Lesson 21 isiZulu: A Latinum Institute African Language CourseThina — We: The First Person Plural Pronoun and Ubuntu PhilosophyWelcome to Lesson 21 of our isiZulu course!This lesson introduces thina, the first person plural pronoun meaning “we” or “us.” In Zulu, this concept connects deeply to Ubuntu philosophy—the belief that our humanity is realized through our connections with others. The Zulu proverb Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu (”A person is a person through other people”) captures this worldview perfectly.Unlike English, Zulu expresses “we” through multiple interconnected forms: the independent pronoun thina (used for emphasis), the subject concord si- (obligatory on verbs), and the possessive stem -ithu (our/ours). Understanding these forms is essential for expressing collective identity in isiZulu.For the full course index, visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/indexFAQ: What does “we” mean in Zulu? The English pronoun “we” corresponds to thina (the emphatic/independent form) and si- (the subject concord attached to verbs). Zulu is a pro-drop language, meaning the explicit pronoun thina is optional—the verb’s subject concord si- already indicates “we.”Key Takeaways• Thina is the independent/emphatic pronoun for “we” — used when emphasis is needed or when standing alone • Si- is the first person plural subject concord — obligatory on all conjugated verbs • Si- also serves as the object concord meaning “us” • -ithu is the possessive stem meaning “our/ours” — combined with possessive concords • Ubuntu philosophy places “we” at the center of human identity and moral life✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾Pronunciation GuideThina [tʰí.na] — The “th” is an aspirated t (like English “top”), not the “th” of “the.” High tone on first syllable.Si- [si] — Simple “see” sound, attached as a prefix to verbs-ithu [í.tʰu] — “ee-too” with aspirated t, high tone on first syllableSiyahamba [si.ja.ˈɦám.ba] — “We are going” — note the long form with -ya- indicating present tense with no following objectSiyacula [si.ja.ˈʧú.la] — “We are singing” — the “c” represents a dental clickYethu [jé.tʰu] — “Our” (for class 9 nouns like indlu “house”)Kwethu [kwé.tʰu] — “Our” (for class 15 nouns like ukudla “food”)Click consonants: The letter “c” represents a dental click (tongue against front teeth), “q” is a palatal click (tongue against palate), and “x” is a lateral click (tongue at side of mouth).✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾Section A: Interlinear Construed Text21.1a Thina siyahamba 21.1b Thina (tʰí.na) we-EMPH siyahamba (si.ja.ˈɦám.ba) we-PRES-go21.2a Siyafunda isiZulu 21.2b Siyafunda (si.ja.ˈfún.da) we-PRES-learn isiZulu (i.si.ˈzú.lu) Zulu-language21.3a Thina singabantu 21.3b Thina (tʰí.na) we-EMPH singabantu (si.ŋa.ˈɓán.tu) we-are-people21.4a Siyacula ndawonye 21.4b Siyacula (si.ja.ˈʧú.la) we-PRES-sing ndawonye (nda.wó.nje) together21.5a Indlu yethu inkulu 21.5b Indlu (ín.dlu) house yethu (jé.tʰu) our-CL9 inkulu (i.ŋkú.lu) it-is-big21.6a Siyabathanda abantwana bethu 21.6b Siyabathanda (si.ja.ɓa.ˈtʰán.da) we-PRES-them-love abantwana (a.ɓa.ntwá.na) children bethu (ɓé.tʰu) our-CL221.7a Thina asidli inyama 21.7b Thina (tʰí.na) we-EMPH asidli (a.sí.dli) we-NEG-eat inyama (i.ɲá.ma) meat21.8a Sihlala lapha 21.8b Sihlala (si.ˈɬá.la) we-live lapha (lá.pʰa) here21.9a Siyasebenza kanzima 21.9b Siyasebenza (si.ja.se.ˈɓé.nza) we-PRES-work kanzima (ka.nzí.ma) hard21.10a Thina sonke siyajabula 21.10b Thina (tʰí.na) we-EMPH sonke (só.ŋke) all siyajabula (si.ja.ʤa.ˈɓú.la) we-PRES-rejoice21.11a Sizofika kusasa 21.11b Sizofika (si.zo.ˈfí.ka) we-FUT-arrive kusasa (ku.sá.sa) tomorrow21.12a Ukudla kwethu kukhona 21.12b Ukudla (u.kú.dla) food kwethu (kwé.tʰu) our-CL15 kukhona (ku.kʰó.na) it-is-present21.13a Sifunde okuningi namhlanje 21.13b Sifunde (si.fú.nde) we-learned okuningi (o.ku.ní.ŋgi) much namhlanje (na.mɬá.nje) today21.14a Thina asikhohlwa 21.14b Thina (tʰí.na) we-EMPH asikhohlwa (a.si.kʰó.ɬwa) we-NEG-forget21.15a Izwe lethu lihle 21.15b Izwe (í.zwe) country lethu (lé.tʰu) our-CL5 lihle (li.ɬe) it-is-beautiful✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾Section B: Natural Sentences21.1 Thina siyahamba → “We are going.”21.2 Siyafunda isiZulu → “We are learning Zulu.”21.3 Thina singabantu → “We are people.”21.4 Siyacula ndawonye → “We sing together.”21.5 Indlu yethu inkulu → “Our house is big.”21.6 Siyabathanda abantwana bethu → “We love our children.”21.7 Thina asidli inyama → “We do not eat meat.”21.8 Sihlala lapha → “We live here.”21.9 Siyasebenza kanzima → “We work hard.”21.10 Thina sonke siyajabula → “We all rejoice.”21.11 Sizofika kusasa → “We will arrive tomorrow.”21.12 Ukudla kwethu kukhona → “Our food is here.”21.13 Sifunde okuningi namhlanje → “We learned much today.”21.14 Thina asikhohlwa → “We do not forget.”21.15 Izwe lethu lihle → “Our country is beautiful.”✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾Section C: isiZulu Text Only21.1 Thina siyahamba.21.2 Siyafunda isiZulu.21.3 Thina singabantu.21.4 Siyacula ndawonye.21.5 Indlu yethu inkulu.21.6 Siyabathanda abantwana bethu.21.7 Thina asidli inyama.21.8 Sihlala lapha.21.9 Siyasebenza kanzima.21.10 Thina sonke siyajabula.21.11 Sizofika kusasa.21.12 Ukudla kwethu kukhona.21.13 Sifunde okuningi namhlanje.21.14 Thina asikhohlwa.21.15 Izwe lethu lihle.✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾Section D: Grammar ExplanationThese are the grammar rules for “we” (thina/si-) in isiZulu:1. The Two Forms of “We”Zulu has two ways to express “we”: the independent pronoun thina and the subject concord si-.The subject concord si- is obligatory on all conjugated verbs. It cannot stand alone but must attach to the verb as a prefix. This is fundamentally different from English, where “we” can stand independently.The independent pronoun thina is optional and emphatic. It is used to add emphasis (”WE are going”) or when the pronoun stands alone as an answer (”Who did this?” — “We did” → “Thina”).2. Subject Concord FormationThe first person plural subject concord is si-. It appears at the beginning of the verb complex.Present tense (long form with -ya-): si- + -ya- + verb root → siyahamba (we are going)Present tense (short form, when object follows): si- + verb root → sihamba (we go)Future tense: si- + -zo- + verb root → sizohamba (we will go)Past tense (recent): si- + verb root + -ile → sihambile (we went)Negative present: a- + si- + verb root + -i → asihamba → asihambi (we do not go)3. Object Concord: “Us”When “we” becomes the object (”someone sees us”), Zulu uses the object concord -si-, which is identical in form to the subject concord. It is inserted between the subject marker and verb root.Example: U-ya-si-thanda = He/she loves us (u- subject “he/she” + -ya- present + -si- “us” + -thanda “love”)4. Possessive Forms: “Our/Ours”The possessive stem -ithu combines with possessive concords to express “our.” The possessive concord agrees with the noun class of the possessed item (not the possessor).The possessive concord is formed from the subject concord of the noun class + a, with vowel coalescence rules applying.Common patterns with -ithu:Class 1/1a (person): wami becomes wethu → umfowethu (our brother)Class 2 (people): ba + a = ba → abafowethu (our brothers)Class 5 (land, etc.): la + a = la → izwe lethu (our country)Class 7 (things beginning isi-): sa + a = sa → isikole sethu (our school)Class 9 (animals, things beginning in-): ya + a = ya → indlu yethu (our house)Class 15 (infinitives/food): kwa + -ithu = kwethu → ukudla kwethu (our food)5. Pro-Drop NatureZulu is a pro-drop language. Since the subject concord si- is obligatory on verbs, the independent pronoun thina is grammatically redundant. Its presence always signals emphasis or contrast. Compare:Siyahamba = We are going (neutral statement)Thina siyahamba = WE are going (emphatic—perhaps contrasting with others)Common Mistakes to Avoid• Do not omit the subject concord si- from verbs—it is required even when thina is present• Do not use thina as the default word for “we” in every sentence—this sounds overly emphatic• Remember that possessive forms must agree with the noun class of the possessed item, not with “we”• The -ya- marker appears only in the long form of the present tense (when no object immediately follows)✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾Section E: Cultural ContextUbuntu: The Philosophy of “We”No discussion of “we” in Zulu can ignore Ubuntu, the philosophical foundation of Zulu society and broader Bantu cultures. The famous Zulu phrase Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu (”A person is a person through other people”) captures this worldview. Ubuntu is sometimes translated as “I am because we are.”Ubuntu emphasizes that human beings achieve their humanity through their relationships with others. Individual identity is inseparable from community identity. This philosophical stance places the collective “we” at the very center of what it means to be human.Archbishop Desmond Tutu explained: “Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can’t exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness.”Collectivism in LanguageThis cultural emphasis on community is reflected in how Zulu grammar handles pronouns. The subject concord system ensures that every verb explicitly marks its relationship to a subject—whether “I,” “we,” “you,” or a specific noun class. The speaker is always grammatically positioned within a web of relationships.The word abantu (people, Class 2 plural of umuntu) shares the root -ntu with Ubuntu itself. To speak of “we people” (thina bantu) is to invoke this philosophical tradition.Greetings and RespectWhen Zulu speakers greet each other, collective formulas are common. Sanibonani (”We see you all”) is the plural greeting, with si- built into the verb form. The response Yebo, sawubona acknowledges being seen.In formal contexts, the first person plural may be used as a modest alternative to “I,” similar to the royal “we” in English but with genuine communal undertones.Proverbs Emphasizing CommunityIsandla siyagezana = One hand washes the other (mutual support)Umuntu akalahlwa = A person is not thrown away (community responsibility)Inyoni yakhela ngoboya benye = A bird builds its nest with another’s feathers (interdependence)These proverbs reinforce that Zulu culture views the individual as fundamentally embedded in community.Modern UsageIn contemporary South Africa, thina and si- appear constantly in political speeches, church services, and everyday conversation. The post-apartheid national project explicitly invoked Ubuntu as a unifying philosophy. Understanding how to say “we” correctly is essential for participating in this ongoing cultural conversation.✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾Section F: Literary CitationFrom the Ubuntu Philosophical TraditionThis section presents the most famous expression of collective identity in Zulu philosophical thought.Part F-A: Interleaved TextUmuntu (u.mú.ntu) person ngumuntu (ŋgu.mú.ntu) is-a-person ngabantu (ŋga.ɓá.ntu) through-peoplePart F-B: The Text from F-AUmuntu ngumuntu ngabantu → “A person is a person through other people.”Part F-C: Original isiZulu TextUmuntu ngumuntu ngabantu.Part F-D: Grammar CommentaryThis celebrated aphorism demonstrates Zulu copulative constructions. The word ngumuntu is the copulative form of umuntu (person), meaning “is a person.” The prefix ngu- (from na + u) creates the copulative in Class 1.The phrase ngabantu combines the instrumental/associative prefix nga- (by means of, through) with abantu (people, Class 2 plural). Literally: “A person is a person by-means-of people.”This proverb appears throughout Southern African Bantu languages with slight variations. In Xhosa: Umntu ngumntu ngabantu. In Sotho: Motho ke motho ka batho. In Shona: Munhu munhu muvanhu.The philosophical weight of this statement cannot be overstated. It asserts that personhood is not innate but achieved through relationships. Archbishop Desmond Tutu frequently cited this proverb in explaining the moral foundation for reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission drew explicitly on Ubuntu principles.The root -ntu (person, being) gives its name to the entire Bantu language family—the “languages of people.” When Zulu speakers say thina (we), they invoke this vast philosophical and linguistic heritage.✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾Genre Section: Community Meeting DialogueThis dialogue illustrates how first person plural forms appear in a communal context—a village meeting discussing a community project.Part A: Interlinear Construed Text21.16a Sanibonani nonke 21.16b Sanibonani (sa.ni.ɓo.ná.ni) we-see-you-PL nonke (nó.ŋke) all21.17a Sihlangene namhlanje ngendaba ebalulekile 21.17b Sihlangene (si.ɬa.ŋgé.ne) we-have-gathered namhlanje (na.mɬá.nje) today ngendaba (ŋge.ndá.ɓa) about-matter ebalulekile (e.ɓa.lu.le.kí.le) which-is-important21.18a Sidinga ukwakha isikole sethu 21.18b Sidinga (si.dí.ŋga) we-need ukwakha (u.kwá.kʰa) to-build isikole (i.si.kó.le) school sethu (sé.tʰu) our-CL721.19a Abantwana bethu bafunda kude 21.19b Abantwana (a.ɓa.ntwá.na) children bethu (ɓé.tʰu) our-CL2 bafunda (ɓa.fú.nda) they-learn kude (kú.de) far-away21.20a Thina singabasiza kanjani? 21.20b Thina (tʰí.na) we-EMPH singabasiza (si.ŋga.ɓa.sí.za) we-can-them-help kanjani (ka.nja.ni) how21.21a Masibambisane kulomsebenzi 21.21b Masibambisane (ma.si.ɓa.mɓi.sá.ne) let-us-cooperate kulomsebenzi (ku.lo.mse.ɓé.nzi) in-this-work21.22a Imali yethu incane kodwa siyazama 21.22b Imali (i.má.li) money yethu (jé.tʰu) our-CL9 incane (i.nʧá.ne) it-is-small kodwa (kó.dwa) but siyazama (si.ja.zá.ma) we-PRES-try21.23a Ngamunye wethu angaletha izitini 21.23b Ngamunye (ŋga.mú.nje) each-one wethu (wé.tʰu) of-us angaletha (a.ŋga.lé.tʰa) can-bring izitini (i.zi.tí.ni) bricks21.24a Besifuna ukuqala ngenyanga ezayo 21.24b Besifuna (ɓe.si.fú.na) we-were-wanting ukuqala (u.ku.qá.la) to-begin ngenyanga (ŋge.ɲá.ŋga) in-month ezayo (e.zá.jo) coming21.25a Siyavumelana kulokho? 21.25b Siyavumelana (si.ja.vu.me.lá.na) we-PRES-agree-RECIP kulokho (ku.ló.kʰo) on-that21.26a Yebo, sivumelana sonke 21.26b Yebo (jé.ɓo) yes sivumelana (si.vu.me.lá.na) we-agree sonke (só.ŋke) all21.27a Sizosebenza ndawonye njengomphakathi 21.27b Sizosebenza (si.zo.se.ɓé.nza) we-FUT-work ndawonye (nda.wó.nje) together njengomphakathi (nje.ŋgo.mpʰa.ká.tʰi) as-community21.28a Amandla ethu ahlangene makhulu 21.28b Amandla (a.má.ndla) strength ethu (é.tʰu) our-CL6 ahlangene (a.ɬa.ŋgé.ne) united makhulu (ma.kʰú.lu) are-great21.29a Umsebenzi wethu uzohlala isikhathi eside 21.29b Umsebenzi (u.mse.ɓé.nzi) work wethu (wé.tʰu) our-CL3 uzohlala (u.zo.ɬá.la) it-FUT-remain isikhathi (i.si.kʰá.tʰi) time eside (e.sí.de) long21.30a Siyabonga nonke ngokufika 21.30b Siyabonga (si.ja.ɓó.ŋga) we-PRES-thank nonke (nó.ŋke) all ngokufika (ŋgo.ku.fí.ka) for-comingPart B: Natural Sentences21.16 Sanibonani nonke → “Greetings to you all.”21.17 Sihlangene namhlanje ngendaba ebalulekile → “We have gathered today about an important matter.”21.18 Sidinga ukwakha isikole sethu → “We need to build our school.”21.19 Abantwana bethu bafunda kude → “Our children study far away.”21.20 Thina singabasiza kanjani? → “How can we help them?”21.21 Masibambisane kulomsebenzi → “Let us cooperate in this work.”21.22 Imali yethu incane kodwa siyazama → “Our money is little, but we are trying.”21.23 Ngamunye wethu angaletha izitini → “Each one of us can bring bricks.”21.24 Besifuna ukuqala ngenyanga ezayo → “We wanted to begin next month.”21.25 Siyavumelana kulokho? → “Do we agree on that?”21.26 Yebo, sivumelana sonke → “Yes, we all agree.”21.27 Sizosebenza ndawonye njengomphakathi → “We will work together as a community.”21.28 Amandla ethu ahlangene makhulu → “Our united strength is great.”21.29 Umsebenzi wethu uzohlala isikhathi eside → “Our work will remain for a long time.”21.30 Siyabonga nonke ngokufika → “We thank you all for coming.”Part C: isiZulu Only21.16 Sanibonani nonke.21.17 Sihlangene namhlanje ngendaba ebalulekile.21.18 Sidinga ukwakha isikole sethu.21.19 Abantwana bethu bafunda kude.21.20 Thina singabasiza kanjani?21.21 Masibambisane kulomsebenzi.21.22 Imali yethu incane kodwa siyazama.21.23 Ngamunye wethu angaletha izitini.21.24 Besifuna ukuqala ngenyanga ezayo.21.25 Siyavumelana kulokho?21.26 Yebo, sivumelana sonke.21.27 Sizosebenza ndawonye njengomphakathi.21.28 Amandla ethu ahlangene makhulu.21.29 Umsebenzi wethu uzohlala isikhathi eside.21.30 Siyabonga nonke ngokufika.Part D: Grammar Notes for Genre SectionThis dialogue showcases several important grammatical features:Hortative/Subjunctive with ma-: The form masibambisane (let us cooperate) uses the hortative prefix ma- + subject concord si- + verb stem. This construction expresses wishes, suggestions, or gentle commands for first person plural.Reciprocal -an-: Verbs like sivumelana (we agree with each other) and sibambisane (we cooperate with each other) use the reciprocal suffix -an- to indicate mutual action.Possessive variation by noun class: Note how “our” appears differently based on noun class: sethu (isikole, Class 7), bethu (abantwana, Class 2), yethu (imali, Class 9), wethu (umsebenzi, Class 3), ethu (amandla, Class 6).Past progressive with be-: Besifuna (we were wanting) uses be- to indicate past tense combined with the subject concord si-.Potential with -nga-: Singabasiza (we can help them) and angaletha (he/she can bring) use the potential marker -nga- indicating ability or possibility.✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾Pronunciation and Orthography NotesClick ConsonantsZulu has three click consonants borrowed from Khoisan languages:c — dental click: Place tongue tip against upper front teeth, pull down sharply (like “tsk tsk”)q — palatal click: Place tongue against roof of mouth behind teeth, pull down (like popping sound)x — lateral click: Place tongue at side of mouth, pull sideways (like urging a horse)Each click can be modified: plain (c, q, x), aspirated (ch, qh, xh), or nasalized (nc, nq, nx; ngc, ngq, ngx).ToneZulu is a tonal language with high and low tones. Tone is not marked in standard orthography but is grammatically significant. The pronoun thina has a high-low pattern. Tone can distinguish meaning: úmama (my mother) vs umáma (mothers).AspirationThe letters p, t, k represent ejective consonants (produced with a glottal closure). The combinations ph, th, kh represent aspirated consonants (with a puff of air, like English p, t, k at the start of words).The Letter “hl”The combination hl represents a voiceless lateral fricative [ɬ]—air flows over the sides of the tongue while the tip touches the alveolar ridge. English has no equivalent. It appears in common words like sihlala (we live) and namhlanje (today).VowelsZulu has five vowels: a [a], e [ɛ], i [i], o [ɔ], u [u]. Vowel length is not phonemic, but vowels may be lengthened for emphasis.✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾About This CourseThis isiZulu course follows the Latinum Institute methodology, using frequency-based vocabulary acquisition combined with the construed reading method. By focusing on the 1,000 most common English words and their Zulu equivalents, learners systematically build practical communication skills.The Latinum Institute has been creating online language learning materials since 2006. Our approach emphasizes authentic usage, cultural context, and graduated complexity. Each lesson presents 30 contextual examples demonstrating natural patterns of the target language.IsiZulu, spoken by over 12 million people as a first language in South Africa, belongs to the Nguni branch of the Bantu language family. It is one of South Africa’s eleven official languages and shares high mutual intelligibility with Xhosa, Swazi, and Ndebele.For more lessons and course materials, visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/indexFor reviews of the Latinum Institute’s methodology, see: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.ukSiyabonga ngokufunda nathi! — We thank you for learning with us!✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾