Integrating Tshivenḓa proverbs in digital education platforms: Enhancing Indigenous language learning through technology

Integrating Tshivenḓa proverbs in digital education platforms: Enhancing Indigenous language learning through technology

Makhado Avhatakali Jonathan , Raphalalani Tshinetise David & Mathabi Mashudu

Issue: Vol. 7 No. 4 2026 Article 8 pp. 444 – 456
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2026748 Published online 21st May 2026.

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ABSTRACT

African Indigenous languages, such as Tshivenḓa, have been marginalized in formal education institutions, which has reduced their visibility in online learning environments. When thoughtfully included in technologically enhanced learning environments, proverbs, which serve as stores of collective wisdom, moral reasoning, and linguistic diversity, have pedagogical promise. To improve Indigenous language instruction and cultural literacy in primary and secondary schools, this study investigated the effective integration of Tshivenḓa proverbs into digital learning environments. It examined the language growth and engagement of learners when proverbs are presented through interactive and multimedia resources. The study used two rural schools in the province of Limpopo as part of a qualitative case study design. In collaboration with language teachers, digital learning interventions were created using interactive tablet proverb tests, voice recordings, and animated films. Data were collected through classroom observations, learner focus groups, and teacher interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis, with a focus on learner participation, comprehension, and cultural expression. NVivo software was used to manage qualitative coding and pattern identification. The findings reveal that learners responded enthusiastically to digital content incorporating Tshivenḓa proverbs. The integration of audio and visual representations of proverbs improved comprehension, language retention, and cultural connection. Teachers also reported increased classroom participation and contextual understanding among students. Digitally integrating Tshivenḓa proverbs into educational platforms not only revitalizes Indigenous language use but also provides a culturally grounded, learner-centred approach. The study recommends the greater adoption of such digital interventions to support inclusive education in South Africa.

Keywords: Digital Education, Indigenous Language Learning, Educational Technology, Cultural Literacy, Multilingual Education.

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AUTHOR(S)

Dr. Avhatakali Jonathan Makhado is a lecturer in the Department of African Languages within the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education at the University of Venḓa. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Tshivenḓa and specialises in the study and teaching of the language. His research interests include Phonetics, Phonology, Syntax, Semantics, and Traditional Literature. He teaches Tshivenḓa at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, contributing to the development and promotion of African languages in higher education. He is currently a member of the Tshivenḓa National Language Board (TNLB) under the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB). Dr Makhado has published several scholarly articles and presented papers at academic conferences. He also has considerable experience supervising Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) students, reflecting his commitment to academic research and mentorship.

Dr. T.D. Raphalalani is a Senior Lecturer in Tshivenda within the Department of African Languages, part of the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education at the University of Venda. He teaches Tshivenda in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Additionally, he serves as an external examiner for postgraduate programs at the University of Limpopo, the University of Johannesburg, and the University of South Africa (UNISA). Raphalalani has published extensively in several peer-reviewed academic journals and has presented research papers at both national and international conferences. His academic experience includes supervising Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) students, which contributes significantly to research development and postgraduate training in African languages, particularly Tshivenda.

Dr. M. Mathabi is a Senior Lecturer specialising in Tshivenda in the Department of African Languages, Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, at the University of Venda. She teaches Tshivenda at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and serves as an external examiner for postgraduate qualifications at several universities in South Africa. She is currently the Chairperson of the Tshivenda National Language Board (TNLB) under the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB). Mathabi has an established research profile, with numerous publications in accredited peer-reviewed journals, and has presented papers at both national and international academic conferences. Her scholarly activities also include supervising Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) candidates, through which she contributes meaningfully to postgraduate research development and capacity building in African languages, with particular emphasis on Tshivenda.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Makhado, Avhatakali Jonathan, Raphalalani Tshinetise David and Mathabi Mashudu. “Integrating Tshivenḓa proverbs in Digital education platforms: Enhancing Indigenous language learning through tecchnology.” Journal of Education and Learning Technology 7, no.4 (2026): 444 – 456. https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2026748