Diploma Thesis Herics Barbara

DIPLOMARBEIT Titel der Diplomarbeit „The Representation of Tribal Culture – Past and Present – in Contemporary South African Fiction“ Verfasserin Barbara Katharina Herics, BA angestrebter akademischer Grad Magistra der Philosophie (Mag.phil.) Wien, 2013 Studienkennzahl lt. Studienblatt: A 343 Studienrichtung lt. Studienblatt: Anglistik und Amerikanistik Betreuer: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ewald Mengel Dedication I dedicate this diploma thesis to my wonderful family. First and foremost, I wish to thank our precious daughter Sarah for her patience. You are the joy of our lives. I would like to thank my spouse, Martin. Without your patience and emotional support, the last few months would have been much more difficult. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my beloved parents for their love and continuous support – both spiritually and materially. Thank you so much for your support at each step of the way. This diploma thesis could not have been accomplished without your infinite love and encouragement. Plagiatserklärung Hiermit erkläre ich, die vorgelegte Arbeit selbständig verfasst und ausschließlich die angegebenen Quellen und Hilfsmittel benutzt zu haben. Alle wörtlich oder dem Sinn nach aus anderen Werken entnommenen Textpassagen und Gedankengänge sind durch genaue Angabe der Quelle in Form von Anmerkungen bzw. In-Text-Zitationen ausgewiesen. Dies gilt auch für Quellen aus dem Internet, bei denen zusätzlich URL und Zugriffsdatum angeführt sind. Mir ist bekannt, dass jeder Fall von Plagiat zur Nicht-Bewertung der gesamten Lehrveranstaltung führt und der Studienprogrammleitung gemeldet werden muss. Ferner versichere ich, diese Arbeit nicht bereits andernorts zur Beurteilung vorgelegt zu haben. Herics Barbara Wien, 2013 Table of Contents 1. Introduction .................................................................................................. 1 2. Contemporary South African Literature..................................................... 3 2.1. The Role of History .................................................................................. 3 2.2. Mode and Language of Transmission – from Author to Audience ........... 6 2.3. Themes, Motifs, and Objectives............................................................. 11 3. Selected Authors and Their Works........................................................... 14 3.1. Zakes Mda............................................................................................. 14 3.1.1. She Plays with the Darkness........................................................... 17 3.1.2. The Heart of Redness ..................................................................... 20 3.2. Mandla Langa ........................................................................................ 22 3.2.1. The Memory of Stones.................................................................... 24 3.3. Johnny Masilela ..................................................................................... 27 3.3.1. We Shall Not Weep......................................................................... 29 4. South African Tribes .................................................................................. 33 4.1. The Concept of “Tribe”........................................................................... 33 4.2. History of Tribes..................................................................................... 35 4.2.1. Zulu ................................................................................................. 37 4.2.2. Xhosa.............................................................................................. 42 4.2.3. Ndebele........................................................................................... 46 4.2.4. Khoisan ........................................................................................... 49 5. The Constant Struggle between Tradition and Modernization............... 54 5.1. Culture, Identity and Heritage ................................................................ 54 5.2. Urban vs. Rural Dichotomy.................................................................... 69 5.3. Indigenous Knowledge vs. Western Sciences ....................................... 77 5.4. Generational Conflicts............................................................................ 94 6. Conclusion................................................................................................ 105 Bibliography ................................................................................................. 107 Index.............................................................................................................. 113 German Abstract .......................................................................................... 114 Curriculum Vitae........................................................................................... 116 1 1.Introduction South Africa, a country poor in economy, is enriched by a remarkable diversity both in ethnicity and culture. This diversity, along with South Africa’s history of inequality during colonialism as well as apartheid, has influenced South African literature through the centuries. Preserved in print for all times, the oppression and discrimination of South Africa’s indigenous people can be found in various forms of literature. Oppression and discrimination are the most widely known historical facts in South Africa’s history. However, another detrimental factor is the impact of industrialization and modernization on traditional modes of living, forcing even indigenous peoples far away from the modern world to adapt. Traditional, social, as well as cultural structures have changed incredibly. Too many practices and customs have disappeared entirely due to the influence of the Western world, few have endured. This diploma thesis examines the everlasting tussle between traditionalism and modernism by investigating key concepts such as generational conflicts, gender roles, increasing urbanization, and the constant search for identity. In order to examine the representation of tribal culture in South African fiction, the following novels have been chosen: Zakes Mda’s Heart of Redness and She Plays With the Darkness , Johnny Masilela’s We Shall Not Weep, as well as Mandla Langa’s The Memory of Stones . All four books are set in different tribal communities and deal with the influence of modernization in contemporary rural South Africa. Taking a closer look at how these concepts are depicted in the selected novels, the aim is to understand the change of social structures through history and literature. Many questions arise, such as if today’s society is mostly influenced by modernization, or if traditions and indigenous customs do play an equal, or perhaps a more significant role. Will such influences urge indigenous people to become part of the modern world and join a society that is mainly characterized 2 by Western values and mannerisms, void of most traditions and customs, or will they be able to hold on to their traditions and customary modes of living? It is further investigated in what ways these societal changes are portrayed in the literature at hand. The first chapter following the introduction is devoted to the definition of South African literature, examining its characteristics as well as the crucial role of history in the emergence of the vast literary output of the nation. The second chapter offers short biographies of the selected authors along with descriptions of their work, followed by a look at the role authors’ lives and experiences play in their writings. All of the selected novels appear to provide an authentic account of the nation’s current state of affairs through autobiographical elements. The subsequent chapter provides a description of important cultural practices, customs, and social structures, as well as an overview of major historical events that have influenced the depicted indigenous communities. The last chapter focuses on generational conflicts, the change of family as well as community structures, and shifting gender roles. The subchapter on culture, identity, and heritage examines important factors in the shaping of identity, as well as the influence of cultural heritage on modern society. The dichotomy of rural vs. urban lifestyle is discussed in this chapter as well as the extent of difference in both, the impact of modernization on tradition and cultural lifestyles, and the opposition of indigenous knowledge and Western sciences. The chapter finds its conclusion in an analysis of generational conflicts. These chapters provide the basis for an examination of selected key concepts in order to investigate how tribal culture is depicted in contemporary literature. The main focus lies on medicine as well as education, as a close examination of all aspects would exceed the scope of this paper. 3 2.Contemporary South African Literature Throughout history, South African literature has consistently contributed to the world of books in a unique and significant manner. During the years of transition from apartheid to democracy, this remarkable country has not only undergone considerable changes in regards to politics, but has equally drawn the world’s eyes to its written works of art. It is indeed a fascinating journey to discover the roots of South Africa’s influence on world literature. A careful examination of the characteristics and influences of South African literature including its representatives in a world literary context will provide a thorough

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