Masters Degrees (DLLS)

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Contemporary linguistic theory and stylistic analysis
(1985) Ndjoze-Ojo, Rebecca Kapitire
Dr Sam Nujoma's rhetoric: An analysis of selected epideictic speeches during his tenure of office as President of the Republic of Namibia
(2014) Nanyeni, Frieda N.
Studies on political communication, especially presidential rhetoric are scarce in Namibia. The researcher has come across only one study done by Mathe (2006) on Presidential rhetorical analysis in Namibia which focuses on President Sam Nujoma’s rhetoric. Therefore, the current study attempts to narrow the gap in presidential rhetorical analysis in Namibia. Ten epideictic speeches delivered by the former President Dr Sam Nujoma during his first two terms of Presidential rule in Namibia from 1990 to 2000 are rhetorically analysed in this study. The purpose of the analysis was twofold: to find out to what extent former President Nujoma used the Aristotelian proofs of ethos, pathos and logos in his speeches, and to investigate the canons of classical rhetoric in Nujoma’s speeches i.e. arrangement (disposition), style (elocution), delivery (pronuntiato and action) and memory (memoria). In the analysis of speeches, the researcher uses the Aristotelian theory and video recordings showing highlights of the speeches on the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Television. The study reveales that President Nujoma used the three Aristotelian proofs and the five canons of classical rhetoric to a great extent and invariably in his speeches during the ten years of his rule in Namibia. Nujoma’s speeches mainly highlighted the government’s challenges and achievements. In addition, he called on Namibians to have unity of purpose in the struggle against ignorance, poverty and racism. He used the speeches to appeal to the people’s emotions and character in an attempt to influence them to support his views and government. This study can benefit speechwriters and students in rhetoric in Namibia.
A study of rhetorical devices used in selected car advertisements in the Namibian newspaper
(2014) Sindano, Gerson
The language of car advertising is viewed as unique and completely different from everyday language. The rhetorical elements and unusual linguistic arrangement of words make the language of car advertisement special and unique. This study seeks to examine the rhetorical devices in selected car advertisements, to examine the language used in car advertisements, and to explore rhetorical structure and strategies in selected car advertisements. This is a desk study, whose research was done using existing sources. The research is qualitative in nature, as the collected car advertisements from The Namibian newspaper were critically examined from a rhetorical point of view and subsequently arranged according to brand names. Similarly, slogans from the advertisements were placed next to each type of make or car they belonged to in a table. Forty car advertisements were selected for analysis of rhetorical strategy, language, and rhetorical structure. The selection of car advertisements was based on the availability of car advertisements in the chosen newspaper; in the situation where the advertisement was repeated, a sample of one advertisement was chosen. The samples of car advertisements were taken from The Namibian newspaper dating from January 2012 to December 2012. All forty car advertisements studied were found to entail some of the persuasive moves suggested by Hashim (2010), including establishing credibility, introducing offer, offering incentives, and soliciting a response. The finding contains new moves that are not part of what Hashim suggested. The characteristics and the nature of language employed by most car advertisers in Namibia are slightly different, if conclusions drawn by Hashim are anything to go by. Moreover, Hashim suggested pressure tactics as one of the rhetorical moves in his study. The language used in car advertisements is well crafted. The examined car advertisements were found to contain slogans, aggressive language, comparative, and superlative form. Beyond the persuasive moves suggested by Hashim, commands and directives are other forms of persuasive techniques detected following the analysis of 40 advertisements. Based on the findings of this study, recommendation is made that further study or research be undertaken into car advertisements to explore rhetorical strategies unique to Namibia. This study is a considerable input to the study of rhetorical advertisement in Namibia.
An analysis of rhetoric and humour in Dudley's political cartoons published in 2012
(2014) Mwetulundila, Rauna
This dissertation is a rhetorical and humorous study of Dudley’s political cartoons. This thesis explored the use of rhetoric and humour in 25 Dudley’s political cartoons that were printed in 2012. All political cartoons were extracted from The Namibian newspaper. This was a qualitative study. Qualitative research design was chosen because of the descriptive nature of this study. This method is also good in gaining in-depth understanding and a clear description of the characteristics of the political cartoons used in this study. Criterion sampling was used to select all political cartoons that qualify to be part of this study. The study used semiotic and content analysis to sort out the content of the cartoons. Semiotic analysis was chosen because cartoons can be decoded well if an audience has background knowledge of the context in which the cartoon is based. The cartoons were analysed for rhetoric and humour using both visually and language based elements. The analysis of this thesis has employed Aristotle’s rhetorical proofs of persuasion: ethos, pathos and logos as well as humour theories of superiority and incongruity. The study revealed that Dudley’s political cartoons employ ethos when the characters who were chastised and cheered at are individuals who have high profile in society; people whom the readers are looking at and people who are deemed to have goodwill for the nation at heart. Pathos was used to stir up the emotions of the readers so that they can support his arguments. Logos was employed to show that the cartoons are based on the truth. The analysis has found out that there are many rhetorical devices used to make informed arguments. The study has revealed that when the caricatures are criticised and put down because of their actions, superiority theory of humour is employed. The cartoons are incongruous when the cartoonist delivers something humorous and different from the readers’ expectations. There is a predominant relationship between rhetoric and humour of Dudley’s political cartoons.
A comparative analysis of the depiction of women in Sifiso Nyathi's God of women and William Shakespeare's Othello
(2014) Masule, Christopher M.
This thesis provides a comparative analysis of the depiction of women characters in the plays God of Women by Nyathi and Othello by Shakespeare. The main purpose of the study was to find out how Nyathi and Shakespeare depict women characters in their plays. The researcher evaluated the use of literary techniques the authors use in their portrayal of the female characters in the plays. The researcher employed the feminist literary theory in this study. The study revealed that both Nyathi and Shakespeare use a gender bias style of writing in depicting women characters in their plays. Nyathi’s depictions portray women as sex objects for their husband’s sexual pleasures in a polygamous marriage, and also as exchange materials for wealth. Women also have been portrayed as destitute who have to stay in subservient conditions at the mercy of their husbands. The study also revealed that Nyathi makes use of a wide number of metaphors which carry connotations in his depictions of women to instil superiority over them. Shakespeare also portrays women characters negatively as dependent on their fathers in Othello. He portrays women characters as sex goddesses who would compel men to murder their women out of love. Conversely, Nyathi and Shakespeare depict women as intelligent and rational thinkers. Desdemona in Othello defends her position in her choice for Othello before her father. In God of Women the wives of Chief Lewanika embrace MaInonge in a gesture of solidarity of the oppressed sisters when she collapses after Joyce reveals her secret that MaInonge had a son out of wedlock with Chief Lewanika. The study concluded that both Nyathi and Shakespeare largely portray women characters negatively in their works albeit in different ways that are typical of the cultures and epochs in which the authors lived.
Shakespeare and superstition: A study of how shakespeare uses superstition and vision in Macbeth and Julius Caesar.
(2014) Amuthenu, Emilia N.
This thesis is a critical analysis of the use of superstition in some selected plays by William Shakespeare. The main purpose of the study was to analyse how Shakespeare uses superstition and visions in the two selected plays, Macbeth and Julius Caesar to structure his plays. The study investigated the consequences that befell the main characters for following or ignoring superstition. The two plays were selected using purposive sampling and were analysed using the content analysis method. In this study, the researcher selected all the texts from the two plays with reference to superstition. The study used the New Historical Criticism as the theoretical framework. This theory looks at a text by considering all the historical aspects that might have influenced the writer to write the type of text that he or she has written. The study reveals that Shakespeare uses superstition and visions such as dreams, omens, apparitions and ghosts in his plays to bring in some dramatic effects, chaos and also to bring in some confusion amongst the characters. It also reveals that the visions that are used in the two plays were all warnings which were meant for the main characters and came true in the end. It also reveals that the main characters reacted to the supernatural visions and warnings in various ways, Macbeth follows superstition and Caesar ignores the warnings. In the end they are both affected negatively. Based on the findings of the study, this study recommends that more studies should be done on some other elements used by William Shakespeare in the same plays as well as their effects on the characters. This study is a great contribution to the study of Shakespeare’s work, especially in Namibia where the study of Shakespeare’s works is low.
An analysis of shakespeare's use of rhetoric in the king's speeches in King Henry IV part II and Henry V
(2014) Kamwi, Beven L.
This thesis is an analysis of Shakespeare’s use of rhetoric in the kings’ speeches in King Henry IV Part II and Henry V. The main aim of the study was to analyse Shakespeare’s use of rhetorical devices and their purpose in selected kings’ speeches appearing in King Henry IV Part II and Henry V. This study is based on selected extracts of speeches from the two plays. The speeches were analysed using the rhetorical analysis theory to unravel the use of rhetorical techniques and to explain the purpose of these techniques, as used by King Henry IV and Henry V with the intention to effectively communicate to their audience. The rhetorical analysis theory was used to interpret speeches; hence, it deals with the analysis of the structure of narrative texts to show how the linguistic mediation of a story determines its meaning and effect on the audience.The study revealed that the two speakers, King Henry IV and his son Henry V also known as Prince Hal, effectively employed two of Aristotle’s mode of persuasion; namely ethos and pathos, to appeal to the audience and achieve approval of their arguments. King Henry IV used God’s reference and credibility (ethos) and emotive language (pathos) to firstly convince his son, Prince Hal, to reform and secondly his subjects to support his efforts to quell the rebellion and maintain his troubled throne. On one hand, Henry V also used religious devotion (ethos) in his speeches to target his audience’s hearts (pathos) to enable him to control them. The study also revealed the use of rhetorical techniques and other tools such as metaphors, rhetorical questions, puns/humour, alliteration, hyperbole, metonymy, simile, anaphora, personification, paradox, imagery and so on. It was also found by this study that King Henry IV and Henry V employed the mentioned techniques for different purposes; namely, to impress, warn, intimidate, inspire, manipulate, invoke submission, order and command, praiseworthy, deliver ultimatums, and above all appeal to the audience. This study deduced that the kings’ speeches were not just mere ordinary expressions but utterances that qualified an intention of the speaker.
A discourse analysis of Metropolitan and SANLAM Namibia's English print advertisements in The Namibian newspaper: A comparative study
(2015) Salomo, Fikameni
This thesis was a critical discourse analysis of Metropolitan and Sanlam Namibia’s English advertisements in The Namibian newspaper. The purpose of the study was to investigate the English language of persuasion leveraged in the two companies’ print advertisements. The study also explored the various advertising techniques that supported the English language of persuasion used in selected advertisements. This research was qualitative in nature. It was a desktop study which employed discourse and content analysis as data collection methods. Data collected were critically examined, based on the English language employed in selected print advertisements. The study was informed by a critical discourse analysis theory which addresses issues of how social relations, identity, knowledge and power are constructed through written and spoken texts in various communities, schools, the media, and the political arena. The thesis revealed that the following language elements were utilized in Metropolitan and Sanlam Namibia’s selected advertisements: The first was the pattern of print advertisement, which looks at the headline, body copy, slogan and logos. The second was the language leveraged in each advertisement, with the use of elements like alliteration, repetition, metaphors, similes, puns, personification, adjectives and adverbs. The third was a revelation of various advertising techniques that supported the English language used in selected advertisements. The study concluded that along with most linguistic elements, the Aristotelian proofs (ethos, pathos and logos) and the AIDA principle of advertising were necessary ingredients of persuasion in these print advertisements. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge and strategies on how print advertisements, especially those by insurance companies in Namibia, utilise language and stylistic techniques when advertising in national newspapers and provide a link between the field of research into advertising and the field of research into stylistics.
An exploration of the portrayal of the Girl-Child in Erna Muller's it all goes wrong and when you dance with the crocodile
(2015) Chunga, Timothy M.
This thesis provides a critical analysis of the portrayal of the girl-child by Erna Muller in It all goes wrong and When you dance with the crocodile. The two novels were selected using purposive sampling as they primarily characterise girl-children as protagonists. The researcher employed the African feminist literary theory in this study. The African feminist literary theory was used to study how the girl-child is portrayed in the patriarchal world. The study used a qualitative research design to interpret the depiction of the girl-child in the two novels. Content analysis was used to analyse the two novels for depictions of the girl-child. The study revealed that in both novels the girl-characters make independent decisions and act on them, while other characters such as adults and boys play secondary roles. The study revealed that as portrayed by Muller, the girl-child is innocent, open minded, caring, adventurous, assertive, compassionate and brave. Among the themes that came up in the study are innocence versus naivety, child trafficking, slavery and sexual abuse. In the two novels the girl-child is portrayed as a heroine as the actions that are carried out by the protagonists are life-saving. All in all, it can be concluded that Muller used the two novels to empower the girl-child.
The role of code switching as a communicative strategy between Outapi residents and public officials
(2015) Aukongo, Iina-Maria
This study focused on the role of code switching between English and Oshiwambo in Outapi. Outapi is a rural town in the northern part of Namibia. Its residents are exposed to a variety of languages such as Portuguese, Otjiherero, Silozi, English and Oshiwambo. Oshiwambo is spoken and used by the majority of people in Outapi the language of the majority. Residents whose English proficiency is limited, but are able to communicate in Oshiwambo, used Oshiwambo to communicate. The problem arose when communication was done in English, in which the majority are unable to express themselves very well. The study sought to understand the role of code switching between English and Oshiwambo by Outapi residents and public officials when conducting public affairs in like the bank, clinic and post office. Qualitative research approach based on case study research design was applied to determine incidence of code switching in a multilingual community of Outapi. Discourse analysis was used to analyse data. Data were interpreted following the Markedness Model and the Matrix Language Frame Model. Findings from observations, interviews and questionnaires revealed that code switching facilitated communication in Outapi for speakers to attain their communication goals. The study further indicated how various strategies of code switching (code mixing and borrowing) were employed to make communication possible and successful. The study found that code switching maintained cultural norms of some communities because it is believed that some of the cultural expressions are untranslatable. Although the study indicated how code switching enriches the Oshiwambo language in terms of vocabulary, it also indicated that code switching contributed to language death of the indigenous languages, Oshiwambo in particular. The study further found out that code switching and code mixing are interchangeable terms which are used when communication barrier arisen. It appears that there would be no Oshiwambo language expertise to keep the language alive. Subsequently, the study found that code switching is a use gateway to residents of Outapi in attaining their communication goals. It is essential for law makers to recognise code switching as a communicative strategy which helps speakers in multilingual communities to express their identities and their culture freely.
An exploration of afropolitanism in Taiye Selasi's Ghana must go and chimamanda Adichie's Americanah
(2015) /Ucham, Emelda U.
This study is an exploration of the representation of Afropolitanism in Taiye Selasi’s debut novel Ghana must go (2013), and Chimamanda Adichie’s novel Americanah (2013). The purpose of the study was to explore Afropolitanism using Selasi’s (2005) essay Who is an Afropolitan? as a benchmark. Selasi blends the words Africa and cosmopolitan in her essay, Who is an Afropolitan? which discusses the fashion, dance style, and nationality of the Afropolitan, but not themes in literature. She coined the term because she was never satisfied with the answers she gave when she was questioned about her identity. In the exploration of Afropolitanism in the two novels, the researcher used the content analysis method. The study used the diaspora and transnationalism theory which addresses the concerns of people that have moved from their home countries in search of self-development through work or studies as well as the hybridity as creolisation theory which addresses the concerns of people born in Europe or the West to purely African ancestors or one of the parents are of a different race. The study revealed the following themes that pertain to Afropolitanism in Ghana must go (2013) and Americanah (2013): cultural hybridity, careers, identity formation and an African bond. The theme of self-expression was explored only in Americanah (2013). For example, in Ghana must go (2013) the twin boy struggles with his identity because of his Scottish heritage which gives him a skin complexion that is neither black nor white and he does not know what nationality to consider himself. In Americanah (2013) the main character’s cultural hybridity is highlighted when she finds herself missing America while at the same time loving being in Nigeria. The study concluded that Afropolitanism does not only relate to fashion, dance style and art, but its exploration is also relevant in literature. This study contributes to knowledge of the world as a global village, but more specifically the international integration of cultures as expressed in literature, not only in the African diaspora, but in Africa as well.
Conflicts of living in two worlds as portrayed by Obi in No longer at ease and Farai in Chairman of fools
(2015) Indongo, Julia N.
This thesis investigated the inner- and interpersonal conflicts caused by living in two different geographical worlds, as well as two different metaphysical worlds as manifested mainly by Obi in No longer at ease but also in Farai in Chairman of fools. The purpose of the study was to explore how African authors depict characters that are affected by these aforementioned conflicting worlds. In addition, the study aimed to examine the way in which two different African authors from two different countries, namely Chinua Achebe from Nigeria and Shimmer Chinodya from Zimbabwe, addressed a similar theme through literature. The two protagonists that were analysed namely, Obi and Farai experienced inner- and interpersonal conflicts when they returned to their native societies (countries respectively) after spending relatively long periods of time abroad. The study applied the hybridity theory and the theory of transnationalism. The purposive sampling method was used to select the two novels, based on similar themes, the inner and interpersonal conflicts experienced by the protagonists. Here, the researcher employed the qualitative content analysis method in order to explore the purpose of this study. The study revealed that the conflicts experienced by the two protagonists happen for different reasons. For Obi conflict mainly occurs because he choose to ignore traditional practices and to behave like a Nigerian during the four years he has been abroad; while Farai finds himself unable to adjust to the progressive transformations that have occurred in his society during his absence. The study further revealed that Obi’s various conflicts also stemmed from societal marital issues based on prejudices that prohibited him to marry the woman he loved. Farai’s conflicts are also religious-based, specifically the Pentecostal church that has been introduced and adopted by his family while he was away. The study further revealed that Obi and Farai’s conflicts were numerous and varied. The commonality regarding the protagonists’ conflict however stemmed from them being affected in many ways by these varied conflicts, leading them to experiencing psychological trauma. The study concluded that both characters did not adequately prepare themselves for any change they encounter based on their exposure to a different culture versus their native society when they returned from overseas. This, therefore, led to them experiencing many inner- and interpersonal conflicts.
A rhetorical analysis of first inaugural addresses of Samora Machel, Robert Mugabe, Sam Nujoma and Nelson Mandela
(University of Namibia, 2016) Chissano, Lazaro P.
This study provides a rhetorical analysis of four inaugural addresses delivered by Samora Machel, Robert Mugabe, Sam Nujoma and Nelson Mandela during their inauguration ceremony as the first presidents in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa, respectively. The aim of the study was to examine how the four speakers employed the three canons of rhetoric, namely invention, arrangement and style to persuade the audience. The study is the first of its kind in the countries mentioned above and in the region to undertake a rhetorical analysis of four inaugural addresses ever delivered in liberated countries in Southern Africa. The study adopted a qualitative method, which is explorative in nature, and based on a purposive sampling, because the selected sample shares some traits with the whole population to this study and facilitates analysis between different groups. The major findings of the study reflect that four dominant ideological preoccupations emerging from the analysis were: (a) political independence in their countries, (b) national unity and nation-building, (c) economic emancipation and (d) self-dependence and empowerment. The results revealed further that Machel, Mugabe, Nujoma and Mandela employed and possessed the faculties of invention (inventio), arrangement (dispositio) and style (elocutio) in constructing their first inaugural addresses, which confirm the ancient classical tradition that a skilful rhetorician must possess the faculties of canons of rhetoric in order to persuade an intended audience.
An investigation of the literary portrayal of children as participants in the liberation struggle as illustrated in Ellen Namhila's The Price of Freedom and Lydia Shaketange's Walking the Boeing 707
(University of Namibia, 2016) Nahole, Martha
This study investigates the literary portrayal of children as participants of the liberation struggle as illustrated in Ellen Namhila’s The Price of Freedom and Lydia Shaketange’sWalking the Boeing 707. The focus of the study was to investigate how the two Namibian autobiographical texts represent children in the liberation struggle. It examines whether children are portrayed as agents in the liberation struggle or simply objects of pity and victims in the exilic environment. The study was primarily a qualitative, desktop research whereby two Namibian authored autobiographies were purposefully selected and analysed. This analysis was informed by post-colonial theory as a theoretical framework. Post-colonial theory deals with the reading and writing of literature written in previously or currently colonised countries, or literature written in colonising countries which deals with the colonisation or colonised people. It focuses particularly on the way in which literature by the colonising culture distorts the experiences and realities of, and inscribes the inferiority of the colonised people. On the contrary, the colonised’s attempts is to articulate their identity and reclaim their past which they were robbed of by the colonisers. The study contributes to the creation and dissemination of knowledge since it addresses contemporary overarching issues such as that of the children of the liberation struggle which appears to be a controversial issue in Namibia today. The study also contributes to the body of knowledge which seeks to acknowledge the efforts of previously disadvantaged people such as children. It also recognises the innovativeness and agency of children as represented in the autobiographical work of Shaketange and Namhila. The findings in this study revealed that children appear to be active agents and subjects of the liberation struggle, the study debunks the portrayal of children as passive victims of the exilic environment only as it is portrayed in some literary and academic texts. Although at some point they tend to suffer victimisation and the brutality of the struggle, the children characters in the autobiographies have proven agency by taking part in activities that enable them to attain independence, for instance, the maintenance of the camps, working as teachers and material developers, and as nurses. It has further been revealed that children are intelligent and perseverant beings. Implicitly, they are portrayed as compassionate, assertive, full of endurance, as well as heroes of the exilic environment. Through these findings, the study seeks to elucidate the disagreements of the literary representation of ‘children as objects’ in some literary and academic texts. The study then intends to re-vision the representation of children as opposed to the representation already existing in canonised literary texts, and this fulfils the goal of the post-colonial theory. Hence, the study posits that children characters are not as passive as they are assumed to be. It also argues that, issues of child subjectivity in the struggle are rarely foregrounded in Namibian literary studies; hence this study is a platform to interrogate the conventional objectification of children characters in the autobiographical works of Shaketange and Namhila. The study thus, argues that children characters in the selected texts have proven agency in their participation in the struggle.
An examination of hedging and boosting devices used in academic discourse: Case of 2014 and 2015 master of Arts in English Studies thesis at the University of Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2016) Haufiku, Naftal K.
Hedges and boosters play different roles in academic discourse. This thesis is an analysis of the application of hedges and boosters in all ten theses of the Master of Arts in English Studies submitted and examined at the University of Namibia between 2014 and 2015. The primary aim of this study was to examine how research writers use hedges to distance themselves from their claims, and how they use boosters to show commitment towards their claims. The study used both the qualitative and quantitative methods in examining the ten theses. The significance of a mixed research approach was found in its ability to give an explanation of issues such as why research writers prefer some types of hedging and boosting devices over the others, and why some theses chapters have some types of hedges and boosters. The study only examined three chapters of the theses: the Introduction, Discussion, and Conclusion. These chapters were selected to give a representation of academic practice. The study was informed by Hyland’s (2004) taxonomy of hedges and boosters. Kaplan’s (1997) Contrastive Rhetoric Theory was used to explain how researchers use hedges and boosters to express their uncertainties and certainties respectively. The study revealed that writers prefer Type 3 of hedges and boosters in all the three chapters. The study further revealed that there is an unequal distribution of hedges and boosters among writers. The study concluded that the preference of Type 3 may have been caused by the fact that since Type 3 does not have boosting devices writers find it less threatening to employ it in order to conform to the accepted academic writing style. The unequal distribution of hedges and boosters may have been caused by the type of data being analysed. The unequal distribution may also suggest that writers in academic discourse are not proficient in the English language. Hence, they ignore hedges and boosters that are less familiar to them. This research makes a contribution to the study of hedges and boosters, most particularly in Namibia where, according to the researcher’s observation, no similar studies have previously been conducted.
An analysis of the way black African women function in cohabitative relationships as portrayed in ten selected African short stories
(2016) Nashongo, Josephine M.
This study investigated how African women in cohabitative relationships, defined as married and/or unmarried couples who live together and have sexual relationships, cope, as portrayed in the selected ten short stories by black African women writers. The short stories were selected because of recurring themes about women’s empowerment and disempowerment. The study used a qualitative approach by looking at views related to black African women in cohabitative relationships as portrayed in literature. It was informed by the black womanism, stiwanism and the feminism theories. The sample was purposively selected, because the researcher only looked at how black African female authors of short stories depict the experiences of black African women in cohabitative relationships. It seems to be highly likely that the experiences of black African women in cohabitative relationships, both positive and negative, may be traced back to the traditions of a specific society and that the attitudes and culture of a specific society determine the way they cope with their experiences. The findings indicate that black African women’s unequal position in society means that they have less power, income, protection against violence and they have less access to education and even ownership of land. The study further observed that black African women in cohabitative relationships appeared to be victims most of the time and that they did not react to their fates, thus they were often depicted as passive and submissive. There appears some bias by black African women writers, as men are often portrayed in a negative light. Furthermore, black African female authors usually present and represent a certain segment of one side resulting in imbalances of gender representation. African short stories seem to provide avoice to voiceless women. However, it is likely that victims do not have access to the voices that present and represent them.
Interrogating masculinities in female-authored texts: a critical analysis of Valerie Tagwira's The Uncertainty of Hope and Neshani Andreas' The Purpule Violent of Ashaantu
(University of Namibia, 2016) Zhuwarara, Netty
This thesis explores the depiction of masculinities in Valerie Tagwira’s The Uncertainty of Hope and Neshani Andreas’ The Purple Violet of Oshaantu. The portrayal of the male figures invAfrican women writing is an area which has not been given a lot of attention in gender writing. The two novels were selected using purposive sampling as they portray an array of masculinities. The researcher employed masculinities, nego-feminism and STIWANISM as literary theories to underpin this study. Masculinities as a concept was used in order to magnify the construction of the male identity as it has a lot of bearing on the character of men. Nego-feminism places both genders side by side as men and women try to negotiate their spaces in life. STIWANISM mirrors how the negotiated spaces between men and women bring about a transformed society in which negative patriarchal values melt away. A qualitative research design was adopted to interpret the portrayal of masculinities in the two novels. Content analysis was used to analyse the two novels for the portrayal of the male characters. The study indicated that the male figures identities are a product of a social construct which differs from community to community, and are constantly subject to change. The study further noted that, as portrayed by Andreas and Tagwira, some men are good and some exploit the patriarchal dividend of power and hold on to the characteristics of hegemonic masculinity. Among other themes that came up in the research are; emasculation of masculinity- reaction of thwarted personhood, the threatening scourge of HIV/AIDS, alternative masculinity-egalitarian existence, patriarchal values; exploitation of women, disinheritance of women and coping strategies in face of adversity. From the various roles men play in the texts, it can be concluded that the two authors portray masculinities as they are experienced in daily life where historical periods determine their different reactions to situations and particularly interesting is that there are indeed ‘good men’ who are role models and the African women writers celebrate them.
Literary representations of stigmatisation and myths surrounding death in the novels The Purple Violent of Oshaantu by Neshani Andreas and The other Presence by Francis Sifiso Nyathi
(University of Namibia, 2016) Hangula, Teopolina O.
This research study is an analysis of literary representation of stigmas and myths associated with death in the two selected novels, namely: The Purple Violet of Oshaantu by Neshani Andreas and The Other Presence by Francis Sifiso Nyathi. The two novels analysed in this research project were selected because they both emphasised on the theme of death. The thesis used The Social Dominance Theory to analyse the impacts that stigmas and myths associated with death usually have on the victims. The study revealed that widows are often mistreated by their husbands’ families and relatives as portrayed by Andreas in The Purple Violet of Oshaantu. Equally, the study revealed how mostly those who are closely related to the deceased are mistreated by the mourners and the community as portrayed by Nyathi in The Other Presence. Furthermore, the study showed that education can be used to help eradicate myths and stigmas associated with death. All in all these two books offer a voice to the voiceless people who have lost their loved ones such as Mee Kauna, Mee Saara and Elder Sinvula to stand up for themselves and not let myths and stigmas associated with death silence them.
A critical exploration of political violence in selected literacy works: A case of Tagwira's The uncertainty of hope and Owuor's Dust
(University of Namibia, 2016) Liswaniso, Christine M.
Even though there are several studies in the field of literature that looked at violence, most researches did not necessarily concern with political violence which cast across any human being. Political and electoral violence are pernicious vices that continue to afflict most African states, with Kenya and Zimbabwe included. It is a truism that these two are mother and baby, with political violence being the umbrella under which electoral violence shoots itself. The motivation behind these two categories of violence is eminently political; which is the unfair acquisition of political advantage by one individual or group or individuals over another. This study critically explored how Tagwira and Owour present political violence in their fictional writing which is The uncertainty of hope and Dust. The study critically analysed the causes, manifestation and effects of political violence as reflected in the novels written in the post independent states. This study presented an argument of what happened during pre colonial and post colonial era in Zimbabwe and Kenya as presented in the literary works. This study further analysed how different sections of the society are depicted as victims and perpetrators of political violence. The purpose of this study was to explore and analyse if the political violence which The African states fought against the colonial rule completely disappeared after the gain of independence which is the backbone of this study. This study was a qualitative desktop research. This study through the analysis of the literary fictional workrevealed that political violence that existed before independence never disappeared as the post political leaders inherited the ruling system of the pre political leaders.. The research is informed by trauma and post-colonial theories and both theories are employed in the interpretation of data. Post-colonial theory which shows the end of colonialism and what happens after colonialism. Therefore trauma theory describes how the victims got traumatised due to political violence in the post independent states. This study adds to the body of literature as it informs on why political violence is still prevalent in some of the African independent African states and some preventative measures that could be taken just to minimise political violence. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that political violence is still prevalent in some of the post independent states as presented in the literary texts analysed due to political leaders who still want to hold on to power, discrimination among ethnic groups (favouring their own tribes) and dissatisfaction on government’s ruling system. Finally the exploitation and abuse of human rights of citizen as revealed in the analysis of the literary texts for this study.
Desperate mobilities: Literary representations of migration, displacement and diaspora in an elegy for easterly by Petina Gappah and we need new names by Noviolet Bulawayo
(University of Namibia, 2016) Mabwe, Tinotenda
The aim of this proposed study is to explore critically how literature presents migration, displacement and diaspora in An Elegy for Easterly by Petina Gappah and We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo

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