What the study found
The study found that Xitsonga literary texts use a diverse range of terms of address, including kinship terms, personal names, hypocoristic names, nicknames, personal titles, pronouns, teknonyms, and terms of endearment. Their use varies with social relationships, degrees of formality, and context.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings provide insight into the pragmatic uses of address forms in Xitsonga literature. They also say the forms fulfill socio-cultural functions and help maintain social relations in written discourse.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a descriptive qualitative approach from a sociolinguistic perspective. They analyzed content from three Xitsonga literary works: Ndlandlalati ya Malenga, Byi le Tintihweni, and Xivoni xa Vutomi, using politeness theory as the guiding framework.
What worked and what didn't
The analysis identified several kinds of address forms in the texts, with variation in how they were used across situations. The findings indicate that these forms are shaped by social environment and by broader sociolinguistic and socio-cultural norms.
What to keep in mind
The summary describes only three literary works, so the findings apply to those texts rather than all Xitsonga writing. The abstract does not report statistical testing or describe limitations in detail.
Key points
- Xitsonga literary texts contain multiple kinds of address forms.
- The forms include kinship terms, names, titles, pronouns, teknonyms, and endearments.
- Usage changes with social relationship, formality, and context.
- The study uses politeness theory to interpret address forms.
- The analysis is based on three Xitsonga literary works.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Xitsonga literary texts use varied terms of address
- Authors:
- Respect Mlambo, Muzi
- Institutions:
- North-West University, North-West University
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-30
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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