Abstract

MOGOLANE, Mamaila J.; NEILLE, Joanne  and  SHER, Jenna. Pragmatics: Exploring language use by younger generations in Pedi families. S. Afr. J. Commun. Disord. [online]. 2025, vol.72, n.1, pp.1-11. ISSN 2225-4765.  https://doi.org/10.4102/sajcd.v72i1.1097.

BACKGROUND: The people of the Pedi culture place great value on, and take pride in, adhering to their culture, as reflected in the manner in which they communicate verbally and non-verbally. However, little is documented about the ways in which verbal and non-verbal language is used socially by the younger generations in the Pedi culture OBJECTIVES: This article examines how verbal and non-verbal social language skills and functions are used by the younger generations in Pedi families METHOD: A qualitative research design was employed, underpinned by the principles of direct participant observations and semi-structured interviews. A total of 22 participants from seven families were included, and the data were analysed through thematic analysis RESULTS: The results showed how younger generations in Pedi families respectfully execute verbal and non-verbal social language skills and functions CONCLUSION: Understanding the cultural nuances of communication in the Pedi culture, including respect expressed through verbal and non-verbal cues, is critical for speech-language pathologists (SLPs). By recognising these cultural practices as differences rather than deficits, SLPs can provide more effective, respectful and culturally appropriate interventions CONTRIBUTION: The findings of this study contribute to a broader understanding of how language is used in the Pedi culture and offer valuable insights for practitioners working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Moreover, these findings call for a more inclusive approach to pragmatics in speech-language pathology that acknowledges the rich diversity of communication practices worldwide

Keywords : Pedi; culture; pragmatics; verbal language; non-verbal language; speech-language pathologists; families; cultural norms.

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