DSpace Repository

Welcome to the NWU Repository, the open access Institutional Repository of the North-West University (NWU-IR). This is a digital archive that collects, preserves and distributes research material created by members of NWU. The aim of the NWU-IR is to increase the visibility, availability and impact of the research output of the North-West University through Open Access, search engine indexing and harvesting by several initiatives.

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 18

Recent Submissions

Synthesis and In Vitro Antibacterial Evaluation of Mannich Base Nitrothiazole Derivatives
(Wiley-VCH Verlag, 2024) Dube, S. Phelelisiwe; Hart, Dylan; Legoabe,J. Lesetja; Jordaan, Audrey; Warner, F. Digby; Beteck, M. Richard
Nitrothiazole derivatives have been reported to exhibit activity against aerobic, anaerobic, and microaerophilic bacteria. This activity profile makes the nitrothiazole compound class an ideal lead source against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which flourishes in varied environments with different oxygen concentrations. In this work, we investigated six nitrothiazole derivatives for antitubercular activity. The compounds exhibited potent activity, with compounds 9 and 10 possessing an equipotent MIC90 value of 0.24 μM. The compounds were investigated for cytotoxicity against HEK293 cells and hemolysis against red blood cells, and they demonstrated no cytotoxicity nor hemolytic effects, suggesting they possess inherent antitubercular activity
Comparing machine translation and human translation for South African languages
(UNISA Press, 2024) Mlambo, Respect; Wagner,K. Valencia; Skosana, J .Nomsa
Machine translation (MT) has been available for several years but has only recently begun tobe considered viable, particularly in the context of indigenous South African languages.Although the quality of an MT remains inferior to that of a human translation (HT), MT systemshave gained popularity, making some significant contributions to translation studies. This studyexplored the similarities and differences between the two modes of translation. A case studyapproach based on a qualitative research method was used. The source data for this study arean MT and an HT of an article titled “Stellenbosch University to offer academic andpsychosocial support to students”, written by Ntwaagae Seleka and published on News24. Asa computer-aided translation tool, Autshumato Machine Translation Web Service (MTWS)produced the MT from English into Setswana as a target text. Meanwhile, a Setswana master’sstudent from the Tshwane University of Technology manually translated the source text. Thefindings show that the human translator outperformed the MTWS in providing high-qualitytranslation. The MTWS was unable to offer a better translation in terms of case sensitivity andterminological inconsistencies. It also mistranslated, adding and omitting words that changedthe intended meaning and leaving certain words untranslated. Human cognitive competency,intelligence, and flexibility enable human translators to deal with such translation problems toprovide high-quality outputs. The initiatives discussed in this study show that even though theMTWS operates as a useful translation tool with the capacity to instantly translate a largenumber of documents, its output is not yet capable of replacing an HT when translating intoindigenous South African languages. Post-editing of the MTWS outputs is alwaysrecommended.
The inuence of nominal prexes on the formaon of compound words in Xitsonga
(Department of General Linguistics of Stellenbosch University, 2024) Mlambo, Respect; Maunjwa, Muzi
Nominal prefixes play a crucial role in Xitsonga grammar by shaping word formation, categorisation and meaning. These affixes that are attached at the beginning of nouns convey crucial information about number, possession and noun class. While the influence of nominal prefixes on simple word formation has been explored to some extent, their impact on compound word formation in Xitsonga remains relatively understudied. This study delves into this underexplored area, investigating the intricate relationship between nominal prefixes and compound word construction in Xitsonga. The study used convenience sampling to collect data from secondary sources such as Xitsonga grammar books, dictionaries and academic articles. This study is grounded on a functional linguistic approach, which provides a robust framework for analysing the interactions between nominal prefixes and compound word formation. The findings unveil the profound influence of nominal prefixes on compound word construction in Xitsonga. These prefixes not only shape word categories and meanings but also express quantity, indicate location and convey time. These insights emphasise the significant role of nominal prefixes in defining Xitsonga’s grammatical structure, expanding its vocabulary and reflecting its cultural context. Contribution: This study contributes to the existing literature of compounding by highlighting the pivotal role of nominal prefixes in Xitsonga grammar, particularly in shaping word formation, categorisation and meaning. It examines how prefixes influence the creation of compound words in Xitsonga and their morphological functions.
The syntactic features and emotional impact of Xitsonga interjections
(AOSIS & Literature Society of South Africa, 2024) Mlambo, Respect; Hlungwani, C. Madala
The syntactic features and emotional impacts of interjections in Xitsonga have been largely overlooked in existing literature. This article aims to close this gap by exploring these aspects. Employing a qualitative approach, the data were collected through corpus-based methods by extracting relevant words, phrases and sentences featuring interjections from published Xitsonga drama texts. The data were purposefully sampled and subsequently subjected to content analysis. The article was written following the principles of prototype theory. The findings revealed that Xitsonga interjections can occur at the beginning, middle and end of a sentence or occupy various positions within a sentence, and they are used to convey the speaker’s emotional state, such as surprise, distress, fear, remembrance, frustration or anger. The article also notes that interjections can function as standalone utterances (holophrases) or adjuncts, enhancing emotional expression while maintaining grammatical integrity. Their placement significantly influences the emotions conveyed. The article further illustrates how juxtaposing interjections can heighten emotional intensity, showcasing their versatility in expressing complex emotional states. This applies to both primary and secondary interjections in Xitsonga. These findings suggest that interjections are an integral part of the Xitsonga, serving important syntactic features and expressing a range of emotional states. Contribution: This article enhances our understanding of Xitsonga by exploring the diverse syntactic features and emotional effects of interjections, an area that has received little attention. Drawing on data from published Xitsonga drama texts, the article reveals that interjections can appear at the beginning, middle or end of a sentence or occupy various positions, each carrying different emotional impacts. Using prototype theory as a framework, the article demonstrates that interjections function as standalone utterances (holophrases) or adjuncts, encompassing both primary and secondary forms. These insights deepen our understanding of Xitsonga’s interjections, closing a research gap and contributing valuable knowledge to the fields of syntax and semantics.
Nicknames among Swati clans: A socio-cultural analysis
(WYDAWNICTWO NAUKOWE UNIWERSYTETU IM, 2024) Matfunjwa, Muzi; Mlambo, Respect; Skosana, Nomsa
Nicknames are common in African societies. In Swati families, the use of nicknames is widespread and almost every member of a family possesses one. The nicknames are given to people in addition to their personal names from a young age until adulthood. This paper aims to explore nicknames bestowed on people within Swati families. This study is qualitative and adopts a socio-onomastic approach. The researchers used participant observation to collect data to gain insight into how nicknames are bestowed on family members and to establish their meanings. A total of 51 nicknames were collected and analysed. It was established that nicknames are given based on the socio-cultural traits of the family and society. It was also ascertained that nicknames are derived from an individual’s character, physical appearance, prominent people’s names, remarkable events, and short forms of personal names. Some nicknames are meaningful while others are meaningless. They are used as informal identities within the family setting and in the community. Contribution: This study contributes to the body of knowledge in Siswati onomastics, specifically Swati nicknames. It reveals how nicknames are formed and bestowed on nickname bearers within clan or family settings. The study also reveals cultural nuances associated with nicknames given in Swati families