Academic research
LitNet Akademies is LitNet's accredited academic journal. An extended English abstract is published with every article.
WhatsApp? A positively interdependent e-network of practice developed while students compiled their e-portfolios in distance education
2018-06-13"It can be concluded that WhatsApp groups provide a key to student success in distance education if the mentor is present to structure a cooperative learning process and to facilitate the development of self-regulating skills."
Creolisation of world literature in the work of D.J. Opperman
2018-06-06"Opperman’s rewriting of older texts is not a neutral transposition, but rather a making-local, a creolising, that also implies a critique of the current hegemony in favour of openness and relationality."
A reading of Michel Houellebecq's poetry from the points of view of the “abject” and the “ethereal”
2018-05-31"A strong mystic element is discernible in some poems, as well as some surreal images in a few. Ultimately, many of the poems are very complex because of their rich philosophical and theological underpinnings."
The leadership practices of school principals in respect of creating “physical spaces” to establish healthy learning environments in their schools
2018-05-29"They possess an extraordinary ability to visualise and articulate the emergence of inspirational and creative learning spaces and, with the support of others, turn their schools into accomplished learning environments."
The manifestation of human-machine relationships in Afrikaans poetry (1990–2012): a quantitative and text-analytical perspective
2018-05-24"A notable shift from fear, paranoia and antagonism towards the representation of more moderate human-machine relationships takes place. The relationships are characterised by acceptance of the changes brought about by machines, but also include disappointment, disillusionment and a rational awareness of technological limits."
A South African perspective on the preparation of globally competent researchers
2018-05-24"Higher education institutions play a vital role in preparing future researchers able to meet globalised expectations for their future careers within and outside academia. It is important to realise, however, that the way research is being done and shared is continuously being transformed."
Who inspired the design of the Voortrekker Monument: Pharaoh or Abram?
2018-05-17What, according to Moerdyk, enthused or kindled the original idea that eventually shaped and formatted this remarkable building?
The grammatical and lexical characteristics of selected Afrikaans poems
2018-05-10"Although the characteristics that are identified in this study do not reflect the characteristics of all Afrikaans poetry as a whole or all Afrikaans poetry by male or female poets, it does offer insights into possible characteristics of Afrikaans poetry by male and female poets."
Responsible filmmaking: ethics and spectatorship through the lens of Michael Haneke’s Amour
2018-05-02"How does Haneke assume responsibility for both the representation of Anne’s suffering and his (invisible) audience and, by implication, make his audience responsible in return?"
Living in the rectory: The influence of church-provided housing on the retirement prospects of the Dutch Reformed Church minister
2018-04-19"Apart from the general concern with regard to retirement, there are several factors which are unique to the situation of the minister, like the possible loss of identity and status, the shift from the pulpit to the pew and the concept that the ministry is not only a job, but a calling."
An analysis of legislation and existing programmes and services for street children in South Africa
2018-04-12"Cooperation between all the organisations involved in working with street children is not always coordinated and streamlined, which hinders the endeavours towards the best interest of street children."
Self, religion and homeostasis: A neurotheoretical exploration of early Buddhism
2018-04-11"The history of early Buddhism provides historical support for the structural relationship the cognitive neurosciences have identified between the self, religion and homeostasis."
The South African legal framework applicable to the production and sale of raw milk intended for direct consumption purposes
2018-04-05"There is a growing trend worldwide among consumers to prefer 'natural products' like raw milk due to their alleged health benefits. It is argued that the heat applied to milk during the treatment process destroys its nutritional quality and health benefits."
The application of a communicative model for text analysis in order to create an aesthetic translation of St John of the Cross’s poem "Noche oscura"
2018-03-28"The view is held that a basic communicative model for text analysis is essential for translating. It should be a top-down approach, i.e. starting from the whole text working down to the smallest element."
Support strategies for behavioural competency of foundation phase learners with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
2018-03-27"Teachers can implement suitable support strategies identified in this study in their teaching methods and initiate programmes at their schools to support competent behaviour of learners with ADHD."
Literature and law in the medieval epic Vanden vos Reynaerde with specific reference to the South African legal system
2018-03-22"What similarities and differences can be pointed out between the court proceedings in the Reynard epic and aspects of the modern South African legal system?"
Gender construction of female protagonists in recent Afrikaans youth novels
2018-03-14"While reading YAL the reader is confronted with implicit social, political and cultural norms, power structures, stereotypes and sexism which form part of their world and could have an influence in forming their identity and gender roles."
Andrew Murray and the debate on miracles
2018-03-08"Murray defended the credibility of the biblical miracle narratives, whereas the modernists rejected it. This debate is interesting because of its implications not only for the nature of miracles but also for the nature of belief in miracles as well as the nature of religious belief in general."
Belief in witchcraft – a legitimate defence in the criminal court, or hocus-pocusing the law?
2018-03-01"If belief in witchcraft were to lose its extenuating effect also, this would imply that the South African criminal justice system does not accommodate such a belief in any way, shape or form, which seems somewhat careless and ill-considered in an African context, where belief in witchcraft shows no sign of disappearing in the foreseeable future."
Adult basic education as an antidote for violence against women and children
2018-03-01"Turning to possible solutions to this epidemic of violence, the participants agreed that education is an important vehicle, although some also referred to more severe punishment and a change in the social culture."
