THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TSHIVENDA LINGUISTIC VOCABULARY AND MUSICAL TRAJECTORIES AS ENCAPSULATED IN MIRERO, MAAMBELE AND DZITHAI

Abstract

African societies have always had-well established oral traditions. Vhavenḓa have a great wealth of folklore, such as mirero (proverbs), maambele (idioms) and dzithai (riddles) which help portray myriad aspects of their cultural heritage. As part of indigenous knowledge system, folkloric elements such as mirero, maambele and dzithai are used as vehicles for advising, correcting, reprimanding or rebuking. They are also used in providing direction, support and guidance. Through these folkloric elements, Vhavenḓa have always had their way of expressing how they perceive the significance of their different musical practices and styles. In their general day-to-day language, they have their own musical terminology to explain a particular perception. There is always a close connection between indigenous music and the day-to-day lives of people in traditional African societies.