Die sonnet as digvorm in Noord-Sotho

Abstract

THE AIM: The aim of this treatise is to evaluate the Northern Sotho sonnet, within the framework of the generally accepted fundamental characteristics of poetry, to the extent that this is being realized distinctively within the sonnet form as a sub-genre of poetry. METHOD: Because the sonnet form is in the first place poetry, the investigator must familiarize himself fully with the generally accepted principles that form the basis of poetry. Within this wide framework the more specific framework of the sonnet finds its existence as a sub-genre of poetry. The sonnet as poetic form is however being distinctively qualified by certain characteristics which are unique and which are peculiar to this specific framework. It is therefore essential that this specific framework should be investigated thoroughly in all its facits, which investigation should provide the threshold- level for interpretation and for drawing conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: When screened against the generally accepted fundamental characteristics of poetry as distinctively realized in the sonnet form, the Northern Sotho sonnet proved to comply with these requirements to a marked degree. The great difference manifests itself in the rhythmic-metric structure. Because of the particular phonological assembly of Northern Sotho it is not possible to implement iambic pentametre. The accentual verse (heffingsvers) has been employed as point of departure and accordingly the metrication of the Northern Sotho sonnet has resulted in a more or less constant repetition of three tonal stresses (heffinge) at approximately even intervals in each line of verse. The final conclusion: By means of adequate proof a worthy position for the sonnet as sub-genre within the Norhtern Sotho poetry has been ascertained.