Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of acculturation on the play patterns of contemporary Zjuchoasi or Xaoxeisi speaking Bushmen children. It was proposed: that there would be fewer traditional Bushmen play forms observed among children than the literature they once enjoyed; that the play culture of the children would be eroded to a greater degree by acculturation than that of their parents; that as traditional functional play activities disappeared they would be replaced by culturally non-functional Western play forms; that a greater number of traditional play forms would still be enjoyed in the Tsumkwe region schools of Bushmanland than in the Gobabis district schools; that the boys would retain a greater percentage of their traditional play activities than the girls. The field work was conducted in 1989 when three Xaoxeisi schools (Gobabis-district) and tow Zjuchoasi schools and two camps (Tsumkwe-district) were visited. The fact that some of the schools also accommodate Namas, Hereros and Ovambos appeared to play a further role in acculturation. The play culture of the children appeared to be eroded to a greater degree by acculturation than that of their parents. For example, the Bushman and his bow are traditionally functional play activities disappear they are being replaced by culturally non-functional Western play forms. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)