OUR LANGUAGE IS NOT RUDE: NOKUTYWA TAKES ON COLONIAL LANGUAGE MYTHS IN NEW ISIXHOSA PUBLICATIONS

The Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Manager at Walter Sisulu University, Sinoyolo Nokutywa, has made a significant contribution to isiXhosa literature with the recent publication of two co-authored chapters.

His works, which focus on insults and blasphemy (Izithuko nezenyeliso) as well as onomastics of the months (Ukuthiywa kweenyanga), delve into the linguistic and cultural aspects of the Xhosa language, challenging colonial influences and celebrating indigenous knowledge.

“The first chapter is about insults and blasphemy (derogative language) amongst amaXhosa where we argue that there is no word that is an insult, but insult is the tone, facial expression and intention more than a word, but due to the education of missionaries they said other isiXhosa words such as body parts are insults like amasende, umthondo, inyo etc” said Nokutywa.

Co-authored with Senior Manager of Eastern Cape at Pan South African Language Board, Dr. Xolisa Tshongolo, Nokutywa said this work challenges the widely held belief that certain words in isiXhosa are inherently offensive, arguing that meaning is derived from tone, facial expressions, and intent rather than the words themselves.

“I was triggered by the fact that many people said our language is rude and creed while they use English to call the same things and be comfortable,” said Nokutywa.

He explains that his motivation for these works is to enrich the body of knowledge on African intellectuality and decoloniality, highlighting the urgency of decolonizing minds and addressing the lasting impacts of colonialism and apartheid in Africa.

He said, “Whenever I am writing, I am challenging the status quo, and I develop an interest for your scholars to see great potential and great work in isiXhosa literature and linguistics because many people say language does not change which is not true, but we differ in understanding.”

The second chapter, focusing on onomastics of the month, written with researcher from the Department of African Languages, Dr. Pheliwe Mbatyoti, explores the origins and meanings of the names of the months in isiXhosa.

Nokutywa notes that despite over two centuries of isiXhosa being documented, little research has been conducted on the linguistic significance of these names.

“With this chapter, I wanted to share Indigenous knowledge systems of amaXhosa that are not affected by nature and global warming to prove that they were ahead of time and true intellectualism. This is one of the topics that calls for curriculum transformation through inclusion of African perspectives and languages towards greatness for use, promotion, preservation, archiving and understanding,” said Nokutywa.

For instance, uCanzibe (May) is linked to a Canopus star considered to be the brightest in the sky. This start was historically used to navigate and mark seasonal transitions.

UTshazimpunzi (June), symbolises a dry, cold season where grass and leaves begin to whither. While Tshazi relates to the natural occurrence of drying and fading, Mpunzi refers to an antelope, both which were only seen around June.

While the blooming of aloe season was marked as eyeKhala (July), uMsintsi (August) was marked by the blossoming of the uMsintsi tree which burst into brilliant red blossoms.

The chapters are available in “uLwimi kwezeMfundo kwiNtlalopolitiko noLuntu”, a book set to be prescribed for Level 2, 3, and 4 isiXhosa students in the Faculty of Education and the African Languages program within the Faculty of Law, Humanities, and Social Sciences at WSU.

-By Ongezwa Sigodi