Culture & Etiquette

1. Ngithanda ukufunda ngamasiko.

   I like learning about customs.

   Usage

   Show your interest in local customs

   Grammar Note

   ngithanda (I like) + ukufunda (to learn) + ngamasiko. Ngo- (about) joins amasiko (customs, plural of isiko). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

2. Ngithanda ukufunda ngomlando.

   I like learning about history.

   Usage

   Show your interest in history at heritage sites or museums

   Grammar Note

   ngo- (about) + umlando (history). The u of umlando merges into o, giving ngomlando. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

3. Ngithanda ingoma le.

   I like this song.

   Usage

   Say that you like a song you have just heard

   Grammar Note

   ngithanda (I like) + ingoma (song, class 9) + le (this). The demonstrative le agrees with a class 9 noun. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

4. Ngingabuza umbuzo?

   May I ask a question?

   Usage

   Ask permission before putting a question to a guide or local person

   Grammar Note

   ngi-nga-buza (may I ask) + umbuzo (question). The infix -nga- means may or can. The plural is imibuzo. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

5. Ngiyasithabela isipho lesi.

   I appreciate this gift.

   Usage

   Express your pleasure when you receive a gift or hospitality

   Grammar Note

   ngiya-si-thabela (I am glad of it) + isipho (gift, class 7) + lesi (this). The si- marks isipho as the object. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

6. Ngingathatha isithombe?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Ask permission before photographing a person or a place

   Grammar Note

   ngi-nga-thatha (may I take) + isithombe (photo). Thatha isithombe means to take a photo, and you should always ask before photographing people. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

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