This study investigates interjections in Xitsonga, a part of speech that has not yet been thoroughly studied. The study uses a qualitative research method to collect, interpret, and analyse non-numerical data on Xitsonga interjections morphologically, semantically, and syntactically. Data collection was done using a corpus-based approach by extracting relevant words, phrases and sentences with interjections from the following Xitsonga drama literary texts: Mavondzo a ya Hakeri (1981) by F Rikhotso, Matlhari Hansi (1998) by M.G Magagane, Mahlo ya Nkwahle (1999) by O.R Chauke, Byi le tintihweni (2005) by C.M Lubisi, Ndzi ta fa ndzi dyile (2005) by K.J Ngobeni and S.J Malungana, Mathayere Mbuya! (2005) by V.D Salane, T.M Rikhotso and S.J Malungana, Xivoni xa Vutomi (2008) by I.S Shabangu, Vukosi i Mberha (2008) by P Ndlovu and Vadyondzi va namuntlha (2015) by S.E Makhubele. A purposive sampling technique was employed to sample the data for this study, which was then analysed using thematic content analysis. The fundamental goal of this study is aligned with the theoretical framework of R.M.W. Dixon's Basic Linguistic Theory, which focuses on interpreting and revealing language properties. The study found that interjections in Xitsonga are morphologically categorised into two classes: non-derived and derived interjections. It has been found that non-derived interjections in Xitsonga are free morphemes in form, whereas derivative interjections take the form of bound morphemes. It was also found that interjections in Xitsonga may be borrowed from other languages. The study further demonstrated that the meaning of interjections may be appropriately conveyed in terms of positive and negative emotions/feelings. The positive emotions that are conveyed by Xitsonga interjections include sympathy, congratulations, praise, excitement, agreement, encouragement, warning, hospitality, self-care, and others. Whereas the negative emotions that are conveyed by Xitsonga interjections include fear, frustration, anguish, scorn, disgust, contempt, amnesia, and self-pity. Concerning syntax, it has been discovered that interjections, like other parts of speech, occur in different positions in the sentence, and act as an independent clause, adjunct, or complement. The findings gathered in this study are significant and will be highly useful to language users who are interested in gaining insights into the nature of Xitsonga interjections.

Keywords: Parts of speech, Interjection, Morphology, Semantic, Syntax