Exploring the use of Khundavhalai in Vhavenda culture

Abstract

In Vhavenda culture, a child who acts disrespectfully towards society is called “khundavhalai”, which means the one who has overcome those meant to guide them. This paper aims to explore the role of Khundavhalai in Vhavenda culture as they places a great importance on respect for elders and authority figures, and the term "khundavhalai" is frequently used to characterise a child who disobeys them. An exploratory qualitative narrative inquiry was used, and data was collected through interviews. Purposive sampling was used to select six Vhavenda-speaking elders who were knowledgeable about the expression. Data was merged into relevant themes using thematic analysis. This study was grounded in the Sankofa and Afro-centric theory as its theoretical framework. The main findings of the study demonstrated that (i) Khundavhalai” as an expression of Vhavenda culture, (ii) “Khundavhali” refers to a lack of awareness or understanding of the customs and traditions of a particular culture and finally Khundavhalai" refers not just to the child's behaviour, but also to broader social concerns in the Vhavenda community. Preserving culture in Vhavenda and similar societies involves teaching younger generations about their cultural heritage through schools, community programs, and family practices. Encouraging involvement in cultural events and practices to strengthen social bonds and foster a sense of identity and belonging. It’s crucial to maintain traditional practices while also adapting them to fit modern contexts, so they stay relevant and meaningful in today’s world. Neglecting indigenous practices could lead to more disobedient children and the erosion of cultural traditions, potentially causing language decline and further cultural loss.