Non-verbal communication in Tshivenda: a sociolinguistic and discourse analysis

Abstract

This study examines the role of non-verbal communication among the Vhavenḓa. It must be borne in mind that in comparison with verbal communication non-verbal communication tends to be perceived less accurately. This seems to be because every culture interprets body language, gestures, postures and vocal noises differently. Thus, in many instances, non-verbal communication tends to be misinterpreted and misunderstood. This is the problem that the study investigated and the findings of the study may help to indicate ways that can be used to interpret non-verbal communication in Tshivenḓa correctly. From the data collected, the study showed that there are several types of non-verbal communication that Tshivenḓa speakers use regularly. These are silence, kinesics, postures, facial expressions, heptics, proxemics and time. The study has adopted the qualitative research approach to collect and analyse the data. Using this approach, the study determined that there are several meanings that the Vhavenḓa associate with the aforementioned types of non-verbal communication. For instance, silence is largely associated with respect, good manners and satisfaction. Kinesics actions, such as kneeling down, denote kindness, honour and welcome. The study also shows the disadvantages of non-verbal communication which are part of silence, such as an indication of hatred, loneliness and witchcraft. In the main, the study shows that non-verbal communication in the Tshivenḓa culture is also gender based. For example, men are discouraged from walking behind their women as they would be deemed to be stupid, weak and lacking in leadership qualities. This fosters gender stereotypes and inequality between males and females - aspects which the constitution of the country discourages. The results of the study have led to several recommendations of which the following are the more prominent ones: as silence is not always golden Tshivenḓa-speakers should be encouraged to voice their feelings rather than remain in bondage forever and good manners should be encouraged as long as their realisation does not trample on people’s rights - regardless of their gender. Crucially, the study also recommends that life is dynamic and some cultural attributes that were fashionable in the past are no longer so today. Therefore, men especially should be taught to accept the new democratic order which accords everyone the respect they deserve - regardless of age, gender and religion.