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other linguistics disciplines because it has display the semiotic potential of Sesotho in
features required for functional language the description of systemic grammar. This
found in discourse. It complements the form-meaning approach was intended to
morpho-syntactic feature currently revered reflect personal names as containing a
in the analyses of Sesotho structures. ‘natural grammar’ which Halliday 2001,
Discourse is the root of interpersonal p.xvii) explains as a grammar in which
relations and success in any development, structures ‘naturally’ befit. The naturalness
linguistic and otherwise. This claim was initiated and maintained by the
indicates that discourse value is a “unschooled speakers” but it recurs to date.
requirement to expand duties of the It is revered by the “schooled” as ancestral
grammar of Sesotho and creativity resemblances because the speakers of the
property. current era take for granted that these
The main motivation for analyzing structures are just personal names and they
Sesotho names as clause complexes in overlook their valuable character of being
discourse was to promote culture and enacted messages that are explicitly and
language studies and the art of name giving. implicitly carrying socially based meanings
SFL unearths the text-context relation beyond the clauses uttered. Language has
advertised in lexico-grammatical properties patterns that explicate some system network
through structure configurations. These which may be semiotic and Sesotho uses, as
configurations are used by the schooled to one way, personal names with the clause
propel the form-meaning matrimony complex feature.
practice initiated by the “unschooled” and 2. Literature Review
this proves that this text-context relation or Grammar studies have continued to
practice is unavoidable. The idea was to use the formalist Traditional Approach
explicate the skill mastered by name givers (TA) in the descriptions of Sesotho
who have adhered to this form-meaning language as well as Sesotho names.
system to date, consciously or sub- According to Doke and Mofokeng (1967:v)
consciously or unconsciously. The system some researchers who have adopted the TA
provides inbuilt creative potential for include Allerton (1979), Jacottet (1927),
meaning and structure tributaries by Doke (1935), Ellenberger (1940), Van
exploiting the lexical potential and allowing Eeden (1941), Paroz (1946, 1950),
simultaneity of meanings (Eggins1996, Khaketla (1947), Doke and Mofokeng
p.141) all described in a culture. Texts are (1967) though they do not give the
authentic products of interaction and they specifications of their sources. Doke and
need lexico-grammar to facilitate their Mofokeng also describe the interrogative
linguistic relevance in creating discourse. form in Sesotho language using the TA
Academically, SFL has extended lexico- approach. Chomsky, in Cook (1988, p.1) is
grammatical description on the analysis of quoted to have said TA focuses on “the
the interrogative through onomastica to system of principles, conditions and rules in
socio-cultural and historical contexts and all human languages and considers
this complements the formalist analysis of language as the essence of man”. Thus TA
Sesotho names and grammar. draws from Chomsky’s Universal Grammar
1.3 Rationale (UG), a theory of universal linguistic
The study was undertaken to knowledge which is claimed to be sufficient
complement the formalist approach and to enable accuracy (Cook 1988, p.1).
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can be expressed as an auxiliary or a lexical when we borrow her words, “It fills the role
verb and it forms part of the Predicate. The of specifying the actual event action or
Subject and the Finite form a simplex and process being discussed. It forms the
the simplexes may be complete or RESIDUE with or without the inflected
incomplete. Either way they form a clause plural. In clauses in which there is only a
complex in Systemic Functional Grammar single verbal constituent (i.e. the simple
terms. Grammarians in both the formalist present or past tense of verbs), we have the
and functional views agree that the finite is fusion of elements of the Finite and lexical
always infused with tense and that tense and they are expressed in singular number.
stipulates the time of the verb. The verb The tense and the lexical word are conflated
normally follows the Subject when its to make them finite-predicators based on
function is to deliver information but it may context” (Eggins 1996, p.161) Based on this
be inverted with the Subject when the quote it was found out that Sesotho personal
structure is in search for information. Let us names as individual first or surnames or pair
look at the Subject and the Finite from the names in the form of name-surname (NS) or
functional view. surname-name (SN), form clauses and they
4.2 Subject and Finite in Systemic fit into the MOOD - RESIDUE patterns in
Functional Grammar various ways. If they are just a lexical word
In Systemic Functional Grammar such as:
(SFG) [a branch of SFL] the Finite form is 1. Bonang [bɔnaƞ] ‘see or look (pl)’ they
the part of a clause that is normally fused fit into MOOD – RESIDUE patterns
with tense and the lexical verb. Eggins based on Eggins explanation above.
(1996, p.177) says it is analyzed as part of As pair names in the forms of Name-
both the MOOD (Subject-Finite) and Surname or Surname- Name (NS/SN)
RESIDUE. The RESIDUE can be either the such as:
lexical verb alone or lexical verb followed 2. Bonang Fonane [[bɔnaƞ fōnane] ‘see or
by complement or adjunct or both. Lexical look at | the head antenna’ they form
verbs are noted as ‘finite-predicators’ clause complexes as the above is a
because they enfold tense to clarify the name-surname and:
mood of the speaker. This note explains that 3. Letseka Palesa ‘you fight over | a
Predicators as noted by systemic grammar flower’ as a surname-name. Eggins’
are implicitly fused with the Finite element (2004, p.253) view presented in
of tense. systemic grammar is that, a clause
Clarification of the systemic view complex is formed from more than one
says the predicator or lexical verb such as clause or a simplex and it reflects in the
‘talk’ has the simple present tense fused in second and third examples. They reflect
it and when other tense elements are Halliday’s moods because Bonang
presented with it, may be, to make it display Fonane is an imperative clause that
simple past tense it would take the form of resumes with a pluralized Finite Bonang
the new tense. ‘talk + -ed would be ‘talked’. ‘Look at / see’. The plural marker is the
/-ed/ would be the simple past tense marker. suffix /-ng/. The Subject ‘You’ which
In Eggins, (1996, p.161) words, “The must occur before the Finite is implied
Predicator is the lexical or content part of as it happens with the imperative. The
the verbal group”. An example would be Finite Bonang imperative is clarified
Pheta ‘repeat’. Such a name has a role and with a nominal complement Fonane
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‘antenna of the head’. Letseka Palesa is more clauses” (Eggins 2004, p.256). These
a statement or a declarative formed from were identified as Name-Surname (NS) and
a Subject-Finite Le + tseka ‘you + fight Surname-Name (SN). I have also adopted
over’ followed by a nominal her use of the clause complex “to refer to
complement to clarify the reason for the single clause units” because there are
fight and that is Palesa ‘a flower’. The Sesotho names that serve as first or second
Subject-Finite form the MOOD in names which bear more than one simplex in
systemic grammar and the complements their structure. The initial part to describe
form the RESIDUE. Le is a nominal bears the NS or SN structure.
concord used in the place of a noun. 4.4 Sesotho Personal Names as Clause
The Finite predicators bona ‘look Complexes
at’ and Tseka ‘fight over’ in these Sesotho Globally, personal names are
names are single verbal constituents with expressed as first and second name
the simple present tense, the finite is fused regardless of the order of presentation.
with lexical and they are expressed in There are Sesotho personal names,
singular number. They specify the actual expressed as Name-Surname (NS) or vice
event action or process being discussed. versa (SN) pattern, that display the feature
These features legitimize them as finite- of clause complexes. They are clause
predicators. An interesting new observation complexes because the first name has been
not noted in the analyses of Sesotho identified as a simplex clause and the same
structures is that they turn out to form is noted for the surname. When put together
phrasal verbs in the English version and this as first and second name they both form a
observation was not anticipated. Bonang complete message, especially when
Fonane displays as: articulated in a linear order. Examples are:
4. Rethabile Semakale [rethabilɛ |
semakale] ‘we are happy | don’t be
surprised
Letseka Palesa displays as: 5. Semakale Kemong [semakale |
kemōƞ] ‘don’t be surprised | I am alone’.
Rethabile and Semakale are simplexes but
when put together as NS they form a clause
complex. The clause complex maintains the
These analyses intrigue us to find original meanings of each simplex and the
out what the term ‘clause complexes’ is. meaning of the second clause clarifies and
4.3 Clause complex completes the message initiated by the first
According to Eggins (2004, p.255) name. They are expressed as MOOD-
“a clause complex is a term systemicists use RESIDUE and MOOD-RESIDUE thus:
for the grammatical and semantic unit
formed when two or more clauses are linked
together in certain systemic and meaningful
With Semakale Kemong we have the
ways.. …it occurs in both spoken and
simplex followed by a non-finite and it is a
written language”. It is on the basis of
new observation for Sesotho analysis
Eggins use in her description, that the term
because it has not been noted. Semakale
clause complex is used in some parts of the
Kemong says:
study to refer to “clause clusters of two or
Cite this article as: Mokhathi-Mbhele, M. (2016). Describing Sesotho Names as Clause Complexes in Social
Discourse: A Systemic Functional Linguistic Approach. International Journal of English Language &
Translation Studies. 4(4), 21-38. Retrieved from www.eltsjournal.org
Page | 26
Describing Sesotho Names as Clause Complexes in Social Discourse… Mokhathi-Mbhele Masechaba Mahloli
Tabaliatile serves as a response to ‘me’ and it rightly occupies the Subject slot
the probe ‘give thanks to what?’ The even though it functions as an object
meaning expresses overtly that matters are complement. Probe for the polite command
under control because the desired Ntumelleng ‘allow me (pl)’ can be ‘what?’
information is accessible, the needed and kephethise ‘to fulfil’, (what we are
information is well spread and the talking about) would explain the understood
concerned need to be thankful. The clauses reason for the request projection that says
relate their elaboration by expansion and ‘(I request your (pl) permission to) allow
this is “where one clause develops or me’. The expansion expresses a lexical
extends on the meanings of another” (cf. ellipsis ‘to fulfill (what we all know
Eggins 2004, p.259). Tabaliatile has about)’and this is understood by the
extended the reason why the addressed audience. The bracketed content takes place
should give thanks. This complex results silently in the mind. Eggins (2004, p.259)
from a combination of simplexes Lebohang says projection can be said or thought and
and Tabaliatile as noted, and it is interesting she names such projection, locution.
to find that those simplexes put together Sesotho names expressed with Locution
reflect the structure of a clause complex. Projection
It is further interesting to observe Sesotho names that express
that in addition to the pair names, some Locution projection were found to be
Sesotho personal names are presented as mainly of the simplex form. Eggins
one structure but they actually comprise (2004, p.259) presents that in locution
elements that make them clause complexes projection, “one clause anchors the
in that one structure. Such names bear the complex by telling us who said or thought
characteristics of clause complexes mainly something”. In this way Projection offers
in both structure and meaning. An example ‘locution’ which is expressed or projected
may be: as speech. In Bonang Fonane ‘see or look at
8. Ntumellengkephethise (pl) + the head antenna’ the implied speaker
[ntumɛllɛƞkephɛthisɛ] which means ‘allow actually says in speech ‘see or look at’ and
me to fulfill’. he or she addresses the second person plural
The individual parts (which are to see the antenna. An alternative meaning
noted as lexico-grammatical analysis in is that, the implied speaker could be saying
systemic grammar) in this name require us ‘see or look at’ to draw the attention of the
to unearth the original form of this name. It second person to be aware of the person
reads as: who said Fonane ‘farewell’ by
metaphorically naming him or her after
what he or she said. It is a common act
among Basotho to name someone after what
This analysis reflects the logico- he or she said, normally as a ridicule. The
semantic system of the clause because these important point here is that the clause
simplexes are singled out from the clause Bonang ‘see or look at (pl)’ anchors the
complex to clarify the projection implied speaker. So, in locution projection,
Ntumelleng and expansion kephethise speech is crucial and Eggins brings
systems. In Ntumellengkephethise ‘allow grammarians’ attention to speech locution
me to fulfil’ the speaker is presented as N- projection. This feature is further found to
occur in Sesotho names.
Cite this article as: Mokhathi-Mbhele, M. (2016). Describing Sesotho Names as Clause Complexes in Social
Discourse: A Systemic Functional Linguistic Approach. International Journal of English Language &
Translation Studies. 4(4), 21-38. Retrieved from www.eltsjournal.org
Page | 28
Describing Sesotho Names as Clause Complexes in Social Discourse… Mokhathi-Mbhele Masechaba Mahloli
4.6 Sesotho Personal names with Speech birth suggests that the parent has failed to
Locution Projection raise his or her offspring properly.
Speech locution projection is Other imperative forms are inflected
expressed by the verb ‘say’. On this note, a initially and terminally onto this speech
new observation not mentioned by either locution core. For initial inflection, we have
formalist or systemic grammars in personal the imperative:
naming is that some independent clause 10. Mmuoeng Sehloho [mmuwɛƞ | seƗōhō]
Sesotho names bear a direct speech locution ‘talk about him or her |
expression in two forms that are in maliciously/cruelly’from Mobueng but
complementary distribution. This means used in daily discourse as `Muoeng. Either
that one functions where the other cannot way it still maintains the original meaning
but the same meaning is maintained. Such of ‘talk about’. The /Mo-/ which is
locutions are realized as bua meaning ‘talk presented as /’M-/ in the name marks the
or speak or say’ and re which means ‘say’. third person ‘him or her’ as noted in
These are finite-predicators. They can be Mmuoeng. The second person is given a
referred to as Speech Locutions because command directly and explicitly by the
they contain the word ‘say’. Some names awarder as the implied speaker. In this
expressed as Speech Locutions use bua as name, the speaker displays dislike for the
the core verb and core message and this core biological mother and he or she exposes this
verb can derivationally or inflectionally negative attitude by giving this name to the
form more clauses that depict various mood baby. The name remains a permanently
types. inscribed message to the parent, family and
A new observation is that Halliday’s everyone who comes across this name. It is
(2001, p.45-47) mood types - declarative, a permanent marker of the awarder’s
imperative, interrogative and exclamative feelings about matters around this birth. An
reflect in the clause complex Sesotho names intriguing observation with Mmuoeng is
with a logical meaning. With an imperative that the surname reloads the negative
name, the finite-predicator may get appraisal or analysis of attitude because it
inflected terminally with the plural marker directly mentions the cruelty that the gossip
/-ng/ and bua becomes: should be uttered with. This appraisal
9. Buang [buwaƞ]‘speak.talk (pl)’and the suggests bitterness about this family. The
elaborating simplex used as the surname in name displays an imperative-exclamative
this case is Theletsane [thɛlɛtsane]‘smooth structure and it is a new observation in
way or form’. Its root or radical is /bu-/ [bu] Sesotho grammar. The name also fits into
‘talk’ and it is used as a personal name that MOOD-RESIDUE pattern this way:
expresses pride. Though this verb can be a
direct request or order, in this name the
awarder is cynically advising gossipers to
continue as though he or she does not care
yet the gossip actually tears him or her. The Eena [jέna] is replaced by /Mm/
awarder says she wanted to portray a non- which is explicit as /Mo-/ in Mobueng’talk
caring attitude to suppress the reality of about him/her’.
being grievously concerned by the birth of The declarative examples of bua
the out of wedlock grandchild such as speech locution include:
Buang ‘speak or talk (pl) because such a
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11. Leabua Mohale [leabua | mōhale] ‘you explains the remaining content projected by
(pl) are talking/speaking | warrior’ the first name Ampuella ‘he or she spoke on
12. Ampuella Mane [ampuɛlla | ma:ne] ‘he my behalf’ and it can only be understood by
or she spoke on my behalf | over there’. those who know how or where the discourse
In these name clauses the Subject began. These name clauses are declarative
Concords (SCs) Le in Leabua and A in because they provide information about
Ampuella tell us ‘who’ said something and what the subjects are doing or do.
this ‘who’ is either the second person plural A new observation in the clause
in the form of Le ‘you (pl)’ or the third simplex names Leabua and Ampuella is that
person singular A ‘he/she’. In these names, there is a presentation of two elements of
the speakers or awarders provide the Subjects denoting the awarders as the
information to the second person and the speakers. That the subjects are name
surnames enfold thoughts made complex awarders is new because it has not been
into one word which contains ideas or mentioned in the current grammar analyses
thoughts about what the referents are doing of Sesotho. Such are Le and A as logical
or did. subjects who are closely presented with
The awarders are implied speakers their actions of the speech locution bua
who address the second person with the ‘speak’. Another new observation is the use
concords Le ‘you (pl) and A ‘He or she’. of the cohesive feature known as
None the less the Subject slot is filled with substitution. It is noted as the deictic ‘there’
the Le and A as actors or doers of the actions which has been used as a surname that
noted. In the name Leabua ‘you are talking’ expands the message projected as ‘he or she
the a should be noted as the simple present spoke on my behalf’. In this case too,
tense marker after Le though in this name it reference to the use of cohesion is new
functions as a marker of continuity of because neither the substitution tie nor
action. It is part of MOOD (Finite) because reference to the textual feature enfolded in
Finite enfolds tense. Ampuella ‘he or she Sesotho language clauses are sentences are
spoke on my behalf’ is expressed as what mentioned in the current grammar of
Sesotho grammar analysts such as Doke and Sesotho. Even the use of the term ‘clause’
Mofokeng (1967), Guma (1971) refer to as is not noted. It is further interesting that the
a participial mood (as it contradicts the awarder does not want to utter the place by
‘principal mood’) though it sounds name and prefers to denote it by substituting
complete when translated into English. In it with the deictic Mane ‘there’. It would be
the grammar of Sesotho, the principal mood interesting to establish the actual reference.
equates the main clause in English and the Others which are exclamative-
participial mood equates the subordinate interrogatives comprise:
clause structure. So, the A participial mood 13. Abuaareng Tšekeli [abuaareƞ | tshɛkɛdi]
is not complete in the Sesotho sense but it ‘what did he or she speak and say | one who
replaces the basic Subject concord O separates?’
‘he/she’. A needs to be preceded by a noun 14. Lebuaka’ng Mafethe [lebuakaƞ
or third person singular personal pronoun mafɛt ɛ] ‘what are you talking about | fat
h
of the ‘colour’ of direct speech”. This move frustration that she or he cannot go beyond
of projecting a clause in the perfect tense his or her current efforts. He is also void
has the noted effect on the ‘say’ locution as now, of the words he or she could utter
exemplified. again to make or cement his or her views to
The locutions in Letlare’ng and the addressees. He or she cannot even infuse
Ketlalere’ng fit into MOOD/RESIDUE other words such as Ke le joetse joang [ke
analyses and show characteristics that make le ʒwɛtsɛ ʒwaƞ] ‘How should I tell you?’
the re ‘say’ forms finite-predicators. Their that may be considered stronger and more
MOOD comprises Subject-Finite presented vivid about his or her views. The word
as the SC of the second person plural Le joetse ‘tell’ is an infused form of bua
‘you’ and SC of the first person singular Ke. ‘speak’ and re ‘say’ in Sesotho and it is
These are followed immediately by the usually emphatic.
future tense marker tla ‘shall/will’ which Another interesting feature is that
functions as the specific finite of the though other names use either bua or re, we
MOOD. Eggins (1996, p.159) terms a have one that co-opts both speech
future tense marker a Temporal Finite locutions simultaneously. Such is:
Verbal Operator (TFVO) for it marks a time 30. Abuaareng ‘he/she spoke and said
which is the future time. However, a new what?’ or ‘what did he/she say when he/she
observation to note is that the TFVO future spoke?’
time marker in the projector Ketlalereng This redundant use of ‘say’ seeks
displays a double feature of both the future the verbatim of the enacted message even
and the present because the awarder though it makes the translation of the name
insinuates that he or she has never ceased to sound non-standard and anomalous.
apply required efforts with determined However, in actual language use these
strong reprimands and advice but in vain. elements that refer to ‘speak and say’
The present-future feature was not raised by collocate accurately even though they are a
the systemic grammar and the grammar of new observation in the written description
Sesotho as it has not been raised in their of the grammar of Sesotho because such an
earlier grammar descriptions. These names observation has not been raised by analysts
are finite-predicators because tense is of the grammar of Sesotho. Sesotho native
embedded in their lexical verb and it speakers use bua and re simultaneously in a
unearths how the verb explicates its clause but they are not consciously aware of
modality and polarity. this use as a grammar rule because it is not
The coined forms can be noted in the rules of their grammar. This
interrogatives eliciting information directly sub-consciously takes effect in daily
or be a comment thought aloud as in discourse when eliciting information. This
Ketlalereng ‘what will I say or do about it simultaneous use of the indicators of the
or you?’ They have a connotation of an speech locution projection ‘say’ in
exclamation as they are vocative because Abuaareng brings up a new observation and
they call for attention as personal names and probably a grammar rule that with the
also because the awarder expresses a sense Sesotho language, the original forms of the
of wonder about what to do with the logico-semantics of the locution projection
situation at hand. The surnames would can co-occur simultaneously in a clause.
extend the discourses. The awarder is Abuaareng is another clause
merely reporting to self, may be to alleviate complex borne as a single structure in
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International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies ISSN:2308-5460
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Cite this article as: Mokhathi-Mbhele, M. (2016). Describing Sesotho Names as Clause Complexes in Social
Discourse: A Systemic Functional Linguistic Approach. International Journal of English Language &
Translation Studies. 4(4), 21-38. Retrieved from www.eltsjournal.org
Page | 34
Describing Sesotho Names as Clause Complexes in Social Discourse… Mokhathi-Mbhele Masechaba Mahloli
tell > 69. Lebatla Lipolelo,’you want (pl) | 91. Botsang Maseela ‘ask (pl) | rotten food’
to be told off’ decide > 92. Khethang `Matli ‘select /
70. Letsosa Nthofeela ‘you revive or choose (pl) one who is searching’.
stir | a useless thing’. 3) Verbs combining infused ‘say’ with
71. Lihanela Nyakallo ‘they refuse some circumstantial element
(pl) | joy’. reply > 93. Arabang Lenyatsa ‘respond
remark > 72. Semakale Rethabile ‘don’t be (pl) | refusing (pl)
surprised | we are happy’ explain > 94. Batalatsang Morero
observe> 73. Lebitsa Matšeliso)you call ‘straighten (pl) | the plan’
(pl) condolences’ protest > 95. Selemeng Habahaba ‘don’t
announce > 74. Kehanne Moaki ‘I have plough (pl) | a vast area’
refused | the one who kisses’ 96. Mamolang Ramahlosi ‘hit hard (on the
point out > 75. Rebuile Molapo’we have ribs) | one who wears the chief’s robe’
talked (pl) | (about) a river’. continue > 97. Tsoelangpele Lesika ‘carry
ii) questions on (pl) | lineage’
ask > 76. Lebotsamang Kolobe ‘who interrupt > 98. Teetsa Litaba ‘present
do you ask(pl) | pig’ abruptly | ‘the news’
77. Resetselemang Maimane ‘with whom warn > 99. Hlokomelang Liboche ‘take
are we left behind | heavy weight care (pl) of | wound holes’
muti’ 100. Elelloang Masimo ‘Be aware (pl) of |
demand > 78. Keele Joalane ‘should I take fields’.
it | for the beer lover’ 4) Verbs associated with speech having
inquire > 79. Kebotsamang Leseli ‘who do connotations of various kinds
I ask | Light insist > 101. Mpolelleng Mongali ‘tell
query > 80. Lebuajoang Thebeeakhale me (pl) | one who shuns of’
‘what talk is this | old shield’ 102. Pheta Matsoso ‘repeat | deaths’
iii) offers and commands 103. Ntjoetseng Letsoso ‘tell me (pl) about |
suggest > 81. Mpotseng Tlhankana ‘ask (pl) death (in the family)’
about me + from young men’ complain > 104. Refuoe Makhobotloane
offer > 82.Mofeng Makhobotloane ‘give ‘we have been given | rural desolate place’
him/her(pl) the far off rural desolate places’ cry > 105. Resetselemang Lithakong ‘with
call > 83. Mpitseng Mohlolo ‘call me | a whom are we left with | in the ruins’
miracle / surprise/the unusual’ 106. Selleng Makoko ‘don’t cry (pl) | proud
84. Mmoneng Letima ‘look at or see(pl) | as ones’
you do not share’ shout > 107. Sekharume Moeti ‘don’t shout
order > 85. Sekhotseng Nkuebe ‘don’t at | the visitor’;
applaud | boast > 108. Keena Phahamane ‘I am | the
86. Mpitseng Ntsoele ‘ call me | get out’ top one
request > 87. Refeng Khotso ‘give us (pl) | murmur > 109. Motebisetse Feela ‘just
peace’ murmur | at him or her
88. Sethōle Nkeletseng ‘don’t be quiet’ | stammer > 110. Lefela Lehoelea, ‘it gets
advise me (pl)’ finished | the stammer’
89. Kopang Khotso ‘ask for (pl) | peace’ moan > 111. Nkutloelengbohloko ‘feel
propose > 90. Ipatleleng Mabitle(a) ‘look pity for me’,
for yourselves (pl) | for graves’
Cite this article as: Mokhathi-Mbhele, M. (2016). Describing Sesotho Names as Clause Complexes in Social
Discourse: A Systemic Functional Linguistic Approach. International Journal of English Language &
Translation Studies. 4(4), 21-38. Retrieved from www.eltsjournal.org
Page | 36
Describing Sesotho Names as Clause Complexes in Social Discourse… Mokhathi-Mbhele Masechaba Mahloli
yell > 112. Tšoela Mantsoe ‘voice | what Figure 3: Sesotho Personal Locutions as Infused
is on your mind’ Verbal Processes
fuss > 113. Kesaobaka Moerane ‘ I am
just causing | confusion or unrest’
114. Letseka Palesa ‘you fight over | a
flower’
blare > 115. Lethunya Reekelitsoe ‘you
shoot | just after we were added to’.
4.9 Verbs embodying some circumstantial
or other semantic feature
Threaten > 116. Letlantseba Molekeng ‘you
will know who I am | at the verge’
vow > 117. Ikaneng Lebusa ‘take a vow |
as you (pl) rule’
Urge > 118. Telisa Moloi ‘make the witch
give up’
plead > 119. Sethōle Poloko, ‘don’t be
quiet | about salvation’
promise > 120. Tšepang Hoatile ‘trust
(that) it has multiplied’
agree > 121. Amohelang Mohlekoa
‘accept (pl) | ‘one cleared away’
122. Utloanang Mokotjo ‘Be fine to each This new observation of presenting
other | vhief of Batlokoa clan’. infused verbal processes as personal names
All these names are built in the is an additional new view to the overlooked
verbal group and they function as processes content relevant in the analysis of the
because the ‘say’ projection is expressed grammar of Sesotho because as noted
with different forms and manners. This earlier, the analysts of the grammar of
means that locution projection is built on Sesotho have not included content such as
the verbal group, either as direct or infused ‘infused’ words in their analyses. It would
verbs and the verbal processes discussed be advisable to language authors, especially
can have infused forms as clause complex grammarians to open avenues for functional
Sesotho personal names. This is a new content to be incorporated in Sesotho
observation for Sesotho grammar. grammar analysis and describe it in context.
Sesotho Personal Names Locutions The provided locutions serve as the social
as Infused Verbal Processes functions that display how these names bear
In addition to the forms of meanings beyond their clauses. Though
projection mentioned above, Eggins (2004, overlooked, this is language that operates in
p.273) presents more locutions noted as the real daily discourse and it proves that
infused verbal processes and it is interesting Sesotho personal names form social
that there are relevant Sesotho name clauses discourse. Analysis of Sesotho grammar
that bear characteristics of these infused relates very tightly with reality – a virtue
processes. Such can be tabled as follows: presently in need for language analysis and
it must be nurtured.
Cite this article as: Mokhathi-Mbhele, M. (2016). Describing Sesotho Names as Clause Complexes in Social
Discourse: A Systemic Functional Linguistic Approach. International Journal of English Language &
Translation Studies. 4(4), 21-38. Retrieved from www.eltsjournal.org
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