Variance in the performance of Zulu <i>izihasho</i>: Evidence of the oral text in context

Abstract

This article looks at an example of the fluid nature of performed izihasho (praise poetry/personal oralidentity) where the example of an oral text differs according to the performance, the performer, theaudience and the context of the performance. In other words, the content of the oral expression isdetermined by who is performing, where he/she is performing (on what occasion) and the audience towhom the performance is being delivered.