AFL4802/101/0/2024
AFL4802
YEAR MODULE
ASSIGNMENT 02 2024
N.B PARAPHRASE YOUR WORK TO AVOID PLAGARISM (CHANGE WORDS)
Content: This assignment is based on Section B of your AFL4802 guide.
Objectives:
• An introduction to the nature and beginnings of the study of syntax as a sub-field of
linguistics by describing the concept syntax and its application; giving a concise historical
overview of syntactic studies; identifying the influence the traditional approach had on
word categories in your main language; and discussing the influence of 19th century
comparative studies on Bantu language studies.
, • Identification of various approaches that have characterised syntactic studies; and
showing how each of the approaches can be applied to the syntactic analysis of our
Southern African languages by specifically referring to your main language.
Instructions:
• Please rewrite and sign the following declaration at the beginning of your
assignment:
I declare that this assignment is my own original work and that all references used have been
acknowledged. I have not allowed anyone else to borrow or copy my work.
Signature ………………………………..
• Please complete: My main African language is Tshonga (e.g. isiZulu, Sesotho sa Leboa,
etc...)
Answer ALL the questions:
UNIT 4
(a) Explain the term ‘syntax’ by means of an example from your main language. (5)
In Tsonga, "syntax" refers to the rules that govern the structure of sentences and phrases in the
language. It involves the arrangement of words to form grammatically correct and meaningful
sentences. For example, in Tsonga, the syntax dictates the order of words in a sentence, such
as subject-verb-object (SVO) or subject-object-verb (SOV) depending on the context and
emphasis.
(b) Discuss how the classification of word categories by Thrax influenced a grammar text book
in your main language. (10)
Thrax's classification of word categories influenced the development of grammar textbooks in
Tsonga by providing a framework for organizing and explaining the structure of the language.
Thrax categorized words into different classes based on their grammatical functions, such as
nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. This
classification system served as the foundation for Tsonga grammar textbooks, which typically
follow a similar structure. By categorizing words according to their syntactic roles, grammar
textbooks are able to systematically teach learners about sentence structure, word order, and
grammatical relationships in Tsonga. This approach helps learners understand how to construct
sentences correctly and express themselves fluently in the language.
(c) The linearity principle, the classifiability principle and the hierarchy principle are the three
main syntactic rules that have an effect on the formation of sentences. Explain what each
of these rules entail by using the following sentence (translated into your chosen African
language) to illustrate your answer:
“The lecturer explains the notes to his students.” (15)
2
AFL4802
YEAR MODULE
ASSIGNMENT 02 2024
N.B PARAPHRASE YOUR WORK TO AVOID PLAGARISM (CHANGE WORDS)
Content: This assignment is based on Section B of your AFL4802 guide.
Objectives:
• An introduction to the nature and beginnings of the study of syntax as a sub-field of
linguistics by describing the concept syntax and its application; giving a concise historical
overview of syntactic studies; identifying the influence the traditional approach had on
word categories in your main language; and discussing the influence of 19th century
comparative studies on Bantu language studies.
, • Identification of various approaches that have characterised syntactic studies; and
showing how each of the approaches can be applied to the syntactic analysis of our
Southern African languages by specifically referring to your main language.
Instructions:
• Please rewrite and sign the following declaration at the beginning of your
assignment:
I declare that this assignment is my own original work and that all references used have been
acknowledged. I have not allowed anyone else to borrow or copy my work.
Signature ………………………………..
• Please complete: My main African language is Tshonga (e.g. isiZulu, Sesotho sa Leboa,
etc...)
Answer ALL the questions:
UNIT 4
(a) Explain the term ‘syntax’ by means of an example from your main language. (5)
In Tsonga, "syntax" refers to the rules that govern the structure of sentences and phrases in the
language. It involves the arrangement of words to form grammatically correct and meaningful
sentences. For example, in Tsonga, the syntax dictates the order of words in a sentence, such
as subject-verb-object (SVO) or subject-object-verb (SOV) depending on the context and
emphasis.
(b) Discuss how the classification of word categories by Thrax influenced a grammar text book
in your main language. (10)
Thrax's classification of word categories influenced the development of grammar textbooks in
Tsonga by providing a framework for organizing and explaining the structure of the language.
Thrax categorized words into different classes based on their grammatical functions, such as
nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. This
classification system served as the foundation for Tsonga grammar textbooks, which typically
follow a similar structure. By categorizing words according to their syntactic roles, grammar
textbooks are able to systematically teach learners about sentence structure, word order, and
grammatical relationships in Tsonga. This approach helps learners understand how to construct
sentences correctly and express themselves fluently in the language.
(c) The linearity principle, the classifiability principle and the hierarchy principle are the three
main syntactic rules that have an effect on the formation of sentences. Explain what each
of these rules entail by using the following sentence (translated into your chosen African
language) to illustrate your answer:
“The lecturer explains the notes to his students.” (15)
2
