The discourse pragmatic functions of the pronouns in Zulu and Swati, with special reference to the absolute pronouns

Abstract

Abstract The dissertation builds on and contributes to work in the field of African languages. Although several studies have examined the grammatical features of pronouns in Zulu and Swati, there has not been a strong focus on the relationship between the syntax and the discourse pragmatic functions of the absolute pronouns in many of the trusted grammars in Bantu languages. This has led to the uncertainty around the function(s) of the so-called absolute pronouns in Bantu languages. The purpose of the dissertation is to investigate the discourse pragmatic functions (emphasis and contrast) of the pronouns in Zulu and Swati. The pronouns are analysed as they appear in electronic text corpora, to identify possible differences between the two languages. The data for this qualitative, literature-based, and corpus-based study is collected through electronic text corpora. This data is used for the empirical analysis of real-life examples of absolute pronouns in Zulu and Swati. The dissertation draws strongly on the work of Wilkes (1976), Doke (1968), and Louwrens (1994) who are the major contributors towards the study of the pronouns in Bantu languages. From findings obtained, pronominalization is a much more prominent discourse function than emphasis and/ or contrast. Also, the absolute pronouns of Zulu and Swati are comparable in terms of their syntax, function, and usage.

Keywords: Bantu languages, syntax, discourse pragmatic factors, pronominalization, absolute pronouns, electronic text corpora, corpus linguistics, contrast, emphasis