Zulu 1

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The novel Sweetness has basic phrases, from the language isiZulu.  Learn more.

Abantu bakithi
Family comes in all shapes and sizes.  Abantu bakithi is basically my family, my people.  They live at home ekhaya, or somewhere else. 

ZULU
ENGLISH
Ubani lona?
Who is this?
Umama.
Mother.
Ubaba.
Father.
Ugogo.
Grandmother.
Ukhulu.
Grandmother.
Umkhulu.
Grandfather.
Udadewethu.*
My sister.
Umfowethu.*
My brother.
Uma’mncane.
My junior mother because she is ma’s younger sister.
Uma’mkhulu.
My elder mother because she is ma’s older sister.
Malume.
Uncle.
Umzala.
My cousin.

*English and Afrikaans have influenced Zulu that is why in urban areas you have the following:

·         Sisi, means sister.

·         Bhuti means brother.

SAMPLE CONVERSATION

ME:  Ubani lona?

YOU:  Umzala.

ME:  Ubani lona?

YOU:  Umfowethu?

ME:  Ubani lona?

YOU:  Udadewethu.
 
Nonqaba waka Msimang is the author of Sweetness the novel.
www.dorrancebookstore.com
www.amazon.com
 
 

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