Analysing Figurative Language in the Book of Proverbs from Mahungu Lamanene Xitsonga Bible

Authors

  • Respect Mlambo

    South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR), Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Potchefstroom, North West 2520, South Africa
  • Ndzalama Maluleke

    School of Languages and Communication Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, Limpopo 0727, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i6.9307
Received: 1 April 2025 | Revised: 8 May 2025 | Accepted: 19 May 2025 | Published Online: 8 June 2025

Abstract

The Xitsonga Bible, a translation of the Holy Scriptures into Xitsonga, is a notable literary work that not only communicates the deep spiritual teachings of the original texts but also showcases the expressive richness of the Xitsonga. This translation marked a significant milestone in bringing the Christian faith to Vatsonga. This article explores the use of figurative language in the book of Proverbs from the Mahungu Lamanene Xitsonga Bible (MLXB) version, emphasising how these literary devices enhance the clarity, depth, and emotional resonance of the text. Using a descriptive qualitative method, the study employed content analysis to examine figurative language in the MLXB version, drawing on Perrine’s theory of figurative language and a pragmatic perspective. The profound results reveal six types of figurative language: metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, proverbs, and paradox, each contributing distinct meanings to the verses based on their context. Among these, metaphors and similes were the most frequently used, underscoring their pivotal role in conveying complex spiritual and moral teachings in a relatable manner. Meanwhile, hyperbole, proverbs, and paradoxes were among the less frequently identified figurative language. The study underscores the complexity and richness of the Xitsonga Bible, demonstrating the nuanced interplay between language and interpretation in conveying wisdom and insights.

Keywords:

Xitsonga; Figurative Language; Bible; Pragmatic Theory; Perrine’s Theory

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How to Cite

Mlambo, R., & Maluleke, N. (2025). Analysing Figurative Language in the Book of Proverbs from Mahungu Lamanene Xitsonga Bible. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(6), 632–649. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i6.9307

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 6 (July 2025)

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Article

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Copyright © 2025 Respect Mlambo, Mr Maluleke

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.