isiXhosa Proverbs
Find below ten advanced level isiXhosa lessons. For each proverb, there is a video containing an improvised skit intended to reflect the meaning of the proverb. Along with the video is a word-for-word transcription of the skit, a glossary for difficult words or phrases, and a set of exercises aimed at determining a student’s comprehension of the skit.
Each lesson addresses the four language skills based upon ACTFL guidelines (speaking, writing, listening and reading) while also capturing key cultural and social realities of language use in its native context. In addition, each skit reflects the varieties of the language spoken in urban and rural areas, and between the elderly, adults and children. Unlike top-down models of language instruction, the African Proverbs Project uses a bottom-up approach designed to equip advanced learners with the ability to shift between several dialects. Moreover, the Proverbs Project provides learners with the necessary cultural and kinesic competencies to converse fluently and see the world through the eyes of native-speakers.
isiXhosa Proverbs
1. “Igugu Lingaba Likhulu Umbombo Uyaqhosha.”
2. “Akulahlwa Mbeleko Ngakufelwa.”
3. “Umntu Ngumntu Ngabantu.”
4. “Umfundisi Ulindwa Ngeculo.”
5. “Ukuzala Kukuzolula.”
6. “Ingcuka Eyambhethe Ufele Lwegusha.”
7. “Isisu Somhambi Asingakanani Singaphambili Ngemva Ngumhlonzo.”
8. “Intonga Entle Igawulwa Ezizweni.”
9. “Igqabi Aliwi Kude Nomthi Walo.”
10. “Imbila Yaswela Umsila Ngokuyalezela.”
Project Participants
Dr. Fallou Ngom (Lead Project Director), Dr. Peter Quella (Project Manager), Dr. Zoliswa Mali (Project Director), Dr. Nomsa Satyo (Overseas Coordinator), Mr. Sivuyile Mali (Videographer), Mr. Jamie Lansdowne (Video Editor)
Cast: Mr. Andile Jabavu, Ms. Khanyisa Nyale, Ms. Moira Bukelwa Mbali, Ms. Phiwokuhle Jali, Ms. Busisiswe Tyelentombi, Mr. Corney Sandile Gobozi, Mr. Kuhle Ntloko