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Demonstrative Pronoun: “that” → lowo, lokho, lelo, leyo, leso, lezo (varies by noun class)
This lesson introduces the Zulu demonstrative pronoun system, focusing on the medial demonstratives that correspond to English “that” and “those.” Unlike English, which uses only “that/those” regardless of the noun, Zulu demonstratives must agree with the noun class of the item being pointed to. This creates a rich system of forms that precisely indicate both distance and the nature of the referent.
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Frequently Asked Question: How do you say “that” in Zulu? The Zulu word for “that” depends on the noun class of the object being referenced. The most common forms are: lowo (class 1, people singular), labo (class 2, people plural), lelo (class 5), leyo (class 4/9), leso (class 7), lezo (class 8/10), and lokho (class 15/17, abstract things). This lesson teaches the complete demonstrative system with practical examples.
Educational Focus: This lesson covers demonstrative pronouns in Zulu, teaching English speakers to identify and use the three-position demonstrative system (proximal, medial, and distal) that characterizes Nguni languages.
Key Takeaways:
• Zulu has three demonstrative positions: proximal (this/near speaker), medial (that/near listener or referenced), and distal (that yonder/far from both)
• Demonstratives must agree with the noun class of the referent - each of the 15+ noun classes has its own set of demonstrative forms
• The medial demonstrative (”that”) is formed by changing the final vowel of the proximal form to -o
• Demonstratives can precede or follow the noun; when preceding, the noun loses its augment (initial vowel)
• The neutral/abstract demonstrative lokho (”that thing/matter”) is extremely common in everyday speech
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Medial Demonstrative Forms (”that/those”):
lowo (LOW-woh) /lɔ́ːwɔ/ - “that” (class 1: person singular) - The -w- glide appears between vowels
labo (LAH-boh) /láːbɔ/ - “those” (class 2: people plural) - Final -o replaces the -a of proximal laba
lelo (LEH-loh) /léːlɔ/ - “that” (class 5: singular things like ilizwe “country”) - Double l sound
leyo (LEH-yoh) /léːjɔ/ - “that” (class 4/9: imithi “trees,” inja “dog”) - The -y- glide is audible
leso (LEH-soh) /léːsɔ/ - “that” (class 7: isitsha “dish”) - Follows the isi- class pattern
lezo (LEH-zoh) /léːzɔ/ - “those” (class 8/10: izitsha “dishes,” izinja “dogs”)
lokho (LOH-koh) /lɔ́ːkʰɔ/ - “that” (class 15/17: abstract, ukudla “food,” general reference) - Aspirated kh
lobo (LOH-boh) /lɔ́ːbɔ/ - “that” (class 14: ubuso “face,” abstract qualities)
lolo (LOH-loh) /lɔ́ːlɔ/ - “that” (class 11: uthi “stick,” ulimi “tongue”)
lawo (LAH-woh) /láːwɔ/ - “those” (class 6: amanzi “water,” amazwe “countries”)
Note on Position: When demonstratives precede the noun, the noun drops its augment: -
lowo muntu (that person) vs. umuntu lowo (the person, that one) -
lelo zwi (that word) vs. izwi lelo (the word, that one)
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13.1a Lowo muntu uhlala eThekwini 13.1b Lowo (loh-woh) that-CL1 muntu (moon-too) person uhlala (oo-HLAH-lah) he-lives eThekwini (eh-teh-KWEE-nee) in-Durban
13.2a Ngifuna leso sitsha esikhulu 13.2b Ngifuna (ngee-FOO-nah) I-want leso (LEH-soh) that-CL7 sitsha (SEE-tshah) dish esikhulu (eh-see-KOO-loo) which-is-big
13.3a Lokho kulungile 13.3b Lokho (LOH-koh) that-thing kulungile (koo-loon-GEE-leh) it-is-fine
13.4a Uyambona lowo mfana? 13.4b Uyambona (oo-yahm-BOH-nah) do-you-see-him lowo (loh-woh) that-CL1 mfana (m-FAH-nah) boy
13.5a Leyo ndaba ibuhlungu 13.5b Leyo (LEH-yoh) that-CL9 ndaba (n-DAH-bah) story/news ibuhlungu (ee-boo-HLOO-ngoo) it-is-painful
13.6a Labo bantu badlala ibhola 13.6b Labo (LAH-boh) those-CL2 bantu (BAHN-too) people badlala (bah-DLAH-lah) they-play ibhola (ee-BOH-lah) ball
13.7a Ngiyakwazi lokho 13.7b Ngiyakwazi (ngee-yah-KWAH-zee) I-know-it lokho (LOH-koh) that-thing
13.8a Lelo zwi lilukhuni 13.8b Lelo (LEH-loh) that-CL5 zwi (zwee) word lilukhuni (lee-loo-KOO-nee) it-is-difficult
13.9a Ubani lowo? 13.9b Ubani (oo-BAH-nee) who lowo (loh-woh) that-one-CL1
13.10a Lezo zinkomo zidla utshani 13.10b Lezo (LEH-zoh) those-CL10 zinkomo (zeen-KOH-moh) cattle zidla (zee-DLAH) they-eat utshani (oo-TSHAH-nee) grass
13.11a Angifuni loko kudla 13.11b Angifuni (ahn-gee-FOO-nee) I-do-not-want loko (LOH-koh) that-CL15 kudla (KOO-dlah) food
13.12a Leyo ncwadi ingeyami 13.12b Leyo (LEH-yoh) that-CL9 ncwadi (n-CHWAH-dee) book ingeyami (een-geh-YAH-mee) it-is-mine
13.13a Lowo wesifazane uhlakaniphile 13.13b Lowo (loh-woh) that-CL1 wesifazane (weh-see-fah-ZAH-neh) woman uhlakaniphile (oo-hlah-kah-nee-PEE-leh) she-is-wise
13.14a Yini leso senzo? 13.14b Yini (YEE-nee) what-is leso (LEH-soh) that-CL7 senzo (SEHN-zoh) action/deed
13.15a Labo bafundi bafunda isiZulu 13.15b Labo (LAH-boh) those-CL2 bafundi (bah-FOON-dee) students bafunda (bah-FOON-dah) they-study isiZulu (ee-see-ZOO-loo) Zulu-language
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13.1 Lowo muntu uhlala eThekwini → “That person lives in Durban”
13.2 Ngifuna leso sitsha esikhulu → “I want that big dish”
13.3 Lokho kulungile → “That is fine” / “That’s okay”
13.4 Uyambona lowo mfana? → “Do you see that boy?”
13.5 Leyo ndaba ibuhlungu → “That news is painful”
13.6 Labo bantu badlala ibhola → “Those people are playing ball”
13.7 Ngiyakwazi lokho → “I know that”
13.8 Lelo zwi lilukhuni → “That word is difficult”
13.9 Ubani lowo? → “Who is that?”
13.10 Lezo zinkomo zidla utshani → “Those cattle are eating grass”
13.11 Angifuni loko kudla → “I don’t want that food”
13.12 Leyo ncwadi ingeyami → “That book is mine”
13.13 Lowo wesifazane uhlakaniphile → “That woman is wise”
13.14 Yini leso senzo? → “What is that action?”
13.15 Labo bafundi bafunda isiZulu → “Those students are studying Zulu”
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13.1 Lowo muntu uhlala eThekwini
13.2 Ngifuna leso sitsha esikhulu
13.3 Lokho kulungile
13.4 Uyambona lowo mfana?
13.5 Leyo ndaba ibuhlungu
13.6 Labo bantu badlala ibhola
13.7 Ngiyakwazi lokho
13.8 Lelo zwi lilukhuni
13.9 Ubani lowo?
13.10 Lezo zinkomo zidla utshani
13.11 Angifuni loko kudla
13.12 Leyo ncwadi ingeyami
13.13 Lowo wesifazane uhlakaniphile
13.14 Yini leso senzo?
13.15 Labo bafundi bafunda isiZulu
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Grammar Rules for Zulu Demonstrative Pronouns:
The Three-Position System
Zulu demonstratives distinguish three degrees of spatial and contextual distance:
Position 1 - Proximal (”this/these”): Objects near the speaker. Formed with l- plus the relative concord of the noun class. Examples: lo (class 1), laba (class 2), leli (class 5), lesi (class 7), lokhu (class 15).
Position 2 - Medial (”that/those”): Objects near the listener or being referenced in discourse. Formed by changing the final vowel of the proximal to -o. For single-syllable forms, a glide consonant (w or y) is inserted. Examples: lowo (class 1), labo (class 2), lelo (class 5), leso (class 7), lokho (class 15).
Position 3 - Distal (”that yonder”): Objects far from both speaker and listener but visible. Formed by adding -ya or -aya to the proximal form. Examples: lowaya (class 1), labaya (class 2), leliya (class 5), lesiya (class 7), lokhuya (class 15).
Noun Class Agreement
Every demonstrative must match the noun class of the noun it modifies or replaces. The medial forms (”that/those”) organized by class are:
Class 1 (um- singular people): lowo - Lowo muntu (that person) Class 2 (aba- plural people): labo - Labo bantu (those people) Class 3 (um- singular things): lowo - Lowo muthi (that tree) Class 4 (imi- plural): leyo - Leyo mithi (those trees) Class 5 (i-/ili- singular): lelo - Lelo lizwe (that country) Class 6 (ama- plural): lawo - Lawo mazwe (those countries) Class 7 (isi- singular): leso - Leso sitsha (that dish) Class 8 (izi- plural): lezo - Lezo zitsha (those dishes) Class 9 (in-/im- singular): leyo - Leyo nja (that dog) Class 10 (izin-/izim- plural): lezo - Lezo zinja (those dogs) Class 11 (u-/ulu- singular): lolo - Lolo thi (that stick) Class 14 (ubu- abstract): lobo - Lobo buhle (that beauty) Class 15 (uku- infinitives/abstract): lokho - Lokho kudla (that food)
Word Order and the Augment
Demonstratives may precede or follow the noun they modify:
When the demonstrative PRECEDES the noun, the noun appears in its simple form (without the augment/initial vowel): -
lowo muntu (that person) - umuntu loses its u- -
leso sitsha (that dish) - isitsha loses its i- -
lelo zwi (that word) - izwi loses its i-
When the demonstrative FOLLOWS the noun, the noun keeps its full form (with augment): -
umuntu lowo (the person, that one) -
isitsha leso (the dish, that one) -
izwi lelo (the word, that one)
The post-nominal position often adds emphasis or specifies which one among several.
The Abstract Demonstrative lokho
The class 15/17 demonstrative lokho is extremely versatile: -
Refers to abstract concepts: Lokho kulungile (That is fine) -
Refers to situations: Ngiyakwazi lokho (I know that) -
Serves as a general “that” when no specific noun is referenced -
Often used in the expressions: ngenxa yalokho (because of that), ngaphandle kwalokho (without that)
Formation Pattern Summary
The medial demonstrative is consistently formed by changing the final vowel to -o: -
la → lo (class 1a, 3) -
le → lo (when l- stands alone) -
laba → labo (class 2) -
leli → lelo (class 5) -
lesi → leso (class 7) -
lezi → lezo (class 8, 10) -
lokhu → lokho (class 15, 17)
For single-syllable proximal forms (la, le, lo), a semi-vowel is inserted: -
lo + o → lowo (with w-glide) -
le + o → leyo (with y-glide)
Common Errors for English Speakers -
Using one form for all nouns: Unlike English “that,” Zulu requires class agreement -
Forgetting to drop the augment when the demonstrative precedes -
Confusing medial and distal forms: lowo (that, near you) vs. lowaya (that over there) -
Using lokho for people: Use lowo/labo for humans, lokho for things and abstract concepts
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The Significance of Demonstratives in Zulu Communication
Zulu demonstratives carry more precision than their English equivalents, reflecting a cultural emphasis on spatial awareness and relational context. The three-position system (this/that/yonder) allows speakers to locate referents precisely in physical or conversational space.
Pointing and Politeness
In traditional Zulu culture, pointing with an index finger at people is considered rude. Demonstratives often substitute for physical pointing, with the demonstrative itself conveying the direction and distance. The phrase “lowo lapho” (that one there) provides direction without the need for pointing gestures.
Discourse Reference
The medial demonstratives (lowo, lokho, etc.) frequently refer to previously mentioned topics in conversation, functioning similarly to English “that” in phrases like “that’s what I meant.” The expression “Ngiyakwazi lokho” (I know that) acknowledges shared information between speakers.
Regional Variations
While the demonstrative system is consistent across Zulu dialects, some variation exists: -
Urban speech may simplify some distinctions -
The distal forms (lowaya, etc.) are more common in rural areas where physical distance is more relevant -
Some speakers use loko instead of lokho in casual speech
Common Expressions with Demonstratives
Ngenxa yalokho - because of that, for that reason Ngaphandle kwalokho - besides that, apart from that Phezu kwalokho - on top of that, moreover Lokho okushiwoyo - that which you’re saying Kulowo nalowo - to each and every one Ngaleso sikhathi - at that time Ngalelo langa - on that day
Ubuntu and Demonstratives
The demonstrative system reinforces the interconnectedness central to ubuntu philosophy. By precisely locating people and things in relation to speaker and listener, demonstratives acknowledge the shared spatial and social context of conversation. The choice between lowo (near you) and lowaya (away from both of us) inherently recognizes the listener’s position in the communicative space.
Note for English Speakers Learning Zulu
The demonstrative system, while complex, follows logical patterns. Once you internalize the noun class prefixes, the demonstratives become predictable. Practice associating each noun class with its demonstrative set, and remember that lokho serves as a useful default for abstract reference when the specific class is uncertain.
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Traditional Zulu Proverb:
Lowo ongenasici kaqale kuqala “Let the one who is without fault begin first”
Part F-A: Interlinear Analysis
Lowo ongenasici kaqale kuqala
Lowo (loh-woh) that-one-CL1/he-who ongenasici (oh-ngeh-nah-SEE-tsee) who-is-without-fault kaqale (kah-QAH-leh) let-him-begin kuqala (koo-QAH-lah) first
Part F-B: Natural Translation
Lowo ongenasici kaqale kuqala → “Let the one who is without fault cast the first stone” / “He who is blameless should begin first”
Part F-C: Original Zulu Text
Lowo ongenasici kaqale kuqala
Part F-D: Grammar and Cultural Commentary
This proverb demonstrates the demonstrative lowo in its relative function, meaning “he who” or “the one who.” The construction shows how demonstratives combine with relative clauses.
Grammatical Analysis:
Lowo - The class 1 medial demonstrative here functions as a relative pronoun meaning “he who” or “the one who.” This usage extends beyond simple pointing to identify a type of person.
ongenasici - A complex relative construction: -
o- : relative concord for class 1 -
-nge- : negative marker -
-na- : “with/having” -
-sici : fault, blemish -
Together: “who does not have fault”
kaqale - Subjunctive mood: -
ka- : subjunctive prefix (let him) -
-qale : begin, start -
Together: “let him begin”
kuqala - Adverbial phrase meaning “first” or “in the beginning”
Cultural Significance:
This proverb echoes universal wisdom about judgment and self-reflection, paralleling the Biblical injunction about casting stones. In Zulu traditional justice systems, this principle emphasizes that accusers should examine their own conduct before bringing charges against others.
The proverb illustrates ubuntu values: community judgment must be fair, and those who judge must hold themselves to the same standards they apply to others. It cautions against hypocrisy and encourages humility in interpersonal conflicts.
Usage in Modern Zulu:
This proverb remains common in contemporary South African discourse, often invoked in discussions of justice, fairness, and personal accountability. Politicians, community leaders, and elders use it to calm disputes and encourage self-reflection before accusation.
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Emhlanganweni Womphakathi - At the Community Meeting
A dialogue between Sipho and Nomvula discussing matters at a community gathering, demonstrating demonstratives in natural conversational context.
Part A: Interlinear Construed Text
13.16a Sipho: Ubonile lowo mhlangano izolo? 13.16b Sipho: Ubonile (oo-boh-NEE-leh) did-you-see lowo (loh-woh) that-CL3 mhlangano (m-hlahn-GAH-noh) meeting izolo (ee-ZOH-loh) yesterday
13.17a Nomvula: Yebo, lokho bekubalulekile 13.17b Nomvula: Yebo (YEH-boh) yes lokho (LOH-koh) that-thing bekubalulekile (beh-koo-bah-loo-leh-KEE-leh) it-was-important
13.18a Sipho: Labo bantu abaningi bebefuna ushintsho 13.18b Sipho: Labo (LAH-boh) those-CL2 bantu (BAHN-too) people abaningi (ah-bah-NEEN-gee) many bebefuna (beh-beh-FOO-nah) they-were-wanting ushintsho (oo-SHEEN-tshoh) change
13.19a Nomvula: Ngiyavuma. Leyo nkinga idinga ukuxazululwa 13.19b Nomvula: Ngiyavuma (ngee-yah-VOO-mah) I-agree leyo (LEH-yoh) that-CL9 nkinga (n-KEEN-gah) problem idinga (ee-DEEN-gah) it-needs ukuxazululwa (oo-koo-xah-zoo-LOO-lwah) to-be-solved
13.20a Sipho: Leso siphakamiso besisusa impikiswano 13.20b Sipho: Leso (LEH-soh) that-CL7 siphakamiso (see-pah-kah-MEE-soh) proposal besisusa (beh-see-SOO-sah) it-was-causing impikiswano (eem-pee-kee-SWAH-noh) debate
13.21a Nomvula: Kodwa lezo zizathu bezinengqondo 13.21b Nomvula: Kodwa (KOH-dwah) but lezo (LEH-zoh) those-CL10 zizathu (zee-ZAH-too) reasons bezinengqondo (beh-zee-neh-ng-QOHN-doh) they-were-reasonable
13.22a Sipho: Awubonanga lelo phutha? 13.22b Sipho: Awubonanga (ah-woo-boh-NAH-ngah) did-you-not-see lelo (LEH-loh) that-CL5 phutha (POO-tah) mistake
13.23a Nomvula: Lelo? Cha, ngichazele 13.23b Nomvula: Lelo (LEH-loh) that-one-CL5 cha (CHAH) no ngichazele (ngee-chah-ZEH-leh) explain-to-me
13.24a Sipho: Lokhu ukudla kwabantu abadala kuphela 13.24b Sipho: Lokhu (LOH-koo) this-CL15 ukudla (oo-KOO-dlah) food kwabantu (kwah-BAHN-too) of-people abadala (ah-bah-DAH-lah) who-are-old kuphela (koo-PEH-lah) only
13.25a Nomvula: Awu, loko akufanelekile 13.25b Nomvula: Awu (AH-woo) oh loko (LOH-koh) that-CL15 akufanelekile (ah-koo-fah-neh-leh-KEE-leh) it-is-not-appropriate
13.26a Sipho: Labo bafana abancane nabo badinga ukudla 13.26b Sipho: Labo (LAH-boh) those-CL2 bafana (bah-FAH-nah) boys abancane (ah-bahn-TSAH-neh) who-are-young nabo (NAH-boh) they-also badinga (bah-DEEN-gah) they-need ukudla (oo-KOO-dlah) food
13.27a Nomvula: Ngenxa yalokho, kumele sikhulume futhi 13.27b Nomvula: Ngenxa (ngeh-n-XAH) because yalokho (yah-LOH-koh) of-that kumele (koo-MEH-leh) we-must sikhulume (see-koo-LOO-meh) we-speak futhi (FOO-tee) again
13.28a Sipho: Lowo mholi uzosizwa lezo zikhalo 13.28b Sipho: Lowo (loh-woh) that-CL1 mholi (m-HOH-lee) leader uzosizwa (oo-zoh-SEE-zwah) he-will-hear lezo (LEH-zoh) those-CL10 zikhalo (zee-KHAH-loh) complaints
13.29a Nomvula: Ngethemba lokho 13.29b Nomvula: Ngethemba (ngeh-TEHM-bah) I-hope lokho (LOH-koh) that-thing
13.30a Sipho: Sizobonana emhlanganweni olandelayo - lowo wangeSonto 13.30b Sipho: Sizobonana (see-zoh-boh-NAH-nah) we-will-see-each-other emhlanganweni (eh-m-hlahn-gah-NWEH-nee) at-meeting olandelayo (oh-lahn-deh-LAH-yoh) which-follows lowo (loh-woh) that-CL3 wangeSonto (wah-ngeh-SOHN-toh) of-Sunday
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Part B: Natural Sentences
13.16 Sipho: Ubonile lowo mhlangano izolo? → “Did you see that meeting yesterday?”
13.17 Nomvula: Yebo, lokho bekubalulekile → “Yes, that was important”
13.18 Sipho: Labo bantu abaningi bebefuna ushintsho → “Those many people wanted change”
13.19 Nomvula: Ngiyavuma. Leyo nkinga idinga ukuxazululwa → “I agree. That problem needs to be solved”
13.20 Sipho: Leso siphakamiso besisusa impikiswano → “That proposal was causing debate”
13.21 Nomvula: Kodwa lezo zizathu bezinengqondo → “But those reasons were reasonable”
13.22 Sipho: Awubonanga lelo phutha? → “Didn’t you see that mistake?”
13.23 Nomvula: Lelo? Cha, ngichazele → “That one? No, explain to me”
13.24 Sipho: Lokhu ukudla kwabantu abadala kuphela → “This food is only for old people”
13.25 Nomvula: Awu, loko akufanelekile → “Oh, that is not appropriate”
13.26 Sipho: Labo bafana abancane nabo badinga ukudla → “Those young boys also need food”
13.27 Nomvula: Ngenxa yalokho, kumele sikhulume futhi → “Because of that, we must speak again”
13.28 Sipho: Lowo mholi uzosizwa lezo zikhalo → “That leader will hear those complaints”
13.29 Nomvula: Ngethemba lokho → “I hope that” / “I hope so”
13.30 Sipho: Sizobonana emhlanganweni olandelayo - lowo wangeSonto → “We will see each other at the next meeting - that one on Sunday”
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Part C: Zulu Text Only
13.16 Sipho: Ubonile lowo mhlangano izolo?
13.17 Nomvula: Yebo, lokho bekubalulekile
13.18 Sipho: Labo bantu abaningi bebefuna ushintsho
13.19 Nomvula: Ngiyavuma. Leyo nkinga idinga ukuxazululwa
13.20 Sipho: Leso siphakamiso besisusa impikiswano
13.21 Nomvula: Kodwa lezo zizathu bezinengqondo
13.22 Sipho: Awubonanga lelo phutha?
13.23 Nomvula: Lelo? Cha, ngichazele
13.24 Sipho: Lokhu ukudla kwabantu abadala kuphela
13.25 Nomvula: Awu, loko akufanelekile
13.26 Sipho: Labo bafana abancane nabo badinga ukudla
13.27 Nomvula: Ngenxa yalokho, kumele sikhulume futhi
13.28 Sipho: Lowo mholi uzosizwa lezo zikhalo
13.29 Nomvula: Ngethemba lokho
13.30 Sipho: Sizobonana emhlanganweni olandelayo - lowo wangeSonto
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Part D: Grammar Notes for Genre Section
Demonstratives in Discourse
This dialogue illustrates how demonstratives function in natural Zulu conversation:
Anaphoric Reference: Demonstratives refer back to previously mentioned items: -
Lokho bekubalulekile (That was important) - lokho refers to the meeting just mentioned -
Ngenxa yalokho (Because of that) - refers to the entire previous situation
Class Agreement in Action: Notice how each demonstrative matches its noun: -
lowo mhlangano (class 3 - meetings) -
labo bantu (class 2 - people) -
leyo nkinga (class 9 - problem) -
leso siphakamiso (class 7 - proposal) -
lezo zizathu (class 10 - reasons) -
lelo phutha (class 5 - mistake)
Standalone Usage: Demonstratives often stand alone as pronouns: -
Lelo? (That one?) - No noun needed when context is clear -
Ngethemba lokho (I hope that) - lokho refers to an understood situation
Expression: ngenxa yalokho
This common expression means “because of that” or “for that reason”: -
ngenxa = because of, due to -
ya- = of (possessive prefix) -
lokho = that (abstract reference)
Specifying with Demonstratives
The final sentence shows demonstratives used for specification: -
lowo wangeSonto (that one of Sunday) -
The demonstrative lowo refers back to umhlangano (meeting) mentioned earlier
Tone and Emphasis
In spoken Zulu, demonstratives often receive emphasis through lengthening or rising intonation when contrasting or questioning: -
Lelo? (That ONE?) - surprise or request for clarification
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The Demonstrative Sound System
Initial l-: All Zulu demonstratives begin with l-, creating a distinctive marker. This l- is a lateral approximant, similar to English “l” but with the tongue slightly further forward.
Vowel Quality: The vowels in demonstratives follow Zulu’s five-vowel system: -
/a/ as in labo - open front vowel -
/e/ as in lelo - mid front vowel -
/o/ as in lowo - mid back rounded vowel -
/u/ as in lokhu - high back rounded vowel -
/i/ appears in longer forms like leyiya
Glide Insertion: When forming medial demonstratives from single-syllable proximals, semi-vowels appear: -
lo → lowo (w-glide between o-o) -
le → leyo (y-glide when shifting to -o)
Aspiration: The demonstrative lokho contains an aspirated consonant: -
kh in lokho is pronounced with a puff of air /kʰ/ -
This distinguishes it from unaspirated k
Stress Patterns: Demonstratives typically receive penultimate stress: -
LO-wo (stress on first syllable of two) -
lo-KHO (stress on second syllable) -
la-BA-ya (stress on middle syllable)
Click Consonants in Associated Vocabulary:
Several words commonly used with demonstratives contain clicks: -
incwadi (book) - nc represents the dental click /ǀ/ -
ukuxazulula (to solve) - x represents the lateral click /ǁ/ -
ngenxa (because of) - nx represents a click combination -
iqiniso (truth) - q represents the post-alveolar click /!/
Liaison Effects:
When demonstratives precede nouns, the dropped augment creates smooth liaison: -
lowo + umuntu → lowo muntu (the u- drops, creating lo-wo-mun-tu flow) -
leso + isitsha → leso sitsha (the i- drops)
Practice Phrases:
For pronunciation practice, repeat these demonstrative phrases: -
Lokho kulungile (LOH-koh koo-loo-NGEE-leh) - That is fine -
Lowo muntu (LOH-woh MOON-too) - That person -
Lezo zinto (LEH-zoh ZEEN-toh) - Those things -
Labo bantu (LAH-boh BAHN-too) - Those people
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This Zulu lesson is part of the Latinum Institute’s comprehensive African language series, designed to teach English speakers through the time-tested construed reading method. Each lesson builds systematically on the 1000 most frequent concepts in human communication, adapted to the unique grammatical structures of Zulu.
The Demonstrative System in Language Learning
Demonstratives represent a crucial early milestone in Zulu acquisition. Unlike European languages where demonstratives are relatively simple (this/that, these/those), Zulu’s noun class agreement system means mastering demonstratives requires understanding the broader noun classification structure. This lesson provides the foundation for that understanding while keeping focus on practical usage.
The Latinum Method
The Latinum Institute has been creating online language learning materials since 2006. Our approach emphasizes: -
Frequency-based vocabulary acquisition targeting the most useful words first -
Construed interlinear texts that reveal grammatical structure word by word -
Cultural context that helps learners understand not just how to speak but how to communicate meaningfully -
Authentic literary citations connecting learners to the living tradition of African literature and wisdom -
Progressive complexity building from simple sentences to natural discourse
Continuing Your Zulu Journey
With the demonstrative system introduced in this lesson, you now have tools to: -
Point to and identify specific people, objects, and concepts -
Refer back to previously mentioned topics in conversation -
Use common expressions like “ngenxa yalokho” (because of that) -
Begin recognizing noun class patterns through their demonstrative forms
Course Resources
For the complete course index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index For more about Latinum methodology: https://latinum.org.uk For reviews and testimonials: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk
Acknowledgments
This lesson draws on traditional Zulu proverbs and contemporary usage patterns to present authentic language as spoken by native speakers across South Africa. The demonstrative system presented here follows standard Zulu as taught in educational institutions and used in media, while acknowledging regional variation where relevant.
Siyabonga ngokufunda nathi! (Thank you for learning with us!)
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