ABSTRACT
The BaVenda kinship terminology is based on the classificatory system, but it is not found in the extreme form in which it exists in Melanesia, and it only applies to those whose relationships can be traced genealogically. All relations in the generation of great-grandparents, on both father's and mother's side, irrespective of sex, are collectively designated makhulukuku. There is a special term for father, khotsi. The mother has a special term, mme; she is often called mavhe in direct address. The children of the makhadzi and those of the mother's brother are classed together as muzwala and sharply distinguished from the children of the father's brother and mother's sister, who are all brothers and sisters. A man's wife's sister's husband is either khotsi muhulu or khotsi munene, according to whether the sister is older or younger than the wife.
