Thula thul, thula baba thula sana - Keep quiet my baby, keep quiet my child.
Traditional Zulu Lullaby
Most South African citizens understand the meaning of the Zulu lullaby, "Thula thul, thula baba" as it is widely sung by local mothers in an attempt to put their tired babies to sleep.
However, in repeating the words to this famous African lullaby, you are repeating certain IsiZulu vocabulary that you have memorised. As easy as it is to listen to this Zulu nursery rhyme once or twice and then sing along to it, that is how simple learning the Zulu language can be. It can be even easier for second language learners who can also speak another African language to latch onto new IsiZulu words by listening to Zulu songs and traditional lullabies.
For that reason alone, tutors and teachers should realise the value of incorporating traditional Zulu songs and maybe even famous Zulu lullabies into their teaching methods when teaching the Zulu language to non-native Zulu speakers. Since singing is such great fun, enthusiastic Zulu learners can learn to speak the language by simply having fun and learning whilst singing along to the lyrics of their favourite songs.
Learning IsiZulu through traditional songs and Zulu poems can be an exciting experience for second language Zulu speakers. However, Zulu music is a great way to teach new language learners about the traditional Zulu culture as well. In switching to the genre of Zulu music, you are switching your teaching style to adapt to learners needs and you are adapting your style while searching for fun and engaging in cultural exploration while learning the language.
Looking at How IsiZulu Music Teaches The Zulu Language
We learn a language through its song, and even if you don't have music you have the song of people you love's voice and you'll notice the song in their voice.
Wynton Marsalis
Artists may have released Zulu songs or an entire album to provide joy or solace, and their songs can be used to teach certain words to Zulu students.
Just like we can learn the Zulu language through oral tradition, we can also learn Zulu words and pronunciation from listening to and by singing along to IsiZulu songs. When listening to traditional Zulu music, speakers new to the language are introduced to the rhythm, pronunciation, and vocabulary in the Zulu language.
Composers tend to repeat certain words and phrases in songs and this makes it far easier for a language learner to learn these words or phrases.
Singing melodic songs and the constant repetition makes latching on to the pronunciation of certain words far easier.
Zulu music songs can make it far simpler for learners to learn more about the language. Singing along to catchy lyrics or repeated phrases is the interaction and engagement that language learning requires, and in doing so, we are harnessing the power of indigenous Zulu music to promote language, culture and diversity.
For young children, it helps to explore new vocabulary words by listening to either folk music or by actively singing along to South African lullabies.
The traditional lullaby, "Oho Mtwana," is one of the best songs to teach children words associated with sleeping time or to instil new vocabulary linked to a little one sleeping. By learning the words to make a baby fall asleep, Zulu students are expanding their vocabulary and learning words related to a specific theme.
By focusing on one song at a time, Zulu instructors can teach learners words linked to many different themes that can then be used in conversation and discussion.
We can also explore the Zulu language by looking at Zulu proverbs that are found in many traditional Zulu stories and sometimes even by analysing those Zulu proverbs linked to traditional Zulu songs.
Famous Zulu Songs to Use to Teach Vocabulary
Just like we can use a host of famous stories to learn the IsiZulu language, we can rely on some famous Zulu songs to teach the language as well.
Traditional Zulu songs are great to teach new Zulu words through repetition and chorus.
Music also goes beyond what words are able to teach. When children, teenagers, and adults struggle to learn some IsiZulu words, songs can come in to offer a fun way to reinforce certain words. In fact, how can you not sing along to, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," that was composed and sung by the musician, Solomon Linda?
While well-known South African composers, like Solomon Linda, teach us that mbube means the lion, just like that, we can learn a whole host of new IsiZulu words. From Lady Smith Black Mambazo to Zamo Senta, there are many songs that we can use to teach just a new word or two.
Famous musicians are great sources of inspiration, but so too are commonly sung children's songs. From the thunder song to the Saturday song, you can teach new Zulu words to students quite effortlessly. They will enjoy the benefit of learning a new song while learning new words in the process.
Learning the Language with a Zulu Tutor
A teacher who loves learning earns the right and ability to help others learn.
Ruth Beechick
It is all fun and games when learning the Zulu language with the help of a Zulu tutor who understands how to rope in some trending songs and the right music beats to make IsiZulu lessons interesting, meaningful, and full of fun.
With the help of a native Zulu-speaking tutor, you can learn to speak the language by paying specific attention to the correct utterances of the clicks and sounds as well as by taking heed of the added grammar aspects.
A Zulu tutor who is willing to go the extra mile is invaluable. That is where a Superprof tutor comes in. Our IsiZulu Superprof tutors are willing to go the extra mile with you to make your Zulu lessons beneficial and interesting.
Taking lessons in the language with the help of a motivated IsiZulu tutor will be considerably helpful for learners who wish to learn more about the language and for those enthusiastic Zulu students who are opting for new ways to learn the language more easily and more effectively.
It is also highly beneficial for students to consider the options that they have in terms of taking lessons with Zulu tutors. IsiZulu learners can learn the language by taking online lessons as well as through in-person lessons as well. Plus, if you are opting for memorable Zulu lessons that will stay with you, like the melody of a good song, you should certainly travel down Zulu lessons pathway with one of our devoted IsiZulu Superprof tutor.s
Soon, you will find that learning Zulu can be as simple as listening to music.
In no time, you will be singing along to traditional IsiZulu songs and understanding all the lyrics as well. Another way that you can learn the Zulu language is by considering Zulu praise poetry which is also known as izibongo.
When you rope in a tutor who can teach you the language by using praise poetry, songs, and stories, you are well on your way to IsiZulu language learning joy. In just a few lessons with the right Zulu tutor, you will be singing along to the right tunes with all the right vocabulary words as well. Search for the right Zulu tutor and within a few lessons, you will be perfecting the click sounds and singing away. Ilokho kuphela (That is all)!
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