Xitsonga First Additional Language - Term 2 - Week 10

Today, we will explore phonics in Xitsonga. Phonics helps us understand the sounds that letters make. We will focus on the sounds of vowels and consonants. For example, the letter 'a' sounds like 'ah' in Xitsonga. Let's practice saying some words together that start with different letters.

Let's look at the word 'ndzi' which means 'I am'. We can break it down into sounds: 'n', 'd', 'z', 'i'. Now, let's try to build a new word using the same sounds. If we change the 'i' to 'a', we get 'ndza', which means 'I will'. This shows how changing one letter can create a new word.

Now, I will give you some letters, and you will work in pairs to create words. Use the letters 't', 's', 'a', and 'n'. What words can you come up with? Remember to say the words out loud and check if they make sense in Xitsonga. After that, we will share our words with the class.

For your independent practice, write three sentences using the words you created. Make sure to use correct punctuation at the end of each sentence. For example, if you wrote 'ndzi', you could say, 'Ndzi na n'wana.' (I am with the child.) After writing, read your sentences to a partner.

• ah
• ee
• oo
• ay

Answer: ah

In Xitsonga, the letter 'a' is pronounced like 'ah'.

• ndzi
• hello
• cat
• dog

Answer: ndzi

'Ndzi' means 'I am' in Xitsonga.

Answer: Ndza na mama.

This sentence means 'I will be with mom.'

• .
• ,
• !
• ?

Answer: .

A period (.) is used to end a statement in Xitsonga.

• s
• n
• a
• t

Answer: s

'S' is the first letter in the word 'sana', which means 'to play'.

Answer: I will

'Ndza' translates to 'I will' in English.

• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Answer: 4

'Ndzi' consists of four letters: n, d, z, and i.

Answer: tina

'Tina' means 'us' in Xitsonga.