The Prevalence of Corruption in Society as Depicted in Selected Xitsonga Poems: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Lebogang Steven Shirindzi; Ndzalama Maluleke

doi:10.25159/1753-5387/18952

Authors

Lebogang Steven Shirindzi University of Venda https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3690-5042
Ndzalama Maluleke University of Limpopo https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0177-6576

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/1753-5387/18952

Keywords:

corruption , critical discourse analysis, occupational corruption, poem, political corruption

Abstract

Corruption is prevalent in many spheres of life today. Media platforms such as radio, newspapers, and television, as well as electronic platforms like Facebook and X frequently discuss various forms of corruption in both the public and private sectors. Similarly, literature, essays, and other literary publications often address numerous types of corruption. This article examines how language is employed to represent various forms of corruption in selected Xitsonga poems. This study employs the critical discourse analysis (CDA) approach to investigate how language in selected Xitsonga poems reveals underlying power relations, ideological positions, and social structures associated with corruption. Poems depicting corruption have been selected from various poetry anthologies and critiqued to illustrate the types of corruption identified by Xitsonga poets. The article finds that poets are concerned and worried about the corruption taking place within Vatsonga communities. In conclusion, this article demonstrates how society, through the eyes of poets, feels about corruption.

Author Biographies

Lebogang Steven Shirindzi, University of Venda

Mr Lebogang Steven Shirindzi is a New Generation Academic Programme (nGAP) Lecturer in the Department of Early Childhood Education at the University of Venda, Limpopo, South Africa. His research interests include language education and language. Mr Shirindzi has presented several papers at conferences.

Ndzalama Maluleke, University of Limpopo

Mr. Ndzalama Maluleke is a lecturer at the University of Limpopo, Department of Language. Ndzalama Maluleke has presented several papers at conferences and published several articles in both national and internationally accredited journals. His research interests are in Xitsonga literature and language.

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