isiXhosa(Book)PrintBW

Masazane ngesiXhosa

Let’s know each other in isiXhosa

Pumlani Sibula

Masazane ngesiXhosa - Let’s know each other in isiXhosa
Publisher: Stellenbosch Universdity Language Centre
All rights are reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retriev-
al system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior

permission of the Publishers
Copyright ©2013

Second edition 2013
ISBN 978-0-620-4635-8
Cover design & layout by Paul du Toit



Amanqakwana ngomhlohli nombhali
[Short notes about the presenter and author]

Pumlani started his teaching career at Nyanga High School in the Eastern Cape (1989 - 1993) and
later transfered to Khayamandi High School in Stellenbosch (1993 - 2003).
He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in isiXhosa and Education at University of South Africa and B.A.
Honors and Master’s degree in isiXhosa grammar and literature at Stellenbosch University.
He has wide experience as a chief marker and examiner in isiXhosa Grammar for the Western Cape
Education Department’s Senior Certificate Examination from 1996 until 2003.
In 2003 he joined Stellenbosch University where he became the head of the Unit for isiXhosa at the
Stellenbosch University Language Centre. His areas of speciality are (a) terminology development of
isiXhosa for various departments of Stellenbosch University, and (b) teaching isiXhosa Language and
Culture to both the international students and staff members of Stellenbosch University.
As from 2007 he participates in teaching isiXhosa Language and Culture for Global Leadership Adven-
tures (GLA) – a winter school programme for high school students all over the world. Early in 2009,
he was invited by International Programme Development of Northwestern University in Chicago,
USA to teach isiXhosa Language and Culture.
In his free time he also works as a freelance project manager and translator for various language
agencies and publishers. He has been involved in a number of translation agencies [Maskew Miller
Longman,Web-lingo and Mapi Institute]. He is the co-author of the Multilingual Maths and Science
Dictionaries published by Maskew Miller Longman. He is also author and praise singer in isiXhosa.
PM Sibula (Mr)
Head: Unit for isiXhosa at Stellenbosch University Language Centre

Tel: 021 808-3976
Email: [email protected]
November 2009
© 2009

i

Isinikezelo [Dedication]

Lo msebenzi ndiwunikezela kuni nonke, ndiyabulela ngokuba ngabafundi abanomdla nabakhutheleyo.
Nini abandinike la mandla.
This work is dedicated to you all, thanking you for being interested and diligent students. It is you
who gave me this power.
Iindawo ezininzi zalo msebenzi zibhalwe ngesiNgesi kuphela, ngelixa ezinye zibhalwe ngesiXhosa zaze
zatolikelwa esiNgesini, ingakumbi icandelo 1.
Most parts of this work are written in English only, whilst others are written in isiXhosa and then
translated into English (especially section 1).
Isizathu sale nquleqhu kukuba umsebenzi lo ulungiselelwe abantu abangasaziyo isiXhosa. This
endeavour is because this work is speacially prepared for people who do not know isiXhosa.
Le ncwadana yahlulwe yangamacandelo amabini, elokuqala lingezifundo zencoko yemihla ngemihla,
ngelixa icandelo lesibini lijonge ukwandisa nokuchumisa izigaba ezithile zentetho ekuqutyisenwe nazo
kwizifundo zecandelo 1.
This booklet is divided into two sections, the first one deals with basic everyday communication
lessons, whilst the second section aims at expanding and enriching certain parts of speech
encountered in the lessons of section 1

Despite the help of the consulted sources above, this booklet is the product of my personal
experience in teaching isiXhosa Grammar both to first language and second language speakers
since 1989.

ii

Umbulelo [Acknowledgment]

Ndenza umbulelo ongazenzisiyo kwaba bafundisi-ntsapho nabahlohli abaphume izandla abandishiya
nale mpefumlelwano yokuthanda ulwimi lwesiXhosa, ingakumbi igrama: uGqirha T.N. Ntshinga
owandihlohla isiXhosa eNdamase High School kwibanga lethoba neleshumi ngo-1983-84.
UNkskz P Nduku owandihlohla imethodi yokufundisa isiXhosa kwiZiko loQeqesho looTitshala
eCicira College ngo-1986 – 1988.
UGqirha C.K. Moropa noNjingalwazi D. N. Jafta abandihlohle kwiYunivesithi ekwakusakuthiwa yiUnitra
ngo-1992 .
Ndibamba ngazibini kuProf. Mbulungeni Madiba, ngenkuthazo nengcebiso yakhe ethe yaba ngunozala
weli linge. Ndithabathe apha naphaya kwincwadana ayibhalele abafundi bakhe eUCT. Nantso
ndiyikhankanye kwiphepha lokugqibela (iph.108) lale ncwadi.
I am very grateful to Ms Rose Richards [English language expert] at the Writing Laboratory of
Stellenbosch University Language Centre for her time in editing and her positive comments and
suggestions in the production of this study material.
Lastly, I am also very grateful to Ms Lize Vorster for preparing this manuscript for publication.
Kuni nonke ndithi Maze’ enethole!

iii

Iziqulatho [Contents]

Amanqakwana ngomhlohli nombhali [Short notes about the presenter and author]...........................i
Isinikezelo [Dedication]................................................................................................................................................................ii
Umbulelo [Acknowledgment].................................................................................................................................................iii
Iziqulatho [Contents].................................................................................................................................................................. iv
(a) Inkcazelo yesifundo [Course description].............................................................................................................. viii

PREREQUISITE...........................................................................................................................................................................................viii
TEACHING METHOD..........................................................................................................................................................................viii
EVALUATION METHOD....................................................................................................................................................................viii
(b) Ushwankathelo lweZifundo [Course outline]......................................................................................................ix
Icandelo 1........................................................................................................................................................................................... x
Imbali engemvelaphi yesiXhosa [Historical background of isiXhosa]..............................................................xi
Here are some facts about isiXhosa:............................................................................................................................................... xi
(i) Oonoqhakancu abangundoqo [Basic clicks]......................................................................................................................... xi
(ii) Isithethe sokubulisa esiXhoseni [custom for greeting].................................................................................................. xii
(iii) Ngubani obulisa kuqala [Who greets first]........................................................................................................................ xii
(iv) Ubudala NEntlonipho [Age and respect]........................................................................................................................... xii
(v) Ukuthiya ngesiXhosa [Naming in isiXhosa]........................................................................................................................ xii
Some common phrases of communication in eight languages**................................................................................. xiii
Izifundo/Lessons............................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Isifundo/lesson 1:.............................................................................................................................................................................2
Intshayelelo nemibuliso [Introduction and greetings].............................................................................................................. 2
Task 1.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
(Introduction continues…).................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Task 2.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Isifundo/lesson 2:.............................................................................................................................................................................5
Imo-zulu [the state of the weather].................................................................................................................................................. 5
Task 3.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Isifundo/lesson 3:.............................................................................................................................................................................7
Izimelabizo nezivUmelanisi zentloko [Pronouns and Subject concords]..................................................................... 7

The first person:...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
The second person:....................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
The third person:.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
Task 4.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

iv

Isifundo/lesson 4:.............................................................................................................................................................................9
Lintsuku zeveki [days of the week].................................................................................................................................................... 9

Yesterday [izolo]:.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
Task 5................................................................................................................................................................................................................11

Isifundo/lesson 5:.......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Iinyanga zonyaka [months of the year]........................................................................................................................................12
Task 6................................................................................................................................................................................................................13

Isifundo/lesson 6:.......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Uvakalelo [feelings]...................................................................................................................................................................................14
Task 7................................................................................................................................................................................................................15

Isifundo/lesson 7:.......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Odola into eselwayo [Order something to drink].................................................................................................................16
Task 8................................................................................................................................................................................................................17

Isifundo/lesson 8:.......................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Odola into etyiwayo [Order something to eat]......................................................................................................................18
Task 9................................................................................................................................................................................................................19

Isifundo/lesson 9:.......................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Egaraji [at the garage].............................................................................................................................................................................20
Task 10.............................................................................................................................................................................................................21

Isifundo/lesson 10:....................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Izidanga nemisebenzi [degrees and careers]..............................................................................................................................22
Task 11.............................................................................................................................................................................................................24

Isifundo/lesson 11:....................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Ukubonisa indlela [giving directions]..............................................................................................................................................25
Task 12.............................................................................................................................................................................................................27
Imephi yaseStellenbosch........................................................................................................................................................................28

Isifundo/lesson 12:....................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Indlu yam / ikhaya lam [my house / my home]........................................................................................................................29
Task 13.............................................................................................................................................................................................................32

Iiphazili [Puzzles]........................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Iphazili [Puzzle] 1.......................................................................................................................................................................................34
Iphazili [Puzzle] 2.......................................................................................................................................................................................35
Iphazili [Puzzle] 3.......................................................................................................................................................................................36
Iphazili [Puzzle] 4.......................................................................................................................................................................................37

IINGOMA ZESIXHOSA / SONGS OF ISIXHOSA................................................................................................ 38
SONG 1: Molweni....................................................................................................................................................................................39

v

SONG 2: Jikel’ emaweni.........................................................................................................................................................................39
SONG 3: Min’emnandi kuwe..............................................................................................................................................................39
SONG 4: Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika............................................................................................................................................................39
SONG 5: Kulo mzi....................................................................................................................................................................................40
SONG 6: Baxabene ooXam...............................................................................................................................................................40
SONG 7: Uz’ ungatsho kumama.......................................................................................................................................................40
SONG 8: Umzi watsha...........................................................................................................................................................................40
SONG 9: Ndinesiponono sam..........................................................................................................................................................41
SONG 10: Mntakwethu.........................................................................................................................................................................41
Imibuzo yokuZivavanya [Test yourself Questions]................................................................................................... 42

a. Phendula le mibuzo ngesiXhosa [Answer these questions in isiXhosa]:...............................................................43
b. Guqulela esiNgesini le mibuzo [Translate these questions into English]:..............................................................44
Icandelo 2........................................................................................................................................................................................ 46
(i) Izibizo nezimnini [Nouns and possessives]............................................................................................................. 47

The nouns [izibizo].................................................................................................................................................................................................................47
Possessives...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................47
Easy guide in understanding possessives in pronouns.......................................................................................................................................47
Summar y......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................58
Amalungu omzimba..............................................................................................................................................................................................................59
Task 14.............................................................................................................................................................................................................59

(ii) Iziyaleli [Imperatives]........................................................................................................................................................... 60

Positive Form...............................................................................................................................................................................................60
Iindidi zezenzi [verb types]................................................................................................................................................................................................60

Negative Form............................................................................................................................................................................................62
Task 15.............................................................................................................................................................................................................63
(iii) Amaxesha neemo zezenzi zesixhosa [isiXhosa tenses and forms]......................................................... 64

A. Ixesha langoku [The present tense]..........................................................................................................................................64
The long form of the present tense: positive and negative form...................................................................................64
B. Ixesha Elidlulileyo [The past tense]...........................................................................................................................................65
The long form of the past tense: positive and negative form..........................................................................................65
C. Ixesha eladlulayo [The remote past]......................................................................................................................................66
D. Ixesha elizayo [The future tense: positive and negative form (with two formatives –za and –ya)]....66
(iv) Ezinye izakhi zezenzi zesixhosa [Some of the isiXhosa verb Formatives].......................................... 67

(v) Iziphawuli [Adjectives]....................................................................................................................................................... 68

A: Nouns with Weak Basic Prefix {basic prefixes with nasals –m- and -n-}............................................................69
b. Long form................................................................................................................................................................................................................................70

B: Nouns with Strong Basic Prefix { basic prefixes without nasals –m- and -n-}..................................................71
a. Short form.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................71

vi

b. Long form..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................71
C: Adjectives with people’s names and titles.............................................................................................................................71

The names and titles of people......................................................................................................................................................................................71
Task 16.............................................................................................................................................................................................................72

(vi). Izihlomelo [Adverbs]........................................................................................................................................................ 73
Adverbs [Izihlomelo]...............................................................................................................................................................................73

1. Izalathandawo [Locatives].......................................................................................................................................................................................73
Task 17.............................................................................................................................................................................................................75
Task 18.............................................................................................................................................................................................................76

2. Isihlomelo sobunjani [Manner Adverb].............................................................................................................................................................76
Task 19.............................................................................................................................................................................................................77

3. Isihlomelo sobandakanyo [Associative Adverb]............................................................................................................................................77
Task 20.............................................................................................................................................................................................................77

4. Isihlomelo sothelekiso [Comparative Adverb]...............................................................................................................................................77

(vii). Izibanjalo [Copulatives].................................................................................................................................................. 78
1. Izibayiyo [Identifying copulatives].............................................................................................................................................78
2. Izibayiyo kwizibizo [Copulatives in nouns].........................................................................................................................78

Ulwakhiwo [formation]........................................................................................................................................................................................................78
Task 21.............................................................................................................................................................................................................79
Task 22.............................................................................................................................................................................................................80
3. Izibanayo [Associative copulatives].............................................................................................................................................82

Ulwakhiwo [formation]........................................................................................................................................................................................................82
Task 23.............................................................................................................................................................................................................82

(viii) Izixando zezenzi zesixhosa [IsiXhosa verb extensions]............................................................................... 83
A. In creating verb extension let us consider using these basic sentences:...........................................................83
B. Suffix –ela creates APPLIED [isenzela]:................................................................................................................................83
C. Suffix –isa creates CAUSATIVE [isenzisa]:.........................................................................................................................83
D. Suffix –wa/-iwa creates PASSIVITY [isenziwa]:................................................................................................................83
E. Suffix –eka creates NEUTER [isenzeka]:.............................................................................................................................84
F. Suffix –ana creates RECIPROCITY [isenzana]*..............................................................................................................84
Task 24.............................................................................................................................................................................................................84

Isongezelelo [addendum]...................................................................................................................................................... 85
Izithetha-ntonye zesiXhosa nesiNgesi [isiXhosa and English equivalents].................................................. 86

A. Izenzi eziqala ngezikhamiso [Verbs commencing with vowels]..............................................................................86
B. Izenzi ezingaqali ngezikhamiso [Verbs NOT commencing with vowels............................................................87
Iincwadi ezisetyenzisiweyo...................................................................................................................................................... 91

vii

(a) Inkcazelo yesifundo [Course description]

The course discussed in this study material aims to introduce non-isiXhosa speakers to the isiXhosa
language and culture; to empower them with multilingual skills; and to enable them to engage in
meaningful conversation at beginner’s level.
At the end of this 10 week course, students will be able to use a basic isiXhosa vocabulary for
social communication in a variety of contexts.The students, at a lower beginner level, will be able to
demonstrate the following skills:

a. Listening skills: Understand simple spoken descriptions, actions and scenes; show under
standing relating to the identification and description of persons and objects; show under
standing of oral suggestions given
b. Speaking and oral interaction:Take part in short dialogues; ask for goods, services and
objects; answer questions and give details of simple explanations emerging from listening
contents; write short familiar sentences that are dictated
c. Reading: Read sentences that have been mastered orally about a variety of subjects;
read short and longer, more familiar texts and understand the central contents of the
paragraphs.
NB: A detailed course outline will be explained in the first day of class meeting.

PREREQUISITE

No prior knowledge is required

TEACHING METHOD

Communicative, interactive, task and needs orientated suggestopaedia.This will be achieved through
oral and speaking tasks, at a lower beginner level, and the students will have group work interaction
with the teacher.They will receive a continuous assessment through their presence and participation.

EVALUATION METHOD

Students will receive continuous assessment through their presence and participation. In the final
week – final grading will be based on 60% Oral assessment and 40% written test.TOTAL: 100% [NB:
This requirement applies to international students only]

viii

(b) Ushwankathelo lweZifundo [Course outline]

WEEK TOPIC TASK 

One Intshayelelo nemibuliso [Introduction and greetings] 
Imibuliso isaqhubeka [Greetings continues] 

Two Izimelabizo neZivumelanisi zentloko [Pronouns & Subject concords]
Iinyanga zoNyaka [Months of the Year]

Three Iinkcukacha zoBuqu [Personal details] 
Four Iintsuku zeVeki [Days of the Week] 
Five Imo-zulu [Weather]
Izibizo nezimnini [Nouns and possessives]
Izibizo nezimnini [Nouns and possessives] (continues…)

Six Odola into eselwayo [Order something to drink] 
Odola into etyiwayo [Order something to eat] 

Seven Izidanga neMisebenzi [Degrees and Careers] 
Eight Amalungu omzimba neZimnini [Body parts and Possessives]
Uvakalelo [Emotions/feelings] 
Egaraji [At the garage] 

Nine Umsebenzi kumalungu omzimba [Exercise of body parts]

Ten Indlu yam/iKhaya lam [My house/My home]
Eleven Ukubonisa indlela [Giving directions]
Mock presentation
Izixando zezenzi [Verb extentions]

Twelve Uvavanyo loMlomo [Oral examination]
Imibuzo yokuZivavanya [Test yourself questions]

ix

Icandelo [Section]1

x

Imbali engemvelaphi yesiXhosa
[Historical background of isiXhosa]

Outcome:

After studying this section a student should be able to understand:
• the history, language and culture of isiXhosa people.
• the practice of naming and culture of greeting among isiXhosa people.

Here Are Some Facts About isiXhosa:

• IsiXhosa is one of the indigenous languages of South Africa.
• It belongs to the Nguni group of languages that includes isiZulu, isiNdebele and Siswati.
• It is the second most spoken language in South Africa after isiZulu.
• It is one of the eleven official language of South Africa
• It is spoken in five of the nine provinces of South Africa [Eastern Cape,Western Cape, Free

State, Northern Cape and Gauteng].
• It was first recorded by the missionaries in 1820 in the Eastern Cape, which is why this

variety was recorded as the Xhosa standard variety.
• A system for writing Xhosa using the Latin alphabet was devised by Christian missionaries

during the early 19th century.The first printed work in Xhosa was a grammar book that was
published in 1834.
• Researchers believe that the name “Xhosa” comes from a Khoikhoi word and other basic
Xhosa clicks [c, x, q] also come from the Khoikhoi, who intermingled with the Xhosa in the
Eastern Cape.

(i) Oonoqhakancu abangundoqo [Basic clicks]

i. c o The tip of the tongue should touch the top front teeth and then be sucked away.
ii. x o cela (ask for), coca (clean)
iii. q
o It is produced by sucking the side of the tongue to the side teeth and palate and
pulling it away quickly.

o uxolo (sorry), xela (tell/report)

o It is produced by sucking the front of the tongue to the front of the palate pulling it
away quickly to produce a popping sound.

o qala (start/begin), umqeshwa (employee)

xi

(ii) Isithethe sokubulisa esiXhoseni [Custom for greeting]

• Greetings are a very important aspect of Xhosa culture
• In isiXhosa culture people are always expected to greet each other (regardless of whether

they are strangers or not)
• Those who do not, are considered to be conceited or lacking respect if they do not greet

their elders or superiors
• When greeting people one must indicate interest in someone’s health as a sign of respect

(iii) Ngubani obulisa kuqala [Who greets first]

• The younger person is supposed to greet first
• The person entering the room greets first, and sits down without waiting to be offered a seat

(opposite of the Western practice)
• Unless a person is in a hurry, before a person can ask about health or anything, s/he is

supposed to sit down first otherwise it is perceived to be confrontational.

(iv) Ubudala nentlonipho [Age and respect]

• The older people get in Xhosa culture, the more respect they receive, as being older is
equated with being wise.

• It is taken as an honour rather than an insult to be addressed by the following titles:

• umama = mother
• utata = father
• umnumzana = Mr
• unkosikazi = Mrs
• unkosazana = Miss
• ubhuti = brother
• usisi = sister
• umzala = cousin
• umtshana = nephew/niece
• umakazi = maternal aunt
• umalume = maternal uncle

(v) Ukuthiya ngesiXhosa [Naming in isiXhosa]

Parents give their children their first name according to their own:
• Prayers = uMthandazo (Prayer)
• Wishes = uSiphamandla (Give us power)
• Hopes = uThemba (Hope)
• Circumstance of the time = uNomvula (Rain) / uNkululeko (Freedom)

xii

• Endearments = uBhutana (little brother)/ uSisana (little sister)
• Clan names = uMajola / uMadiba

People always are given a second name when they marry (women) or are circumcised (men):

• Marriage = uNolusapho (Family)
• Circumcision = uMxolisi (Peacemaker)

Sometimes the second name is forgotten in the case of males, but the female’s name is always used in
their in-laws’ home.

Some common phrases of communication in eight languages**

English Xhosa Zulu Afrikaans French German Swahili Spanish

Welcome Wamkelekile Ngiyakwe- Welkom Bienvenue Willkommen Karibu Bienvenido (sg)
(sg) mukela (sg) Bienvenidos
Hello Hallo Salut / Bon- Hallo, Guten (pl)
Namkelekile Ngiyane- jour Tag
(pl) mukela (pl) Hujambo ¡Hola!
Sawubona ¿Aló? ¡Bueno!
Molo (sg)
Molweni (pl) (sg) ¡Diga!
Sanibonani ¡Dígame!

(pl) ¡Hola!

How are Unjani? (sg) Unjani? (sg) Hoe gaan Ça va? Wie geht es Habari ¿Cómo está
you? Ninjani? (pl) Ninjani? (pl) dit met u? Comment ça dir/Ihnen? gani? usted? (frm)
Mzuri Bien gracias, ¿y
I’m fine, Ndiphilile. Ngikhona, Baie goed va? Mir geht es usted? (frm)
thanks. And Unjani wena? ngiyabonga. dankie, en Comment gut, danke, Jina lako ni
allez-vous? und dir/Ihnen? nani? ¿Cómo se llama
you? (sg) Wena self? Ça va bien, Usted? (frm)
Siphilile. Nin- njani?(sg) merci. Et toi/ Wie heißen Jina langu Me llamo ...
What’s Sikhona, Wat is jou/u Sie? ni ... ¿De dónde es
your name? jani nina? siyabonga. naam? vous? usted? (frm)
My name (pl) Nina ninjani? Ich heiße ... Unatoka Soy de ...
My naam Com- Woher kom- wapi?
is ... Ungubani (pl) is ... ment vous men Sie? (frm)
Where are igama lakho? Ngubani appelez-vous Ich komme Natoka ...
you from? igama lakho? Waarvan- ? (frm/pl)
I’m from ... Igama lam daan kom Je m’appelle aus ...
ndingu… Igama lami U? (frm)
Uvela phi? ngu... Ek kom van ...
Ndivela e… D’où êtes-
Uvelaphi? ... af vous ? D’où
venez-vous ?
Ngivela e ... Je viens de ...
Je suis de ...

xiii

English Xhosa Zulu Afrikaans French German Swahili Spanish

Pleased to Ndiyavuya Ngiyajabula Aangename Enchanté(e) Schön, dich ken- Nafurahi Mucho gusto
meet you ukudibana ukukwazi kennis (frm) / Je suis nen zu lernen kukuona, Encantado
Sehr erfreut Nimefurahi
Where’s the nawe Likuphi ithole- Waar is die enchanté(e) (frm) kukutana ¿Dónde
toilet? the? toilet? Wo ist die Toi- están los
Iphi ithoy- Où sont les lette? nawe sanitarios?
Happy Easter ilethi? IPhasika Geseënde toilettes ? Frohe Ostern Choo kiko ¡Felices
Happy elijabulayo / Paasfees Joyeuses Pascuas!
Birthday IPasika em- elithokozayo Gelukkige Alles Gute zum wapi?
nandi Halala ngosu- Verjaarsdag Pâques Geburtstag ¡Feliz
I love you ku lokuzalwa Joyeux an- Herzlichen Heri kwa cumpleaños!
Goodbye Min’ emnandi Ek’s lief vir niversaire / Glückwunsch sikukuu ya
Good luck Ngiyakuthan- jou Bon anniver- Te amo / Te
Ndiyakuthan- da zum Geburstag Pasaka quiero
da Totsiens saire Ich liebe Dich Furaha Ya
Hamba kahle Je t’aime, Je Auf wiederseh- Siku Ya Kuza Adiós, Hasta
Hamba (sg) Hambani Sterkte! luego
kakuhle Geluk! t’adore en (frm) Liwa! ¡Buena
Ube netham- kahle (pl) Au revoir / À Auf wiederseh- suerte!
sanqa Ngikufisela Ninaku-
bientôt en (frm) penda
iwela! Bonne Kwaheri
chance !
Bahati
njema!

Get well Phila Phila masinya Word gou Remets-toi Gute Besserung! --------------- Que te
soon ngokukhawule gesond! vite / Guéris mejores /
za vite / Soigne- ¡Recupérate
pronto!
toi bien
Bon ré-
tablissement

Bon appetit Konwabele Thokoleza Smaaklike Bon appétit! Guten Appetit! Ufurahie ¡Buen
(Enjoy your ukutya ukudla! ete! Lekker Mahlzeit! chakula apetito!
kwakho eet! chako (sg)
meal) Msifurahie
chakula
chenu (pl)

Bon voyage Ube nohambo Ube nohambo Veilige reis! Bon voyage! Gute Reise! Safari njema! ¡Buen viaje!
I don’t oluhle oluhle! Voorspoed- Je ne com- Ich verstehe Sielewi No entiendo
prends pas
understand Andiqondi Angizwa ige reis! nicht
Ek verstaan

nie

Excuse me Uxolo Uxolo! Verskoon Excusez-moi Entschuldigen Samahani ¡Perdón!
Yimalini le? my! ! Pardon ! Sie!
How much is ¿Cuánto
this? Uxolo Kubiza malini? Hoeveel kos C’est Wieviel kostet Hii ni bei cuesta?
Sorry Enkosi dit? combien? das? gani? Scusi! (frm)

Thank you Uxolo! Jammer! Je m’excuse ! Es tut mir leid! Samehani Gracias
Pardon ! Entschuldigung!

Ngiyabonga Dankie Merci / Danke schön, Asante,
kakhulu (sg) Merci Vielen dank Asante
Siyabonga (pl) beaucoup sana (sg),
Asanteni (pl)

xiv

English Xhosa Zulu Afrikaans French German Swahili Spanish

You’re Wamkelekile Uyamuke- nie te danke Je vous en Ich bin (Ihnen/ Asante De nada
welcome lwa (sg) / dis ‘n prie dir) sehr dank- kushukuru
Uncedo! plesier ¡Ayúdame!
Help! Niyamukelwa Avec plaisir bar für..., Msaada!
Call the (pl) Help! / À votre Mit tiefer Dank-
police! service
Usizo! barkeit
À l’aide ! Hilfe!

Biza amap- Biza ama- Bel die Appelez la Rufen Sie die Mwite polisi! ¡Llame a la
olisa! phoyisa! polisie! police ! (frm) Polizei! (frm) policía!

Merry Christ- Ikhrisimesi Sinifesela Geseënde Joyeux Noël und einen guten Heri ya ¡Feliz
mas eMnandi uKhisimusi Kersfees en et bonne Rutsch ins neue krismas Navidad y
noNyaka oMuhle noN- ‘n gelukkige année próspero
and a Happy oneMpu- yaka oMusha nuwe jaar Jahr Heri ya año nuevo!
New Year melelo oNempu- Geseënde mwaka mpya
Kersfees en
melelo
‘n voor-
spoedige
Nuwe jaar

** - this section is taken as it is [unedited, with the exception of isiXhosa] from omniglot source, e.g. http://www.google.co.za

xv

Izifundo / Lessons

1

Isifundo/Lesson 1:

Intshayelelo nemibuliso
[Introduction and greetings]

OUTCOME:

After studying this section a student should be able:
• to greet and respond to greetings in isiXhosa
• to introduce him/herself (by name only)
• to enquire after someone’s health, family, place of residence and address
• to ask and respond to questions concerning personal information

I Molo Mnumzana - [Hello Mister)
II Ewé, Nkosazana. [Yes, Mistress]

I Unjani? [how are you?]
II Ndiphilile*. Unjani wena? [I’m fine,You, how are you?]
I Nam, ndiphilile [Me too, I’m fine]

II Ungubani igama lakho? [Who are you your name?]
I Igama lam ndinguPhumla [My name I am Phumla]

Wena ungubani? [You, who are you?]
II Mna, ndinguSipho [Me, I am Sipho]

I Uhlala1* phi ke Sipho? [you stay where, then Sipho?]
II Ndihlala* eStellenbosch, eMolteno Street.[ I stay in Stellenbosch in

Molteno Str],
II Wena, uhlala phi? [you, you stay where?]
I Mna, ndihlala eCape Town eLong Street. [Me, I stay in Cape Town in

Long Street]

II Ndiyavuya* ukukwazi Phumla [I am glad to know you Phumla]
I Nam ndiyavuya ukukwazi Sipho [Me too, I am glad to know you. Sipho]

II Hamba kakuhle [Go well]
I Nawe, sala kakuhle [You too, remain well]

Ndiphilile* – Please note: other people prefer to say ‘Ndisaphila’ [meaning I am still alive/well]

* You can read more about the formatives of these verbs in page 81

2

Umsebenzi / Task 1

Introduce yourself to your classmates by
• giving your real and isiXhosa name,
• asking about each other’s health,
• asking where each person comes from, and
• telling them what you are doing

(Introduction continues…)

(a) Nibangaphi kowenu? [How many are you at your home?]
• Ndim ndedwa ekhaya* [It’s me alone at home]
• Sibabini [We are two]
• Sibathathu [We are three]
• -ne, -hlanu, -thandathu [four, five, six]

* Read more about the locatives in page 73

(b) Ngoobani (amagama abo)? [Who are they (their names)?]
• Ngumama** wam, uSarah [It’s my mother, Sarah]
• Ngubhuti** wam, uChris [It’s my brother, Chris]
• Ngumzala** wam, uJeniffer [It’s my cousin, Jeniffer]
• Ngumhlobo** wam, uJoe [It’s my friend, Joe]

** Read more about the formatives of these identifying copulatives in page 78

(c) Ungowesingaphi kowenu? [ Where do you come in your family?]
• Ndingowokuqala ekhaya [I am the first one at home]
• Ndingowesibini ekhaya [I am the second one at home]
• Ndingowesithathu ekhaya [I am the third one at home]
• Ndingowokugqibela ekhaya [I am the last one at home]

(d) Uneminyaka emingaphi? [You have years that are how many?]
• Mna, ndineminyaka*** eyi-17 [Me, I have 17 years]
• Wena, uneminyaka*** eyi-20 [You, you have 20 years]
• Yena, uneminyaka*** eyi-26 [Him/her, s/he has 26 years]

*** Read more about the formatives of these associative copulatives in page 82

(e) Wazalwa nini? [You were born when?]
• Mna ndazalwa**** ngo-1970 [Me, I was born in 1970]
• Wena wazalwa**** ngo-1980 [You, you were born in 1980]
• Yena wazalwa ngo-1985 [Him/her, s/he was born in1985]

**** Read more about the formatives of these verbs in page 64

3

(f) Wazalelwa phi? [You were born where?]

• Mna ndazalelwa eMelika eNew York [Me, I was born in America in New York]
• Wena wazalelwa eAfrika eCongo [You, you were born in Africa in Congo]
• Yena wazalelwa eFrance [Him/her, s/he was born in France]
(g) Liphi ikhaya lakho? [Where is your home?]

• (Mna) ikhaya lam**** liseNew York [(Me) my home is in New York]
• (Wena) ikhaya lakho**** liseCongo [(You) your home is in Congo]
• (Yena) ikhaya lakhe liseFrance [(Him/her) his/her home is in France]
(h) Ithini idilesi yakho? [What does your address say?]

• Idilesi yam**** ithi 15 Kwezi Flats, Stellenbosch [My address says …]
• Idilesi yakhe**** ithi 437 Avenue, Evanston, Illinois [My address says …]
(i) Ithini iselfowuni yakho? [What does your address say?]

• Iselfowuni yam ithi 084 444 7000 [My cellphone says …]
• Iselfowuni yakhe ithi 083 000 1111 [His/her cellphone says …]
***** Read more about the formatives of these possessives in page 47

Umsebenzi / Task 2

Complete the following dialogue by inserting either a question or answer between yourself as a
teacher, and a student:

Utitshala: Molo, mfundi.Wamkelekile eStellenbosch High School.

Umfundi: Ewe, titshala. Utitshala: (1) ?

Umfundi: Ikhaya lam lisePretoria. Utitshala: (2) ?

Umfundi: Igama lam ndinguGift.

Utitshala: Uhlala nabani kowenu, Gift? Umfundi : (3) .

Utitshala: (4) ?

Umfundi: Ndazalwa ngomhla wama-21 kuJulayi 1980. Utitshala: (5) ?

Umfundi: Utata wam nguJoni, umama wam nguSisana.

Utitshala: Nibangaphi kowenu, Gift? Umfundi: (6) .

Utitshala: Ngubani ubhuti wakho okanye usisi wakho? Umfundi: (7) .

Utitshala: Ungowesingaphi kowenu? Umfundi: (8) .

Utitshala: (9) .

Umfundi: Nam ndiyavuya ukukwazi, titshala.

Utitshala: Hamba kakuhle. Umfundi: (10) .

4

Isifundo/Lesson 2:

Imo-zulu [The state of the weather]

OUTCOME:

After studying this section a student should be able:
• to enquire and report about the weather of the day and the following day

Ask one another the following questions:

a. Injani imo-zulu namhlanje? [How is the weather today?]
b. Ibinjani imo-zulu izolo? [How was the weather yesterday?]
c. Iza kuba njani imo-zulu ngomso? [How will the weather be tomorrow?]

Answer is below (See columns 1, 2 & 3):

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Namhlanje [today] Izolo [yesterday] Ngomso [tomorrow]

Kukho ilanga / kushushu Bekukho ilanga / bekushushu Kuza kubakho ilanga / kuza kubashushu
[There is a sun /it is hot] [There was a sun /it was hot] [There will be sun /it will be hot]

Kukho ingqele / kuyabanda Bekukho ingqele / bekubanda Kuza kubakho ingqele / kuza kubanda
[There is cold / it is cold] [There was cold / it was cold] [There will be cold / it will be cold]

Kukho imvula / kuyanetha Bekukho imvula / bekunetha Kuza kubakho imvula / kuza kunetha
[There is rain / it is raining] [There was rain / it was raining] [There will be rain / it will be raining]

Imvula iyafefeza Imvula ibifefeza Kuza kufefeza

[The rain is drizzling/sprinkling] [The rain was drizzling/sprinkling] [The rain will be drizzling /sprinkling]

Kukho iindudumo / kuyadu- Bekukho iindudumo / Kuza kubakho iindudumo/ kuza kududuma
duma bekududuma [There will be thunderstorms]

[There are thunderstorms] [There were thunderstorms]

Kukho imibane / kuyabaneka Bekukho imibane / bekubaneka Kuza kubakho imibane / kuza kubaneka
[There are lightnings] [There were lightnings] [There will be lightnings]

5

Umsebenzi / Task 3

Imagine you were a weather forecast presenter. Compare yesterday and today’s weather for any
three consecutive days.
Use the following example in your answer.
Namhlanje eNew York kuyatshisa, izolo bekubanda KODWA ngomso kuza kunetha.
Today in New York it is hot, yesterday it was cold, BUT tomorrow it will rain.

6

Isifundo/Lesson 3:

Izimelabizo nezivumelanisi zentloko
[Pronouns and Subject concords]

OUTCOME:

After studying this section a student should be able:

• to understand and use the pronouns of first, second and third person in singular and in plural
and verbal agreements,

• to use isiXhosa vocabulary for social communication in a variety of contexts as set out in the
prescribed content of the course.

• to understand and use different qualificatives (adjectives) and locatives (adverbs) in isiXhosa
sentences.

The first person: In plural

In singular Thina, sithetha isiXhosa kakhulu
[We, we speak isiXhosa a lot]
Mna, ndithetha isiXhosa kakhulu
[Me, I speak isiXhosa a lot] Thina, sisebenza eStellenbosch University
[We, we work at Stellenbosch University]
Mna, ndisebenza eTygerberg Campus
[Me, I work at Tygerberg Campus] Thina, sithanda ulwimi lwethu
[We, we like our language]
Mna, ndithanda ulwimi lwam
[Me, I like my language]

The second person: In plural
Nina, nipheke ukutya okumnandi
In singular [You, you cook nice food]
Wena, upheka ukutya okumnandi
[You, you cook nice food] Nina nifuna ubomi obumnandi
[You, you want a nice life]
Wena, ufuna ubomi obumnandi
[You, you want a nice life] Nina, ningabahlali baseMzantsi Afrika.
[You, you are the citizens of South Africa]
Wena, ungumhlali waseMzantsi Afrika
[You, you are a citizen of South Africa]

7

The third person: In plural

In singular Bona, bahlala neentsapho zabo efama.
[Them, they stay with their families on the
Yena, uhlala nosapho lwakhe efama. farm]
Her/him, s/he stays with her/his family on the
farm]

Yena, ufumana imali yenkam-nkam Bona bafumana imali yenkam-nkam
kuRhulumente. kuRhulumente.
[Her/him, s/he gets the pension money from [Them, they get the pension money
the Government] from the Government]

Yena, uthetha iilwimi ezininzi. Bona bathetha iilwimi ezininzi.
[Her/him, s/he speaks many languages] [Them, they speak many languages]

NB: For more information on verbs – go to page 64

Umsebenzi / Task 4

With your partner, complete the following underlined verbs:

• Thina -funda eNU.
• Mna -hlala e-Evanston.
• Nina -vela emakhaya (homes).
• Bona -dlala ibhola.
• Yena -cula i-Gospel.

8

Isifundo/Lesson 4:

Iintsuku zeveki [Days of the week]

OUTCOME:

After studying this section a student should be able:
• to use week days in giving account of what they have done during day
• to set appointments indicating dates, time and place

Kungolwesingaphi namhlanje? [what day is it today?]
This following table summarizes present and past tense (see column 2 and 3):

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Usuku lweveki Kungo/e Bekungo/e Ngo/e
[day of the week [It is …] [It was … [On …]

a. uMvulo [Monday] KungoMvulo BekungoMvulo ngoMvulo
b. uLwesibini [Tuesday] KungoLwesibini BekungoLwesibini ngoLwesibini
c. uLwesithathu [Wednesday] KungoLwesithathu BekungoLwesithathu ngoLwesithathu
d. uLwesine [Thursday] KungoLwesine BekungoLwesine ngoLwesine
e. uLwesihlanu [Friday] KungoLwesihlanu BekungoLwesihlanu ngoLwesihlanu
f. uMgqibelo [Saturday] KungoMgqibelo BekungoMgqibelo ngoMgqibelo
g. iCawa/e [Sunday] KungeCawe BekungeCawe ngeCawa/e

SUMMARY:

If a day [noun] starts with ‘u-‘ as in a, b, c, d, e, f (see column 1) we prefix a day with kungo- [It is…].
If a day (noun) starts with ‘i’ (as in a case of g) a day is prefixed with kunge- (see column two above).

Question: Sobonana nini? [When do we see each other?]
Answer: Sobonana ngeCawe [We will see each other on Sunday]

Today [namhlanje] and Tomorrow [ngomso] can be used alike.

See the following examples:
• Namhlanje kungoLwesibini [Today it is Tuesday].
• Ngomso kungolwesithathu [Tomorrow it is Wednesday]

Yesterday [izolo]:

In constructing a past tense (See column 3) ‘be-’ is prefixed to ‘kungo/e = bekungo/e.

9

Following are some of the examples you can use as far as the past tense is concerned.

Column 1 Column 2
Question: Answer:

BekungoLwesingaphi izolo? BekungoLwesine izolo
[What day was it yesterday?] [It was Thursday yesterday]

Besibonene nini? Besibonene emini
[When did we see each other yesterday?] [We did see each other during the day]

Besibonene phi? Besibonene eChicago eUSA
[Where did we see each other yesterday?] [We did see each other in Chicago in USA]

Besibone bani eStellenbosch? Besibone uMichael eStellenbosch [We did see
[Who did we see in Stellenbosch?] Michael in Stellenbosch]

The following table of vocabulary will help you in understanding times in isiXhosa:

Isigama esimalunga nexesha Vocabulary related to time
Namhlanje Today
Ekuseni In the morning
Emini In /during the day
Emalanga In the afternoon
Ebusuku At night
Ngomso Tomorrow
Izolo Yesterday
Kwiveki ephelileyo Last week
Kwiveki ezayo Next week
Kwinyanga ephelileyo Last month
Kwinyanga ezayo Next month
Kunyaka ophelileyo Last year
Kunyaka ozayo Next year

Example:

Question: Sobonana nini? [When will we see each other?]
Answer: Sobonana ekuseni ngo-10:00 [We will see each other in the morning at 10:00]

10

Umsebenzi / Task 5

Give account of what you did from Monday to Friday.The table below is provided as a guide/ex-
ample for your response:

Usuku?/Day Ixesha?/Time? Nabani?/With whom? Phi?/Where?
emalanga ngo-4:00 nomhlobo wam, uTina eMaple Street
NgoMvulo ndiye
eCinema

[On Monday I went in the afternoon at with my friend,Tina in Maple Street]
to the Cinema 4:00

11

Isifundo/Lesson 5:

Iinyanga zonyaka [Months of the year]

OUTCOME:

After studying this section a student should be able:
• to use months and year in Xhosa
• to ask for and respond to personal information regarding birth dates

Months IiNyanga zesiXhosa Ngu- [It is…] Ku- [In…]

[transliterated] [isiXhosa Months’ names and meaning kuJanyuwari
kuFebruwari
uJanyuwari = originated from trees, plants, agriculture, stars, etc.] kuMatshi
uFebruwari
uMatshi eyoMqungu (Tambuki grass gets blooming) nguJanyuwari kuEpreli
kuMeyi
uEpreli eyoMdumba (edible pod-bearing plant) nguFebruwari
uMeyi kuJuni
eyoKwindla (the forage time for maize cobs / nguMatshi kuJulayi
uJuni pumpkins ripe enough for cooking) kuAgasti
uJulayi kuSeptemba
uAgasti ekaTshazimpunzi (pumpkins get frost bitten) nguEpreli
uSeptemba kuOktobha
ekaCanzibe (bright star Canopus, as seen before nguMeyi kuNovemba
uOktobha daybreak) kuDisemba
uNovemba
uDisemba eyeSilimela (the Pleiades constellation) nguJuni

eyeKhala (Cape Aloe blossoms) nguJulayi

eyeThupha (budding time for trees) nguAgasti

eyoMsintsi (Erythrinia tree blossoms with gor- nguSeptemba
geous red flowers)

eyeDwarha (broad-leaved ragwort blossoms) nguOktobha

eyeNkanga (Juniper ragwort blossoms) nguNovemba

eyoMnga (Mimosa thorn yielding gum acacia blos- nguDisemba
soms)

Wazalwa nini? [You were born when?]
• Mna Ndazalwa ngomhla we-19 kuSeptemba ka1980
[Me, I was born on the date of 19 in September of 1980]
• Wena, wazalwa ngomhla wama-23 kuMeyi…
[You, you were born on the date of 23 in May…]
• Yena wazalwa ngomhla we-1 kuJulayi…
[S/he was born on the date of 1 in July…]

12

Umsebenzi / Task 6

Each student reveals his/her birthday, and
They all sing the “Happy birthday” song in isiXhosa and in English.

13

Isifundo/Lesson 6:

Uvakalelo [feelings]

OUTCOME:

After studying this section a student
should be able:

• to express different kinds of positive and
negative feelings in Xhosa

Namhlanje [today] Izolo [yesterday] e.g prefix ‘be-‘

Q: Uziva njani, namhlanje? [How do you feel, Q: Uzive njani izolo? [How did you feel, yesterday]
today]? A: Bendonwabile![I was happy!]

A: Ndilusizi, …. [I am sad.]

Ndibuhlungu [I am feeling bad] Bendibuhlungu [I was feeling bad] Ububuhlungu?
Ubuhlungu? [Are you painful?] [Were you painful?]

Ndidanile [I am disappointed] Bendidanile [I was disappointed] Ubudanile?
Udanile? [Are you disappointed?] [Were you disappointed?]

Sinomsindo [ We have anger] Besinomsindo [ We had anger]
Bakhathazekile [They are worried] Bebekhathazekile [They were worried]

Ndinemincili [I have excitements] Bendinemincili [I had excitements]

Ndiyavuya [I am glad]Ndidlamkile [I am ener- Bendivuya [I was glad]

getic] Bendidlamkile [I was energetic]

I am sure you have noticed that (as in the lesson 4) a past tense is formed by prefixing ‘be-‘ to the
present tense.

Using the above examples you can even compare your current feelings with past ones:
For example: Izolo bendonwabile kodwa* namhlanje ndilusizi
[Yesterday I was happy but* today I am sad]

* A conjunction ‘kodwa’[but] is used to combine negative and positive feelings.

14

Umsebenzi / Task 7

Based on the given examples, the students are encouraged to construct their own examples.
Use the following example in your answer.

• Namhlanje sonwabile kodwa izolo besikhathazekile.
[Today we are happy, but yesterday we were worried]

15

Isifundo/Lesson 7:

Odola into eselwayo
[Order something to drink]

OUTCOME:

After studying this section a student should be able:
• to order different kinds of beverages at a local restaurant in isiXhosa, and
• to understand and use different qualificatives (adjectives) and locatives (adverbs) in isiXhosa
sentences.

Pronounce these verbs (imperatives*) aloud: cela (ask for), funa (want), thenga (buy)
X: Ndinxaniwe

[I am thirsty]
Y: Ndifuna ikofu

[I want coffee] ]
X: Ufuna ikofu enjani?

[You want a coffee how?]
Y: Ndifuna ikofu enobisi / ikofu emnyama

[I want a coffee with milk / a black coffee]
X: Ubisi olunjani?

[Milk how? ] (literal translation)
Y: Ikofu enobisi olubandayo / ikofu enobisi olushushu

[A coffee with cold milk] / [a coffee with hot milk]
X: Ufuna iswekile enjani?

[You want a sugar how?]
Y: Ndifuna iswekile emhlophe / Ndifuna iswekile emdaka.

[I want a white sugar / I want a brown sugar]
X: Nantoni enye

[What else?]
Y: Ndifuna iglasi yewayini

[I want a glass of wine]
X: Iwayini enjani?

[How wine?] (lit. translation)
Y: Iwayini ebomvu edrayi / iwayini emhlophe eswiti

[A red dry wine] / [a white sweet wine]

16

X: Ndicela iglasi yesiselo esibandayo
[I ask for a glass of drink that is cold]

Some of the ff phrases can be of help:
• iglasi yamanzi. [ a glass of water]
• amanzi ahlwahlwazayo. [ sparkling water]
• ibhotile yebhiya. [a bottle of beer]

* For more reading on imperatives see page 68

Umsebenzi / Task 8

Imagine you were a waiter/waitress at a local restaurant – take different drink orders of your
five customers.

17

Isifundo/Lesson 8:

Odola into etyiwayo
[Order something to eat]

OUTCOME:

After studying this section a student should be able:
• to order different kinds of meals in
isiXhosa at a local restaurant, and
• to understand and use different qualificatives (adjectives) and locatives (adverbs) in isiXhosa
sentences.

Pronounce these verbs (imperatives*) aloud: qaba (smear), pheka (cook), bilisa (boil), gcada
(fry), qhuqha (scramble)
X: Ndicela isonka esimhlophe
[I ask for a bread that is white]
Y: Qaba isonka ngebhotolo/ngerama
[Smear the bread with butter/with rama]
X: Ufuna ntoni?
[What do you want?]
Y: Ndicela amaqanda amabini/amathathu/amanzi
[I ask for two/three/four eggs]
X: Uthini?
[What do you say?
Y: Ndithi, bilisa iqanda!
[I say, boil the egg!]
X: Ndipheka inyama!
[I cook the meat!]
Y: Upheka inyama yantoni?
[You cook the meat of what?]
X: Ndipheka inyama yenkukhu.
[I cook chicken]
Z: Mna ndigcada inyama yenkomo
Me I fry beef]
Y: USipho woja inyama yehagu
[Sipho braais pork]

18

X: ULizzie uthengisa inyama yegusha
[Lizzie she sells mutton]
Z: Phekela uTina Turner intlanzi nerayisi
[Cook fish & rice for Tina Turner!]
Some of the ff phrases can be of help:

• Phekela thina irayisi emdaka! [Cook brown rice for us!]
• Faka imifuno esityeni! [Put the vegetables in the dish/plate!]
• Mna ndithanda iqanda elibilisiweyo [Me, I like a boiled egg]
• Wena uthanda iqanda eligcadiweyo [You, you like a fried egg]
• Thina sitya amaqanda aqhuqhiweyo [We, we eat scrambled eggs]
* For more reading on imperatives see page 68

Umsebenzi / Task 9

Imagine you were a waiter/waitress at a local restaurant – take different meal orders of your
five customers.

19

Isifundo/Lesson 9:

Egaraji [At the garage]

OUTCOME:

After studying this section a student should
be able:

• To ask for help at a local fuel station and maintain conversation with a petrol attendant.

Pronounce these verbs (imperatives*) aloud: galela (pour,) zalisa (fill up), yosula (wipe),
jonga (check)

Mxumi: Nceda ndigalelele ipetroli [Please, pour for me petrol]

Mncedi: Eyiphi ipetroli? [Which petrol?]

Mxumi: Ndincede, zalisa itanki yepetroli engu-95/LRP [Help me, fill up a tank of petrol that is

95/LRP]

Mncedi: Ndingakosulela ifestile? [Can I wipe the window for you?]

Mxumi: Ewe, nceda undijongele i-oyile [Yes, please check for me the oil]

Mxumi: Ndifakele umoya emavilini [Put for me air pressure in the wheels]

Mncedi: Awaphi amavili/amathayari? [Which wheels/tyres?]

Mxumi: Faka umoya kumavilini angaphambili /angasemva / onke [Put air pressure to the
wheels that are front/that are back/ all]

Mxumi: Yonke into ilungile? [Is everything alright?]

Mncedi: Ewe, yonke into ilungile. [Yes, everything is alright.]

Mncedi: Uhlawula ngantoni? [You pay with what?]

Mxumi: Ndihlawula ngemali/ngekhadi. [I pay with money/with card]

* For more reading on imperatives see page 60

20

Umsebenzi / Task 10

Please translate these isiXhosa sentences into English:
1. Yimalini ioyile?
2. Ndigalelele ipetroli ye-R100.
3. Nceda ndijongele ioyile namanzi.
4. Ndosulele ifestile.
5. Galela umoya emavilini.

21

Isifundo/Lesson 10:

Izidanga nemisebenzi
[Degrees and careers]

OUTCOME:

After studying this section a student should be able:
• to ask and respond to questions related to work
• to sustain conversation from greetings to a point where s/he can give information about his/her
occupation
• To ask and respond to questions about career and studies.

X: Uyasebenza okanye uyafunda? [Do you work or study?]
Y: Ndiyasebenza [I am working]

X: Uqale nini ukusebenza apha? [You started when to work here?]
Y: Ndiqale ngo-2005. [I started in 2005]

X: Usebenza phi apha eNU? [Where do you work here in NU?]
Y: Ndisebenza eLayibrari. [I work in the Library]

A: Uyafunda? [Do you study?]
B: Ewe, ndiyafunda. [Yes, I am studying]

A: Ufunda phi? [Where do you study?]
B: Ndifunda eBoston? [I study in Boston]

A: Ufundela isidanga kwintoni? [You study for a degree in what?]
B: Ndifundela isidanga se-BA kwi-Social Work. [I study for a degree of BA in Social Work]

A: Ufundela ukuba yintoni? [You study for to become what?]
B: Ndifundela ukuba yi-accountant*.Wena? [I study for to become an accountant.You?]

A: Mna ndifundela ukuba ngutitshala*. [Me I study for to become a teacher]
B: Ngumsebenzi* omhle lowo. [That is a good work]

* The formulatives of these copulatives are explained further in page 89

22

To help you to understand this lesson’s task better please look for at this following vocabulary on
careers and hobbies:

Imisebenzi [Careers]

Umbhali [Author]
Umphandi [Researcher]

Umfundisi [Reverend/Pastor]
[Teacher]
Utitshala [Accountant]
Umbali [Engineer]
Injineli [Secretary]
Unobhala [Driver]
Umqhubi [Announcer]
Umsasazi [Doctor]
Ugqirha [Diviner/traditional healer]
Igqirha [Mechanic]
Umkhandi weemoto [Social Worker]
Unontlalontle [Lecturer]
Umhlohli [Inspector]
Umhloli [Police]
Ipolisa [Nurse]
Unesi
[Lawyer]
Igqwetha [Builder]
[Judge]
Umakhi [Magistrate]
Ijaji [Domestic worker]
Umantyi [Clerk]
Umncedisi wasekhaya [Sheriff of the Court]
Umabhalana [Agriculturalist]
Unothimba [Business person/entrepreneur]
Umlimi [Journalist]
Usomashishini [Pilot]
Intatheli
Umqhubi [Politician]
wenqwelo-moya [President]
Umpolitiki [Minister]
[Poet]
Umongameli
Umphathiswa [Hobbies]
Imbongi
[Soccer game]
Imidlalo yokuzonwabisa [Rugby game]
[Golf game]
Umdlalo wesoka [Tennis game]
Umdlalo wombhoxo [Stage play]
[Music]
Umdlalo wegalufa [Mountain climbing]
Umdlalo wentenetya [Boxing]
Umdlalo weqonga [Swimming]
Umculo
Ukuqabela intaba
Umdlalo wamanqindi
Ukudada

23

Umsebenzi / Task 11

In few sentences ask your classmates about their work or studies and tell them about yours.
or
Write down about what your family is doing (careers) and where they have worked.

24

Isifundo/Lesson 11:

Ukubonisa indlela
[Giving directions]

OUTCOME:

After studying this section a student should be able:
• to ask for directions when lost and to direct
someone using the map and road signs.

Pronounce the following words for this lesson: lahleka (get lost), hamba ngqo (go straight), tsiba
(skip), jika (turn,) ekhohlo (left), ekunene (right)

Qaqambile: Uxolo nkosazana, ndicela undibonise indlela, ndilahlekile
[Excuse me, miss, please show me the road, I am lost]

Nosicelo: Ufuna indlela eya phi?
[You want a road to where?]

Qaqambile: Ndifuna indlela eya eWhole Foods e-Evanston.
[I want a road to Whole Foods in Evanston].

Nosicelo: Kulungile, hamba ngqo ngeHinman Avenue ujike ekhohlo.
[Alright, go straight with Hinman Avenue and you turn left].

Qaqambile: Nditsiba izitalato ezingaphi ukusukela apha?
[I skip how many streets from here?]

Nosicelo: Utsiba isitalato sokuqala nesitrato sesibini ujike ekunene.
[You skip a first street and the second street you turn right].

Qaqambile: Ndigqitha iirobhothi ezingaphi?
[I pass how many robots*?]

Nosicelo: Ugqitha iirobhothi ezimbini, iWhole Foods isekoneni ye-Church Street ne-Chicago
Avenue.

[You pass two robots*, the Whole Food is in the corner of Church Street and
Chicago Avenue].

Qaqambile: Enkosi ngexesha lakho, ndiyabulela.
[Thank you for your time, I’m grateful.]

Nosicelo: Wamkelekile. Uhambe kakuhle.
[Welcome.You go well].

25

*Robot = traffic light
Here are some of the traffic signs you can use in directing/instructing someone:

Yima/Misa Akujikwa ngasekunene

Akujikwa ngasekhohlo Akungenwa

Akujikwa apha Akumiswa zimoto
apha

Abantu abaweli apha Indlela ivaliwe



ROAD Kulungiswa indlela Kuwela abantwana besikolo
WORKS
AH EAD ngaphambili

Jika ekunene Jika ekhohlo
26

Iirobhothi* ngaphambili Indlela imtyibilizi xa kumanzi

Lumkela Thoba isantya

SLOW izilwanyana/amaxhama

EXITPhuma Phuma
ekhohlo
EXIT ekunene



Akutshaywa Cima iselfowuni
TURN CELL
PHONES
OFF



Umsebenzi / Task 12

1. You are staying in the middle of Stellenbosch, in Crozier Street, and your friend is visit-
ing you from Cape Town. Use the map provided below to direct him/her to the exact
place where you are staying in Stellenbosch.

2. Use some of the listed traffic signs above in directing your friend to your place.

27

Imephu yaseStellenbosch [Stellenbosch map]

28

Isifundo/Lesson 12:

Indlu yam / ikhaya lam
[My house / my home]

OUTCOME:

After studying this section a student
should be able:

• to ask and respond to questions related to his/her house and its contents, and even give
directions as to where it is situated.

Ingakanani indlu yakho?[How big is your house?]
Indlu yam inamagumbi amabini/amathathu/amane/amahlanu.
[My house has two rooms/three/ four/ five]

Igumbi lokuhlala Ikhitshi Igumbi lokuhlambela Igumbi lokulala
[a kitchen]
[a room [a room [a room
for sitting] for washing] for sleeping]

Kukho [There is]:

a. Igumbi lokuhlala [a room for sitting]
a. Igumbi lokulala [a room for sleeping]
b. Ikhitshi [a kitchen]
c. Igumbi lokuhlambela [a room for washing]

Kukho ntoni egumbini lokuhlala? [What’s in the room for sitting?]

Kukho iisofa [There are sofas]
Wenza ntoni ngeesofa? [What do you do with sofas?]
Example: Ndihlala phantsi esofeni [I sit down on sofa]

Kukho ithivi [There’s TV]
Wenza ntoni ngethivi? [What do you do with TV?]
Example: Ndibukela ndimamele iindaba namabali [I watch and listen news and stories]

Kukho ihayifa [There’s hi-fi]
Wenza ntoni ngehayifa? [What are you doing with hi-fi?]
Example: Ndimamela (ndidlala) umculo [I listen (I play) music]

29

Kukho ntoni egumbini lokulala? [What’s in the room for sleeping?]

Kukho ibhedi [there is a bed]
Example: Ndilala ebhedini ndizembathise ngeengubo [I sleep on bed, covering myself with blankets]

Kukho imiqamelo [There are pillow cases]
Kukho iingubo [There are blankets]
Kukho iityesi zempahla [There are wardrobes/cupboards]
Example: Ndifaka iimpahla etyesini yeempahla [I put clothes in the wardrobe]

Kukho isibane sebhedi [There is bed lamp]
Kukho iikhethini [There are curtains]

Kukho ntoni ekhitshini? [What’s in the kitchen?]

Kukho ntoni ekhitshini?[There is what in the kitchen?]

Isitovu [stove] Layita isitovu [Switch on the stove]
Examples: Cima isitovu [Switch off the stove]
Pheka ukutya ngesitovu [Cook the food with the stove]
Ifriji [fridge]
Example: Bandisa ukutya efrijini [Cool off the food in the fridge]
Kukho ntoni efrijini? [There is what in the fridge?]
Kukho inyama, imifuno, iziqhamo, ubisi… [There is meat, vegetables,fruit, milk…]

Izitya [plates/dishes]
Phakela ukutya esityeni [Serve the food on the dish]

Isinki [sink]
Hlamba isitya esinkini [Wash the dish in the sink]

Itafile [table]
Deka itafile [Set the table]
Beka ukutya etafileni [Put the food on the table]

Izitulo [chairs]
Hlala phantsi esitulweni [Sit down on the chair]
Phakama esitulweni [Get up from the chair]

Icephe [spoon]
Yitya ukutya ngecephe [Eat the food with the spoon]

30

Itispuni [teaspoon]
Zamisa ikofu/iti ngetispuni [Stir the coffee/tea with the teaspoon]
Imela [knife]
Sika isonka/inyama ngemela [Cut the bread/meat with the knife]
Iglasi [glass]
Sela amanzi/isiselo ngeglasi [Drink the water/soft drink with the glass]
Ifolokhwe [fork]
Hlaba inyama ngefolokhwe [Pierce the meat with the fork]
Iketile [kettle]
Bilisa amanzi ngeketile [Boil the water with the kettle]
Ipani [pan]
Gcada amaqanda ngepani [Fry the eggs with the pan]
Ikomityi [cup]
Phunga iti/coffee ekomityini [Sip the tea/coffee from the cup]
Amanzi [water]
Hlamba izitya ngamanzi [Wash the dishes with the water]
Galela amanzi eketileni [Pour the water into the kettle]
Yenza ikofu ngamanzi ashushu [Make the coffee with hot water]

Kukho ntoni egumbini lokuhlambela? [There is what in the room for washing?]
Kukho… [there is…]

ithoyilethi [ toilet]
Nceda ndibonise ithoyilethi [Please show me the toilet]

isitya sokuhlambela [ washing basin]
Hlamba izandla zakho esityeni sokuhlambela [Wash your hands in the washing basin]

ibhafu [ bath]
Hlamba umzimba wakho ebhafini [Wash your body in the bath]

ibrashi yamazinyo [toothbrush]
Hlamba amazinyo ngebrashi yamazinyo [Wash your tooth with a toothbrush]
isephu [soap]
Hlamba ubuso bakho ngesephu [wash your face with soap]

Umatshini weempahla [machine for clothes]
Hlamba iimpahla ngomatshini [Wash the clothes with a machine]

31

Umsebenzi / Task 13

Please discuss with your friends the size of your house and its contents.

32

Iiphazili [Puzzles]

33