THE FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE OF SEXUAL PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF CINAMWALI SONGS OF THE NGONI PEOPLE OF MTENGULENI IN CHIPATA DISTRICT OF EASTERN ZAMBIA

Charity Khondowe; Gankhanani Moffat Moyo

Charity Khondowe Hillside Girls Secondary School, Chipata, Zambia
Gankhanani Moffat Moyo University of Zambia

Keywords: Figurative Analysis, Cinamwali Sexual Performance Songs, Ngoni People

Abstract

Abstract This article examined the figurative devices used in the composition of Cinamwali sexual performance songs of the Ngoni people of Mtenguleni in Chipata District of Eastern Zambia. Using the phonological, lexical-semantic, and syntactic levels of stylistic analysis, it was established that the songs embody messages for imparting skills of sexual performance in marriage; onomatopoeias, metaphors, symbolism, personification, and refrain. It was established that poetic devices were used to enhance understanding and perception of ideas, bring abstract situations to life, facilitate easy flow and connection of ideas, condemn and exalt certain behaviours related to sexual performance in marriage, and many others.

Author Biographies

Charity Khondowe, Hillside Girls Secondary School, Chipata, Zambia

Charity Khondowe is a secondary school teacher of language and literature. A holder of a Bachelor of Arts with Education (English with Linguistics and African Languages) and a Master of Arts in Literature, both from the University of Zambia, she has special interest in studying language style from an indigenous cultural perspective and furthermore, from a gender point of view, specifically relating to women.

Gankhanani Moffat Moyo, University of Zambia

Gankhanani Moffat Moyo is Zambia’s UNESCO-recognised international expert on Intangible Cultural Heritage. A PhD candidate reading novelness in the Zimbabwean novel, he teaches literature and culture at the University of Zambia in the Department of Arts, Languages and Literary Studies. He has published widely on literature and culture and has mentored many in his area of specialisation. His research interests include literary theory, theory of the novel and cultural studies, specifically Intangible Cultural Heritage.