How to say hello in South Africa?
Our existence as humans is dependent on greeting.It is the beginning of our conversations with our families, friends, partners, colleagues, acquaintances and strangers.It is possible to start a friendship or even a romantic relationship by greeting someone.It is a good idea to greet each other to find out how we are doing.In my culture, starting a conversation without greeting someone is not appropriate.You cannot have that information without greeting them.
What do I mean when I say it is important?The importance of greeting others was taught to you from an early age.It is a sign of respect in our culture.People talk about a person who doesn't greet others.People will say, "So and so is so arrogant, they never greet anyone".I have heard people express their disappointment when greeting people in a taxi and not getting a response.It is rude to not greet back.We all agree that it can be upsetting.I would hear people say that an old woman or man is so humble and respectful, they greet everyone, no matter the age, and even the youngest of children.It is known that greeting is important and associated with respect.During greetings, respect is an important part of the culture.It is not a good idea to look into the eyes of an elder person.It is seen as a sign of disrespect to pass someone and not greet them.As the greeting is done, the conversation continues, and one can detect whether the other person is well or not.People who greet are people who care.Even if they don't know the other person personally, they care about how others are doing and how humans interact with each other.
When you see another person, you should smile and greet them.You say "Sawubona" and "Hello" in English when you greet someone.The English translation of Sawubona is "I see you".The person you greet will say "Yebo or Yebo, sawubona" to acknowledge you as well.
In this example, you can see how you greet in isiZulu with an English translation.
I used an example where I was greeting my friend.I added how you say goodbye.This can help me learn how to greet in isiZulu.
I went to Gaborone in 2003 and this reminded me.The way people greeted each other fascinated me.I thought they all knew each other because G-town was small, until someone explained to me that this was all about UbuNTU.Individualism is foreign to us as Africans.
I traveled on the Bellville-Montevista train to De Grendel in Parow North in Cape Town.I was depressed.The lady sat next to me.She told me she thought something was bothering me after she greeted me.A simple greeting leads to a conversation.I felt better after disembarking from the coach.
Thank you so much, Barnie.I agree with you that we need to focus on the things that bring us together as African people.Anything that will help unite us and keep our values alive should be included in the school curriculum.It is definitely Ubuntu.We care for each other in our nature and it is our responsibility to keep that going and look at how ubuntu has survived despite all that we have been through as people.Education is one way we can protect our beliefs from extinction.Thank you for your time, I appreciate it.
MaBlose isi baluthole olubaluleke kangaka.Njengabantu kungenye yezinto ebaluleke kakhulu ayigcini.
I'm Avwokuruaye Greygon Efetobor, but you can call me grey for short.For the past four years, I have been working on a novel that is an African fantasy realm.I was wondering if it would be possible for me to send you some words to help me translate one of the kingdoms in my story to Zulu.
I stumbled upon your page while I was trying to learn how to greet in Zulu and the article you wrote was very helpful.I hope to hear from you soon.
I received your email and responded to it.I'm only seeing your comment now.It is always my pleasure to share any knowledge I have.Thank you for taking the time to read and subscribe.I really like it.