Resources

Resource: Language learning: Bridge to a better world: Craig Charnock at TEDxCapeTownED

An inspirational young man speaks about his journey learning isiXhosa as a second language and encourages others to do the same.

He is part of a group called Ubuntu Bridge, which have started a free online isiXhosa language course to learn the basics of isiXhosa

Qongqothwane

This song is known in Western Culture as "the click song" and has become well known thanks to its interpretation sung by Miriam Makeba.

Helpful Websites:

I found this document by accident. It seems to be a summary of Xhosa oral folk tales and links some of these stories to isiXhosa cultural practices.

Stories and Rhymes in Xhosa

Free isiXhosa course:

There is a free online Xhosa course being offered by Ubuntu Bridge. I haven't taken it myself but I am going to see what it is like during the December holidays. If anyone else decides to try it out please let me know how it goes and the quality of the course. Enkosi Kakhulu.

IsiXhosa Poetry:

(This may be helpful for higher grades - I also noticed that learners who had no background in isiXhosa and did not take it as a subject were still interested in learning about the words for the different figures of speech.)

Types of Poems:

Umbongo – mbaliso = narrative poem, where a story is told.

Umbongo – nkcazo = descriptive poem, no story and just describes different things or circumstances.

Aspects of Poetry:

Umongo: (theme) the main issue the poem is dealing with.

Intsingiselo: (meaning) what the figures of speech and poetic language is trying to convey.

Umbuzo-buciko: (rhetorical question) a question that does not need an answer but is used to emphasise a point.

Imfundiso: (message) what they poet is trying to tell the reader.

Umoya: (tone) spirit or emotion behind the poem.

Figures of Speech:

Isikweko (metaphor): direct comparison of two things

Isifaniso (simile): comparing two things using as or like.

Ubabazo/ugqithiso (hyperbole): gross over exaggeration

Isimntwiso (personification): giving an object human qualities.

Really great video to get learners involved in learning isiXhosa

I think it is important, if you do use this video, to specify that this video is made to point out the silliness of the stereotypes. By doing the exact opposite of what he is singing, he does not intend to offend or further the stereotypes, he is trying to show society that getting involved in the Xhosa culture is not a scary experience but something rather easy and fun.