Literatura científica selecionada sobre o tema "Tsonga Women"

Traditional cultural practices reflect the values and beliefs held by members of a community for periods often spanning generations. Every social grouping in the world has specific traditional cultural practices and beliefs, some of which are beneficial to all members, while others have become harmful to a specific group, such as women. These harmful traditional practices include early and forced marriages (Ukuthwala as practised currently), virginity testing, widow's rituals, 'u ku ngena' (levirate and sororate unions[1]), female genital mutilation[2] (FGM), breast sweeping/ironing, the primogeniture rule, practices such as 'cleansing' after male circumcision, and witch-hunting.[1] Levirate unions occur when the deceased's surviving male relative inherits the widow of the deceased. Sororate unions occur where the widower is inherited by the deceased wife's surviving female relative. The inherited widow or widower becomes the wife or husband to the surviving relative of the deceased.[2] FGM is not just the cutting of the clitoris; it includes disfigurement, and the changing of the form or elongation of the labia as practiced by Tsonga and Sotho communities.

Psychoemotional disorders belong to the early symptoms of climacteric syndrome, especially expressed on the background of history of depression. The objective: to investigate the features of the level of situational and personal anxiety, as well as the level of depression in women with early onset menopause. Materials and methods. 214 women were examined, 74 of them had complaints of termination of menstruation in the age group under 40 years old (Group I), 70 menopausal women at the age of 45 years (Group II) and 70 women in age 38–42 years with unbreakable menstrual function (III group). All women were offered a scale of reactive and personal anxiety, the results for each type of anxiety were evaluated in gradations: up to 30 points – low; 31–45 – average; 46 or more – high anxiety. In addition, all participants were asked to complete the Tsong scale, the result was evaluated in the range of the sum of points in gradations: 25–49 – normal, 50–59 – light depression, 60–69 – moderate depression, 70 and more – severe depression. The statistical probability of differences between groups is estimated by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov method. Results. Regardless of the age of menopause, no more than 28% of patients had a low level of situational anxiety, while this result is characteristic of more than half of women of the same age group with preserved reproductive function. A high level of personal anxiety was found among patients in Group I – 27%, which is significantly higher than in women with menopause after 45 years or with preserved reproductive function. In the group of early completion of reproductive function, 87.8% of women in the survey indicated a degree of severity of depression, in the menopause group after 45 years – only half. The absolute majority of patients in both groups had a mild depressive mood, but the frequency of severe depression was almost 6 times higher in the early menopause group. Conclusion. The findings suggest that early menopause is accompanied not only by more severe physical manifestations, such as cardiovascular damage, but also by more pronounced psychological disorders, a high level of not only situational but also personality anxiety, as well as greater prevalence of depression and severe her shape. Such data is an additional argument in favor of the need for correction of menopausal disorders in such women. Key words: early menopause, depression, situational and personality anxiety.

Vukati VA Kandza hi Mbilu is a Xitsonga idiomatic expression implying that the road to marital success is for a wife to endure hardships. This idiomatic expression is firmly embedded in patriarchal beliefs, as it is only applicable to wives and not husbands. From time immemorial, the VaTsonga people have been aware of the complexities of marriage. Although they regard it as being a vital step towards full adulthood and maturity, they have several sayings which point out that marriage is not an easy undertaking, such as the well-known saying, Vukati VA Kandza hi Mbilu. The purpose of this article was to examine the VaTsonga idiomatic expression Vukati VA Kandza hi Mbilu, as well as its impact on VaTsonga marriages and patriarchy in VaTsonga marriages. Furthermore, the study provided recommendations to pastoral caregivers to promote gender equality and discourage the abuse of women in Tsonga marriages. A literature review methodological approach was adopted in this research to indicate that the idiomatic expression Vukati VA Kandza hi Mbilu chimes well with the patriarchal mindset of VaTsonga people with regards to marriage in general. Culture is patriarchal and this is general knowledge; therefore, this article argued that women are told and taught to accept male patriarchal rule along with the injustice and hardships that it causes them. Hence, this article challenged practical theology to play a role in fighting against this Tsonga patriarchal rule of marriage.Contribution: In the light of the above-named challenges, the one-sided view of VaTsonga marriage endurance and its patriarchal nature was discussed. Practical theology was called to respond to these issues, as it can play a significant role in challenging pastoral care to respond to such patriarchal VaTsonga idioms.

This article discusses the nature of human beings (men and women) as an egalitarian one even beyond cultural expectations. It argues against some cultural practices on women, especially widows, which claim supremacy and bind the widows to its ritual processes among the Tsonga people. It stresses the importance of human individual that overtakes everything from God�s creation, including cultural rituals which are created by human beings. It claims that the existence of culture depends solely on the existence or presence of human beings and their communities. Therefore, culture cannot use humans to shape itself and to transform the community. It is humans themselves who use culture to identify themselves and ultimately change their communities. Although the paper is theological in its approach, it argues for individual human rights to be respected and weighed above all cultural practices. It further concludes that such cultural practices are not static and that they can be removed from the rest of culture.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article, from a practical theological view, challenges the African cultural rituals that claim authority over women�s rights and dignity. The interdisciplinary nature of this article indicates the sanctity of human individuals especially widows and thereby calls for paradigm shift to deconstruct certain oppressive teachings and practices against widows among African women. This article concludes thus, cultural deconstruction is possible.

Michael Watts of Purdue University reviews “Better Living through Economics” edited by John J. Siegfried. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Twelve papers and fourteen comments explore the fundamental contributions of economic research to important public policy decisions over the past half century. Papers discuss the evolution of emissions trading; better living through improved price indexes; economics and the Earned Income Tax Credit;….” Arthur J. Robson of Simon Fraser University reviews “The Bounds of Reason: Game Theory and the Unification of the Behavioral Sciences” by Herbert Gintis. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Explores how key concepts from the behavioral sciences can complement game theory in providing insights into human behavior. Discusses decision theory and human behavior; game theory--basic concepts; game theory and human behavior; rationalizability and common knowledge of rationality; extensive for….” Robert A. Margo of Boston University and NBER reviews “Top Incomes: A Global Perspective” edited by A. B. Atkinson and T. Piketty. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Thirteen papers examine top incomes in ten OECD countries and focus on the contrast between continental Europe and English-speaking countries. Papers discuss top Indian incomes, 1922-2000; income inequality and progressive income taxation in China and India, 1986-2015; the evolution of income concentration….” Charles Wyplosz of The Graduate Institute, Geneva reviews “Europe and the Euro” edited by Alberto Alesina and Francesco Giavazzi. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Eleven papers with comments, drawn from an NBER conference on “Europe and the Euro” held in October 2008, examine a number of issues related to the euro, including the effects of the euro on reform of goods and labor markets; its influence on business cycles and trade among members; and whether the ….” Anne Krueger of Johns Hopkins University reviews “Misadventures of the Most Favored Nations: Clashing Egos, Inflated Ambitions, and the Great Shambles of the World Trade System” by Paul Blustein. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Explores whether the global trading system, specifically the World Trade Organization (WTO), is at risk of joining the financial system in crisis, and chronicles the major events in the system over the last decade. Discusses the 2001 WTO meeting in Doha, Qatar; the story of the global trading system….” Chong Xiang of Purdue University and NBER reviews “International Trade with Equilibrium Unemployment” by Carl Davidson and Steven J. Matusz. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Considers how to create economic models that accurately reflect the real-world connections between international trade and labor markets using equilibrium unemployment modeling. Discusses the structure of simple general equilibrium models with frictional unemployment; trade and search-generated unemployment….” Raymond Robertson of Macalester College reviews “Unequal Partners: The United States and Mexico” by Sidney Weintraub. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Examines the repercussions of the dependent-dominant relationship between Mexico and the United States. Discusses Mexico's political economy; trade--from closure to opening; foreign direct investment and finance--from resistance to welcome; narcotics--effects of profits from U.S. consumption; energy….” Jules H. van Binsbergen of Northwestern University, Stanford University, and NBER reviews “Anticipating Correlations: A New Paradigm for Risk Management” by Robert Engle. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Presents a collection of new methods for estimating and forecasting correlations for large systems of assets. Discusses correlation economics; correlations in theory; models for correlation; dynamic conditional correlation; dynamic conditional correlation performance; the MacGyver method; generalize….” Andreas Bergh of Lund University and Research Institute for Industrial Economics reviews “Nordics in Global Crisis: Vulnerability and Resilience” by Thorvaldur Gylfason, Bengt Holmström, Sixten Korkman, Hans Tson Söderström, and Vesa Vihriälä. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Presents a report on the global financial and economic crisis from the point of view of small open economies, focusing on the Nordic countries. Discusses putting the crisis into perspective; the crisis and the global policy response; the panic of 2007-08--a modern bank run; looking back at volatility….” Teresa A. Sullivan of University of Virginia reviews “Saving Alma Mater: A Rescue Plan for America's Public Universities” by James C. Garland. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Examines how to reform the economic model of public higher education, drawing upon the example of Miami University of Ohio. Discusses where the money comes from; market forces in higher education; why public universities cannot restrain costs; the university prime directive; whether the faculty are ….” Martin Hall of University of Salford reviews “Financing Higher Education Worldwide: Who Pays? Who Should Pay?” by D. Bruce Johnstone and Pamela N. Marcucci.. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Explores the financing of higher education from an international comparative perspective, focusing on the strategy of cost-sharing. Discusses diverging trajectories of higher education's costs and public revenues worldwide; financial austerity and solutions on the cost side; the perspective and policy….” Lee Branstetter of Carnegie Mellon University reviews “Offshoring in the Global Economy: Microeconomic Structure and Macroeconomic Implications” by Robert C. Feenstra. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Presents lectures given by Robert C. Feenstra at the Stockholm School of Economics in September 2008, focusing on the role of trade versus technological change in explaining wage movements and their effect on workers. Lectures discuss microeconomic structure in the context of the Heckscher-Ohlin structure….” James E. Rauch of University of California, San Diego reviews “Emergent Economies, Divergent Paths: Economic Organization and International Trade in South Korea and Taiwan” by Robert C. Feenstra and Gary G. Hamilton. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Studies the business groups in South Korea and Taiwan and what their different paths of development say about economic organization. Discusses the problem of economic organization; interpreting business groups in South Korea and Taiwan; a model of business groups--the interaction of authority and market….” Michael Bikard of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and NBER reviews “The Invention of Enterprise: Entrepreneurship from Ancient Mesopotamia to Modern Times” edited by David S. Landes, Joel Mokyr, and William J. Baumol. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Eighteen papers examine the history of entrepreneurship throughout the world since antiquity. Papers discuss global enterprise and industrial performance--an overview; entrepreneurs--from the Near Eastern takeoff to the Roman collapse; Neo-Babylonian entrepreneurs; the scale of entrepreneurship in Middle….” Per Skedinger of Research Institute of Industrial Economics reviews “Reforming the Welfare State: Recovery and Beyond in Sweden” edited by Richard B. Freeman, Birgitta Swedenborg, and Robert Topel. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins, “Nine papers examine Sweden's recovery from crisis and the role that the country's welfare state institutions and policy reforms played in that recovery. Papers discuss searching for optimal inequality-incentives; policies affecting work patterns and labor income for women; wage determination and employment….”

We are very proud to launch this special issue of Approaches entitled ‘Guided Imagery and Music: Contemporary European perspectives and developments’. With its body of articles, we hope to inspire practitioners, researchers and educators from many fields: Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) therapists, music therapists as well as professionals from other health professions. But, why a special issue on GIM in Europe? And why now? The most obvious reason is the celebration of the formation of an independent European branch of the American Association of Guided Imagery and Music that took place at the 12th European GIM Conference in Athens, Greece, September 2016. But we have to go back to the beginning. Guided Imagery and Music The music therapy method GIM, being one of the top five music therapy approaches in the world according to the amount of practice, research and publications (Wheeler et al. 2012), was originally founded in USA in the 1970s by the music therapist, musician, and researcher Helen Lindquist Bonny (1921-2010) (Bonny 2002; Bonny & Savary 1973). Bonny was inspired by humanistic and existential philosophies at her time, as well as by her own spiritual experiences with music. After providing music for LSD psychotherapy sessions together with Stanislav Grof as part of their research in Maryland Hospital, Baltimore, she discovered that listening to classical Western music in itself, in an expanded state of consciousness, could serve as a vehicle of deep inner transformation and unravelling of unconscious material. She saw music as a rich source of inspiration and creativity beyond words that could reach the very core of the human soul to bring out repressed emotions and memories, as well as serving as a method for the exploration of consciousness and inner growth. Bonny selected pieces from different composers and compiled programmes of music with titles such as “Peak Experience”, “Transitions” and “Explorations” (Meadows, 2010), although realising the multiple and deep reaching individual imagery experience that the music would set into motion. In GIM, imagery implies visual images, all sensory and kinaesthetic experiences, emotions, and memories or thoughts that can be elicited by the music during listening in an expanded (non-ordinary) state of consciousness. An individual GIM session is composed of five phases: a pre-talk, a guided relaxation to get the ’traveller’ (client) into an expanded state of consciousness, a music listening phase with ongoing verbal dialogue between traveller and ‘guide’ (therapist) about the imagery experience, a guiding back and expression of the experience in a painting (mandala), and a processing post-talk. It is important to note that in GIM, it is not the therapist that “guides” the client into the imagery, but the music itself. The client free-associates during the music listening period, as opposed to other methods where the process is based on a given script provided by the therapist or a recorded voice. Since the beginning, GIM has spread from USA to many countries around the world, many new music programmes have been created, and adaptations of the method to the needs of populations in mental health and medical settings have been applied with enriched perspectives on humanistic, psychodynamic, transpersonal/ archetypal and even cognitive-behavioural theoretical frameworks. Neuroscience findings have amplified our understanding of the effects of music and imagery in the brain and consequently to the human body. Subsequently, a developing amount of research in GIM is now being carried out (Bonde 2015; Grocke 2010; McKinney 2002; McKinney & Honig 2017). In the Aalborg graduate music therapy programme in Denmark, eight out of 46 PhD theses are GIM-related (http://www.mt-phd.aau.dk/phd-theses/), and four additional GIM studies are in process (http://www.mt-phd.aau.dk/organisation/current/). Short history of the development of GIM associations The American “Association for Music & Imagery” (AMI) was created in 1987 and has grown to be an international organisation with the purpose to provide basic information about GIM, practitioners, training programmes, ethical standards, conferences and the biannual publishing of the Journal of Association for Music & Imagery (see https://ami-bonnymethod.org, and Parker 2010). The “Music & Imagery Association of Australia” was created in 1994 (http://www.musicandimagery.org.au/). In Europe, an intense work of consolidation and identity forming has been taking place over the years, and a continued work to found an independent association has been undertaken, first by a ‘steering boat’ consisting of the four European GIM primary trainers Margareta Wärja, Leslie Bunt, Torben Moe and Dag Körlin, and since the Oslo conference in 2008, by the European Network of GIM (ENGIM) with an expanded steering boat (Wärja 2010). In the European GIM Conference in Berlin (2014), a preliminary association was formed, and finally in Athens (2016), a formal European Association of Music and Imagery (EAMI) union was founded (https://www.music-and-imagery.eu/) with the support from the Australian sister organisation (chair: Denise Grocke) and from AMI (president-elect: Suzannah Scott-Moncrieff) (see also conference report by Samara 2017, and Moe and Lund 2017, in this issue). Several passionate speeches inspired the final vote towards the formation of EAMI. Margareta Wärja said: “We (Europeans) do not have what you (Australians and Americans) have – we have diversity, cultural differences, different training formats, challenges – and this is rich like a gem – we need to embrace the differences, and to be able to communicate and find harmony, in order to grow!” Marilyn Clark from USA shared an inner image of Bonny extending her hands to her across a stream, asking her to jump. Marilyn imparted the trust she learned from Bonny with the Europeans and encouraged them to trust – as if it was Bonny herself who extended her hands to embrace and unite us all: “At this time, we are not pulling you to the United States, but pulling you into a deeper river with music and imagery, and all the things you will do with it, which will be above and beyond and different from what the Bonny method of Guided Imagery is”. Marilyn addressed the loss Europeans will be to AMI, but at the same time shared how amazing the growth of the method has been; Bonny did her first sessions in her spare bedroom, and now we have three organisations, and there even might be a Pacific AMI in the future as GIM is spreading to the East. She quoted Bonny that “we have the ‘tiger by the tail’”, the tiger being “empathy, bringing the beauty of music to people who really need it, creating a bridge to transformation”. It was a touching moment for all to receive this support from Marilyn and her connection with Helen Bonny. The formation of EAMI has raised a question of identity: Is there a special profile of GIM in Europe compared to the rest of the world? It might well be that the clinical application of GIM into medical health and social service institutions have informed the development of adaptations of GIM more in Europe than in the rest of the world by now, supported by research showing beneficial outcomes of GIM and Music and Imagery (MI), and inspiring the training formats to include more ‘modified GIM’ formats. Having said that, it is important to bear in mind that Europe consists of different countries with large differences in their health care systems and education regulations, not to mention different languages. Given this diversity, it has not been an easy task to find a common ground for the description of standards and demands for GIM education – a development that is still in process. According to EAMI, professional training in GIM/MI is geared towards mental health professionals and is designed to develop skills on the uses of the method in various clinical and socio-educational contexts, mainly (but not exclusively) as a music-assisted psychotherapy or self-development technique. As GIM is the most established and widespread method in receptive music therapy, perhaps it is now time for EAMI to strengthen the bonds with other music therapy organisations, especially the European Music Therapy Confederation (EMTC) and the World Federation of Music Therapy (WFMT) – an issue raised previously also by Bonde (2015). Towards the spectrum of GIM/MI approaches Bonny herself worked with both an individual Guided Music and Imagery (GIM) format and an unguided group format, which she called group GIM or Music and Imagery (MI) respectively, and adaptations to different clinical groups were already described from the early days of GIM. Though, the nomenclature of GIM in research and practice has been an issue for years. When is it “traditional” Bonny method? When can a modification be considered a specific method with a new name? What are the different forms of modifications? When does a modification go beyond the limits, so that it is not GIM anymore? In this issue, we have chosen to embrace the issue of nomenclature with an open attitude allowing the individual authors to use their own definitions. However, we would like to refer to the recent book on GIM adaptations (Grocke & Moe 2015), Muller’s book on variations (2014), Bruscia’s (2017) note on definitions, and the European training standards of EAMI (in effect from 2019) that acknowledge the use of GIM modifications and describe them within a hierarchy where the term GIM is used as the overarching umbrella term (see also Bonde 2017, in this issue). In figure 1, different formats of GIM can be seen: the individual GIM formats include the full 1.5 to 2 hours session Bonny Method of GIM (BMGIM), the short GIM (a full session but shortened in time and music listening period), modified GIM (modifications of one or more parts of the method, i.e. using non-classical music) and Music and Imagery (MI) which includes music listening without verbal interaction/guiding during the music. GIM in groups usually is a MI method without guiding during the music (GrpMI); however, interactive communication between group members can also take place in a specific format (Group GIM). Modifications of GIM also include the combination of GIM and other therapeutic methods and approaches, as described in several of the papers in the present issue. The spectrum of GIM and MI methods Individual work Individual GIM(The Bonny method) Short individual GIM Modified individual GIM Music and Imagery (MI) Group work Interactive group GIM Group Music and Imagery (MI) Figure 1: The spectrum of GIM and MI methods (according to EAMI’s Training Standards, 2017) Hence, in Europe we embrace the full Bonny method as well as a whole spectrum of GIM and MI methods, including short forms and modified approaches in individual therapy and group work. The theory formation of GIM is continuously developing, both concerning the understanding of the GIM process itself related to different philosophies and therapeutic theories, and concerning the development of specific adaptations for different clinical purposes. EAMI has developed its own competency-based standards in education of GIM, offering a wide range of approaches and flexibility in the practice of the method in various settings (EAMI, 2017). Contents of the current issue This special issue of GIM in Europe received an abundance of submissions which we experience as an illustration of the current creativity and liveliness of the GIM development in the continent. We are happy to be able to present 16 papers, including original research, theoretical developments, descriptions of GIM adaptations, case studies, presentations of new GIM programmes, a conference report, an interview with the current chair of EAMI, and a book review. The first three papers illustrate GIM in the light of somatic and neurological theories. First Gabriella Rudstam, Ulf Elofsson, Hans Peter Søndergaard, from Sweden with supervisors Lars Ole Bonde and Bolette Daniels Beck from Denmark present original research results from a pilot study on a trauma-focused adaptation of group GIM with women suffering from PTSD and Complex PTSD. Italian psychiatrist and GIM primary trainer Gabriella Giordanelli Perilli discusses aspects of neurological research that describes how GIM can bring forward “tacit knowledge”. Furthermore, she describes a combination of GIM with “redescriptive technique”, as she draws theory from cognitive sciences that introduces a homework assignment for the GIM traveller to do a written narrative about core imagery, serving as a help to integrate the GIM experience. Music therapist, GIM therapist and researcher Ilan Sanfi together with Erik Christensen with a background in music phenomenology, both from Denmark, present a literature review covering the use of music therapy and music medicine in the treatment of chronic pain with a neuroscientific perspective. They find that music interventions such as GIM and Music and Imagery (MI) exert a considerable impact on the physiological and psychological aspects of pain. The next two papers are concerned with clinical aspects of GIM from the therapist perspective. Isabelle Frohne Hagemann, music therapist and GIM primary trainer from Germany writes on GIM supervision adapting a multi-perspective and meta-hermeneutic perspective. Political, theoretical, ethical and practical dimensions are presented and a case example illustrating the complexity of GIM supervision. Psychotherapist and GIM therapist Katarina Mårtenson Blom presents a lyrical first-person analysis of the process of the GIM therapist based on intersubjectivity theory and the concept “the process of surrender”. Another original theoretical contribution is a theoretical essay by the GIM primary trainer Martin Lawes from the UK who draws from the works of the psychoanalyst Ehrenzweig and the physicist Bohm (among others) to describe the deep nature of music as “unfolding wholes”. This theoretical paper is going to the roots of music and consciousness. Lars Ole Bonde, GIM primary trainer, professor at Aalborg University and at the Centre for Research in Music and Health in Oslo, has investigated the use of GIM and its adaptations among professional GIM therapists in Denmark. He finds that adaptations of GIM are used widely in many populations whereas the full Bonny method is applied in a much smaller scale, and he advocates for more training in modifications/adaptations of GIM in the education of GIM therapists. GIM in combination with other psychotherapeutic methods are illustrated by the next two authors. Medical practitioner and GIM therapist Gert Tuinmann from Germany presents his use of a combination of the cognitive method Schema therapy and GIM, exemplified with a case example. The psychologists Evdokia Smirnioti and Sofia Trifonopoulou together with music therapist and primary school teacher Eleni Tsolka, all advanced GIM students from Greece, have described their combination of group GIM processes with fairy tales. The participants “travel” to the music together and tell each other about their imagery along with the music, and their joint story is made into a shared fairy tale, reflecting unconscious processes in the group. Two case studies are going into depth about the clinical process in GIM. Katarina Mårtenson Blom presents a case study that is informed by psychodynamic and relational theory. She analyses the GIM process of a 52-year-old woman with a history of trauma and loss through the “experiential categories of analysis”, that was developed in her doctoral research. Another case study by music therapist and GIM practitioner Alice Pehk from Estonia is based on psychodynamic theory and recounts the GIM process of a young woman with music performance anxiety. Two GIM music programmes are introduced by Norwegian GIM therapists and researchers. Professor Gro Trondalen presents the use of the programme “Soundscapes” that is based on Norwegian compositions. National cultural and nature associations to the music are illustrated through a case study. Associate professor, GIM therapist and assistant trainer Svein Fuglestad presents his music programme called “New blood”, that is a compilation of instrumental recordings of pop songs by Peter Gabriel. Fuglestad provides an analysis of the music based on mood and music profile. GIM therapist with studies in psychology/philosophy Steen Teis Lund from Denmark has interviewed the current chair of EAMI Torben Moe about his background and opinions regarding the future of GIM in Europe; flexibility and openness are discussed as important for the ongoing development and application of the method. Maria Samara, music therapist and GIM therapist from Greece/Switzerland has written a report regarding the 12th GIM conference held in Athens, Greece, where EAMI was established. The report mirrors the special atmosphere of the conference and sees the many new GIM adaptations as answers to the challenges we are faced with in the world, with a specific focus on Europe. Finally, Martin Lawes reviews the book “Variations in Guided Imagery and Music: Taking a Closer Look” by Muller. With this colourful fan of perspectives on GIM, we wish the readers inspiration for future practice, research and development. Acknowledgement We would like to give special thanks to all the contributing authors of this special edition, to the board of reviewers who were specially selected for the present issue, to “SONORA”, a Greek-based Organisation for Music Therapy & Research, for the support and promotion of this special issue, and, last but not least, to the editor in chief Giorgos Tsiris and the team at Approaches for hosting this issue, guiding the process, and proofreading the manuscripts. We hope to be able to host GIM therapists and students, health professionals, and researchers from the entire world in future European conferences, and to continue collaboration and sharing the amazing process of GIM: “May the music take you where you need to go…” References Bonde, L. O. (2015). The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) in Europe. Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education, Special Issue 7(1), 86-90. Retrieved from: https://approaches.gr/the-bonny-method-of-guided-imagery-and-music-gim-in-europe-lars-ole-bonde/ Bonde, L.O. (2017). The future of the Bonny Method: A perspective on Danish practice with a forecast to the future. Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, Special Issue 9(2). Retrieved from: https://approaches.gr/special-issue-9-2-2017 Bonny, H. (2002). Music Consciousness: The Evolution of Guided Imagery and Music (Edited by L. Summer). Gilsum, NH: Barcelona Publishers. Bonny, H., & Savary, L. (1973). Music and Your Mind: Listening with a New Consciousness (1st ed.). New York: Harper & Row. Bruscia, K. (2017). Notes on the Practice of Guided Imagery and Music. Dallas TX: Barcelona Publishers. Bruscia, K. E., & Grocke, D. E. (Eds.). (2002). Guided Imagery and Music: The Bonny Method and Beyond. Gilsum, NH: Barcelona Publishers. European Association for Music & Imagery (EAMI) (2017). Standards for Training in Guided Imagery & Music (GIM). Copenhagen: EAMI. Grocke, D. (2010). An overview of research in the Bonny method of Guided Imagery and Music. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 10(3). Retrieved from: https://voices.no/index.php/voices/article/view/340 Grocke, D. & Moe, T. (Eds.). (2015). Guided imagery & Music (GIM) and Music Imagery Methods for Individual and Group Therapy: A Spectrum of Approaches. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. McKinney, C. (2002). Quantitative GIM. In K. E. Bruscia & D. E. Grocke (Eds.), The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music and Beyond (pp. 449-466). Gilsum: Barcelona Publishers. McKinney, C. H., & Honig, T. J. (2017). Health outcomes of a series of Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music sessions: A systematic review. Journal of Music Therapy, 54(1), 1-34. Meadows, A. (2010). The evolution of GIM programming. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 10(3). Retrieved from: https://voices.no/index.php/voices/article/view/497 Moe, T., & Lund, S.T. (2017). In search of the lost grail: An interview with Torben Moe. Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, Special Issue 9(2). Retrieved from: https://approaches.gr/special-issue-9-2-2017 Muller, F. (2014). Variations in Guided Imagery & Music: Taking a Closer Look. Dallas TX: Barcelona Publishers. Parker, A. (2010). Report on the Association for Music and Imagery: The development of Guided Imagery and Music around the world. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy 10(3). Retrieved from: https://voices.no/index.php/voices/article/view/443 Samara, M. (2017). Conference Report: 12th European Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) Conference “European perspectives on Guided Imagery and Music: Visions, challenges and crossroads’. Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, Special Issue 9(2), 367-374. Retrieved from: https://approaches.gr/special-issue-9-2-2017 Wärja, M. (2010). Roots and branches of the European Network of Guided Imagery and Music (ENGIM). Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 10(3). Retrieved from: https://voices.no/index.php/voices/article/view/559 Wheeler, B., Wagner, G., Summer, L., Clifford, M., Turry, A., & Eschen, J. T. (2012). Five international models of music therapy practice. Voices: A World Forum for MusicTherapy, 12(1). Retrieved from: https://voices.no/index.php/voices/article/view/634/507 Suggested citation:Papanikolaou, E., & Beck, B. D. (2017). Celebrating GIM developments in Europe. Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, Special Issue 9(2), 191-195.

Thesis ( M.A. ( African Languages)) --University of Limpopo, 2013
The main aim of this study is to examine the way in which women are explored and explained by authors with special reference to Xitsonga novels, Ri xile by S.B. Nxumalo and Sasavona by D.C. Marivate. The first chapter reveals the general outline of the study, the problem statement, the aim, the importance and its methodology. The most important terms of the study has been explained in this chapter so as to reveal what is expected to be analyzed. Chapter two gives short summary of the novels Sasavona by D.C. Marivate and Ri xile by S.B. Nxumalo which have been examined together with the history of their authors. The definitions of the word characters and characterization have been included and defined in this chapter. In this chapter, the novels which have been selected to be analysed have been analysed. Chaper three explains, defines and analysed the themes of selected two novels. The definitions of theme has been given in this chapter. This definitions will make readers to understand what theme is. Chapter four deals with the setting or milieu of the above mentioned novels. Chapter five deals with the general summary of this mini-dissertation. The recommendations and recommendations for further research have been indicated in this chapter.

Thesis (M. A. (African Languages)) -- University of Limpopo, 2013.
The main aim of this study is to examine women’s abuse with special reference to Xitsonga folklore, Khale ka Makwangala by F. Rikhotso. This study also shows characters who are abused and those who cause this abuse. The first chapter reveals the general outline of the study, the problem statement, the aim, the importance and its methodology. The most important terms of the study have been explained in this chapter so as to reveal what is expected to be analyzed. Some of the definitions of the Constitution have been given. Chapter two gives short summary of the folklore Khale ka Makwangala by F. Rikhotso which has been examined together with the history of their authors. The definitions of the word human rights have been included and defined in this chapter. In this chapter, other folklores which have been selected for analysis have been analysed. Chapter three explains, defines and analyses the themes of selected folklores. The definitions of themes have been given in this chapter. These definitions make it easier to understand what themes are. Chapter four

Background and motivation: South Africa is a developing country with a heterogeneous socio-economic multi-cultural society. It is experiencing a nutrition transition characterized by changes from traditional eating patterns to those typical of a Western lifestyle. The consequences of this are the incidence of malnutrition, with diseases of both under and over-nutrition creating a burden on the health resources. A working group representing different stakeholders developed food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) for South Africa over a period of four years. These guidelines will be adopted by the Department of Health during 2004. It is important for all South Africans to clearly understand the messages from this FBDG in order to successfully implement these guidelines in health policies. The objectives of this study were: To test the understanding of consumers in a Tsonga-Shangaan community on the new food-based dietary guidelines, To evaluate the outcomes of gained knowledge on good nutrition practises through focus group discussions by using the new FBDGs. Method: Tsonga speaking women in the Greater Tzaneen municipality participated in the study. A total of 64 women were sampled. The population was classified in four strata with 16 participants each, namely: Group 1 - Rural, Group 2 - Farm dwellers, Group 3 - Urban informal, Group 4 - Urban formal. The participants were selected according to availability on the meeting dates and who met the following criteria: Adult African female, Tsonga- speaking, a Responsible for the planning and preparation of meals for their households, without any formal nutrition training. A structured questionnaire was used at baseline and after the focus group discussions to measure the knowledge and understanding of the participants on the FBDGs. The focus group discussions were used to educate the participants on good nutrition practices. Results: The use of the FBDGs as an education tool during the focus group discussions to improve the knowledge of the participants on nutrition practices had mixed results in this study. It was found that the understanding of the messages carried by some of the food-based dietary guidelines was interpreted differently by the different groups. At the end of the focus group discussions, some groups reflected an increase in knowledge of the guidelines, while other groups reflected a "decrease" in knowledge in the same guideline. A variety of factors had an influence on the understanding of the FBDGs, such as household preferences, affordability and availability of foods, taboos, tradition, ignorance and acculturation of consumers. Conclusion The overall conclusion reached was that most of the messages of the FBDGs were well understood by the participants and that the FBDGs per se may be used as an education tool to educate consumers in good nutrition practises. However, from this study it seems as if there are five guidelines that need to be addressed with specific care if used in future education programmes: 1. "Be active" 2. "Make starchy foods the basis of most meals" 3. "Eat salt sparingly" 4. "Eat fat sparingly" 5. "If you drink alcohol, drink sensibly" Recommendations: More time should be spent on focus group discussions, especially when dealing with people of a low education level. More sessions can be scheduled to include all the FBDGs (not all guidelines at one session) and should be repeated after some time. Specific caution should be taken to make sure that the way FBDGs are explained to the consumer fell within the experience field of the consumer. In this regard the socioeconomic status of participants in the project should be taken into consideration, because their low income status can serve as a barrier to the success in the understanding of the messages. Traditions and the use of indigenous foods and the availability thereof, as well as the affordability of the other foods must also be taken into account. Foods that are used to explain the guidelines should be foods that the consumers are familiar with in order to avoid any misunderstanding when trying to interpret the message carried by the guidelines.
Thesis (M. Consumer Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Thesis (M.A.(African Languages)) -- University of Limpopo, 2013
The main aim of this study is to examine the way in which women are explored and explained by authors with special reference to Xitsonga novels, Ri xile by S.B. Nxumalo and Sasavona by D.C. Marivate. The first chapter reveals the general outline of the study, the problem statement, the aim, the importance and its methodology. The most important terms of the study has been explained in this chapter so as to reveal what is expected to be analyzed. Chapter two gives short summary of the novels Sasavona by D.C. Marivate and Ri xile by S.B. Nxumalo which have been examined together with the history of their authors. The definitions of the word characters and characterization have been included and defined in this chapter. In this chapter, the novels which have been selected to be analysed have been analysed. Chaper three explains, defines and analysed the themes of selected two novels. The definitions of theme has been given in this chapter. This definitions will make readers to understand what theme is. Chapter four deals with the setting or milieu of the above mentioned novels. Chapter five deals with the general summary of this mini-dissertation. The recommendations and recommendations for further research have been indicated in this chapter.

This dissertation is a critical examination of selected Tsonga novels by male and female writers. Positive and negative images of women by these authors are analysed, compared and evaluated from a feminist perspective. Emphasis is laid on the manner in which Tsonga writers portray female characters in a changing society and the extent to which the images of women in this literature represent the present day woman. Adherence to ideological, cultural and traditional values as well as the differences in portrayal of women by male and female writers is also investigated. Through a comparison of novels written by male and female writers it is established that because of patriarchy these writers differ markedly in their portrayal of female characters. In all the novels analysed, the sociol-cultural context influences the way in which these writers portray female characters. Male writers promote traditional values which female writers strive to discard by portraying female characters who predominantly undermine stereotypical cultural sex-roles.
African languages
M.A. (African languages)

Thesis (Ph.D. (African Languages)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020
Ndzavisiso lowu wu kongomisa eka nkanelo wa hilaha vaxisati va paluxisiwaka xiswona eka swin’wana swa switlhokovetselo swa Xitsonga. Vunyingi bya switlhokovetselo leswi kaneriweke eka ndzavisiso lowu hi leswi swi hlawuleriweke ku tirhisiwa hi vadyondzi va le ka Feyisi ya le Henhla (Giredi 10-12) va Afrika-Dzonga. Eka ndzavisiso lowu ku tirhisiwile maendlelo ya nkoka lama simekiweke ehenhla ka thiyori ya vugingirikelavaxisati va Afrika. Thiyori leyi yi tshuriwile hikwalaho ka nsusumeto wa swa tipolotiki na mitshikelelo leyi vaxisati va yi tokotaka evuton’wini bya vona. Switlhokovetselo leswi kaneriweke swi aviwile hi swigava ku ya hi swivuriso swa Vatsonga leswi tirhisiwaka ngopfu ku paluxa vaxisati. Ku kumiwile leswaku vundzeni na tinhlokomhaka ta switlhokovetselo swa Xitsonga swi kuceteriwile ngopfu hi swivuriso swo karhi swa Vatsonga leswi tirhisiwaka ku paluxa vaxisati. Mhaka yin’wana leyi kumekeke eka ndzavisiso lowu hileswaku hambiloko Afrika-Dzonga ri ri eka mafumelo ya xidemokirasi, vatlhokovetseri va ha kuceteriwa hi maendlelo ya xihlawuhlawu ehenhla ka vaxisati na vurhangisavatatana eka swiboho leswi fambisaka mindyangu na swisimekiwa swo karhi. Dyondzo leyi vumbaka xiphemu xa nkoka eka nhluvukiso wa Xitsonga hileswaku vuhlawulamarito na xitayili xa vatlhokovetseri swi na xiave lexikulu eka nkucetelo wa maehleketelo ya vahlayi kumbe vaamukeri va mahungu hi ku angarhela.

Abstract This chapter draws upon fieldwork with young women after the civil war in Mozambique and research with the Yazidi women and girls returning from Islamic State captivity and enslavement to explore how spirituality can positively or negatively affect the acceptance by the larger community of children born of war related sexual violence. In the case of the Tsonga people in Mozambique, achieving harmony after the armed conflict meant that all the young people who had suffered, including children born of sexual violence during the war, had to be brought back into the fold of the community through naming and rituals. Alternatively, Yazidi religious leaders modified birth rituals. They used these modified rituals to try and reweave the fabric of people’s lives and the wider Yazidi community itself in the face of the damage done by the Islamic State’s horrific practices. The rebaptizing ceremonies allow the Yazidi women and girls to return to their original faith and again become a Yazidi. However, the children born from the rape by the Islamic State are not allowed to rebaptize, which has led to their abandonment. The author highlights the need to give due consideration to the role of spirituality and local rituals in protecting children, building resilience, and laying the groundwork for reconciliation.