Abstract
M.A.
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
The idiom is defined in this chapter. Information gathered from different
sources including books is used to differentiate the idiom from the
proverb.
CHAPTER 2
THE ORIGIN OF IDIOMS
Some sources, from which Northern Sotho idioms originate are discussed.
The semantic and grammatical characteristics of idioms are also examined
in the second chapter.
CHAPTER 3
SOME SYNTACTICAL PATTERNS OF NORTHERN SOTHO IDIOMS
This chapter is based on the main aim of this study. Most informants from
whom some idioms were gathered, could not give their syntactical
patterns, nor differentiate them from proverbs. Special idiomatic
patterns are formed with verb-stems in the infinitive mood followed by
nouns, pronouns, adverbs etc. as adjuncts.
CHAPTER 4
THE SUBJECT-MATTER OF IDIOMS
In the fourth chapter, the content of idioms and experiences to which
these idioms give expression, are treated comprehensively.
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
Idiomatic patterns in Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Tswana and Tsonga