Vocabulary
Xitsonga, like many other African languages, have been influenced by various European colonial languages. Xitsonga includes words borrowed from English, Afrikaans, and Portuguese. Also, because of the influence of other more dominant neighbouring languages, Xitsonga has taken some words, especially click words, from isiZulu actually its (Nguni/ngoni).
Words Borrowed from English
- Thelevhixini (Mavonakule) – television
- Rhediyo (Xiyanimoya) – Radio
- Xitulu – chair (Stool)
- Wachi – watch (to tell time)
- Movha – car (automobil)
- Sokisi – socks
- Nghilazi – glass
- Tliloko – clock
- Masipala – municipal (Plural > vamasipala)
- Makhiya/swikhiya – keys
Words Borrowed from Afrikaans
- lekere – sweets (lekkers)
- fasitere – window (venster)
- lepula – spoon (lepel)
- kereke – church (kerk)
- buruku – trousers (broek)
- domu – idiot (dom)
- tafula – table (tafel)
- xipuku – ghost (spook)
Words Borrowed from isiZulu:
- riqingho – phone
- ku qonda – to head towards (Not standard = ku kongoma)
- ku gcina – to end (Not standard = ku hetelela)
- ku zama – to try (Not standard = ku ringeta)
Read more about this topic: Tsonga Language
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