M.A. (Afrikaans) / In this epic poem, Raka, N.P. van Wyk Louw made abundant use of prepositions. A linguistic analysis of these preposition structures explains and reveals the nature of this syntactic category in Afrikaans. From this it is evident that prepositions are vital in accomplishing cohesion in the text. Cognitive linguistics argue that syntactic organisation and semantics cannot stand independently from each other. Therefore the meaning of 'n phrase of expression cannot be reduced to an objective categorization of the situation that is being described. Against this background it is evident that structures conveying meaning are expressed through prepositions and prepositional structures. Certain semantic values and meaning structures of prepositions in RAKA are dealt with to help clarify some implied cognitive dimensions. A closer analysis shows that the preposition structures in RAKA represent intricate syntactic patterns. The semantic values of prepositions in RAKA are categorized through image schemas in terms of space Qncluding place, perspective and proximity), time, movement, part-whole, reason and cause, as well as manner and means. Finally it is indicated how the epic structures can be made more explicable by image schemas. Through the use of prepositions in the language, aspects of the epic, namely characterization, time and spatial placing are endorsed. Progression, in terms or epic movement is supported through the use of prepositions that specifically imply space and movement. It is therefore apparent that although the research was approached from a linguistic angle, it also contributes to literary analysis.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:4041 |
| Date | 17 February 2014 |
| Creators | Moller, Miriam Mara |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Johannesburg |
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