Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology

Submit Manuscript


Subscription



An Examination of Clan Names and Clan Praises as Anthroponymic Domains in Swati Culture

Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology, Page 32-46
DOI: 10.9734/cjast/2021/v40i131204

Abstract


The objectives of this study are to examine and interpret the meanings of the selected clan names and clan praises. Their sequences, laudatory and eulogic views highlight their significances and generic perspectives. In Swati culture, clan name is shared by a nuclear family and passed from father to sons. In patrilineal societies, clan names are vital for maintenance and sustenance of lineage hierarchy. Clan names are commonly called surnames. The prefix sur-in surname is derived from Latin, meaning super, above or beyond. The word, tibongo (clan names) is derived from the verb, bonga (thank; praise). The word, tinanatelo (clan praises) is derived from the verb, nanatela (be genial towards; show courtesy to and praise). Their anthroponymic domains are evident when they are used as address form. Each Swati clan name has a primary or main clan praise which is widely known by the society and almost equivalent to the clan name, for example, Matfonsi (Droplets) –Mjabulase! (Ever-elated one), Maphosa (Thrower)-Tsekwane (An owl) and Malindzisa (One who keeps others waiting)-Tfwala (Carry). In addition to the main clan praise, a number of secondary clan praise names follow and make a series of praise phrases. It is evident that all types of praises have their poetic features that are highlighted by bards, onomasticians, folklorists and oral poetry specialists.

Keywords:
  • Anthroponymic domains
  • lineage hierarchy
  • lauditory and eulogic views
  • poetic features
  • primary and secondary clan praises.

How to Cite

Thwala, J. J. (2021). An Examination of Clan Names and Clan Praises as Anthroponymic Domains in Swati Culture. Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 40(1), 32-46. https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2021/v40i131204

References

Thwala JJ. A comparative study of clan names and clan praises in Khumalo and Dlamini settlements. Journal of Sociology and Social Anthropology. 2016;9(1):1-9.

Makhanya NC. Imihlanga. Pretoria: Eulitz Publishers; 2007.

Patricks R. Tibongo tetinanatelo teMaswati. Mbabane: Apollo Printers; 2002.

Hymes D Foundations in sociolinguistics: An ethnographic approach. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press; 1974.

Carbaugh D. Situating selves. The communication of social identities in American scenes. Albany: State University of New York Press; 1996.

Martin JN, Nakayama TK. Intercultural communication in contexts. New York: McGraw Hill; 2010.

Steinberg S. An Introduction to communication studies. Cape Town: Juta Publishers; 2011.

Thwala JJ. Umkhunsu. Pretoria: Actua Press; 2008.

Nkosi DE. Umfuso. Cape Town: Oxford University Press; 1994.

Mthethwa NC. Silulu seMaswati Randhart: Lectio Publishers; 2015.

Matsebula JS, Mlotshwa DK, Mlotshwa JM, Ntiwane ND. The history of eMaswati in South Africa. Mbombela: Mbokodo Publisher; 2016.

Mthethwa NC. Lucwaningo lolujulile ngetaga elulwimini lweSiswati. lucwaningo lolungakashicilelwa lweticu te-Ph.D. Thohoyandou: University of Venda; 2019.

Borman H. Pioneers of the Lowveld. Barberton: SA Country Life; 2006.

Spitzberg BH. A model of intercultural Communication competence in LA samovar and RE Porter (Eds). Belmont: Wadsworth Publishers; 2000.

Waldron RA. Sense and sense development. London: Andre Deutsch; 1967.

Ullman S. Semantics. Oxford: Basil Blackwell; 1962.

Sithole ET. Izithakazelo nezibongo zakwaZulu. Pinetown: Marianhill Missionary Press; 1982.
  • 578 times
    PDF Download: 3968 times

Download Statistics

Make a Submission / Login
Information
Current Issue