Abstract
D.Litt. et Phil. (African Languages)
The aim of this thesis is to examine praise poetry in Xitsonga (Tsonga) and other
related aspects of verbal art. Praise poetry in Xitsonga (Tsonga) covers a very wide
field of study as in other South African languages and seven chapters are devoted
thereto in this study.
In Chapter 1 an overview is given of the aim of the research. A comparative overview of praise poetry in ether African languages is also given.
Chapter 2 deals with approaches and the methodology of the research and other
topics. The performance approach and other complementary approaches are included.
Chapter 3 is devoted to verbal art in general. The purpose of this chapter is to make one aware that praise poetry is a branch of verbal art. A few examples are analysed.
Chapter 4 discusses praise poetry In Xitsonga in detail in socio-political,
educational, socio-cultural, religious communication and economic contexts.
Finally, mass media communication is discussed, for example, boast praise poetry
by radio announcers and regular callers.
Chapter 5 concentrates on the textual features of praise poetry in Xitsonga. This
chapter aims to investigate some of the literary features and other linguistic or
stylistic features, to indicate that they are also found in Xitsonga.
Chapter 7 is the conclusion of the study, where the findings are summarised
briefly.