African Languages

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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.
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.
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.
Perceived gender inequality reflected in Zulu proverbs : a feminist approach.
(2010) Mpungose, Zethembe Mandlenkosi.; Mathonsi, Nhlanhla Naphtal.
This dissertation explores the subject of gender inequalities as reflected in Zulu proverbs. The most notable examples are those proverbs that comment on the role and position of Zulu men in society, on women's behaviour, on marriage and on the morality of the Zulu society. The dissertation explores how language is used in the proverbs to help shape the behaviour of women, from childhood up till the time they assume the responsibilities belonging to omakoti (brides). This study was undertaken in order to gain greater insight and understanding into why Zulu women are expected to play a submissive role in their society, unlike their dominant male partners. The study provides a case study of Zulu proverbs so as to gain an in-depth understanding of how patriarchy is reflected through language, and how proverbs help to construct the woman's identity in Zulu society. Through the use of research participants, the dissertation concludes that Zulu proverbs about women are associated with ukuhlonipha, a custom where omakoti, once married, adopt new names for items they use on daily basis because they reflect the names or syllables of in-laws. This study adopts a qualitative research methodology. Primary data was collected through interviews and several books on proverbs, whilst secondary data was collected from a wide selection of books, theses, dissertations and journal articles. Interviews which were carefully conducted with nineteen females (thirteen females between the ages of 16 and 35, and six females over the age of 35) and fourteen males (eight males between the ages of 16 and 35, and six males over the age of 35), all who are from KwaZulu-Natal.
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, 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.
The influence of selected English romantic poets in B.W. Vilakazi's poetry.
(2001) Ngidi, Evangeline Bonisiwe.; Koopman, Adrian.
B.W. Vilakazi is regarded by many literary critics as the best poet of his time, who had he lived longer, would have marked his living years the Vilakazi era. It is for this reason that I decided to embark on the study of his poetry, and that which influenced him, mainly the English Romantic Poets. In doing this research I also emphasised typical aspects of Romantic poets so as to clarify whether Vilakazi does fall under this category (Romantic category). In the introduction of Inkondlo kaZulu Gumede remarks thus on B.W. Vilakazi's poetry: "UVilakazi tstqungo sokwakha izosha lezi usithole esiblgisini. Usebenzisa isiZulu kanye nemizekeliso yaso namalutha, ekhombisa ithuba lokuqhuba isiZulu sibe nenkinga yaso yezincwadi noma izosha lezi zincikile esiNgisini. Ube nesibindi sokuzisukela aqambe lolu hlobo lwezibongo zesiZulu wangagudluka endleleni endala." (l935:vi) "Vilakazi gets his poetic inspiration from English. He uses Zulu images and superstitions to show that Zulu can have its own literature even though it is related to English. It is very brave of him to compose new genre in Zulu praises, without diverting from the original version by older poets." The scope of the study will be as follows: Chapter One is an introductory chapter which includes: the aim of the study; preamble, literature review, research methodology, biographical notes on Vilakazi, Vilakazi's literary works (novels, anthologies of poetry, articles in journals), Vilakazi's lexicographical work (the Dictionary), Vilakazi's influences (his own personal experiences, traditional poetry, traditional prose narrative, Biblical influences and mostly the English Romantic Poets). This chapter includes the definition of Poetry and the definition of a poet, definition of a Bard 'Imbongi', it also defines Romanticism (as a movement and as a concept); and it gives various critical views on RW. Vilakazi. Chapter Two deals with the influence of English Romantic Poets on Vilakazi, and looks at certain poems of Wordsworth, Keats and Shelley. Chapter Three deals with Vilakazi as a Romantic poet (certain Poems with Romantic aspects). Chapter Four is the Conclusion looking at the extent that the Romantic poets influenced Vilakazi's writing.
A critical analysis of N.F. Mbhele's one-act plays.
(2001) Khumalo, Ellie.; Maphumulo, Abednego Mandlenkosi.
This thesis investigates the appropriateness and the accuracy of Mbhele's artistry in writing his one-act plays from Izivunguvungu Zempilo, Ishashalazi and Ezemihla Nayizolo. It considers the formal literary elements which include characterisation, themes, setting, plot, dialogue and style of the writer inclusive of the language that has been used. It also involves different kinds of themes that are revealed by this dramatist in his work. His themes cover all the aspects of life. This includes the exploration of the previous political situation and its effect on the lives of the people, the effect of the Western influences on black South Africans and the people's perspectives on education and religion. The theoretical framework that has been used in this study is the historical-biographical approach. The interview with the author has been very helpful in this regard. The purpose of the interview has been to develop some kind of understanding of the author's own ideas, his early life experiences, his educational background, and the sense of the situation the author writes about. This study consists of six chapters; the first chapter serves as the general introduction for the whole thesis. The author's biographical notes, the identification and the discussion of the research methodology and the definition of some important terms, form part of chapter one. In each chapter, there is an explicit explanation of each formal literary element in relation to Mbhele's one-act plays. Chapter two deals with both characterisation and plot, because plot deals with all the events in a story and the way in which these events are connected. All the events in a story involve the characters. Chapter three investigates the themes that are found in Mbhele's one-act plays, and the ways in which they are revealed. Chapter four consists of the dialogue and style of the writer, which includes his use of the language and the form of address used by the characters to address each other. Chapter five discusses the social background of the characters in relation to what they do in the plays. This includes their given social circumstances, the time and the place which the writer has created for them. Chapter six is the general conclusion for the whole study. It includes the summary, observation and some implications for further research.
A critical study of Elliot Zondi's historical dramas.
(2001) Ntshangase, Duduzile Audrey.; Maphumulo, Abednego Mandlenkosi.
The study concentrate on a critical analysis of Elliot Zondi's historical dramas, Insumansumane and Ukufa KukaShaka. The study constitutes an attempt to apply the theoretical approaches. The plays have been chosen only for reasons of my personal acquaintance. The whole study is divided into six chapters. Chapter one focuses on the general introduction. The general introduction will cover the aim of the study, research methodology, historical background of the plays, definition of terms and the biographical notes of the author. At the end of this chapter there will be a conclusion. Chapter two, deals with theme. The theme covers the following sub topics: title in relation to theme, the comparison between the theme and plot, theme and style, theme and dialogue, theme and characters, types of themes such as: theme of loyalty, theme of poverty, love, political violence and the moral lesson found in Elliot Zondi's historical drama books. Chapter three concerns itself with style and dialogue. Style and dialogue will look at the sentence construction, language, figures of speech, title and symbolism. Chapter four concentrates on plot and characters, which covers exposition, motoric moment, conflict, complication, tension, climax, suspense in the title, beginning, the middle and the end of the play, characterization, naming of characters, types of characters, kinds of characters and the development of characters. Chapter five deals with setting, which covers time, place and social circumstances. There will be a short summary, which leads to the discussion of the following chapter. Chapter six focuses on the general conclusion.
The use of African languages as an economic resource : the case of IsiZulu in the region of KZN.
(2010) Nzama, Simangele.; Ndimande-Hlongwa, Nobuhle Purity.
This research's aim was to try and bring language awareness to the citizens of this country hence economic matters are exclusive. One broad area of interest that overwhelmed me and formed the basis of this research was the challenge that asks, “What economic benefit do the African languages have for the citizens of this country?”. I have identified Proudly South African companies around Durban such as Unilever Pty (Ltd), Nestle, Telkom SA. as research sites. These companies were chosen precisely because some of their products and services are Proudly South African. Above all, their brands are commonly used by consumers and customers in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the rest of SA and internationally. This research has also used the citizens of Durban and greater Metropolitan areas such as, Umlazi, Sobantu, EMpangeni, Student residences, hostels. etc as a secondary data. Self completion questionnaires were used in this study. Internet interview survey was employed. Key results of the study proved that almost 76% of the language communication in workplaces is done in English. As well as 72% of the respondents prefer to speak English with their superiors. However, the results also indicate that 95% of the participants do support local companies which is a good sign to local business communities. And above all, more than 80% of participants are pronouncing to be Proudly South Africans. And the Proudly South African concept to most of the participants means; “Home-brew, Original Products from „emzansi‟, Black and proud”. This concludes therefore, the core hypothesis of this study which ask, ”Can isiZulu be the economic resource of this region?” the majority of 95% of the respondents agree that isiZulu can be the economic resource for this region. Although language seems to be a barrier to some extent, this piece of work has proved positive results that can be manipulated.
An investigation into the tonal system of Zulu, with special reference to nouns.
(1956) Cope, Anthony Trevor.
No abstract available.
Zulu phonology, tonology and tonal grammar.
(1966) Cope, Anthony Trevor.; Krige, Eileen Jensen.
Zulu belongs to the Nguni group of the Southern Bantu languages, which are spoken throughout Southern Africa. Other groups are the Suthu and the Shona, which are spoken in the interior, whereas the Nguni languages are spoken towards the south-east coast, Xhosa in the eastern part of the Cape Province, Zulu in Natal and Zululand, and Swazi in Swaziland. Swazi represents a distinct variety of Nguni speech known as "tekela", characterized by t in place of Zulu and Xhosa z, ts or tf and dz or dv in place of Zulu and Xhosa t and d, and by other phonetical characteristics, but Zulu and Xhosa are so similar that they are linguistically dialects of the same language. However, they have important separate literatures and are generally regarded as separate languages. For these reasons and for the more real reason that it is in tonal structure that they differ most greatly, this study excludes Xhosa and concentrates on Zulu only.
The social and linguistic implications of Zulu nicknames in the industrial workplace : a case study of the Westmead industrial area in Kwazulu-Natal.
(2003) Khuboni, Fikile.; Ngubane, Sihawukele Emmanuel.
No abstract available.
The functions of dreams and visions in the ibandla lamaNazaretha at Inanda.
(2003) McNulty, Grant.; Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.
This study investigates the function of dreams and visions in the Shembe church at Inanda. It looks at who Isia Shembe (the church founder) and his lineage are to Shembeites, the nature of the relationship between Shembe and the amadlozi (ancestors) and what roles they play in Shembeite life. The data was collected using qualitative methodology - in-depth interviews that were transcribed and where necessary, translated. The study is best understood within a structural-functionalism framework, which accounts for the social and cultural aspects of the religion. The study concludes that Isia Shembe and his lineage are generally thought of as prophets through whom God works. Shembe and the amadlozi often work as a unit and perform the roles of converter, purveyors of good fortune and guides or directors. In addition, Shembe solely performs the roles of cultural leader and mediator between Shembeites and the amadlozi and between Shembeites and God. Dreams and visions function to guide Shembeites, as communication with the spiritual realm, as a method of conversion and as re-affirmations of faith.
Homestead names as a reflection of social dynamics in Mabengela, Nkandla.
(1999) Shabalala, Mbali Aldromeda.; Koopman, Adrian.
Homestead naming has been a Zulu practice since the days of King Shaka. Although this practice has been abandoned by some of the Zulus especially those living in urban areas, it still exists in some rural areas e.g. Mabengela. This study on ''Homestead names as a reflection of social dynamics in Mabengela, Nkandla" , is divided into five chapters. The first chapter 'Introduction' looks at both the introduction to the thesis and also the introduction to the research area. It looks at the methodology used in this study and also gives a brief background of the life people in Mabengela live. The second chapter 'The Zulu homestead and its social organisation' pays particular attention to the Zulu homestead. It looks at the construction of a Zulu hut, the arrangement of huts in the homestead, the importance of the cattle kraal, etc. It also looks at the division of labour within the Zulu homestead and the importance of each member of the family in making things run smoothly in the homestead. Chapter three 'Morphological analysis of homestead names' looks at the linguistic features of homestead names. It looks at the difference between nouns and names, the locative prefixes and suffixes used in homestead names and also looks different stems that homestead names have. This chapter also focuses on homestead names as a morphological exception. The last but one chapter 'The aetiology of homestead names' looks at homestead names as a reflection of social dynamics in the community of Mabengela. It pays particular attention to the reasons for name-giving, time for naming the homestead, etc. It also looks at the different categories in which homestead names in Mabengela have been categorised and what these names reflect about the community of Mabengela. The last chapter is the conclusion of the dissertation.
Ukuzibophezela ekuqhakambiseni usikompilo encwadini insumansumane ebhalwe ngu Elliot Zondi.
(2002) Mathonsi, Sibuselaphi.; Mathonsi, Nhlanhla Naphtal.; Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.
Lolu cwaningo, "Ukuzibophezela ekuqhakambiseni usikompilo encwadini Insumansumane ebhalwe ngu-Elliot Zondi", luhlose ukuveza ukubaluleka kwezingxenye zosikompilo lukaZulu ezitholakala encwadini ebhalwe ngu-Elliot Zondi ethi iNsumansumane. Lolu cwaningo lugqugquzelwe ngukuthi imibhalo eminingi yesiZulu ayibukeki ikhuthaza okungamasiko namagugu esizwe sikaZulu kanti Insumansumane ibukeka izibophezele empilweni yesizwe sikaPhunga noMageba. Lokhu kuvela ezingxenyeni ezithile lapho uZondi ekhuthaza futhi eqhakambisa okungamagugu esizwe sikaZulu, ethi kufanele kugcinwe, kuhlonishwe ngoba kungumgogodla wesizwe. Ukubukezwa kwemibhalo esondelene nalolu cwaningo kuveze ukuthi abahlaziyi abathile banemibono eyahlukene ngomyalezo oqukethwe yiNsumansumane. Lolu cwaningo lubheke yonke lemibono lwase luqhamuka nombono owahlukile. UZondi kwiNsumansumane ulwa nemithetho yamaNgisi elumisa okwembabazane nephambene nenqubo yesizwe samaZulu. Imibhalo efana neNsumansumane iphonsa inselelo kwabanye ababhali besiZulu ukuba babhale bakhuthaze ukugcinwa kwamasiko esizwe sikaZulu. Insumansumane ikhombisa ukuthi ayisiwona nje umbhalo wokuba ufundwe ezikoleni kuphela, kepha nomphakathi kaZulu wonkana ungazuza okuningi okuyisisekelo sobuzwe bukaZulu. UZondi akagcini nje ngokuba aveze izinkinga ezikhungethe isizwe, kepha uveza nekhambi lokuxazulula lezi zinkinga. Insumansumane ingumbhalo ofundisayo nokhuthaza ukwazana nokubekezelelana kwezinhlanga ezakhele leli zwe, ezahlukene ngokwamasiko. Ngaphandle kokuthi Insumansumane iyakhuthaza, iyisibuko sikaZulu lapho izizukulwane ziyokwazi ukuzibuka khona, ziziqhenye ngobuzwe bazo, iphonsa inselelo kwabanye ababhali besiZulu ukuba babhale ngokungananazi bakhuthaze ukugcinwa kwamasiko esizwe sikaZulu. Ngenxa yemigomo yobufishane balolu cwanmgo, yokubheka kuphela ukuzibophezela kweNsumansumane kusikompilo lwezenhlalakahle yesizwe samaZulu, angikwazanga ukubheka eminye imikhakha kulo mdlalo nakweminye imibhalo ezibophezele kusikompilo lukaZulu. Ukwenza isibonelo nje, umbhalo kaMsimang (1975) othi Izulu eladuma eSandlwana, ubukeka ungomunye wemibhalo ezibophezele kusikompilo lwezenhlalakahle kaZulu. Kungaba ukubamba iqhaza elibalulekile ukuba kekucwaningwe kubhekwe ukuthi yiziphi izingxenye zosikompilo lwezenhlalakahle uMsimang aziqhakambisile nokuthi zibaluleke kangakanani esizweni.
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.
A preliminary survey of Zulu dialects in Natal and Zululand.
(1979) Kubeka, Isaac Sibusiso.; Cope, Anthony Trevor.
No abstract available.
The non-productive verbal extensions in Zulu : a study in derivational morphology.
(2001) Shangase, Sibusiso Elphus.; De Kadt, Elizabeth.
Verbal extensions are well-known to play a most substantial role in the derivation and/or inflection of verbs in contemporary Zulu. Less well-known and less well investigated are a group of verbal derivatives which in former times played a significant role in derivation but which can no longer be freely attached to verbal stems: the non-productive verbal extensions (NPEs.) This thesis seeks to present and discuss all aspects of these NPEs from the perspective of their persisting roles in contemporary Zulu. This is undertaken on the basis of an extensive collection of currently-used verbs derived by means of NPEs, which is presented in the Appendix. Chapter 1 locates the study within the context of verbal extensions as a whole, and reviews the literature, which has focussed primarily on those verbal extensions which are still used productively today. Chapter 2 presents the theoretical framework for the investigation, considering issues such as productivity, derivation and inflection, and some relevant aspects of the theory of derivational morphology, currently under development. The following chapters focus in turn on the morphology of the NPEs, their current use in combination with productive extensions, the most salient aspect of their syntax, transitivity, and their meaning. NPEs have become fully integrated into Zulu vocabulary, and are used on a daily basis with no awareness of their earlier roles. Nevertheless, as this thesis demonstrates, a study of NPEs can explain both certain regularities and certain anomalies in word formation , in transitivity, and in the meaning of extended verbs in contemporary Zulu.
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.

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