Through our indigenous greeting terms, we are identified: a study of Tshivenḓa from Tshimbupfhe, Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the importance of indigenous Tshivenḓa greeting terms as a means of social identification among Tshimbupfhe residents from the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), South Africa. Indigenous Tshivenḓa greeting terms constitute a significant part of verbal behaviour through which the cultural practices of a society can be maintained as aspects of speakers’ identity. Disregarding these forms of greeting in any formal communication setting may result in a loss of identity, respect, and dignity, as well as causing misunderstandings, language shift, and death. The study adopted face-to-face semi-structured interviews to collect data. The theoretical framework used was the social identity theory (SIT). The findings of this study revealed that Tshivenḓa forms of greeting are not only for greeting purposes; they are also used as identity markers. Consequently, the study recommended that Tshivenḓa speakers, especially the youth, should not compromise on using their native forms of greeting, regardless of modernisation, as it is the only way that they can easily identify themselves and display politeness in any communication encounter. The study contributes to the maintenance and understanding of these forms of greeting as tools for identification.