Lying in Zulu

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Lying is a-ma-nga in Zulu. I should not be teaching you this because of where the language isi-Zulu is coming from. Accusing somebody of lying was regarded as rude, uncouth and showed bad upbringing. Don’t even think of accusing elders of lying. That’s a no no!

Kids are taught not to say somebody is lying but they do it nonetheless when they are playing on their own, away from parents.

U-na-ma-nga u-Linda (Linda is lying).

You are supposed to say Linda made a mistake.  There was some misunderstanding that gave the impression that Linda is lying.

Most industrialists lie about how they mine gold, platinum and other mineral resources. They claim operations won't harm the environment and people’s health. They get away with it because of today, which is getting a job. Bleeding nature resulting in a tsunami, is tomorrow and who cares?

Some politicians have elevated lying to an art form, especially on Twitter because they type how they really feel, without thinking about consequences, including the possibility of another world war.

A-ma-nga. You say the first part like aunt, the second like massive and the last part like Havenga.

ZULU
ENGLISH
A-manga mabi.
Lying is bad.
Bana-manga. A-banamali.
They are lying. They don’t have money.
U-Bob u-namanga. Akangithandi.
Bob is lying. He doesn’t love me.
U-Sally u-namanga ku-Instagram.
Sally lies on Instagram.
A-ngi-khulumi a-manga.
I’m not lying.
Wena u-namanga Lettie.
Lettie you are lying.
Umbuso u-namanga.
The government is lying.
A-manga wodwa. Angibulalanga muntu.
It’s all lies. I didn’t kill anybody.
Khuluma iqiniso. Hayi a-manga.
Speak the truth, not lies.
By:  Nonqaba waka Msimang.

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