Asking Nicely in Zulu

No skates allowed into the Convention Center.

Ask for something politely in Zulu is ce-la.  Some fundamentals first, which you will need for all other lessons.

Si-: is we, asking for something.

Ngi-: is me, asking for something.
Ba-: they, many people asking for something.

Ni-: you, many people asking for something
U-: you one person, asking for something.

Kids are brought up to ask nicely, not to demand things which is fu-na in Zulu. If you value your behind, you don’t storm into the house and demand food from your mother.  Go and look for it in the forest, is the standard reply from most parents.

When visiting a home in South Africa, you’ll see kids knocking on the door.  They have come to ask for their friend, to go and play.  Si-ce-la u-Duma.
Ce-la:  the first part sounds like the exclamation Ci! Ci! Ci! Ci!  The second part of the verb is pronounced like lass.

ZULU	ENGLISH
Celiwe.	A girl’s name, meaning the one we asked for.
Sicelo.	A boy’s name, meaning a request.
Ngi-ce-la i-tiye ne-muffin.	May I have tea and a muffin please.
Si-ce-la u-Duma.	We would like to see Duma (to go and play).
Si-ce-la u-Antoinette.	We would like to see Antoinette (to go and play).
Ba-ce-la bani?	Who are they asking for?
Ba-ce-la u-ba-ba.	They are asking for father.
Ba-ce-la u-ma-ma.	They are asking for mother.
Ngi-cela u-phu-thu.	May I have popcorn grits? Watery grits is eaten for breakfast.  Add more cornmeal to the water if you want the popcorn effect.
Ngi-ce-la i-vo-ti le-nu.	I’m asking for your vote.
Ni-ce-la ba-ni?	Who are you asking for?  It is said when a boyfriend’s family comes to ask for marriage.
Ni-ce-la u-mango?	You are asking for mango?
Yebo. Si-ce-la u-mango.	Yes.  May we have some mangoes please.
Si-ce-la u-Isabella.	We are asking for Isabella.

Exercise:  What do you eat in your country?  Ask somebody for that food e.g. Ngi-ce-la i-pasta.
By:  Nonqaba waka Msimang.