Tradisionele elemente in die moderne Zuluposie

Abstract

The traditional material used in this study was largely drawn from the praise poems (izibongo) of the Zulu kings and the approach towards their analysis is mainly structural. For purposes of comparison with modern poetry, material from the works of J.C. Dlamini, O.E.H. Nxumalo, C.S.Z. Ntuli and D.B.Z. Ntuli was used. The reason for choosing these authors is mainly because their work has not yet undergone close scrutiny by scholars and critics. After the first, introductory chapter in which the approach to the subject is set out, some general remarks are made on the oral and written traditions in chapter two. Amongst others the oral nature of izibongo and the role of the bard is remarked upon. Other characteristics of the izibongo, like the connection they have wjth religion, their archetypal nature and their poetic rnerits are also referred to. As far as the written literature is concerned, the position of the modern poet in a modern world with all its Western influences as well as the influence of the poetry of B.W. Vilakazi, is considered. In chapter three the structural analysis gets under way and the enormous role of repetition is discussed in terms of parallelism and linking. These forms are identified in izibongo and then compared to similar structures in modern poetry. This is taken further in chapter four where the use of unusual grammatical constructions in poetry is investigated. The next chapter deals with the development and structure of stanzas, especially with the problem of delineation of stanzas. Certain structures are then compared to modern isibongo forms. Finally some remarks are made about rhythm - a subject which has hitherto often been avoided in this connection. The delineation of rhythmic segments by means of repetition, meaning, lengths and pauses are considered. Use was also made of the mingograph in measuring actual duration of certain segments and interesting though not always conclusive , results were obtained

Die tradisionele materiaal wat in hierdie studie gebruik is, is hoofsaaklik geneem uit die prysdigte (izibongo) van die Zulukonings. Die benadering is basies struktureel. Vir doeleindes van vergelyking met moderne poesie, is materiaal verkry uit die werke van J.C. Dlamini, O.E.H. Nxumalo, C.S.Z. Ntuli en D..B.Z. Ntuli. Hierdie digters se werk is gekies omdat nog baie min oor hulle digkuns gepubliseer is. Na die eerste, inleidende hoofstuk, word algemene- opmerkings oor die mondelinge en geskrewe tradisies gemaak. Die mondelinge aard van izibongo, die imbongi self, die verband van izibongo met godsdiens, die argetipiese aard en die izibongo as poesie word aangeraak. Wat die moderne digkuns betref, word gekyk na die posisie van die moderne digter en die invloed van beide die westerse tradisie en die poesie van Vilakazi op die modern poesie. In hoofstuk drie neem die strukturele analise 'n aanvang en die belangrike rol van repetisie word in terme van parallellsme en skakeling bespreek. Hierdie vorme in izibongo word dan met soortgelyke verskynsels in die moderne poesie vergelyk. Die ondersoek gaan verder in hoofstuk vier waar opvallende grammatiese konstruksies in die poesie aandag kry. Die volgende hoofstuk behandel die ontwikkeling van stanzas en veral die probleem van afbakening. Strofes in modern izibongo word ook van naderby beskou.

Laastens word 'n aantal opmerkings oor ritme gemaak. Hierdie onderwerp is nog grootliks geignoreer en enkele waarnemings wat gemaak is, dui op die moontlikheid van verdere, deegliker ondersoek. Afbakening van ritmiese segmente op grond van repetisie, betekenis, lengtes en pouses word aangeraak. Daar is gebruik gemaak van 'n mingograph om die werklike tydsduur van sekere segmente te bepaal en interessante, dog nie altya konklusiewe resultate, is verkry.