In Swahili language proficiency is measured in terms of a speakers knowledge and use of methali (proverbs), misemo (sayings), mafumbo (riddles) and vijembe (sharp comments). The aim of the paper is to show the different uses of mafumbo and vijembe. Their meanings are at first sight hidden to the addressee, but understood in the context of their use. Mafumbo can be used as teasing, as circumscription for parts of the body of which it is taboo to speak of, as moral reprimands and warnings, and as a secret language between intimate partners or groups of people. Vijembe - `What cuts more than a knive? - the tongue´ - are used on kanga and in newspapers. An important feature of vijembe is that it always asks for an answer, therefore has a strong aspect of competition.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:DRESDEN/oai:qucosa:de:qucosa:11710 |
| Date | 30 November 2012 |
| Creators | Sheikh, Sauda |
| Contributors | Universität Hamburg, Universität zu Köln |
| Source Sets | Hochschulschriftenserver (HSSS) der SLUB Dresden |
| Language | Swahili |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | doc-type:article, info:eu-repo/semantics/article, doc-type:Text |
| Source | Swahili Forum; 1(1994), S. 7-11 |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
| Relation | urn:nbn:de:bsz:15-qucosa-94963, qucosa:11611 |
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