The application of appraisal theory in Maphalla’s poem: ‘Ditema’

Abstract

Evaluative language includes any linguistic expressions (written or spoken) that may be perceived as conveying stances or attitudes (feelings and views) towards entities and people in the real world. It also utilises the material presented and the parties involved in the communicative exchange. The poetic text is that which utilizes numerous figures of style to provide emotions and feelings while respecting the criteria of the style of the author. Regarding Maphalla’s anthologies, several South African scholars have worked on his literary works from various literary approaches, but have not used appraisal theory in their analysis. The central aim of this study is to investigate, employing the appraisal framework, a theoretical tenant of systemic functional linguistics, the way language is used evaluatively in Sesotho in Maphalla’s poem, ‘Ditema’ (decoration patterns). This study maintains that there are more positive words used in this poem, indicating that the poet uses the judgement of social esteem, praising hard work and commitment and that there are also social sanctions in the poem, where the poet scorns laziness.