2. PRONUNCIATION
THE ENGLISH ONE
In Zulu, vowels can never be next to each other in a word. We usually separate vowels with a semi-vowel.
This will become clearer in the lesson on CHANGES.
Aspirated sounds are said with a breath of air, nasal sounds are said through the nose, and voiced sounds
are said in the throat. Ask a Zulu-speaking friend to demonstrate these sounds if this all sounds crazy.
This will become clearer in the lesson on CHANGES.
Aspirated sounds are said with a breath of air, nasal sounds are said through the nose, and voiced sounds
are said in the throat. Ask a Zulu-speaking friend to demonstrate these sounds if this all sounds crazy.
THE CLICKY ONE
If this makes absolutely no sense at all, listen to Miriam Makeba singing 'The Click Song' here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mwh9z58iAU
TAKE NOTE: This is an isiXhosa song, but the clicks are the same as those found in isiZulu.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mwh9z58iAU
TAKE NOTE: This is an isiXhosa song, but the clicks are the same as those found in isiZulu.
THE COMPLICATED ONE
TIP: The second last vowel sound is usually lengthened or emphasised when speaking.
Sawubona (hello)
Namhlanje (today)
Inyoni (bird)
Bonus tip: Although words end in vowels, the last vowel is often dropped when speaking
(especially when followed by a word that begins with a vowel).
Nkosi sikelela iAfrika (God bless Africa) -- Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika.
Sawubona (hello)
Namhlanje (today)
Inyoni (bird)
Bonus tip: Although words end in vowels, the last vowel is often dropped when speaking
(especially when followed by a word that begins with a vowel).
Nkosi sikelela iAfrika (God bless Africa) -- Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika.