Sesotho First Additional Language - Term 2 - Week 10

Phonics is the relationship between sounds and their spellings. In Sesotho, certain letters and combinations of letters produce specific sounds. For example, the letter 'b' is pronounced as /b/, and 'ph' is pronounced as /pʰ/. Understanding these sounds helps us read and write effectively. Today, we will explore how to identify these sounds and use them to build words.

Let's take the sound /m/ as an example. We can build words like 'molemo' (good) and 'mofuthu' (warm). Notice how the initial sound changes the meaning of the word. We will practice by taking different sounds and creating new words together. For instance, if we start with /t/, we can create 'tšoara' (catch) and 'tšela' (pass).

Now, let's work on constructing sentences. I will give you a few words, and you will create sentences using those words. For example, if I say 'moholo' (big) and 'ntja' (dog), you could say 'Ntja e kholo.' (The dog is big.) Remember to use correct punctuation at the end of your sentences. Let's practice together before you try it on your own.

For your independent practice, I want you to choose five phonetic sounds we discussed today. Write down at least three words for each sound and then create a sentence for each word. Make sure to check your sentences for correct punctuation and spacing. After you finish, we will share our sentences with the class.

• /k/
• /g/
• /t/

Answer: /k/

The letter 'k' is pronounced as /k/ in Sesotho.

• mofuthu
• sello
• ntja

Answer: sello

'Sello' starts with the /s/ sound.

Answer: Molemo ke motho ea molemo.

This sentence means 'A good person is a good person.'

• .
• ,
• ?

Answer: .

We use a period (.) to indicate the end of a statement.

Answer: Dog

'Ntja' means 'dog' in Sesotho.

• tšoara
• tšela
• molemo

Answer: tšoara

'Tšoara' means 'to catch' in Sesotho.

Answer: molemo, mofuthu, motse

These words all start with the /m/ sound.

• moholo
• mofuthu
• ntja

Answer: moholo

'Moholo' means 'big' in Sesotho.