GENERAL PHRASES BOOKLET

Speakeasy Languages trading as SpeakeasyXhosa 85 Fordyce Road Walmer Port Elizabeth 6070 First publication - 2010 Author: Ron Endley Logo Design: Istream International Printing: E & G Creative Print cc All rights reserved. Unless distributed with the permission of the author, this e-publication may only be accessed and downloaded by registered licencees of www.speakeasyxhosa.co.za. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder.

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Introduction

As in all cultures there are certain cultural observances or rituals followed by the amaXhosa. I thought it would be interesting for you the learner to be made aware of these as you embark on your journey of learning this beautiful language.

1. Observances pertaining to greetings when entering a room:

The visitor greets first as he/she enters saying “Molo” when there is only one person in the room/house and “Molweni” if there are two or more people. If the visitor is known or knows the family, he/she may call out the person’s name. Likewise, the same procedure can be followed when greeting a group of people with the greeting “Molweni mawethu” – “Greetings my fellows.” These observances are also normally accompanied by the shaking of hands. Other observances pertaining to the shaking of hands are:

• The hand of a witchdoctor is not shaken. • The hand of a young man who is undergoing the initiation or ulwaluko process is not

shaken. • Hand shaking is accompanied by meeting the eyes of the other person, not looking

sideways or down. • In the more rural areas, young people can be expected to greet one another not with a

hand shake, but with sticks.

2. Seating arrangements inside a house or room

• Men always occupy the left side of a room as you enter, with the women on the right. This is traditionally done for reasons of protection, because an “enemy” after entering a room and noticing this seating arrangement, will immediately step back. To deviate slightly, the same applies to when a man and a woman are walking together – the man will walk on the left and slightly in front, in order to ward off any enemy that might be lying in wait. Today this could for example happen as you leave a lift, and the man walking out first. This again is not to be perceived as a sign of impoliteness, but rather seen as him fulfilling his role as protector – hence the expression “Ukugábula izigcawu” – “To beat away the spiders” (pave the way).

• After knocking on the door, you will be summoned inside by the head of the family, with the word “Ngaphakathi!”,literally meaning “Inside!”, but implying “Come in, you are welcome”.

• The visitor should always wait to be offered a seat, the man being offered a seat on the left-hand side, a woman on the right, boys with boys and girls with girls, etc.

- Cultural observances in this situation

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• It is etiquette for the visitor to shake everyone’s hand with the exception of: o A newly-wed or young woman should greet only the older members of the family,

especially the women, and just nod to the other members. • The older person will initiate the well-being exchange by saying: “Unjani? (singular)

or “Ninjani?” (plural) – both meaning “How are you?” This plural form is commonly used and the question is often asked why this is directed at a single person. The reason for this is that the question is not only directed at the visitor as an individual, but also includes his/her family at home.

• This initiation of the well-being exchange is responded to by the visitor saying “Ndiphilile enkosi” – I am well thanks, or“Siphilile enkosi” – We are well thanks, followed by the reciprocal question “Unjani wena?” – “And how are you?” or“Ninjani nina? – “And how are you all?”.

3. Other cultural observances pertaining to the greeting

• The first to enquire about the well-being of a visitor is the most senior person in the room or house.

• Should the meeting take place in the street, the first to greet does not initiate the well-being exchange, but rather the one met and greeted. This is done as a sign of respect and politeness.

• This practice applies to all genders. However a female may not enquire about any well-being before this has been done by a male member of the household.

• If the visitor is a woman, the male will initiate the well-being exchange and then hand over to the most senior woman or his wife, if she is the most senior.

• One can expect the respondent (visitor) to relate the well-being of his /her entire family to those present.

4. Cultural observances pertaining to departing / farewell

The visitor when wishing to leave may state any one of the following depending on the stituation and those present:

• Ndicela indlela – I am requesting the road (may I leave?) • Mandinishiye – I must leave you • Mandibaleke – I must hurry off • Nisale kakuhle –Stay well (all of you)

Responses to these are:

• Kulungile, hamba kakuhle - Fine, go well • Nawe uhambe kakuhle – And you too, go well • Kulungile, Ubulise kubo bonke ekhaya – Ok, Greetings to all at home

The visitor should not leave until given permission by the senior person present that he may do so. He could in a formal situation, say “Siyakunika” –“ We are giving you the road

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– you may leave”. Another round of handshaking denoting departure could follow, with the senior household member accompanying the visitor to the door.

You will encounter many more examples of Xhosa social etiquette as you go along, and these just serve as an introduction to whet your appetite.

We hope that you will find learning this language and about its people, an enriching experience!!

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2 GENERAL PHRASES The program gets under way by providing you with general phrases pertaining to the exchanging of personal details and getting to know one another. Revision exercises are given along the way to test your knowledge and to ensure that you are keeping up to date.

2.1 The Greeting Molo* bhuti Hello [male your age or younger] Molo sisi Hello [female your age or younger] Molo tata Hello [older male] Molo mama Hello [older female] Molweni* nonke Hello everyone Molweni manene Hello gentlemen Molweni manenekazi Hello ladies Molweni manene namanenekazi Hello ladies and gentlemen

* “Molo/Molweni” can be used to greet at any time of the day or night 2.2 Health Kunjani? How is life? Unjani? How are you? Ndiphilile enkosi, I am fine thanks Okanye or Akukho nto imbi There is nothing bad / no problems Unjani wena? [and] how are you? Ndiphilile nam enkosi I am also fine thanks Ninjani? How are all of you? Siphilile enkosi We are fine thanks 2.3 Establishing name and surname Nceda, ngena Please come in Nceda, hlala phantsi Please sit down Ngubani igama lakho? What is your name? NguTom igama lam Tom is my name NdinguTom I am Tom Ndiyavuya ukukwazi I am pleased to meet you Nam Me too Ngubani ifani yakho? What is your surname? NguNxopo ifani yam Nxopo is my surname Nceda, pela ifani yakho Please spell your surname

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Complete the following table Kunjani? How is _______________________? Molweni manene Good day ______________________ Molweni nonke Good day _______________________ Nceda, hlala phantsi! Please ______________________! Ndiphilile enkosi! I am fine ______________________ Ndiphilile nam I am _______________ well Ndiyavuya ukukwazi I am pleased ___________________ Ngubani ifani yakho? What is your ______________________? Ngubani igama lakho? What is your _______________________? Nceda pela igama lakho Please ____________________ your name 2.4 Place of residence Uhlala phi? Where do you stay/live? Ndihlala eDwesi AI live in kwaDwesi [a residential area between Port

Elizabeth and Uitenhage] Wena? And you? Mna, ndihlala eCentral Me, I live in Central Ndiyayazi iCentral I know Central Kudala uhlala khona?* Have you been living there long? Ewe, iminyaka emithathu Yes, three years

* “khona”means “there”, referring to a place previously mentioned Other expressions referring to place of residence Ndihlala elokishini I live in the townships [location] Uhlala endlwini? Do you live in a house? Ewe, ndihlala endlwini Yes, I live in a house Hayi, ndihlala eflethini No, I live in a flat Hayi, ndihlala etownhouse No, I live in a townhouse Hayi, ndihlala etyotombeni No, I live in a shack Ndihlala endaweni yamabobosi I live in an informal settlement [additional phrases not on video] Ndihlala efama I live on a farm Ndihlala elalini I live in a rural area A revision table for you to complete Ndihlala eBhayi I live in ______________________ Kudala uhlala khona? Have you been living ________________ long? Ewe, iminyaka emithathu Yes, __________________ years Ndihlala endlwini I live in a ___________________ Elokishini In the _________________________

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2.5 Requesting the time Uxolo Sorry / excuse me Ayinamsebenzi It does not matter / no problem Ngubani ixesha? What is the time? Ixesha ngu-6.00 The time is 6.00 Enkosi Thank you Kulungile Fine Keep revising Ayinamsebenzi It does not ____________________ Endaweni yamabobosi In an __________________ Ewe, iminyaka emithathu __________three years Kudala uhlala khona? Have you been living there _________________? Unjani? How _______________? Molweni manenekazi Hello ________________ Molo bhuti Hello __________________ Molweni nonke Hello ___________________ Nceda, hlala phantsi! _______________ sit down Ndihlala eflethini I live in a ___________________ Ndihlala etyotyombeni I live in a ___________________ Ndiphilile enkosi I am well ____________________ Unjani wena? And how are ________________? Ndiyavuya ukukwazi I am ______________ to meet you Ngubani ifani yakho? What is your ________________? Ngubani igama lakho? What is your _______________? Ngubani ixesha? What is ________________? Uxolo _____________ Kunjani? How _________________ ? 2.6 Going somewhere Uya phi? Where are you going? Ngoku Now Ndiya e[Greenacres] I am going to .. [a place] Ndiya kuPat I am going to ...[someone] Ndiyagoduka I am going home Ndiya entlanganisweni I am going to a meeting Ndiya evenkileni I am going to the shop Kulungile Fine / OK

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2.7 Physical Address Ithini i-adresi yakho eCentral? What is your address in Central? I-adresi yam ithi 23 Stanley Street My address is 23 Stanley Street Okanye or Uhlala ndawoni eCentral? Where exactly do you stay in Central? Ndihlala eStanley Street I live in Stanley Street kwanamba 23 in number 23 Ndihlala ekoneni I live on the corner Ndihlala endlwini yokugqibela I live in the last house Ngasekhohlo on the left Ngasekunene on the right 2.8 Place of origin Usuka* phi? Where do you originate from? Ndisuka eMonti I come from East London Ndisuka eBhayi I come from Port Elizabeth Ndisuka eRhawutini I come from Johannesburg Ndisuka eMelika I come from America * “suka” means “to move away from” A good revision exercise Ayinamsebenzi _________________matter Ekoneni On the ______________________ Elokishini In the _______________________ Endlwini yokugqibela In the ________________________ Ewe, iminyaka emithathu Yes, _____________________ years I-adresi yam ithi .... My address __________________ Ithini i-adresi yakho? __________________ your address? Kudala uhlala khona? Have you been ________________there long? Kunjani? ______________is life? Molo Mnumzana Hello ____________________ Molo sisi Hello ______________________ Molo manene namanenekazi Good day ______________________ Molweni nonke Good day _____________________ Nceda, hlala phantsi Please sit _____________________ Ndihlala eMonti I live in ____________________ Ndihlala endlwini I live in ______________________ Ndiphilile enkosi I am _______________ thanks Ndiphilile nam I am ________________well Ndiyagoduka I am _____________________ Ndiyavuya ukukwazi I am _____________________ Ngasekhohlo On the ________________________

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Ngasekunene On the _____________________ Ngubani ifani yakho? What is _______________________? Ngubani ixesha? What is _________________? Uhlala phi? __________________ do you stay? Uhlala ndawoni? ___________________ do you stay? Uya phi? Where _____________________? Usuka phi? Where __________________? Uxolo Excuse _________________ eRhawutini From _____________________ 2.9 Marital details Utshatile? Are you married? Ewe, nditshatile Yes, I am married Hayi, anditshatanga No, I am not married Hayi, ndiqhawule umtshato No, I am divorced [not on video] I am single Andikatshati I am a widower Ndaswelekwa ngunkosikazi I am a widow Ndaswelekwa ngumyeni 2.10 Children Unabo abantwana? Do you have children? Ewe, mnye Yes, one Ewe, babini Yes, two Ewe, bathathu Yes, three Hayi, akukho bantwana ekhaya No, there are no children at home [not on video] Unyana A son Intombi A daughter Male child Umntwana oyinkwenkwe Female child Umntwana oyintombi Usana A baby 2.11 The people at home Uhlala nabani? With whom do you stay? Ndihlala nabazali I stay with (my) parents Ndihlala nomyeni wam I stay with my husband Ndihlala nenkosikazi yam I stay with my wife Ndihlala nefemeli yam / nosapho I live with my family Ndihlala ndedwa I live alone Nibangaphi ekhaya? How many are there of you at home? Ndim ndedwa It is just me

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Sibabini There are two of us Sibathathu There are three of us Sibane There are four of us Sibahlanu There are five of us Sibaninzi There are lots/many of us 2.12 Contact details Ithini ifowuni-namba yakho? What is your telephone number? Ekhaya At home? Emsebenzini? At work? Isel? Cellphone? Inamba yam ithi .... My number is ........ Nceda, phinda .. Repeat please

Lets revise this little section Utshatile? Are you __________________? Babini abantwana There are ________________children Nibangaphi ekhaya? How many are there of you ___________? Ndihlala nabazali I stay with ____________________ Ndihlala ndedwa I live _________________ Sibahlanu We are ___________ in number Sibaninzi There are ___________ of us Ithini ifowuni-namba yakho? What is _________ phone number? Emsebenzini At _____________ Nceda, phinda Please ___________________ Sibathathu There are ____________ of us Uhlala nabani? With whom do you _______________? 2.13 Additional members of the family and kinship terms

Umama Mother

Utata Father

Ubawo Very formal and used to address a man of respectable

position

Usisi /Usista wam Sister

Ubhuti /Ubradha wam Brother

Umkhuluwa Older brother

Umninawa Younger brother

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Umakhulu Grandmother

Utatomkhulu Grandfather

Utatomncinci Your father’s younger brother (uncle)

Utatomdala Your mother’s brother – older than your father

Umalume Mother’s brother

Umakazi Aunt – mother’s sister

Udadobawo Aunt – father’s sister

Ubawokazi Uncle - father’s brother

Indodakazi Sister-in-law (Husband’s sister)

Umtshana Cousin

Umzukulwana /abazukulwana Grandchild / grandchildren

Umyeni Husband

Unkosikazi Wife

Unyana / oonyana Son(s)

Intombi / iintombi Daughter (s)

Intombazana / amantombazana Little girl(s)

Inkwenkwe / amakhwenkwe Little boy(s)

Umntwana / abantwana Child / children

Unina His mother

Unyoko Your mother – seldom used today because the term can be used as part of swearing, therefore the term “umama wakho” is preferred

Uyise His father

Uyihlo Your father

Revision State how the following people would be greeted in isiXhosa plus a few general questions Your grandfather Molo Your mother’s brother (uncle) Molo A cousin Molo Your mother’s sister (aunt) Molo Your father’s sister (aunt) Molo Your grandmother Molo A male your age or younger Molo

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A female your age or younger Molo Your father’s brother (uncle) Molo Your father’s younger brother Molo A man of respected position Molo Andikatshati I am ....... Umkhuluwa .... Ndihlala nomakhulu I live with my ...... Ndihlala nomakazi I live with my ..... Abazukulwana ..... Oonyana ..... Amakhwenkwe ...... Intombazana ...... 2.14 Current activities Wenza ntoni apha eBhayi? What do you do here in Port Elizabeth? Ndingumfundi I am a student Ndisahamba isikolo I am still at school Ndiyafunda I am studying Ufunda ntoni? What are you studying? Ndifunda isiXhosa I am studying Xhosa Ufundela ntoni? What are you studying towards? Ndifundela iBA I am studying towards a BA Ndiphangela eNMMU I work at the NMMU Ndiphangela kwaMasipala I work for the Municipality Yintoni umsebenzi wakho? What position do you hold at work? Ndiyimanejala I am a manager Ndingumamkeli I am a receptionist Ndingumabhalana I am a clerk Ndingumbhatalisi I am a cashier Okanye or Uyaphangela? Do you work [earn a living] Ewe, ndiyaphangela Yes, I do work Uphangela phi? Where do you work? Kudala uphangela khona? Have you been working there long? Ewe, iminyaka elishumi Yes, ten years Hayi, ndisandul’ ukuqala No, I have just started Other work-related expressions / occupations Ndiyazisebenzela I work for myself [am self-employed] Ndidla umhlala-phantsi I am a pensioner Ndiyathengisa I am a hawker / I sell Ndiyajopha I work casually / do odd-jobs Andiphangeli I don’t work

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Ndaphelelwa ngumsebenzi I was retrenched Ndadendwa I was retrenched Ndagxothwa emsebenzini I was fired Ndiligqwetha I am a lawyer Ndilipolisa I am a policeman Ndingugqirha I am a doctor Ndingumakhi I am a builder Ndingumabhalana I am a clerk Ndingumamkeli I am a receptionist Ndingusokhemesti I am a pharmacist Ndingumfundisi I am a minister / lecturer Ndingumhlohli I am a lecturer Ndingumbhatalisi I am a cashier Ndiyinjineli I am an engineer Ndingusomashishini I am a businessman / entrepreneur Ndingumsasazi I am a radio announcer Ndingunontlalontle I am a social worker Ndinguceba I am a (city) councillor Ndingunondaba I am a reporter Ndiyathengisa I am a trader (I sell) Ndiyajopha nje I am a casual (just do odd jobs) Ndingumongikazi / ndingunesi I am a nurse Ndingumntu woncedo lokuqala I am a paramedic Ndingumfundi I am a student Ndingumqhubi I am a driver Ndingumsebenzi-gadi I am a gardener Ndingunogada I am a security guard Ndingumhloli I am an inspector Ndidla umhlalaphantsi I am retired 2.14.1 Ready for more revision? Good, here it comes Ekoneni ngasekhohlo On the corner ____________________ Ngasekunene On the ____________________ eRhawutini From ________________________ Ewe, iminyaka emihlanu Yes, ______________ years I-adresi yam ithi............... _______________ is Kudala uhlala khona? Have you been ________________ there long? Kudala uphangela khona? Have you been _____________ there long? Unjani? How are __________________? Molweni! Hello _____________________! Ndidla umhlalaphantsi I am a ________________________ Ndihlala eflethini I live in a ______________________ Ndisuka eMonti I ___________________ East London Ndingumabhalana I am a ________________________ Ndingumfundi I am a ________________________ Ndiyajopha I _________________________

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Ndiyathengisa I ___________________________ Ndiyazisebenzela I ___________________________ Ndiyavuya ukukwazi I ______________________ to meet you Ngubani ixesha? What is ________________________? Ufundela ntoni? What are you _____________________? Uhlala ndawoni? Where ___________________ do you live? Uya phi? Where are _______________________? Wenza ntoni eMonti? ______________________ in East London? Ndiphangela kwaMasipala I ______________________ at the Municipality Iminyaka elishumi _______________ years What am I? I am a ........ Ndiligqwetha Ndilipolisa Ndingugqirha Ndingumakhi Ndingumabhalana Ndingumamkeli Ndingusokhemesti Ndingumfundisi Ndingumhlohli Ndingumbhatalisi Ndiyinjineli Ndingusomashishini Ndingumongikazi Ndinguceba Ndingumhloli Ndiyathengisa Ndiyajopha nje 2.15 Place of work Iphi i-ofisi yakho? Where is your office? I-ofisi yam iseNewton Park My office is in Newton Park Uphi umsebenzi wakho? Where is your work[place]? Umsebenzi wam useGreenacres My work[place] is in Greenacres 2.16 Language skills Uyakwazi ukuthetha isiNgesi? Can you speak English?/ Do you know how to ...? Uyakwazi ukuthetha isi-Afrikansi? Can you speak Afrikaans? Hayi, andikwazi No, I can’t / I do not know how ... Okanye or Uyasazi isiNgesi? Do you know / can you speak English? Uyasazi isi-Afrikansi? Do you know / can you speak Afrikaans?

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Hayi, andisazi No, I don’t know it Ewe, ndiyakwazi ukusithetha Yes, I can speak it Ewe, ndiyasithetha kancinci Yes, I speak it a little Ndisafunda I am still learning Ndiyazama I am trying Usifunde phi? Where did you learn it? Ndisifunde esikolweni I learnt it at school Okanye or Usazela phi isiXhosa? Where do you know Xhosa from / did you learn it? Ndakhulela efama I grew up on a farm Ndasifunda esikolweni I studied it at school 2.17 Completing a form Nceda, zalisa le fomu Please complete this form Wazalelwa phi? Where were you born? Ndazalelwa eBhayi I was born in Port Elizabeth Wazalwa nini? When were you born? Ndazalwa nge-25 kaMeyi, 1989 I was born on the 25th of May 1989 Kulungile, nceda usayine... Alright, please sign... apha here ezantsi at the bottom onke amaphepha all the pages Enkosi Thank you 2.18 Identification Unayo i-Ayidi apha kuwe? Do you have your ID here with you? Ewe, ndinayo Yes, I have it Hayi, andinayo No, I don’t have it Ilahlekile It is lost Andiyifumani I can’t find it Kufuneka ube nayo You must have it A little revision exercise Uyakwazi ukuthetha isiNgesi? Can you speak _________________________? Ewe, ndiyakwazi Yes, ___________________________ Nceda sayina Please __________________________ Ezantsi At ______________________________ Andikwazi I _____________________________ Ndisafunda I am still __________________________ Niyasithetha kancinci I speak it ___________________________ Unayo i-ID yakho apha kuwe? Do you have your ID here __________________? Andinayo ___________________have it Ilahlekile It is _________________________ Zalisa le fomu Complete _______________ from Wazalelwa phi? _______________ were you born?

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Kufuneka ube nayo __________________ have it Wazalwa nini? _________________ were you born? Ndakhulela efama I grew up ____________________ 2.19 Being of assistance on the telephone Hullo, nguSam othethayo Hullo, this is Sam speaking Ndinganceda? Can I help / be of assistance? Okanye or Ndingakwenzela ntoni? What can I do for you? Ndicela ukuthetha no[Sam] I would like to speak with [Sam] USam ukho na ? Is Sam there? Ewe ukhona Yes, he is here Hayi, uxolo, akakho No, sorry, he is not in Uphi? Where is he? Uphumile He has gone out Ndingathatha umyalezo? Can I take a message? Ewe, mxelele uLali ufowunile Yes, tell him Lali phoned Ndiza kuphinda ndifowune I will call again Unayo iselnamba yakhe? Do you have his cellphone number? Ewe, ndinayo Yes, I have it Ithi ....... It is ..... Uxolo, andinayo Sorry, I don’t have it More revision Ndinganceda? Can I _____________________? Ndingakwenzela ntoni? What __________________ do for you? Ukhona He is _________________ Akakho He is __________________ Uphumile She has __________________ Ugodukile She has ___________________ Ndingathatha umyalezo? __________ take a message? Ndiza kuphinda ndifowune I will call ______________ Andinayo _____________ have it Uphi? ____________ is he? 2.20 Getting into a lift

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Uya phi? Where are you going? Iyehla? Is it going down? Iyenyuka? Is it going up? Ndibheka phezulu I am going up Ndibheka ezantsi I am going down Ndiya ku-5 I am going to the 5th floor Nceda, cofa u-5 Please press 5 Sifikile! We have arrived! More revision Ndiya ku-5 I am _______________ to the 5th floor Iyehla? Is it going ________________? Uphumile He has _____________________ Ukhona He is _______________________ Cofa u-6 ______________ number 6 Ugodukile He has ____________________ Ilifti iyenyuka The lift is going ____________ Akakho He is _________________ Ndingancda? ______________ help? Uphumile Ndingakwenzela ntoni? What can I do ________________? Mxelele uDan ufowunile ___________him Dan phoned Ndibheka phezulu I am going ________________ Ndingathatha umyalezo? ____________________ a message? Ngubani othethayo? Who is ________________? 2.21 Details of a third person Kunjani? How are things? Sikhona We are well Siphilile enkosi We are well, thanks Ngubani lo? Who is this [person?] NguZama lo This [person] is Zama Okanye or Ngubani igama lakhe? What is his name? NguZama igama lakhe Zama is his name Ngubani ifani yakhe? What is his surname? NguMakhi ifani yakhe Makhi is his surname Uhlala phi uZama? Where does Zama stay? Uhlala eLorraine He lives in Lorraine Usebenza / phangela phi uZama? Where does Zama work / earn a living? Usebenza /phangela e.... He works / earns a living at .....

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2.22 Looking for someone Uphi uSipho? Where is Sipho? Andimazi I don’t know Ukhona He is here Ebekhona He was here Usandul’ ukufika He has just arrived Usebhizi He is still busy Usefowunini He is busy with a call /on the phone Usekhaya He is at home Usesikolweni He is at school / university Uphangele He has gone to work Uselivini He is on leave Uza kubuya kule vek’izayo He will be back next week Ndimgqibele izolo I last saw him yesterday Ndamgqibela kudala I have not seen him for some time Ngubani ophetheyo apha? Who is in charge here? Okanye or Akukamboni uSipho? Have you not yet seen Sipho? Hayi, andikamboni No, I have not seen him yet Akakafiki He has not arrived yet Uphuma ngoku He has just gone out We have to revise this Ngubani ifani yakhe? What is _________ surname? Uselivini She in on _______________ Uphi UDlamini? _______________ Dlamini? Ebekhona ___________ here Akakho He is ____________ Akakafiki He has not ___________ yet Akaphangeli He does not _____________ Andikamboni I have not _________ him yet Ngubani igama lakhe? What is __________ name? Ngubani lo? Who is ___________? Ngubani ophetheyo apha? Who is _____________ here? Selegodukile He has _________ gone home Ukhona _________ here Uphuma ngoku He has just ____________ Uphangela phi? __________ does he work? Useza He is just on his __________ UZama ukho na? Is Zama _____________ Ndimgqibele izolo I last saw him _____________ Uphangele He has gone to _____________ Usekhaya She is ____________________

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2.23 Everyday problems / complaints Kunjani? How is life? Ndiphile,.... I am fine .... Kushushu nje It is just hot Ngumsebenzi nje It is just the work Yimali nje It is just the money Ndidiniwe nje I am just tired Ndilambile nje I am just hungry Ngulo moya nje It is just this wind 2.24 The time of daily activities Uvuka nini kusasa? When do you get up in the morning? Ndivuka ngo 6.00 I get up at 6.00 Uphunga nini ikofu okanye iti? When do you have coffee or tea? Ndiphunga ngo 11.00 I have [a hot drink] at 11.00 Nitya nini isopholo? When do you have supper? Sitya ngo 7.00 ngokuhlwa We eat at 7.00 in the evening Ulala nini ebusuku? When do you go to sleep at night? Ndilala ngo 12.00 I go to sleep at 12.00 Iqala ngabani intlanganiso? When does the meeting start? Emva kwedinala, ngo-2.00 After lunch at 2.00 2.25 The Weather Injani imozulu namhlanje? What is the weather like today? Kushushu It is hot Kuyabanda It is cold Kupholile It is cool Iyanetha It is raining Ifuna ukunetha It wants to rain Ingathi iza kunetha It seems as though it is going to rain Umoya uyavuthuza The wind is blowing Amafu ayaqokelelana Storm clouds are gathering Ibinjani imozulu izolo? What was the weather like yesterday? Bekushushu It was hot Bekubanda It was cold Bekunetha It was raining Inethile It rained Umoya ubuvúthùza The wind was blowing Iza kuba njani imozulu ngomso? What will the weather be like tomorrow? Kuza kuba shushu It will be hot

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Kuza kubanda It will be cold Kuza kunetha It will rain Umoya uza kuvúthùza The wind is going to blow Just to make sure you are up to date Emva kwedinala After ___________________ Umoya uyavuthuza The wind is ________________ Nini? _________________? Ngomso ________________? Iqala ngabani? At what time does it __________________? Iyanetha It is ____________________ Kuyabanda nje It is just ___________________ Ndidiniwe nje I am just ____________________ NgoLwesithathu On ____________________ NgoLwesingaphi? On ______________________? NgoMvulo On ______________________ Ngumsebenzi nje It is just the __________________ Sobonana ___________ you soon Kuza kuba shushu It is going to be _________________ Bekubanda ____________ cold Ndilambile nje I am just __________________ NgoMgqibelo On Saturday Uvuka nini kusasa? When you get up ________________ Kupholile It is ____________________ Injani imozulu? How is the ____________________? 2.26 The days of the week... Sobonana.... We will see one another .... ngomso tomorrow ngoMvulo on Monday ngoLwesibini on Tuesday ngoLwesithathu on Wednesday ngoLwesine on Thursday ngoLwesihlanu on Friday ngoMgqibelo on Saturday ngeCawa on Sunday ngempelaveki over the weekend emva kwedinala after lunch 2.27 The months of the year These are referred to in two ways

(a) Using the borrowed term (most common)

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Ngeyiphi inyanga? during which month? NgoJanuwari in January ngoFebuwari in February ngoMatshi in March ngo-Epreli in April ngoMeyi in May ngoJuni in June ngoJulayi in July ngo-Agasti in August ngoSeptemba in September ngo-Oktobha in October ngoNovemba in November ngoDisemba in December

(b) Traditionally and less commonly used today, the months were named according to what was taking place in nature at that time of the year:

In January:

kweyomQungu The month of the tall grass; the ripening of the tambuki grass (thorny)

In February:

kweyomDumba The month of the swelling grain and when pod-bearing trees bear pods

In March:

kweyoKwindla The month of the first fruits; the harvest month

In April:

kuTshaz’ iimpunzi The month of the withering pumpkins as a result of frostbite

In May:

kwekaCanzibe The month of the Canopus star seen rising before daybreak

In June:

kweyesiLimela The month of the Pleiades, the ploughing stars also signalling the beginning

of the year of the amaXhosa

In July:

kweyeKhala The month when the red aloes burst into flower

In August:

kweyeThupha The month when the trees begin to bud

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In September:

kweyomSintsi The month when the lucky bean tree blossoms

In October:

kweyeDwarha The month when the small ragwort “Tansy” blossoms

In November:

kweyeNkanga The month when the large ragwort (poisonous to animals) blossoms

In December:

kweyomNga The month when the mimosa thorn is in full blossom

2.28 The seasons Ekwindla In autumn Ebusika In winter Entwasahlobo In spring Ehlotyeni In summer 2.29 Public Holidays Usuku loNyaka omTsha New Year’s Day IKrismesi Christmas Day IPasika Easter uMvulo wePasika Easter Monday uLwesihlanu wePasika Good Friday Usuku Lwamakhosikazi Women’s Day Usuku Lwenkululeko Freedom Day Usuku Losapho Family Day Usuku LoLutsha Youth Day Usuku lawamaLungelo abaNtu Human Right’s Day Usuku LweLifa Heritage Day Usuku LwabaSebenzi Workers’ Day Usuku Lwabathandanayo Valentine’s Day Usuku loXolelwaniso Day of Reconciliation 2.30 Additional words referring to time Namhlanje Today Ngomso Yesterday Ngoms’ omnye The day after tomorrow Ebusuku at night Ekuseni early [in the day] / at dawn Emini during the day / late in the day

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Emva kwexesha late [for something] Imihla ngemihla daily Imini a day Ngemini per day Imini yonke the whole day Impelaveki the weekend Ngempelaveki over the weekend Unyaka a year Kulo nyak’uphelileyo last year Kulo nyak’uzayo next year Kulo nyaka this year Ngonyaka annually Ekupheleni konyaka at the end of the year Inyanga a month Kule nyang’iphelileyo last month Kule nyang’izayo next month Kule nyanga this month Ngenyanga monthly Ekupheleni kwenyanga at the end of the month Iveki a week Kule vek’izayo next week Kule vek’iphelileyo last week Kule veki this week Ngeveki weekly Iyure an hour Ngeyure hourly Izolo yesterday Izol’elinye the day before yesterday Phezolo last night Kwangoku immediately Lonke ixesha always Mzuzwana currently Ngamanye amaxesha sometimes Ngoku now Ngoku-ngoku soon / now-now Ngokuhlwa in the evening Ngokuhlwanje this evening Phambi kwexesha early [before the time] Emva kwedinala after lunch / in the afternoon Qho regularly Umzuzu minute

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Yonke imihla everyday 1.23 Test yourself on these words referring to time Ekwindla In_____________ Ehlotyeni In _________________ iPasika ______________________ Usuku loLutsha ___________ Day Usuku labaSebenzi __________ Day Emini During the _____________ Inyanga _____________________ Izolo ____________________ Kulo nyaka This ______________________ Lonke ixesha All the _________________ Namhlanje ______________________ Ngenyanga Per ____________________ Ngoku __________________________ Ngomso _________________________ Phambi kwexesha ___________________________ Yonke imihla Every _______________________ Imini yonke The whole ___________________ Ngamanye amaxesha Some_______________ Ngempelaveki Over the _________________ Ebusika In the ___________________ 2.31 Meeting a newcomer / stranger Ungubani kanene? Who are you by the way? Ndingu-Asanda I am Asanda Wamkelekile apha! You are welcome here! Uyafika apha? Are you new here? Ewe, siyafika Yes, we are new Kunjani apha eBhayi? What is it like here in Port Elizabeth? Kumnandi enkosi It is nice, thanks Kulungile It is OK Kubi It is terrible 2.32 Expressing an obligation Kufuneka wenze ntoni namhlanje? What do you have to do today? Kufuneka ndiye evenkileni I have to go to the shop

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Kufuneka ndibhatale amatyala am I must pay my accounts Kufuneka ndilande abantwana I have to fetch the children Kufuneka ndigoduke I have to go home Kufuneka ndifundele uviwo I must study for a test Kufuneka ndikhawuleze I must hurry Kufuneka ndimfowunele I must phone him Kufuneka ndiye eRhini I have to go to Grahamstown Kufuneka ndiye entlanganisweni I have to go to a meeting What do I have to do? [Complete] Kufuneka ndikhawuleze Kufuneka ndihambe Kufuneka ndibhatale amatyala Kufuneka ndifunde Kufuneka ndigoduke Kufuneka ndiphangele Kufuneka ndiye evenkileni Kufuneka ndimfowunele uTom Kufuneka ndiye ngeteksi Kufuneka ndiye eMonti ngomso 2.33 Mode of transport Uhamba ngantoni? How do you travel? Ndihamba ngeenyawo I go on foot / I walk Ndihamba ngemoto I go by car Ndihamba ngeteksi I go by taxi Ndihamba ngebhasi I go by bus Ndihamba ngetreyini I go by train Ndihamba ngebhayisekile I go by bicycle Ndihamba ngesithuthuthu I go by motorcycle Ndihamba nge-eropleni I go by plane 2.34 Asking directions

Andiyazi indlela eya e... I don’t know the way to ...

Ndicela indlela eya e.. I am asking the way to ......

Ungandibonisa indlela eya e.. Can you show me the way to ....?

Iphi indlela ebheka e...? Where is the road that goes to ....?

Kukude kangakanani ukuya e...? How far is it to ....?

Hamba ngale ndlela Go along this road

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Nyuka ngale ndlela Go up this road

Yihla ngale ndlela Go down this road

Hamba streyiti! Go straight!

Gqitha kwiirobothi ezi(mbini) Go past (2) robots

Ude ufike e.... Until you get to...

Misa! Stop!

Misa apha! Stop here!

Misa esitophini Stop at the stop street

Jika ngasekhohlo Turn left

Jika ngasekunene Turn right

Uza kufika e.... You will get to...

Uza kubona .... ngasekunene You will see .... on your right

2.25 Cost of travel

Yimalini iteksi? How much is a taxi?

Yimalini itikiti? How much is a ticket?

Yimalini ukuya e...? How much is it to go to ....?

YiR25.00 It is R25.00

Kulungile, ina Alright, here you are (said as you hand over the money)

Revision on travel

Andiyazi indlela I ...................... the way Ungandibonisa indlela? Can you ................... the way? Iphi indlela e.......... ................ the road to.........? Nyuka Hamba ngale ndlela Go ................... road Ude ufike e .............. you arrive at... Yihla Misa ekoneni ............... at the corner Jika Ngasekhohlo Uza kubona ivenkile ...................... a shop Ngasekunene

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Yimalini? ...................... it? Ina ................ you are

2.36 Useful Everyday Question Forms [very important]

2.36.1 Njani? How?

Kunjani? How is life (treating you)?

Unjani? How are you?

Uthetha njani xa usithi.. .. ngesiXhosa? How do you say.... in isiXhosa?

Ndingakunceda njani? How can I help you?

Uziva njani namhlanje? How do you feel today?

Mingaphi iminyaka yakho? How old are you?

Uneminyaka emingaphi utata? How old is your dad?

Baneminyaka emingaphi abantwana? How old are your children?

Usebenza ixesha elingakanani apha? How long have you been working here?

Uya ngantoni ukuya esikolweni How do you get to school?

Kukude kangakanani? How far is it?

Uyivula njani le khompyutha ? How do you switch on this computer?

Iza kuthatha ixesha elingakanani? How long will it take?

Bangaphi abantwana bakho? How many children do you have?

Zingaphi iiklasi zakho namhlanje? How many classes do you have today?

Yimalini? How much does it cost?

Utshaya kangakanani? How much do you smoke?

Uya kangaphi eklasini ngeveki? How often per week do you go to class?

Revision exercise:

Baneminyaka emingaphi abantwana? ................ are your children? Bangaphi abantwana bakho? ................ are your children? Iza kuthatha ixesha elingakanani? How long will .........? Kukude kangakanani? ............... is it? Kunjani? How is ....................?

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Mingaphi iminyaka yakho? .................... are you? Ndingakunceda njani? How can I ........................? Uneminyaka emingaphi utata? ...................... is your father? Unjani? ................... are you? Usebenza ixesha elingakanani apha? ........... have you been working here? Uthetha njani xa usithi.. .. ngesiXhosa? .................... in isiXhosa? Uya ngantoni ukuya esikolweni ....................... to school? Uyivula njani le khompyutha ? ................... this computer Uziva njani namhlanje? How ..................... today? Yimalini? ................... is it? Zingaphi iiklasi zakho namhlanje? .................. classes do you have today?

2.36.2 Ntoni? What?

Yintoni? What is it?

Yintoni le? What is this?

Zintoni ezi? What are these?

Ngubani igama lakho? What is your name?

Ngubani ifani yakho? What is your surname?

Ithini inamba yefowuni yakho? What is your phone number?

Ithini i-adresi / idilesi yakho? What is your address?

Yintoni umsebenzi wakho? What work do you do?

Uqhuba imoto enjani? What car do you drive?

Ngubani ixesha? / Lithini ixesha? What is the time?

Ngubani igama likamama? What is your mother’s name?

Ndingakwenzela ntoni? What can I do fo you?

Uthini? What do you say?

Ubusithini? What did you say?

Wenzani? What do you do / are you doing?

Lithetha ntoni eli gama? What does this word mean?

Uthanda ukwenza ntoni? What do you like doing?

Yintoni uHappy Birthday ngesiXhosa? What is Happy Birthday in isiXhosa?

Kwenzeke ntoni namhlanje? What happened today (recently)?

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Kwenzeka ntoni ngo2010? What happened in 2010 (long ago)?

Yintoni ingxaki? What is the problem?

Ufuna ntoni? What do you want?

Revision exercise

Ithini inamba yefowuni yakho? .................. your phone number? Kwenzeke ntoni? .................. happened? Lithetha ntoni eli gama? What does .............................. Ndingakwenzela ntoni? What can ........................... you? Ngubani igama lakho? What is ...........................? Ngubani ixesha? / Lithini ixesha? What ................? Ubusithini? What .............. you saying? Uqhuba imoto enjani? What type of car ........................? Uthanda ukwenza ntoni? What ............................. doing? Uthini? What are ...............................? Wenzani? What are ................................? Yintoni le? ...................... this? Yintoni uHappy Birthday ngesiXhosa? .............. Happy Birthday in isiXhosa? Yintoni umsebenzi wakho? What .................you do? Yintoni? What ......................? Zintoni ezi? What ......................?

2.36. 3Nini? When?

Iqala nini iklasi? When does class start?

Siqala nini isikolo? When does school start?

Uvuka nini kusasa? When do you get up in the morning?

Ulala nini ebusuku? When do you go to sleep at night?

Utya nini iblakfesi? When do yo eat breakfast?

Wazalwa nini? When were you born?

Uqale nini ukusebenza? When did you start working?

Uthathe nini umhlala-phantsi? When did you retire?

2.36.4 Phi? Where?

Uhlala phi? Where do you stay?

Liphi ikhaya lakho? Where is your home?

Uya phi? Where are you going?

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Uvela phi? Where have you come form?

Usuka phi? Where do you originate from?

Iphi incwadi yakho? Where is your book?

Baphi abazali bakho? Where are your parents?

Uphangela phi? Where do you work?

Wazalelwa phi? Where were you born?

Wakhulela phi? Where did you grow up?

Uyifumene phi? Where did you find it?

Usazela phi isiXhosa? From where do you know isiXhosa

Wasifunda phi isiXhosa? Where did you learn isiXhosa?

Revision exercise:

Baphi abazali bakho? Where are .........................? Iphi incwadi yakho? Where is ...........................? Iqala nini iklasi? When does class ......................? Liphi ikhaya lakho? Where is ............................? Siqala nini isikolo? When does ................... begin? Ulala nini ebusuku? When do you go to sleep ............... ? Uphangela phi? Where do you ........................? Uqale nini ukusebenza? When did .................. working? Usazela phi isiXhosa? From where ..................... isiXhosa? Usuka phi? Where do you .............................? Uthathe nini umhlala-phantsi? When did you ..........................? Utya nini iblakfesi? When do you ..................... breakfast? Uvela phi? Where ......................... from? Uvuka nini kusasa? When do you get up ....................? Uya phi? Where ....................... ? Uyifumene phi? Where did you ...................? Wakhulela phi? Where did you .........................? Wasifunda phi isiXhosa? Where did you ...........................? Wazalelwa phi? Where were you ................?

2.36.5 Bani? Who?

Ufuna bani? Who do you want?

Ungubani? Who are you?

Ngubani umfundisi wakho? Who is your teacher?

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Ngubani lo? Who is this?

Ngoobani aba? Who are these (people)?

2.36.6 Bani? Whom?

Ufuna ukuthetha nabani? With whom do you wish to speak?

Ndithetha nabani? With whom am i speaking?

Uhlala nabani? With whom do you stay?

Ufundiswe ngubani? By whom were you taught?

2.36.7 -kabani? Whose?

Yekabani le? Whose is this?

Yincwadi kabani le? Whose book is this?

Zezikabani ezi? Whose are these?

Zizitshixo zikabani ezi? Whose keys are these?

Ungumntwana kabani? Whose child are you?

2.36.8 -phi? Which?

Ufunde kwesiphi isikolo? At which school did you study?

Wahamba kwesiphi isikolo? Which school did you go to?

Uya kweyiphi iklasi ngoku? Which class are you going to now?

Usifunde isiXhosa kweliphi ibanga? In which standard did you study isiXhosa?

2.37.9 Kutheni? Why?

Kutheni ungahambi sikolo? Why are you not at school?

Kutheni ungandixeleli nje Why did you not tell me?

Revision exercise:

Ndithetha nabani? With whom am I ....................? Ngoobani aba? .................. these people? Ngubani lo? ................... this? Ngubani umfundisi wakho? Who is ..............................? Ufuna bani? ................... do you want? Ufuna ukuthetha nabani? ................... do you want to speak? Ufunde kwesiphi isikolo? At ........................... did you study? Ufundiswe ngubani? By whom ..............................?

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Uhlala nabani? With whom .........................? Ungubani? Who .............................? Ungumntwana kabani? Whose ............................ are you? Uya kweyiphi iklasi ngoku? ..................... are you going to now? Wahamba kwesiphi isikolo? To ........................... did you go? Yekabani le? .................... is this? Yincwadi kabani le? ...................... is this? Zezikabani ezi? Whose ..........................? Zizitshixo zikabani ezi? Whose ........................ are these?

2.37 Congratulations and good wishes Siyavuyisana nawe! Congratulations [we rejoice with you] Yonwabele imini yakho! Happy Birthday ! [enjoy your day] IKrismesi emnandi! Merry Christmas! Mnyak’ omtsha! Happy New Year! Yonwabele iholide! Enjoy the holiday! Yonwabele impelaveki! Enjoy the weekend! Yiba nemini emnandi! Have a nice day! 2.38 Relaxation

Wenza ntoni xa uzonwabisa? What do you do for relaxation?

Ndithanda ukuya elwandle I like to go to the beach

Ndithanda ukubukela iThivi I like to watch TV

Ndithanda ukudlala imidlalo I like to play sport

Ndithanda ukufunda incwadi I like to read a book

Ndithanda ukupheka I like to cook

Ndithanda ukuthunga I like to sew

2.39 Your future plans

Uza kwenza ntoni xa ugqibile ukufunda? What do you want to do when you have finished studying?

Ndifuna ukuphangela phesheya kolwandle I want to work overseas

Ndifuna ukuya phesheya kolwandle I want to go overseas

Ndifuna ukukhenketha I want to travel

Ndifuna ukonwaba nje I just want to relax

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Ndifuna ukufundisa I want to teach

2.40 Saying goodbye / taking leave Hamba kakuhle! Go well! Enkosi, nawe Thanks, same to you / and you too Sala kakuhle! Stay well! Sendimkile I am on my way Ndimkile I am on my way / I have left Ndiyahamba ngoku I am going now Ndisahamba ke ngoku I am just on my way then Bhayini! [colloquial] Goodbye! 2.41 Greetings to Ndibulisele ekhaya Greetings to those at home Ndibulisele kuJohn Send my greetings to John 2.42 Some negative expressions

2.42.1 Ukungafuni Not wanting (to) Ufuna ikofu? Do you want coffee? Hayi, andifuni kofu No, I don’t want (any) coffee. Ufuna amanzi? Do you want (some) water? Hayi, andifuni enkosi No, I don’t want (any) thanks Ufuna ukulala? Do you want to lie down? Hayi, andifuni kulala enkosi No, I don’t want to lie down thanks Ufuna ukuya evenkileni? Do you want to go to the shop? Hayi, andifuni kuya enkosi No, I don’t want to go thanks UMama ufuna iti? Does Mom want some tea? Hayi akafuni enkosi No, she does not want any thanks Umntwana ufuna ukutya? Does the child want some food? Hayi, akafuni kutya No, she does not want any food Kutheni uThemba engafundi nje? Why does Themba not study? Akafuni, uyanqena He does not want to, he is lazy Kutheni umntwana elila nje? Why is the child crying? Akafuni kuya esikolweni ngomso He does not want to go to school tomorrow Abantwana bafuna ukugoduka? Do the children want to go home? Hayi, abafuni kugoduka ngoku No, they don’t want to go home now Kutheni abafundi betshona nje? Why are the students failing? Abafuni kufunda They don’t want to learn Abazali bafuna ukuya ngeteksi? Do the parents want to go by taxi? Hayi, abafuni No, they don’t want to Kutheni abantu bengenamali nje? Why do the people have no money?

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Abafuni kusebenza They don’t want to work 2.42.2 Ukungathandi Not liking (to) Zeziphi izinto ongazithandiyo? What things do you not like? Andithandi khapetshu I don’t like cabbage Andithandi phinabhatha I don’t like peanut butter Andithandi kubukela iThivi I don’t like watching TV Andithandi kudlala midlalo I don’t like playing sport Andithandi kufunda incwadi I don’t like reading a book Kodwa but Ndithanda ukumamela umculo I like listening to music Zeziphi izinto uTata angazithandiyo What does Dad not like? Akathandi kuhamba nge-eropleni He does not like travelling by plane Akathandi kutshaya He does not like smoking Akathandi kuvuka ekuseni He does not like getting up early Akathandi kucheba ingca He does not like mowing the lawn Akathandi kuhlamba izitya He does not like washing the dishes Kodwa but Uthanda ukubukela ezemidlalo He likes to watch sport Zeziphi izinto abantwana abangazithandiyo? What do children not like? Abathandi kusebenza endlwini They do not like working in the house Abathandi kulala emva kokutya isopholo They don’t like going to bed early Abathandi kwenza umsebenzi wesikolo ekhaya They don’t like doing homework Abathandi kuvuka ebusika They don’t like getting up in the winter Abathandi kuhamba isikolo They don’t like going to school Kodwa but Bathanda ukuthenga iimpahla ezintsha They like buying new clothes Revision exercise Translate the following: Andifuni Akafuni Abafuni Abathandi kusebenza Andithandi kuhlamba izitya Akathandi kuya evenkileni Ukubukela ezemidlalo Ukuvuka ebusika Ukuhamba isikolo Ukucheba ingca Ukudlala imidlalo Ukwenza umsebenzi wesikolo Ukumamela umculo

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Ukufunda incwadi Ukuthenga iimpahla ezintsha Andifuni kugoduka Andithandi kusebenza endlwini Abathandi kutshaya Afafuni kuhamba nge-eropleni Andifuni kutshona Ufuna ukulila

2.43 Counting

A brief reference was made to counting in 2.4 where we mentioned how many people were in the home, but this needs a little more detail in order to bring about some understanding of how isiXhosa works and to avoid rote / parrot-like learning.

So firstly, the basic numerical stems from 1 – 10. It is vitally important that you memorise these before proceeding

-nye one

-bini two

-thathu three

-ne four

-hlanu five

-thandathu six

-sixhenxe seven

-sibhozo eight

-lithoba nine

-lishumi ten

How these stems will be used will depend on WHAT WE ARE COUNTING as we will see from the following examples. You will further notice the importance of the prefix (in bold) of the noun being counted:

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1. Abafundi Scholars / students Bangaphi? How many are there?

Ubona abafundi abangaphi? How many scholars / students do you see?

Mnye umfundi There is one student Babini abafundi There are two students Ndibona omnye I see one Ndibona abafundi ababini I see two students

Bathathu abafundi They are 3 in number Bane abafundi They are 4 in number Ndibona abafundi abathathu I see 3 Ndibona abafundi abane I see 4 students

Bahlanu abafundi They are 5 in number Bathandathu They are 6 in number Ndibona abafundi abahlanu I see 5 Ndibona abafundi abathandathu I see 6 students

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Basixhenxe abafundi They are 7 in number Basibhozo abafundi They are 8 in number Ndibona abafundi abasixhenxe I see 7 Ndibona abafundi abasibhozo I see 8

Balithoba abafundi They are 9 in number Balishumi abafundi They are 10 in number Ndibona abafundi abalithoba I see 9 Ndibona abafundi abalishumi I see 10 students This will apply to any word beginning with “aba-“ such as” Abantwana ‘children’ Abahlobo ‘friends’ Abasebenzi ‘workers’ Abafundisi ‘teachers / lecturers, etc

2. Umthi / Imithi Tree / Trees Mingaphi? How many are there? Ubona imithi emingaphi? How many do you see

Mnye umthi There is one tree Mibini imithi The trees are two in number Ndibona umthi omnye I see one tree Ndibona imithi emibini I see two trees

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Mithathu imithi They are 3 in number Mine imithi They are 4 in number Ndibona imithi emithathu I see 3 trees Ndibona imithi emine I see 4 trees

Mihlanu imithi They are 5 in number Mithandathu imithi They are 6 in number Ndibona imithi emihlanu I see 5 Ndibona imithi emithandathi I see 6

Isixhenxe imithi They are 7 in number Isibhozo imithi They are 8 in number Ndibona imithi esixhenxe I see 7 Ndibona imithi esibhozo I see 8

Ilithoba imithi They are 9 in number Ilishumi imithi They are 10 in number Ndibona imithi elithoba I see 9 trees Ndibona imithi elishumi I see 10 trees This will apply to any word beginning with “imi-“ such as: Iminwe ‘fingers’ Imilenze ‘legs’ Imisebenzi ‘chores / assignments Imibuzo ‘questions’ etc

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3. Ilitye / amatye ‘stone(s)’

Mangaphi? ‘How many are there?’ Ubona amatye amangaphi? ‘How many stones do you see?’

Linye ilitye ‘There is one stone Mabini amatye They are two in number Ndibona ilitye elinye I see one stone Ndibona amatye amabini I see two stones

Mathathu amatye ‘They are 3 in number’ Mane amatye ‘They are 4 in number’ Ndibona amatye amathathu ‘I see 3’ Ndibona amatye amane ‘I see 4 stones’

Mahlanu amatye ‘They are 5 in number’ Mathandathu amatye ‘They are 6 in number’ Ndibona amatye amahlanu ‘I see 5’ Ndibona amatye amathandathu ‘I see 6 stones’

Asixhenxe amatye ‘They are 7 in number Asibhozo amatye ‘They are 8 in number’ Ndibona amatye asixhenxe ‘I see 7 ‘ Ndibona amatye asibhozo ‘I see 8 stones’

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Alithoba amatye ‘They are 9 in number’ Alishumi amatye ‘They are 10 in number’ Ndibona amatye alithoba ‘I see 9 stones’ Ndibona amatye alishumi ‘I see 10 stones’ The same would apply to words such as” Amakhaya ‘homes’ Amagama ‘words / names’ Amaqanda ‘eggs’ Amacephe ‘spoons, etc’

4. Isitulo / izitulo ‘chair(s) Zingaphi izitulo? ‘How many chairs are there?’ Ubona izitulo ezingaphi? ‘How many chairs do you see?’

Sinye isitulo ‘There is one chair’ Zibini izitulo ‘They are two in number’ Ndibona isitulo esinye ‘I see one chair’ Ndibona izitulo ezibini ‘I see two chairs’

Zithathu izitulo ‘They are 3 in number’ Zine izitulo ‘They are 4 in number’ Ndibona izitulo ezithathu ‘I see 3 chairs’ Ndibona izitulo ezine ‘I see 4 chairs’

Zihlanu izitulo ‘They are 5 in number’ Zithandathu izitulo ‘They are 6 in number’

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Ndibona izitulo ezihlanu ‘I see 5 chairs’ Ndibona izitulo ezithandathu ‘I see 6 chairs’

Zisixhenxe izitulo ‘They are 7 in number’ Zisibhozo izitulo ‘They are 8 in number’ Ndibona izitulo ezisixhenxe ‘I see 7 chairs’ Ndibona izitulo ezisibhozo ‘I see 8 chairs’

Zilithoba izitulo ‘They are 9 in number’ Zilishumi izitulo ‘They are 10 in number’ Ndibona izitulo ezilithoba ‘I see 9 chairs’ Ndibona izitulo ezilishumi’ I see 10 chairs’ The same will apply to words such as Izitya ‘dishes’ Izihlangu ‘shoes’ Izikolo ‘schools’ Izandla ‘hands’, etc.

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5. The final group. Here we include original isiXhosa words as well as those which are adopted from another language. This group makes up the bulk of words used everyday and this will therefore be the most frequently used form of counting. Illustrations will therefore be a mixture of these.

Inja / Izinja ‘Dog(s) Imoto / Iimoto ‘Car(s)’

Inye inja ‘There is one dog’ Zimbini iimoto ‘The cars are two in number’ Ndibona inja enye ‘I see one dog’ Ndibona iimoto ezimbini ‘I see two cars’

Zintathu izindlu ‘The houses are 3 in number Zine iidesika ‘The desks are 4 in number’ Ndibona izindlu ezintathu ‘I see 3 houses’ Ndibona iidesika ezine ‘I see 4 desks’

Zintlanu iincwadi ‘The books are 5 in number’ Zintandathu iipensile ‘The pencils are 6’ Ndibona iincwadi ezintlanu ‘I see 6 books’ Ndibona iipensile ezintandathu ‘I see 6 pencils’

Zisixhenxe iintombi ‘The girls are 7 in number ‘Iitafile zisibhozo ‘The tables are 8 in number’ Ndibona iintombi ezisixhenxe ‘I see 8 girls’ Ndibona iitafile ezisibhozo ‘I see 8 tables’

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Zilithoba iintyatyambo ‘9 flowers in number; Iibhola zilishumi ‘The balls are 10 in number’ Ndibona iintyatyambo ezilithoba ‘I see 9’ Ndibona iibhola ezilishumi ‘I see 10 balls’ The list of nouns that would be counted in this manner are too many to list, but the chief characteristic would be the “ii-“ or “izin-“ in the beginning. Application exercise: (also online)

State that the following are two in number: Abantwana Amacephe Izihlangu Iimela (knives)

Translate the following: Two children Two spoons Two shoes Two knives

Translation Abantwana Amacephe Izihlangu Iimela

State that the following are five in number: Abafundi Imibuzo (questions) Amadoda (men) Iifestile (windows) Izitya (dishes)

Translation 1 2 3 4 5

Translate the following: Five students Five questions Five men Five windows Five dishes

Translation Abafundi Imibuzo Amadoda Iifestile izitya

State that the following are eight in number: Iincwadi Abantu Imithi Amagumbi (rooms)

Translation 1 2 3 4

Translate the following: Translation

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Eight books Eight people Eight trees Eight rooms

Iincwadi Abantu Imithi Amagumbi

State that the following are ten in number Izindlu (houses) Abahlobo (friends) Imibuzo Amakhaya (homes)

Translation 1 2 3 4

Translate the following Ten houses Ten friends Ten questions Ten homes

Translation Izindlu Abahlobo Imibuzo Amakhaya

State that there is only one of the following Umntwana Igama (name) Isikolo IThivi

Translation 1 2 3 4

Translate the following: One child One name One school One TV

Translation Umntwana Igama Isikolo Ithivi

State that the following are three in number Abadlali (players) Amantombazana (little girls) Izitulo Iminwe (fingers) Iintsuku (days)

Translation 1 2 3 4 5

Translate the following Three players Three little girls Three fingers Three days

Translation Abadlali Amantombazana Iminwe Iintsuku

State that the following are four in number Amakhwenkwe (little boys) Abafana (young men) Iintombi Imithi Izipili (mirrors)

Translation 1 2 3 4 5

Translate the following Four little boys Four young men Four girls Four trees Four mirrors

Translation Amakhwenkwe Abafana Iintombi Imithi Izipili

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2.44 WHAT DO WE WEAR? Sinxiba ntoni?

IIMPAHLA Clothes

Here we will look at some everyday garments and also introduce some of the basic colours and adjectives.

Umnqwazi ‘hat” Ikepusi / ityepusi ‘cap’

Umnqwazi umdaka ‘The hat is brown Ikepusi imfusa ‘The cap is purple’

Ndinxiba umnqwazi omdaka ‘I wear a brown hat ‘ Ndinxiba ikepusi emfusa ‘I wear a purple cap’

Isankwane ‘beanie / balaclava’

Isankwane simnyama ‘The beanie is black’

Ndinxiba isankwane esimnyama ‘I wear a black beanie’

Ihempe iblowu The shirt is blue Ihempe i-orenji ‘The shirt is orange (borrowed)’ ihempe iluhlaza okwesibhaka-bhaka (orig. The colour of the sky) Ndinxiba ihempe eblowu I wear a blue shirt . Unxiba ihempe e-orenji ‘He wears an orange shirt’ Imikhono mide ‘The sleeves are long’ Imikhono mifutshane ‘The sleeves are short’ Inemikhono emide ‘It has long sleeves’ Inemikhono emifutshane ‘It has short sleeves’

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Isikipha T-shirt Iblawuzi Blouse Isikipha simhlophe ‘The t-shirt is white Iblawuzi ibomvu ‘The blouse is red’ Ndinxiba isikipha esimhlophe I wear a white t-shirt’ Unxiba iblawuzi ebomvu ‘She wears a red blouse’

Ijezi ‘Jersey’ ‘Isilamba’ Lumber jacket

Ijezi imdaka The jersey is brown Isilamba siblowu The lumber jacket is blue

Ndinxiba ijezi emdaka I wear a brown jersey Unxiba isilamba esiblowu He wears a blue lumber jacket’

Ijezi ifudumele ‘The jersey is warm’

Ndinxiba ijezi efudumeleyo ‘I wear a warm jersey’

Ibhatyi ‘Jacket’ Idyasi ‘Coat

Ibhatyi ingwevu ‘The jacket is grey’ Idyasi imdaka ‘The coat is brown’

Ndinxiba ibhatyi engwevu ‘I wear a grey jacket Unxiba idyasi emdaka ‘He wears a brown coat’

Yidyasi yeleli ‘It is a leather coat’

Iduru ‘It is expensive’

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Ilokhwe ‘Dress’ Isikethi ‘Skirt’

Ilokhwe iluhlaza ‘The dress is green’ Isikethi singwevu ‘The skirt is grey’

Unxiba ilokhwe eluhlaza ‘She wears a green dress Unxiba isikethi esingwevu ‘She wears a grey

skirt’

Ilokhwe intle ‘The dress is beautiful’

Unxibe ilokhwe entle ‘She is wearing a beautiful dress’

Ibhanti ‘Belt’

Ibhanti imnyama ‘The belt is black’

Yibhanti emnyama ‘It is a black belt’

Ibhulukhwe ende ‘Long trousers’ Ibhulukhwe emfutshane ‘Short trousers’

Sometimes referred to as ‘Ishoti’

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Iikawusi ‘Socks’ Izihlangu ‘Shoes’

Iikawusi zinemigca ‘The socks are striped Izihlangu zimnyama ‘The shoes are black’

Iikawusi ezinemigca ‘Striped socks’ izihlangu ezimnyama ‘Black shoes’

Iiteki ‘Tackies / also track shoes’

Iiteki zitshiphu ‘Tackies are cheap (not always)

Ndithenge iiteki ezitshiphu ‘I bought cheap tackies’

Activity: 1. Go through your wardrobe and look at each garment and describe it in isiXhosa saying: a. What it is b. What colour it is 2. State “Namhlanje ndinxiba (……….) (………)” ‘Today I am wearing a (garment) (that is…..) This will be accompanied by the following online application exercise

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Application exercise (also online)

State that the following garments are black Ijezi Isikipha Umnqwazi Isihlangu

Translation (one-word) 1 2 3 4

Translate the following A black jersey A black t-shirt A black hat Black shoes

Translation Ijezi Isikipha Umnqwazi Izihlangu

State that the following garments are red Ilokhwe Isikethi Iblawuzi Iikawusi

Translation (one-word) 1 2 3 4

Translate the following A red dress A red skirt A red blouse Red socks

Translation Ilokhwe Isikethi Iblawuzi Iikawusi

State that the following are short (futshane) Imikhono Ibhulukhwe Isikethi Ilokhwe

Translation (one-word) 1 2 3 4

Translate the following Short sleeves Short trousers Short skirt Short dress

Translation Imikhono Ibhulukhwe Isikethi Ilokhwe

State that the following are white Ihempe Iihempe Umnqwazi Izihlangu

Translation (one-word) 1 2 3 4

Translate the following: A white shirt White shirts A white hat White shoes

Translation Ihempe Iihempe Umnqwazi Izihlangu

State that the following are warm (easy) Ibhatyi Idyasi Ijezi

Translation (one-word) 1 2 3

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Iikawusi Isankwane

4 5

Translate the following A warm jacket A warm coat A warm jersey A warm beanie

Translation Ibhatyi Idyasi Ijezi Iikawusi Isankwane

State that the following are beautiful Ilokhwe Iijezi Izihlangu Umnqwazi Isilambha

Translation (one-word) 1 2 3 4 5

Translate the following A beautiful dress Beautiful jerseys Beautiful shoes A beautiful hat A beautiful lumber jacket

Translation Ilokhwe Iijezi Izihlangu Umnqwazi Isilambha

State that the following are striped (nemigca) Iikawusi Ibhulukhwe Isikethi Umnqwazi

Translation (one-word) 1 2 3 4

Translate the following: Striped socks Striped trousers Striped skirt Striped hat

Translation Iikawusi Ibhulukhwe Isikethi Umnqwazi

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2.45 WHAT DO WE EAT? Sitya ntoni?

Here follows a comprehensive list of foods that we eat at various times of the day

For breakfast I eat.. Ngebrakfesi nditya.. (isidlo sakusasa) Food that gives energy like: Ukutya okunika amandla njenga- Porridge Ipapa Porridge milk and sugar Ipapa enobisi neswekile Muesli Imuesli Crumbly meal porridge/ Umphokoqo “Krummelpap” Fruit because they contain Iziqhamo kuba zineevithamini neetyuwa zomzimba vitamins and minerals

• Apple I-apile • Plum Iplamu • Pear Ipere • Banana Ibanana • Mango Imengo • Naartjie Inartyisi • Orange I-orenji • Grapes Iidiliya / iigreyipsi • Peach Ipesika • Apricot I-aprikothi • Pawpaw Ipopo • Strawberries Amaqunube • Spanspek Ispanspeki

Yoghurt Iyogathi Bacon and egg Iqanda nebheyikhoni Toast Itowusti Toast and peanut butter Itowusti eqatywe iphinabhatha Toast and jam Itowusti eqatywe ijem Butter Ibhotolo Margarine Imajarini Cheese Itshizi I drink (cold) Ndisela Milk Ubisi Juice / fruit juice Ijusi / incindi yeziqhamo I drink (hot) Ndiphunga Tea Iti Coffee Ikofu For lunch I eat Ngedinala/ngelantshi nditya (isidlo sasemini A sandwich (bread) Isonka White bread Isonka esimhlophe

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Brown bread Isonka esimdaka / esibrawuni A pie Ipayi A salad Isaladi

• Lettuce ilethisi • Tomato Itumata • Cucumber Inkomkomiri / ikhyukhamba

A boiled egg Iqanda elibilisiweyo Salt Ityuwa Pepper Ipepile For supper I eat Ngesopholo nditya (isidlo sangokuhlwa) Meat Inyama

• Beef Inyama yenkomo • Mutton Inyama yegusha • Pork Inyama yehagu • Chicken Inkuku • Fish Intlanzi • Chops Iitshopsi • Steak Isiteyiki • Sausage Isoseji • Kebab Ikhibhebhu / Isosati

Fish and chips Intlanzi neetshipsi Gravy Igreyivi / umhluzi Stew Istyu Curry Ikheri Curry and rice Ikheri nerayisi Samp and beans Umnqusho Soup Isuphu Vegetables which also contain Imifuno / iveji enazo neevithamini neetyuwa vitamins and minerals zomzimba

• Carrots Iminqathe • Beans Iimbotyi • Peas Ii-ertyisi • Cabbage Ikhapetshu • Cauliflower Ikholiflawa • Spinach Isipinatshi • Onion Itswele • Potato Iitapile • Sweet potato Ibhatata • Pumpkin Ithanga • Squash Usenza / Isikwashi

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FATTENING FOODS UKUTYA OKUTYEBISAYO Cake Ikeyiki Biscuits Amaqebengwana / iibhiskithi Sweets Iilekese Chocolate Itshokolethi DRINKS IZINTO EZISELWAYO Water Amanzi Cold drinks iziselo ezibandayo / iidrinki / iikholdrinki Alcohol Utywala

• Beer Ibhiye • Brandy Ibranti / igrangqa • Whiskey Iwiski • Wine Iwayini • Red wine Iwayini ebomvu • White wine Iwayini emhlophe

Revision exercise – supply the isiXhosa terms for the following English term Igama lesiXhosa Breakfast Lunch Supper Drink something hot Drink something cold Fattening food Healthy food Drinks Salt Pepper Fish Beef Mutton Vegetables White bread Toast and jam Boiled egg Energy Alcohol Red wine Chicken Porridge milk and sugar In the morning In the evening

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2.46 PARTS OF THE BODY - Amalungu Omzimba

Umzimba The body

Intloko Head Ndinentloko I have a headache

Indlebe / iindlebe Ear / ears Ndiqaqanjelwa yindlebe I have earache

Amehlo Eyes Emehlweni In the eyes

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Impumlo Nose Empumlweni On the nose

Umlomo Mouth Emlonyeni In the mouth

Amazinyo Teeth

Ulwimi Tongue

Ubuso Face Ebusweni On the face

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Imilebe Lips Emilebeni On the lips

Izidlele Cheeks

Iinwele Hair

Isilevu Chin

Intamo Neck Entanyeni In / on the neck

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Amagxa Shoulders Emagxeni On / in the shoulders

Isifuba Chest Esifubeni In the chest

Isisu Abdomen Esiswini In the abdomen / stomach

Ingalo Arm Iingalo Arms Izihlunu Muscles

Isihlahla Wrist [Izihlahla - wrists] Isandla Hand [Izandla - hands]

Iminwe Fingers

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Uzipho Nail Iinzipho Nails

Isinqe Waist

Umlenze Leg Imilenze Legs

Idolo Knee Amadolo Knees

Iqatha Ankle Amaqatha Ankles

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Unyawo Foot Iinyawo Feet

Uzwane Toe Iinzwane Toes

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See how many parts of the body you can identify in the following picture