|
ZULU
Zulu is the most widely spoken first language in South Africa - that of almost 24% of the total population as opposed to the 8.2% whose first language is English.
ZULU POPULATION, HISTORY AND INFORMATION
Population and Geography
There are approximately 10.67 million Zulu speakers in South Africa, the majority of whom live in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. There are, however, 1.9 million Zulu speakers in Gauteng and 82 000 in Mpumalanga. Zulu is also spoken and understood in parts of Malawi, Swaziland and Mozambique.
History
In modern times Chief Buthelezi has been the most important political figure in KwaZulu-Natal. He opposed the apartheid government's attempts to create a Bantustan out of Zululand and formed the second Inkatha movement in 1975, thereby increasing the Zulu sense of nationhood and ensuring the support of his followers.
Further Reading
Zulu Dictionaries
Famous Zulu-Speakers
Zulu Clan Names (Izibongo)
The clan name is usually thought to be that of the founder of the clan and is also usually the surname. Some clan names are similar to those of natural phenomena, for example: uZulu sky, heaven
If you want to know someone's clan name you can ask Ungowaphi? (literally: Where are you from?) and the person can reply NgingowakwaMkhize (literally: I am one from the place of Mkhize).
Zulu Address Names (Izithakaselo)
Every clan name has its isithakazelo. People are usually addressed by the isithakazelo. For example someone from the Zulu clan would be addressed Mageba! and someone from the Mzolo clan would be addressed Dlangamandla!. Sometimes these address names are used as surnames. Thus the clan name Qwabe has the address name Gumede, which is now the surname of some members of the Qwabe clan. Everyone will know the isithakazelo of the clans in the neighbourhood. Two people known to each other will greet each other using the isithakazelo, eg. Sanibonani Gatsheni! (when addressing someone of the Ndlovu clan) and Sanibonani Mageba! (when addressing someone from the Zulu clan). When a stranger calls at someones kraal, he or she will always shout out the isithakazelo of that kraal, for example Eh! Gatsheni! (referring to the Ndlovu clan). Each clan may have more than one address name, for example the Xulu clan has the address names: Donda, Gxabhashe and Makhathini. Using address names shows politeness and respect. A Zulu person will always appreciate your use of their clan name. Married women never address their husbands by name or clan name, but always use the address name. Here are some more surnames (izibongo) and address names (izithakazelo):
References:
Isicathamiya - A Zulu Musical Form This musical form was made famous by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who produced the famous "Homeless" with Paul Simon. A male-only choir is led by a main singer who also composes the songs. He stands in front and starts the song, and the group follows in perfect harmony. The choir dance rhythmically while singing - the name isicathamiya actually derives from the verb ukucathama stand or walk stealthily or on tip-toe. Look at this original wedding song composed and sung by Khayelitsha Mambazo United, a Cape Town based isicathamiya group. Note that the words of the song are also culturally significant - traditionally a newly married woman is meant to show great respect to her new family and is often given many household tasks to perform. Siyakubonga ntomb' entle (We thank you beautiful lady)
Siyakubonga ntomb' entle, sithi nguwe lo oshadayo
Kodwa asish' ukuthi zonqobile (x 2)
Uyabona namhla' (ngane yami) komunye umuzi (ngane yami) koluny' usiko (ngane yami)
zuz'phathe kahle, oh, ngane yami (x2)
Uzothwal' umgqomo (ngane yami), uyokh' amanzi (ngane yami) Uyabona namhla' (ngane yam) komunye umuzi (ngane yami), koluny' usiko (ngane yam) zuz'phathe kahle, oh, ngane yami (x3)
Uzothwal' umgqomo, uyokh' amanzi
|