlanga. Lolu cwaningo lusebenzisa ithiyori yeMaksizimu (Marxism). Le thiyori izolekelela ekwenzeni lolu cwaningo ngokubheka ubudlelwane phakathi kwale mibhalo kanye nesikhathi ebhalwe ngaso, ikakhulukazi ekuhlaziyeni isimo senhlalo esasibhekene nabansundu ngaphansi kwengcindezelo engokobuhlanga. Inhloso yalolu cwaningo ngukuchitha imibono yabanye abacwaningi ababopha ngabhande linye imibhalo yesintu, bethi ayikwazanga ukuveza impilo yabantu abansundu ngezikhathi zobandlululo; ayishongo lutho ngobuhlungu, usizi, ukuhlushwa nokubandlululwa kwabantu ababecindezelwe. Luveza okwakwenzeka ngaleso sikhathi nokuthi abantu abansundu bathwala kanzima kangakanani.
Izigiyo as performed by Zulu women in the KwaQwabe community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2009) Gumede, Mzuyabonga Amon.; Meyiwa, Thenjiwe.; Turner, Noleen Sheila.
This study investigates the content of izigiyo (specified personified solo dance songs) texts that Zulu women perform at social occasions in KwaQwabe, a rural area near KwaDukuza (Stanger) in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Though this study focuses on izigiyo, the KwaQwabe have different oral performances that are performed at specific social occasions. In the KwaQwabe area there lives people who practise subsistence farming. The common crops that they (especially women) grow are maize, beans, groundnuts and imifino (herbs). The cattle and goats that the KwaQwabe men keep are mostly slaughtered for the amadlozi rituals. The study proposes that izigiyo as oral texts are largely responses to issues of heritage, culture, women abuse and domestic violence that lead to pent-up emotions, envy, witchery, gossip, and malpractices that can destroy a community-oriented life-style (Turner, 1998) that features in most African communities. The study hypothesises that Zulu women of KwaQwabe need to be treated with dignity and inhlonipho (respect) within the parameters of the Zulu tradition (Msimang, 1975). The study explores issues surrounding the izigiyo performance in order to establish whether Zulu women have always been silent (Bukenya, 2001) when it comes to issues that affect their lives, pertaining to issues that impinge negatively on their lives (Gunner and Gwala, 1991). The intended receivers of the messages (Ndoleriire, 2000) are always implied in the izigiyo texts and aim at serving as social regulators (Gumede, 2000). The language of izigiyo is in most cases metaphorical so as to avoid confrontation. In the midst of the izigiyo expression men and women relay their perceptions, experiences, and feelings about the way of life in their families and communities at large. This study, however, limits itself to the izigiyo texts that are enacted by Zulu women and does not include men’s.
Language variation in Zulu: a case study of contemporary codes and registers in the greater Durban area.
(1995) Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.; Msimang, C. T.; Maartens, Pieter Johann.
This study has been an attempt to clarify a number of basic problems regarding the phenomena of Language Variation and their implications for linguistic usage. The data were collected in the GDA. Very little has been done on Language Variation in Zulu owing to lack of interest in Sociolinguistics in the middle of this century. A study of this nature is imperative because language planners have to design policies for the Government of National Unity in South Africa.There are two very important aspects to National Language Policies. These comprise the ideological aspect, which is concerned with mobilising the nation's sentiments and attitudes towards the acceptance and use of selected speech forms. The second aspect involves the technical side, which looks at the practical elements which are concerned with the problems of implementing the ideology (Whiteley 1963: 150). In order to fulfill the foregoing ideals, we had to look for applicable aims and objectives of Language Variation. The main objectives were: (a) to identify at least seven domains where different language varieties were employed in the Black Durban speech community; (b) to investigate the social attitude of the Black Durban speech community towards CCR's; (c) to trace the origin of and development of the non-standard varieties which are employed by the Black Durban speech community; (d) To investigate the impact of CCR's on the economy, and social conditions prevailing in the GDA. In order to achieve the foregoing objectives, the term 'Language Variation' and its dynamics had to be clarified. Empirical studies on research methodologies had to be resorted to in order to give a sound base to the theoretical framework. A number of theories were explored and they were found to be applicable to Contemporary Codes and Registers employed by the Black Durban speech community. These comprised speech accommodation, cognitive uncertainty, affective reinforcement, gain-loss, social identity, functionalist and interactionist theories. In order to test these theories, I resorted to ethnomethodological and ethnographic approaches to empirical research. The choice of these approaches was to capture data on CCR's in the most objective and valid manner. The next step was to take a deep plunge into field work. I became a participant observer in a number of domains around the Durban Metropolitan area. Interviews with prominent Zulu speakers were also conducted in order to obtain their input towards CCR's. The research was conducted in seven Black townships, situated in the GDA. In addition to this, research was conducted in Westville prison, transportation modes, hospitals, streets, taverns, educational units, and in soccer clubs. I entered the aforementioned domains as a 'friend of a friend' a lecturer, or an ex-class teacher in order to become a participant observer in various activities of the Black Durban speech communities. In addition to this, written questionnaires were administered and answered by respondents. The aim of the questionnaire survey was to measure the magnitude of linguistic transformations in the GDA. Another aim was to capture the attitude of the Black Durban speech community towards non-standard varieties of Zulu. Interviews were also conducted for the same purpose. Checklists were also resorted to in order to secure valid and objective information. The collection and analysis of data alone was not adequate in accounting for Language Variation. Bokamba, (1988:21) mentions that we need data on the communicative behaviour of speakers - the whys and how's of ..... [Language Valiation]. A description of the social context of CCR's as observed in the Black speech community of the GDA was exposed. This involved a presentation of the origins and development of linguistic CR's used in the GDA. CR's included slang, Tsotsitaal/isiLovasi, jargon, borrowing, interlarding, neologisms, which were covered under the term CCR's. The linguistic make up, characteristics and classification of CCR's were also carried out. I had to identify the speakers of CCR's in the various targeted domains, where they are employed, as well as the topics which are normally discussed by the interlocutors. Socio-psychological functions of CCR's as spoken in the targeted areas were uncovered. It was revealed that CCR's entail elaborate and rich linguistic forms. They incorporate everyday situations thus recording the activities of people at a particular era in the history of mankind. At least 75% of the 800 collected lexical items which were regarded as non-standard and filtered talk were found to be known and used by most Black Durban speakers. School children were found to have carried these CCR's to the classroom situation where they were penalised for employing them.
Language, identity and ethnicity in post-apartheid South Africa : the Umlazi township community.
(2006) Rudwick, Stephanie Inge.; Kamwangamalu, Nkonko M.
This thesis explores how language, identity and ethnicity are intertwined in the post-apartheid South African state by focusing on one particular language group, i.e. the isiZulu-speaking community of the Umlazi township. Drawing from general theoretical foundations in the field and sociohistorical considerations, the study explores empirically the significance and saliency of isiZulu in the life experience and identity negotiations of Umlazi residents. By juxtaposing the role and functions ofisiZulu with the economically hegemonic role of the English language, the social and cultural vitality of isiZulu is exposed. Using a triangulated approach, which combines quantitative and qualitative empirical methods, the study discusses subjective individual meanings and the involved emic categories, which guide the participants' understanding of who they are in relation to languages in the post-apartheid state. The study discusses how a sociolinguistic dichotomy between culturally and socially grounded identification processes and pragmatic and economically motivated ones manifests itself. The study reveals, inter alia, how language, i.e. isiZulu, is not only regarded as a cultural resource, but as a tool of identification that transcends the boundaries of race, class, religion and politics in a modern day township community. Furthermore, isiZuluspeakers' identities and ethnicities are first and foremost language-embedded, hence they are linguistically salient. It is argued that languages, i.e. isiZulu and English, are powerful devices that create boundaries, which consequently also divide the community. Finally, the researcher explores the implications of this study in the wider context of South Africa's sociolinguistic reality, and suggests that the promotion and development ofisiZulu is indeed a worthwhile undertaking in the democratic state.
The mismatch between language policy and language practice : status planning for isiZulu in a multilingual and multicultural society.
(2007) Pillay, Rama.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.
Although isiZulu has been accorded official status by the constitution of the country, the language continues to be marginalised in the private and public sectors. This illustrates that there is a considerable mismatch between the language policy on the one hand, and language practice on the other hand in these sectors. This is due largely to the problems associated with the practical implementation of the language policy. This study sets out to investigate the attitudes of Zulu and non-Zulu speakers at selected private and public sector institutions to gauge how these speakers feel about isiZulu and what can be done to promote the language in this region. Against this background, an empirical investigation comprising a questionnaire survey, which produced descriptive and inferential statistical data, was undertaken. Data were gathered by means of questionnaires from a random sample of Zulu and non-Zulu speakers from the eThekwini region. Semistructured interviews were conducted with Zulu and non-Zulu speakers at selected private and public sector institutions in this region. Data gathered from the semi-structured interviews were used to complement data from the questionnaires. The main findings indicate that among Zulu speakers, isiZulu has entrenched its position in the domestic domain because it is the main language of communication with family members, friends and neighbours. However, the language has not yet established itself in the commercial sector. The findings reveal that Zulu speakers are proud of isiZulu and they feel that the language has the potential to be used in all spheres of society. The majority of non-Zulu speakers on the other hand, consider isiZulu an important requirement for employment opportunities. They also feel that the isiZulu is going to play an important role in the future and it is imperative that people acquire the language so that they can communicate effectively with the majority in this region. Since the majority of Zulu speakers and non-Zulu speakers in this study display positive attitudes towards isiZulu it augurs well for the future development of the language. Based on the main findings, detailed recommendations are suggested to enhance the practical implementation of isiZulu in the eThekwini region and in other parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Naming of the informal settlements in Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
(2018) Ngcobo, Tholakele Ruth.; Ndimande-Hlongwa, Nobuhle Purity.; Mazibuko, Gugulethu Brightness.
Abstract available in both English and isiZulu in pdf.
Naming, identity and the African renaisance [sic] in a South African context.
(2004) Machaba, Mbali Aldromeda.; Koopman, Adrian.
Naming is a very important tool used among various African cultures to convey certain messages, either to an individual, family members or a community. Naming of various objects is linked with the socio-political factors of countries where anthroponyms and toponyms are found. It is for this reason that onomastics (the study of names) can never be isolated from studying the dynamics of various societies, the behaviour and the psychology of different individuals. While names can unite communities, they can also serve as a dividing tool in various communities. It is from names that one can learn the various cultures that have been present in a particular place, and have an understanding and the appreciation of the history of a place. Onomastics is multidisciplinary in nature. It can be approached from different perspectives. These include linguistic, historical, sociological, philosophical, economical and other perspectives. Chapter two focuses on the linguistic and semantic aspects of names. It explores onomastic definitions and the comparison between the meaning of Euro-western and African names. In Chapter two an argument is presented on the morphological structure of Zulu and/or Xhosa names for boys and girls. In this Chapter the orthography of place names is also discussed. The importance of standardising names for purposes of having one name for one entity and asserting the country's history and heritage cannot be overemphasised. As indicated above that onomastics can also be approached from a historic approach, Chapter 3 looks at the changing political scenario in South Africa that has had an impact on the culture of indigenous people, their identity and the existence of Euro-western names among them. The arrival of white people in South Africa contaminated the indigenous culture and the African belief systems. The traditional belief system of the indigenous people is discussed in Chapter three together with the advent of Christianity. Chapter four looks at the sociological approach in onomastics. Names of any nature exist in a society. These names reflect the social dynamics of the societies where they are found. The society plays a major role in influencing the choice of names given to individuals and entities. These names have different functions in societies. The different functions that names have in various communities are also discussed. In Chapter four the significance of anthroponyms and toponyms is discussed. Various types of names are also looked at. Political changes witnessed in the country play a major role in transforming the country whether economically, culturally or socially. The impact of political changes and the attitudes of South Africans towards name changes are discussed in Chapter five. President Thabo Mbeki's call for an African renaissance came at the time when South Africa attained its independence. The adoption of African names was on the increase during this period. Chapter six looks at the link between changing naming patterns and the African renaissance. As an African renaissance calls for the rebirth of African culture and ways of living, xenophobic attitudes among Africans are examined. It is argued that Africa's rebirth is dependant on various issues including the respect and value that Africans give each other. Onomastics, as mentioned above can be studied using different approaches, however the limitedness of this study prevents discussion on all approaches. Onomastics is a relatively new field in South Africa, however its multidisciplinary nature and the abundance of data, invites more studies to be conducted. Chapter seven makes recommendations on some of the onomastic studies that may be conducted in future.
Oral strategies for conflict expression and articulation of criticism in Zulu social discourse.
(2003) Turner, Noleen Sheila.; Conolly, Joan Lucy.; Coullie, Judith Lutge.; Zungu, Phyllis Jane Nonhlanhla.
This study examines the oral strategies employed by Zulu speaking people in the expression of conflict and criticism in their social discourse. These oral discourses, viz. izibongo and naming practices, are analysed to ascertain the socially acceptable ways in which Zulus articulate their frustrations and discontent in various social settings. These are commonly used in rural communities, but they also echo in urban social settings. Hostility and ill-feelings are thus channelled through the sanctioned form of these various oral expressions either as a means of merely airing one's dissatisfaction or as a means of seeking personal redress. The study also reveals that these particular forms of oral expression with critical content, do not exist for their own intrinsic value simply to artfully describe a particular individual. They are composed primarily to serve a particular social function of conflict articulation and expression in non-conflictual ways. The function of these oral forms is that of a "socio-cultural archive" (Conolly 2001), which is vested in the memory of those who can express in performance, their renditions of personal and group identity. The aesthetic beauty of these forms must be regarded as a secondary function and a direct by-product of the primary function, which is personal identity expressed in a way which ensures that issues which could cause conflict are highlighted so as to diminish their conflictual potential. The reason for this is that in order to fulfill the first function, which is conflict reduction, Jousse (1990) states there has to be a form (rhythm, balance and formula) which makes the expressions memorisable - which literate people equate to 'poetry'.
A post-apartheid Zulu novels : a critical analysis of didactic elements in J C Buthelezi's novels.
(2007) Khumalo, Ellie.; Maphumulo, Abednego Mandlenkosi.
The study addresses the reasons why Buthelezi is regarded as a post-apartheid writer. Among other reasons that are discussed in this study is that in his novels, he touches on some of the issues that were not dealt with in the apartheid period. It also looks at the didactic elements that are conveyed in Buthelezi's novels as far as the post-apartheid period is concerned. Advantages and disadvantages of the post-apartheid period to South Africans are also examined, one of the very important disadvantages being the loss of the spirit of ubuntu among the African people while they try to move on with times.
Reclaiming our names : shifts post-1994 in Zulu personal naming practices.
(2000) Ngubane, Sihawukele Emmanuel.; McDermott, Lydia E.
The thesis underpinning this dissertation was that, as in previous times of major social and historical change, naming practices amongst the Zulu have undergone significant changes since the advent in 1994 of a democratic govemment in South Africa. Since the democratisation process entails freedom for all, it was suspected that a differentiation process was developing within the Zulu group itself and that there were at least three broad economic groups: rural, 'rich-urban', and 'poor urban'. Fieldwork was undertaken in terms of these groups and the data obtained, analysed, and then compared and contrasted in order to identify differences and similarities and to measure shift away from traditional practices. What is apparent from the research is that while there is clear evidence of shift, the shifts that do exist, differ from group to group. The group which shows the least change is the rural, as was expected. The urban groups are fragmented into several sub-groups, most of whom differ from one another in their motivations for the changes they are making, although these seldom appear to have been made consciously.
Shuktin? language, motives and meanings in isiZulu texts and images posted on facebook = Shuktin? ulimi, izinhloso nencazelo yezinkulumo nezithombe zesiZulu ezithunyelwe kufacebook.
(2019) Xaba, Beryl Babsy Boniwe.; Dlamini, Phindile Dorothy.
Social commitment in some Zulu literary works published during the apartheid era.
(2002) Mathonsi, Nhlanhla Naphtal.; Canonici, Noemio Noverino.
This study, Social commitment in some Zulu literary works published during the apartheid era, was motivated by what was perceived as arrogant and superficial observations by a number of especially foreign-based critics, that all the literature in South Africa African-languages published during the apartheid period was children stuff, not worth the paper it was written on, and that it did not show any effort at commitment to, or at reflecting on the weighty social problems that civil society in South Africa had to bear. In response to such criticism, the study highlights aspects of social commitment in selected literary works, and it also sketches the committed approach as part of the African literary outlook. It traces commitment in oral traditional literature, where it appears that the great preoccupation of the oral society was that none of the achievements of the human spirit get lost. The proverbs clearly reflect on, and offer directives for, day-to-day problems, while myths represent reflections on the fate of man and the world. Folktales use common problems in life and family as the basis for the conflictual situations to be resolved. Izibongo (praise poems) declaim the heroic deeds of our leaders, trace our history, and demonstrate that, even in moments of glory, the needs of the people must be taken care of on pain of being negatively labelled with invectives that will reverberate through the centuries. In a brief survey on the early 20th century stages of South African literature in African languages (Zulu, Xhosa, S. Sotho) it was noted that our pioneer writers made a gigantic effort to experiment with genres, forms and contents, and, in the process, to reflect on the anxieties caused by the often bewildering encounter of Mrica with the west. Our early writers excel in creating poetry that amalgamates tradition and modernization, but in the narrative genres they seem to be able to be more genial and creative when they deal with historical material, possibly because they feel more at home with an inspiration that imitates the glorious praise poetry and are thus able to deal with the present in terms of past events, without upsetting critics or education authorities. Then the decades of the expected maturity arrived -from the 1960s to the 1990s, but the seeds of vibrant originality sown during the previous period were cruelly trampled over and squashed, possibly by both the apartheid-appointed censors and by the fear that they would object to any 'committed' writing and destine it for the dustbin. Fear, self-imposed censorship, and possibly more than a little laziness hampered vigorous developments of literatures that had appeared very promising at their emergence. Listed here are a number of works in Xhosa, Southern Sotho, Zulu and Shona. The contributions of English and Afrikaans works to South African literary development are also outlined. The fact that most works were meant for schools caused a further restraint on originality and creativity, although it should have spurred the authors on to do their very best, because through the schools they were moulding the future of the nation. But a number of authors were valiantly able to overcome the general self-defeating frustrations and to rise to the challenge of producing excellent material, outstanding in both form and content. Some such works are examined and exemplified in the thesis. One of I.S. Kubheka's novels, Ulaka LwabaNguni, is analysed to show the depth of the conflict between Africa and the west, between country and city life, between western schooled and traditionally educated people. The new ways could become a monster that swallows everything and everybody, specially if one is unable to keep the animal on the chain of ubuntu that allows only as much westernization of the mind as can go hand in hand with the greatest traditional values. Then follows the analysis of three historically based plays and one novel. History offers the opportunity of speaking about the present by describing the past. Msimang and Zondi do exactly this, and offer visions of today's social problems that become clearer when placed on the lips of people such as Mkabayi, Shaka, Cetshwayo, Bhambatha. Each of these works is a clarion call to wake up and be counted, because the new Africa is rising, both soulful and promising, full of expectations if one is able to overcome present day restrictions. The author of this research fervently hopes that this work will produce better understanding among the South African races, and give birth to an era of multilingualism and multiculturalism, where the differences are treatgd115 gifts rather than obstacles. The country is great, and its populations present an extraordinary wealth of life and experience, especially when all is viewed through the prism of the colours of the rainbow, generously reflected in the new South African flag.

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