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Wamkelekile means Welcome! |
Molweni mane ne namanenkazi, (Hello ladies and gentlemen),
As a part of the immersion into the Xosha culture we have been learning the Xosha language. It is a beautiful and unique language that sounds like a song with interesting clicks for certain sounds. Our instructor's name is Ron Endley and he is a patient, knowledgeable man. He learned Xosha as a child growing up on his father's farm. The Xosha families would come to live and work on the farm and Ron befriended the Xosha children.
It is a difficult language to learn, but the most concerning part of the language experience for me has been the accents. Even when the Xosha people are speaking English I have a hard time understanding what they are saying. It makes me ashamed of myself because I have often looked at our international teachers with distain because they did not seem to be understanding what I was saying. N
ow I completely understand how they must feel when they first arrive in America. Speaking English and understanding English are two very different concepts.
Below are some of the Xosha words I have learned. The list is small because I am not a very good student when it comes to Xosha, but ndiyazama (I am trying).
Enkosi - thank you
Molo - Hi (singular)
Molweni - Hello (plural)
Go bonnie igama locko? - What is your name?
Andiyazi - I don't know
Ewe - yes
Hayi - no
Sala kakhle - Go in peace
Heke! - Well done!
Unjani - How are you?
Ndiphilile - I am fine.
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Areas in South Africa where Xosha is used.
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