Babies Against Cellphones

We used to smile when we look at babies. Not anymore. We smile at our phones. I suppose it is the end of the world, because what nature gave us like the smile of a child is no longer important. What matters is Wi-Fi. We go absolutely crazy when it's off.

A baby ingane in the Zulu language. You say the first part like email, second like linger and third part like neck.

Babies izingane in Zulu. You say the first part like email, second like zinc, third like linger and last part like neck.

Babies don’t pay taxes but they will, when they grow up because the government taxes every quarter and every dime. Babies are in demand because the birth rate in Europe, Canada and U.S. is still falling. Women are more in control of their bodies now, unlike their mothers who were bound by culture and church to have as many kids as possible.

Babies are delightful and funny. They also don’t like their parents very much once they toddle about. They pull down things and stare at strangers to find out if they are fake or real. I don’t blame them, there are so many fake people and things online, I’m even scared of my own shadow. Am I fake or real?

ZULU	ENGLISH
Uthole ingane yomfana.	She had a baby boy.
Uthole ingane yentombazane.	She had a baby girl.
Ingane iyakhala.	The child is crying.
Ingane ilambile.	The child is hungry.
Ingane ilele.	The child is sleeping.
Bane zingane ezimbili. Amawele.	They have two kids, twins.
Abanazo izingane.	They don’t have kids.
Ingane iyaqhumisa.	The child is teething.
Izingane zakho ziya hlonipha.	Your kids have respect.
Ingane yakhe iyadelela.	His kid is rude.
Izingane zibhukuda olwandle.	Kids are swimming in the sea.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.