Turning in Zulu

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To turn is jika in Zulu.  It can be giving directions, that someone should turn on Rue de France or changing his mind about the relationship.

Ji-ka also mean twists and turns in topography.  For example, you know I love British Columbia for its spectacular twists and turns (ama-jika jika).  Ballerinas also turn their zero bodies a lot.
Ji-ka. The first part is pronounced as in Jill, the second one as is Kamu, an African girl’s name.

ZULU
ENGLISH
Jika la.
Turn here.
Jika right.
Turn right.
Jika left.
Turn left.
Jika ku-Broadway Avenue.
Turn on Broadway Avenue.
Jika ku-Calle Virtud.
Turn on Calle Virtud.
Khombisa ukuthi uya-jika.
Indicate that you are turning.
Uzo-jika ku-Yonge Street.
She will turn on Yonge Street.
Ngi-zo-jika ku-Pope Street.
I will turn on Pope Street.
Ji-kisa imoto.
Turn the car around.
Aka-hamba-nga.  Ba-mu-jiki-sile.
He didn’t leave.  They turned him back.
U-zo-jika. U-zo-bona.
He’ll turn back.  You’ll see.
Ba-hlala be-jika.
They always change their minds.
U-su-ya-jika manje?
You are changing your mind now?

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