culture, argued recitation of the Seboko (clan Name) means an identification of a person, a self-explanation according to the one's family from which one descends. This identification also assist in preventing incest where a couple would be able to realize which clan they belonged to even when being introduced as strangers without any other knowledge of each other before partaking in any sexual activities. Switching from one Seboko to the other is not an easy task. It only occurred in extreme cases where, for example, a person had to change his identity because he had to flee into another family in a different clan. Another example is when a woman married. An offering had to be made to the Badimo(the spirits of the deceased) and then an acceptance by the Badimo would be given to the one who is switching families. The reason there are so many clan names is because of the splitting up of groups. Some people wanted independence, and some violated the law so they were forced out. [1] Cultural Significance Thorough knowledge and ability to recite ones praise poem is regarded as respect worthy. With globalisation and urbanisation knowledge and ability to recite ones Seboko has been reduced in general. Impact from other cultures has also contributed negatively as the practice does not have much purpose in the westernized world. A person would be regarded as ignorant of their identity and might be looked down upon should they not be able to confidently recite their praise poem. As the name implies when one recites the praise poem they are praising their clan and in the same vein praising themselves. This demonstrates great confidence and self-respect of the reciter. In some situations this demonstration of self-confidence might be taken as intimidation to an opponent. Clan names from totems Bakgatla – Kgabo (Vervet monkey) Bakoena – Koena (crocodile) Bafokeng – Phoka (dew), morara (wild vine), 'mutla (hare) rabbit Batloung – Tlou (elephant) Bats'oeneng – Ts'oene (baboon) Bakubung – Kubu (hippopotamus) Baphuthi – Phuthi (springbok), lejwe (stone) Bafula-kolobeng – Kolobe (wild pig) Bahlaping – Tlhapi (fish) Banareng – Nare (buffalo) Bataung- Tau (lion) Bahlakwana- (crocodile) Batlokwa- tlokwa (leopard) Barolong - Tholo Basia- Katse (cat) Baphiri - Phiri (hyena) Makholokoe - Khoho (Chicken), Phuthi Maphuthing - unknown so far Bakhidi Batlhako - Tlou (Elephant ) SETJIE-ditjie(grass hoppers)tjie Baphogole - Tlou (Elephant) References Batho Portal, South African Cultures External links Study