isiNdebele Home Language - Term 4 - Week 3

Nouns are words that name people, places, things, or ideas. In isiNdebele, nouns can be singular or plural. For example, 'umntwana' means 'child' and 'abantwana' means 'children'. Understanding nouns helps us to communicate clearly.

Let’s look at some sentences: 'Umama uhlala eMakhado.' (Mom lives in Makhado.) Here, 'umama' (mom) and 'Makhado' (place) are nouns. Another example is 'Ibhola liyaphosa.' (The ball is rolling.) 'Ibhola' (ball) is a noun. Notice how nouns can be people or places.

Now, let’s work together. I will say a sentence, and you will help me find the nouns. For example, in the sentence 'UThandi uthanda ukudla.' (Thandi loves food.), what are the nouns? Yes, 'UThandi' (Thandi) and 'ukudla' (food) are nouns. Let’s try another one: 'Umntwana udlala.' (The child is playing.) What are the nouns here?

Now it’s your turn! Write three sentences using nouns. You can use nouns like 'umama' (mom), 'ibhola' (ball), or 'isikole' (school). Draw a picture to go with each sentence. Remember to say what the nouns are in your sentences!

• A word that describes an action
• A word that names a person, place, or thing
• A word that shows feelings

Answer: A word that names a person, place, or thing

Nouns are specifically words that identify people, places, things, or ideas.

Answer: Umama

Umama means 'mom' and is a noun because it names a person.

• Umntwana
• Abantwana
• Ibhola

Answer: Abantwana

Abantwana means 'children' and is the plural form of umntwana.

Answer: Ball

'Ibhola' is a noun that refers to a ball.

• UThandi udlala.
• UThandi uyadlala.
• UThandi udlula.

Answer: UThandi udlala.

In this sentence, 'UThandi' is the noun referring to a person.

Answer: Isikole sikhulu.

This sentence means 'The school is big.' and uses 'isikole' as a noun.

• Umntwana
• UThandi
• Ibhola

Answer: Umntwana

Umntwana is the singular form meaning 'child'.

Answer: eMakhado

eMakhado is a noun that refers to a place.