Xitsonga Home Language - Term 1 - Week 5

Today, we will learn new words in Xitsonga. Vocabulary is important because it helps us express our thoughts and feelings. We will read a short story together and identify new words. After reading, we will discuss what these words mean and how we can use them in sentences.

Let’s look at the sentence: 'Nwa-nwa u dya xihlahla.' (The child eats fruit.) We can break this sentence down. 'Nwa-nwa' means child, 'u' means he/she, 'dya' means eats, and 'xihlahla' means fruit. Now, let’s rearrange the words to form a new sentence: 'Xihlahla u dya nwa-nwa.' (The fruit is eaten by the child.) Notice how the meaning changes with the order of words.

Now, let’s practice together. I will say a few words: 'mufana' (boy), 'u' (he), 'bala' (reads). Can you help me put these words into a correct sentence? Remember to use punctuation at the end! (Expected answer: 'Mufana u bala.' - The boy reads.)

For your independent practice, I want you to write three sentences using the words: 'ntwana' (child), 'u' (he/she), 'lula' (plays). Make sure to use correct punctuation and spacing. After you finish, share your sentences with a partner and read them aloud.

• Child
• Fruit
• Reads

Answer: Child

'Nwa-nwa' translates to 'child' in Xitsonga.

• Dya
• Bala
• Lula

Answer: Dya

'Dya' means 'eats' in Xitsonga.

Answer: Xihlahla u dya.

This sentence translates to 'The fruit is eaten.'

• .
• ,
• ?

Answer: .

A full stop (.) is used to indicate the end of a sentence.

• Girl
• Boy
• Child

Answer: Boy

'Mufana' translates to 'boy' in Xitsonga.

Answer: He/She

'U' means 'he' or 'she' in Xitsonga.

• Dya
• Lula
• Bala

Answer: Lula

'Lula' means 'plays' in Xitsonga.

Answer: Ntwana u dya.

This means 'The child eats.' in Xitsonga.