Andlalo wa mitirho na matirhiselo ma swivuriso swa Xitsonga: Xitsundzuxo eka Vatsonga An analysis of roles and usage of Xitsonga proverbs: Advice to Vatsonga

Abstract

 Vatsonga i rixaka ra vanhu lero hlawuleka swinene, hi vona vavulavurixidzi va ririmi ra Xitsonga. Rixaka leri a ri tiveka ngopfu hi xilogene xa rona xa mitirho ya vulavula hi nkarhi wa khale ka mfumo wa Gazankulu. Ku fana na vanhu va tindzimi tin’wana, Vatsonga va na ndhavuko wa vona lowu vuyetelaka na ku kondletela vutomi bya vona xikan’we na ku byi hlengeleta. Eka ndhavuko wa Vatsonga ku na swivuriso leswi nga na mitirho yo hambanahambana leyi lawulaka mahanyelo na maendlelo ma vona eku hanyeni. Swivuriso swi tshuriwile hi ku tirhisa vutlhari swinene hikokwalaho ka swiyimo leswi vanhu va hlanganaka na swona. Ndzavisiso lowu wu humelerisiwile hi ku tirhisa endlelo ra khwalithethivhi na mpfuneto wa thiyori ya “context”. Eka mikarhi ya sweswi vanhu a va ha swi tekeli enhlokweni swivuriso na mitirho ya swona hikokwalaho ka ku cinca ka vutomi bya siku na siku na nkucetelo wa tindzimi tin’wana. Vatsonga va rivala nkoka wa swivuriso swa vona siku na siku hikuva va nga tivi mitirho ya swona. Xitsariwa lexi xa mitirho na matirhiselo ma swivuriso swa Xitsonga i xitsundzuxo eka Vatsonga.

The Vatsonga people, proud custodians of the Xitsonga language, possess a distinctive cultural identity shaped by their rich heritage. Xitsonga is more than just a language; it embodies the history, beliefs, and values that define the Vatsonga community. Proverbs and principles, passed down through generations, have long served as a moral compass, guiding the behaviour, attitudes, and daily lives of Vatsonga speakers. However, in today's fast-paced and increasingly globalized world, the influence of external factors and the dominance of other languages threaten to erode the significance of these proverbs in the eyes of the younger generation. This study is qualitative in nature and it is underpinned by the theory of meanings. As a result, it is crucial to rediscover and reemphasize the vital role these proverbs play as guiding principles, ensuring the preservation of Vatsonga culture and its continued relevance in modern times.