Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Xitsonga'

Thesis (M.A. (Translation studies and Lingustics)) --University of Limpopo, 2015<br>The aim of this study is to investigate ambiguity in Xitsonga. There are many kinds of ambiguity, but the study mainly focuses on lexical and structural ambiguity. Lexical ambiguity occurs at word level and is caused by homonyms (homophones and homographs) and polysemes. Structural ambiguity occurs at sentence level. This kind of ambiguity manifests in the structure of the sentence itself. Data were collected through self-observation as a native Xitsonga speaker. Words and sentences with multiple meanings in Xitsonga were listed and tree diagrams were used to illustrate and disambiguate ambiguity. The study reveals that, like other languages, Xitsonga has words and sentences with double or many meanings. KEYWORDS AMBIGUITY, LEXICAL AMBIGUITY, STRUCTURAL AMBIGUITY, HOMONYM, HOMOPHONES, HOMOGRAPHS, POLYSEMES.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study investigates the nature of Xitsonga deverbatives that are derived from three types of syntactic verbs, namely intransitive verbs, monotranstive verbs and ditransitive verbs .The aim is to determine the classes in which nominalisation occurs as well as to determine the semantic features which occur with these deverbatives in various noun classes. The three types of verbs are further distinguished into agentive verbs and non-agentive verbs. The deverbatives that are examined in this study are arranged in terms of Levin (1993)’s semantic classification of verbs. The focus of this study is on the verbs without derivational suffixes. However, few deverbatives with derived verbal forms have been included. The nominal morphology of Xitsonga is also examined in this study The study is conducted within the framework of four assumptions in morphology and lexical semantics, namely lexeme-based theory, X-bar syntax, lexical semantic properties of verb classes advanced by Levin (1993), and the Generative Lexicon theory advanced by Pustejovsky (1995), specifically the assumption about the meta-entry for a lexeme. The study illustrates that nominalisation in Xitsonga, in particular, and in African Languages in general occurs through the affixation of the class prefix and the nominal suffix onto the verb stem. The study found that the deverbal nominals occur in a similar morphological structure to that of nonderived nouns. It was also demonstrated that Xitsonga deverbatives may be classified in terms of Busa’s view of distinguishing between stage-level nominals and individual-level nominals. The study has established that nominalisation in Xitsonga is a phenomenon that occurs in classes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 14 with both agentive and non-agentive verbs as verb stems. It however, found that the most productive classes are 1, 3,5,7,and 14. The study demonstrated that class 1 deverbatives refer strictly to humans, while deverbatives in other classes refer to various things. The data examined in this study revealed that in general, Xitsonga deverbatives exhibit the following semantic features across various noun classes: [Actor], [Experiencer], [Theme], [Patient] [Result], [Event], [Act], [State], [Artifact], [Instrument]. [Excessive act], [Excessive state], [Place], [Expert], [Excessive actor], [Excessive experiencer], [Excessive theme], and [Excessive patient].<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die studie ondersoek die aard van deverbatiewe naamwoorde in Xitsonga wat afgelei word vanaf drie soorte werkwoorde, naamlik, intransitiewe, enkel-transitiewe en dubbel-transitiewe werkwoorde. Die doelstelling van die studie is om te bepaal in watter naamwoordklasse nominalisering kan voorkom, en wat die semantiese kenmerke is van die deverbatiewe wat in die verskillende naamwoordklasse voorkom. Die drie tipes werkwoordklasse word voorts onderskei in terme van agentiewe en nieagentiewe werkwoorde. Die deverbatiewe naamwoorde wat in die studie ondersoek word, word verder onderskei volgens die klassifikasie van semantiese werkwoordklasse van Levin (1993). Die studie fokus op naamwoorde afgelei van werkwoorde sonder afleidingsagtervoegsels. Nietemin is enkele werkwoordvorme met afleidings-agtervoegsels ingesluit. Die studie ondersoek ook die naamwoordmorfologie van Xitsonga. Die studie is onderneem binne die raamwerk van vier breë weergawes van morfologie, sintaksis en leksikale semantiek, naamlik morfeem-lekseem gebaseerde teorie, X-balk sintaksis, Levin (1993) se semantiese werkwoordklas klassefikasie, en Generatiewe Leksikon Teorie van Pustejovsky (1995), in die besonder die aanname van die meta-inskrywing vir die lekseem. Die studie bevestig dat nominalisering in Xitsonga, soos in die Afrikatale in die algemeen, manifesteer deur die affiksering van 'n prefiks en 'n suffiks aan die werkwoordstam waarvandaan die naamwoord afgelei word. Die studie het bevind dat afgeleide naamwoorde in 'n soortgelyke morfologiese struktuur voorkom as nie-afgeleide naamwoorde in Xitsonga. Daar is ook bevind dat Xitsonga deverbatiewe geklassifiseer kan word in terme van Busa se onderskeid tussen fase-vlak en individuele-vlak nominate. Die studie het bevind dat nominalisering in Xitsonga voorkom in klasse 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 en 14, afgelei van sowel agentiewe as nie-agentiewe werkwoord stamme. Daar is bevind dat die mees produktiewe klasse, klas 1, 3, 5, 7 en 14 is. Die studie het voorts aangetoon dat klas 1 deverbatiewe slegs mensverwysing het, terwyl die deverbatiewe in ander klasse na 'n verskeidenheid semantiese entiteite verwys. Volgens die data wat ondersoek is, volg dit dat Xitsonga deverbatiewe in die algemeen, die volgende semantiese kenmerke vertoon oor die verskillende naamwoordklasse: [Akteur], [Ervaarder], [Tema], [Pasiënt], [Resultaat], [Gebeurtenis], [Aksie], [Toestand], [Artifak], [Instrument], [Oordrewe aksie], [Plek], [Ekspert], [Oordrewe akteur], [Oordrewe ervaarder], [Oordrewe tema] en [Oordrewe pasiënt].<br>NKOMISO: Dyondzo leyi yi kambisisa xivumbeko xa mavitimpfelelo ya Xitsonga lama ya pfelelaka ya suka eka tinxaka tinharhu ta maendli ma le ka vulongoloxamarito, ku nga, maendli yo pfumala xiendliwa, maendli ya xiendliwa xin’we, na maendli ya swiendliwa swimbirhi. Xikongomelo i ku lava ku kumisisa mitlawa ya maviti leyi pfumelelaka mpfelelo wa maviti ku humelela ni ku kumisisa swihlawulekisi swa tinhlamuselo leswi kumekaka eka mavitimpfelelo eka mitlawa yo hambanahambana. Tinxaka tinharhu ta maendli ti tlhela ti hambanyisiwa ku ya hi maendli ya nghingiriko ni maendli yo pfumala nghingiriko. Mavitimpfelelo lama kambisisiwaka eka dyondzo leyi ma longoloxiwa hi ku ya hi maavelo ya maendli ya Levin (1993). Mhakankulu leyi dyondzo leyi yi langutanaka na yona yi le ka maendli mo pfumala swilandzi swa mpfelelo. Hambiswiritano, mavitimpfelelo ma nga ri mangani lama nga na swilandzi swa mpfelelo ma katsiwile eka dyondzo leyi. Mofoloji ya Xitsonga ya kambisisiwa na yona eka dyondzo leyi. Dyondzo leyi yi endliwa hi ku landza endlelo leri katsaka mavonelo ma mune eka mofoloji ni le ka semantiki, ku nga Lexeme -based theory, X – bar syntax, lexical semantics properties of verb classes leyi tumbuluxeke hi Levin (1993), na Generative Lexicon theory leyi tumbuluxeke hi Pustejovsky (1995), ku kongomisiwa ngopfu eka meta-entry ya rito.Dyondzo leyi yi kombisa leswaku mpfelelo wa maviti eka Xitsonga, hi ku kongomisa, na le ka tindzimi ta Xintima hi ku angarhela, wu va kona hikokwalaho ka ku lungeleriwa ka xirhangi xa ntlawa na xilandzi xa riendli eka nsinya wa riendli. Dyondzo leyi yi kumile leswaku mavitimpfelolo ma tirhisa xifaniso xa murhi xo fana na xa maviti mo ka ma nga ri ma mpfelelo. Ku tlhele ku kombisiwa leswaku mavitimpfelelo ya Xitsonga ma nga aviwa hi ku landza vonelo ra Busa (1996) ro hambanyisa exikarhi ka mavitipfelelo lama thyiwaka munhu hi ku landza mhaka leyi humelelaka hi nkarhi wolowo ni lama ya thyiwaka munhu hi ku ya hi mhaka leyi fambelanisiwaka na munhu wa kona, hambi a nga ri ku yi endleni hi nkarhi wolowo. Dyondzo leyi yi kumile leswaku mpfelelo wa maviti eka Xitsonga I mhaka leyi humelelaka eka mitlawa ya maviti ya 1,3,4,6,7,8,9, and 14 eka maendli ya nghingiriko ni yo pfumala nghingiriko. Hambiswiritano, ku kumekile leswaku mitlawa leyi mpfelelo wu humelelaka ngopfu eka yona I ya 1,3,5,7, and 14. Dyondzo leyi yi kombisile leswaku mavitimpfelelo ma le ka ntlawa wa 1 ma kongomisa eka vanhu, loko mavitimpfelelo ma le ka mitlawa yin’wana ma kongomisa eka swilo swo hambanahambana.Vuxokoxoko lebyi kamberiweke eka dyondzo leyi byi paluxile leswaku hi ku angarhela mavitimpfelelo ma humesa swihlawulekisi leswi landzelaka swa tinhlamuselo eka mitlawa ya maviti yo hambanahambana: [Muendli], [Mutokoti], [Nkongomelo], [Mutwisiwa ku vava], [Mbuyelo], [Xiendleko], [Nghingiriko], [Xiyimo], [Ximakiwa], [Xitirho], [Nghingiriko wo tlurisa], [Xiyimo xo tlurisa], [Ndhawu], [N’wavuswikoti], [[Muendli wo tlurisa], [Mutokoti wo tlurisa], [Nkongomelo wo tlurisa], na [Mutwisiwa ku vava wo tlurisa].

Thesis (DLitt)--Stellenbosch University, 2004.<br>Full text to be digitised and attached to bibliographic record.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study examines the morpho-syntactic and semantic properties, specifically tense and aspectual properties, of deficient verbs in Xitsonga. Various properties of deficient verbs have given rise to a distinction in verbal categories. Among these a range of features are explored in the study with the aim of establishing whether they playa significant role in relevant linguistic questions: The research on the deficient verb involves questions from three theoretical areas, namely Syntax, Morphology and Semantics. Deficient verbs in Xitsonga and related African languages are generally subcategorized for a clausal complement as illustrated in the following example: [a-hi-hamba [hi-rima laha]] [We-did-usually [plough here]] In the above sentence the deficient verb is hamba and it is followed by a compulsory clause as complement. The main properties of deficient verbs explored in this study relate to the following phenomena: • The deficient verb determines the selection of the mood in Inflection of the clausal complement. • The clausal complement of a deficient verb must have compulsory agreement of its subject with the subject of the matrix clause. • The deficient verbs lack the property which is characteristic of the autonomous verbs i.e. that they may be extended by derivative affixes such as the applicative or causative. • Deficient verbs have distinctive semantic features which are related to two inflectional categories, i.e. aspect and tense. This study concludes that the deficient verbs may express several meanings, including meanings related to duration, habitual, frequentative, progressive, obligative, manner, continuative, concessive and completive.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek die sintaktiese en semantiese, in die besonder die tydvorm- en aspek-eienskappe van hulpwerkwoorde in Xitsonga. 'n Verskeidenheid kenmerke van hulpwerkwoorde het daartoe aanleiding gegee dat 'n onderskeid getref word ten opsigte van werkwoordkategorieë. Hieronder word 'n verskeidenheid kenmerke ondersoek ten einde vas te stelof dit 'n beduidende rol speel in relevante linguistiese vrae. Die navorsing van hierdie studie behels vrae vanuit drie teoretiese velde, naamlik die morfologie, sintaksis, en semantiek. Hulpwerkwoorde in Xitsonga en verwante Afrikatale word gesubkategoriseer vir 'n sinskomplement, soos geïllustreer in die volgende voorbeeld: [A-hi-hamba [hi-rima laha]] [Ons het gewoonlik [ons ploeg hier]], d.i. ons het gewoonlik hier geploeg In die bogenoemde sin is hamba die hulpwerkwoord en dit word gevolg deur 'n verpligte sinskomplement. Die sentrale kenmerke van hulpwerkwoorde wat in hierdie studie ondersoek word hou verband met die volgende verskynsels: • Die hulpwerkwoord bepaal die seleksie van modus in die Infleksie van die sinskomplement. • Die sinskomplement van 'n hulpwerkwoord moet verpligte kongruensie toon van die subjek daarvan met die subjek van die matriksin. • Die hulpwerkwoord kort die eienskap wat kenmerkend is van outonome werkwoorde, naamlik, dat hulle afleidingsuffikse kan neem, soos die applikatief -el- en die kousatief -is. • Hulpwerkwoorde het onderskeidende semantiese kenmerke wat verband hou met twee infleksie kategorieë, nl. aspek en tydvorm. Die studie kon tot die gevolgtrekking dat hulpwerkwoorde 'n verskeidenheid betekennis kan uitdruk, insluitende betekenisse wat verband hou met tydsduur, habitueel, frekwentatief, progressief, verpligting, wyse, voortdurendheid, toegewing en kompletief.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2004.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The break and bend verbs in Xitsonga forms part of the larger verb class of verbs of change of state. Such verbs show two events, i.e. a process and a transition. These verbs have been investigated in Xitsonga with regard to the following properties: the syntactic categories within which they may appear, the levels of representation within lexical semantics and their semantic features. The break verbs in Xitsonga appear in three syntactic categories, i.e. transitive verbs, verbal roots with transitive and intransitive suffixes and ideophones, which may appear as derived verbs with transitive and intransitive suffixes. The bend verbs appear only as transitive or intransitive verbs, but they may have a shadow argument with the phrase [hi NP] which gives rise to instrument-subject alternation. Most of the bend verbs may also appear in structures with inalienable possession. The break verbs have five semantic features: break, split and crack, smash and crush, demolish, tear. The bend verbs have six semantic features: bend, bend or fold, bend or twist, be crooked, lean over, kneel. The break verbs, which may also appear, as ideophones are clear examples of ergative verbs in Xitsonga. Such verbs denote a change of state and they occur as both transitive and intransitive verbs.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die breek- en buigwerkwoorde in Xitsonga vorm deel van die groter klas van werkwoorde, bekend as verandering-van-toestand ('change-of-state') werkwoorde. Hierdie soort werkwoorde vertoon twee tipes gebeure ('events'), naamlik proses en oorgang ('transition'). Hierdie werkwoorde word vir Xitsonga ondersoek met betrekking tot die volgende eienskappe: die sintaktiese kategorieë waarin hulle mag verskyn, die vlakke van representasie in die leksikale semantiek, en die semantiese kenmerke van hierdie werkwoorde. Breekwerkwoorde in Xitsonga verskyn in drie sintaktiese kategorieë, naamlik transitiewe werkwoorde, werkwoordstamme met transitiewe en intransitiewe suffikse, en ideofone, wat as afgeleide werkwoorde met transitiewe en intransitiewe suffikse mag verskyn. Die buigwerkwoorde mag slegs as transitiewe of intransitiewe werkwoorde verskyn, maar hulle mag 'n skadu-argument neem met die frase [hi NP], wat die instrument-subjek alternasie kan realiseer. Die meeste buigwerkwoorde kan ook in strukture verskyn wat onvervreembare besit illustreer. Die breekwerkwoorde het vyf semantiese kenmerke: breek, kloof, kraak, slaan en druk, verwoes en skeur. Die buigwerkwoorde het ses semantiese kenmerke: buig, vou, draai, gebuig wees, oorleen en kniel. Die breekwerkwoorde, kan ook as ergatiewe werkwoorde verskyn in Xitsonga. Sulke werkwoorde dui verandering-van-toestand aan, en hulle mag as beide transitiewe en intransitiewe werkwoorde verskyn.

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The recent introduction of the outcomes-based curriculum for the learning field language, literacy and communication has revealed a number of essential areas of research in African languages that urgently need to be addressed if this curriculum for African Languages is to be successfully implemented with the necessary theoretical basis as support. This dissertation addresses one such research issue, the genre-based approach to Xitsonga texts within the broad field of language and literacy. This study wil] first explore different models of writing approaches that relate to the analytic approach to genre literacy, including the traditional progressivist approach, the Bereiter and Scardamalia approach, and Grabe and Kaplan's (1996) model. It will be argued that Grabe and Kaplan's model is suitable as a framework for teaching writing, because it incorporates the ethnography of writing which entails that a detailed analysis of texts should address the following questions: who writes what to whom, for what purpose, why, when and how? The use of the ethnography of writing in the analysis of texts according to Grabe and Kaplan's model also explores factors such as the communicative purpose, the culture and the community in which the text is produced. This is investigated through the text-linguistic analysis of the nine Xitsonga written speeches where the speech genre has an identifiable format including an introduction, middle and ending. This study also explores the relationship between the ethnography of writing, the Grabe and Kaplan's theory of text construction, the learning outcomes 4 and 5 of grades 7, 8 and 9 and their related assessment standards. Attention is given to prescribed texts and the taxonomy of academic writing skills, knowledge bases and processes, using some of the nine Xitsonga written speeches for illustrative purposes. This study explores questions of how Grabe and Kaplan's model can be effectively employed in the analysis of texts within the framework of Curriculum 2005 in the teaching of language. This study further focuses on the teaching of Xitsonga as a language subject within a multilingual education system. It is argued that in order to develop Xitsonga terminology for teaching content subjects, resources must be put in place, both materially and financially. It will be argued that Xitsonga should be taught as a language subject and . used as a medium of instruction in content subjects in conjunction with English across the curriculum within a bilingual education policy in order to enhance teaching and learning. Learners who have Xitsonga as first language will be able to apply the writing skills acquired in the teaching of writing of Xitsonga as a language subject in their learning across the curriculum.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die resente invoer van die uitkoms-gebaseerde kurrikulum vir die leerarea tale, geletterdheid en kommunikasie het 'n aantal areas van noodsaaklike navorsing in die Afrikatale aan die lig gebring wat dringend aangespreek moet word om hierdie kurrikulum suksesvol te implementeer vir die Afrikatale. Hierdie proefskrif ondersoek een van hierdie navorsingsvraagstukke, naamlik die genre-gebaseerde benadering tot die analise van Xitsonga tekste binne die bree veld van taal en geletterdheid. Die studie sal eers 'n ondersoek doen van verskillende modelle van skryfbenaderings wat verband hou met die analitiese benaderings tot genre geletterdheid, insluitende die tradisionele progressivistiese benadering, Die Bereiter en Scardamalia benadering, en Grabe en Kaplan (1996) se model. Daar sal aangevoer word dat Grabe en Kaplan se benadering 'n toepaslike raamwerk vir skryfonderrig is, aangesien dit die etnografie van skryf inkorporeer, wat meebring dat 'n gedetailleerde analise van tekste die volgende vrae moet aanspreek: Wie skryf wat aan wie vir watter doel, waarom, wanneer en hoe? Die gebruik van die etnografie van skryf in die analise van Xitsonga tekste volgens Grabe en Kaplan se model ondersoek ook faktore soos die kommunikatiewe doelstelling, kultuur en die gemeenskap waarin die teks geproduseer word. Hierdie vrae word ondersoek deur die analise van nege geskrewe toesprake in Xitsonga, waar die toespraak genre 'n identifiseerbare formaat het, insluitende 'n inleiding, 'n middel en 'n slot. Die studie ondersoek ook die verband tussen die etnografie van skryf, die Grabe en Kaplan teorie van tekskonstruksie, die leeruitkomste 4 en 5 van Graad 7, 8 en 9, en hulle verwante assesseringsstandaarde. Aandag word gegee aan voorgeskrewe tekste en die taksonomie van skryfvaardighede, kennis basisse en prosesse, met verwysing na die nege geskrewe tekste in Xitsonga. Die studie ondersoek vrae oor hoe Grabe en Kaplan se model effektief ingespan kan word in die analise van tekste binne die raamwerk van kurrikulum 2005 in die onderrig van taal. Die studie fokus voorts op die onderrig van Xitsonga as 'n taalvak binne 'n meertalige opvoedkundige stelsel. Daar word aangevoer dat ten einde Xitsonga terminologie te ontwikkel vir die onderrig van inhoudsvakke, moet die nodige hulpbronne daarvoor voorsien word. Daar word ook aangevoer dat Xitsonga as 'n taalvak in die onderrig van inhoudsvakke, in samehang met Engels vir laasgenoemde, oor die kurrikulum ten einde leer en onderrig te bevorder. Leerders wat Xitsonga as 'n eerste taal het, sal in staat wees om die skryfvaardighede wat hulle verwerf her in die onderrig van skryf in Xitsonga as 'n taalvak in hulle leer oar die kurrikulum.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explores selected motion verbs in Xitsonga within the framework of lexical sementics postulated by Pustejovsky (1995). This study examines the polysemy of the respective selected motion verbs in sentences with various noun subject types in Xitsonga. The motion verbs examined are: -~ (go), -@_ (come), -famba (go away), -baleka (run away), -kasa (crawl), -khandziya (climb up) and -gonya (ascend). Syntactically, these verbs occur in example sentences as evidenced below: The subject NP is [human] Sipho u ya ekaya hi milenge. Sipho is going home on foot. The subject NP is [inanimate] Tafuia ri tile exikolweni hi movha. The table is delivered at school by car. The subject NP is [weather noun] : Mpfula yi fambile etikweni. The rain has stopped in the country. Nkwangulatilo wu khandziya entshaveni. Rainbow climbs up to the mountain. Moya wo kasa. The wind is blowing slowly. The subject NP is [concrete noun]: Vuswa byi fambile emasin'wini. Food is carried to the field. Mugayo wu gonyile emakete. Maize meal is expensive in the market. The subject NP is [abstract noun] : Rivengo ri fambile eka vanhu. Hatred has ended from people. The subject NP is [natural phenomenon] Dyambu ri balekile emapapeni. The sun is very hot in the sky. The study explores the selected motion verbs and establishes the specific properties of selection restrictions, assignment of arguments as well as the event structure or sentences with the motion verbs. Lastly, the lexical conceptual paradigm is examined in order to determine the different senses or meanings of the motion verbs.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek geselekteerde bewegingswerkwoorde in Xitstonga binne die raamwerk van die leksikale semantiek ontwikkel deur Pustejovsky (1995). Die studie ondersoek die polisemie van die onderskeie bewegingswerkwoorde in sinne met verskillende onderwerp tipes in Xitsonga. Die bewegingswerkswoorde wat ondersoek word is: -Y.ê_ (gaan), -ta (kom), -famba (weggaan), -baleka (hardloop), -kasa (kruip), -khandziya (klim) and -gonya (daai) .. Hierdie werkwoorde verskyn sintakties in voorbeelde soos hier onder geillustreer: Die subjek NP is [mens] Sipho u ya ekaya hi milenge. Sipho gaan huis toe per voet. Die subjek NP is [nie-lewend] Tafuia ri tile exikolweni hi movha. Die tafel gaan na die skool per motor, d.i. die tafel word per motor afgelewer by die skool. Die subjek NP is [weer naamwoord]: Mpfula yi fambile etikweni. Die reën het weggegaan (gestop) in die land Nkwangulatilo wu khandziya entshaveni. Die reënboog klim teen die berg op. Moya wo kasa. Die wind kruip, d.i. waai stadig Die subjek NP is [konkrete naamwoord]: Vuswa byi fambile emasin'wini. Kos het gegaan (is geneem) na die land Mugayo wu gonyile emakete. Mieliemeel het gestyg in die mark Die subjek NP is [abstrakte naamwoord]:Rivengo ri fambile eka vanhu. Haat het geëindig by mense Die subjek NP is [natural phenomenon] Dyambu ri balekile emapapeni. Die son het weggehardloop uit die lug, d.i. dit is baie warm. Die studie ondersoek die geselekteerde bewegingswerkwoorde en stel vas wat die spesifieke eienskappe is van seleksiebeperkings, toekenning van argumente en die gebeurtenis struktuur van sinne met die bewegingswerkwoorde. Laastens word die leksikale konseptueie paradigma ondersoek ten einde die verskillende betekenisonderskeidings van die bewegingswerkwoorde vas te stel.

Thesis (M. A. (African Languages)) --University of Limpopo, 2001<br>This study explores the lexical semantic representation of break verbs in Xitsonga. Chapter One is the introduction of this study. It describes the statement of the problem. The main aim of this study is described which m bnef is to investigate the form, struc e and interpretation of break verbs in Xitsonga. The significance of this study, which is to highlight the semantic value of break verbs in Xitsonga is discussed. The methodology, lite rature review as well as the theta - theory and its properties have been examined. Chapter Two explores the predicate argument structure. The difference between two lexical representations, which are lexical-syntactic and lexical­ semantic representations was investigated. A brief definition of break verbs as well as the six categories of the verbs of change of state have also been discussed. This chapter also analyses the lexical features of break verbs. Various sub - classes of external arguments and of internal argument are observed. Chapter Three presents the lexical - semantic representation of break verbs where focus is on argument structure, event structure, qualia structure and lexical inheritance structure. Chapter Four deals with the syntactic alternation and selection restriction of break verbs. The difference between transitive and intransitive alterna tions was also highlighted. This chapter also explores some of the different types of verbal alternations, such as ' instrument subject alternation', ' locative alternation' and the ' with/ against alternation' . Chapter Five gives the main conclusion of this study.

Thesis (M.A. (Linguistics)) --University of Limpopo, 2011<br>Xitsonga is one of the eleven official languages in South Africa. It is spoken mainly in three provinces, Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, while English is a global language. Whenever two languages meet, challenges are evident in terms of communication. The study aim to analyse the impact of nonverbal communication in both English and Xitsonga cultures. Nonverbal communication accounts for 60 to 70 per cent of what people communicate. Furthermore, the study deals with the role of nonverbal communication as it shapes the perceptions of both the receivers and communicators’ personality. Categories of nonverbal communication have been investigated by exploring different intercultural dimensions which include nonverbal immediacy and non-immediacy behaviours, power, authority and status, power distance, responsiveness, high-context and low-context communication, individualistic or collectivistic cultures. In addition, the study explores facial expressions which, among others, include expression of emotions; the types of emotions; paralanguage; and factors that influence facial expressions; cultural display rules, eye contact and gaze. Also, the study gives attention to Facial paralanguage and facial reflexes. It has been discovered in the study that although English and Xitsonga cultures are related in some nonverbal communication aspects, there are other aspects that are culturally bound. The latter aspects require a serious scrutiny lest miscommunication and misinterpretation occur. In other words, culture cannot be taken for granted when it comes to nonverbal communication cues. Cultural display rules dictate responsiveness, attitudes, and perspectives of communicators’ perceptions.

Thesis (M.A. (Translation studies and linguistics)) --University of Limpopo, 2010.<br>This dissertation endeavours to examine the causes of the marginalisation of Xitsonga in South Africa. The study has identified several factors that play a role in the marginalisation of Xitsonga. Some of these factors are inadequate promotion of Xitsonga by State Institutions and the negative attitude that Xitsonga speakers have against their language. In spite of these unfavourable conditions, the study has shown that several measures can be undertaken in order to strengthen Xitsonga as a language. Some of these measures are that Xitsonga must be offered as a subject at school and at tertiary level. Books and newspapers must be written in Xitsonga, to mention but a few. Lastly, the study highlights the fact that the existence of Xitsonga will be determined by its speakers. If they are willing to promote and support it there is no doubt that Xitsonga will exist for a long time to come.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Computer Science) --University of Limpopo, 2013<br>This research study focuses on building a general-purpose working Xitsonga speech synthesis system that is as far as can be possible reasonably intelligible, natural sounding, and flexible. The system built has to be able to model some of the desirable speaker characteristics and speaking styles. This research project forms part of the broader national speech technology project that aims at developing spoken language systems for human-machine interaction using the eleven official languages of South Africa (SA). Speech synthesis is the reverse of automatic speech recognition (which receives speech as input and converts it to text) in that it receives text as input and produces synthesized speech as output. It is generally accepted that most people find listening to spoken utterances better that reading the equivalent of such utterances. The Xitsonga speech synthesis system has been developed using a hidden Markov model (HMM) speech synthesis method. The HMM-based speech synthesis (HTS) system synthesizes speech that is intelligible, and natural sounding. This method can synthesize speech on a footprint of only a few megabytes of training speech data. The HTS toolkit is applied as a patch to the HTK toolkit which is a hidden Markov model toolkit primarily designed for use in speech recognition to build and manipulate hidden Markov models.

Thesis (M.A.) --University of Limpopo, 2014<br>Problem Statement This proposal investigates the life of men who left their beloved families with the aim of seeking jobs in order to support them. Most of the men when they get employed, they forget about where they come from and start new families by marrying another wives in urban areas. Furthermore this study will seek to find out how these men could get help and to restore their dignity. Methodology In order to achieve the aim and objectives of this proposal, the researcher will utilise textual analysis and interview method. Significance This study will act as wake-up call to the new generation to take into consideration the importance of where they original come from. In addition, the study will contribute to the existing knowledge and understanding the purpose of living their homes to seek employment not to start new families.

This thesis provides a unified Optimality Theoretic analysis of subject-verb agreement with coordinated preverbal subjects in three Southern Bantu languages: Xitsonga (S53), Sesotho (S33), and isiXhosa (S41). This analysis is then used to formulate a typology of agreement resolution strategies and the contexts which trigger them. Although some accounts in the Bantu literature suggest that agreement with coordinate structures is avoided by speakers (e.g. Schadeberg 1992, Voeltz 1971) especially when conjuncts are from different noun classes, I show that there is ample evidence to the contrary, and that the subject marker used is dependent on several factors, including (i) the [-HUMAN] specification on the conjuncts, (ii) whether the conjuncts are singular or plural, (iii) whether or not the conjuncts both carry the same noun class feature, and (iv) the order of the conjuncts. This thesis shows that there are various agreement resolution strategies which can beused: 1) agreement with the [+HUMAN] feature on the conjuncts, 2) agreement with the[-HUMAN] feature on the conjuncts, 3) agreement with the noun class feature on both conjuncts, 4) agreement with the noun class feature on the conjunct closest to the verb, and 5) agreement with the noun class feature on the conjunct furthest from the verb. Not all of these strategies are used by all languages, nor are these strategies interchangeable in the languages which do use them – instead, multiple factors conspire to trigger the use of a specific agreement strategy within a specific agreement featural context. I show that these effects can be captured using Optimality Theory (Prince and Smolensky 2004). The analysis makes use of seven constraints: RES#, MAX[+H], MAX[-H], DEP[-H], MAXNC, DEPNC, and AGREECLOSEST. The hierarchical ranking of these constraints not only accounts for the confinement of particular strategies to specific agreement featural contexts within a language, but also accounts for the cross-linguistic differences in the use of these strategies. I end off by examining the typological implications which follow from the OT analysis provided in this thesis.

Thesis (M. A. (Xitsonga)) -- University of Limpopo,2015<br>The purpose of this study is to analyse the behaviour of tycoon’s wives in the selected literature, namely; Ndzhaka ya vusiwana by B.K.M. Mtombeni and Mangava ya Joni by D.R.Maluleke. In Ndzhaka ya vusiwana two stories were analysed, namely; “Mudlayi wo tidlaya” and “Vubombi bya swolomba”. In Mangava ya Joni two stories were analysed, namely; “Xiwelano” and “Xihahisile”. Textual analysis was used in this study to analyse the behaviour of tycoons’ wives. Textual analysis is the method communication researchers use to describe and interpret the characteristics of a recorded and visual message. The purpose of textual analysis is to describe the content, structure and functions of the messages contained in texts. This study was attempted to answer the following questions:  What is the behaviour of the wives of tycoons in Xihungasi and Mangava ya Joni?”  What influenced the wives of tycoons to have such behaviour?  What are the benefits of such behaviour? The findings of the study revealed that in most cases, the wives of tycoons have good behaviour. They love their rich husbands and children, are very hardworking and they respect other people. The findings of this study also revealed that in most cases the tycoons have various behaviour patterns. Some tycoons have good behaviour while others are violent, hate other people and dishonest. The findings of this study also revealed that the wives of tycoons are influenced by their childhood behaviour, neighbours and friends. Their love to their husbands also influence them to behave properly.

Thesis (M.A. (Linguistics)) --University of Limpopo, 2011<br>This study examines the effectiveness and relevance of Xitsonga at the University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus. The study argues that as one of the six (6) official languages of Limpopo Province, Xitsonga deserves to be treated with the respect that it deserves. Although Xitsonga enjoys some recognition and support nationally and on campus, the study has discovered that there are problems associated with negative attitudes among Xitsonga speakers as they feel that the use of the English language enables them to be part of a global world. Furthermore, a major stumbling block with regard to the use of Xitsonga at the University of Limpopo Turfloop Campus is that some of its speakers hold a negative attitude towards their language as they prefer the use of English language for academic purposes. This is one reason English is still dominant amongst the student community as it is viewed as the language of the corporate world. However, the study reveals that a large number of respondents now support the idea that Xitsonga should be used in all official communication. Finally, the study recommends the use of Xitsonga in social and educational settings. It also recommends the holding of workshops and cultural activities in order to further promote and revitalise the language and its people, thus widening the circle of its acceptance at the Turfloop Campus of the University of Limpopo and beyond.<br>the National Research Foundation

Thesis ( M.A. (African Languages)) --University of Limpopo, 2013.<br>This study examines the impact of Zero equivalence when translating Xitsonga to English and vice versa. Translation is essential in everyday communication, therefore it is important to choose the accurate equivalent variant during the process if not so misunderstanding occurs especially where the target language has nil elements for a particular concept. In this study semi-structured interview was conducted and it is discovered that in place of zero equivalent variants different strategies were provided by different respondents to overcome the deficiency which target languages experience. Looking for sameness of meaning during communications exposes insufficiency of words, phrases and concepts in translating languages with different culture.

Thesis (M.A. (Linguistics)) --University of Limpopo, 2009<br>In many bilingual dictionaries, translation equivalents reveal some shortcomings with regard to the manner in which they are presented, particularly the English-Xitsonga bilingual dictionaries. Translation equivalents in the microstructure are frequently arranged and are without contextual guidance to assist the user. This way of presentation impedes the dictionary users from retrieving the appropriate and accurate equivalents. The study has, therefore, evaluated the way in which these translation equivalents are arranged. This research study shows that they should be logically and systematically arranged, starting with the translation equivalents that have the highest usage frequency to be user-friendly. The study also suggests that functional equivalence must prevail in English-Xitsonga bilingual dictionaries. The problem of zero-equivalence should also be resolved by giving a comprehensive description of the lemma as a translation equivalent to help the users to understand the lemma better.

Thesis (M. A.) --University of Limpopo, 2014<br>The main aim of this study is to analyse in detail different poems from different authors which reveal the way in which death comes to people and also explains how difficult it is, if someone has lost his/her lover. The first chapter reveals the general outline of the study, the problem statement, the aim, its significance and methodology. The most important terms of the study have been explained to be analysed. Chapter 2 explains defines and analysed the selected poems of different authors that reveal the ways in which death comes to living people. Chapter 3 deals with the general summary of this mini-dissertation. The recommendations for further research have been indicated in this chapter. Chapter 4 indicates a list of books which have been used in this mini-dissertation.

While the study of emotions is of universal interest because of its central role in the social sciences and humanities, emotions are of special interest for South Africa for both theoretical and applied reasons. South Africa, with its eleven official languages, is a true multicultural society with extreme differences in terms of culture, acculturation, and socio-economic status. Cultural frameworks differ substantially between ethno-cultural groups, and clarification of the differences between cultural frameworks can counter interpretation biases that could result in daily frictions and major conflicts. Additional fundamental cross-cultural research on emotional differences between cultural groups, together with the generation of a mutual understanding of the different cultural frameworks, makes these frameworks explicit and facilitates the incorporation of these frameworks into daily communication and interaction processes. The objectives of this research were to determine what the emotion structure of the Sepedi, Xitsonga and Tshivenda languages groups within a sample of Sepedi-, Xitsonga- and Tshivenda-speaking participants is, and how it compares with the European Emotion Structure. Furthermore this research aimed to establish the emotion structure and the relevant and representative features for each emotion component (such as appraisals, action tendencies, and subjective experiences) that have been encoded in a sample of Sepedi-, Xitsonga- and Tshivenda-speaking participants. Like\vise it was deemed necessary to verify (a) the extent to which the emotion words refer to specific positions on each of the emotion features of these language groups and (b) the extent of similarity or dissimilarity between emotion experiences of the Sepedi, Xitsonga and Tshivenda groups in the SAPS, as well as to compare the meaning structure between a "bottom-up" and a "top-down" (as conducted in Nicholls' research in 2008) approach between Sepedi-, Xitsonga- and Tshivenda-speaking participants. A survey design with convenience sampling was used to achieve the research objectives. The study population (n=390) consisted of Sepedi-, Xitsonga- and Tshivenda-speaking entry-level police applicants from the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Sepedi, Xitsonga and Tshivenda GRlD questionnaires were administered. Statistical methods and procedures (multidimensional scaling and descriptive statistics) were used and Cronbachrs alpha coefficients were determined to analyse the results. Results of this study on the Sepedi, Xitsonga and Tshivenda cultural groups indicated the extraction of a two-factor model within the Sepedi group. Due to the extremely low reliability analyses of the Xitsonga and Tshivenda language groups' data, a reliable scale analysis and the meaning structures of these two groups could not be determined. The low reliabilities could be attributed to the direct language translation of the questionnaire and the assessment may not have captured the full understanding of the items in the GRlD instrument. Results of this study for the Sepedi language group corresponded well with the results found in the study for the Sepedi group conducted by Nicholls (2008) on the emotion lexicon on the Sepedi, Xitsonga and Tshivenda language groups in South Africa. The Nicholls study (2008) indicated the extraction of a three-dimensional structure (evaluation, arousal, dominance) and a four-factor loading (positive emotion, sadness, fear, anger) for the Sepedi-speaking language group. In comparison, this research presented the extraction of a two-dimensional structure (evaluation and arousal) and a two-factor loading (positive emotion and sadness). Emotion concepts of the Sepedi group indicated that basic emotion concepts (love, joy, anger, sadness, fear, and surprise) readily came to mind in both Nicholls' (2008) and this study. Emotion concepts listed by the Sepedi group could be interpreted as emotion words associated with social, personality or environmental aspects and may be related to negative evaluation, dominance and/or aggression. Recommendations for future research were made.<br>Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

PhD (Xitsonga)<br>Ehansi ka Senthara ya MER Mathivha ya Tindzimi ta Xintima, Vutshila na Mfuwo<br>Riengeteri hi xin’wana xa swihluvi swa mbulavulo lexi nga si kambisisiwaka hi vuenti eka Xitsonga. Hikokwalaho, ndzavisiso lowu wu ringeta ku pfala vangwa leri hi ku endla nkambisiso wo enta hi maengeteri eka Xitsonga. Maengeteri ma nga aviwa hi mitlawakulu minharhu ku nga maengeteri ma ndhawu, maengeteri ma nkarhi na maengeteri ma mukhuva. Ndzavisiso lowu wu kambisisa xivumbeko, tinhlamuselo na vulongoloxamarito bya maengeteri lama boxiweke laha henhla eka Xitsonga hi ku kongomisa eka swivulwahava swa maengeteri ma ndhawu, nkarhi, ntalo na maengeteri ma mukhuva. Eka ndzavisiso lowu ku kambisisiwa matirhelo ma maengeteri ma vundhawu lama humaka eka maviti mo tanihi mavitavito, mavitaswilo na masivi mo tanihi masivinene, masivintalo, masivikomba na man’wana na man’wana ku ya hi mitlawa ya maviti eswivulweni. Mahungu ma ndzavisiso lowu ma hlengeletiwile hi ku tirhisa endlelo ra khophasi laha mulavisisi a nga kuma mahungu kusuka eka matsalwa hi ku kongomisa eka tinovhele ta Xitsonga leti landzelaka: Xisomisana;Thuketana, F.A, (1983), N’waninginingi ma ka tindleve; Thuketana, F.A. (1978), Ndzi ta n’wi kuma; Chauke W.R. (2003), Nsuku wa mina; Chauke W.R. (1992), Hi ya kwihi; Maluleke M.J. (1993), I vutomi; Lubisi, C.M (2007), Xilondza; Lubisi,C.M. (2009), Mulunguntima; Khosa, T.H. (1996), Xona hi xihi? Maluleke; D.R. (1987) na Swa vilula; Ngobeni, M.T. (1996). Ndzavisiso lowu wu le hansi ka ka thiyori ya Neo-Davidsoni, ku nga ntlawa wa tithiyori leti tirhanaka na vuxaka lebyi nga kona exikarhi ka swiphemu swa xiendleko eka xivulwa na maendlelo lama simekiweke eka nhlamuselo, leynga ta tithisiwa eka tinhlamuselo ta maegeteri. Eka ndzavisiso lowu ku tirhisiwa endlelo ra nxopaxopo wa vundzeni bya matsalwa ku xopaxopa mahungu ma ndzavisiso.<br>NRF

MA<br>Department of Communication and Applied Language Studies<br>Orthographic symbols of languages represent specific speech sounds with their specific phonetic qualities. This research aimed at analysing orthographic representations of murmured speech sounds in the Xitsonga orthography. The qualitative approach was employed to examine the production of murmured speech sounds and their orthographic representations in Xitsonga. The analysis was based on data collected from interviews with speakers of the Xitsonga language, Xitsonga educators and lecturers who are themselves Xitsonga-speaking, Xitsonga authors and Xitsonga subject specialists, and also from existing literature by Xitsonga authors and language scholars. The study made recommendations that will help the development and revitalisation of the Xitsonga language and also benefit the speakers of the language as well as scholars and linguists.

Text in Tsonga<br>Summaries in Tsonga and English<br>Dyondzo Ieyi ya ririmi ra tinovhele ta nhungu ta Xitsonga a yi susumetiwile hi mhaka ya ku va mutsari wa novhele taiiihi mutshila, a trrliisaka ririmi tanihi xitirho xa yena, hilaha swi kombisiwakahakona hi Lodge (1979), Leech na Short (1987) na Kahari (1986). Ririmi leri ri tumbuluxa xitsariwa, h.I. Ieswi nga tsariwa swi hlayekaka, ni nchumu wo tianakanyela lowu vuriwaka novhele. Xikongomelonkulu xa dyondzo leyi a ku ri ku von a ndlela leyi ririmi ra vatsari lava matsalwa ya vona lama xopaxopiwaka, ri tirhaka ha yona. Dyondzo leyi a yi ri ni xikongomelontsongo Iexi xi nga ku hluvukisa ririmi ra Xitsonga, ni ku pfuneta ku tlakusa xiyimo xa ririmi leri ni ra tindzimi tin Vana ta Xintima hi ku kombisa leswaku tindzimi leti ta swi kota ku tirha eka tindhawu ta xiyimo xa le henhla tanihi dyondzo yo fana ni leyi. Dyondzo leyi yl avanyisiwile hi tindzima ta ntlhanu. Ndzima yo sungula yi hlamusela xikongomelo xa dyondzo, yi tlhela yi vumba nseketelo wo ajigarhela mayelana ni timhaka ta matsalwa. Ndzima ya vumbirhi yi xopaxopa ririmi eka paluxeni ka nkongomelo, kasi ndzima ya vunharhu ni ya vurnune hi ku landzelelana ti paluxa ririmi eka vumunhuhati ni le ku paluxeni ka mbangu. Ndzima yo hetelela i yo katsakanya ntirho ni ku nyika swibumabumelo. Ririmi ri ni matimba yo hambana eku tirheni ka rona, ya nga "melopoeia", h.3. ku endla vuyimbeleri, "phanopoeia", ku endla xifaniso xo vitanisa, ni "logopoeia", ku endla rito ra leu va ni ngulumelo. Matirhele lawa ya ririmi ya fambelana ni vuyimeri bya minpfiamawulo ya ririmi ni swiyimeri swa yona swo tsariwa. Nkoka wa riencisi wu paluxiwile eka dyondzo leyi. Leswi swi endlile leswaku ku seketeriwa Kock (1981) loko a vula leswaku riencisi ri fanele ku nghena eka nongoloko wa matheme ya vutsari tanihi xigaririmi xo karhi, xi ri xiave xa tindzimi ta Xintima ku engetela swin'wana eka rhetoriki. Nxopaxopo wa ririmi ra tinovhele ta dyondzo leyi wu paluxile nkucetelano wa tindzinii ta Xintima ni ta Xilungu laha Afrika-Dzonga. Xiyimo xa tidyondzo ta tindzimi ta Xintima ni matsalwa ya kona swi kombisiwile swi ri leswi nga wisiki mbiln kutani ku bumabumeriwa ku va mfumo wu fanele Icu nghenelela.<br>This study of the language of eight Xitsonga novels was motivated by the fact that the novelist as an artist uses language as his medium as indicated by Lodge (1979), Leech and Short (1987), and Kahari (1986). This language produces the text and the imaginative object called the novel. The main aim of this study was to determine how the language of the authors whose works are being studied here, functions. This study had a secondary aim which was the development of the Xitsonga language and to contribute to the raising of the status of this language and other African languages by demonstrating that these languages can be used in high domains such as a study of this nature. The study is divided into five chapters. Chapter one indicates the aim of the sludy, and also provides a theoretical basis by discussing matters pertaining to literature in general. Chapter two analyses language in the expression of theme, while chapters three and four respectively deal with the language of characterization and of the expression of milieu. The last chapter is the general conclusion of the study, and recommendations. Language is charged in different ways in its functioning, viz "melopoeia", the making of music, "phanopoeia", the making of bright image and "logopoeia", the making of the resonant word. This kind of language function is associated with the symbolism of language sounds, and the corresponding symbolism of their written forms. The significance of the ideophone was demonstrated in this study. This made it possible to support fCock (1981) when she says that the ideophone should be included in a glossary of literary terms as a figure for speech, as a contribution by African langauges to rhetoric. The linguistic analysis of the novels of this study also revealed the mutual influence of different languages, African and European, in South Africa. The state of African language studies and African literature is indicated as a matter of concern in this study and government intervention is recommended.<br>African Languages<br>D. Litt. et Phil. (African Languages)

This study focuses on the predicate argument structure (PAS) of a sub-class of verbs in Xitsonga - verbs of change of possession: give, contribute, future having, providing, obtaining and verbs of exchange. It is shown that these verbs select various theta roles to form their PAS in the different alternations allowed in this language. The effects of the applicative {-el-} and causative {-is-} verbal affixes on the PAS of such verbs are also considered. The study confirms the fact that the ordering of objects in ditransitive verbs is determined by an interplay of syntactic and semantic factors. Ambiguity arises in the case of two animate objects. In this case the object with a definite reading will appear adjacent to the verb.<br>African Languages<br>M. A. (Arican Languages)

A dissertation submitted to the University of the Witwatersrand in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Arts in Linguistics, March 2018<br>Every language has its own unique set of preferred phonological structures, along with an array of strategies that it can employ to ensure that these structures are maintained. This study examines repair strategies used in Xitsonga in relation to syllable structure and Prosodic Word (PWord) minimality. Evidence gleaned from loanword adaptation supports claims by previous work (Vratsanos and Kadenge, 2017) that Xitsonga prefers a CV syllable structure. When words from English and Afrikaans are adapted to suit the Xitsonga phonological structures, several repair strategies may occur: segment substitution ensures that the phonemic inventory of Xitsonga is adhered to; vowel epenthesis is used to eliminate codas and break up consonant clusters; diphthongs are repaired using glide epenthesis and, in some cases, monophthongisation; and prenasalisation resolves NC consonant clusters. Secondly, Xitsonga requires words to be minimally disyllabic, and uses the epenthesis of a semantically null morpheme in order to achieve this. The analysis is couched within Optimality Theory (OT: Prince and Smolensky, 2004), with additional insights gleaned from Feature Geometry (FG: Clements and Hume, 1995). OT allows for strategies to be accounted for by means of constraint interaction, and for variation to be accounted for by means of constraint rerankings. The aim of this study is to present what is thought to be the first comprehensive account of repair strategies used in Xitsonga syllable to maintain preferred phonological structures, highlighting the importance of the syllable as a level of phonological analysis in this language and others like it. Additionally, the results of this analysis are compared to iv those of other Southern Bantu languages in an effort to situate Xitsonga within its language family, thereby contributing to linguistic typology. Key words: repair strategies, loanwords, rephonologisation, prosodic word minimality, Optimality Theory, Feature Geometry, constraints, candidates, input, output, Bantu languages<br>GR2019

Thesis (M. A. (Translation Studies and Linguistics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019<br>The aim of this study is to find out whether or not there are locative prepositions in Xitsonga. If so, to determine if they are true prepositions, their functions and the difference between locative prepositions and locatives. The locative case theory is adopted. Data are collected using telephone interviews from a sample of 10 Xitsonga grade 12 language teachers in Mopani district, Limpopo, South Africa. This study finds that there is one locative preposition namely, eka in Xitsonga. This preposition has three forms e-, eka and (-) ka which is also a locative preposition. These forms appear with proper nouns, common nouns, abstract nouns and collective nouns. The forms e- and ka also appear with locatives derived from noun classes 16 and 18, whereby the form e- is omitted when the existential morpheme le (there) is present in a sentence. The form e- also appears with locatives derived in noun class 17. The Xitsonga locative preposition is one of its kind because it has morphemes that contribute in the formation of locatives indicating position. It is recommended that studies of a similar kind should be done to find out more information about prepositions, more especially locative prepositions.

D.Litt. et Phil. (African Languages)<br>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.

Thesis (M.A.)(African Languages) --University of Limpopo, 2009.<br>Most people feel not comfortable in taking part in ritual ceremonies thinking that they are barbaric, old fashioned and valueless. The aim of this study is to make this people change their perspective by bringing out their significance through thorough investigation on the symbolism which is used in their performances which hides their practical meaning and value. Qualitative method was used to gather the information and data used in this research in which interviews were conducted. Thirty people, both males and females were visited at their homes from villages around Malamulele Township, although only few were quoted.Their responses made it clear that a lot of symbolism is used in Xitsonga ritual ceremonies which made it not clearly understood by the youth which led to their downfall. It is recommended that in the performance and practice of these rituals, a sort of explanation should be given which will clear inquisitive minds. It is also recommended that the society at large be educated about their value and significance for them to practice them with pride and dignity.

Summary in Tsonga and English<br>Ndzavisiso lowu wu xopela xiyimo xa mavumbelo, matsalelo, mahikahatelo na mathyelo ya swikomiso na mavulwankatso eka Xitsonga hi xikongomelo xo bumabumela maringaneriselo ya swona. Switiviwa swi huma eka switshuriwa swo hambanahambana swa nomu na swo tsariwa ku katsa na swa dyondzo (swa vuvulavuri, swihlayahlaya na swihlamuselamarito) swihangalasamahungunyingi na swinavetiso etilayiburari, eswikolweni, emagondzweni, eka tibilibodo na le makhumbini ya miako.Tinxaka ta mikomiso ti kumeka eka swa vanhu (mavito, swiyimo, vuxaka), matiko, tin’hweti, masiku ya vhiki, mavito ya tiholideyi, ya tihuvo, ya mihlangano, ya tiyunivhesiti, nasw. Ku na nkomisokulu (wa switshuriwa swo leha swa ndzungulo na swa nkalandzungulo, xikombiso: xihungwana, vumbiwa) na nkomisotsongo (wa switshuriwa swo koma: xivulwa, xivulwahava, rito, xiaki, peletwana). Lowu ndzavisiso wu pakanise nkomisotsongo. Nkomisotsongo wu paluxa mikhetekanyokulu ya mune ya ‘rikhwanyano’, ‘rivulwankatso’, ‘xikomiso’ na ‘rivulwampfilungano’. Swikombiso hi nandzelelano i: ‘za’ < zela); Huriri/(HRR) < ‘Huvo ya Rixaka ya Ririmi’, na (NSFAS > En-es-FAS). Xikomiso xi tihlawulekisa hi ku peleta kumbe ku komisa hi ku tsala ntsena, rito ra kona ri vuriwa hi ku hetiseka. Rikhwanyano na rivulwankatso swona swi tihlawulekisa hi ku vuleka tanihi rito rohelela. Rivulwampfilungano ri hlanganisa rivulwankatso na xikomiso. Rixaka rin’wana na rin’wana ri tlhela ri va na swivumbeko na mahikahatelo yo hambana. Matirhiselo ya swihikahato ya ya hi milawu ya ririmi ro karhi, xikombiso: nkomiso wa rivitavito wu fanele ku sungula hi letere lerikulu. Ndzavisiso wu paluxa leswaku ku tirhisiwa ka hiko (.) swi fanele ku papalatiwa eka nkomiso hikuva hiko yi teka ndhawu leyi nkomiso wu lwelaka ku hunguta yona hileswi hiko na vangwa swi hlayiwaka tanihi xitekandhawu loko ku hlayeriwa maletere. Ndzavisiso lowu wu basisile matheme lama thyiweke mikomiso eka Xitsonga, ku engetela nhlayo ya mikomiso na ku susumeta misinya yo yi ringanerisa. Ndzi bumabumerile swilaveko na swiyila ku pfuneta vahundzuluxeri na ku va seketela hi ku famba ndzi nyika maritondzingano ya Xinghezi laha swi kotekaka. Switandzhaku swi nyika vumbhoni bya leswaku nhluvuko wa mikomiso eka Xitsonga wa tshikeleriwa hi van’wana va lava nyikiweke matimba yo kondletela ntirho wa vuhundzuluxeri, leswi koxaka ku cinca ka maehleketelo.<br>This study analyses the state of shortenings (abbreviations and acronyms) in Xitsonga in order to determine their formation, structure, punctuation and naming patterns with the aim of recommending standardisation strategies. The data was collected from various oral and written sources. Various types of shortenings manifest in human phenomena (names, social positions and relations), names of countries, months, weekdays, holidays, boards, organisations, universities, etcetera. There are long shortened texts (e.g. abstracts, summaries) and short texts (sentence, phrase, word, morpheme, syllable). This study focusses on the short texts. Short texts fall into four major categories: ‘compression’, ‘acronym’, ‘abbreviation’ and ‘acreviation’ (combination of acronym and abbreviation). Examples of these forms are respectively ‘za’ < ‘zela’; ‘Huriri’/HRR < ‘Huvo ya Rixaka ya Ririmi’; and NSFAS > En-es- FAS. An ‘Abbreviation’ is characterised by spelling the word letter-by-letter or using it only in writing but uttering its full form when reading, while compression and acronym are characterised by the word’s ‘pronounceability’ in normal syllables. ‘Acreviation’ describes a combination of ‘acronym’ and ‘abbreviation’. Each of these forms further reveals different structural and punctuation patterns. The use of punctuation marks depends on the rules of a specific language, for example, the shortening of a proper name has to begin with a capital letter. The study also reveals that as much as possible, the use of a period should be avoided in the abbreviation as it occupies the space which the abbreviation intends to save because a full stop and space are counted as a character when a word count is done. This study has successfully clarifies the terminology used in the naming of shortenings in Xitsonga, increases the number of shortenings and proposes standardisation guidelines. The researcher recommends do’s and don’t’s for translators and provides English equivalents where applicable. The addenda provide evidence in support of the fact that the development of abbreviations and acronyms in Xitsonga is still thwarted by some individuals who are given coordination roles in translation projects and that a change of mindset is necessary.<br>African Languages<br>D. Litt. et Phil. (African Languages)

Thesis (M.A. (Translation Studies and Linguistics)) --University of Limpopo, 2009<br>This mini-research dissertation discusses the morphosemantic properties of the ideophone in Xitsonga.The ideophone is also analysed in terms of the Theta theory as proposed in the Government and Binding Theory.It is illustrated in this research paper that the ideophone can broadly be catagorised into the non-derived and the derived ideophone.It is furthermore demonstrated that it is possible for the ideophone in Xitsonga to be seen as a predicate that assigns various Theta roles to its external subject and internal complement arguement NPs in the subject and object Theta positions of linguistic expressions.It is held that whereas the predicate Theta-marks its external subject arguement NP indirectly,it assigns the Theta roles to its complement arguement NPs directly

Thesis (Ph.D. (African Languages)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020<br>Ndzavisiso lowu wu kongomisa eka nkanelo wa hilaha vaxisati va paluxisiwaka xiswona eka swin’wana swa switlhokovetselo swa Xitsonga. Vunyingi bya switlhokovetselo leswi kaneriweke eka ndzavisiso lowu hi leswi swi hlawuleriweke ku tirhisiwa hi vadyondzi va le ka Feyisi ya le Henhla (Giredi 10-12) va Afrika-Dzonga. Eka ndzavisiso lowu ku tirhisiwile maendlelo ya nkoka lama simekiweke ehenhla ka thiyori ya vugingirikelavaxisati va Afrika. Thiyori leyi yi tshuriwile hikwalaho ka nsusumeto wa swa tipolotiki na mitshikelelo leyi vaxisati va yi tokotaka evuton’wini bya vona. Switlhokovetselo leswi kaneriweke swi aviwile hi swigava ku ya hi swivuriso swa Vatsonga leswi tirhisiwaka ngopfu ku paluxa vaxisati. Ku kumiwile leswaku vundzeni na tinhlokomhaka ta switlhokovetselo swa Xitsonga swi kuceteriwile ngopfu hi swivuriso swo karhi swa Vatsonga leswi tirhisiwaka ku paluxa vaxisati. Mhaka yin’wana leyi kumekeke eka ndzavisiso lowu hileswaku hambiloko Afrika-Dzonga ri ri eka mafumelo ya xidemokirasi, vatlhokovetseri va ha kuceteriwa hi maendlelo ya xihlawuhlawu ehenhla ka vaxisati na vurhangisavatatana eka swiboho leswi fambisaka mindyangu na swisimekiwa swo karhi. Dyondzo leyi vumbaka xiphemu xa nkoka eka nhluvukiso wa Xitsonga hileswaku vuhlawulamarito na xitayili xa vatlhokovetseri swi na xiave lexikulu eka nkucetelo wa maehleketelo ya vahlayi kumbe vaamukeri va mahungu hi ku angarhela.

MA (Xitsonga)<br>Eka Senthara ya M. E. R. Mathivha ya Tindzimita Xiafrika, Vutshila na Mfuwo<br>Tindzimi to hambanahambana ta misava ti tirhisa tindlela to hambana ku tihluvukisa hi tlhelo ra ntivomarito. Maendlelo yo tanihi khoyineji, ku lomba, ku vumba rivitinkatsano, nhlanganiso, mpfelelo na mavulwankatso, mbuyelelo swi na nkoka swinene eku vumbeni ka marito eka ririmi. Eka Xitsonga, a hi maendlelo hinkwawo lama kombisiweke laha henhla ya tirhisiwaka, kambe endlelo ra mbuyelelo ri tirha swinene. Valavisisi vo fana na Novotna (2000), Nintemann (2016), Lidz (2000), Kallotaj (2016), Stols (2008), Rubino (2005), Osam, Marfo na Agyekum (2013) Wanja (2014) na van’wana va endlile ndzavisiso hi mbuyelelo eka tindzimi to hambanahambana. Hambileswi endlelo leri ri tirhaka swinene, vulavisisi hi tlhelo ra endlelo leri bya kayivela swinene eka Xitsonga. Mbuyelelo hilaha xiphemu xo karhi xa rito kumbe rito hinkwaro ri vuyeleriwaka ku vumba rito rin’wana leri nga ta va na nhlamuselo yo hambana na loko rito kumbe xiphemu xa rito xi nga si vuyeleriwa. Xikongomelo xa ndzavisiso lowu i ku kambisisa hilaha mbuyelelo wu humelelaka hakona eka Xitsonga, ku kombisa na ku hlamusela swiphemu swa ririmi leswi khumbekaka eka mbuyelelo, ku ntlawahata mbuyelelo wa marito eka Xitsonga na ku kombisa nkoka wa mbuyelelo eka Xitsonga. Ndzavisiso lowu wu simekiwile ehenhla ka modele wa Marantz (1982) wa ku kopa na ku fambelanisa (Copy and Associate Model) lowu welaka eka thiyori ya Autosegmental ya 1982. Ndzavisiso lowu wu landzelela maendlelo ya nkoka ku karhi ku tirhisiwa maendlelo ya khopasi ku kuma mahungu. Mahungu ya tsavuriwa ku suka eka matsalwa yo hambanahambana ya Xitsonga. Mahungu ya aviwa hi tinxakakulu timbirhi ta mbuyelelo, ku nga, mbuyelelo wo hetiseka na mbuyelelo wa xiphemu. Marito lama ma tsariwa ku karhi ku khwatihatiwa swiphemu leswi nga vuyelela. Endzeni ka swiangi ku kombisiwa xihluvi xa mbulavulo laha rito ri welaka eka xona. Ehansi ka rito rin’wana na rin’wana ku hlamuseriwa leswi mbuyelelo wu humeleriseke xiswona. Mulavisisi u tlhela a languta nhlamuselo ya ritoxidzi (RX) ku nga si humelela mbuyelelo ku yi pimanisa na nhlamuselo ya rito leri endzhaku ka mbuyelelo (RM) ku vona loko ku vile na ku hundzuka ka tinhlamuselo. .<br>NRF

The purpose of this study is to explore the nature of socio-cultural rules underlying address behaviour in face-to-face interactions in Xitsonga. In the study, a socio-pragmatic approach is used. This approach is a combination of sociolinguistics and pragmatics. Data are collected using semi-structured interviews from 29 participants in Hlanganani region. Hlanganani is a Xitsonga speech community located in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The participants were selected in terms of five variables, namely their age, gender, marital status, educational status and occupation. Five theories are tested in this study, namely Brown and Gilman’s (1968) theory of power and solidarity, Brown and Levinson’s (1987) politeness theory, the theory of accommodation, the theory of universal grammar and the Gricean theory of conversation. The study finds that Hlanganani is an age-set society in that the age of a person is the primary determiner of address choice. The male gene also receives superior status in address behaviour in Xitsonga. It is also found that women are given the same lower status as children. It is observed that women’s statuses reflect their graduation in terms of marriage and the production of children. It is recommended that more studies of a similar kind should be undertaken based on either different speech communities or on a comparative basis of particularly African languages. Such studies will go a long way in describing similarities and differences in both the linguistic and the social structures of different cultures.<br>African Languages<br>D. Litt. et Phil. (African Languages)