Nguni Languages - Comparative Data

Comparative Data

Compare the following sentences:

English "I like your new sticks"
Zulu Ngi-ya-zi-thanda izi-ntonga z-akho ezin-tsha
Xhosa Ndi-ya-zi-thanda ii-ntonga z-akho ezin-tsha
Southern Ndebele Ngi-ya-zi-thanda iin-ntonga z-akho ezi-tjha
Northern Ndebele Ngi-ya-zi-thanda i-ntonga z-akho ezin-tsha
Hlubi Ng'ya-zi-thanda iin-duku z-akho ezin-sha
Swazi Ngi-ya-ti-tsandza ti-ntfonga t-akho letin-sha
Mpapa Phuthi Gi-ya-ti-tshadza ti-tfoga t-akho leti-tjha
Sigxodo Phuthi Gi-ya-ti-tshadza ti-tshoga t-akho leti-tjha

Note: Xhosa = Phuthi = IPA ; Phuthi = ; Zulu = IPA, but in the environment cited here is "nasally permuted" to . Phuthi = breathy voiced = Xhosa, Zulu (in the environment here following the nasal ). Zulu, Swazi, Hlubi = .

English "I understand only a little English"
Zulu Ngi-qonda ka-ncane nje isi-Ngisi
Xhosa Ndi-qonda ka-ncinci nje isi-Ngesi
Ndebele Ngi-zwisisa ka-ncani nje isi-Ngisi
Swazi Ngi-siva ka-ncane nje si-Ngisi
Mpapa Phuthi Gi-visisa ka-nci të-jhë Si-kguwa
Sigxodo Phuthi Gi-visisa ka-ncinci të-jhë Si-kguwa

Note: Phuthi = IPA .

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