Useful Vocabulary (Grade 12 NSC Matric English FAL): Revision Notes
Useful Vocabulary
Understanding the vocabulary in "My Children! My Africa!" is essential for grasping the play's themes, characters, and historical context. These words will help you analyse the text effectively and demonstrate your comprehension in exams. The vocabulary list includes general literary terms, words specific to the play, and important background knowledge about South African history during apartheid.
Why This Vocabulary Matters
"My Children! My Africa!" is set during the apartheid era in South Africa, so many terms relate to this historical period. Understanding these words will help you:
- Comprehend the social and political context of the play
- Analyse character motivations and conflicts
- Discuss themes like education, racism, and social change
- Write confidently about the play in your exams
Apartheid and political terms
These words relate to the historical context and political themes in the play and form the foundation for understanding the characters' conflicts and motivations:
Apartheid - The system of racial segregation and discrimination that was official policy in South Africa. This is the central historical backdrop of the play.
The apartheid system created the social tensions and educational inequalities that drive the conflict between characters in the play. Understanding this term is crucial for analysing all character relationships.
Boycott - When people refuse to participate in something as a form of protest. In the play, students boycott school to protest against apartheid education. This action creates conflict between the characters.
Black - During apartheid, this was used as a classification for people with dark skin. The term was often used in derogatory ways during this period.
Coloured - In South Africa, this referred to people of mixed racial heritage. Understanding these racial classifications helps explain the social divisions in the play.
Afrikaner - People of Dutch and Huguenot descent who spoke Afrikaans. They were the group that implemented apartheid policies.
Suppressed - When something is forcibly stopped or controlled. Many groups were suppressed under apartheid.
Privileged - Having special advantages or rights. Under apartheid, white people had privileges that others did not.
Racism - The belief that different races have different abilities or characteristics. This ideology underpinned the apartheid system.
Cultural and social terms
These words help you understand the cultural context and the lived experiences of the characters:
Bantu - Refers to indigenous African peoples who speak Bantu languages. During apartheid, this term was used in official classifications.
Baas - An Afrikaans word meaning "master" or "boss," used by non-white people when addressing white people during apartheid.
Comrades - Fellow members of an organisation or movement. This term was commonly used during the anti-apartheid struggle.
Mealie-pap - A traditional South African food made from ground corn, similar to porridge. This shows the cultural background of the characters.
Ja - Afrikaans word meaning "yes." Characters may use this word, reflecting the linguistic diversity of South Africa.
Amandla - A Zulu and Xhosa word meaning "power." This was often used as a rallying cry during the struggle against apartheid.
These cultural terms help you understand the characters' identities and backgrounds. Pay attention to when characters use these words, as they often reveal important aspects of their personalities and allegiances.
Educational and philosophical terms
These concepts relate to the themes of education and personal growth that are central to the play's message:
Literature quiz - A competition testing knowledge of books and poems. This relates to the academic setting of the play.
Eloquence - Speaking or writing that is fluent and persuasive. This skill is valued by the teacher character.
Generation - A group of people of similar age. The play explores conflicts between different generations.
Perspective - A particular way of viewing something. The characters have different perspectives on how to fight apartheid.
Intuitive - Understanding something without conscious reasoning, based on feeling rather than logic.
Other important terms
Inequality - When people don't have the same opportunities or living standards. Apartheid created massive inequality in South Africa.
Sabotage - Deliberately damaging or destroying something. This was a form of resistance during apartheid.
Vandalism - Deliberately damaging property. This might occur during protests or resistance activities.
Phobia - An extreme fear of something. Characters may have fears about the political situation or social change.
Confucius - An ancient Chinese philosopher who emphasised morality, justice, and education. His ideas about education are relevant to the play's themes.
Common Exam Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't confuse apartheid-era racial classifications with modern usage
- Remember that cultural terms often reveal character backgrounds and allegiances
- Always explain the historical context when using apartheid-related vocabulary
- Connect vocabulary to specific characters and their motivations
Worked Example: Using Vocabulary in Analysis
When writing about character conflict, you might say:
"The boycott represents a clash of perspectives between generations. While the students see it as necessary resistance against apartheid education, Mr M views it as potentially destructive sabotage of their educational opportunities. This conflict highlights the inequality of choices available to suppressed communities."
Notice how multiple vocabulary terms work together to create a sophisticated analysis.
Key Study Strategies:
- Connect words to characters: Think about which characters would use certain terms or be affected by certain concepts
- Historical context: Remember that many terms relate specifically to apartheid-era South Africa
- Exam preparation: Practice using these words in context when writing about themes, characters, and historical background
- Define clearly: In exams, always explain terms clearly to show your understanding
Essential Points to Remember:
- Master the apartheid-related vocabulary as it's central to understanding the play's context
- Many terms reflect the social divisions and conflicts that drive the plot forwards
- Cultural terms help you understand the characters' backgrounds and identities
- Educational vocabulary connects to the play's themes about learning and knowledge
- Understanding this vocabulary will improve your ability to analyse themes, characters, and historical significance in exam responses