Foregrounding in IsiXhosa modern poetry with special reference to Qangule's poetry in Intshuntshe

Abstract

This study is premised on the assumption that foregrounding is the dominant feature of poetry. Such an assumption informs this study to the extent that it examines the role of foregrounding in isiXhosa modem poetry. Foregrounding, as an unusual or deviant usage of language, manifests itself as: metaphorical language, foregrounded sound, syntactic foregrounding and the variation of rhythmico-metrical structure. These are called foregrounding techniques. However, this study deals only with the first three foregrounding techniques. Qangule's poetry furnishes this study with examples that are used to illustrate that foregrounding plays a significant role in isiXhosa modem poetry. The foregrounding techniques depict, illustrate, dramatize and suggest the meaning of a poem. They also have the ability to do that in a collaborative manner. Such a claim is evidenced by the comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the poem Ukubonga (To praise).