Lizalis’idinga lakho: A Methodist Church hymn

Gxadada: A person who walks with a waddle and sways from side to side

Emthonjeni: A well of fresh groundwater for home and village uses

Kanga: A cotton fabric worn by women around the waist to carry a baby safely on their back

Ingqumbo yeminyanya: A novel by A. C. Jordan c. 1940 depicting conflicting forces of Western education and Xhosa traditional beliefs and values. This book title translates into “The Wrath of the Ancestors” in English.

Gogo or Makhulu: A grandmother

Mzana: Gendered name for a girls’ hostel at a boarding school

Mzimkhulu: Gendered name for a boys’ hostel at a boarding school

Khanimeni madoda, kukho umntana apha: Tone down your language, guys; there’s a kid in here!

Amadod’ethu!: Our men!

Lobola: Livestock or monetary exchange that a prospective husband gives to the head of the prospective wife’s family in gratitude for letting him marry their daughter, and for the bride’s family for raising her into a woman. Lobola does not carry the same meaning as the Western notion of “bride price” or “bride wealth.” In its original form, its purpose was to unite as one and spiritually fortify the two families. With the introduction of money under capitalism, greed ensued, and this vital tradition became distorted.

Tsiba: Jump!

Isingqala: When someone cries until they hiccup, an involuntary sobbing

Amadombolo: Delicious dumplings steamed in the gravy of mutton or beef stew

Morogo: African spinach

Ngubani na lo, Ngu Yeye: A poem originating in Xhosa historical reality, illustrating oral literature or folk literature, a genre of literature that is spoken or sung in contrast to written literature

Teketisa: When an adult engages in “motherese,” a kind of baby speak, to interact with an infant or toddler

Nongcathalalana: Name given to a Disney character in the Xhosa language

Matse, matse, matse: Baby language to ‘kichee coo’ an infant or young child in isiXhosa

Asibaxelelanga ke: We haven’t told them anything

Ngu-dumtiriri: A nursery rhyme in the Xhosa language

Akho ngxaki: No worries; there’s no problem

Uphi?: Where are you?

Hayi ke: Oh no

Mntakamama: Child of my mother

Gqithani: Pass (plural, Gqitha–singular)

Yhu hayi imot’wam: Not my car; hands off my car!

Ungalili or ungakhali: Don’t cry, you hear?

Ewe, tata: Yes, daddy

Nank’u tsotsi: Here’s a tsotsi

Akasakwazi unxiba ngoku: She can’t dress herself anymore

Kuya kubanzima: It’s getting more difficult

Uphi umama wakho?: Where’s your mother?

Uphaa kula ndlu inalaa makhulu ongu zincane: She’s in that hut with the mad old lady

Xa ungenemzin’am, dumzela: Not translatable into English

Tyityimba dance: A rhythmic dance of femininity that accentuates the bosom; performed mostly during celebrations and gatherings

Imigidi: Rights of passage or coming-of-age festive events in village settings

Futhi undithukile: You cussed me

Amagwinya: Round pastries of dough cooked in oil; fat cakes or vetkoeks

Iziduko: Xhosa clan names often more important than surnames

Yitya kaloku nceda mntakamama: Please eat daughter of my mother

Se’ndabhideka: I’m confused now

Khandiyeke maan: Leave me alone

Nindijika jika, nindi duva-duva: Tossing and turning me like a play-doll

Hamba maan, su-u-ka-a!: Go away; get away from me

Vula i wardrobe uthathe la lokhwe emhlophe-bomvu uyilungise: Take my red and white dress in the closet, fix it so it fits nicely