The Zulu Book

Very simple, useful Zulu words and phrases and how to pronounce them. For example, “no problem” is “ayikho inkinga”. Here’s how you pronounce eye – ee – core ee – nkee – nguh. The trick is to speak slowly and trust the sounds. “At the shops” is “esitolo”, pronounced ess – tor – lor. Here’s how you can do the Zulu “tsk” in irritation, “cluck” to call a horse, and make the sound of a cricket ball being hit. So it’s behind the teeth, side of mouth, and roof of mouth. Zulu is very different from English, and unless you grew up speaking it, it can be hard to learn. But this will help you make a little start, and you’ll find people are mostly friendly and keen to engage.