Abstract
M.A. (African Languages)
This study presents an analysis of A.S.M. Zuma's poetry using the methodological
assumptions of Russian Formalists. It gives a detailed account of the aspects of
language responsible for the transformation of everyday language into the language
of poetry that is discernible in A.S.M. Zuma's anthology "Indlela yomcacamezelo".
For practical purposes, this study is divided into five chapters each with definite
service to render towards the analysis of Zuma's poetry. For instance, Chapter One
introduces the study and also gives a biographical sketch of A.S.M. Zuma. Chapter
Two gives a theoretical outline of Russian Formalism. Chapter Three deals with
textual patterning and linguistic deviation as mechanisms of "literariness". Chapter
Four looks at the use of imagery in committing poetic violence to practical language.
Chapter Five is a concluding statement that looks back into the four chapters and
also gives aspects not covered in this study.