14/05/2020

MAROPENG MODJADJI PHOOKO

STUDENT NUMBER: 68679386

AFL1501 PORTFOLIO

UNIQUE NUMBER: 846974

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ……………………………….Page 1

First Portfolio Activity …………………..Page 1-2

Second Portfolio Activity ………………Page 3-4

Cultural Ceremony ………………………Page 4-6

Final Reflection …………………………..Page 6

Sources ……………………………………Page 7

Declaration ……………………………..…Page 7
INTRODUCTION

My name is Maropeng Phooko and this is a portfolio exam for the module Language
through Africans Lens .This portfolio serves as a reflection of the knowledge I have
acquired. This is particularly an interesting module which explores the depth of cultural
and language identity. The main purpose of this portfolio is to improve my knowledge on
other people’s cultures, their way of living and the significant differences in the various
cultures around me. I can proudly say that I have gained cultural awareness through
language usage, how to respectfully engage in conversations with different people and
their language. It has also motivated me to be take pride and embrace all the diversity
around me. This is an online module but the knowledge l have gained is greater than what
I had anticipated. This is why l am doing this portfolio to layout my work on what l have
learned in AFL1501.

Structurally, my portfolio is divided into seven integral parts. The first part is an
introduction which is then followed by the first portfolio activity based on my personal
language story. This is then followed by a representation of my family tree as the second
activity and a cultural ceremony as the third activity. This is then followed by my final
reflections on what I have learned from this course about languages. The last two parts
is a bibliography of the sources used and lastly is a declaration.

FIRST PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY

• What is your mother tongue?
I am a Sepedi speaking individual, born and raised in Polokwane, Limpopo. My
father was born in Botlokwa and the native language is Setlokwa. My mother was
born in Makotopong and the native language there is Sepedi. I grew up in a Sepedi
speaking household, therefore making Sepedi my mother tongue.
• What other languages do you know?
Other languages I got to know are English, Afrikaans, Xitsonga and TshiVenda.
• How did you know these languages?
I attended multiracial schools and this afforded me the opportunity to know
different languages. . English was the medium of communication and that of
 teaching and Afrikaans was part of the subjects. I got to know a bit of Xitsonga
and Tshivenda through interactions with the other learners.
• How do I use these languages?
I predominantly use English throughout my personal, professional and academic
interactions. I hardly ever use Afrikaans, Xitsonga and Tshivenda. The
environment I find myself in is dominated by Sepedi speaking people. We mainly
communicate in Sepedi or the other native languages within Polokwane and if
you or the other person don’t understand each other, we simply revert to
speaking English. Sepedi dominates my personal life because the environment I
am in is dominated by Sepedi speaking people.
• Do you agree that language reflects who you are as a person?
I certainly agree my language is a reflection who I am. My language has shaped
my attitudes, beliefs and values. An in depth knowledge of my language bound me
to my heritage, culture and ancestors. I am capable of freely articulating and
expressing myself because of this vey knowledge. My language isn’t just a way to
communicate but it plays a significant part in my identity. Everything that I do stems
from all the values and morals I was taught. A prime example is that, African culture
believes that every single adult deserves the utmost respect. In regards to elders,
respect is automatically given, not earned.
 SECOND PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY

My family tree
FATHERS SIDE MOTHERS SIDE

Great Grand My great Great Grand Great Grand Mother

Father Ranti grandmother Father Ngoako Mokgadi Raseala
Ramokgopa Miriam Seima Raseala

Grandfather Grandmother Grandfather Grand Mother

Ngoako Phooko Christina Phooko Ezekiel Khoza Josephine

Khoza

My Father My Aunt
My Aunt My Mother
Johannes Phooko Daphney
Angelina Joanna
Khoza
Phooko Phooko

Me My Brother My Me My Brother
No
Maropeng Thabo Cousin Maropeng Thabo
Children
Phooko Phooko Minnie Phooko Phooko
Khoza
The story behind my family tree

This is a representation of my family lineage, from the oldest to the youngest member.
My family influenced my linguistic identity because l grew up under their guidance, morals,
values, customs and traditions. This is why l acquired and learned my language.

On the left side is my paternal side and on the right is my maternal side. I don’t know any
of my great grandfathers, from both sides because they were deceased years before I
was born. All I have and know is the memories that the family reminisces about.

In Sepedi we refer to grandmother as Koko and grandfather as Rakgolo and this is a sign
of respect because this is how we address the elderly. I was fortunate enough to know
my grandparents from both sides, although I happen to share a greater connection and
bond with my maternal relatives. I know all my aunts and uncles and have great, unique
relationships with each of them. In my language an uncle is called Malome and an aunt
is rakgadi. I believe that these names show affection and respect because in my culture,
children should never address their elders by name. I also share great and ddiverse
relationships with all my cousins.

Third Portfolio Activity

A cultural ceremony of significance to me: Go phasa badimo

(Appeasing the ancestors).

Culture is as a way of life, the depictions, customs, behaviour, morals and shared values
of a particular society. Below is a representation of the ceremony called go phasa badimo.
As Bapedi, we believe that the deceased are to be given the utmost respect and that they
guide and protect us throughout our lives.
Sources: https://images.app.goo.gl/YKxDnkhFEXAXvEvf9
https://images.app.goo.gl/ZincP392YqQscTfA7
https://images.app.goo.gl/xPs68u7f4E8wgoiz8

This picture represents a Pedi traditional ceremony called “Go phasa badimo” which is
to appease the ancestors. The purpose of the ceremony is to thank the ancestors for all
the blessings that one has received throughout the year, it could be anything ranging
from job opportunities, successful businesses to protecting one’s life against any
danger. This forges a strong bond and connection between deceased loved ones,
because this is how we communicate with them. The ceremony is performed by
offering sacrifices such as traditional beer and an animal (usually a goat) to be
slaughtered. It is usually an annual ceremony that is not only restricted to family, usually
local traditional healers are invited to come and perform “Malopo” which is a ritual that
involves dancing and singing as a means to communicate with the ancestors.
The same ceremony of appeasing the ancestors is performed during funerals, weddings
etc. When a family member dies, the family performs such a ritual to communicate with
the ancestors to accept the soul and sprit of the deceased. In the case of a joyous
celebration such as a wedding, two families are coming together, therefore their
ancestors also need to be introduced and joined together so that the bride can be
welcomed into the family.
I personally believe that this is still an important and relevant ceremony to date. Having
a good relationship with your ancestors is vital because they serve as a guide. It is
important for us to show gratitude in order to keep on receiving the blessings, guidance
and protection that is provided by our ancestors. This is a tradition and custom that I will
carry out till I die and I will ensure that it is passed on within my lineage.

Final reflection

Through this module, I have acquired more knowledge on the significance of language
and culture in my life and that of others. Without language there would be no fluid way to
communicate. This module has taught me that it’s is important learn other languages but
to never forget your own roots. Instead, embrace all the diversity around you. I have to
come to realise that language is the foundation of one’s identity. Starting from a person’s
name. Everything is of sheer importance and we need to understand everything that
comes with our names, culture customs and heritage in order for us to fully understand
our individual self. Culture and language is what sets as apart. We need to embrace the
diversity around us. The beauty of our country and diversity is we have eleven official
languages and each of them serve their own purpose.

Ubuntu can be defined as showing humanity, love and respect to fellow human beings.
It can be seen by characteristics such as compassion, caring, sharing, generosity and
humanity. Deeds of Ubuntu and unity are triumphant when people share the same world-
views, values, perspectives and customs. This module has taught me to be kind, even I
a cruel world. In conclusion it is vital for everyone to know multiple languages and cultures
because we live in a different times, where all languages, cultures and races matter.
Knowing other languages apart from your own language can present various
opportunities. These opportunities range from being able to study at prestigious
institutions, job opportunities and you personally and generally relate better with other
people by being open.

Sources

 Tutorial Letter 101/1/2020 Language through an African lens AFL1501

 https://mymodules.unisa.ac.za/portal/site/AFL1501-20-S1-80T
www.google.com
 https://www.thoughtco.com/the-meaning-of-ubuntu-43307

Declaration

1. I understand what academic dishonesty entail’s and I am aware of policies

in this regard.

2. I declare that this assignment is my own, original work. Where I have used
someone else’s work I have indicated this by using the prescribed style of
referencing. Every contribution to, and quotation in, this assignment from the
works of other people according to this style.

3. I have not allowed and will not allow anyone to copy my work.

4. I didn’t use another student’s work

NAME: MAROPENG MODJADJI PHOOKO

SIGNATURE: MM PHOOKO

STUDENT NUMBER: 68679386

DATE: 14/05/2020