An exploration into the verbal and non-verbal social use of the Sepedi language in the Pedi culture

Abstract

Background: People of the Pedi culture place great value on their culture and maintaining their cultural ways. They specifically place great value and take pride in adhering to their culture in the manner in which they communicate verbally and non-verbally. Little is however documented about the ways in which verbal and non-verbal language is used socially, and the rules that govern social use of language especially across generations and genders in the Pedi culture. Methodology: This research study aimed to explore how verbal and non-verbal social communication is used in the home context by Pedi families. A qualitative research design was employed, underpinned by the principles of direct participant observations and semi-structured interviews. A total number of 22 participants from seven families were the sample size, and non-probability purposive sampling was utilised. The obtained data were analysed through thematic analysis. Results: The results showed how Pedi people engage in social communication in a variety of social contexts, and when practicing their beliefs, utilising norms dictated by their culture. The themes that emerged included respect as a form of communication in the Pedi culture, as well as how verbal language is used when initiating topics, providing input, and during conflict resolution. Pragmatics does exist in the Pedi culture, as they have cultural rules that govern their social execution of verbal and non-verbal communication, however, it is not termed pragmatics. Conclusion: The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of how verbal and non- verbal language is used in the Pedi culture, and are concerned with igniting further interest into how language is used verbally and non-verbally in other African cultures found within the South African context. Implications and recommendations: There is clear necessity for SLPs to develop a thorough understanding of how verbal and non-verbal language is used in African cultures, so as to apply this knowledge when providing services. The body of knowledge about pragmatics, particularly, what pragmatics is defined as in African languages is lacking. Research in this area is thus needed