A Survey of Three Selected Techniques in the Analysis of Siswati Folklore

This study’s main goal is to examine three folk narrative techniques to evaluate their themes, structure, and cultural importance. This qualitative study makes use of Claude Lévi-Strauss’s (1955) structuralist theory, which emphasizes antithesis, mediation, and synthesis; Vladimir Propp’s (1928) morphology of folktales, which identifies narrative elements like the initial situation, lack, command, violation, reward, abstention, punishment, and lesson; and Thwala’s (2019) structural theory, which describes the ascending, descending, terminative, and turning point phases of narratives. These selected theories are used to assess whether Siswati folktales follow a consistent format or show variance. By analysing their symbolic and functional relationship with human characters, the analysis delves deeper into the role of animals in oral art. Fables, legends, and myths are among the several forms of narrative prose that are recognized, described, categorized, and analysed to emphasize their unique characteristics and cultural purposes. Siswati folktales are discussed as being useful for social cohesiveness and moral teaching in addition to preserving traditional values, beliefs, and customs. To better comprehend the structural and cultural aspects of additional African folktales, the study suggests more investigation into the application of these theories. It also emphasizes how crucial it is to include Siswati folktales in school curricula to preserve indigenous knowledge systems. By comparing the structural approaches used in Siswati folktales, highlighting their cultural significance, and providing ideas on how to categorize and understand them within a larger onomastic and folkloristic framework, this study advances scholarship. In doing so, it promotes a greater understanding of Siswati narrative art and enhances the area of African oral literature.