Decoding Figurative Folklore: A Case of Xitsonga Proverbs

This article examines the nature, use, and meanings of proverbs as tools of discourse and philosophical expressions among Vatsonga. Within the Vatsonga traditions, proverbs, as a form of folklore, are verbally expressed and transmitted from one generation to another. Inherent in these elements are the cultural and philosophical traits that are supposed to be easily identified by both the native speakers and listeners of the Xitsonga language. However, presently, there appears to be a limited understanding of Xitsonga proverbs and their interpretations, especially among Vatsonga youths. Hence, this article analyses seven selected Xitsonga proverbs that were acquired from Vutlhari bya Vatsonga by Junod (2017) and Tihlungu ta rixaka by Marhanele and Bila (2016) and the analysis undergirded by Afrocentricity as a theoretical framework. The proverbs were selected and analysed based on a set of themes, namely, enforcing discipline, restoration, warning, confidentiality, gratitude, and relationship. Xitsonga proverbs were found to be both direct and indirect tools that are used to bring out the Vatsonga’s cultural selfhood and the inherent traits of their philosophies. It is recommended that Xitsonga paremiology be considered in various spheres of “formal” and “informal” African epistemologies and pedagogies such as basic and tertiary institutions of learning as well as in circles of indigenous knowledge production such as initiation schools.