A Survey of Three Selected Techniques in the Analysis of Siswati Folklore

Nontokozo Mdhluli ORCID iD

Issue: Vol.5  No. 10 December 2024  Article 6 pp.453-459
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.20245106   |   Published online 24th December, 2024.
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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This study’s main goal is to examine three folk narrative techniques to evaluate their themes, structure, and cultural importance. This qualitative study makes use of Claude Lévi-Strauss’s (1955) structuralist theory, which emphasizes antithesis, mediation, and synthesis; Vladimir Propp’s (1928) morphology of folktales, which identifies narrative elements like the initial situation, lack, command, violation, reward, abstention, punishment, and lesson; and Thwala’s (2019) structural theory, which describes the ascending, descending, terminative, and turning point phases of narratives. These selected theories are used to assess whether Siswati folktales follow a consistent format or show variance. By analysing their symbolic and functional relationship with human characters, the analysis delves deeper into the role of animals in oral art. Fables, legends, and myths are among the several forms of narrative prose that are recognized, described, categorized, and analysed to emphasize their unique characteristics and cultural purposes. Siswati folktales are discussed as being useful for social cohesiveness and moral teaching in addition to preserving traditional values, beliefs, and customs. To better comprehend the structural and cultural aspects of additional African folktales, the study suggests more investigation into the application of these theories. It also emphasizes how crucial it is to include Siswati folktales in school curricula to preserve indigenous knowledge systems. By comparing the structural approaches used in Siswati folktales, highlighting their cultural significance, and providing ideas on how to categorize and understand them within a larger onomastic and folkloristic framework, this study advances scholarship. In doing so, it promotes a greater understanding of Siswati narrative art and enhances the area of African oral literature.

Keywords: Folklore, Oral Literature, Cultural Preservation, Symbolism And Tradition.

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Ms. Nontokozo Gladys Mdhluli started her career in 2013 as a teacher at Siphumelele Secondary School, where she established her love for language development and education. She began working at the University of Venda as a Siswati lecturer on June 1, 2022. Currently pursuing a doctorate, Ms. Mdhluli is actively involved in Siswati language and culture study, language development, and writing academic articles. Her efforts greatly enhance the intellectual and cultural legacy of Siswati and play a crucial role in its promotion and preservation.

Mdhluli, Nontokozo Gladys.”A Survey of Three Selected Techniques in the Analysis of Siswati Folklore.” Journal of Education and Learning Technology 5, no.10 (2024): 453-459.  https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.20245106

© 2024 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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