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Assignment 6- written-357083

Name-Shyanne Leigh Murugan

Student Number: 15854248

Group Number: AFL1501-24-S1-32T

Department of African Languages, Unisa

AFL1501: Language through an African Lens

Name of instructor: Dr Kumalo

Name of TA: MS M.CASSIM

Due date: 25 may 2024

15854248@mylife.unisa.ac.za
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CONTENTS PAGE

Table of Contents
First portfolio activity ............................................................................................................................. 3
Task 1 .................................................................................................................................................. 3
Task 2 ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Second portfolio activity ..................................................................................................................... 4-5
Task 1 .................................................................................................................................................. 4
Task2 .................................................................................................................................................. 5
Third portfolio actibity….........................................................................................................................6-10

Task 1………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………..6-10

Fourth portfolio activity ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10-12

Task 1……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10

Task 2…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11

Academic declaration……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………12
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First Portfolio Activity

Task 1: Screenshot

Task 2: First Portfolio Activity Reflection

I'm a determined woman who likes being in jovial mood, highly interested in different
cultures and religions and always motivating.
I come from kwa-zulu natal where I have learned to interact with all types of people of
all nature.The language of my heart is English; I also speak isiZulu which I’ve learnt
from school as a second additional language. Having grown in South Africa kzn, I have
interacted with my friends who taught me different cultures and language backgrounds.
I am self-driven to learn more and this activity has taught me so much about why
diversity is important. Learning the importance of languages and their barriers taught
me to appreciate differences and acknowledge differences as a way to learn more.
Language is such a beautiful way to describe ourselves and our differences.
The languages allow interacteration with friends and also allow me to make new friends.
Being an outgoing person, the languages help me seek opportunities from other jobs
seeking personnel.
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2. Second Portfolio Activity

"Who is reflected in the mirror?" from Unit 2. Why?

The person reflected in the mirror is someone bold and strong with sad eyes yet still so
much hope to be the best version of herself. In the mirror reflects someone with a big
heart that had to learn not to be too naïve and thus portrays such a stubborn and bold
appearance. This person is so determined that she will do anything to succeed .this
person also overthinks everything and sometimes her anxiety takes over. This person is
so hard on herself to be the best she sometimes doesn’t appreciate the great shes
already done. She is so self-motivated and loves teaching others. She however has to
learn not everyone has this thirst for knowledge like she does. This mirror reflects
someone who will never give up.

What does this say about who you are?

I am a very ambitious person who can somewhat be out of control if I don’t get what I
want. I have learnt this stems from my anxiety and overthinking so I feel as though if I’m
in control I won’t disappoint myself. I am extremely humble because of my experiences
.in my attempt to be the best at everything I’ve learnt the only person I can be best at is
being myself. My determination will never die down as my interests are always present
in learning more. I love the feeling of knowledge or even knowing more it feels like an
amazing power. I will always encourage others to never give up.

Do you like what you see? Why? Or why not?

I love what I see; I’ve finally begun to understand why I am this way after 15 years of
trying to figure myself out. I learnt that this is me and it’s in my personality to be this
driven person. I do have a lot to improve like learning that I cannot control everything
and to just be content instead of worrying. I have taken steps forward to encourage that
kind of growth. I’m proud of me and being myself when no one else approved of my kind
of personality since they didn’t have it. Ill forever keep studying if I have to in order to
quench my thirst for knowledge. Learning is my most favourite thing to do and though
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others may think I’m a know it all I find it my best power. I’m going to use my power of
knowledge to add some value to the world and make some sort of change. I am
however trying to not let my personality get the better of me and not become
narcissistic. I am the most perfect version of myself.

Task 2: Family
Who named you?
My mum named me the name shyanne .my dad named me my second name which was
Leigh.
What is the reason or circumstances for that specific name given to you?
My mum just really liked the name shyanne and my dad liked the name leigh .they didn’t
think too much in to it they just felt it suited me really well. There wasn’t any particular
event at the time of my birth nor was I named after someone. They did consider that my
name was spelt Cheyenne and didn’t like that spelling and then went with shyanne
which they felt sounded more Indian. Everyone in my family just went with my name. it
became something they all just got used to after feeling weird in the beginning.
Does this name reflect your cultural, language identity and personality? If so,
provide a reason. / If not, give a reason
No
Personality: it does reflect my personality as I do find it hard to make people
understand me. I feel as though I’ve become a shyanne
Language identity: my name originates from the Native American tribes and that really
doesn’t have relevance to me as I’m South African Indian.
Cultural identity: I come from the Indian culture where most names are in the language
Hindi and Tamil which my name isn’t. It also doesn’t have an biblical meaning and I am
of Christian religion and Tamil.

What does your name mean, and do you live up to the meaning of your name?
My name which I did find out later was associated with the meaning unintelligible
speaker. This means when I speak not a lot of people understand which I can say is so
true.my name is also associated with the number 5 which happen s to be my birth date.
I do believe that I have lived up to my name and so does my family. I still however do
not like my name and never have .I always felt my name never suited me very well.
Every person I meet however always complements me and says I have a nice name.
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3. Third Portfolio Activity

Task 1: Cultural Ceremonies and Occasions.

Name of the ceremony you attended

Tamil wedding
What takes place before your chosen ceremony? (The weeks and days leading up
to the ceremony)
THE NELENGU: The bride and groom are made to sit on mats, or more opulent seats
these days, and three brass basins with turmeric paste, kumkum, fragrant oils, and an
aarti (lime and turmeric mixed in water) are kept close by.

The future bride sits by her brother, or in the event that she doesn't have a brother, a
young boy or relative takes the bride's place. Women approach the prospective bride
and apply turmeric paste to her. She rubs it on her hands, legs, arms, and face. The
turmeric is a cleaning paste that is meant to assist give her complexion a glow for her
wedding.

anda Kaal Muhurtham

Praying to the gods and asking for their blessings for a happy marriage is one of the
pre-wedding customs in Tamil weddings. As a result, the hopes and prayers of those
who hold them dear accompany them as they go into the future hand in hand.

Palligai Thellichal
This is a very distinctive ritual for Tamil weddings. The couple is blessed by having it
done. During the ritual, five to six married women gather to color a large number of
earthen pots, which are then filled with a mixture of yogurt and nine different seeds and
symbolically dipped into water to bring good fortune. Rangoli, or Kolam, is a common
decoration found inside homes.

What is the significance?

Nelenju is a bride's purification ceremony. Praying to the gods for a blissful marriage .
Most cultures have marriage rites and ceremonies that are largely related to fecundity
and affirm the significance of marriage for the survival of a clan, community, or
civilization. nalangu, a blessing and purification ritual performed prior to the wedding
celebration. It's a custom where the soon-to-be married couple's close friends and
family apply haldi, or turmeric paste, to the couple's face and limbs as a sign of their
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love. In Tamil marriages, the official engagement ceremony is called the

Nichayathartham ritual. The bride and groom's family give gifts, clothing, and other
goods as a sign of acceptance and commitment at this important event.

attire (clothes) worn Explain the significance of the clothes worn

Kanjeevaram Silk sarees, which are customarily 6–9 yards long, are worn by Tamil
brides. Some wear the saree in the Madisar style, adorned in vivid colors with elaborate
borders of gold thread embroidery. Her hair is styled in a bun and plait with orange and
white flowers.The bride is wearing a stunning white saree with golden borders. When
the bride wears something elegant, the groom's customary embrace conveys class and
sophistication. Usually, he wears a silk sherwani, which is a long, coat-like garment that
falls to his knees.
Rich shades of gold, cream, or brown are available for the sherwanis, which are
adorned with dexterous embroidery and brocade work. The groom dons a kurta, a
loose-fitting shirt, and trousers that fit like churidars below the sherwani.

Are gifts given? To whom and by whom? Why?

. In Tamil weddings, the bride-to-be receives presents from her family, including jewelry
and a saree, when the groom and his family arrive at her home for the formal
engagement ceremony. The sumangalis, or married ladies, knot grains, betel nuts,
turmeric, and coconuts in the pallu of her saree while she is sitting and an aarti is
done.The Groom and Bride! When the parents got married, they all got gifts. The gifts
are intended for the recently married couple's new house and relationship. Therefore,
the bride and groom own the gifts!Household things like crockery, bedsheets, blankets,
showpieces, watches, and Radha Krishna are typical gifts at an Indian wedding.After
the tholan has placed metti (toe), the groom's side will present the tholan with a gold
ring or chain. brahmins are invited and honoured with sweets and gifts in this ceremony

Who is responsible for the food preparation, and why were they selected? (not
just the name, the role of the person responsible)
The brides and grooms family can hire caterers to take care of all the food
arrangements. Food for the wedding will be done by caterers. Food during small rituals
and engagement may be prepared by other family members.
Who is financially responsible for this ceremony?
The bride and groom are solely responsible for all costs however all family members do
pitch in and contribute eventually.
Does music play a role in the ceremony? Why (whether it plays or not)
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Yes there is music throughout all ceremonies. It is auspicious to welcome the gods and
goddesses with Indian music Tamil or Hindi. Music also sets the mood of the function
and allows for people dancing and celebrating their happiness.
Was the ceremony by invitation or open? Why?
There is invitations to about 200 people. it is only by invitation and cost is considered
per person and per seat at the location of the ceremony. It is crucial to be able to cater
for the intended amount of guests. If numbers aren’t considered they may not be
enough food and seats for everyone.
b

1
https://www.weddingsutra.com/planning/wedding-tradition-series-explore-the-myriad-rituals-aspects-of-tamil-
weddings/
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2
https://jermainechandra.com/blog/ten-steps-in-a-tamil-hindu-wedding/

3
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0683/1800/3511/files/sumangali_prarthana_480x480.jpg?v=1700730328
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4. Fourth Portfolio Activity

Task 1: Ubuntu
Illustrations of Ubuntu Actions or Hand gestures when sharing food: Sharing food is a
custom that symbolizes the spirit of Ubuntu in many African communities. In a village,
for instance, if one family has a surplus of food, they will distribute it to their neighbors
who could be facing a shortage. Sharing not only guarantees that there is enough food
for everyone, but it also promotes a sense of belonging and community.
Community Engagement: Ubuntu is demonstrated by taking part in group projects like
constructing a community center, organizing communal areas, or lending a hand to a
neighbor on their farm. In certain African communities, for instance, people band
together to work on a project that helps the community as a whole without asking for
anything in return. This group's endeavor indicates the conviction that cooperation is
essential for achieving the common good and that humanity is interdependent.

4
https://cdn0.weddingwire.in/article/7099/3_2/1280/jpg/19907-tamil-wedding-gautamkhullar-lead.webp
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Task 2:
I believed that the global significance and influence of African languages was restricted.
But these days, I believe that African languages have enormous potential for
international understanding and communication in addition to their cultural significance.
I now have a greater understanding of the diversity and richness of African languages,
as well as their significance in maintaining cultural history and forming identities, thanks
to this study. I used to think that the only ways to obtain knowledge and take part in
international debate were through English and other dominant languages. But my
viewpoint has changed, and I now see how critical it is to support and preserve African
languages in order to guarantee inclusivity and diversity in the international interchange
of ideas.

I first miscalculated the difficulty and structure of African languages, presuming that they
were less complex than those of Europe. I now recognize the rich grammatical
structures, variety of dialects, and oral cultures present in African languages. This
insight has challenged the idea of language hierarchy and deepened my knowledge of
linguistic diversity.

AFL1501 has changed the way I think about African languages and helped me
understand its importance in a global setting. I have now made a commitment to
support the promotion and preservation of African languages, realizing how important
they are for promoting intercultural communication, cultural pride, and knowledge
transfer. My perspective has changed significantly as a result of this study, and I now
have a great deal of appreciation for the language legacy of the African continent. This
course has helped me comprehend things more deeply. the significance of honoring
cultural and linguistic variety. I now know that cultural variety encompasses more than
just linguistic variances—it also involves conventions, traditions, beliefs, and values.
Respecting these diversity is essential because they provide value to our community
and foster tolerance and understanding..
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Academic Honesty Declaration:

1. I know that plagiarism means taking and using the ideas, writings, works or
inventions of another as if they were one’s own. I know that plagiarism includes
verbatim copying and the extensive use of another person’s ideas without proper
acknowledgement (which consists of the appropriate use of quotation marks). I know
plagiarism covers using material from textual sources and 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 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, 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: shyanne Leigh murugan

Student No: 15854248