Thesis (DPhil (Psychology))—University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / This study addresses unprivileged dichotomies in an endeavour to make audible the silence surrounding Xhosa family resilience. This study is essentially descriptive and exploratory in nature and directed towards an understanding of the factors contributing to the resilience of Xhosa-speaking, rural black South African families. To contextualise the discussion a selection of theories on resilience are viewed within their cultural contexts. Western psychology’s privileging of a) the scrutiny of pathology while disregarding resilience; of b) white participants to black participants; and c) individuality to relationship centeredness and familial systems; are uncovered and a hypothetical understanding of Xhosa family resilience is construed. The line of thought culminates in the theoretical discussion and empirical exploration of The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation (McCubbin, Thompson, & McCubbin, 1996). In the concluding remarks of this project an adaptation of this model, namely the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Strength, Adjustment and Adaptation, is construed. The derived model is based on an integration of the findings of this study with resilience theory.

Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The purpose of this investigation was to view (explore) spirituality as a characteristic of family resilience in Xhosa-speaking families in the Eastern Cape. Families with at least one adolescent child, which have experienced the death of a family member or a serious financial setback, were approached for participation in this investigation.

Thesis (MA (African Languages))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / The aim of this study is to explore and encourage the use of accounts in the sense that events occur in our societies that compel those who are victims of those circumstances to give account of their experiences. The theme of this study is based on statements about events such as abuse, cheating, death and being HIV positive and on answers to such events. In respect of the theory of image restoration, Benoit (1995) discusses why people should give account of their wrongdoings and narrate such events. He states that language and communication practitioners as well as the great philosophers in communities have an interest in how image restoration works in our communities. This research focuses on the Benoit theory. People give account in everyday life of their wrongdoings or of accusations of wrongdoing, since this helps to restore their reputations. The focus of this study is on the use of accounts in Xhosa culture as a strategy in the narration of life stories. According to Benoit (1995), accounts are excuses and justifications that are responses to offence or failure events such as requests for an account of the violation of a norm, of the rebuke of another person and of the expression of surprise or disgust at certain behaviours. This study illustrates how to give account of your own experience. In this regard, Gergen (1994) states that the term “self-narrative” refers to an individual’s account of the relationship of self-relevant events across time, while White and Epston (1990) state that people give meaning to their lives and relationships by narrating stories about their experience of life.

Thesis (MA (African Languages))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Issues relating to persuasive-message production motivated this study to investigate the extent to which married Xhosa men use persuasive messages in their conversations. The study also explored the influence goals that married Xhosa men wish to attain when they engage in persuasive interactions. The study furthermore aimed to determine the persuasive strategies used by married Xhosa men in their persuasive messages. Dillard and Marshall (2003) defined persuasion as an occurrence that comprises longer, naturally impromptu messages concentrating mainly on a large body of discussion with preferred topics of social, political and commercial importance. Goals have been given much attention, since they play a major role in persuasive messages. Dillard and Marshall (2003) distinguished between two types of goals: primary goals and secondary goals. Primary goals are also referred to as influence goals and are defined as the state of affairs that people wish to bring about (Dillard & Marshall, 2003). The two authors mentioned also identified different types of primary goals, referring to them as motivations behind the source’s influence attempt. Different types of primary goals have been found in various works, including the works of Dillard (2003), Wilson and Sabee (2003), Wilson (2002), Cody et al. (1994), Dillard et al. (1989), Wilson and Kunkel (2000) and Schrader and Dillard (1998). This study examined the approaches, such as directness or indirectness, that married Xhosa men use when conveying their messages. It endeavoured to discover the persuasive problems encountered by these men and other issues related to the production of a persuasive message. In this study, the goal of giving advice appeared to be the one used most by the men. The study revealed that the main reason for the men giving advice was to help people in their society to lead healthy lifestyles. It also showed that the common use of the advisory goal is valued in Xhosa culture and that it is, to a certain extent, appreciated by those who are being advised. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Kwessies wat verband hou met die skep van oorredende boodskappe was die dryfveer agter hierdie studie wat ondersoek ingestel het na die mate waartoe getroude Xhosamans oorredende boodskappe in hulle gesprekke gebruik. Die studie het ook die invloed van doelstellings wat getroude Xhosamans graag wil bereik wanneer hulle by oorredende interaksies betrokke raak, verken. Die studie het verder ten doel gehad om die oorredende strategieë wat deur getroude Xhosamans in hulle oorredende boodskappe gebruik word, te bepaal. Dillard en Marshall (2003) het oorreding gedefinieer as gebeurtenis wat langer boodskappe, wat van nature impromptu is, behels en wat hoofsaaklik op groot massa bespreking met verkose onderwerpe van sosiale, politieke en kommersiële belang konsentreer. Heelwat aandag is aan doelstellings gegee aangesien dit belangrike rol in oorredende boodskappe speel. Dillard en Marshall (2003) onderskei twee soorte doelstellings: primêre doelstellings en sekondêre doelstellings. Primêre doelstellings word ook invloeddoelstellings genoem en dit word gedefinieer as die toedrag van sake wat mense teweeg wil bring (Dillard & Marshall, 2003). Genoemde twee outeurs noem ook geïdentifiseerde verskillende soorte primêre doelstellings, en beskryf hierdie soort as motiverings agter die bron se poging tot invloed. Verskillende soorte primêre doelstellings is in verskeie werke aangetref, met inbegrip van die werk van Dillard (2003), Wilson en Sabee (2003), Wilson (2002), Cody et al. (1994), Dillard et al. (1989), Wilson en Kunkel (2000) en Schrader en Dillard (1998). Hierdie studie het die benaderings, soos direktheid of indirektheid, ondersoek wat getroude Xhosamans gebruik wanneer hulle boodskappe oordra. Daar is probeer om die oorredende probleme wat deur hierdie mans teëgekom word en ander kwessies wat met die produksie van oorredende boodskap verband hou, vas te stel. In hierdie studie lyk dit asof die doel om raad te gee dié is wat die meeste deur die mans gebruik word. Die studie het aan die lig gebring dat die hoofrede waarom die mans raad gee, is om mense in hulle gemeenskap te help om gesonde lewenstyle te handhaaf. Dit het ook getoon dat daar aan die gewone gebruik van die raadgewende doel in die Xhosakultuur waarde geheg word en dat dit, tot sekere mate, deur diegene wat raad gegee word, gewaardeer word. / ISISHWANKATHELO: Imicimbi enxulumene nokuveliswa kwemiyalezo yotshintsho lwengqondo iye yaphembelela ukuba kuphandwe ubungakanani bokusetyenziswa kwemiyalezo etshintsha ingqondo kwincoko ngamadoda amaXhosa atshatileyo. Esi sifundo sikwaphonononga ezona njongo zoxinzelelo la madoda athi abe nomnqweno wokuzifezekisa xa ezibandakanya kwiinkqubo zotshintsho lwengqondo. Ngaphezu koko, esi sifundo sikwajolise ekufumaniseni amaqhinga okutshintsha ingqondo athi asetyenziswe ngamadoda amaXhosa atshatileyo kwimiyalezo yawo yokutshintsha ingqondo. Njengoko kuchaziwe ngu Dillard no Marshall (2003), utshintsho lwengqondo sisenzeko esiquka imiyalezo emide, engalungiselelwanga kwangendalo, egxila ngakumbi kwiingxoxo ezinemiba eliqela enemixholo engentlalo, ezopolitiko nezingokubaluleka korhwebo. Iinjongo abantu abathi bafune ukuzifezekisa zinikwe ingqwalasela enkulu nanje ngoko zidlala indima ephambili kwimiyalezo etshintsha ingqondo. UDillard no Marshall bangowama-(2003) bohlula phakathi kweentlobo ezimbini zeenjongo abantu abanazo nabathi banqwenele ukuzifezekisa; iinjongo ezisisiseko (Primary goals) kunye neenjongo zenqanaba lesibini (Secondary goals). Iinjongo ezisisiseko zikwabizwa ngokuba ziinjongo ezinoxinixelelo (influence goals) kwaye zichazwa ngokuba ziinjongo abathi abantu banqwenele ukuzifezekisa ngu Dillard no Marshall bangowama-(2003). Bakwalatha iintlobo ezahlukeneyo zeenjongo ezisisiseko abakwazibiza ngokuba ziimpembelelo ezithi ziphembelele umzamo wokutshintsha ingqondo womvelisi womyalezo lowo. Ezi ntlobo zahlukeneyo zeenjongo ezisisiseko zifunyaniswe kwimisebenzi eyahlukeneyo, misebenzi leyo equka umsebenzi ka- Dillard no Marshall bangowama-(2003), ka-Wilson no Sabee bangowama-(2003), ka- Wilson wangowama-(2002), ka-Cody et al. bangowama-(1994), ka-Dillard et al. bangowama-(1989), ka-Wilson no Kunkel bangowama-(2000), kwakunye noka Schrader no Dillard bangowama-(1998). Esi sifundo sikwaphonononga nendlela athi amadoda amaXhosa atshatileyo ayisebenzise xa egqithisa imiyalezo yawo, umzekelo ukuthi ngqo (Directness) okanye ukungathi ngqo (Indirectness) kwimiyalezo yawo. Esi sifundo sikwazama ukufumanisa iingxaki zotshintsho lwengqondo ezithi zifunyanwe ngala madoda kuquka neminye imiba enxulumene nokuveliswa kwemiyalezo yotshintsho ingqondo. Kwesi sifundo injongo yokunika icebiso ibonakala iyeyona isetywenziswa kakhulu ngamadoda amaXhosa atshatileyo. Esi sifundo sivelisa ukuba iyonke injongo yokucebisa kula madoda kukunceda abantu ekuhlaleni ukuba babenobomi obusempilweni. Ukusetyenziswa kakhulu kwenjoko yokucebisa kwesi sifundo kukwabonakalisa ukuba injonjo yokucebisa ixatyiswe kakhulu kwinkcubeko yamaXhosa kwaye ngokwezinga elithile ikwathakazelelwa ngabo banikwa icebiso

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis employs the theoretical framework of text construction advanced by Grabe and Kaplan (1996) for the analysis of human rights magazine texts in isiXhosa. The theory employed in this study includes linguistic elements, which can be included in teaching methodology for developing the learners' analytic skills in analyzing the discourse structure of written texts. These kinds of analytic skills are strongly reflected in Curriculum 2005 for the learning area languages. The thesis employs a range of textlinguistic strategies for analyzing written genre texts on human and civil rights issues. It is argued that the incorporation of these strategies by teachers in the process of language teaching in Curriculum 2005 will enable the learners to analyse texts successfully and to gain an awareness about how language is used in texts. For the purpose of analysis in this thesis, texts from the Bona magazine with contents ranging on human and community or civil rights were collected. The thesis demonstrates that text analysis involves to a large extent, an investigation of generic factors such as the communicative purpose, the culture and the community in which the text is produced. Following the discussion of the generic features of texts, a broad definition of the term text is explored, and the textlinguistic construction and certain levels of analysis are identified. In addition to this, the study demonstrates that analysis of the linguistic structure of texts needs to incorporate the discussion of the parameters of the ethnography of writing advanced by Grabe and Kaplan (1996). The ethnography of writing entails that a detailed analysis of texts should address the following questions: 'Who writes what to whom, for what purpose, why, when and how?' The study explores the implications and rationale for incorporating text analysis in language teaching and learning. Lastly, the relationship between the theoretical underpinnings assumed in this study, and the learning outcomes of Curriculum 2005 are explored. This study demonstrates that the theoretical framework of Grabe and Kaplan (1996) which underlies in the construction of written texts, will not only introduce the language learner to an inclusive language pedagogy, but can be employed for effective text analysis of isiXhosagenre texts on human rights in popular magazineslike Bona. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis maak gebruik van die teoretiese model van Grabe en Kaplan (1996) vir die analise van menseregte tydskrifartikels in isiXhosa. Die teorie wat aangewend word in die studie sluit linguistiese elemente in wat ingesluit kan word in taalonderrigmetodologie vir die ontwikkeling van leerders se analitiese vaardighede in die analise van diskoersstrukture van skriftelike tekste. Hierdie soort analitiese vaardighede word sterk gereflekteer in Kurrikulum 2005 vir die leerarea van tale. Die tesis wend 'n verskeidenheid tekslinguistiese strategieë aan vir die analise van geskrewe genre tekste oor menseregte en burgerlike regte vraagstukke. Daar word betoog in die studie dat die insluiting van hierdie strategieë deur onderwysers in die proses van taalonderrig in Kurrikulum 2005 leerders in staat sal stelom tekste suksesvol te ontleed en 'n bewussyn te kry van hoe taal in tekste gebruik word. Vir die doeleindes van analise is hierdie tesis is tekste gebruik uit die BONA tydskrif met 'n inhoud oor menseregte en gemeenskaps- en burgerlike regte. Die tesis demonstreer dat teksanalise in 'n groot mate 'n ondersoek behels van generiese faktore soos kommunikatiewe doelstelling, die kultuur en die gemeenskap waarin die teks geproduseer word. Na 'n bespreking van die generiese faktore van tekste word 'n breë definisie van die term "teks" ondersoek, en die tekslinguistiese konstruksie en bepaalde vlakke van analise word geïdentifiseer. Hierbenewens demonstreer die studie dat die linguistiese analise van tekste die bespreking moet insluit van die parameters van die etnografie van geskrewe tekste soos voorgestaan deur Grabe en Kaplan (1996). Die etnografie van geskrewe tekste behels dat die analise van tekste die volgende vrae ondersoek: Wie skryf wat vir wie vir watter doel, waarom, wanneer en hoe? Die studie ondersoek die implikasies en motivering vir die insluiting van teksanalise in taalonderrig. Laastens word die verhouding tussen die teoretiese grondslae, wat aanvaar word in hierdie studie, en die leeruitkomste van Kurrikulum 2005 ondersoek. Die studie toon aan dat die teoretiese raamwerk van Grabe en Kaplan (1996), wat onderliggend is aan die konstruksie van geskrewe tekste, kan aanvaar word om leerders in te lei in 'n meer inklusiewe taalonderrig en kan aangewend word vir effektiewe teksanalise van isiXhosa genre tekste gebaseer op die menseregte in populêre tydskrifte soos Bona.

Thesis (MA (African Languages))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to explore interpersonal persuasive messages of Xhosaspeaking women. The findings suggest that the majority of attempts at interpersonal persuasion take place in close and often personal relationships. The findings further show that the majority of Xhosa-speaking women tend to persuade those they are familiar with, such as husbands, children, siblings and friends. Specific cultural aspects also influence the persuasive messages of these women, such as collectivism, indirectness, politeness and ubuntu (caring). Research conducted by Cody et al. (1994), Dillard (1989) and Rule et al. (1985) suggests that individuals seek to persuade others for a variety of reasons. They discovered that the most sought-after influence goals are the following: give advice, gain assistance, share activity, change orientation, change relationship, obtain permission and enforce rights and obligations. These seven influence goals cover a large portion of the persuasive landscape, and were dealt with considerably in this research. The data for this research were collected from Xhosa-speaking women situated in the Eastern Cape, specifically in the region of East London. A total of 20 women in the age range of 30 to 45 participated by writing self-reports in which they attempted to influence their friends, colleagues or family members. Participants also had to relate persuasive incidents that recently took place. In addition, they were asked to mention whether the process of gaining compliance was successful or not. The research data were analysed and evaluated against the following: 1. Different types of influence goals 2. Message dimensions (explicitness, dominance and argument) 3. Evidence in a persuasive message 4. Emotional appeals (threat and guilt appeals) 5. Cultural and conversational constraints The data analysis revealed that the findings of this study among Xhosa-speaking women are on par with the findings of the study by S.R. Wilson (2002) on culture and conversational constraints, as well as with other research conducted by Dillard (1998) in the field of message production. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om interpersoonlike oorredingsboodskappe van ’n aantal Xhosasprekende vroue te ondersoek. Die bevindinge doen aan die hand dat die meerderheid pogings tot interpersoonlike oorreding in nabye en dikwels persoonlike verhoudings plaasvind. Die bevindinge van die navorsing toon ook dat die meerderheid Xhosasprekende vroue daartoe geneig is om diegene waarmee hulle vertroud is, te oorreed. Dit sluit gades, kinders, broers en susters en vriende in. Sekere kulturele aspekte beïnvloed ook die oorredingsboodskappe van hierdie vroue, soos kollektivisme, indirektheid, beleefdheid en ubuntu (omgee). Navorsing uitgevoer deur Cody et al. (1994), Dillard (1989) en Rule et al. (1985) voer aan dat individue ander mense om verskeie redes probeer oorreed. Hulle het uitgevind dat die algemeenste doelwitte van beïnvloeding die volgende is: gee advies, verkry bystand, deel aktiwiteit, verander oriëntasie, verander verhouding, verkry toestemming, dwing regte af en verpligtinge. Hierdie sewe doelwitte van beïnvloeding dek ’n groot gedeelte van die gebied van oorreding, en word omvattend in hierdie studie behandel. Die data vir die navorsing is ingesamel van Xhosasprekende vroue in die Oos-Kaap, spesifiek in die Oos-Londen-gebied. Twintig vroue tussen die ouderdom van 30 en 45 het deelgeneem deur verslae te skryf waarin hulle gepoog het om hul vriende, kollegas of familielede te beïnvloed. Die deelnemers moes ook verslag doen van oorredingsinsidente wat onlangs plaasgevind het. Hulle is gevra om te meld of die proses om toegewing te verkry suksesvol was al dan nie. Die navorsingsdata is ontleed en teen die volgende geëvalueer: 6. Verskillende soorte doelwitte van beïnvloeding 7. Boodskapdimensies (uitdruklikheid, dominansie en argument) 8. Bewyse in ’n oorredingsboodskap 9. Emosionele beroepe (dreigemente en beroepe om skuldgevoelens) 10. Kulturele en gespreksbeperkings Die data-ontleding het aangetoon dat die bevindinge van hierdie studie onder Xhosasprekende vroue ooreenstem met dié van ’n studie deur S.R. Wilson (2002) oor kulturele en gespreksbeperkings, asook met navorsing deur Dillard (1998) op die gebied van boodskapproduksie.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 1991. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is based on the comparison of six Xhosa radio dramas spanning the period 1987 and 1988. The main objective is to investigate the strengths and weaknesses which manifest themselves in the dramas. The dramas are compared with respect to the six structural elements of drama viz., theme, plot, characterization, time and space, and the techniques of production.Themes are studied to establish whether there have been any developments as far as the choice of themes is concerned in Xhosa radio dramas or whether there has been stagnation. Also given is a brief literary history of the themes broadcast in the Xhosa radio. The analysis of the plot structure is also done to identify the areas where they met the requirements successfully as well as where they failed to. The dramas are analysed according to the traditional approach Le. the exposition, complication, climax and the denouement.With regard to characterization, the characters are classified according to the function they perform viz., the protagonist, antagonist, tritagonist and confidante. They are also analysed according to their individual nature Le. whether they are static or dynamic, mono- or multidimensional etc. Techniques that the playwrights have used in the portrayal of their characters are also examined.The aspects of time and space are also discussed, to investigate the artistic skills of the different dramatists in handling the time and space relations. Time is viewed with respect to the following: order, duration, frequency, tempo and the presentation of the time structures. Space is discussed with respect to the following: type, function, and the techniques of localisation.A critical comparison of the production techniques used by these different playwrights is explored, the focus being on the microphone, sound effects and music. The examination conducted in the study basically revealed that there is little development in Xhosa radio dramas.The themes that are broadcast are mainly for entertainment and consequently have little intellectual depth. There is also a lack of innovation which is shown by the repetition of the same themes.The playwrights also lack skill as far as plot construction is concerned. The plays are devoid of conflict The absence of conflict in the dramas has an effect on characterization. It has given rise to weak antagonists in the dramas. Lack of focus regarding the main character is one of the faults that is evident in the dramas. Because of the fact that all characters are on the level of importance, it becomes difficult to pin-point who the focal character is. Finally, the Xhosa radio dramas discussed in this thesis revealed that there is latent potential in the Xhosa dramatists and the producers. It is therefore necessary that they should be motivated towards research on the subject and consultation with people who are knowledgeable in this sub-genre. Such actions could be of assistance towards the improvement of skills and techniques needed in the writing of the radio drama / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie is gebaseer op die vergelyking van ses Xhosa radio dramas wat strek oor die tydperk 1987-1988. Die hoofdoelstelling is om die sterkpunte en swakpunte te ondersoek soos dit na vore kom in die dramas. Die dramas sal vergelyk word met betrekking tot die ses strukturele elemente van die drama, naamlik, tema, intrige, karakterisering, tyd en ruimte, en die tegnieke van produksie. Die temas van die dramas is ondersoek om vas te stel of enige ontwikkelings wat betref die keuse van temas plaasgevind het, en of daar stagnasie was in hierdie verb and. Voorts sal 'n kort ootsig gegee word van die liter ere temas in radio Xhosa dramas. Die analise van die intrige van die dramas word gedoen om vas te stel waar daar suksesvol of onsuksesvol voldoen is aan vereistes. Die dramas word ontleed volgens die tradisionele benadering van uiteensetting, verwikkeling, klimaks en die afwikkeling. Betreffende karakterisering, word karakters geklassifiseer volgens die funksie wat hulle vervul, naamlik die protagonis, die antagonis, die tritagonis, en die vertroueling. Karakters kan ook ontleed word volgens hulle individuele karakter, dit is, in welke mate hulle staties of dinamies is, enkel- of multi-dimension eel, ens. Tegnieke wat die skrywers gebruik het in die uitbeelding van hulle karakters word ook ondersoek Die aspekte van tyd en ruimte word bespreek ten einde die artistieke vaardighede van die verskillende skrywers te ondersoek in die hantering van tyd en ruimte verbande. Tyd word ondersoek ten opsigte van volgorde, duur, frekwensie, tempo en die aanbieding van die tyd strukture. Ruimte word bespreek met betrekking tot die aspekte van tipe, funksie en die tegnieke van lokalisering. 'n Kritiese vergelyking word gedoen van die produksietegnieke wat aangewend is deur die verskillende skrywers, met die fokus op mikrofoon klankeffekte en musiek Die ondersoek in hierdie studie toon aan dat daar geringe ontwikkeling is in die Xhosa radio dramas. Die temas van die dramas wat uitgesaai word is hoofsaaklik van 'n vermaaklikheids aard met geen intellektuele diepte nie. Daar is ook 'n tekort aan vernuwing, soos aangedui deur die herhaling van dieselfde temas. Die skrywes toon ook 'n tekort aan vaardigheid wat betref die konstruksie van die struktuur van. intrige. Die dramas toon weinig konflik Die afwesigheid van konflik het ook 'n invloed op die krakterisering, wat aanleiding gee tot swak antagoniste in die dramas.'n Gebrekkige fokus betreffende die hootkarater is een van die foute wat opvallend is in die dramas. Omdat byna al die karakters op dieselfde vlak van belangrikheid is, is dit moeilik om te bepaal watter karakter die hootkarater is. Laastens, die Xhosa radio dramas wat ontleed is in hierdie studie toon dat daar latente potensiaal is in die Xhosa skrywers en regiseurs. Dit is nodig dat hulle aangemoedig word om navorsing te doen oor die onderwerp. Konsultasie met kundiges op hierdie sub-genre kan 'n hulp wees in die verbetering van vaardighede en tegnieke wat nodig is vir die skryf van radio dramas.

Thesis (MPhil (Sociology and Social Anthropology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / The purpose of this thesis is to attempt to understand the concept of manhood in the context of Xhosa-speaking people; and to investigate why it is significant for them to use traditional circumcision in the male initiation ritual. In the context of the research problem, the aim is to understand: i) why traditional circumcision is important in executing this ritual, ii) people’s beliefs about the concept of manhood, iii) how the initiation ritual is practised in the present day, iv) the controversy and debate around the initiation ritual in the Eastern Cape, and v) the role of the government’s policies in regulating this rite. In terms of research design and methodology, I used qualitative research. The sampling method includes non-probability sampling – that is purposive or judgmental sampling. In the research process I utilized individual interviews, focus group interviews, participant observation, and any literature that was relevant to this study. The field research was conducted in Mchubakazi Township in Butterworth, Eastern Cape. As regards the research findings, the following data came out: firstly, manhood refers to belonging to a group of men who live in a certain village. These men are characterised by having undergone the initiation ritual, especially using traditional circumcision. A man who has undergone hospital circumcision is more likely to experience humiliation and disrespect from the orthodox Xhosa-speakers. Their argument in support of this statement is that he is only half a man. Secondly, traditional circumcision is perceived as being significant in this ritual; it is a necessary adventure a male must go through in order to become a man. It is basically an act of courage. It is not necessarily compulsory in the process of transforming a boy into a man, but it is important for his image in the eyes of the community. Thirdly, the initiation ritual of Xhosa-speakers consists of four phases, namely: the ‘entering phase’ (umgeno), the phase of being an initiate (ubukhwetha), the ‘coming out phase’ (umphumo) and the phase of being a graduate (ubukrwala).

The focus of this thesis is on Xhosa oral and written poetry. The discussion in the thesis is based on the information from existing literature, the responses from the questionnaires and the interviews with some Xhosa iimbongi (person who sings praises) who have reflected on their personal experiences. In addition to this, S.E.K. Mqhayi is at the centre of discussion because as a prominent Xhosa imbongi he features in both the oral and the written world.

This study was done to explore how modern Pastoral Care and Counselling models could be in dialogue with some valuable Xhosa traditional practices in the urbanised context around Umtata in the Eastern Cape. The intention is to provide a marriage enrichment programme to the congregants of the Methodist Church in this region. This has been offered in response to increase in the rate of divorce, separation and emotional distress experienced by many couples in the area. Chapter one offers the methodological framework for the entire theoretical and practical study. The second chapter explores various concepts of the family systems theory with particular focus on Murray Bowen's systems theory. This should bring forth a clear understanding of behavioural patterns which manifest in marriage when the system loses equilibrium. Grounded in the family systems theory is the concept of normal family processes. The third chapter looks into the understanding of normal family processes as brought across by various American authors. The chapter takes the interpretation further by looking into normal family processes in the original Xhosa cultural communities. The reason for the exercise is to bring awareness about what is normal before one can address what is abnormal. This is for widening the horizons so that what is culturally normal should not be labelled as abnormal. The fourth chapter prepares groundwork for the establishment of intervention and counselling strategies specifically within the Xhosa communities around Umtata. This chapter is field work done through interviews so as to gain an awareness about what the people of this region presently think, feel and say about marriage and family life experiences. The fifth chapter looks into the minister's uniqueness in marriage enrichment in comparison with his or her colleagues in medical, social work and family therapy or psychotherapy fields. A theological exploration is dealt with in the sixth chapter with a view to contend with biblical principles applicable to marriage. Chapter seven discusses a training model for a lay team of twelve members to promote the concept of the priesthood of all believers. The views of authors like Switzer, Clinebell, Colilns, Herbert Otto and others are consulted and opened to dialogue with Xhosa Traditional practices offered by oral sources. Chapter eight focuses on premarital education. Within this eduGative counselling, a hand-out on marriage contracts is prepared in both English and the vernacular language. Interdisciplinary work has been included through the engagement of resource personnel from the medical, financial and legal fields. Chapter nine actually presents the Marriage Enrichment Programme in a workshop form. Within the programme, theoretical and practical work is done in contextual bible study, communication and conflict resolution exercises as well as conscietisation about valuable Xhosa traditional marriage practices. The contextual model on marriage enrichment is offered to a group of forty-four congregants. The evaluation forms provide a positive result of this marriage enrichment model. The results express a need to address marital problems in our communities. This does give support to the Hypothesis that was tested. Modern pastoral care and counselling models can be adapted to traditional context with positive results. Lay involvement promotes maximum participation of the People of God in care giving. However, further results will be achieved with more workshops or retreats. More effectiveness will also come with the training of more lay teams. This demands large sampling in lay training, more interviewing and more involvement of the rural community elders for more information on traditional practices. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2000