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Take Zulu Lessons for Beginners  

In a country that boasts 11 official languages and so much ethnic diversity, there are many opportunities for South Africans who make the effort to become multilingual.  

While English is the most prolific language in the world, in South Africa where it is one of the official languages, it is spoken by 1 in 10 locals. IsiZulu on the other hand, which is spoken by 25% of the overall population, is the most widely spoken in South Africa. After that, it is followed by isiXhosa which is the home language of about 16% of the residents. 

Interestingly, because Zulu and Xhosa are so similar, even mutually comprehensible, it is not uncommon for third and second language students to contemplate the benefits of learning either Xhosa or taking isiZulu lessons. This is a choice that is likely to be based on your location. For instance, if you are from the Eastern or Western Cape and if you plan to study or work there, then taking Xhosa will make more sense. However, if you are in other parts of the country, particularly KwaZulu-Natal, then finding an isiZulu teacher is a more sensible option.   

If you have decided that Zulu lessons for beginners are for you, then you will soon notice that the language offers many similarities to Xhosa. Be on the lookout for these potentially confusing words which sound the same but mean different things in different languages. 

• Ncokolo: means to tease in Zulu, but to chat in Xhosa
• Thetha: means to shout in Zulu, but to talk in Xhosa
• Phuza: means to drink in Zulu, but to kiss Xhosa
• Nzima:  means difficult in Zulu and heavy Xhosa
• Sela: means thief in Zulu and to drink in Xhosa
• Cinga: means to search in Zulu and to think in Xhosa

Perhaps you are already an isiZulu student and simply need that extra bit of academic support from a private tutor?  

A Private IsiZulu Teacher for Matric

If you made the sensible choice to take isiZulu as a Grade 12 subject, then it’ll be no surprise if have met with a few challenges along the way. Irrespective of whether you are studying Zulu as a first, second or third language, it can be a complex endeavour that often requires extra tuition.

Are You Reading Impi Yabomdabu Isethunjini?

If you are in matric and require extra support with your Zulu setwork, Impi Yabomdabu Isethunjini which is CAPS approved Zulu literature then consider finding a private Zulu tutor. For Grade 11 students, this is a great story that you can look forward to:    

About a family that is divided, the story is about the Ngubane family’s oldest son, Mbhabhadisi who has a good life Umlazi. Linono, his sister marries a farmer, but her new in-laws refuse to receive her fatherless children. As a result, her uncle, Ndosi Cele decides to care for her children until he gives in to community pressure to send them to live a city life. Mbhabhadisi, at this point, declines any responsibility to support the family so he and his wife become the story villains who appear to make one mistake after the other. 

This book as well as the other Grade 12 poetry and setwork syllabus in Zulu can be tricky to master especially when it comes to the essay writing that will demonstrate your comprehension. Fortunately, isiZulu lessons with a private tutor can help to support you and ensure that you achieve the highest marks possible.   

What About an IsiZulu Teacher for Beginners?

When your native language is not one of the Nguni languages, then learning isiZulu will be a completely foreign concept. Taking lessons will certainly bridge that gap, however, what can you expect to learn from a good Zulu teacher?  

In a nutshell, there’s the multifaceted grammatical structure of Zulu to learn and of course, those fantastic sounding clicks too. As you advance in Zulu lessons for beginners, one of the things your tutor will help you to do is to deconstruct root words and prefix combinations.   

Who Teaches IsiZulu Lessons?

Depending on your ability, your budget, and your aim for taking Zulu lessons for beginners, there will be many different types of tutors available, especially if you know where to begin looking.

If you are willing to work with an IsiZulu teacher online, there are over 2000 teachers on  Superprof who could potentially assist you. Not only that, but you will have the assurance that tutor credentials are pre-verified for your peace of mind. In most cases, you could also receive your first lesson free which will tell you whether your tutor and you are a good personality fit or not.   

Regarding fees, these can range depending on the qualification and background of your tutor. For instance, you could find a tutor with formal education experience or someone who is a Zulu A-student and willing to give conversational Zulu lessons for beginners. Either way, there is much flexibility and lessons will only cost about R123 on average, per hour.