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Exploring address terms in Tshivenda used by the youth: A study from Vuwani, Limpopo Province.

Mudau, Phethani Progress
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Abstract
This study aims to explore the importance of using address terms properly, as part of Tshivenḓa culture and tradition in Vuwani, Limpopo Province. Address terms are part and parcel of the language and culture of any society. However, it seems that the youth from Vuwani do not know the address terms in Tshivenḓa. Therefore, if these address terms are not applied or used properly, misunderstandings and the ultimate death of Tshivenḓa could result in the future. Language death means an erosion of the language. Failure to use these address terms properly may lead to a loss of respect and dignity toward the addressee. To explore the objectives of this study, a qualitative approach was adopted to fully comprehend this phenomenon. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Theoretical frameworks used to undergird this study were Social Identity, Ethnography of communication and Ethnopragmatic Theories. Therefore, the findings of this study revealed that youth from Vuwani communities do not know the importance of using address terms in Tshivenḓa, while elders are better off. It was recommended that the importance and awareness of address terms in Tshivenḓa should be taught from early childhood so that the young generation can grow up with the knowledge and understanding of these address terms.
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Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Language Practice in the Department of Applied Languages, Faculty of Humanities at the Tshwane University of Technology
Date
2022-06-08
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Tshwane University of Technology
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Keywords
sociolinguistics, Language, Culture, Identity, Tshivenḓa, Vhavenḓa, Communication, Address terms, Politeness, Pragmatics
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