Abstract:
The aim of this study was to compare anaphors between Xitsonga and English. This
study was to find out if there are any similarities and differences of anaphors between
Xitsonga and English. The researcher also wanted to find the functions of anaphors in
Xitsonga and English, the types of anaphors, as well as surface structures and deep
structures of anaphors in Xitsonga and English. The researcher looked at the syntax
of Xitsonga and English focusing on anaphors. The similarities and differences were
discovered, the types of anaphors in Xitsonga and English, the functions of anaphors
in Xitsonga and English, as well as the surface structure and the deep structure of
anaphors in Xitsonga and English were compared. The interpretation and meaning of
anaphors are the same but varies in syntax constructions.
The findings of the study are that there are two types of anaphors in Xitsonga and in
English, which are reflexives and reciprocals. In Xitsonga, prefixes of verbs form
reflexivity, for example ‘tirhandza’ (loves herself). The prefix ti- from the verb tirhandza
forms reflexivity. On the other hand, reciprocals are formed by suffixes, for example;
‘rhandzana’ (love each other). The suffix -ana from the verb rhandzana form
reciprocity. This means anaphors in Xitsonga are formed by verbs. English uses
pronouns like ‘himself’, ‘herself’ and ‘themselves’ to identify their anaphors. The study
suggests that scholars must do further research on anaphors between Xitsonga and
English. Academics, linguists among others, must be interviewed as they may have
better interpretation of anaphors between Xitsonga and English.
