UBuntu Bridge Xhosa t-shirts join the gravy train bandwagon

Molweni
We know that it is a growing trend, and as old as ancient Rome to use t-shirts and togas for marketing or socio-political statements, but these particular ideas have been sitting on paper for literally years.  I have finally had them done up, for your viewing pleasure.  We found the cheapest and most idiotic looking model to remind you that all of God's creatures are able to learn some simple Xhosa.

Im sure Nike and McDonalds would sue the pants off of us (or employ us) for producing these t-shirts so they only exist digitally.  Please do post comment though if you wish.

The other t-shirts however are potentially producable, as we have the t-shirts and the designs, we would just need sizes and orders from people.  So if you keen, again, comment below, or email: sales at learnxhosa dot co dot za

Quit all the excuses, bantu bam.  Be like Nike and Just do it!

Even with MonteZuma's revenge, still loving it!  Especially with McDonalds big boss Cyril as #2

Say Molo!  Its the least you can do.  But make sure its not a Nigerian, or a Sotho, or a Zimbabwean, or an American...

"Don't claim to be a South African Whitey if ya don't speak da lingo cos of your lazy tendencies!" - Julius 'Da Lema' Malema

UBuntu Bridge newsletter here: 

Westerford High School Xhosa and Mr. Cuan Dugmore

In the last few months, I have had the pleasure of being invited to a number of schools to either perform or show my kwaito spoof music video "Ndingumlungu"(viewable at bottom), and then to share my journey with the scholars, and hopefully inspire them to learn Xhosa.

It was a great privilege and I really enjoyed my time with the learners.  Unfortunately due to the new CAPS policy introduced by the Department of Education in the Western Cape, there is now a real threat to Xhosa being taught in many prep schools and even secondary schools.  For a full article on this dilemma, please see here:  http://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/there-s-no-time-to-teach-xhosa-1.1220755

Quite a White Ou and UBuntu Bridge hope to play a role in helping to keep Xhosa consciousness alight, respected and given the due importance that it deserves. 

One of the most delightful schools to go speak at is also one of the schools holding the Xhosa torch most brightly alight.  That school is Westerford High in Cape Town and thanks to their fantastic Xhosa teacher Mr. Cuan Dugmore (pictured above)  and the enlightened enthusiasm of many of their students, they have a wonderful Xhosa programme at their school, most of whom are members of the school's Xhosa society, to whom I had the privilege of speaking.

Nina Bloch, one of the learners who also spent a few days interning at UBuntu Bridge, sent me a great letter written by one of her fellow students and this photo (above) of some of the learners with Mr. Dugmore in the Transkei, where they do annual immersion programmes, to connect with the authentic culture and to improve their spoken Xhosa.  Nice one Guys!

Click here to read the letter....  http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/2012/12/white-youth-bringing-hope-through-xhosa.html

UBuntu Bridge also offers village immersions sporadically.... http://www.learnxhosa.co.za/tours.html

Email us for next dates, or create your own trip.  Any backpacker in the Eastern Cape or 'Transkei' will usually have a village homestay programme.  Take your Xhosa books and go for it!! 

Left:  The Kwaito video that got some things started!

White youth bringing hope through Xhosa - article from a Westerford high school Xhosa student

 To see the context to this letter, please see previous blog post here..... http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/2012/12/white-xhosa-heroes-westerford-high.html

Ndithetha kancinci kuba ndingumlungu           Stewart S...

Being English and Afrikaans in the Western Cape, communicating in my home language is no big deal. Without exception, if I interact with someone whose first language is isiXhosa, the conversation takes place in either of my first languages. Just because I’m white, it’s presumed that I know absolutely no Xhosa, which is the second most widely-spoken in the language Western Cape after Afrikaans. I find that very unfair.

Someone’s language is an intrinsic part of their identity. Being able to communicate with someone in their mother tongue is a skill which gives one unrivalled rewards: apart from personal benefits like furthering one’s career, simply making an effort to learn more about other people’s cultures and languages is deeply appreciated, especially in the context of our segregated history. This reason, along with a multitude of others, makes taking isiXhosa an absolute no-brainer, in my opinion.

For those less concerned about communication for the sake of communication, the practical reasons for taking isiXhosa are just as compelling. If you speak to anyone worth asking about education in South Africa, or just about living here (Blade Nzimande - Minister of Higher Education, Nelson Mandela or Trevor Manuel, to name a few), they’ll tell you that before you go and study Astrophysics or Neurology at UCT, learn some Zulu or Xhosa. It looks good on your CV; certain University courses, such as Medicine, require it; it gives one a base from which to learn other Nguni languages and it’s a massive advantage in the business world, where you’re constantly interacting with people from a huge variety of backgrounds. Building strong relationships with people in your environment will always be to your advantage, not only within a business context, but in a social context as well.

For most Westerfordian Xhosa students, learning an African language goes further than that. To us, it’s a way to show that we’re committed to reconciliation in our country by embracing another language, and in the case of isiXhosa, the very rich culture surrounding that language. It’s a gesture which aims to forge connections between us and people we wouldn’t usually interact with.

I was utterly convinced that I had made the right decision once I’d been on the Transkei hike. I witnessed my motivations for taking Xhosa becoming reality in front of my eyes. After the first fifty awkward “Molo! Unjani?”s, my conversations with people started gaining substance. As my conversation partners realised that I had knowledge beyond “Molo”, their entire demeanours changed. The standard response I encountered was: “ Umlungu! Yuh, uyasazi isiXhosa?” (Whitey! Yoh, you know Xhosa?), followed by very enthusiastic small talk, drastically zekeleled (slowed down to umlungu-level), and the exchanging of details, ended off with extremely appreciative thanks for taking the time to find out more about them and to learn their language. 

Xolisanani is one of the people we met. He told Jeremy and me that we had made his day; that to find people who were learning his language by choice was an inspiration, and that he wished there were more people like us. To me, that is what learning isiXhosa is about. 

At Westerford, we’ve got some of the best isiXhosa teachers in the country. Let’s face it – Mnu. Dugmore uyintshatsheli (is a champion). There is undoubtedly no better place to learn the language. So what’s your excuse? Why are there only 13 people in my grade that feel the same way I do? Why are there 11 in matric and 15 in Grade 10? Next year’s Grade 10s couldn’t even manage double figures. What is making most Westerfordians ignore the amazing opportunity afforded to us here to enrich ourselves as South Africans?

There isn’t enough emphasis on indigenous languages by our generation. We have this strange misconception that we will either all emigrate to the land of milk and honey or that there is simply no need to learn an African language, or even Afrikaans, because English is the lingua franca. We expect other people to learn our language, but don’t even consider doing the same for our future colleagues and clients who don’t speak English as a first language. That’s the majority of the country, by the way. 

Apart from being selfish, these convictions are pretty naïve. I’ve heard the argument that Xhosa isn’t a ‘universal’ language, and so it is therefore pretty much useless to learn as opposed to, say, French. To that, I say “your argument is invalid.” Realistically, you will most probably live and work here later in life, and should therefore concentrate on what you can do to make ‘here’ a better place to be. Well, unless you find your fairytale French bride or groom and run off to Paris, or if you’re one of those refugee-status-seeking ninnies who run to Perth escaping the ‘dystopia’ of South Africa. I sincerely hope you aren’t, though, because I don’t think we’d be able to be friends.

This is not to say that learning a European language is a bad thing, or that if you don’t study an African language, you’re a traitor to your country. What it is doing is making you aware of the importance of learning one, and how rewarding it can be, especially at Westerford. There needs to be a shift in mindset, and a greater sense of responsibility to the future of our country by us, the upcoming generation of voters and economy-drivers.

Grade 9s, if you ever find yourself looking for that last option on your subject choice form, or if you’re just unsure about isiXhosa, take the plunge. For the rest of you, use Inspector Simon Eybers as inspiration. Apart from taking down Public Enemy Number One, The Nose, this man of steel decided halfway through term 1 of grade 10 that Xhosa was more to his liking than Accounting, and made the swap. 

Simon says, “Go for it.” So do.

UBuntu Bridge Corporate Clients 2013 - Xhosa

We are very happy to make the following announcement:

Congratulations and thanks to National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) and the City of Cape Town for choosing UBuntu Bridge as their preferred Conversational Xhosa training providers.

We will be training over 60 councillors from the COCT in the CBD, and 13 delegates from NHBRC in Bellville. 

They will be added to our disinguished client list since 2006 including:

    Anchor Yeast
    Compass Bakeries
    Department of the Premier: CEI - Kuilsrivier and CBD
    Equal Education
    Goedgedacht Forum
    Grandslots
    Grinaker LTA, Ottery
    Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
    Local Government Housing Department
    Media 24
    Metropolitan Health Group, CT
    Mothers2Mothers NGO
    Old Mutual
    Price Waterhouse Coopers, Century City
    RE:CM
    Rennie Farms, Paarl
    SANParks, West Lake
    SEDA - Small Enterprise Development Agency
    SIT International
    Social Change Assistance Trust (SCAT)
    Sonke Gender Justice Institute
    TMT Services and Supplies, Century City
    Ubuntu Wellness Centre, CBD
    The US Consulate, Steenberg, CT
    Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, CBD, CT

We look forward to sharing our wonderful facilitators, materials and all the benefits that come from learning Xhosa.

More information: http://www.learnxhosa.co.za/index.html
Or email:  info at learnxhosa dot co dot za

Pictures: 
Craig posting the proposal in the tender box at the Civic Centre, 1 minute before 9am deadline.

UBuntu Bridge Mandela Day Community Event 2012 Video

 On 18 July, 2012, Madiba's 94th birthday, UBuntu Bridge organised a community day with a difference in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, a.k.a. Mandela Park.

With a focus on Xhosa language learning for the volunteers, we then spent time with the kids from Ikhaya Lethemba creche planting trees, doing yoga, reading practice and finally singing Happy Birthday to Nelson Mandela in his home language, isiXhosa.

Nelson Mandela in one of his first public appearances in office, on May 10 1994, strongly urged all the people of South Africa to learn each other's languages:

"This is the best way to contribute to nation building and reconciliation,"
Mandela said. "Those among us who do not know Afrikaans must now learn to study this language. Those among us who do not know Zulu, Xhosa and Sotho must now learn to study these languages."

UBuntu Bridge hopes to inspire people to heed Madiba's call, and to do it in a fun and convenient way that brings prosperity to many communities on all levels of society.

The day was made possible with help from:

Nathan and Terror of Sibanye Restaurant - http://www.sibanyerestaurant.co.za/
Stu and Jen from YoYoga - http://www.yoyoga.co.za/
Robyn at Greenpop - http://www.greenpop.org/
Chris and Leticia at Paper Jet Print - http://paperjetprint.co.za/
Niki, Sisa and the kids at Ikhaya Lethemba - http://www.ikhayalethemba.com/
Andrew from Trashback - http://trashback.org/
Video by Gill at www.make-content.com/

 

Ten Xhosa Learning Tips # 5-10

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5.      Initially, focus on quality, not quantity. Then quantity!

Many students want to learn lots of grammar and vocab before they start speaking with people, and although I can’t stress the importance of learning, it is important that learners do not try learn more at the cost of really knowing the basics well and then using those basics, developing confidence and love for the spoken language. Its like trying to learn about driving a car by reading more and more manuals, so that you will know how to drive when you first get into a car. Ja right! You need to get behind the wheel to learn how to drive. Same with a language. One must also make sure that one is not avoiding one’s fear of speaking with people and the inevitable sense of being out of one’s depth by trying to outlearn one’s own fears.   The key is to balance mastering the levels you are at, whilst pushing into new areas. Once you are comfortable with entering and knowing how to politely exit conversations, then learn vocab vocab vocab!

6.      Learn the basics of culture and show respect

Knowing the basics of culture indicates an extra layer of depth to your language efforts for indeed culture and language go hand in hand, such as the African handshake, giving and receiving with two hands, indirect eye contact being a sign of respect to an elder, greeting an elder first, seating oneself on arrival at someone’s home. UBuntu Bridge have some excellent videos and basic culture tips, which can be seen on the blog.         Ultimately learning about a person’s culture is about showing respect. Xhosa people are not into the formalities of respect but more about authentic expressions of courtesy and respect.

7.      Choose a conversation partner wisely, if at all.

Some Xhosa people just don’t seem to get how to speak to a beginner learner. They either speak to quickly, misinterpret your questions or they try teach you

ludicrously big and uncommon words and no amount of ‘coaching’ seems to help. Some folks, however, are naturals and slow right down and explain in a simple fashion, and just seem to ‘get’ what it is that you need. They are also ‘coachable’ in the sense that if you ask them to explain again, or repeat in Xhosa, but slowly, they do! Someone with patience and who gets joy from helping you is what you need. Most importantly, don’t be discouraged if someone you regularly try to practice with just seems to confuse you more. Find another practice partner. Again, I believe with good materials you can practice by yourself or with another learner and then go straight into ‘live’ conversations. UBuntu Bridge’s materials are designed to let you interact with the Cd, learning all appropriate vocab and even giving you sample conversations relating to grammar learnt in each lesson, with a breakdown of each phrase in the conversation, allowing you to learn and hear and repeat both person’s parts.

8.      Keep motivated ‐ Understand the Value of Learning Xhosa:

Learning Xhosa in the New SA is not just, at least I hope, an exercise in getting govt tenders or improving sales. It is also a form of social reconciliation, of promoting intercultural harmony and respect, of acknowledging past injustices, some of which involved a deliberate non‐mother tongue education (think Soweto uprising, 1976) with devastating short and long term consequences and a general disregarding, disrespecting and de‐valuing of African culture and languages, both by the European cultures and then the African cultures themselves. By learning about an African culture and speaking in an African language, you are re‐valuing it, you are giving an entire culture and its people respect and acknowledgement. Mandela himself, in his first speech as president of SA, urged the people of South Africa to learn each other’s languages after learning Afrikaans and so much of Afrikaner history went so far to winning the respect, trust and admiration of the Afrikaner leaders of the Apartheid regime. This basic effort would contribute to the vision of South Africa he had laid foundations for.

9.      Volunteer in the townships and go visit the rural villages

Xhosa people predominantly are still living in conditions of poverty whether in rural homelands or in informal urban settlements (townships). It is largely a consequence of Colonialism (land invasion and acquisition and migrant labour) and Apartheid that they live in the conditions they do and so those of us who have benefitted from these same systems have some social duty at least to find ways to contribute and give back from a place of privilege and wealth. One way of giving is volunteering in the townships. Human resources are of much value, whether you can bring a skill, or mentoring, or coaching, all contribute greatly to the education and experience of the people. Meanwhile the immersion and interaction in Xhosa will do wonders for your Xhosa skills. Even two hours a week could bring much value to a Xhosa child/adult and yourself. Another place to immerse oneself is the rural villages, where you can not only experience the breathtaking scenery and charm of rural Xhosa life, but also contribute to a form of sustainable income for local villagers who can make valuable income from hosting guests, at minimal expense and great value to the guests. Seek

established, but not commercialised channels of connecting with locals to ensure authentic experiences. For an authentic village experiences, visit: http://bulungulahomestay.wordpress.com/.

10. Know your goal and keep perspective:

Enjoy it and keep realistic about your goals. Sometimes even the basics will improve and deepen relationships and respect with yourself and Xhosa people. Most Xhosa people can speak English and important business will either be done in English or a translator will be needed as learning Xhosa to a point of professional fluency will take a long time if learning as a busy working adult. Remember that some days you will have flowing conversations, where your brain just tunes in, and some days it will seem as though you are making no progress. Don’t give up, remember that the effort to learn is greatly appreciated, and at the end of the day, you don’t need language to show gratitude and respect to all peoples and creatures. A final quote from Madiba: “Speak to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. Speak to a man in his own language, that goes to his heart.”

Craig Makhosi Charnock a.k.a Quite a White Ou learnt a dialect of Xhosa in the rural villages of the Mpondo and Xhosa people as an adult, before learning the more urban dialects as a volunteer in a Cape Town township. He designs Xhosa learning materials, teaches Xhosa courses and trains teachers through his company UBuntu Bridge. See www dot learnxhosa dot co dot za.

CISCO: My Networked Life: Craig Charnock, Cape Town, South Africa

Some awesome guys from Micro Documentaries in San Fran, US got hold of me recently and asked to shoot a short doccie on me, as commissioned by CISCO Systems.  Mark Jackson, a local camera pro came and shot with me for 5 hours.  We had a lot of fun, then sent the footage back to Marc Tamo in the States and a month later, this beautiful 3 min vid was done!  Enjoy it!  Full web story:  http://newsroom.cisco.com/release/970446 

TEDxCapeTownED - Craig Charnock - Language Learning: Bridge to a Better World (12 min)

On June 16, 2012, Youth Day, Craigieji spoke at the TEDx conference on Education, which took place at Ratanga Junction.  Other speakers included Dr. Mamphela Ramphele, Prof Tim Noakes, Soli Philander, John Gilmour, amongst many other awesome speakers, mostly in the education field, or otherwise highly relevant.  Please see the full list here:  http://tedxcapetowned.org/speakers.  It was a great privilege to be invited and to participate.

The video below is 14 mins long.  It includes the music video intro, followed by the 10 minute talk, which includes anecdotes, and interesting quotes painting a broader context of value for learning the languages of indigenous cultures globally, and ends by teaching over 300 educators in the audience a dance step called ukuxhentsa, used by Sangomas or traditional doctors to enter trance.

Please view the video and share it with your networks.  We are hoping for 10000 hits for it to be featured on the TED.com website.

I watched your TEDxED video again last night – INSPIRATIONAL stuff. Thanks again for putting in so much effort. Of the 60 audience feedback forms I’ve got most rated your and Xola’s talks as their top favourites. Well done!  Terence Themba Berry, TedX Education Organiser

Makhosi :)c

Craig Charnock Presentations Feedback 2012

Hey guys

I have been giving a number of presentations over the years, but never really marketed it.  I speak to corporates, schools, students, whoever.  Always fun, informative, interactive and a little bit funny ;)  I give very flexible talks, specific to the occasion, and can use audio-visual elements, or just speaking, but either way, the talk is inspiring, empowering and entertaining. Please email craig at learnxhosa dot co dot za for more info.  In the meanwhile, please see feedback below, or watch my recent TEDx talk to a group of 350 educators live.  Video further up in this blog.

Yhu! Enkosi kakhulu! Craig, that was terrific! I am only sorry you weren't a fly on the wall in my lesson after to hear the boys bubbling over. You made a massive impression - all positive too! You have extended your fan base and really made these boys think and feel. They are all adamant that you should be a permanent fixture on the Gr 7 school calendar - a compliment indeed!

Lisa Harris, Head of isiXhosa WPPS

Thank you SO much for coming in- your talk was inspiring, thought-provoking and so well received by everyone. It sparked a lot of interest and really got people thinking and talking.  Some feedback from the group:

"It inspired me and really opened my eyes. I learnt a lot."

"Inspiring, intelligent, ingenious."  People took to it incredibly well.

Nina Bloch, Westerford High

Hey, you are a definite hit… - and trust me, there is no more sincere and honest flattery than that from 13-year-olds when it is spontaneous!  You pitched your talk perfectly and had something in it to appeal to each of the boys at a variety of levels. Most of all, your enthusiasm, knowledge, humour and genuine engagement has inspired the boys. (Gives me hope for the future of SA!) Unquestionably, the vids help.

Lisa Harris, Western Province Prep School

Charismatic, talented and doing something really important, Craig should be working in every school in the country!

Georgina Stirrup, Accelerate Cape Town

Craig it was an awesome presentation, The boys are still talking about it and I truly believe you motivated some guys to do something about learning an African language."  Tim Stirrup, Head of Lingua Franca society, Bishops

I watched your TEDxED video again last night – INSPIRATIONAL stuff. Thanks again for putting in so much effort. Of the 60 audience feedback forms I’ve got most rated your and Xola’s talks as their top favourites. Well done!  Terence Themba Berry, TedX Education Organiser

What I liked personally was for someone other than myself saying how important and valuable learning another language like Xhosa can be. I just wish more pupils would take it as a subject. It was interesting to hear your background and your journey and about the making of the video. Thanks for promoting the language because it is an uphill battle, especially as it has lost even more status in primary schools because it falls outside the "core" subjects which pupils are forced to take.  I hope you will continue to inspire others to make an effort so that they and our country can benefit!

Cuan Dugmore, Head of Xhosa, Westerford High

Thanks for an excellent presentation.  There was an excellent opportunity for young men at Bishops who are mostly from a privileged background to witness first-hand how an OD has broken with convention and embraced another culture thus reaching out in a truly South African way in the broadest sense of the word.  Paul Murray, History Teacher

Thank you so much for your wonderful presentation and that you were willing to be one of our speakers at the Pecha Kucha event. Judging by our audience response, you were one of the favourites!

Ronnie Belcher, Pecha Kucha Cape Town

Craig Charnock was one of our speakers at our PechaKucha Night here in Cape Town in June 2011. This international event ( http://www.pecha-kucha.org/ ) is hosted in over 417 cities worldwide and is a platform created to inspire others. Craig was a brilliant speaker, who totally captivated the audience. His passion was contagious. When the audience participated in vocalising the three xhosa clicks, they were totally engaged. Fantastic. Thanks, Dave Cotton, www.pechakuchacapetown.co.za

Your presentation at TEDx - other than being engaging and powerful - was personally encouraging to me and gave me some good quotes and evidence to continue the promotion of Xhosa teaching at our school - as with CAPS next year this could be an optional extra at primary school level.

Kind regards, Colleen Moore

“The stories you shared with the group about your journey with African traditional medicine were captivating and inspiring.  Thank you!”

Stewart Chirova

Academic Director, South Africa: Multiculturalism and Human Rights

SIT Study Abroad, a program for World Learning Inc, http://www.sit.edu

“Craig, your contribution to the programme was simply stunning and I only wish we had more time to do justice to your input.  Just watching their body language as you spoke - from the heart - conveyed to me their interest - you came over exceptionally well.  With warm regards” 

Trevor Wilkins, Organizer - Rotary Ambassadorial Orientation - 2006

Quite a White Ou second track: Hayibo!

When I wrote Hayibo, it was with great sadness for the deeply entrenched corruption in our global economic system and the continued imbalances, which we now see manifesting in such tragedies as the Marikana Massacre. Whilst people suffer for sub-minimum wages, their bosses buy hummers and multiple holiday homes, so many of us who claim to care, continue to buy designed-redundancy junk and consume our time and energy on self-centred and futile pursuits. Just a little more giving in meaningful ways, by each of us and the world will keep changing for the better, but as long as we continue to put our money where our hearts aren't, then its going to keep getting worse!

Remember, a great way to learn a language is through music, so get singing along:
Lyrics below:

http://soundcloud.com/quiteawhiteou/hayibo-featuring-teba
FREE DOWNLOAD of Second track from Quite A White Ou, paying homage to reggae and ragga sound systems, and bringing a more serious tone to this emerging artist's voice. Hayi bo! Featuring Teba, the Original Social Worker.

Hayibo (feat Teba)

Intro by Teba: “Ek se yamvala? uthini bafethu, lengamla! Umlungu uthini man mfondini? Uthetha ungathi uyabhuda nje? Thetha siphulaphule nje. Phulaphula!

“Yo, I say, brothers, what’s this white guy saying, is he just talking nonsense? Speak then, we are listening. Pay attention everyone!”

Verse 1

Sifuna inkululeko kodwa abantu baninzi We looking for freedom but so many people
Bathanda ukuthenga izinto ezininzi They like to buy so many things
Sizama ukumosha lomhlaba nabantu Are we trying to mess up this land and its people
Nezilwanyana neentyatyambo And the animals and the flowers

Chorus 1

Ndithi, hayibo , ndithi hayibo I say “Gosh” - (despairingly) , I say “Gosh”
X 4
hayibo
hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hayibo x 4

Verse 2

Ndihayika entabeni I hike on the mountain
Ndikhangela lendawo I check out this place
Siyaphi thina ndiyabuza kubawo Where are we going, I ask to the father
Masivule indlebe asimameli kumama Lets open our ears, we are not listening to the mother
Yiyo loonto sisathenga iHumma That is why we are still buying Hummers

Chorus 2

Ndithi, hayibo , ndithi hayibo I say “Gosh” - (despairingly) , I say “Gosh”
X 4
hayibo
oh oh oh oh oh oh oh hayibo x 4

Ragga Verse:

Corruption no gonna work
Righteousness have to rule this here earth
You could break uno leg
If uno rob people, and your belly pretty fat
Raise your hands in the air
If you support this family affair, well
Peace and love we declare
Quite a White Ou and Teba
We care. Kaboom.

Chorus 1 repeat.

Verse 3:

Vukani madoda masincedisane Wake up, men, we must help each other
Kubi ukucinga uba asifani Its bad to think we are different
Yintoni impendulo andiyazi What is the answer I don’t know
Ukuhlisa umoya siyakwazi Let's bring more spirit to earth

Chorus 2 repeat

END

http://soundcloud.com/quiteawhiteou/hayibo-featuring-teba

Ten Xhosa Learning Tips # 3-4

3.      Don’t rush in till you know how to escape!

We ask students to not engage with Xhosa speakers until they have learnt how to enter the conversation, introduce themselves, but then also how to respectfully exit the conversation. This entails knowing the good‐byes, but more importantly, it is about knowing how to explain in the Xhosa that one is still learning to speak Xhosa, that one only speaks a little and one can’t say anymore.     Xhosa people love it when you can say these things properly but they also get that your Xhosa is limited, which helps avoid uncomfortable situations.

4.      Then rush in whenever you can!

This knowledge in turn gives you as a learner increased confidence to enter into conversations in the first place, something you need to do a lot of to improve in any language. So once you know the basics, and can ‘escape’ respectfully, you need to go for it. One of the great things about learning Xhosa is that it is appreciated by so many Xhosa speakers. One of my ‘mamas’ says that when someone trys to speak Xhosa to her, she wants to hug them cos it makes her feel like all is right in the world. This is an attitude shared by many Xhosa people, as told by her, as experienced by myself personally, shared by many students, and confessed to by Xhosa people I have asked. However, not everyone is like this and if Xhosa people feel or suspect, and have been subjected to people speaking their language in a way that is obviously just to manipulate or exploit, they do not react warmly at all. What people respond to is respect, effort, authenticity, humility!