Zulu Lesson To Elevate

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Pic: Nonqaba waka Msimang.

To build up, raise or elevate is phakamisa in Zulu. When elders enter a room, kids must stand up to show respect.

Pha-ka-ma: rise, you say the first part like pass, the second like U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and the last like money.

Pha-ka-mi-sa: to raise something, raise a roof, voices in praise, flag or awareness. You say the first part like pass, the second like U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the third like miss and the last like some.

Pha-ka-mil-e. a boy’s name. Maybe something good happened to the family when he was born, a promotion, a new house, or good harvest. Maybe the family wishes the baby to grow up to be an important man in the world.

Pha-ka-mi-le. You say the first part like pass, the second like U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the third like miss and the last like leg.

Ba-pha-ka-mi-le. is a girl’s name. Please note the first part which is in bold. That is plural, many people who have reached a higher status or gained something. You say ba- like baba.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.

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