Sesotho Personal Names As Epithets: a Systemic Functional Linguistics Approach

Sesotho Personal Names as Epithets: A Systemic Functional Linguistics Approach [PP: 43-56] Masechaba Mahloli L Mokhathi-Mbhele Faculty of Humanities, National University of Lesotho Lesotho ABSTRACT This study examined how the epithet feature of the nominal group described by Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) theory characterized independent clause Sesotho personal names. These names were described as authentic social discourse that exchanges information. Their semantics of interaction displayed speech roles such as statements, demands and commands, as questions and as the exclamative. The aim was to explore how these epithet personal names structured with features of these speech roles give the name awarder’s evaluation of the situation (modality) and context in which the child was born. They function as enacted messages pointing in various ways because these speech roles enfold the art of negotiating attitudes and through this art modality is highly incorporated. Data was collected from national examinations pass lists, admissions, telephone directories, media and employment roll lists from Public, Private, Tertiary and Orphanage institutions. Methodology is qualitative and it allows the researcher to make sense of or interpret phenomena in terms of meanings that people bring to them. It explores and describes the names within a specific context of Basotho and thus attempts to make meanings from the language users’ view, not fabricated views. In this way it displays modality and the negotiated attitudes. These help investigate the “why” and the “how” of the people’s decision making. The contribution by this article extends SFL-Onomastica relation and literature and opens up grammatical description functionally using material resourced from the speakers’ creative potential. It ensures contextual functionality of language use. Keywords: Epithet Feature, Nominal Group, Experiential And Interpersonal Meaning, Modality, Negotiating Attitudes ARTICLE The paper received on Reviewed on Accepted after revisions on INFO 15/03/2020 20/06/2020 20/07/2020 Suggested citation: Mokhathi-Mbhele, M. (2020). Sesotho Personal Names as Epithets: A Systemic Functional Linguistics Approach. International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies. 8(2). 43-56.

1. Introduction Nonetheless, these epithet structured Personal names or onomastica belong names are significant because they allow yet to the nominal group because they are another interdependence of functional proper nouns and furthermore, they denote linguistics and onomastica already identified people. As it is the case with all personal in deictic quantitative and numerative forms, names of Basotho, these names structured as they also display an added tributary flow of Epithets draw their structure and function form-meaning approach using onomastica, from the general basis of encountered social functions are explicated and thus the experiences of Basotho adults. The adults, long-lived culture of (unschooled) Basotho normally the grandparents express their is viewed from a different and probably new experiences concerning the events around angle. The lexico-grammatical feature each baby’s birth using any form and epithet displayed provides creative potential to formed names add to the groups identified extend experience and history based and still to be presented. Further, they are, as language. They create what Eggins (1996, with other names, based on resemblance of p.119) refers to as “a new sign, an arbitrary the ancestors and they are also clan based or pairing of content and expression” This says depicting (though the clans and their totems these names are a semiotic expression. shall not be discussed in this paper). It is Personal names of Basotho are intended to worthy to note that the SFL epithet feature deliver messages, normally, to the counter on Sesotho names does not seem to have families (patri-lineal) particularly in the been recorded in the literature of the event of dispute or pain caused by the nominal group and therefore there has not patrilieal family to the matrilineal family – been any previous literature to base this for instance, with an out of wedlock baby or study on. This is why the description lack of observation on the rituals for the provided is taken to be a renaissance. matrilineal family or the baby. Basotho

International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies (www.eltsjournal.org) ISSN:2308-5460 Volume: 08 Issue: 02 April-June, 2020 sometimes use personal names to share, with the other hand, takes care of the social the present and remote future public their interaction between speakers within the attitude and experience(s) about the same speech community with all the general patrilineal family’s treatment to them. Since features of the language in question – a personal name is a deeply inscribed sounds, words, phrases, sentences, message, the message is permanent even utterances, pragmatic entities observed and after the name owner’s death because as considered from the same view point by Madibuile (1995) asserts, “a man’s name is participants and observers. As participants his possession until his dying day”. Epithet interact, interpersonal function is inevitable. names, as with other forms of names, reflect In relation to interpersonal epithets the attitude of the grandparent as the Halliday explains that most of them “are awarder since the biological parents name adjectives of size, quality and age” and with with the volition of the grandparents or such, it is newly observed that this feature is when the grand parents have passed on. This found in the personal names of Basotho as is the cultural practice though it is currently will be discussed. It was observed that these compromised as parents choose to name epithet characteristics are noted in the their offspring and grandparents become description of the Adjective by the formalist spectators when the decisions are made by analysts of Sesotho grammar (cf. Guma biological parents. The objective is to 1971, p.101-104) and it is interesting that the establish that Sesotho names bear the grammar of Sesotho has features that can features of SFL epithet nominal group. The also be described from the SFL view. nominal feature of epithet Sesotho personal A further note to make is that SFL names is actually based on the logical epithets are non-finite or verbless because structure of the nominal group which uses they do not have an active verb in their the head noun as its determiner. The names structure and they are also non-specific. This described in this article are expressed as verbless feature is also shared by Sesotho epithets in their form. They function as grammarians such as Guma (1971, p.160), propositions that say ‘something is or is not’ Doke and Mofokeng, (1967, p.328) and (Eggins 1996:177). They negotiate attitudes Makara and Mokhathi (1992, p.45) as well and enfold modality. Modality in SFL as the subsequent authors who have actually reflects how awarders evaluate the contexts rewritten Guma’s version using Sesotho in which these names were awarded and language. That is to say that presentations of such are discussed in this article. Epithets the grammar of Sesotho by the subsequent share sisterhood with the deictic form and writers, is more of a translation of Guma’s both are found in the nominal group. work with some modifications not so 2. The SFL Epithet Feature significant than a new contributions. They An epithet is presented by Halliday continue a de-contextual description of (2001, p.184) as some quality of either an Sesotho grammar despite Eggins, (1996, objective property of the thing itself or an p.177) explanation that epithets in SFL expression of the speaker’s subjective indicate quality of information and attitude. attitude towards the ‘Thing’. Halliday (2001, This feature was noted in the function of p.184) explains that in Systemic Functional these Sesotho names as propositions that Linguistics ‘Thing’ may represent a ‘noun, a may be affirmed or denied. Propositions are phrase or a clause’. It belongs to the nominal defined by Eggins (1996, p.177) as group. Objectivity marks experiential “something that can be argued in a particular function or meaning whereas subjectivity way and it can be affirmed or denied”. takes the interpersonal meaning. Added to Eggins note is a further note by Experiential function is also noted as Martin and Rose (2007, p.15) who claim that ideational and these are noted as meta- epithets further negotiate either positive or functions by Halliday. negative attitudes. The attitudes display the Halliday (2001, p.xv) suggests that name awarder’s evaluation of the birth “all languages are organized around the situation and such is noted as modality. In ideational or reflective and interpersonal or this article, modality comprises the context active kinds of meaning or meta-functions.” in which the child was born as it has been He clarifies that meta-functions are used to investigate the “why” and the “how” manifestations in the linguistic system of of the awarder’s decision making. It tells the three very general purposes which underlie story of the actual and possible socio- all uses of language. He further presents that culturally enfolded experiences of the the experiential or ideational function is an awarder in relation to the child’s birth. The experience. The Interpersonal function, on names display an independent clause feature

Cite this article as: Mokhathi-Mbhele, M. (2020). Sesotho Personal Names as Epithets: A Systemic Functional Linguistics Approach. International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies. 8(2). 43-56. Page | 44

Sesotho Personal Names as Epithets: A Systemic Functional … Masechaba Mahloli L Mokhathi-Mbhele

and therefore forward completeness of form use of infused forms is Dahl’s strategy to and meaning. Halliday (2001, p.184) allots assist inexperienced readers to decode the that epithets that mark size, quality and age attitudes and emotions of characters are interpersonal epithets. This view was correctly as it happens with these epithet confirmed by these names because they are names. used by awarders to express information It was further noted that it is an about people they are related with. This infused form that contains the logico- explanation is a new dispensation of SFL semantics of quoting and reporting speech epithet feature in relation to the Sesotho and thoughts, the verbless ngata enfolds the names to be described in this article. explicit clause of ‘talking’ or ‘speaking’ 3. Sesotho Personal Names with Epithet noted as ‘say’ or ‘think’ as information is Feature normally ‘spoken’ or ‘thought’ about. The In the analysis of Sesotho personal name is a report of information ‘heard’ or names with an independent clause structure, ‘thought about’ and thus it qualifies to be an Mokhathi-Mbhele (2014, p.110) discusses epithet. Sesotho names with the epithet feature. This name Tabalingata ‘a lot of or These epithets describe the Subject in the too much information’ also reflects the nominal group. They bear the features of a subjective attitude of the awarder because in descriptive word class, that being the his/her view information that he/she did not Adjective. Such Sesotho personal names anticipate would come out has leaked. bear a non-finite or verbless structure, and He/she is concerned and worried that more such are non-specific propositions. Eggins than expected is in the public yet it was not (2004, p.271) explains that verbless the awarder’s intention. Identification of structures do not contain a verb of ‘saying or attitude in this name suggests that Sesotho ‘doing’. In this way they are non-specific names expressed as epithets negotiate thus the action depicted is ‘infused’. attitudes. Martin and Rose (2007, p.8) An example is the name: subdivide attitude into positive and negative 1. Tabalingata [tabadiηata] ‘there is too attitude. They further present that there is much/a lot of information’. specific attitude and there is non - specific The Subject is Taba ‘news or attitude. As noted that Tabalingata is information’ and it is the contracted form of verbless, it is interesting that though verbless Litaba ‘news or information’ and ngata ‘too feature may be non-specific, the objective much’ or ‘a lot of or ‘too many’ reflects property and the subjective attitude in this non-specific size or amount. The accurate name are context specific. This observation translation in this case is ‘too much’. The confirms the systemic view that “grammar is name Tabalingata is an affirmed proposition non-arbitrary” (Halliday 2001:xii). The that has objectively expressed judgment of observation reflects in this name as a the awarder and it is a non-finite because it declarative independent clause used with a does not have a sign of a verb in its specific meaning within a specific context. structure. The awarder is objective because The information is subjectively as this statement portrays evaluation of affirmed as ‘too much’ because the awarder matters, it is dependent on context. did not want information that goes beyond This non-specific feature advocates his/her determination. His/her judgment says that the structure is an infused form. Eggins the information (known) at hand about the (2004:271) explains that infused forms occur baby has surpassed his/her measurement or in the case when speakers use a clause that limits probably because he/she lacked does not contain a verb of saying or specific facts about the actual amount of thinking, in the logico-semantics of quoting information. The awarder is concerned and and reporting speech and thoughts. Such worried about these limits but is not able to logico-semantics use any of their many pin-point the specific facts that lead to this synonyms to solicit a projection relationship. decision. The lack may result from the This observation unearths Dahl’s preferred massive quantity of points which the style of dialogue, (in Eggins 2004:274) in awarder prefers to present in non-specific which he prefers not to use the simple verb terms. The awarder is actually reporting or ‘say’ but to infuse the projecting verb with tabling his or her view about the discussed meanings about the manner in which information in the community. something is said or discussed and oral discussion is Basotho’s main delivery route The epithet ngata ‘a lot’ or ‘too much’ of information of the issues around the is the guiding and determining element into newly born babies. Eggins clarifies that the the meaning of the name structure in

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International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies (www.eltsjournal.org) ISSN:2308-5460 Volume: 08 Issue: 02 April-June, 2020 context. It indicates quality of information other than self. This view says interpersonal and attitude assumed by the awarder. It is function refers in Sesotho names as epithets. non-specific because it cannot be This is a new observation to formalist specifically rated. This name submits to analysts. Halliday’s (2001:184) view that the The name also bears ellipsis as a objectivity marks experiential function cohesive marker. The elliptic character of whereas the subjectivity takes the this epithet name presents that there is interpersonal meaning because the awarder ellipsis of the contents that are said to be experiences the happenings objectively but ‘too much’. This ellipsis marks the her decision that the news is ‘too much’ interpersonal function because they relate expresses his/her feeling, emotions and the awarder directly to the news but therefore, his/her subjective powers. The indirectly to all who know the hidden news objective and subjective functions interact in about the newly born as names are awarded this name and such an interaction says when a baby is born. As Halliday (2001, Sesotho structure allows an interaction of p.xv) explains, interpersonal function deals the experiential and interpersonal functions with participants and non-participants, their of a single structure in context. The statuses and their roles, their power interaction occurs between the awarder and relations. As this name is a comment, it the audience as well as within the structure reports the awarder’s concern and the itself. Halliday and Hasan (1987, p.4) note awarder seems to have the power to decide that when there is interaction that displays on the amount of information to be known to com[lateness within a structure such an all. As a comment it is declarative and it interaction is deduced as cohesion and it thus advocates that SFL epithets display reflects in different ways. mood. The awarder is quietly interjecting to As noted that according to Halliday self and this leads us to another mood and Hasan (1987, p.4) completeness of displayed as the exclamative. The name meaning is attained through cohesion it forms the declarative-exclamative mood and produces unity in a structure and they say it supports Halliday’s (2001, p.45) view that that speakers of a language can decide, on exclamative is found in declarative. Some hearing or reading a structure, “whether it elliptic names are enumerative as in: forms a whole or is just a collection of 2. (U) Nthoesele [(ōnthɔesele) ‘(You are) unrelated sentences”. They claim that the rubbish’ concept of cohesion is basically semantic or exclamative copulative: because it has that semantic relation between 3. Lenna [lenna] ‘and me too’ or ‘and I’ an element in the text and some other or WH- interrogative possessive built with element that is crucial to its interpretation. MOOD Subject presented as a Concord – This other element must be found in the text possessive as in: to show the relationship of the presupposing 4. Lebamang [lebamaη] ‘to whom do you and the presupposed. It may refer, may be belong?’ understood in absence or when omitted, and descriptive with Subject Noun-possessive may be replaced by another word. Such WH- interrogative adjunct such as: elements function as cohesive ties. In 5. Ngoan’amang [ηwanamaη] ‘the child of Tabalingata these features reflect as it is who?’ > ‘whose child?’ observed that there is reference of the 6. Mor’amang [mōramaη] ‘the son of who?’ > contracted or omitted concord Subject Li ‘whose son?’ [di] of LiTaba [ditaba] ‘news/information’ or descriptive with Subject concord- which duplicates between the noun Taba possessive WH- adjunct as in: ‘news or information’ and the epithet ngata 7. Kemang [ke maη] ‘I am who?’ which is ‘too much’. In Tabalingata, li functions as ‘who am I?’ an anaphoric reference of Litaba. This kind 8. Umang [ōmaη] ‘you are who?’ which is of clipping is normal in the Sesotho ‘who are you?’ language and Sesotho analysts subscribe to 9. Ke’ng [ke:η] ‘it is what?’ which is ‘what am this fact with many examples in the nominal I? LLH or ‘what is it?’ HHL and verbal groups. In this name is also or exclamative locative such as: identified the features of either intra- 10.Tšoenetooe ‘you monkey!’ personal communication because the or eclamative derogation such as: speaker may be whining or quietly talking to 11.Kobothupeng ‘stick on blanket’ self or it may be interpersonal or declarative response as in: communication because the speaker is 12.Kemong [kemōη] ‘I am alone’ engaged in a conversation with an audience

Sesotho Personal Names as Epithets: A Systemic Functional … Masechaba Mahloli L Mokhathi-Mbhele

13.Esaleeena [esalejέna] ‘it remains the elaboration, extension and enhancement…”. same’ or literally ‘still the same’ Lenna is actuall y an elaboration or extension 14.Haseletho [haselethɔ] ‘there is nothing of the second speaker that agrees with the wrong’ ie ‘there is no reason’ or ‘it is first speaker’s ellipsed information in nothing’ LHHH; discourse. The second speaker who responds All the exemplified names are verbless by saying Lenna presents a response that and they denote quality and thus they qualify completes the message initiated by the first to be epithets of quality. They have speaker. unearthed a new observation for both the The name Lenna ‘me too’ or ‘and I’ is formalists and systemic linguists that the a text that completes meaning with “a SFL epithet can build various mood systems, unified whole” sense and it is contextual in form non-finite structures using the WH- the discourse going on. It indicates that the interrogative, locative circumstantial, mingle awarder is conversing with the audience declarative with exclamative mood, display may be proudly that he or she has finally got verbless negative polarity as in Haseletho, his or her desire – the baby - and he or she and they can use the pronoun as a nominal has the reason to be positive and jubilate. complement as in Esaleeena where eena This is because normally this clause is ‘him/her’ is the pronoun complement. The uttered with excitement regardless of bracketed ‘you are’ in (U) Nthoesele is whether the awarder’s modality or ellipsed and this feature confirms that evaluation expressed says ‘something is or ellipsis as a cohesive device occurs in something is not’. The name is a response epithet Sesotho names. This ellipsis that confirms a co-textual declarative. A indicates annoyance portrayed by the new observation not shared earlier is that the speaker who in this case is the name pronoun functions as a nominal complement awarder. There is also ellipsed information in the formation of SFL epithets of quality in Lenna which describes the inclusion of that expresses the function of excitement. the speaker in relation to the matter in Esaleeena ‘still the same one’ as an discussion which is not spelled out but additional epithet that ends with a pronoun understood by the target audience. It has ‘I’ as nominal complement denotes repetition of as the nominal complement. Guma (1971, p. the aforementioned person whose sex has 54) notes that such a structure is termed a been duplicated in this family. Eena Copulative formed from a subject concord ‘him/her/one’ introduces another cohesive followed by a verbless base which in this tie known as substitution. In this tie a case is a pronoun nna ‘I’. The structure is pronoun replaces the original noun and in that of Conjunction-Complement > Le-nna. this name eena has replaced an unspecified This structure is a new observation in the person. It expresses the quality referred to in description of Sesotho grammar because context. As the baby is the same sex as that Guma (1971, p.56) uses the conjunction le to already experienced, the awarder is ‘fed up’ form an Associative Copulative but a new as this same sex of the newly born stretches observation is that the conjunction Le ‘and’ that of elders and not the expected different can form SFL epithets. SFL unearths its one. Eena is an unspecified but understood capability as a Conjunctive adjunct. In SFL, substitute of the noun. as presented by Eggins (1996, p. 169) a In the case of the name Keeena Conjunctive Adjunct is a textual adjunct [keyέna] (LLH) ‘I am the one or him/her’ or “expressed by conjunctions, (that) functions [kέyέna] ‘it is him/her’(HHL); there is an to provide linking relations between one observation that tone, which Guma (1971, clause and another”. The forms related in p.23) claims is a crucial element in Sesotho this name include the ellipsed first speaker as an African language is evident even in and nna ‘I’, a pronoun which functions on epithets. This is a new observation in the behalf of the second speaker noun. description of SFL epithets. The initial tone An interesting explanation of SFL displays pride of the speaker and such is which concurs with that of Sesotho grammar actually the name awarder who presents is that conjunctive adjuncts “…typically his/her pride as if it is the baby who swanks. occur at the beginning of the clause but they Eggins (2004, p. 274) notes that this feature can occur at other points” (Eggins, 1996, is a ‘tint’ and it refers to the speaker p.169) and Sesotho grammar clarifies the presenting information as though it is the middle as that other point. A directly presented by the indicated baby. corresponding note from Eggins (1996, The LLH toneme set has an objective p.169) about conjunctive adjuncts is that character of assessment of events. This they express the logical meanings of toneme displays quality epithet name as it is

International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies (www.eltsjournal.org) ISSN:2308-5460 Volume: 08 Issue: 02 April-June, 2020 Page | 47

International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies (www.eltsjournal.org) ISSN:2308-5460 Volume: 08 Issue: 02 April-June, 2020 an assessment of events. The awarder’s because LLH marks the declarative and it evaluation here says the counters undermine provides information whereas the question him/her and therefore he/she wants to prove HHL would elicit information. Thus the to him or herself a sense of autonomy and name can either be a declarative or an confidence in self. There is an element of interrogative though still an epithet. Whether emphasis implicit in the articulation and this declarative or interrogative, the name- affirms that the awarder is actually the one surname pair marks a haughty character of speaking as though he/she is the name owner the awarder. A new observation in systemic yet the name belongs to the baby. This act and formalist descriptions that brings up reveals that the awarder’s major intention is mood, in the form of declarative and to make sure that the counters refrain from interrogative, into the epithet feature is their demeaning attitude and deter others presented by this description. from undermining him/her. He/she affirms The complements letho, mang, ‘ng and that ‘something is’ and that ‘something’ is esele are directly non-specific as they cannot the baby. These names have the various be measured distinctively. However, nna ‘I’ syntactic categories as their complements and eena ‘he or she’ are specific on their and these are additional to the claimed own as the first and third person singular nominal complement presented in SFL respectively. A new observation is that they discussions. The new observation is that the introduce us to the feature of number and non-finite can function in an epithet as a person in the SFL epithets as non-finite or complement. verbless name structures. This observation Furthermore, it is worthy to remember suggests new information to SFL that that every name has a surname and epithets, with their verbless character can Mokhathi-Mbhele (2014, p.99) discovered also be built from specific quality bases. that a surname may be a complement in the This says quality epithets can be both non- name-surname pattern. Eggins (1996, p.163) specific and specific. All these epithets bring defines a Complement as a non-essential up a further new observation in the participant in the clause that is somehow put description of Sesotho linguistics that these to effect by the main argument of the names are interpersonal epithets expressed proposition. She continues that it “typically” as adjectives of quality and are derived from belongs to the nominal group. Complement various syntactic categories. is noted by Eggins (1996, p.164) as being in With Lebamang the possessive is different forms. It is interesting that Sesotho expressed as a WH- adjunct. Sesotho personal name epithets can take the nominal analysts present such a structure as a complements as surnames as its sister, qualificative and it is marked in bamang deictic does, and even extend their number ‘whose?’ mang ‘who?’ and ‘ng ’what?’ It as in the example: enquires information about the quality of 15.Keeena Phahamane ‘I am | the people aligned with those asked, it is topmost’ LLH | HHHH verbless and non-specific as mang ‘who?’ It is he/she | seeks enlightenment though in the direction the topmost’ HHH | HHHH of humanity. A name such as Ngoanamang Complement in this name comprises ‘whose child’ is another new note that says the noun Phahamane which means ‘the epithets can enjoy the liberty to project a senior or socially high status person’. It message with either a noun as in ngoana shows social status. This reflects Eggins’ ‘child’, Tšoene ‘monkey’ as in Tšoenetooe (1996, p.163) view that a complement may ‘you monkey!’, a subject concord SC be a nominal. The name in full means ‘I am | ‘you(singular and plural respectively, I’as in the lifted one or the boss’. There is emphasis U from Umang ‘who are you?’, Le in of the social status in which the awarder Lebamang ‘whoise are you?’, Ke in Kemang boasts. It enfolds an element of conflict that ‘who am I?’. The SCs form the MOOD- can be tapped and such would normally be Subjects and they function as the nub of the caused by a jeer from the counters which message to the audience. A further new cynically labeled the awarder “the lifted” observation for description of Sesotho is that one. With this name, the awarder returns the some of the WH-adjunct quality epithet sarcasm fearlessly by confirming the names can form a pattern. Examples sarcasm using the confirmation structure comprise the WH- pattern such as: Keeena ‘I am’. Actually, it functions as a 16.Umang [Umang] ‘who are you? second complement to the non-finite 75.Kemang [Kemang] ‘who am I?’ complement, eena ‘him/her’ already 18. Lebamang [Lebamang] ‘to whom do you discussed. Tone may differentiate meaning belong?’

Sesotho Personal Names as Epithets: A Systemic Functional … Masechaba Mahloli L Mokhathi-Mbhele

19.Rebamang [Rebamang] ‘to whom do we and the view that Sesotho names can reflect belong?’ as independent clauses was initially where the structures are initiated with presented by Mokhathi-Mbhele (2014). The a subject concord (SC). Others even present nouns are bolded. More comprise structures consecutive SCs in one structure as in Le-ba that bear the structure of the direct found in Lebamang? and Re-ba as in possessive to reflect quality. Other patterns Rebamang? The SCs are person-number comprise the noun Ntho ‘Thing’ followed by specific but they produce non-specific a specific syntactic category and the noun meanings because though Le ‘you (pl)’ and identified denotes ‘Thing’. Ntho is a Re ‘we’ specifically denote second person personal as well as a family name among plural and first person plural respectively, Basotho. As noted by Halliday (2001, p.184) they do not give a specific limit of the ‘Thing’ may be a noun. Examples are the number of elements referred to. The exclamatives that use a noun thematically as understanding portrayed says ‘more than in: one’ and it is therefore, non-specific. 24.Ntho’amehla [nthwameɫa] > [nthɔjameɫa] The discussions above make us realize ‘as usual’ a further observation that epithets, verbless 25.Ntho’ateng [nthwatέη] > [nthɔjatέη] ‘as it as they are, display the character of number. always happens’ This is because the LLH presents the 26.Nthofeela [nthɔfεέla] ‘just a thing’ awarder (in the place of the baby) as 27.Nthoana [nthwana] ‘small thing’ referring to self as first person singular Ke 28.Nthontho [nthɔnthɔ] ‘dainty thing’. whereas HHL would refer to the awarder (as These names are verbless and they though it is the baby) as third person form a pattern. Their basis is ‘Thing’ singular. Both reflect as affirming expected to be found in epithets. propositions but LLH is positive and the Ntho’amehla and Ntho’ateng end with the HHL, expressed as an interrogative has a locative and temporal circumstantial negative impact of an insult or ridicule. It adjuncts respectively. They denote “the would be a response move based on heated usual” and normally this usual” would refer emotions between the awarder and the to the same sex born one after another. Both counters. The awarder would be responding are of a possessive nature and that is marked to a ‘middle man’ not the direct addressees. by the ‘a, which is the clip for ea ‘of’. Halliday (2001, p.185 and p.214) refers to Nthofeela is enumerative and derogatory and epithets that use the ‘middle man’ as epithet Nthoana is aesthetic and intimate relation adjectives because they are derived basically based. Denotatively it marks small size but it from the family of adjectives. They are used in this part to show the pattern formed descriptive as adjectives are but as noted by Ntho ‘thing’. Nthontho is a reduplicated Sesotho grammarians refer to this character form and it portrays a cohesive feature of as Copulatives. A new observation in this reduplication. A reduplicated form denoted a case is directed to the grammar of Sesotho repetition of a morpheme and it is a common which does not view structures such as feature in Sesotho language. These names Keeena as an epithet as SFL does. To both are verbless and this qualifies them to be SFL and the formalist grammars it is a new quality epithets as they denote the quality of observation that pronoun can form an epithet ‘Thing’ from various perspectives. The in the field of onomastica because it has not possessive feature of these non-finite or been raised earlier in relation to Sesotho verbless epithets is also found in: language. 29.. Mothooamorena that being: An additional feature that is new with . motho + oa + morena ‘a person who epithets comprises verbless interrogatives belongs to the chief’. that commence with ‘Thing’ as a noun such In this name Motho ‘person’ is the as: Subject and he possessive is oa morena ‘of 20.Mothomang ‘what (kind of a) person?’, the chief’. The descriptive possessive feature 21.Ngoanamang ‘whose child?’, is found in: 22.Moramang ‘whose son?’ and 23.Morenakemang ‘who is the chief?’. . 30.Thakabanna ‘an equal to men’. These names add to the WH- adjunct This name is an ellipsed structure structures noted earlier but they project because in full it should be Thakaeabanna messages with a noun not a SC. With and the possessive marker is ea ‘of’. Thaka Morenakemang there is a concomitant co- ‘person’ is the Subject and ea banna ‘of occurrence of a noun Morena and a SC ke. men’ is the complement. Names with the The name displays an independent clause ‘of…’ structure confirm Halliday’s (2001, p.

International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies (www.eltsjournal.org) ISSN:2308-5460 Volume: 08 Issue: 02 April-June, 2020 Page | 49

International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies (www.eltsjournal.org) ISSN:2308-5460 Volume: 08 Issue: 02 April-June, 2020

) claim that the epithet is a sister to the new observation introduces readers to the deictic form of ‘Thing’ as this possessive fact that the Subject and the non-finite feature is mainly found in the deictic form of feature can form an acceptable structure the nominal group. referred to as an epithet in SFL. Sesotho These are new observations that reflect grammarians refer to such structures as the epithet feature of quality as ngata Copulatives or non-verbal predicates. They described quality in terms of amount, nna are non-specific as well because the quality and eena in terms of one who qualifies to be of the expressed conditions of being part of the identified quality and bamang as ‘dangerous’, ‘hard’, beautiful’, different’, the quality that indicates their origin, letho the one’ do not specify the degree of their as the quality of non-existence, thupeng as expression. They also reflect cohesion locative quality, tooe as an insult or because even though non-specific, speakers derogation and esele as a quality marker of interpret what they hear or read from them difference or distinction. These features meaning that reflects a ‘unified whole’. A have not been presented in the description of condition can be deduced meaningfully. epithets in SFL and thus they are a new An extended new observation is that finding even in the formalist view of these names are all response moves that Sesotho description because they are not complete the discourse by reflecting the described as epithets. As they reflect an awarders’ subjective decision making. They interaction between participants they solicit respond to an ellipsed initial move but they an interpersonal function. Haseletho ‘there are acceptable as such responses occur in a or it is nothing’ introduces us to another new discourse. This is because in Halliday’s feature of the negative polarity in epithets. terms (2001:93) “ellipsis is presupposed In this structure the initial Hase [hase] is a from preceding discourse” and this is negative polarity marker and it denotes non- evident in these names as response moves. existence. It reflects as a new view because They connect an unheard discourse with the such a structure is not commonly known and present dialogue. These names are a used among Basotho as a personal name. continuity of a discourse for they are More epithet names discovered and responding to a former ellipsed explanation tabled below also display ‘quality’ because about a situation. In this case it is about they state the condition of matters around conditions around the baby. They add to the the births of babies in concern. They are declarative feature noted because they just tabled in figure 1 thus: provide information, may be, some of it or all was not known. In this way the names perform an interpersonal function because they bear a sense of a warning or creating awareness about issues pertaining to the babies. Such raised awareness is not specific Figure 1: Sesotho names as quality epithets The names in Figure 1 bear the but understood by the addressees who may concord Subjects Li, Le, Ke, Li, Li. All are be the biological parents or extended family. specific and with the exception of Ke they Likotsi[dikɔtsi] and Lethata have the are in the plural number and this displays a function of warning the addressees in relation to the happenings around the baby. new observation in SFL that Sesotho names with an epithet feature explicate both non- Lintle [dintlε] ‘they are beautiful’ is specific as well as a specific but verbless aesthetic and Lisele [disele] ‘they are feature. These concord Subjects represent different’ is only indication of a situation. the noun Subjects possible in each case. A These explanations serve as features that add general observation, therefore, is that to the functions of quality epithets that are number plays a significant role in the describable using SFL theory. Generally expression of the epithet feature described speaking, structures noted as copulatives in by SFL theory. These names extend that Sesotho grammar function as SFL epithets. new observation not mentioned in SFL in Epithets, therefore, can function as cohesive the description that epithet names display response moves to form a ‘unified whole’. the quality feature. Other name epithets use the locative as The concord Subjects (presented as the their base or complement and such include: first two letters) are elaborated on by the 37. Lethoko ‘you are distant’ LHL 38. Keteng ‘I am here’ LLL. non-finite structures from various word classes (named in the third column of figure These have an embedded meaning of a 1) and such are referred to as epithets. This locative circumstantial but I place them with epithets because they share the form with the

Sesotho Personal Names as Epithets: A Systemic Functional … Masechaba Mahloli L Mokhathi-Mbhele

epithet adjectives. The locative bases have observation for SFL and the formalist added as new elements to those that form grammars. However, there are specific size epithets. These names are non-finite clauses epithets. derived from a locative circumstantial thoko Specific size epithets are formed from which means ‘distant’ and teng which shows two main Sesotho adjective stems holo the close proximity or deixis. Both are which means ‘big’ and nyenyane or nyane propositions that affirm that ‘something is’ meaning ‘small’. Holo augments size and it because the awarders explicitly direct the is found in: message that ‘they are distant’ and ‘he/she is 40.Liholo ‘big (things)’LHH here’ to the addressees. The awarders which should be [dikhōlō]. experience the happenings objectively in 41.Baholo ‘older generation’ distance because that distance is presented 42.Moholo ‘elder’. as “some quality of an objective property of ‘Things’ here range from objects and the thing itself” (Halliday 2001, p.184). statuses to events. Liholo is an affirming Their decisions that the addressees are ‘not proposition and it is awarded mainly to felt’ in Lethoko and the speaker bringing express a wish, in this case, of the awarder attention of the presence of self in Keteng in relation to the baby. It may also express express their feelings, emotions and ridicule to the addressee on the choices of subjective powers. Keteng is a subtle acquaintance that he/she has or makes. invitation by the awarder that he/she is ready Another name that marks specific size is for anything, positive or negative. Basotho noted as: use Keteng in their discourse to confirm 43.Moholoholo ‘ancient person’ or presence and assurance especially when ‘ancestors’. matters are challenging to those addressed. Despite expression of size, this name Sometimes it is a response move in phatic reflects a cohesive tie referred to as communication as a greeting at any time of reduplication and it has reduplicated the size the day. These objective and subjective marker holo ‘big’. The name is a derivation functions interact in this name. The awarder from reduplicated adjective of ‘big’ size to a is confirming presence and readiness to noun by being prefixed with the personal combat any challenge on behalf of the baby. marker Mo-. The meaning displayed is that This name even has Metsing ‘at the water’ of a big size that goes beyond the expected as its surname which functions as a locative limits. However, the direct meaning of the circumstantial. It intensifies the function of word denotes a person of the old times. The challenge posted by the awarder. The name structure refers to a revered person, actually, in full is a declarative: the ancestor of a family or community. Such 39.Keteng Metsing ‘Iam present | at the a reference is made to mark an enfolded waters’ indication that the person referred to had It is noted that the interpersonal desired, revered attributes that need to be function still reflects in these names because continued. In this way, the name is intended in Lethoko, these addressees are identified as to summarize the valued, desired attributes Le ‘you’ (pl) form second person plural. The possessed by the original name owner and awarder presents Le ‘you (pl) at the baby’s this desire is to resuscitate the attribute the birth because this is the time when he/she character of the original owner of the name. needs support of the next of kin. The The name also displays the tradition of addressees are distant probably even respect by Basotho women to their fathers- physically. The name is a non-specific in-law. They are not expected to call their decision because this distance cannot be in-laws by personal names and this tradition specifically measured. Further, the awarder allows them to devise a name that is close to declares this observation with a whine to the the in-law’s real name. This could be why addressees because he/she cannot the awarder decided to name the baby with communicate with the counters comfortably the position of the name owner. about the baby. The whine gives the quality of the awarder’s attitude. This name bears a Another marker of augmented size in negative attitude of discontentment by the Sesotho is hali [hadi] ‘enormous’ and it has awarder. It is noted, therefore, from the formed verbless names such as: above discussion that non-specific epithets 44.Ntjahali [tjahadi] ‘big dog’ may be presented as quality and size in the 45.Tauhali [tauhadi] ‘lioness’ form of amount as was sourced from the 46.Koenahali [kwέnahadi] ‘female name Tabalingata ‘information or news is crocodile’ too much or immense’. This is a new

International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies (www.eltsjournal.org) ISSN:2308-5460 Volume: 08 Issue: 02 April-June, 2020 Page | 51

International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies (www.eltsjournal.org) ISSN:2308-5460 Volume: 08 Issue: 02 April-June, 2020

Basotho use hali to perform a double Ntjanne is a combination of ntja + nne function that either denotes a big or large ‘dog + four’ though this meaning is size or feminine gender. The former subsumed by articulation effect because it is reference is denotative but the latter is articulated as [ntjannε] whereas without connotative and it enfolds the pride of the articulation effect it should be [ntlannέ]. awarder in the character wished upon the Tonemes remain LHHH, For the specific baby. Even if the name is directly an small size, name forms are borne from the ancestral resemblance this feature remains. ‘clipping process/ and they include: The names bear the feminine attribute even 50. Nyenyane [ɲeɲane] ‘small’ HLL though some, such as Tauhali belong to 51. Nnyane. [nɲane] ‘small’ LHL males. The awarders give them to display The latter name is a clip of the former their pride in the babies. They display the as the e has been deleted. The process can adoration of their vision about the future also be noted as a deletion process. These character of the babies. They metaphorically name forms refer to a small scale or being compare the babies with ravenous, fierce small in size. Sesotho grammar labels this animals such as a dog (hunter), a lion and a nyane feature as diminutive and confines its crocodile. These metaphors say the awarders description to nouns only. Note that as a see the babies powerful beings to overcome name the /n/ is doubled but the meaning is and succeed in life, they can combat any maintained. Nyane is sometimes used as a challenge or trespass for they deemed as terminal clip of nyenyane to express a small those who will conquer impossible missions scale. Note again that Sesotho grammar does in life. It is born to protect what seems to be not correlate nyane with Nyenyane yet they beyond the power of parents. Such denote the same character. Nyenyane is used overcome will be patiently awaited as the as a direct adjective stem that denotes size baby grows. The basic social function is and it is used to modify nouns. It is used to pride. denote body size and these still refer to these With the name Ntjahali an interesting references when used as personal names. In observation is that in daily discourse when speech it may be clipped to the nyane form Basotho call each other ntja that is it is a but it retains the function of an epithet. sign of intimate friendship, they appreciate Nnyane also has an aesthetic connotation each other and are proud of each other’s that may display some level of intimacy. capability, especially to face a challenge When articulated, it sounds like the speaker they encounter. The expression used as entices the addressee to relate in favour of name by Basotho is actually used by current the speaker. As a personal name the awarder speakers who relate intimately but uses the name to build a stronger social tie colloquially as “dawgs”. However, lately it with the speaker. It sets out an interpersonal is used to denote just friends and it is also function that ties speaker and audience used as the most effective means to beg for together. favour or help. Negatively ntja is an insult. However, this discussion has brought a It can be used with this negative meaning to new observation that both forms function as coin a name. Another form of verbless diminutive epithets. The awarders use these quality epithet name from ntja could be names to affirm that the named babies have Ntjanne whose meaning depicts that the small bodies and such develop to be baby was born after a number of those who personal names. They function as passed away at babyhood stage. It also descriptive epithets because they describe refers, generally, to a child who was born the size of the name owner. Note again that after the death of and elder sibling and it can both epithets give size from the awarders’ also be Ntjantja to mark two elder deceased viewpoints but they are dependent on the ones. In this name there is an additional situation. Drawing from my experience, I function of marking the specific number of noted that Nyenyane refers to small size those who preceded the currently named because I have a cousin who has always baby. Their stem is ntja ‘dog’ and they form looked tinier than his siblings who have a pattern that depicts a specific number of gigantic anatomy. Nnyane assumes the babies who died before the current baby. speciality of being a name when marked Their pattern is displayed thus: with L toneme in the last syllable. As names 47.Ntja is born after the death of one baby Nyenyane is HLL and Nnyane is LHL. 48.Ntjantja is born after the death of two Another example is noted as: babies 52.Monyane ‘small one’ 49.Ntjanne is born after the deaths of more and a new observation in this case is than two or three babies. that it depicts both the diminutive size

Sesotho Personal Names as Epithets: A Systemic Functional … Masechaba Mahloli L Mokhathi-Mbhele

judgment simultaneously with the mentioned by systemic grammar, tone demeaning quality and both features mark causes a tonemic change in diminutives the epithet. The name adds that fused feature when used as names. The original forms of quality and size epithets noted with the generally bear H toneme but as names. They non-specific names. This feature is just take L tonemes. taken for granted as an ancestral In Halliday’s words, size epithet is not resemblance yet from the name can be only an epithet adjective but also an deduced the meaning of appreciation or attitudinal epithet and this is because it ridicule. Another new observation is that the identifies a particular element by contrast name has undergone derivational with others. It is interesting that Halliday’s morphology because from the adjectival size observation is actualized with Sesotho marker nyane ‘small’ to developing into a names because the attitude of the awarder noun formed by prefixing it with the says the size is either big or small with personal noun prefix Mo- which denotes a connotations. The augments may be counted person. This name is used as a response as blessings but diminutives may be move in discourse where information about complaints or may indicate derogation in the elder and younger is in a family line. The discourse. The awarder decides that the respondent normally answers Ke monyane referent is ‘small’ in size and this contrasts it [ke mōɲane] ‘I am the younger. It functions with other elements. This attitude is as a comparative marker. It is interesting in identifiable in the epithet despite its non- this context that the nyane ‘small’ is specific specific character. It is non-specific because in function yet as an epithet it is expected to nothing in the word ‘small’ gives us the be non-specific. exact measurement or size. Note that besides Ha may be prefixed to nyenyane to physical size, the decision about size may form Hanyenyane ‘at a small pace/quantity’ result from discontentment of the awarder and it is used to form personal names in about an issue related to the baby’s birth. It various ways. In one case it drops off nye is important again to note that nyane as a and maintains other sounds to form: common terminal in names that express a 53.Hanyane ‘just a little’ HHH. diminutive feat ure of the noun is inflected Hanyane is commonly known and onto common nouns which function as used as a personal name and it is either MOOD-Subject. Examples include: barely or never considered as an epithet. 54.Monna + nyane ‘small man’ / ‘baby This may be because speakers believe that it boy’LHH + HL is colloquial and prefer it to hanyenyane in 55.Mosali +nyane. ‘small woman’ / ‘ baby formal use. The other reason may be that girl’LHH + HL speakers divorce this form unaware, from These normally begin as nicknames the original form of the word. The clipping based on the small size bodies of the babies is implicit. Further, the divorce problem is but they would develop a reference to due to the effect of tone because as an express pride about their being. At times, the epithet, it uses HHH while as a personal awarders would be expressing how they feel name it reads as LLL. and anticipate for the babies’ future. The It bears all the characteristics of the awarders may also be expressing a feeling of size epithets described as holo ‘big / achievement for themselves by being large’and nyane ‘small’ and one wishes to blessed with the sexes they wanted. This is know the real context that led to this tonal why the names express an exclamative change because it has hidden the real mood in them. In other cases the diminutive meaning. This structure is found in discourse marker is directly placed on the common as a response move that marks amount. It is noun made a proper noun such as: still non-specific as no numeric mark can 56.Thabo + nyane ‘small joy’ substantiate hanyane HHL. It is determined 57.Lebelo + nyane ‘light athlete’. by context. which would be awarded to twin boys. It should be noted, however, that this The diminutive is not condescending but structure with LLH may be confused with marking the position of the twin in relation the word not drawn from the size marker but to the other twin. Normally it is the one born which could be interpreted as a reciprocal second or last of the two. The small size is verb from the verb stem hanya [haɲa] explicitly presented in the epithet adjective ‘block, refuse’. The reciprocal form would nyane. In this epithet nyane ‘small’ is the be hanyane ‘blocked each other’. This form awarders’ demeaning judgment embedded does not refer in this description. It is worthy hence the forms are attitudinal. It is to present a new note that though not important, therefore, to note that even the

International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies (www.eltsjournal.org) ISSN:2308-5460 Volume: 08 Issue: 02 April-June, 2020 Page | 53

International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies (www.eltsjournal.org) ISSN:2308-5460 Volume: 08 Issue: 02 April-June, 2020 diminutive expresses the interpersonal noun in their MOOD-RESIDUE as the function and it is attitudinal as well. In cases epithets form complements within the where there are bitter relations between the RESIDUE. One can draw a further new note mother and daughter-in-law the small size from the description that these epithets do epithets denote derogation. Another new not only describe but they also measure in observation is encountered in the name: order to quantify either a noun or an 58.Kholoanyane ‘bigger’ formed from adjective such as Kholo ‘big’ in a non- Kholo + hanyenyane specific way as hanyenyane and its variants Kholo ‘big’ is derived from holo and do. the ‘h’ has undergone what Guma (1971, p. Another new observation is that ana is 29) refers to a morphophonemic process. He a variant of nyenyane or nyane or nyana and explains that it refers to changes that occur it also forms names such as: in sounds of morphemes when other 61.Ph.oloana ‘caifer’ from Pholo + nyana morphemes are added to them. In this 62.Tsejana ‘small ear’ from tsebe + nyana change of ‘h’ to ‘kh’ the change is called 63.Patana ‘small road’ from pata + nyana. strengthening. He clarifies that this The bolded morpheme denotes small strengthening may occur in the formation of size in structure and meaning. It also forms noun diminutives with suffix ana. non-finite epithets of size as it is verbless. Kholoanyane bears in its structure, a The size epithets generally mark diminutive simultaneous occurrence of the big and but they function as epithets because they small sizes and in the description of SFL are verbless. In the case of names such as: epithets and the grammar of Sesotho this is a 64.Kotsoana new observation. Furthermore, while the 65.Tέehlana ‘yellowish colour’ other names are formed from nouns, 66.Tέooana ‘whitish colour’ Kholoanyane is formed from an adjective 67.Tέoana ‘blackish colour’ stem –holo ‘big’ and a small size epithet - The ana variant still forms epithets but nyane. as a new observation and an additional In other cases the small size epithet function for SFL it marks feminine gender. nyenyane is clipped to nyana in However, though they refer to feminine complementary distribution with nyane. An gender they are functionally surnames in example of such a name is: their lineage generationally and this means 59.Mothonyana ‘small person’ from motho that they cover males as well in their + nyana umbrella function. We therefore establish This name is actually used in life to that epithets can denote gender. They refer to a baby to show affection with the function as unisex markers. The names are baby in its position. Parents use it to show formed from the adjectives of colour and concern and strengthen that concern with the they are made aesthetic and decorative as possessive oa ka ‘mine’. A name such as: size epithets. The new observation for SFL 60.Nthonyana ‘small thing’ from Ntho + and Sesotho grammarians is that size nyana epithets enfold the aesthetic value in their confirms Hallidays; (2001, p.184) interpersonal function. The enfolded claim that “An epithet is presented as some meaning indicates the positive, appreciative quality of either an objective property of the elegant temperament of the awarders when thing itself or an expression of the speaker’s presenting this interpersonal function subjective attitude towards the ‘Thing’. because they make the names ‘look’ Basotho have ‘Thing’ as a personal name feminine and decorative as feminine are thus confirming Halliday’s (2001, p.184) noted for their love for and beauty in claim that “in Systemic Functional decoration. The names confirm Halliday’s Linguistics ‘Thing’ may represent a ‘noun, a claim that epithets have the character of phrase or a clause’. These words are further adjectives. In these epithets there is a confirmed by the phrase names `Mantho concomitant co-occurrence of size and ‘mother of a thing’, Rantho ‘father of a quality again because -ana denotes small thing’ which have been built with size that is expressed with an aesthetic ‘mother/father of + thing’. The name Ntho attribute. The names still upholds that non- can also be reduplicated into Nthontho to finite feature as well as their membership to express appreciation used in charming a the nominal group. baby. This is a new observation related to Another variant of nyenyane Sesotho names as well as to the formalist ‘small/few’ is -ane [ane] and it functions in and systemic grammar. These features complementary distribution with -ana. It qualify these names as epithets formed from

Sesotho Personal Names as Epithets: A Systemic Functional … Masechaba Mahloli L Mokhathi-Mbhele

resembles the terminal elements of means ‘it happened as was anticipated long nyrnyane. Examples include: back’. 68.Leetoane [leέtwane] ‘small journey’ tsela However, in this case there is a + e nyenyane possibility of a lengthy anticipation of the 69.Pulane [pulane] ‘small rain’ pula baby the family is blessed with and the + e nyenyane awarder’s anxiety may have turned into 70.Thejane [thέdzane] ‘small shield’ excitement. This is more of an exclamation thebe + e nyenyane and it presents the exclamatory speech 71.Tselane [tselane] ‘one who likes to be in function expressed as a response move. Thus the way in small journeys – darts from an epithet can function with an exclamative close-by places’ from tsela + e nyenyane. mood. An interesting view here is that in the A deletion process has been applied analysis of Sesotho structure, khale because e nyeny has been deleted in the final functions as a temporal circumstantial and name structure. not an epithet and this introduces systemic These names directly deduce a small analysis to a new version for African size and parents normally award them to languages. female twins whose counter twins are males. The excitement is further expressed This feature extends the denoted gender with a prefixed gender marker Ra ‘father of’ feature in quality epithets to size epithets. maybe to show that the boy is long awaited They are formed with a verbless feature. to take and carry the extended family Note further that though they are taken to responsibilities when time is ripe. The denote females they are surnames that cover awarder was definitely worried in the generational lineages. In this way they cover direction of a male baby. The prefix Ra both forms of gender. ‘father of’ according to Guma (1971: ) refers However, Leetoane, Pulane, Tselane to as a Compound or Complex noun which are feminine gender specific though with a is formed by prefixing this masculine small size marker. These feminine gender marker or feminine marker `M’a ‘mother forms have corresponding masculine forms of’. In such a name can be detected which pattern with them thus: excitement of the same hope as that of 72.Leeto > Leetoane Khale. 73.Pula (e) > Pulane In full, Thebeeakhale is ‘an old 74.Tsela > Tselane shield’. In the analysis of Sesotho grammar Thebe and Thejane are both male it is classified under Possessive Qualificative directed so the –ane bears the small size and this is noted as ea khale ‘of old’. This feature in full as they mark position in birth marker tells us more about the period of the as twins. Thebe is the twin born first and existence of the noun, which is Thebe Thejane is the twin who came last at their ‘shield’ in this context. The name fits well as birth. The interpersonal function displayed a response for the temporal circumstantial of the size epithets in this case is that size probe ‘when?’ It is difficult to place it as a epithets may mark order of existence as move because it can be as initial as when these names mark the chronological order of someone uses it vocatively to draw attention the babies. in a greeting or be a response when one For the character of age, we have an reacts to what has been said. It is an example of unspecified past period khale’ affirming proposition that denotes the which means ‘old’ in: addressee with his age, that says the 75.Khale ‘in the past’ or ‘old times’ ‘addressee is an old man’. It is sex specific. 76.Rakhale ‘father of old times’ 77.Thebeeakhale ‘old shield’. The structure is an epithet because it Khale’old’ or ‘ancient’ or ‘past’ comprises a noun Thebe and a possessive ea mainly refers to a period unspecified but khale. It is both a deictic and an epithet determined in relation to the past. This name because as a deictic it denotes the period of may be assumed to be the awarder’s existence expressed as a possessive in ‘a expression of something he/she foresaw shield – of or from - the old times’. This is coming but probably not exciting. It its original interpretation. In function it is an expresses some ‘bottled’ anxiety in the epithet because it describes the relation of speaker because the encountered result the referent with the period based on referred to may have been long anticipated. physical description and age. This is a new Normally, Basotho use khale to indicate that observation. Since possessive is classified as they have been anticipating the current part of the qualificatives with adjectives by action which has a negative whim. In full, it

International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies (www.eltsjournal.org) ISSN:2308-5460 Volume: 08 Issue: 02 April-June, 2020 Page | 55

International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies (www.eltsjournal.org) ISSN:2308-5460 Volume: 08 Issue: 02 April-June, 2020 the Sesotho grammar analysts this name References should be referred to as an epithet adjective. Doke, C.M. and S.M. Mofokeng. (1967). 4. Discussion and Conclusion Textbook of Southern Sotho Grammar. Previous studies on the topic have Cape Town: Longmans Southern Africa, shed lights on various aspects of Sesotho Pty Ltd. personal names. Mokhathi-Mbhele (2016) Eggins, S. (1996). An Introduction to Systemic Functional Linguistics. London: examined how the quantitative and the Continuum numerative features of the nominal group Eggins, S. (2004). An Introduction to Systemic described by Systemic Functional Functional Linguistics. London: Linguistics theory characterized independent Continuum clause Sesotho personal names. It concluded Guma, S.M. (1971). An Outline Structure of that language users can use personal names Southern Sotho. Pietermaritzburg: Shuter to identify discourse elements, present and Shooter. grammar issues, disclose meanings beyond Halliday, M.A.K. (2001). An Introduction to the clause and display attitude as a speech Functional Grammar. London: Arnold variety through [SFL] modality. In another Halliday, M.A.K. and R. Hasan. 1987. Cohesion study by Mokhathi-Mbhele (2020), it was in English. Essex: Longman. Letsoela, M. P. (2015). A Semantic Analysis of concluded that “Thing” reflects the Sesotho Place Names: Evidence from Bus interpersonal function in the field of Stop Names. International Journal of onomastica and thus extends and strengthens English Language & Translation Studies. the newly observed intimacy of SFL- 3(1). 01-08. Onomastica relationship. In another related Makara, M. and M, Mokhathi. (1996). Sehaeso study, Letsoela (2015) examined the names 3. Maseru: Longman Publishers. of bus stops in Lesotho with a view to Martin, J.R. and D. Rose. (2007). Working with unveiling the factors that could have discourse-meaning beyond the clause. motivated the awarding of such names. London: Continuum. Findings indicated that the names could be Mokhathi-Mbhele, M. (2014). Independent classified into descriptive, metaphorical, Clause Sesotho names as Texts in Context. Unpublished PhD Thesis. experiential and mythological. The study University of Western Cape. concluded that through the names of bus Mokhathi-Mbhele, M. (2016). Sesotho Personal stops, Basotho narrate their experiences, Names as Quantitative and as Numerative: emotions and belief systems, among other A Systemic Functional Linguistics things. The findings of this study are also Approach. International Journal of much in the line of these studies. English Language & Translation Studies. The features marked in these epithet 4(3). 124-131. names in the present study with their Mokhathi-Mbhele, M. (2020) Discourse of verbless character have a function exclusive “Thing” as Sesotho Personal Names: A to adjectives. This study has introduced us to Systemic Functional Linguistics the epithets in the nominal group and it is a Approach. Open Access Library Journal, 7, 1-12. new trend of describing and relating doi: 10.4236/oalib.1105783. personal names with SFL. The findings confirm that quantifiers relate to Sesotho names as propositions in the nominal group. This study extends the recently discovered SFL-Onomastica relation and literature. Recommended further research is directed to using SFL to describe personal names from other perspectives. Description of Sesotho names as epithets has brought up a new relationship of personal names or onomasrica and the SFL epithet feature, a relationship not presented earlier, even in the formalist description of personal names.