An analysis of Denotative, Connotative and Collocative Meaning of Tshivenda Proverbs: A Leech's semantic Theory Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-6697/19466Keywords:
cultural identity, ethnography, proverbs, thematic analysis, qualitativeAbstract
The study aims to analyse the associative meaning of selected Tshivenḓa proverbs from the viewpoint of Leech’s semantic theory (1974), focusing specifically on denotative, connotative, and collocative meanings. Proverbs are a significant aspect of Tshivenḓa oral tradition, serving as repositories of linguistic, cultural, and philosophical knowledge. However, a deeper semantic and cultural analysis of these proverbs is required as their meanings extend beyond literal interpretation. A qualitative research design was employed, combining document analysis with semi-structured interviews of Tshivenḓa language experts and elders, who were purposively sampled. Findings indicate that denotative meaning provides a literal foundation for interpretation. Connotative meaning introduces metaphorical and cultural depth, and collocative meaning structures proverbs through habitual word associations. Additionally, challenges in proverb interpretation arise due to linguistic gaps, translation difficulties, and evolving cultural contexts. The objective of the study is to examine, explore, and analyse the denotative, connotative, and collocative meanings of selected Tshivenḓa proverbs. The study concludes that Tshivenḓa proverbs are semantically rich and deeply rooted in cultural identity, requiring contextual knowledge for accurate interpretation. The findings contribute to African linguistic studies and oral literature by offering insights into semantic meaning construction in Tshivenḓa proverbs. Future research should examine the evolution of proverbs in contemporary discourse and their applicability in different social domains.
References
Braun, V., and Clarke, V. 2006. "Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology." Qualitative Research in Psychology 3(2): 77-101.
https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Bryman, A. 2016. Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Cameron, D. 2001. Working With Spoken Discourse. London: Sage.
Creswell, J. W. 2013. Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing among Five Approaches. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Crystal, D. 2018. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language. New York: Cambridge University Press.
https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108528931
DeJaeghere, J., Morrow, V., Richardson, D., Schowengerdt, B., Hinton, R., and Munoz Boudet, A. 2020. "Guidance Note on Qualitative Research in Education: Considerations for Best Practice." London: United Kingdom. Department for International Development, prepared for Building Evidence in Education (BE2).
Dixon, R.M. 2010. "Where Have All the Adjectives Gone? And Other Essays in Semantics and Syntax" (Vol. 107). Walter De Gruyter.
Finnegan, R. 2012. Oral Literature in Africa. Cambridge: Open Book Publishers.
https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0025
Grzybek, P. 2014. "Semiotic and Semantic Aspects of the Proverbs" In Introduction to Paremiology, edited by H. Hriszalina and A. Melita, 68-111.Warsaw/Berlin: Walter de Gruyter.
Haradhan, M. 2018. "Qualitative Research Methodology in Social Sciences and Related Subjects." Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People 7(1):23-48. https://doi.org/10.26458/jedep.v7i1.571
Hassan, N.A. 2022. "Semantic Analysis of Proverbs: A Conversation Analysis." ALUSTATH Journal for Human and Social Sciences 61(3).
https://doi.org/10.36473/ujhss.v61i3.1847
Leech, G. N. 1974. Semantics: The Study of Meaning. Harmondsworth: Penguin.
Leech, G. N. 1981. Explorations in Semantics and Pragmatics. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
https://doi.org/10.1075/pb.i.5
Mafela, M.J. 2008. "Proverbs As Illustrative Examples in Tshivenḓa Bilingual Dictionary. A Reflection of Meaning and Culture." South African Journal of Languages 30(1) :30-35. https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2008.10587299
Makhado, A. 2025. "Reconsideration of Tshivenḓa Proverbs in Preserving Tshivenḓa Language and Culture." Southern African Journal for Folklore Studies 1-17. https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-6697/19055
Mbiti, J. S. 1997. African Religions and Philosophy. Johannesburg: Heinemann.
Mieder, W. 2004. Proverbs: A Handbook. Westport: Greenwood Publishing.
Mkhize, D. 2020. "The Role of African Proverbs in Cultural Transmission and Linguistic Preservation." African Linguistics Review 12(1): 32-47.
Mohajan, H.K. 2018. "Qualitative Research Methodology in Social Sciences and Related Subjects." Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People 7 (1)23-48. https://doi.org/10.26458/jedep.v7i1.571
Mugovhani, N. 2017. "The Role of Proverbs in Tshivenḓa Culture: A Linguistic and Socio-Cultural Analysis." South African Journal of African Languages 37(1): 23-39.
Norrick, N.R. 2014. "Subject Area, Terminology, Proverb Definitions, Proverb Features." In Introduction to Paremiology: A Comprehensive Guide to Proverb Studies, edited by T. Hriszta lina Hrisztova Gotthardt and M. A. Varga, 7-27. London: Oxford University Press.
Owolabi, D. 2019. "Interpreting African Proverbs: Challenges and Linguistic Implications." Journal of African Oral Traditions 8(4): 67-82.
Patton, M.Q. 2014. Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods: Integrating Theory and Practice. Saint Paul: Sage Publications.
Rafapa, L. J. 2018. "Proverbs As Cultural Heritage in Tshivenḓa: A Discourse Analysis." African Oral Traditions Review 10(3): 87-105.
Raphalalani, T.D. 2013. "The Significance and Appropriateness of Tshivenḓa Proverbs in New South Africa." Journal of Sociology and Social Anthropology 8(3): 98-105. https://doi.org/10.1080/09766634.2017.1347203
Raphalalani, T.D. 2021. "A Gendered Approach to Tshivenḓa Proverbial Expressions." Gender and Behaviour 19(2): 17783-17787.
Siliwangi, I. 2020. "Connotative Meaning in the Proverbs of the Besemah Language. (A Semantic Study)." Professional Journal of English Education 3(1).
https://doi.org/10.22460/project.v3i1.p143-148
Sulcova, T. 2019. "A Comparative Study of English, Russian and Czech Proverbs." Diploma Thesis, University of South Bohemia.
Tarrant, A. 2017. "Getting Out of the Swamp? Methodological Reflections on Using Qualitative Secondary Analysis to Develop Research Design." International Journal of Social Research Methodology 20(6): 599-611.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2016.1257678
Yankah, K. 1989. The Proverb in the Context of Akan Rhetoric: A Theory of Proverb Praxis. New York: Peter Lang.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright will be vested in Unisa Press. However, as long as you do not use the article in ways which would directly conflict with the publisher's business interests, you retain the right to use your own article (provided you acknowledge the published version of the article) as follows:
- to make further copies of all or part of the published article for your use in classroom teaching;
- to make copies of the final accepted version of the article for internal distribution within your institution, or to place it on your own or your institution's website or repository, or on a site that does not charge for access to the article, but you must arrange not to make the final accepted version of the article available to the public until 18 months after the date of acceptance;
- to reuse all or part of this material in a compilation of your own works or in a textbook of which you are the author, or as the basis for a conference presentation.
