Trying in Zulu

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Zama is to try.   Keep trying.  Keep trying.  Keep trying.  It works for some, not for others don’t despite trying all their lives.  Athletes that compete in the Summer and Winter Olympics never give up though.  They will keep trying for that gold.
Za-ma.  The first part is pronounced as in Zara, the second part as in market.

ZULU
ENGLISH
Zama.
A boy’s name.
Zama.
A girl’s name.
No-mzamo.
A girl’s name.
Zamo-kwakhe.
Neutral name, which means someone is trying his or her thing.
Ngi-zo-zama.
Ngi-zamela i-gold medal.
I will try.
I'm trying for a gold medal.
Zama futhi.
Try again.
Zama futhi, Isabelita.
Try again, Isabelita.
Zama futhi, Austin.
Try again, Austin.
Kodwa ba-zamile.
They tried though.
Kodwa si-zamile .
We tried though.
Kodwa u-zamile.
You tried though.
Zama nge-sonto.
Try on Sunday.
Zama ngo-10 ekuseni.
Try at 10 a.m.
Zama ngo-8 ebusuku.
Try at 8 p.m.

Nonqaba waka Msimang is the author of Sweetness, a South African novel.

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