RHYTHM IN MODERN SETSWANA POETRY AND HOW IT IS ACHIEVED

Abstract

This paper deals with the different means by which rhythm is achieved in modern Setswana poetry. The nature and significance of rhythm (especially in Setswana) are discussed; other opinions are examined in order to arrive at a definition; three poems are analysed for purposes of illustration. Besides the pause and the syllabic length, other elements on which the division of a poem into lines may be based, include various forms of repetitions, especially initial and final rhyme. A rhythmic pattern can therefore be regarded as the organization of arrangement of lines of a poem into various lengths and forms. Lines may be of irregular or equal length. In our case length is not based on the number of syllables only, but also on breath-span: Lines are of equal length if they can be uttered within equal breath-spans.