African and European narrative conventions in the novels of C.T. Msimang
Loading...
Date
2009
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Like many other nations, around the globe, Zulus are well known for their story
telling techniques that is evident in their folktales, praises, riddles, songs and many
other art forms of yesteryears. Emanating from such artistry of narrating, the Zulus
have also joined forces with the other artists of the modem world in producing
narratives of high quality and standard in the light of contemporary prose narratives.
Ngcongwane, (1987:36) alludes to this art form as follows:
Narrating is an old human activity. All of us do it - just
as much as all ofus who are not crippled can walk.
Such a statement by Ngcongwane confirms that even Africans are able to narrate
stories, be it from a traditional or modem perspective. Sibiya, (2002:1) seems to be
concurring with what is said by Ngcongwane when he states that:
... Zulus are renowned for their storytelling abilities
that date back to time immemorial.
'Time immemorial' here seems to be confirming exactly what Ngcongwane refers to
as 'an old human activity'. This art ofnarration is not only a thing ofthe past, but has
been in existence since the ancient era to the present day. The significance of its
existence is evidenced in the development and the involvement of the short stories
and drama In this chapter we will illustrate the extent of development that has taken
place with African writers, specifically the Zulu, being represented by Msimang in his
three novels, 'Akuyiwe Emhlahlweni' (1973), 'Buzani KuMkabayi' (1982), and
'Walivuma Icala' (1996).
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Phisophy in the Faculty of Arts, in the Department of African Languages at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2009.
Keywords
Story telling techniques, Narrative conventions