African languages and literary studies in particular, have always been taught from a Eurocentric perspective without exploring other roles of indigenous literary works such as literature for healing, linguistic intimacy, social cohesion and moral regeneration. The author believes that perpetuation of this Eurocentric approach has resulted in confusion as far as social and cultural identity as well as morality is concerned because African languages are taught through the lens of a foreign language, perspective and culture. The author thus concludes that this has somewhat contributed towards moral decay, among many other problems. This paper draws from the ‘literary and cultural studies’ that focuses more on early writers of isiXhosa literature with the aim of fostering moral transformation towards social cohesion, moral regeneration as well as individual and collective healing. Critical discourse analysis (CDA), a qualitative research approach will be used to analyse and interpret classical and contemporary isiXhosa texts using Nontsizi Mgqwetho’s political poetry, SEK Mqhayi’s classical writings as well as Ncedile Saule’s contemporary narratives and Athambile Masola’s socio-political poetry within the frameworks of African indigenous rites of passage rooted on political, religious, cultural and spiritual beliefs and perspectives to achieve these aims: (i) guide individual and collective moral conduct; (ii) support and strengthen collective societal perspectives, challenges and relations; and (iii) support individual and communal healing. The paper will therefore apply thematic analysis to prove the benefits of this approach by focusing on rites of passage, religion and spiritual perspectives, literary works as social-moral compass, and educational implications.

Authors:
Sebolelo Mokapela, University of Western Cape, South Africa

About the Presenter(s)
Dr S Mokapela is a Senior Lecturer in African Language Studies Dept at the University of Western Cape, a Mellon Inclusive Professoriate Program and IMPACT (Interdisciplinary Mentorship Program for Advancement of Collaborative Partnerships) recipient

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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