Ukuhlonipha and ukuhloniphana among the Zulu Traditional Healers

Abstract

African traditional healers have one generic doctrine among themselves which is correctly called ukuhlonipha amasiko in Zulu, which can be loosely translated as meaning to promote and respect cultures. The term ukuhlonipha alone is a Zulu verb which means ‘to respect’, and if it is practised effectively across all cultures it yields peace within family structures and within the society at large. Traditional healers practise and promote ukuhlonipha when they meet, during consultations and during traditional ceremonies, though much of it still remains a mystery to the uninitiated, and sometimes even to scholars of this philosophy. This article aims to explore the features of ukuhlonipha among traditional healers so that future generations can understand the somewhat interesting, strange and peculiar behaviour of traditional healers. The research therefore, utilises relevant theory, especially the theory of politeness, to critically analyse the hlonipha features of ukuhlonipha custom in order to gain a clear understanding of their meaning.