Language/Zulu/Vocabulary/Introducing-Yourself
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Introduction
Sawubona! (Hello!) Welcome to the Zulu course, where you'll be learning Zulu greetings and introductions. In this lesson, you will learn how to introduce yourself and ask someone's name in Zulu, as well as some basic polite expressions.
Introductions are a crucial part of Zulu culture, just like in most cultures. In Zulu culture, greetings and introductions allow people to establish a connection with one another, whether in the workplace, social settings, or home. It’s worth noting that you should always greet everyone you encounter, regardless of how small the interaction is. It is also important to use the correct terminology when addressing someone of a higher status than you, such as an elder or a chief.
Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: Fruits & Animals.
Zulu Introductions
One way to initiate a conversation with someone is to introduce yourself. In Zulu, you can start the introduction by saying "Ngicela ukuqala" which means "May I start". Here are some important phrases to help with your introduction:
| Zulu | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ngiyabonga | Ngi-ya-boh-ngah | Thank You |
| Igama lam ngu… | Ee-gah-mah lah-m ngoo... | My name is... |
| Unjani? | Oon-jah-nee? | How are you? |
| Ngikhona | Ngih-kho-nah | I am fine |
Examples:
- Ngicela ukuqala, ngiyabonga, igama lam ngu (insert your name here)
- Unjani? Ngikhona. Ubani igama lakho? (How are you? I am fine. What is your name?)
Asking for Someone's Name
If you meet someone for the first time or you don't know their name, you might ask them for their name. Here's how to do it in Zulu:
| Zulu | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Uyaphi? | oo-yah-pee? | Where are you from? |
| Ngubani igama lakho? | n-goo-bah-nee ee-gah-mah lah-kho? | What is your name? |
| Igama lami ngu… | Ee-gah-mah lah-mee ngoo... | My name is... |
Examples:
- Uyaphi? Ngubani igama lakho? (Where are you from? What is your name?)
- Ngubani igama lakho? Igama lami ngu (insert your name here) (What is your name? My name is…)
Polite Expressions
It's important to show respect when you are speaking to someone older or in a higher social status than you. Here are a few polite expressions:
| Zulu | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Sanibona | Sah-nee-boh-nah | Hello (formal) |
| Sawubona | Sah-woo-boh-nah | Hello (informal) |
| Hamba kahle | Hum-bah kah-leh | Goodbye (formal) |
| Sala kahle | Sah-lah kah-leh | Goodbye (informal) |
Examples:
- Sanibona, ngiyabonga, ngubani igama lakho? (Hello, thank you, what is your name?)
- Hamba kahle, igama lami ngu…. (Goodbye, my name is…)
Conclusion
In this lesson, you learned how to introduce yourself and ask for someone's name in Zulu, as well as some basic polite expressions. Introductions are essential in Zulu culture and should always be done respectfully. Remember to use the correct terminology when addressing someone of a higher status than you. Keep practicing and using the phrases until they come naturally to you.
Don't forget to check out the other lessons in the Complete 0 to A1 Zulu Course, which will help you improve your Zulu skills even further.
Having concluded this lesson, consider checking out these related pages: Days, Months, and Seasons & Family Members.
Other Lessons
- Geography
- City
- Days of the Week
- Nature
- Describing Relationships
- Colors
- How to say Good Bye?
- Transport
- House
- Numbers
Sources
- Zulu/Lesson 1 - Wikibooks, open books for an open world
- Peace Corps South Africa An Introduction to Zulu Language: The ...
- How to say "introduce yourself" in Zulu
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