Humour and the expression of conflict in social discourse within communal societies in Southern Africa: A case study of Zulu speaking communities in KwaZulu Natal

Abstract

In the realm of collective existence, minor divergences serve to confirm and consolidate the underlying cohesion of the group, as a society obviously relies on a certain common consent. It is in this attempt to restore the balance and resolve conflict that humour plays such an important role by articulating critical oral forms of expression in an acceptable and palatable manner which makes the criticism in the message more acceptable. In researching oral strategies and the use of humour in certain sanctioned oral forms of communication among Southern African communities as a means of conflict articulation, the writer views these social conflicts as contextualized events in their specific social setting. This entails taking into account not only the cultural setting, but also the social discourse, the context and a review of events leading up to and surrounding the conflict situation. My study involved an analysis made of the strategies used by Zulu people in particular oral discourses, viz. izibongo (‘praise’ poetry/oral ID's) and naming practices, in which they articulate their frustrations and discontent in various social settings. In some instances this involves not just the disputing party, but the entire social network in which the conflict is situated and it is in such situations that often oblique humour is used to defuse conflict. This way of viewing conflict and its frequent humorous camouflage, as events in the comprehensive continuum of social life, is common in Africa. This is because of the community-based style of living prevalent amongst Africans. In societies such as this, where the oral mode of transmission is favoured, inter-personal communication on a daily basis characterizes social discourse and interaction. It is in this environment of constant human communication and interaction that the energy comes which may not only fuel, but through the use of humour, also defuse conflict.