The Cultural Forms of Expression in Northern Sotho

Abstract

Various forms of expressions convey messages which are of value to the African people. The forms are the oldest cultural activities which help people to develop a sense of identity. They are native to a language and are strictly dealing with people. They promote the interests of a particular community unselfishly. These expressions have the stylistic effect that gives a language a typical ring and this makes people to explore knowledge in many various forms and contexts. These historical incidents explain different aspects of human action and behaviour by drawing freely from the culture of the community. The Northern Sotho language, like other African languages, is very rich in cultural forms of expression because they contain beliefs and accepted values of the community. They form the significant part of oral tradition in that they reveal the experiences of the entire community. These expressions contain the philosophy of the Northern Sotho people and shape them to behave in a particular manner. They describe and make a sense of social interaction because people attempt to effect a repair of a social failure. The failure includes a violation of social norms. Language forms an integral part of expression and is core to one’s culture. It is a fundamental part of cultural competency that needs to be given attention. Opportunity is also created for people, more especially the young ones, to develop their language skills. Many communication practices are imbedded in culture and as such, it would be relevant to indicate that each culture begins as oral culture. Many people of a literate community have a background of oral expression. The expressions do not only involve the language code, but also what to say and to whom. They should be used in various situations.

Keywords: Beliefs. Communitarianism. Dramatization. History. Unification.