A comparative analysis of two deceptive messages in Tshivenḓa

Abstract

This article explores two deceptive messages in Tshivenḓa, one of 11 official languages spoken in South Africa. By looking at the data collected through role playing and natural observations, the authors examine a range of formulas used in conveying deceptive messages as well as the responses to the messages. It is found that a deceptive message once detected in Tshivenḓa, just like in any other language, has a potential of threatening a relationship among the interlocutors. In the two deceptive messages analysed for this article, speakers changed their messages once they sensed that they had been found to be lying. The main findings of this analysis are briefly discussed and illustrated by examples.

South African Journal of African Languages 2012, 32(2): 129–139