Abstract:
The study analyses the evolution of the Lesotho national flag through the semiotic lens. The research is carried out with the aims to establish what each of the six colours of the Lesotho national flag versions represent. The study also aims to uncover the reasons that prompted the evolution of the national flag. Another aim is to establish the significance of the colours and the symbols of the three national flag versions. The research uses semi-structured interviews to collect data. The sample for the study is collected in three districts; Maseru, Berea and Leribe.
The findings reveal that the representation of three of the colours of the national flag, blue, green and white are expressed in the national motto of Lesotho which is khotso, pula, nala. The study further finds that the interpretations of the colours which are used on the Lesotho national flags align with the global symbolism of the six colours.
Among other reasons, the findings show that the evolution of the national flag of Lesotho was prompted by the change in political power. The reason influenced both the first and second evolution of the flag. The study also finds that the reasons for the evolution of the Lesotho national flag and the impact of such evolution on society align with those that influence the evolution of national flags globally.
The findings reveal, among other things, that the significance of mokorotlo to the Basotho is that it shows prominence and national identity. The findings also reveal the significance of the Coat of Arms as preserving the monarchy and the tribal identities of the Basotho nation.
The study recommends that further research be conducted on the Lesotho national flags to determine the criteria which were used when selecting the national flag design to use. The study also recommends that further research be carried out to determine the criteria which were used when deciding which national symbols to use on the three Lesotho national flags. Further research may also be conducted on the semiotic analysis of other flags and colours in Lesotho.
