The use and value of lullabies and nursery rhymes : a perspective on IsiXhosa children's literature

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed at finding an understanding of the value and use of lullabies among amaXhosa children. Three districts in the Eastern Cape were selected for interviews where the selection was done among grandmothers, mothers and caregivers. The impact on the value and the use of lullabies is discussed in the study based on their personal views and experiences, as they were involved in raising their children and grandchildren. There is a noticeable gap in the lack of knowledge of these lullabies and nursery rhymes among the children of the selected districts. The data were collected, coded and analysed based on the research objectives that were outlined at the beginning of the study. Findings of the study revealed the value of the lullabies and the nursery rhymes and the need to bring them back in schools and homes as they pass the knowledge and cultural heritage to a new generation, which might be beneficial to the holistic development of the child.

Injongo yolu phando kukufumanisa ukubaluleka kokusetyenziswa kwengoma zabantwana kuhlanga lwamaXhosa. Uphando luzakuqhutywa kwiidolophana zaseMpuma Nkoloni ezintathu, apho kukhethwe oomakhulu, oomama kunye nabagcini-bantwana baba yinxalenye yodliwano-ndlebe. Impembelelo yokubaluleka kweengoma zabantwana kolu phando zithatyathwe kwizimvo namava abo nanjengoko beyinxalenye yokukhulisa abantwana nabazukulwana babo. Kukho ukusilela kolwazi lwezi ngoma zabantwana kwezizixekwana zikhethiweyo eMpuma-Koloni. Ulwazi luthe lwaqokelelwa, lwagqwethwa ukuze lungaqondwa ngumntu wonke lwaze lwahlalutywa ngokusekelwe kwiinjongo (objectives) ezithe zavezwa kwisihloko sokuqala esiphambili sophando. Iziphumo zophando zibonisa ukuba ngenene imilolozelo iyadingeka ezikolweni nasemakhaya nanjengoko isisithuthi yokudlulisa ulwazi nenkcubeko yakwaXhosa kwisizukulwano esitsha esithi sixhamle ekukhuleni kwaso.