 |
Live & Learn Zulu
Home>>Language Index>ZuluAudio Lessons Software Translation Dictionaries Exercise Books Flashcards Video & Media Learn Online Immersion Culture Corner
You'll find everything you need to learn Zulu right here on this page. Recommendations on the best dictionaries and exercise books, audio lessons, and a huge amount of free online resources to help you on your way in learning this fascinating language. However if there is something you would like to know but can’t seem to find it through us, please let us know - we will be happy to do some research and do our best to dig it up, and improve the site for you. The comment box is at the bottom of this page. Language SynopsisSouth Africa itself is a beautiful country and with it there are many beautiful languages. Zulu is the mother tongue of over 10 million people, mostly located within South Africa. There are many more details and background information about the language within this free online encyclopedia and this excellent online source of information. Below you will see the province of KwaZulu-Natal, with about 80% speaking this language. St. Lucia is the major city jammed packed with culture. See the video section below for more information!
Did you know? Zulu never had a written form until Christian missionaries in the 19th Century devised a way to write the language. The first Zulu publication was Incwadi Yokuqala Yabafundayo written by Newton Adams. The book explained the spelling of words and the history of the Old Testament. Useful Phrases: Greeting - sawubona (single person), sawubonani (more than one person) How are you? - Unjani? I'm fine thanks, and you? - Ngikhona, ngiyabonga. Wena unjani? Whats' your name? - Ngubani igama lakho? My name is Mike - Igama lami ngu Mike Where are you from? - Ubuyaphi? Nice to meet you - Ngiyajabula ukukwazi Goodbye - Sala kahle (single person), Salani kahle (multiple people) I don't understand - Angizwa I'm sorry - Uxolo Thank you - Ngiyabona You're welcome - Uyamukelwa How much is this? - Kubiza malini
Audio LessonsAudio lessons are a great way to build your conversational skills. Unfortunately there are few audio lesson options for this language. However, we've unearthed some resources, listed below, which will be of great use to you: Teach-Yourself-Zulu Complete Course Package (Book + 2CDs) (Teach Yourself . . . Complete Courses)
Internet freebies: Language Learning SoftwareLanguage learning software is great because it's interactive - great for the process of learning a language. Below are some of the best software options available for this South African language: Talk Now! Learn-Zulu - Beginning Level World Talk - Learn-Zulu: Intermediate Level 101 Languages Of The World
Internet freebies: BYKI provide a free downlaod of their fun and effective interactive software. This is an excellent free resource for beginners to the language. Zulu-English DictionariesThere aren't many options when it comes to a printed English-Zulu dictionary. However we've unearthed your best options below. Scholar's Dictionary: English-Zulu/Zulu-English An English-Zulu Dictionary: With The Principles Of Pronunciation And Classification Fully Explained
Internet freebies: There are several free online Zulu-English dictionaries. The best are listed below. Isizulu dictionary allows you where to enter the English word and search. The Zulu word result of the search will appear on the left with other available synonyms in English. Webster's Online Dictionary is a free English-Zulu dictionary and thesaurus with good definitions. Exercise BooksLearn-Zulu Learn-More-Zulu
Internet freebies: The following website provides free educational information regarding the teachings of the Bible, with a page in Zulu and the same information on a page in English. A comparison of the texts can help contribute to your language acquisition. Language FlashcardsFlashcards are a great way to build vocabulary because they relate words to images - essential for long term memory. Below are the only useful flashcards we've been able to find available on the net: LingvoSoft FlashCards 2008<-> Zulu software
Internet freebies: We are happy to offer free flashcards in any language, please see our Flash Cards page for more information.
Video & MediaTry watching the 80's film Shaka Zulu, with The Story is about an adventurer named Francis George Farewell. And while not completely true to history, what with some exaggeration and romanticism thrown in, it is recognized as a must-see for anyone who loves history. As imdb notes, it is about the legendary "Shaka" who "is oft called the 'Napoleon of Africa'. Though many Zulus consider Napoleon the 'Shaka of Europe'" (end quote).
Internet freebies: Check out these singers!
And here is a lovely capture of some scenery in South Africa with typical zulu singers saying "welcome!" ... Learn Live OnlineNothing yet, but as soon as something becomes available we'll let you know! Internet freebies: Language ImmersionSurrounding yourself with Zulu words and sounds and music will be the very best way to learn, trust us. We are looking into courses abroad at the moment, and will soon be able to recommend one or two. Until then, feel free to do your best to immerse yourself where you live, using the following suggestions… for example, use a dictionary to print words like “table”, "door", "window", "kettle", "bed", "chair", "mirror" etc and stick them onto those items around the house. Over time these words will automatically become part of your vocabulary, without even trying to memorize them! You could also in time join some verbs, like eat, open/close, wash, boil, sleep, sit, look, etc so as to associate them with the objects. Try it! Internet freebies: Immerse yourself right away by... ~Listening to the radio abit each day and tune in your ears! ~Keeping up with the news each day! ~Looking up the weather each day! You will find the weather in the top right hand corner of this page. It is in English but you will find articles regarding the environment available in Zulu along with the English versions. Very useful! ~Keeping up with media in Zulu! ~Listening to Zulu music and look for the lyrics to your favorite songs! For example: Here is a song sung by Andra called Vis de Iarna and here are the lyrics in the drop down box below:
A nins... sau nu... acasa, pe la noi
Eu stiu ce mult ma asteptati si voi
As vrea sa stam la gura sobei iar
Sa-mi dati un vis si-o poveste-n dar
In buzunar cadoul vi-l pastrez Cand voi veni sub brad sa vi-l asez Si parca simt parfum de cozonaci Va vad zambind langa toti cei dragi Si visez acasa sa ajung Dar pan` la noi drumul este lung Si stau in tren si imi imaginez Ca sunt cu voi si visez, visez.. Si va colind, si va colind in gand Cu orice pas tot mai aproape sunt Mai e putin si-n brate-am sa va strang Voi sunteti tot ce-am mai bun, mai sfant Si visez acasa sa ajung Dar pan` la noi drumul este lung Si stau in tren si imi imaginez Ca sunt cu voi si visez, visez.. Si va colind si va colind in gand Cu orice pas tot mai aproape sunt Mai e putin si-n barate-am sa va strang Voi sunteti tot ce-am mai bun, mai sfant Voi sunteti tot ce-am mai bun, maï sfant
Culture CornerExpressions and phrases: Hello ... Sanibona Cultural Quirks: Warthog is a great site explaining many of the aspects of the native culture and religion. National Dishes and recipes: Zulu-recipes: Learn how to make Matebelekwane (steamed bread), Inkuku yasekya nama qeselengwane (chicken with mealie dumplings) and African beer! Traditional Music: See Immersion section to watch a video of a song sung by Andra. History: Isandlwana 1879: The Great Victory This site has plenty of historical information on the people and their kings. Help Others Live and LearnHave you had the experience of learning Zulu? If you have we'd love to hear any suggestions you may have for learning the language. Which resources did you find useful? Which weren't very helpful? Please e-mail us your suggestions and findings using the form below. By sharing our language learning experiences we can help fellow language learners save valuable time and money. In fact that is the mission of Live and Learn Languages.
Photos kindly provided by Bill & Beth Rule
|
is a combined exercise book and CD course. Listening to the native pronunciation on the CD's is a great way to learn accurate pronunciation.
is perfect for beginners. Combining games and puzzles Talk Now ensures that you'll pick up the basics quickly.
is the ideal follow up to the Talk Now! software. The interactive games and puzzles are designed for intermediate level learners. A great and fun way to learn this great South African language.
is a fantastic resource for learning the basics in 101 languages of the world including Zulu. Learn over 150 phrases and 5000 words for each language. An invaluable resource if you travel alot.
is one of the most comprehensive dictionaries available for the language.
is a reprint of a very old dictionary. Although some parts are missing, this book is a great insight into the language and older world literature.
is the most comprehensive book available for beginners wishing to learn the language.
is the much more comprehensive follow up to "Learn-Zulu", designed for the intermediate to advanced learner.
tells the historical tale of the 24,000 man army that inflicted the greatest defeat on the British army in Victorian times.
