RHYTHM IN MODERN SETSWANA POETRY AND HOW IT IS ACHIEVED

ABSTRACT

This paper deals with the different means by which rhythm is achieved in modern Setswana poetry. The nature and significance of rhythm (especially in Setswana) are discussed; other opinions are examined in order to arrive at a definition; three poems are analysed for purposes of illustration. Besides the pause and the syllabic length, other elements on which the division of a poem into lines may be based, include various forms of repetitions, especially initial and final rhyme. A rhythmic pattern can therefore be regarded as the organization of arrangement of lines of a poem into various lengths and forms. Lines may be of irregular or equal length. In our case length is not based on the number of syllables only, but also on breath-span: Lines are of equal length if they can be uttered within equal breath-spans.

ABSTRAK

In hierdie artikel word die ritmeverskynsel in die moderne Tswanapoësie ondersoek. Die aard en betekenis daarvan word beskryf; ander beskouinge word nagegaan voordat 'n finale definisie geformuleer word. Drie gedigte word ter toeligting hiervan ontleed. Behalwe pouse en die lengte van lettergrepe is daar ook ander elemente waardeur gedig in verse verdeel kan word; soos die verskillende vorme van herhaling waaronder begin- en eindrym stellig die vernaamste is. Die ritmiese patroon kan bes beskou word as die organisering of rangskikking van verse dat hul le in verskillende lengtes en vorme in die gedig voorkom. 'n Vers kan onreëlmatig maar ook reëlmatig in lengte wees. Lengte word in hierdie studie egter nie slegs op die getal lettergrepe gebaseer nie; ook is die asemduur van belang; verse het derhalwe dieselfde lengte as die asemduur dieselfde is wanneer hulle uitgespreek word.