Abstract
The aim of this study was to discuss some figures of speech found in isiXhosa hymns of two churches, the Independent Order of the Old Ethiopian Church titled: Incwadi Yomthandazo Namaculo Ebandla (n. d.) and the Seventh-day Adventist hymn book titled: UKristu Engomeni (n. d.). The figures of speech that are examined are metaphors, similes, and ideophones. The examples used to analyze these poetic devices are from the two hymn books. The data collected in this study is analyzed qualitatively. This study is underpinned by the defamiliarization and stylistics theories as this research focuses on the defamiliarized nature of ideas and style of the songwriters. The findings of this study reveal that the isiXhosa hymnists of the Independent Order of the Old Ethiopian Church and the Seventh-day Adventist Church also employ poetic language features when composing their hymns. It also reveals the inseparable nature of music and poetry, and this is informed by the songwriters’ artistry in their attempts to get their messages across through their hymns. It is hoped that this research will contribute to the recognition of church songwriters and bring them to the level they deserve because they are talented. Since this study only examines the internal structure of the hymns found in the selected churches, this study seeks to encourage further research on hymns of churches composed in the isiXhosa language and other African languages. This is because there are numerous other poetic aspects that need attention, particularly those which are found in church hymns.
Key words: hymns, poetry, figures of speech, similes, metaphors and ideophones.