Riddling as a Process of Educating Children: A Case in Tshivenda

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The riddle is a form of guessing game that has been part of folklore in most cultures. It is based on experience and is presented in symbolic form. According to Guma (1977), riddles are a test of wit in which one member quizzes another or others, by providing them with an 'obscure' yet accurate clue in the form of a description of the intended object; with a view to getting them to guess and puzzle it out. In the Vhavenda society the game of riddles is usually indulged in around the fire in the evening. Participants, both performers and audience are children as it is specifically a game played by children. At times children may be joined by their parents.

The value of riddles in the community is to provide entertainment for children (Guma 1977:41). However, other values are associated with the game of riddling. Riddles mirror the activities of a community and its material culture. Therefore, through the game of riddling children are indirectly inculcated with morals. In this regard one can say riddles have a didactic value. Vhavenda use riddles to inculcate norms of the family and the society to their children. They teach children how to behave towards one another. Children are taught to persevere in life. Through some of the riddles, children are made aware that people are equal, social status is disregarded. Children are also taught that people who are not important in the society can be productive.

The aim of the paper is to highlight that the function of riddles is not restricted to the provision of entertainment, but also to educate the children. Tshivenda riddles will be used to illustrate the above.

Stream: Literary Arts Practices

Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Munzhedzi James Mafela is a Professor in the Department of African Languages at the University of South Africa. Munzhedzi James Mafela has been teaching at the University of South Africa (UNISA) since 1985. Before he joined UNISA as a junior lecturer, he had worked as a teacher at a high school for four years. He completed D.Litt. et Phil in 1993 in the field of Literature. His field of specialisation is African Literature and Culture, and Lexicography. He is a creative writer and has published several books on traditional literature and modern literature in his home language, which is Tshivenḓa. He has published articles both nationally and internationally. He is currently researching the institution of marriage among the indigenous people of South Africa, with special reference to his ethnic group, Vhavenḓa.