Direto tsa Bapedi : an activity in field research

Abstract

This research project is an investigation of the Bapedi clan praises as a sub-genre ofpraise­poetry. The rationale behind the project is to fill the gap in our knowledge base of the Bapedi, and in a broader context, of African oral literature. My interest in the study of clan praises was stimulated by an observation that this genre has a potential to yield both literary and historical value. The value embedded in them is highlighted by the fact that the poets indicate their origins and achievements in their praising and manipulation of language. This research project is an investigation of the Bapedi clan praises as a sub-genre ofpraise­poetry. The rationale behind the project is to fill the gap in our knowledge base of the Bapedi, and in a broader context, of African oral literature. My interest in the study of clan praises was stimulated by an observation that this genre has a potential to yield both literary and historical value. The value embedded in them is highlighted by the fact that the poets indicate their origins and achievements in their praising and manipulation of language. This research project is an investigation of the Bapedi clan praises as a sub-genre ofpraise­poetry. The rationale behind the project is to fill the gap in our knowledge base of the Bapedi, and in a broader context, of African oral literature. My interest in the study of clan praises was stimulated by an observation that this genre has a potential to yield both literary and historical value. The value embedded in them is highlighted by the fact that the poets indicate their origins and achievements in their praising and manipulation of language. Itention to, hence, there is no record found on them. This work will therefore, be a contribution to the study of African literature since it is the first attempt to make a collection and an analysis of the Bapedi clan praises.