An analysis of the construction of Tswana cultural identity in selected Tswana literary texts

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyse the construction of Setswana cultural identity in the Tswana literary texts : Pelo e ja serati; Dintshontsho tsa lorato; Maragana; Magagana; Pelo e ntsho, Matlhotlhapelo; Bogosi kupe and Moji Motlhabi. Chapter One outlines and motivates the aims and objectives, the basic problem and indicates the method thereof. In chapter two, the Batswana cultural identity is explored. A broad overview of the secondary literature on four themes in Batswana culture is given. The chapter indicates the history of the Batswana in South Africa, their groupings in the Western Tswana and in the Eastern Tswana. A brief history of the Batswana in Botswana and in South Africa is also given. The distinctive feature of the Batswana identity and the importance of the Batswana cultural aspects are examined. The meaning of these aspects is drawn out and elaborated to its final conclusion. Lastly, the link between literature and cultural identity is conceptualised. In chapter three the construction of cultural identity in Setswana culture according to interviewees is explored. The life-history of the interviewees and their response to the selected cultural aspects are given. Their feelings of being Batswana are also examined. In chapter four a critical analysis of the texts used in this study is given. They all problematise and deal with four important cultural practices of the Batswana, viz. marriage customs, chieftainship, ancestors, witchcraft and traditional healing. In the last chapter the conclusions of this study are summarised. The central argument was to indicate how cultural identity is maintained, negotiated or transmitted by these texts and how to determine whether these texts can open up new possibilities of being a Motswana. The final findings of the whole study and some recommendations are also presented. The conclusion is that literature maintains, reveals and transmits the Batswana culture, not only to the youths out there, but also to the older people in order to recognise its importance and their cultural identity.