Respect in Xhosa culture: Exploring linguistic expressions through proverbs and idioms

Abstract

This study explores the concept of respect in the culture of the amaXhosa people with the use of selected proverbs and idioms. This study introduces a certain gendered interaction in a closed amaXhosa community. Briefly referring to interactional sociolinguistics, this article is concerned with the social and context-sensitive use of language, its involvement in meaning-making, identity construction and power-related activities. The proverbs and idioms chosen were evaluated in terms of linguistic and behavioural meaning to understand how respectfulness has been shaped and used in isiXhosa and its grammar. The examples are oriented towards the euphemistic phrases connected with drunkenness, language that does not judge by corporeal appearance and the changes in language regarding death. The article also examines an idiom related to Matwa, the son of Ngqika (King of the Rharhabe clan), which involves the well-treated consideration of social beings through the recognition of paternalistic standards. In summary, both verbal and behavioural respect are an inner representation of Xhosa culture. The primary aim of this study is to illustrate the basic principles that are transmitted across generations.