A study of written Zulu praise poems

Abstract

This study begins by tracing the biographical histories of various persons who have been the subjects of Zulu praise poems. These histories are then studied in relation to the praise poems themselves. Various literary theories are then discussed and assessed to see how they have contributed to the study of written praise poems. The respective characteristics of oral and written praise poems are then identified and examined. The communicative aspects of praise poetry are also identified. The internal and external aspects of poetry are traced and examined in various examples of poetry. A clear distinction between oral and written poetry in terms of sender and recipient is drawn; poetry transmitted in writing can reach a wide audience at schools and universities, as well as the community at large while oral poetry does not have this potential. Imagery is widely employed in written praise poetry. These images range from references to wild animals such as the buffalo and elephant but also to domestic animals. The various colours of birds' feathers are also used in praise poetry to indicate celebrity and honour. Snakes, butterflies and house-crickets are used to symbolize certain movements of praised people, although some of these images may appear to be inappropriate. The study concludes with the examination of imagery as used in written Zulu praise poetry.