AFL1504 LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS ACQUISITION IN AN
AFRICAN LANGUAGE 2
XHOSA
Xhosa assignment 2
Question 1
1a) What is the main value carried in the folktale Akungamandla odwa, yingqondo eyona nto?
The main value is that success does not always depend on physical strength, but rather on
cleverness. In this folktale it was not the strong lion who won, but the small, clever hare.
1b) Give the typical phrases that usually form the introduction and the ending in a Xhosa folktale
Introduction phrase: “Kwahlala kwahlala kwayinstsomi”, meaning “Once upon a time”.
Ending phrase: “Phela-phela ngantsomi”, meaning “Here ends the story”.
1c) Mention two social functions of praise poetry
The social functions of praise poetry are to express a nation’s thoughts about matters of
common interest; embracing their life philosophy, expressing criticism or protest or tell
something about a person’s character or history.
1d) For whom and how is praise poetry composed?
Praise poetry may be composed in honour of a ruler or chief, but also to express the beauty of
natural phenomena such as animals, rivers or mountains. Praise poetry is orally composed,
not necessarily written down, and is recited and passed on to following generations, thus
becoming part of a people’s oral tradition.
1e) What is the role of songs in Xhosa culture? Give two occasions where songs are sung.
Different types of songs play different roles in a people’s culture. The role of work songs is to
encourage workers; that of childrens’ songs is to educate or as party of play; other songs may
be for entertainment or amusement.
, Question 2
2a) Explain the typical structure of a riddle and give an example of a riddle.
The structure of a traditional riddle comprises an introductory phrase by the narrator which
makes a statement or poses a question, followed by guesses from the audience. An example
of such a riddle is: “Qashi-qashi ndinanto yam iyabaleka kodwa ayinanyawo” meaning “I have
something it can run but has no feet”, to which the answer is: A rivier or waves at sea.
2b) Write down the literal and figurative meaning of the following proverb: “Intaka yakha
ngoboya benye”
Literally it means that a bird builds its nest with the feathers of another. The figurative
meaning is that people help one another.
Question 3
Explain in what way proverbs differ from idioms. Compare their usage, meaning and structure.
Usage: Proverbs are used to express general truths, to warn, advise or encourage good deeds.
Idioms are used to add colour to speech and to render expressions more effective.
Meaning: Proverbs are figurative which means that its meaning is not literal.
Idioms: The meaning of an idiom cannot be logically or literally ascertained from its
component parts.
Structure: Proverbs make use of wording which is compact and forceful.
Idioms consist of a fixed pattern of words which go together, but are less rigid in form as
proverbs.
Question 4
Read the passage and answer the questions.
Abantu abanzi beze emtshatweni kadade wethu.
Die mense hulle is baie wat gekom het by die troue (van) die suster van my.
Umakoti ufike ecaweni ngemoto entsha eluhlaza eyiBMW.
Die bruid sy kom by die kerk met die kar dit is nuut dit is groen dit is ‘n BMW.
Unxibe ilokhwe yakhe entle emhlophe.
Sy het aan die rok van haar dis mooi, dit is wit.
Umkhwenyana umlinde phakathi ecaweni, unxibe isuti yakhe emnyama.
Die man hy wag vir die bruid hy wag by die kerk hy het aan die pak klere van hom dit is swart.
AFRICAN LANGUAGE 2
XHOSA
Xhosa assignment 2
Question 1
1a) What is the main value carried in the folktale Akungamandla odwa, yingqondo eyona nto?
The main value is that success does not always depend on physical strength, but rather on
cleverness. In this folktale it was not the strong lion who won, but the small, clever hare.
1b) Give the typical phrases that usually form the introduction and the ending in a Xhosa folktale
Introduction phrase: “Kwahlala kwahlala kwayinstsomi”, meaning “Once upon a time”.
Ending phrase: “Phela-phela ngantsomi”, meaning “Here ends the story”.
1c) Mention two social functions of praise poetry
The social functions of praise poetry are to express a nation’s thoughts about matters of
common interest; embracing their life philosophy, expressing criticism or protest or tell
something about a person’s character or history.
1d) For whom and how is praise poetry composed?
Praise poetry may be composed in honour of a ruler or chief, but also to express the beauty of
natural phenomena such as animals, rivers or mountains. Praise poetry is orally composed,
not necessarily written down, and is recited and passed on to following generations, thus
becoming part of a people’s oral tradition.
1e) What is the role of songs in Xhosa culture? Give two occasions where songs are sung.
Different types of songs play different roles in a people’s culture. The role of work songs is to
encourage workers; that of childrens’ songs is to educate or as party of play; other songs may
be for entertainment or amusement.
, Question 2
2a) Explain the typical structure of a riddle and give an example of a riddle.
The structure of a traditional riddle comprises an introductory phrase by the narrator which
makes a statement or poses a question, followed by guesses from the audience. An example
of such a riddle is: “Qashi-qashi ndinanto yam iyabaleka kodwa ayinanyawo” meaning “I have
something it can run but has no feet”, to which the answer is: A rivier or waves at sea.
2b) Write down the literal and figurative meaning of the following proverb: “Intaka yakha
ngoboya benye”
Literally it means that a bird builds its nest with the feathers of another. The figurative
meaning is that people help one another.
Question 3
Explain in what way proverbs differ from idioms. Compare their usage, meaning and structure.
Usage: Proverbs are used to express general truths, to warn, advise or encourage good deeds.
Idioms are used to add colour to speech and to render expressions more effective.
Meaning: Proverbs are figurative which means that its meaning is not literal.
Idioms: The meaning of an idiom cannot be logically or literally ascertained from its
component parts.
Structure: Proverbs make use of wording which is compact and forceful.
Idioms consist of a fixed pattern of words which go together, but are less rigid in form as
proverbs.
Question 4
Read the passage and answer the questions.
Abantu abanzi beze emtshatweni kadade wethu.
Die mense hulle is baie wat gekom het by die troue (van) die suster van my.
Umakoti ufike ecaweni ngemoto entsha eluhlaza eyiBMW.
Die bruid sy kom by die kerk met die kar dit is nuut dit is groen dit is ‘n BMW.
Unxibe ilokhwe yakhe entle emhlophe.
Sy het aan die rok van haar dis mooi, dit is wit.
Umkhwenyana umlinde phakathi ecaweni, unxibe isuti yakhe emnyama.
Die man hy wag vir die bruid hy wag by die kerk hy het aan die pak klere van hom dit is swart.
