Assignment number: Assignment 5

ASSIGMENT 5: PORTFOLIO
Your name and surname: Clarris Bauti

Student Number: 63491796

Group Number: 117T

Name of department and University
(Department of African Languages, Unisa)

Course code and name (AFL1501: Language

through an African Lens)

Name of instructor: Ms J Boshomane

Name of TA: Mr NS Zondo

Due date: 25 May 2024

Your myLife email address:

[email protected]
Table Contents
First Portfolio Activity ....................................................................................................................... 3
Task 1: Screenshot .............................................................................................................................. 3
Task 2: First Portfolio Activity Reflection ...................................................................................... 3
Second Portfolio Activity ................................................................................................................. 4
Task 1: Language and Worldview ..................................................................................................... 4
Task 2: Family................................................................................................................................... 6
Third Portfolio Activity ..................................................................................................................... 9
Task 1: Ubuntu ................................................................................................................................... 13
Task 2: Final reflection .................................................................................................................. 14
First Portfolio Activity

Task 1: Screenshot

Task 2: First Portfolio Activity Reflection

Before I started AFL1501, I thought this module was about traditional folklore and
cultural practices unique to various African tribes. I thought it speaks of languages and
behaviour but I learned more about preserving cultural heritage, my identity,
interpersonal relationships and Ubuntu.

This has significantly influenced my personal and intellectual growth, shaping how I
see myself and my place in the world. This module addresses fundamental questions
of ethics in language, identity, epistemology, and Ubuntu through a uniquely African
lens, offering profound insights into human existence and societal structures.

My name is Clarris Bauti, I am a student deeply interested in understanding different

cultural perspectives and their impact in our lives and how it affects my background.
My appreciation for my own cultural background and others has deepened. My
journey through the AFL1501 module has significantly broadened the way I think and
the way I see other people. Topics such as Ubuntu taught me not to rely on my own
strength and to be selfish but to recognise others. It taught me to love and to show
kindness to people around me even strangers. I have become more reflective and self-
aware. I believe I will face my future with great boldness and confidence because I
have been equipped with great knowledge from this course. I create meaningful
relationships, teach others empathy and I will show kindness to everyone.

In conclusion, my journey through the AFL1501 module has been transformative. I

now recognize this module as a vital, dynamic field that offers valuable insights into
both historical and our daily lives. This course has enriched my intellectual and
personal growth. As a student, I am proud of how far I have come and excited about
continuing to explore and contribute to this life and the future.

Second Portfolio Activity

Task 1: Language and Worldview

a) "Who is reflected in the mirror?" from Unit 2. Why? (5)

Answer

The mirror is an instrument of investigating the self, so when I look in the mirror,
I see more than just a reflection of my physical appearance. I see a black
beautiful woman with a warm smile but I also see a complex mixture of
experiences, emotions, and aspirations on my face. I see myself as someone
who has journeyed through triumphs and tribulations, each leaving contributed
a lot on my background and my identity. I see my character shaped by the
people around me like my mother and father. I see a person who strives for
growth, to learn from mistakes, and to embrace moments of success with
humility. I see the beauty of my dreams, accompanied by passion and
 determination. Beyond the surface, I see a beautiful soul intertwined with the
fabric of humanity, looking for connection and understanding in a world full of
diversity.

b) What does this say about who you are? (5)

Answer

From the above reflection in the mirror, I understood why l am the way I am and why
people see me the way they do. My behaviour and traits are all shaped by people
around me. I am a humble amazing woman, someone who values introspection and
self-awareness.

I recognise the importance of understanding myself deeply, my strengths,

weaknesses, and the unique qualities that define me. The reflection indicates that I am
a person who strives to be genuine and true to herself even if the world does not see
it. The reflection in the mirror tells me that I value honesty and integrity, and these
traits are mirrored in my daily interactions and choices.

I embrace the identity that my name carries because l see potential and ambition in
my eyes. This reflection serves as a reminder to my goals and aspirations, motivating
me to pursue excellence and continuous improvement in various aspects of my life. I
see resilience in myself. The reflection in the mirror shows me a person who has faced
challenges and emerged stronger, continuously striving to grow and adapt.

c) Do you like what you see? Why? Or why not? (7)

Answer

Yes. I do like what I see in the mirror. Because I have reached a self-acceptance
level where I acknowledge my strengths and areas for improvement. This
balanced view allows me to appreciate who I am while being motivated to grow.
I take pride in my accomplishments, both big and small.
 Each success, whether personal or professional, is proof of my hard work,
dedication, and perseverance, and I values these achievements. I am a person
who radiates positivity and optimism. I am someone who approaches life with
enthusiasm and encourages others to see the bright side of situations, which is
a great quality I values the most. I recognize my capacity for compassion,
empathy and ability to connect with others, to understand their emotions, and
provide support, which strengthens my relationships and enriches my life.

I appreciate the person in the mirror that this is authentic to my values. I value
integrity and honesty, and as I look l see these qualities reflected back at her,
affirming my commitment to being genuine. I see someone committed to
personal growth who understands that perfection is unattainable, but I am
dedicated to learning, evolving, and becoming a better version of myself each
day.

Task 2: Family

Naming you and know the history behind naming you.

a) Who named you? (not just the name, the role of the person) (2)

Answer

My parents named me Clarris. They played a significant role in choosing my

name as part of their parental responsibilities and personal preferences. It is of
paramount that l have a name because it establishes my presence on earth.

b) What is the reason or circumstances for that specific name given to you? (5)

Answer
 My parents chose the name Clarris because its meaning and sound inspired
them. They have come across the name in literature or through someone they
admire. They desired to give me a unique yet meaningful name that resonated
with them personally and culturally.

The name Clarris carries positive attributes for example brilliance, brightness
and clarity. They wanted their child to be a source of light and positivity in the
world. This name Clarris symbolises their aspirations as well for their child to
have a clear and bright future, filled with wisdom and understanding. My parents
hoped that one day their child would embody these qualities.

The name Clarris has a soft and melodic sound that my parents liked. The way
my name sounds when spoken is appealing. Its gentle and pleasant phonetics
resonates with their personal taste so they preferred this name over cultural
and Christian names.

c) Does this name reflect your cultural, language identity and personality? If so,
provide a reason. / If not, provide a reason (7)

Answer

My name Clarris does not directly reflect traditional Zimbabwean culture or

linguistic identity, because it has Western origins. It does not inherently carry
the cultural significance tied to the traditions and history of this region. My
parents are not interested in culture or cultural stuff neither are my grandparents
as well.

My name does not really reflect a blend of traditional and contemporary

influences rather it can be seen as a name that bridges a diversity of cultural
backgrounds. Zimbabwe is a diverse country with a blend of cultures, and
modern naming practices are often incorporate names from various cultural
backgrounds.
 My parents gave me the name Clarris to reflect a modern, cosmopolitan
outlook, they wanted to signify their hopes and aspirations for me to have an
international or broad-minded perspective. Clarris is an English name that do
not have any roots in cultural languages. Names that reflect language identity
would typically be the ones that carry meanings or historical significance within
the local linguistic context, but my name means brightness, clarity, and
brilliance, it does not carry any historical meaning.

Growing up as a child I never understood why certain things happen the way
they happened but when l look at the meaning of my name and how things
happened, l completely understand my personality. This name truly fits my
personality and identity because I embody the traits of my name by being a
positive, clear communicator, and intelligent individual.

d) What does your name mean, and do you live up to the meaning of your name?
(6)

Answer

The name Clarris is derived from the name Clarice, which means "bright" or
"clear." I strive to live up to the meaning of my name by being a source of
positivity and clarity in the lives of those around me. Through my actions,
thoughts, or relationships, I aim to embody the qualities of brightness and
clarity, making a positive impact and providing insight and understanding to my
peers.

I love creativity and innovation, I like bringing fresh ideas and solutions to
problems around me or people around me. In doing this I bring light to the
people around me thereby living up to my name. I am a person who strives for
continuous learning and intellectual growth in various fields to gain a broad and
deep understanding of how this world works. I write articles and blogs and I
participate in debates or discussions to refine my ability to articulate my
viewpoints clearly and persuasively to others.
 I am building a social innovation business that will mentor young people on how
to create their jobs, in my community to drive social change and eradicate youth
unemployment. I am continuously working on self-improvement and personal
development so that I can become the best version of myself. In short, I am
living up to the meaning of my name, reflecting brightness, clarity, and brilliance
in my life and the lives of those around me.

Third Portfolio Activity

Task 1: Cultural Ceremonies and Occasions

Answer

Introduction

Four months ago l had the honour to attend a Zulu traditional wedding called Umabo.
According to the Zulu culture, Umabo is the last stage for a couple to be regarded as
fully married. The marriage process starts with the lobola payment then Izibizo where
gifts are presented to the bride’s mother and close family, followed by Umbondo where
the groom’s family are given groceries and ends with either a white wedding or a
traditional wedding (Umabo). In this case, the couple had a traditional wedding
(umabo). This essay will cover the description of the event, how people reacted,
related with each other, customs and emotions that characterized the ceremony.

Body: Description of the Event.

It was on the 23rd of December 2023 when the Nyawo couple sealed their marriage
with a traditional wedding called Umabo. The wedding took place at Jozini in Northern
KwaZulu Natal at the groom's homestead. About a hundred people attended graced
the occasion boys, girls, men and women. The couple had friends from different races
African, Colored, and Indians, who came to celebrate their wedding.

As the bride's sister's friend, l was at the bride's homestead where the day started
early in the morning with the bride leaving her home. The bride was covered in a
colorful blanket which was given to her by her mother. The bride’s father led the bride
out to her home burning incense, he told her not to look back. According to the Zulu
culture, this is done to avoid bad luck. So the bride walked without looking back. The
father also informed the ancestors that his daughter was going to be a member of
another family. The bride was accompanied by her family, relatives, friends and
bridesmaids who were dressed in Zulu traditional attire. The bridesmaids carried gifts
of blankets, grass mats, beer pots, brooms and some furniture such as a kisk, bed,
kitchen unit and stove. Some of the stuff was transported by the car.

The bride's father called out the family clan names, telling the ancestors about his
daughter officially leaving home and going to join the groom's family. The groom's
homestead was close to the same area as Jozini the bride's family walked to the
groom's home. A few meters from the groom's homestead, the bride's family started
to sing traditional songs and dance as they approached the groom's home. On arrival
at the groom's homestead, the groom's family came out and they walked towards the
gate singing and dancing whilst their elders moved closer to meet the bride's family.
The groom's family was made to pay a penalty which was paid in the form of money.
One of the elders placed two hundred thousand rand on the ground which was a fine
for not fetching the bride from her home.

As l looked across the groom's home, just outside the fence l saw two cows being
slaughtered for the wedding. A beautiful big white tent was set up outside the groom's
house. The tent was adorned with vibrant Zulu traditional colours such as green, red,
yellow, brown, black and blue. Guests arrived dressed in vibrant Zulu attire, women
were wearing bearded garments and traditional hats (isicholo) in the Zulu language. I
kept a close eye on the relationships and exchanges between the people in
attendance the entire time. With family members getting back together and old
acquaintances catching up, laughter and lively talks erupted.

The ceremony started at midday with the Zulu songs and the groom came out dressed
in a covering made from calfskin called imbesu and inside he was wearing an animal
print vest. He paired it with a traditional cow skin headband and accessorized it with a
small shield made from cow skin. The bride was wearing a leather skirt known as the
isidwaba, the isicwaya that is the skin to cover her breasts and a hat for her head
referred to as the inkehli. The bride and her bridesmaids both wore colourful beaded
necklaces and bracelets. The bride had red, white and green ocher designs on her
arms and legs as well as a veil made of beads. She also had a bag of pebbles tied to
her ankle to make rhythmic sounds while dancing and oxtail fringes around her elbow
and knees. Additionally, she was wearing s goat's hair fringe around her neck and
carried an assegai (a small knife) symbolizing her virginity.

The ceremony was opened by the groom's father with word of approval of the union.
As he spoke, clapping of hands and ululating were heard throughout. After the
ceremony, the bride and the groom danced whilst their bridesmaids and the
groomsmen sang traditional songs for them, and they also danced after them. The
bride went to sit on the grass mat, looking down as a sign of respect. The bridesmaids
handed out the gifts they had brought from the bride's homestead to the groom's
family. They called out names of various people from the groom's family one by one
presenting them with the gifts of blankets and grass mats.

The groom's family lay on the grass mats and covered themselves with blankets. Each
stood up dancing as a sign of acceptance, celebration and appreciation of the gift.
They started with older women then the groom's sisters and finally the men. The groom
was called last. I saw the bride getting up, and they brought up the bed closer to the
one they had brought. The bride went to look for her husband, she placed grass mats
on the floor leading to the bed. The groom would walk and sit on the bed, the bride
brought a basin with a towel and soap and washed the groom's feet. She then pulled
the bed cover for the groom to lie down and she covered him with a blanket. The
bride's relatives hit the groom with small sticks and l saw the groom getting up and
running away, there was laughter and ululations and celebration. The couple's union
was recognized by the ancestors according to the Zulu culture.

After the ceremony, there was singing and dancing. There was traditional food that
was served, among the food was ox tripe and intestines, samp and beans, pap and
beef, and meat and chicken. Beverages included the traditional beer (umqombothi)
and soft drinks. As people ate they used that opportunity to check on their loved ones
and reconnect. It was no doubt a beautiful wedding.

I was amazed by the deep sense of community and togetherness that permeated the
event as an outsider immersed in this cultural setting. In addition to being a celebration
of love and commitment, the wedding acted as a reminder of one's ethnic identity and
background. The rites and traditions followed throughout the ceremony demonstrated
the significance of family, community, and ancestral links in moulding individual
identities and communal narratives. Every element of the occasion, from the upbeat
drumming to the moving speeches, was infused with symbolism and significance,
strengthening existing ties and creating new ones.

In conclusion, cultural occurrences such as marriages act as common threads in the

human experience, binding people and communities together to create a shared
history and sense of identity. We learn about the various ways that customs and
ceremonies interact with the complexities of interpersonal relationships and emotions
through close observation and introspection. The traditional wedding ceremony I
attended was a tribute to the enduring power of culture and tradition in influencing
human experiences and relationships. It was a beautiful celebration full of love,
laughter, and togetherness that left an unforgettable impression on everyone fortunate
enough to be able to attend.

Some pictures of the Zulu traditional wedding (Umabo) in Jozini

Bride preparing to wash the grooms feet Bride washing the groom

Gifts of blankets for the grooms family Bride and her maids dancing Zulu songs

Fourth Portfolio Activity

Task 1: Ubuntu

Provide two examples of activities or gestures that could be considered as a sign of

Ubuntu. Remember to support your points using practical examples.

Answer
Ubuntu is a South African philosophy that emphasizes humanity in the phrase "I am
because you are. In a Zulu village, if a family’s house is damaged by a storm,
community members may come together to help rebuild it. This collective effort or
group work where everyone contributes their skills, time, and resources without
expecting anything in return, shows Ubuntu. It shows solidarity, empathy, and shared
responsibility for the well-being of others in the Zulu community. This is like community
work.

The community that values each other even strangers and understands that their
collective strength and survival depend on supporting one another shows an act of
ubuntu. It’s all about ensuring that nobody is left behind and it recognizes the
interdependence of all members by offering support and assistance.

Sharing resources can be an act of Ubuntu. In a drought situation, a farmer with a well
that has water may allow neighbours to draw water for their households and livestock.
The farmer will not charge for this water but will share it freely to ensure that everyone
in the community survives the harsh conditions. This act of generosity and empathy is
an act of ubuntu that reflects the idea that one's prosperity is tied to the prosperity of
others. It’s not just an act of charity but a recognition that the farmer’s well-being is
interconnected with the well-being of the entire community. The farmer upholds the
bonds of mutual respect and compassion that are acts of Ubuntu by sharing his
resources.

Task 2: Final reflection

In your Final Reflection, in 300 words or more, start your discussion in the following
way: Before I started AFL1501, I thought……………., but now, I think……

Answer

Before I started AFL1501, I thought that this module was a just like any other module,
My perception was that it was more about folklores, mythology, and the history of our
cultural heritage rather than a rigorous academic discipline with contemporary
relevance. I thought it will be an isolated area of study, not necessarily connected to
the broader scope of global philosophical discourse or modern societal issues.

But now, I think differently. AFL1501 has profoundly expanded my understanding and
appreciation of African languages. I have learned that it is a rich and dynamic field that
encompasses a wide array of topics rooted in African contexts yet universally relevant.
AFL1501 challenges and enriches the global philosophical landscape by offering
unique perspectives and solutions to issues such as identity, language and culture
preservation through the use of language.

One of the most enlightening aspects of the course was the exploration of concepts
such as Ubuntu, which emphasizes communal interdependence, mutual respect, and
the value of each individual. Learning about Ubuntu and other African traditional
cultures has shown me the value of a more holistic, relational approach to human
existence and a broader perspective on individual identity.

Additionally, AFL1501 highlighted the importance of language on our background.

When we speak people might immediately know where we came from. The way others
view us is linked to language, inshort language shapes our identity. Language is one
of the basic tools through which we are able to identify people. It is used to reveal who
people are, where they come from and what their cultural orientation is. Equipped with
this knowledge I am able to alleviate misunderstandings and misconceptions about
other people.

Moreover, studying this course has equipped me with a deeper understanding that
through the use of language as a system of communication, many cultural aspects are
revealed. Language reveals who we are, what kinship terms we use, what naming
patterns are most prevalent in our cultures, and how our social structures are
patterned. Our interpersonal relationships can be positive or negative, but they say a
great deal about who we are. For example, the gestures we use, our body language
and non-verbal communication also have a great impact on the ways that we interact
with other people.

In conclusion, AFL1501 has transformed my assumptions and broadened my

intellectual ability. It has taught me the value of inclusivity in academic inquiry and the
importance of language. Language is one of the most important and basic tool through
which we can use to identify people. Who they are, where they come from, and their
cultural orientation.

Academic Honesty Declaration:

1. I know that plagiarism means taking and using the ideas, writings, works or inventions of another
as if they were ones own. I know that plagiarism not only includes verbatim copying, but also the
extensive use of another person’s ideas without proper acknowledgement (which includes the proper
use of quotation marks). I know that plagiarism covers the use of material found in textual sources
and from the Internet.

2. I acknowledge and understand that plagiarism is wrong.

3. I understand that my research proposal must be accurately referenced.

4. This research proposal is my own work. I acknowledge that copying someone else’s research, or
part of it, is wrong and that submitting identical work to others constitutes a form of plagiarism.

5. I have not allowed, nor will I in the future allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of
passing it off as their own work.

6. I confirm that I have read and understood UNISA’s Policy for Copyright and Plagiarism -
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Apply-for-admission/Master%27s-&-doctoral-
degrees/Policies,-procedures-&-forms

Full Name: Clarris Bauti Student No: 63491796