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Munyai, Alidzulwi Simon. "Understanding the Christian message in Venda a study of the traditional concepts of God and of life hereafter among the Venda, with reference to the impact of these concepts on the Christian churches /." Pretoria : [S.n.], 2007. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-01082009-161905/.
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Nenungwi, Tondani Grace. "Tsedzuluso ya thuthuwedzo ya lutendo lwa vhuloi kha vhushaka vhukati ha vhathu kha Tshivenda." Thesis, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/921.
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Thesis (M.A.) --University of Limpopo, 2010Ngudo iyi i khou sedzulusa ṱhuṱhuwedzo ya lutendo lwa vhuloi kha vhushaka vhukati ha vhathu kha Tshivenḓa. Luambo lu kwamaho matshilisano na vhupfiwa zwi ḓo dzhielwa nzhele. Hu ḓo sedziwa na maipfi a elanaho na zwa vhuloi. Izwi zwi ḓo itwa ho katelwa vhuḓipfi, u vhaisala, kudzhielwe kwa zwithu, mbeu na maambele musi hu na lutendo lwa zwa vhuloi. Ndi zwa ndeme u ḓivha uri dziṅanga dzi na luambo lu ne dza lu shumisa u sumbedzisa vhuloi ngeno vho vhafunzi vha zwa vhurereli vha na maitele na maambele a vho.
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Ndou, Muthuphei Rufus. "The gospel and Venda culture an analysis of factors which hindered or facilitated the acceptance of Christianity by the Vhavenda /." Access to E-Thesis, 2007. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-01182007-150847/.
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Mphaphuli, Murembiwa Julia. "Tsenguluso ya kubveledzele kwa ndeme ya nyimbo dza sialala dza Vhavenda." Thesis, University of Limpopo, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1240.
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Thesis (MA. (African Languages)) --University of Limpopo, 2013Mushumo uno wo sumbedza ṱhalutshedzo dza nyimbo dza sialala dza Tshivenḓa, kukhethekanyele kwa nyimbo dza sialala, zwifhinga zwa u imba nyimbo dza sialala, tshakha dza nyimbo dza sialala dza Vhavenḓa na tsumbo dzadzo, vhathu vhane vha imba nyimbo dza sialala, zwilidzo na mutengo wa zwilidzo zwa nyimbo dza sialala, mishumo ya nyimbo dza sialala dza Tshivenḓa, nḓila dza u tsireledza nyimbo dza sialala dza Vhavenḓa uri dzi songo ngalangala.
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Munyai, Alidzulwi Simon. "The tenacity of African Traditional Religion in Venda Christianity : a missional investigation." Thesis, University of Pretoria, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/61193.
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The approach of the missionaries towards the Vhavenda was more scholarly than
practical, and had little to do with everyday realities. It appears to have been focused
on Western ethnocentricity rather than on the propagation of the Gospel. As a result,
it could not fulfil the purpose for which it was intended.
In Africa, as everywhere else in the world, the interpretation of the Gospel message
takes place in a particular and unique context. This means that, in the practice of
theology, one should take into account not only the spirit and the Gospel message,
but also the culture of the people to whom the message is being communicated.
This research deals in depth with the failure of the missionaries to recognise factors
that either hampered or could have facilitated the acceptance of the Gospel
message in Venda culture.
Furthermore, it aims to probe into strongholds of ancestral veneration that have
helped to sustain the beliefs of the Vhavenda. Ancestors, because of their authority
and power, are said to intervene in the affairs of their descendants, and to provide
meaning, values and protection.In short, they respond to the spiritual needs of their
descendants. Ancestors appear to occupy the centre stage in lieu ofChrist.
During this research, it became clear that a large number of Vhavenda profess to be
Christians, and yet cling tenaciously to their traditional beliefs. This is evident in crisis
situations that are occurring, in terms of both individuals and families. This implies
that in the heart of an African Christian, there arises a juxtaposition, due to the fact
that African traditional religion is inseparable from daily life for these people.
Traditional beliefs, customs and practices of the Vhavenda are examined. Some of
these features pertain to attributes of God and ancestral veneration, and the African
concept of salvation. Evidence from a variety of scholars indicates that Africans
never worship ancestors, in the strict sense of the word. The cultural practices that
Africans perform aim at demonstrating their faith in God. They are symbolic in
nature. It is interesting to note that both Western missionaries and the African people
attribute the same nature to the Supreme Being, who in the case of the Vhavenda, is
known as Nwali. It may be concluded, therefore, that there is a similar conception of
the existence of a 'superpower' across the spectrum of both cultures,albeit
approached from different angles. Nwali represents the final and highest power.
Although the introduction of the Christian God received a negative response from the
Vhavenda, as a result of conflicting names and the meanings attached to those
names, there is at least a common understanding of such names today.
The prevailing idea behind the formation of the African Independent Churches was
not intended as a move to ostracise anyone. The white missionaries brought the
Gospel to the indigenous people, but some of the mainstream churches could not
satisfy the spiritual needs of the indigenous people. The African Independent
Churches do not regard these mainstream churches as standard or ideal, and do not
find their own norms in early Christianity. The African Independent Churches restore
a sense of purpose; they often say things such as'feel at home, we are in our church,
we govern ourselves'.
The church should study traditional African beliefs. Traditional African culture is not
all bad; neither is everything good. As in all cultures, there are positive factors that
have held the culture together, and there are negative factors that degrade human
dignity. It should be made clear that Christianity should be received in alignment with
one's geographical context and environment, and in accordance with one's cultural
situation.
The African concept of salvation is another feature that has been investigated in this
paper. Salvation is approached holistically, that is, the healths of the human body as
well as the spirit are perceived to be inseperable.
If the missionaries of the past had been patientand open-minded enough to study
and analyse the sacrificial rites as conducted by the Vhavenda, thiswould have acted
as a base or steppingstone towardshelping the Vhavenda to accept and embrace the
final sacrificial offering of Jesus Christ. The researcher further explains that it is therefore not surprising that some
Vhavenda regard Jesus as the prime ancestor, healer, liberator, mediator, elder
brother and master of initiation. The researcher is compelled to conclude that lufu ndi
muratho kana dambuwo (death is a bridge). To the Vhavenda, death is not a total
annihilation, but is regarded as a bridge by means of which one crosses to the next
world.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2016.
Science of Religion and Missiology
PhD
Unrestricted
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Mudau, Thivhulawi Sarah. "Tsenguluso ya kushumisele kwa mirero na maidioma kha vhafumakadzi kha manwala a Netshivhuyu na Sigogo." Thesis, University of Limpopo, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/2451.
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(M. A. (African Languages)) --University of Limpopo, 2015Ngudo ino yo sumbedza uri ho shumiswa mirero na maidioma manzhi kha u bvukulula vhuvha na nzulele ya vhafumakadzi kha maṅwalwa a Ṋetshivhuyu, M.J. na Sigogo, N.E. Ngudo yo tumbula uri kanzhi mirero na maidioma zwi shumiswa kha u tsikeledza vhafumakadzi fhethu hunzhi: mishumoni, mbinganoni, lufunoni na kha mavhusele. Tsikeledzo iyi i vha ya muhumbulo khathihi na ya ṋamani. Naho zwo ralo, ngudo yo wana uri hu na huṅwe hu si gathi hune mirero na maidioma zwa ṱuṱuwedza vhutshilo havhuḓi kha vhafumakadzi. Magumoni azwo, ngudo i themendela uri vhafumakadzi vha fanela u farwa zwavhuḓi, nge vha vha vhathu u fana na vhanna.
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Van, Deventer Wilhelm Visser. "Poverty and a practical ministry of liberation and development within the context of the traditional Venda concept of man." Thesis, University of Limpopo, 1989. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/2394.
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Mahada, Livhuwani Paul. "Ethical dilemmas of circumcision school with reference to the Venda." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/49950.
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Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2004.Full text to be digitised and attached to bibliographic record.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Morbidity and mortality are national problems that affect a vast number of children and young adults each year in Circumcision Schools. The number of children who either get sick or die of traditional circumcision school is probably high. "In one study of penile mutilation practice (in 1990) of the Xhosa tribe of Southern Africa, 9 % of mutilated boys died: 52 % lost all or most of their penile shaft skin: 14 % developed severe infectious lesions: 10% lost their glans penis; and 5 % lost their entire penis. This represents only those boys who made it to the hospital," (Denniston and Milos, 1997: v). The problem is still the same and this could mean that the true complication statistics is likely to be much higher if the entire South Africa is taken into consideration. Although traditional circumcision was well intended, the recent spate of death puts it under threat. Besides, there are many other controversial acts that are taking place within the school itself. There are many illegal schools instituted by inexperienced traditional surgeons. The plight is further worsened by the commercialisation of the traditional institution. It is painful to note that the camps which were normally held in winter for children to heal faster are now also held in summer. The outmoded system of administration in this institution and the health hazards experienced, confronts parents, children and the entire community with a dilemma - a dilemma that warrants ethical reflection. The dilemma poses a serious challenge to the cultures that practice the traditional ritual of circumcision. Many of the advisers of this thesis agree (the likes of Prof. C.S. van der Waal, Prof G. Tangwa, Chief T.l Ramovha, Traditional healer Mashudu Dima and Dr D. Sidler) that we don't have to do away with the school as such, but that there is a need to either change and improve certain things in this school. Social change and medical awareness seem very important in this regard. The hurdle created by this dilemma, though daunting, can be overcome. We need education, cooperation, dialogue, rationality and true reflection on our culture to work this problem out. Until our children are safe from the threat of morbidity and mortality, no one is safe. I therefore think that many human errors could paint an unfavourable picture on the traditional Circumcision School, whereby creating ethical dilemmas. The ethical dilemma could be a starting point for critical reflection on culture and tradition with the hope for change and future progress. It is such a challenge that Circumcision Schools should face and which they urgently need.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Ernstige beserings en 'n hoë dodetal in besnyding-skool is 'n nasionale probleem wat elke jaar talle kinders en jong volwassenes affekteer. Die getal kinders waarvan die gesondheid aangetas word of wat selfs sterf in dié tradisionele besnyding-skole is waarskynlik haag. "In one study of penile mutilation practice (in J 990) of the Xhosa tribe of Southern Africa, 9% of mutilated boys died: 52% lost all or most of their penile shaft skin: J4% died developed serious infectious lesions: J0% lost their glans penis; and 5% lost their entire penis. This represents only the boys who made it to hospital" (Denniston and Milos, 1997:v). Dié probleem bestaan voort, en dit mag beteken dat die ware ongevalle syfer veel hoër mag wees, sou die hele Suid Afrika in berekening gebring word. Alhoewel besnyding tradisioneel welbedoeld is, word dié praktyk nou bedreig deur die onlangse vlaag van sterftes. Daarbenewens is daar vele ander kontroversïele praktyke wat in dié skole self bedryf word. 'n Groot aantal van die skole is onwettig en word deur onervare tradisionele sjirurge bedryf. Dié problem word verder vererger deur die kommersialisering van dié tradisionele institusie. Dit is ook kommerwekkend om daarop te let dat waar dit gebruiklik was om dié kampe in die winter te hou - vir die sneller herstel van die kinders - hulle nou ook in die somer beslag neem. Die verouderde sisteem waarmee dié institusie se administrasie bedryf word, sowel as die gesondheids-gevare wat daarmee gepaard gaan, stelouers, kinders en die gemeenskap as geheel voor 'n dilemma - 'n dilemma wat etiese nadenke verg. Dié dilemma bied 'n ernstige uitdaging tot die kulture wat steeds die instelling van besnyding huldig. Soveel as sekere van die bydraes binne die vervolgende verhandeling (bv. Dié van Proff. c.S. De Waal, G. Tangwa, Hoofman T.J. Ramovha, Tradisionele heler Mashudu Dima en Dr. D. Sidler) saamstem dat daar nie ingeheel van die skole afgesien hoef te word nie, is daar wel 'n nood om sekere aspekte daarvan te hersien en verbeter. Sosiale verandering en 'n mediese perspektief is van groot belang hiertoe. Die struikelblok wat deur hierdie dilemma veroorsaak word - hoewel intimiderend - kán weloorkom word. Daar is 'n nood vir opvoeding, samewerking, dialoog, redelikheid en 'n ware nadenke oor ons kultuur om hierdie probleem die hoof te bied. Tot tyd en wylons kinders veilig staan van die dubbele gevare van besering en dood, is niemand veilig nie. Ek dink dus dat, terwyl verskeie etiese dilemma's ongunstige beeld skep van menslike foute, hulle ook vra om insigte rondom die menslike kultuur, en om hoop vir toekomstige vooruitgang. Dit is wat tradisionele besnyding-skole benodig.
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Mukhuwana, Joyce. "Tsenguluso ya thuthuwedzo ya maitele a tshirema kha vhurereli ha tshikhiresite ro sedza kha Tshivenda." Thesis, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1146.
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Thesis (M.A. (African Languages)) --University of Limpopo, 2012The title of the research topic is: The critical analysis of African Traditional African Culture with special reference to Tshivenḓa in Christianity. The study would be based on the influence of Tradional Venḓa Culture to Christianity Religion. Though Vhavenḓa may be converted from Vhavenḓa Tradional Culture to Christianity their culture still influences their way of practising Christianity. The study will also examine ways, when and where these practises of Tshivenḓa have the influence in Christianity.
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Nissen, Andrew Christoffel. "An investigation into the supposed loss of the Khoikhoi traditional religious heritage amongst its descendants, namely the Coloured people with specific references to the question of religiosity of the Khoikhoi and their disintegration." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1990. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/21841.
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Bibliography: pages 94-97.This study is about the Khoikhoi, known as the "Hottentots" who are today no longer to be found in their original state in South Africa. It deals with their religion nnd disintegration, especially the land issue. The author upholds that there are remnants of Khoikhoi religion and cultural elements present among the descendants of the Khoikhoi, nnmely the Coloured people, especially those in the Cape. These Khoikhoi religious and cultural elements give the Coloured people a dignified continuation with their forebearers. The author also demonstrates that the Khoikhoi were religious people in spite of misconstrued perceptions of their being, culture and traditions. These elements the author further states should be included in the discipline of African theology.
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Ngugi, Michael Wainana. "Impact of Christianity among the Kikuyu people : a study of Kikuyu people religion and belief /." Berlin Viademica-Verl.***90496, 2007. http://deposit.d-nb.de/cgi-bin/dokserv?id=2905079&prov=M&dok_var=1&dok_ext=htm.
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Latham, C. J. K. "Mwari and the divine heroes: guardians of the Shona." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004666.
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Badenberg, G. Robert. "The body, soul and spirit concept of the Bemba in Zambia : fundamental characteristics of being human of an African ethnic group /." Theological Research Exchange Network (TREN), 1999. http://www.tren.com.
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Khangala, Peterrocks Benjamin. "A biographical study of P.R Mphephu (1925-1988), with special reference to political leadership in a twentieth century South African society." Thesis, University of Limpopo, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/2396.
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Mudau, Mpfariseni Andrew. "Tsenguluso ya mushumo wa makhadzi kha mvelele ya tshivenda." Thesis, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1145.
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Thesis (M.A. (African Languages)) --University of Limpopo, 2012The mini-dissertation investigated the role played by an aunt in African Culture with special reference to Tshivenḓa. The study has discovered that an aunt played an important role in a family. Nowadays, other people are involved in the role played by makhadzi. This seems as if the community is confused about the role of makhadzi
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Kruger, Jaco Hentie. "A cultural analysis of Venda guitar songs." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002309.
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This thesis focuses on the articulation in music of human worldviews, and the social contexts in which they emerge. It suggests that people project various forms of social reality through symbolic systems which operate dynamically to maintain and recreate cultural patterns. The symbolic system investigated in support of this suggestion is that constituted by Venda guitar songs. In the performance of these songs, social reality emerges in a combination of symbolic forms: verbal, musical and somatic. The combination of these symbolic forms serves as a medium for individual self-awareness basic to the establishment of social reality and identity, and the drive for social power and legitimacy. A study of these symbolic forms and their performance indicates that musicians invoke the potential of communal music to increase social support for certain principles on which survival strategies in a turbulently changing society might be based. The discourse of Venda guitar songs incorporates modes of popular expression and consciousness, and thus attempts to invoke states of intensified emotion to promote these survival strategies. Performance occasions emerge as a focus for community orientation and the exploration of social networks. They promote stabilizing social and economic interaction, and serve as a basis for moral and cooperative action. Social reality also emerges in musical style, which is treated as the audible articulation of human thought and emotion. Stylistic choices are treated as integral to the conceptualization of contemporary existence. A study of these choices reveals varying degrees of cultural resistance and assimilation, ranging from musical styles which are essentially rooted in traditional social patterns, to styles which integrate traditional and adopted musical elements as articulations of changing self-perceptions, social aspirations, and quests for new social identity.
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Bernard, Penelope Susan. "Messages from the deep : water divinities, dreams and diviners in Southern Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007644.
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This thesis is a comparative regional study of a complex of beliefs and practices regarding the water divinities in southern Africa. These snake and mermaid-like divinities, which are said to work in conjunction with one's ancestors, are believed to be responsible for the calling and training of certain diviner-healers by taking them underwater for periods of time. In addition to granting healing knowledge, these divinities are associated with fertility, water and rain, and the origins of humanity. The research combines comparative ethnography with the anthropology of extraordinary experience (AEE), and focuses particularly on the Zulu, Cape Nguni, Shona and Khoisan groups. The use of the 'radical participation' method, as recommended by AEE, was facilitated by the author being identified as having a ' calling' from these water divinities, which subsequently resulted in her initiation under the guidance of a Zulu isangoma (diviner-healer) who had reputedly been taken underwater. The research details the rituals that were performed and how dreams are used to guide the training process of izangoma. This resulted in the research process being largely dream-directed, in that the author traces how the izangoma responded to various dreams she had and how these responses opened new avenues for understanding the phenomenon of the water divinities. The comparative study thus combines literature sources, field research and dream-directed experiences, and reveals a complex of recurring themes, symbols and norms pertaining to the water divinities across the selected groups. In seeking to explain both the commonalities and differences between these groups, the author argues for a four-level explanatory model that combines both conventional anthropological theory and extraordinary experience. Responses to the author's dream-led experiences are used to throw light on the conflicting discourses of morality regarding traditional healers and the water divinities in the context of political-economic transformations relating to capitalism and the moral economy; to illuminate the blending of ideas and practices between Zulu Zionists and diviner-healer traditions; and to link up with certain issues relating to San rock art, rain-making and healing rituals, which contribute to the debates regarding trance-induced rock art in southern Africa.
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Rakotsoane, Francis Lobiane Clement. "Religion of the ancient Basotho with special reference to "water snake"." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/17493.
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Bibliography: pages 93-108.It still remains the case that there has been very little attention given to African Traditional Religion in Southern Africa by both Western and African authors. It is not an easy area to research for it no longer exists in its undisturbed coherent form, but only as preserved in fragmented bits of culture. This thesis attempts some reconstruction of Basotho religion just prior to their settlement in Lesotho and the arrival of the Christian traditions. It makes use of whatever sources are available both written and oral including interviews in the field. It also employs Cumpsty's theory of religion to raise some questions about what might be expected given what is known of the pre-history of the people. Through a critical analysis of various Basotho cultural elements, oral prayers, sayings, beliefs, songs, rites of passage and other customs, a picture of early Basotho religion begins to emerge focused around the Supreme Being, Water Snake, and his different manifestations. It seems that we are looking at a group who had never been settled until they came to Lesotho, although they may have remained in particular places for considerable periods of time. On the other hand they were probable not, as some other groups were, consciously migrating, looking for a place of their own. It may well be this situation which is reflected in the constant prioritizing of the high god (Water Snake) in their dealings with the ancestors, and even their direct dealings with Water Snake, while at the same time other aspects of transcendence do not become emphasized.
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Ofosuhene, Godwin Kwame. "The concept of God in the traditional religion of the Akan and Ewe ethnic groups compared the Bible /." Berlin : Viademica, 2006. http://deposit.d-nb.de/cgi-bin/dokserv?id=2841159&prov=M&dok_var=1&dok_ext=htm.
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Smith, Leevahn. "Struggling against oppression in the African-American Church by lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered and questioning people seeking justice." DigitalCommons@Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center, 2008. http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/328.
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The purpose of this project was to discover how lesbian, gay, bisexual. transgendered and questioning persons struggled against oppression in the African-American church. They experienced oppression in the African-American church and wanted justice. The project included 6 members, friends, or persons who frequently attended Truth Center Metropolitan Community Church (Truth Center MCC). for a consciousness-raising group. Members of the group were selected from a questionnaire. The effectiveness of the group was monitored through the use of a before and after survey. Group sessions were held over a four-week period. The topic of the first session was patriarchy and its effects on parenting styles and gender socialization. The second session addressed racism, sexism and classism. The third session surrounded biblical interpretations of Genesis 19 and reading strategies used by Bible scholars to interpret scripture. The last session sought answers to questions such as, ‘what was the worst sermon that you heard about homosexuality?’ ‘how did it make you feel?’ and ‘what did you do about it?’ The issue of the project was ‘how do lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning persons struggled agaipst oppression from the African-American church.’ The literature review revealed that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning persons struggled against oppression by forming small consciousness groups that supported and helped each other. The literature review also revealed that our differences should be embraced. The project revealed that the group had a difficult time accepting new information that would help them as they sought justice. The African-American church has had a strong influence on its people and it appeared to be very difficult for members to transcend the teachings even if they were detrimental to one’s personhood. New information presented to the group did not appear to be effective.
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Jespers, Philippe. "Essai sur la religion minyanka." Doctoral thesis, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/2013/ULB-DIPOT:oai:dipot.ulb.ac.be:2013/212955.
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Babalola, S. A. "Theological analysis of culturalized worship ceremonies among Yoruba Christians in selected U.S. cities indigenization versus syncretization /." Theological Research Exchange Network (TREN), 1995. http://www.tren.com.
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Phaswana, Dembe Reuben. "How the church can engender a biblical understanding and practice of obedience to parental authority a ministry for the Reformed Church Soutpansberg among the Venda people in South Africa /." Theological Research Exchange Network (TREN), 1996. http://www.tren.com.
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Iorliam, Clement Terseer. "Educated Young People as Inculturation Agents of Worship in Tiv Culture| A Practical Theological Investigation of Cultural Symbols." Thesis, St. Thomas University, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3701155.
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Faith and culture enjoy a harmonious relationship. In the past centuries of Catholicism, evangelization did not take into cognizance the culture of a people. The translation and adaptation approaches were the dominant models missionaries often used in the context of evangelization. Sadly, these approaches failed to create adequate contact with the local cultures where the faith was transplanted. The distance between faith and culture has caused the Catholic faith to be foreign in many cultures across the globe including, North African countries and Japan. In Tiv society of central Nigeria too, Catholicism is yet to take concrete root.
Building on the worship experiences of educated emerging adult Catholics in institutions of higher education in Tivland, this dissertation uses the circle method and other related contextual approaches to contextualize Catholicism in Tiv culture. The data gathered from participant observation, one-on-one interviews, and focus groups discussions was narrowed to what most connects emerging adults with Catholic worship, and what the Catholic Church needs to know about them. The data revealed a constantly recurring notion of unappealing worship and inadequate catechesis on core doctrines. One way to connect their experiences of worship is by synthesizing cultural symbols with Catholic worship symbols.
Community formations, intensive catechesis, and service to the church are the three practical strategies that can synthesize faith and culture and ground the Catholic Church in Tiv culture. Pious organizations that bring emerging adults together as community will serve as forum to adequately catechize them by synthesizing Catholic symbols with cultural texts that are already familiar to them. This leads to a mutual enrichment of both Tiv cultural practices and Catholic worship symbols ultimately making emerging adults community theologians who can effectively articulating the faith to others including, those in rural communities.
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Cumes, Heide Ulrike. "Coping in two cultures: an ecological study of mentally ill people and their families in rural South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002467.
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This study explores severe mental illness in a South African ru~al district, moving, as with a zoom lens, from the macroperspectives of (i) Xhosa culture, and (ii) biomedicine, to the lived experience of the individual. Its methodology, predominantly qualitative, employed anthropological and psychological procedures. The fieldwork (1988-1989)encompassed a three month stay in the village of Msobomvu. Patients continued to be tracked informally until June, 1995. The empirical research has three parts. In part one, the person with a mental illness was contextualized within Xhosa cosmology and social attitudes. The cognitive and social ecologies were tapped through the narratives of high school and university students at different stages of a Western-biased education. Social attitudes regarding mental illness, and confidence in treatment by traditional healers and the hospital, were also evaluated. Traditional attitudes and supernatural beliefs of illness causation persisted in spite of Eurocentric education, with a concurrent increase in the acceptance of Western-type causal explanations commensurate with continued education. Part two considered the the patients in relation to (i) the biomedical framework (the mental and local hospitals), and (ii) their readjustment to the community after hospitalization. Data came from patient charts, interviews with medical staff, and follow-up visits in the villages. Socio-political and economic issues were salient. Part three case-studied people identified by the village residents as having a mental illness. Resources for treatment - traditional healers, mobile clinic, and village health workers - were the focus. The traditional healing system, and biomedicine, were compared for effectiveness, through the course of illness events. While biomedicine was more effective in containing acute psychotic episodes than treatment by the traditional healer, lack of appropriate resources within the biomedical setting had disastrous results for patient compliance and long-term management of the illness, particularly in people with obvious symptoms of bipolar disorder. The mental hospital emerged as an agent of control. While Xhosa culture provided a more tolerant setting for people with a mental illness, the course of severe mental illness was by no means benign, despite research suggesting a more positive outcome for such conditions in the developing world.
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Ondego, Joseph Odongo. "African Luo ethnic traditional religion and Bible translation mission, education and theology." Berlin Viademica-Verl, 2006. http://deposit.d-nb.de/cgi-bin/dokserv?id=2841177&prov=M&dok_var=1&dok_ext=htm.
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Ruele, Moji. ""How can we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" : constructing a contextual African theology of land and liberation with and for Basarwa/San in post-independence Botswana." Thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, 2008. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.683244.
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Kaschula, Russell H. "The transitional role of the Xhosa oral poet in contemporary South African society." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002085.
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This thesis outlines the changing role of the Xhosa imbongi in contemporary South African society. The changing socio-economic and political scenario in South Africa, and the way in which the imbongi is adapting in order to accommodate new pressures created by these changes, form an integral part of this thesis. The effects of education and increasing literacy on the tradition are outlined. The interaction between oral and written forms is explored in chapter 2. The role of the imbongi within the religious sphere is included in chapter 3. Xhosa preachers within the independent churches often make use of the styles and techniques associated with oral poetry. Iimbongi who are not necessarily preachers also operate within this context. The relationship between the Congress of South African Trade Unions, the African National Congress and iimbongi has also been researched and forms part of chapters 4, 5, and the epilogue. The modern imbongi is drawn towards powerful organisations offering alternative leadership to many of the traditional chiefs. In the epilogue collected poetry is analysed in the context of Mandela's visit to Transkei in April 1990. Interviews have been conducted with chiefs, iimbongi attached to chiefs as well as those attached to different organisations. Poetry has been collected and analysed. In chapter 5, three case studies of modern iimbongi are included. The problems facing these iimbongi in their different contexts, as well as the power bases from which they draw, are outlined. Finally, an alternative definition of the imbongi is offered in the conclusion
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Rabothata, Thambatshira Tannie. "Women abuse as expressed in Tshivenda female songs." Thesis, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/892.
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Thesis (Ph.D. (African Languages)) --University of Limpopo, 2005This study investigates the expression of women abuse through female songs. Groups of singers from twenty-two communities were listened to during the study. A qualitative analysis was undertaken. Songs obtained from secondary sources, were compared and analysed in the same way in which those obtained from the singers themselves were analysed. In particular, the usefulness of these singing groups was examined. It was found that most of the women who are experiencing abuse of some kind, derive perceived social support from fellow singers. All the women in the different singing groups declared that they were not singing for the sake of singing but that they were sending messages to the perpetrators of abuse in the expectation that a change will be realized. Singing groups were found to be effectively providing assistance in dealing with emotional abuse. The study thus illuminates the subjective use of referential expressions in expressing abuse. This emphasizes the challenge for singers to check whether or not the manner in which they present their pleas is appropriate.
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Mukwevho, Tshilidzi. "Tsenguluso ya ndeme ya mbingano kha Tshivenda." Thesis, University of Limpopo, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1254.
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Ndlovu, Caesar Maxwell Jeffrey. "Religion, tradition and custom in a Zulu male vocal idiom." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002315.
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The study is about a Zulu male vocal tradition called isicathamiya performed by 'migrants' in all night competitions called ingomabusuku. This is a performance style popularized by the award winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Isicathamiya, both in its symbolic structure and in the social and culturalpractice of its proponents has much in common with the ritual practices of Zionists. And Zionists are worshippers who integrate traditional beliefs and Christianity. This study will reveal that isicathamiya performance and Zionists are linked in three major areas:in the sqcial bases and practice of its proponents, in the structural properties of their performances and tn the meanings attached to these practices. Firstly, Zionists, who are also called a Separatist or African Independent church, and isicathamiya performers have minimal education and are employed in low income jobs in the cities. Most groups are formed with 'homeboy networks'. Furthermore, performers, unlike their brothers in the city, cling tenaciously to usiko [custom and tradition]. Although they are Christians, they still worship Umvelinqangi [The One Who Came First], by giving oblations and other forms of offerings. Amadlozi [the ancestors] are still believed to be their mediators with God. Also commonplace in this category is the practice of ukuchatha, [cleansing the stomach with some prepared medicine]; and ukuphalaza [taking out bile by spewing, which is also done as a way of warding off evil spirits]. These are rural practices that have meaning in their present domiciles. The second area of similarity consists in the structure of the nocturnal gatherings that form the core of the ritual and performance practices among isicathamiya singers and Zionists. Thus, a core of the ritual of Zionists is umlindelo [night vigil] which takes place every weekend from about 8 at night until the following day. Likewise, isicathamiya performers have competitions every Saturday evening from 8 at night until about 11 am the following day. Although Zionists night vigils are liturgical and isicathamiya competitions secular, the structures of both isicathamiya choreography and Zionists body movements appear the same. These movements are both rooted in a variety of traditional styles called ingoma. Thirdly, the meanings attached to these symbolic correspondences must be looked for in the selective appropriation of practices and beliefs taken to be traditional. Using present day commentaries in song and movement, ingoma and other rural styles performed in competitions and Zionists night vigils reflect a reconstruction of the past. Isicathamiya performers and Zionists see themselves as custodians of Zulu tradition, keeping Zulu ethnicity alive in the urban environment. This is why in this study we are going to see rural styles like ingoma, isifekezeli [war drills], ukusina [solo dancing] that were performed on the fields, now performed, sort of feigned and 'held in' as they are p~rformed in dance halls with wooden stages.
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Famule, Olawole Francis. "Art and spirituality : the Ijumu northeastern-Yoruba egúngún /." Tucson, Arizona : University of Arizona, 2005. http://etd.library.arizona.edu/etd/GetFileServlet?file=file:///data1/pdf/etd/azu%5Fetd%5F1372%5F1%5Fm.pdf&type=application/pdf.
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Chidongo, Tsawe-Munga wa. "Towards a dialogical theology : an exploration of inter-religious cooperation between Christianity and African Indigenous Religion among the Midzi-Chenda people of coastal Kenya." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2010. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/1249/.
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The ongoing global problems that adversely affect human society require re-dress, not only from a political perspective but also from the view of religions which are daily lived and practised by individuals and communities, seeking positive solutions for a more habitable earth. Africa, from its colonial legacies, has continually experienced disasters such as wars, droughts, famine, HIV and AIDS. All these have contributed to abject poverty and have affected the well-being of society, reducing the population to despair and hopelessness. Africa, however, is rich: more developed in her religions than in her economy. ‘You can not teach an African child about the existence of God’ (Dickson 1984). Nevertheless, in communities such as the Midzi-Chenda of Coastal Kenya, religion has become the cause of both religious and social exclusion. From the fear of condemnation, communities are hesitant to meet together as religious people in order to dialogue and address issues that persistently affect their lives. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between Christianity and African Indigenous Religion, with the purpose of discovering whether at the height of successive problems in Africa AIR and Christianity can agree to cooperate and together build a healthier society. This research is conducted among the Midzi-Chenda of Coastal Kenya, a community that has had diverse religious experience, whilst living with their multiple problems. Socially excluded by other religions, the Midzi-Chenda have been unable in solidarity to address their problems. The questions asked are firstly: ‘what are the historical causes for the religious rift?’ Secondly: ‘what possibilities can be found for achieving the cooperation which is essential for the two religious communities to be assisted to progress towards essential dialogue for life and action, and addressing the issue of community health?’
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Sigida, Salome Thilivhali. "Conceptualisation of mental illness by vhaVenda indigenous healers." Thesis, University of Limpopo, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1556.
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Thesis (M. A. (Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2016Several studies have shown that alternative health care practitioners play an important role in addressing the mental health care needs of individuals by offering culturally appropriate treatment. In South Africa, it has been suggested that indigenous healers are frequently consulted for mental illness when compared to their Western trained counterparts. The aim of the present study was to explore the conceptualization of mental illness by VhaVenda indigenous healers. Specifically, the study sought to achieve the following objectives: a). Establish what VhaVenda indigenous healers understand about mental illness; b). Determine the types of mental illness identified by VhaVenda indigenous healers; and, c). To determine what indigenous healers in this community perceive as the signs and symptoms of mental illness. A qualitative approach, and in particular, the case study method was used in the present study. Ten indigenous healers (male = 8: female = 2), aged between 35 and 60 were selected through snowball sampling and requested to participate in the study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using the content analysis method. The following psychological themes emerged from the study: a). participants understanding of mental illness; b). causes of mental illness; c). types of mental illness; d). signs and symptoms of mental illness; e). diagnoses of mental illness and f). Treatment of mental illness. The findings revealed that there are multiple causalities of mental illness and were accounted for by African indigenous beliefs. The findings of the present study further suggested that the participants do not have an elaborate nosological system that distinguishes between the different types of mental illness. Instead of giving names to the illnesses, the participants tended to describe the illness based on what is perceived as the cause which emanate from cultural ideologies. Furthermore, the results revealed that indigenous healers use the following treatment modalities to treat mental illness: namely, the use of herbs and indigenous practices. The study is concluded by making a few recommendations, that among others include consideration been given to some form of collaboration between indigenous healers and western trained health care practitioners.
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Schreiber, Dale. "The role that blood sacrifice plays in the Worodougou practice of the religion of Islam." Theological Research Exchange Network (TREN), 1998. http://www.tren.com.
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Guhrs, Tamara. "Nyau masquerade performance : shifting the imperial gaze." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002372.
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Nyau Masquerades have been studied by missionaries, anthropologists and religious specialists, but have seldom been documented by theatre and performance specialists. This dissertation argues for the acceptance of Ny au performance as a contemporary world theatre form rooted in tradition. Charting the uneasy relationship between the Nyau and those who have sought to record their performances, the author delineates a vivid dramaturgy of this art form. In doing so, the boundaries of what define theatre as it has traditionally been understood in dominant discourses are made more fluid. Nyau performances have been affected by Colonial processes in varied ways. They were banned by the former government of Northern Rhodesia and severely censored by Catholic Mission teachings in the former Nyasaland. Other forms of vilification have been more subtle. Information about performance in Africa has often been collected and arranged in ways which limit the understanding of these genres. Images of Africa which cluster around the notion of the 'Primitive Other' have enabled a representation of Ny au masking as a superstitious and outdated practice with no relevance for contemporary Africa. This work calls for a new examination of the Nyau, through the lens of local discourse as well as contemporary global understandings of performance. Chapter One examines the issue of primitivism and the ways in which Africa has historically been posited as the exotic Other to Europe. Chapter Two examines the Nyau ih terms of specific dramaturgical elements, adjusting previous misconceptions surrounding the theatr~ forms of Chewa and Nyanja people. Chapter Three is devoted to a discussion of space in ritual theatre and Nyau performance, while Chapter Four explores masking and questions of transformation and liminality. In conclusion, it is seen that the use of the mask is a metaphor for the suspension of rigid boundaries separating subject/object, self/other, ritual/theatre, a suspension which needs to take place before an enriched understanding of performance in Africa can be reached.
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Malcolm-Woods, Rachel Matthews Donald Henry Dunbar Burton L. "Igbo talking signs in antebellum Virginia religion, ancestors, and the aesthetics of freedom /." Diss., UMK access, 2005.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Dept. of Art and Art History and Dept. of History. University of Missouri--Kansas City, 2005."A dissertation in art history and history." Advisors: Donald Matthews and Burton Dunbar. Typescript. Vita. Title from "catalog record" of the print edition Description based on contents viewed June 26, 2006. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 263-283). Online version of the print edition.
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Wanda, Vukani Milton. "Ucwaningo olunzulu ngenkolo yobuKrestu nenkolo yoMdabu (yesiZulu)." Thesis, University of Zululand, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10530/1197.
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Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for B.A. Honours degree in the Department of African Languages at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 1997.Zonke izizwe zoMdabu lapha e-Afrika zinenkolo yazo Le nkolo ihambisana nemikhuba ethize. Inkolo yalezi zizwe isemthanjeni yempilo yabantu bakhona kangangoba akulula ukuhlukanisa usikompilo nenkolo yesizwe soMdabu. Imvamisa akekho umqambi walezi nkolo yize bekhona abaqambi bezizwe ezithile. Izizwe ziqiniseka ukuthi 1e nkolo zadatshu1wa nayo nguMdali. NamaZulu nawo anenkolo yawo ayilandelayo, yize-ke isithe ukudungeka idungwa impucuko yaseNtshonalanga ihambisana nenkolo yobuKrestu.
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Du, Plessis Lizanne. "The culture and environmental ethic of the Pokot people of Laikipia, Kenya." Thesis, Link to the online version, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10019/182.
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Nekhongoni, Mukondeleli Emily. "Tsenguluso ya mbingano ya Vhavenda." Thesis, University of Limpopo, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1257.
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Thesis (MA. (African Languages)) --University of Limpopo, 2013Tsenguluso iyi yo bvisela khagala matshimbidzele a mbingano ya Vhavenḓa zwi tshi kwama zwine mbingano iyi ya vha zwone, u dzhenelela ha vhabebi, maambisele, u lugiselwa ha mbingano, lumalo u swika kha u vhinga kana u vhingwa. Yo dovha ya bvisela khagala khaedu dzo livhanaho na iyi mbingano ṋamusi dzine dza vha u sa dzhenelela ha vhabebi kha mbingano dza vhana vhavho. U ḓiṱoḓela vhafunwa ha vhaswa ano maḓuvha, zwiitisi zwa u sa malwa ha vhafumakadzi khathihi na u sengulusa uri ndi ngani vhanna ano maḓuvha vha si tsha mala vhafumakadzi vhanzhi.
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Berge, Lars. "The Bambatha Watershed : Swedish Missionaries, African Christians and an Evolving Zulu Church in Rural Natal and Zululand 1902-1910." Doctoral thesis, Uppsala universitet, Teologiska institutionen, 2000. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-743.
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This study examines the Church of Sweden Mission and the encounter between Swedish missionaries, African Christians and evangelists in Natal and Zululand in the early twentieth century. The ambition with the present study is to demonstrate that the mission enterprise was dependent on and an integral part of developments in society at large. It attends to the issue of how the idea of folk Christianisation and the establishing of a territorial folk church on the mission field originated in the Swedish society and was put into practice in South Africa. It describes how the goals implied attempted to both change and preserve African society. This was a task mainly assigned the African evangelists. By closely focusing on the particular regions where the Church of Sweden Mission was present, conflicts between pre-capitalistand capitalist, black and white societies are revealed. The 1906 Bambatha uprising became a watershed. The present study demonstrates how the uprising differently affected different regions and also the evolving -Zulu church. in the one region where Christianity was made compatible with African Nationalist claims, it was demonstrated that it was possible to be both a nationalist and a Christian, which paved the way for both religious independency and nationalist resistance and, eventually, large scale conversions.
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Hirst, Manton Myatt. "The healer's art : Cape Nguni diviners in the townships of Grahamstown." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001601.
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This is a study of Cape Nguni diviners practising in the townships of Grahamstown where, during the 1970s, there was a large and active concentration of diviners treating clients from the locality, the rural areas and even the large urban centres further afield. The study situates local diviners in the socio-economic, cultural and religious context of contemporary township Iife during the 1970s (see chapter 1 and section 2.1). The personalities and socio-economic circumstances of diviners (and herbalists) are described as well as their case-loads, the various problems they treat, the relations between them and their clients, the economics of healing and the ethics pertaining to the profession (see chapter 2) . Chapter three focuses on the various problems and afflictions - which are largely of an interpersonal nature - suffered by those who are eventually inducted as diviners and the ritual therapy this necessarily entails. Here we see how the diviner, what Lewis (1971) terms a 'wounded healer', becomes an expert in interpersonal and social relations as a result of suffering problems - largely connected to the family but not necessarily limited to it - in interpersonal relations and that require a ritual, and thus social, prophylaxis. The main theoretical argument is that the diviner, qua healer, functions as a hybrid of Levi-Strauss' s bricoleur and Castaneda's 'man of knowledge' artfully combining the ability of the former to invert, mirror or utilise analogies from linguistics to make everything meaningful and the ability of the latter to creatively bend reality . The diviner's cosmology is described in terms of a 'handy', limited but extensive cultural code/repertoire of signs, symbols and metaphors that is utilised in getting the message across to others and in which animals bear the main symbolic load (see chapter 4). This leads logically to a reappraisal of Hammond-Tooke's (1975b) well-known model of Cape Nguni symbolic structure particularly in so far as it pertains to the way in which diviners classify animals, both wild and domestic (see section 4.6). A striking evocation and confirmation of the view argued here, namely of the diviner as bricoleur/'man of knowledge', is contained in chapter five dealing with an analysis of the diviner's 'river' myth and the context, form and content of the divinatory consultation itself. Finally, the conclusions, arising out of this study of contemporary Cape Nguni diviners in town, are evaluated in the ligrht of Lewis's (1966, 1971, 1986) deprivation hypothesis of spirit possession (see chapter 6)
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Howard, Windell. "The influence of spiritual churches and prayer houses on Annang members of the Churches of Christ." Theological Research Exchange Network (TREN), 2002. http://www.tren.com.
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Niemand, Samuel Jacobus Johannes. "Sinkretisme as teologiese uitdaging met besondere verwysing na die Ibandla Lamanazaretha." Access to E-Thesis, 2006. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-03232006-113159/.
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Baeke, Viviane. "Le temps des rites: l'univers magico-religieux des Wuli :Mfumte du Cameroun occidental." Doctoral thesis, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/2013/ULB-DIPOT:oai:dipot.ulb.ac.be:2013/212336.
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Jali, Nozizwe Martha. "The African perception of death, with special reference to the Zulu : a critical analysis." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/897.
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99 leaves printed on single pages, preliminary pages and numberd pages 1-87. Includes bibliography. Digitized at 600 dpi grayscale to pdf format (OCR), using a Bizhub 250 Konica Minolta Scanner.Thesis (MPhil (Philosophy))--University of Stellenbosch, 2000.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Death is a universal phenomenon and each culture develops its own ways of coping with it. The reaction of people to death also involves a complex network of relationships. To appreciate their responses to this phenomenon requires an understanding of the socio-cultural context in which these responses occur because they influence the individual's responses to issues of life and death. In the African context and indeed in the Zulu culture, death is a continuation of life in the world hereafter. The deceased renews his relationship with his ancestral relatives. Various rites and ceremonies are performed to mark his reunion with his ancestral relatives. For the living, the rites and ceremonies mark a passage from one phase of life to another requiring some readjustment. The belief in the existence of life after death also affects the nature of these rites and ceremonies, the social definition of bereavement and the condition of human hope. The belief in the existence of the ancestors forms an integral part African religion and its importance cannot be over-estimated. This belief flows from the strong belief in the continuation of life after death, and the influence the deceased have on the lives of their living relatives. The contact between the living and the living dead is established and maintained by making offerings and sacrifices to the ancestors. The ancestors, therefore, become intermediaries with God at the apex and man at the bottom of the hierarchical structure. However, for the non-African, the relationship seems to indicate the non-existence of God and the worshipping of the ancestors. Women play a pivotal role in issues of life and death, because African people recognize their dependence and the procreative abilities of women to reconstitute and to extend the family affected by the death of one of its members.Social change and Westernisation have affected the way the African people view death. Social changes have been tacked onto tradition. A contemporary trend is to observe the traditional and Christian rites when death has occurred. The deceased is then buried in accordance with Christian, as well as traditional rites. The belief in the survival of some element of human personality is a matter of belief and faith. It lessens the pain and sorrow that is felt upon the death of a loved one by giving the believer hope that one day he will be reunited with his loved one and thereby easing the fear and anxiety of death. Thus, the purpose of this investigation is to critically analyse the African perception of death and its implications with special reference to the Zulu people. The objective is to expose the complexities, diversities and the symbolism of death. The essence is to demystify the African perception of death and to indicate that the perception of death is not necessarily unique to African people in general and to the Zulu people in particular. Other groups like Christians have perceptions of death particularly with regard to the world hereafter. The aim of the investigation of the topic is to reveal some of the underlying cultural beliefs in death, enhance those beliefs that are beneficial to society and discard those that are anachronistic. Since culture is dynamic, not everything about African tradition will be transmitted to the future generation; there is bound to be cultural exchange.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die dood is 'n universele fenomeen en elke kultuur ontwikkel sy eie manier om daarmee om te gaan. Mense se reaksie op die dood geskied binne 'n komplekse netwerk van verhoudinge. Om mense se reaksie op hierdie fenomeen te begryp, is 'n verstaan van die sosio-kulturele konteks nodig waarin hierdie reaksies plaasvind, aangesien dit die individu se reaksie op lewe en dood beinvloed. In die Afrika-konteks en ook in die Zulu-kultuur word die dood beskou as die kontinuasie van lewe in die hiermamaals. Die oorledene hernu sy verhouding met sy voorouers. Verskeie rituele en seremonies vind plaas om hierdie gebeurtenis te identifiseer. Vir die oorlewendes is die rituele en seremonies die oorgang van een lewensfase na 'n ander en vereis dus 'n mate van aanpassing. Die geloof in die lewe na die dood beinvloed die aard van hierdie rituele en seremonies, die sosiale defenisie van rou en die toestand van menslike hoop. Die geloof in die bestaan van die voorvaders vorm 'n integrale deel van Afrika-religie en die belangrikheid daarvan kan nie oorskat word nie. Die geloof vloei voort uit die sterk geloof in die hiermamaals en die geloof aan die invloed wat oorledenes op hulle lewende nasate het. Die kontak tussen die lewendes en die lewende oorledenes word daargestel en onderhou deur offerandes aan die voorvaders. Die voorvaders word dus gesien as intermediere skakel in 'n hierargie met God aan die bokant en die mens aan die onderkant. Maar, vir nie-Afrikane, dui hierdie struktuur op die nie-bestaan van God en die aanbidding van die voorvaders. Vroue speel 'n deurslaggewende rol in kwessies van lewe en dood aangeslen Afrikane hul afhanklikheid besef van vroue se voortplantingsbekwaamhede om die famile wat deur die dood geaffekteer is te herkonstitueer en te vergroot. Sosiale veranderinge en verwestering affekteer Afrikane se houding teenoor die dood. Sosiale veranderinge is bo-oor tradisie geplaas. 'n Hedendaagse neiging is om Christelike sowel as tradisionele rituele na te volg na 'n sterfte. Die oorledene word begrawe in ooreenstemming met sowel tradisionele as Christelike praktyke. Die geloof in die oorlewing van elemente van die menslike persoon is 'n kwessie van geloof. Dit verminder die pyn en lyding na die afsterwe van 'n geliefde deur aan die gelowige oorlewende die hoop van 'n herontmoeting te bied - en verminder dus die vrees en angs wat met die dood gepaard gaan. Dus is die doel van hierdie ondersoek om 'n kritiese analise te maak van die Afrika-siening van die dood en die implikasies daarvan, met spesiale verwysing na die Zulu-nasie. Daar word probeer om die kompleksiteite, verskeidenhede en simbolisme van die dood aan te toon. Die essensie hiervan is om die Afrika-houding teenoor die dood te de-mistifiseer en te wys dat die siening van die dood nie noodwendig uniek van Afrikane in die algemeen en spesifiek van die Zoeloes is nie. Ander groepe soos Christene het beskouinge oor die dood met spesifieke verwysing na die hiernamaals. Die doel van die ondersoek is om sekere onderliggende kulturele oortuiginge aangaande die dood te onthul, om die beskouinge wat voordelig is, te versterk en om die anachronistiese beskouinge aan die kaak te stel en so te diskrediteer. Aangesien kultuur dinamies is, sal nie alles wat betref die Afrika-tradisie oorgedra word aan toekomstige generasies nie; daar sal noodwendig kulturele interaksie wees.
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Nenungwi, Tondani Grace. "Non-verbal communication in Tshivenda: a sociolinguistic and discourse analysis." Thesis, University of Limpopo, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1542.
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Thesis (Ph.D. (Tshivenda)) -- University of Limpopo, 2015This study examines the role of non-verbal communication among the Vhavenḓa. It must be borne in mind that in comparison with verbal communication non-verbal communication tends to be perceived less accurately. This seems to be because every culture interprets body language, gestures, postures and vocal noises differently. Thus, in many instances, non-verbal communication tends to be misinterpreted and misunderstood. This is the problem that the study investigated and the findings of the study may help to indicate ways that can be used to interpret non-verbal communication in Tshivenḓa correctly. From the data collected, the study showed that there are several types of non-verbal communication that Tshivenḓa speakers use regularly. These are silence, kinesics, postures, facial expressions, heptics, proxemics and time. The study has adopted the qualitative research approach to collect and analyse the data. Using this approach, the study determined that there are several meanings that the Vhavenḓa associate with the aforementioned types of non-verbal communication. For instance, silence is largely associated with respect, good manners and satisfaction. Kinesics actions, such as kneeling down, denote kindness, honour and welcome. The study also shows the disadvantages of non-verbal communication which are part of silence, such as an indication of hatred, loneliness and witchcraft. In the main, the study shows that non-verbal communication in the Tshivenḓa culture is also gender based. For example, men are discouraged from walking behind their women as they would be deemed to be stupid, weak and lacking in leadership qualities. This fosters gender stereotypes and inequality between males and females - aspects which the constitution of the country discourages. The results of the study have led to several recommendations of which the following are the more prominent ones: as silence is not always golden Tshivenḓa-speakers should be encouraged to voice their feelings rather than remain in bondage forever and good manners should be encouraged as long as their realisation does not trample on people’s rights - regardless of their gender. Crucially, the study also recommends that life is dynamic and some cultural attributes that were fashionable in the past are no longer so today. Therefore, men especially should be taught to accept the new democratic order which accords everyone the respect they deserve - regardless of age, gender and religion.
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Le, Roux Ina. "Net die woorde het oorgebly : 'n godsdienswetenskaplike interpretasie van Venda-volksverhale (Ngano)." Thesis, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/17185.
Full textAbstract:
Text in AfrikaansDie eerste hoofstuk omskryf die begrip ngano, daarna volg 'n uiteensetting hoe die Venda mondelinge tradisie in die verlede gefunksioneer het en word die huidige aard en posisie van die verskynsel in die lewe van die gemeenskap gedefinieer. Veranderende sosio-ekonomiese en politieke kragte het die tradisionele lewenswyse van die Venda-mense in so 'n mate versteur dat die mondelinge tradisie en die stem van die storieverteller nie meer hoog waardeer word deur die moderne geslag nie. Die teoretiese uitgangspunt van hierdie tesis aanvaar dat religie 'n radikaal integrerend funksie het wat chaos in sinvolle patrone inkorporeer. Dialekties verbind aan die eerste beginsel van religie is die inherente drang van die mens se gees om alle gegewe limiete te transendeer. Vanuit hierdie fokus kan ngano as religieuse artikulasies interpreteer word wat chaos in sinvolle patrone uitdruk, en waarin oak opstand teen bestaande orde en tradisionele aannames uitgespreek word. In bree trekke skets die tweede hoofstuk die historiese agtergrond van die Venda-mense vanaf 800 nC tot en met die resente politieke veranderinge van 1994 in die Noordelike Provinsie. Die tweede deel van die hoofstuk bied 'n uiteensetting van hul religio-filosofiese agtergrond en tesame met die geskiedkundige gebeure dien dit as interpretatiewe konteks vir hierdie oeroue verhale wat van die een geslag na die ander oorgelewer is. In die volgende nege hoofstukke verskyn vyftig volksverhale wat in agt verskillende areas in Venda gedokumenteer is. Elke verhaal is vooraf voorsien van 'n opsomming van die inhoud van die verhaal asook 'n interpretasie van die verhaal deur die verteller self of verduidelikings van haar helpers. Die oorspronklike Venda-teks word gegee in die presiese woorde van die verteller met daarby die Afrikaanse vertaling. 'n Terna wat hehaaldelik voorkom is die opstand van die magteloses (die kind, die vrou of niksseggende persoon) teen magtiges (die koning, die man, dominerende familielede of tradisionele strukture). Ander gewilde temas is die ellende van hongersnood, die aanwending en voorkoms van toorkragte en bonatuurlike transformasies. Ten slotte is daar drie Sankambe-verhale waarin die fantastiese avonture van hasie, die aartbedrieer, wat op grand van blote vernuf oorleef, humoristies vertel word. Ofskoon daar duidelike artikulasies van verset en kritiek teen die tradisionele orde en teen magtiges is, waag ngano dit selde buite die tradisioneel religieus-filosofiese grense.
The first chapter outlines the concept ngano, thereafter the function of the Venda oral tradition in the past is described and the present nature and position of the phenomenon in community living is defined. Changing socio-economic and political forces disturbed traditional Venda life-style to such an extent that the oral tradition and the voice of the storyteller are not highly regarded by the modern generation. The theoretical point of departure of this thesis accepts the radical integrative function of religion ordering chaos into meaningful patterns. Dialectically tied to this first principle of religion is the inherent urgency of the human spirit to transcend all given limits. Viewed thus, ngano can be interpreted as religious utterances in which chaos is expressed in meaningful patterns and where resistance is articulated against existing order and traditional assumptions. Chapter two sketches the historical background of the Venda people from 800 AD up to recent political changes of 1994 in the Northern Province. The second part of this chapter presents an exposition of their religio-philosophic background which, together with the historical events provide an interpretative context for these ancient stories handed down from one generation to the next. Fifty folk tales (ngano) appear in the following nine chapters documented in eight different areas in Venda. Every narrative is introduced by a summary of the content of the story together with an interpretation by narrator and assistants. The Venda text is given first adhering as closely as possible to the original words of the narrator. Every line is followed by an Afrikaans translation. A recurring theme in ngano is the powerless (child, wife or insignificant person) resisting the powerful (king, husband/man, dominating family members or unyielding traditional structures). Other popular themes are the misery of famine, application and occurrence of witchcraft and supernatural transformations. Lastly three Sankambe-stories are documented in which the fantastic antics of the hare, the trickster in Venda folk tales who survives by sheer cunning, are humorously narrated. Although there are distinct expressions of resistance and criticism against the existing order and dominating powers, ngano seldom ventures beyond traditional religious and philosophic boundaries.
Religious Studies & Arabic
D. Litt et Phil. (Religious Studies)
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Pholi, Tshifhumulo Nelson. "Thodisiso ya vhutendatenda kha nowa na vhurereli kha TshiVenda." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/2302.
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Phaswana, Ntavhanyeni Sampson. "Marital problems in religiously mixed marriages amongst the Vhavenda people of South Africa : an African-Christian perspective." Thesis, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/15765.
Full textAbstract:
Marriages with differences in religion are a source of misunderstanding, friction, and disharmony,
and as a result, such marriages are exposed to a breakdown. Religion is not merely a set of
beliefs, but a way of living and thinking. When this differs, it causes misunderstanding in the
family and may cause marriage failure as adjustments to each other becomes compocated. D vorce
is much more common in mixed marriages whether of different culture, religious or
socio-economic background than when the backgrounds are similar. Religious similarity is linked
to marital durability.
The researcher wanted to indicate through this work that the increase of. marriages
between people of different religious faiths does not really matter to people any longer. It
is proved in this research that the outcome of such marriages is in most cases disastrous.
Mixed marriages are the object of attention in every society because of their life meaning.
Marriage is more than a relationship between individuals. It involves many more people, It is
suggested in this study that African traditional methods like mahundwane (camping or a miniature
village), betrothal and the giving of thakha (bride wealth} in marriage should be used to prevent
both mixed marriages and marital problems which usually leads to marriage breakdown.Religious Studies and Arabic
D. Litt et Phil. (Religious Studies)