Zulu Language

WHAT IS ZULU

Zulu is one of the languages of South Africa. Most of its speakers are found in KwaZulu Natal. It was first written by the missionaries in the early nineteenth century. Since then it has developed a rich literature. There are books, films, magazines and newspapers that exist in the Zulu language.

Zulu also has a rich oral tradition. The oral tradition consists of stories, fables, folktales and similar structures that are used to teach the philosophy of Zulu culture. These stories are told to the youth in order to inculcate the values of the society. Old people do the telling because they are seen as the repositories of the culture.

The Zulu language carries the principles of ubuntu (humaneness), a philosophy which upholds the importance of other people apart from the individual. We will constantly refer to this philosophy as we study the language.

Course Instructor Info

Zulu language program

The Zulu language program introduces the learner to the Zulu language and advances learners through the intermediate level. It uses the communicative approach and teaches Zulu by providing contexts and short conversations. Students will practice short dialogues and interact with each other.

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Links

• SYLLABUS
• LRC Website
  This is the website for the Language Resource Center

Zulu Language

Zulu is one of the languages of South Africa. Most of its speakers are found in KwaZulu Natal. It was first written by the missionaries in the early nineteenth century. Since then it has developed a rich literature. There are books, films, magazines and newspapers that exist in the Zulu language.  Wikipedia has articles in English and Zulu.

Zulu also has a rich oral tradition. The oral tradition consists of stories, fables, folktales and similar structures that are used to teach the philosophy of Zulu culture. These stories are told to the youth in order to inculcate the values of the society. Old people do the telling because they are seen as the repositories of the culture.

The Zulu language carries the principles of ubuntu (humaneness), a philosophy which upholds the importance of other people apart from the individual. We will constantly refer to this philosophy as we study the language.