Siswati Terms with Explanations in English
Bafundzi Labanetidzingo Telikhetselo (Learners with Special Needs)
Siswati: Bafundzi labanetihibe tekufundza ngenca yemvelo yabo labakhubatekile.
English: Learners with Special Needs – Students with disabilities or challenges that affect their learning due to physical or cognitive conditions.
Bulwimilwimi (Multilingualism)
Siswati: Likhono lekwati, kukhuluma nekufundza tilwimi letinyenti.
English: Multilingualism – The ability to speak, understand, and learn multiple languages.
Bomabekwembili (Ambiguity)
Siswati: Ngemagama lakhomba lapho lokutsite kuhleli khona.
English: Ambiguity – Words or statements with multiple interpretations or meanings.
Bomabitomfutiselo (Synonyms)
Siswati: Emabito lanemicondvo lehambelanako (sib. emafutsa – i-oyili, ekugcobisa, ekupheka).
English: Synonyms – Words with similar meanings, such as oil (lubricant, cooking oil, etc.).
Emacophelo Ekuhlola (Assessment Standards)
Siswati: Lujulolwati lolufanele kwatiwe kuwo onkhe emabanga.
English: Assessment Standards – The knowledge, language skills, and values learners are expected to acquire at all levels.
Hlatiya (Analysis)
Siswati: Kubukisisa nekucubungula.
English: Analysis – The process of examining and interpreting information in detail.
Imibhalo Lengemaciniso (Authentic Texts)
Siswati: Imibhalo lesetjentiswa etimphilweni tetfu, njengeticashunwa temaphephandzaba.
English: Authentic Texts – Real-world texts used in everyday life, such as newspaper excerpts.
Imibhalo Tihumusho (Subtitles)
Siswati: Imibhalo lesetjentiswa emidlalweni yabomabonakudze lechaza lulwimi lolutsite.
English: Subtitles – Text displayed in television shows or movies to translate or transcribe speech.
Inkhulumo Lehlelekile (Formal Speech)
Siswati: Inkhulumo lelungiselelwe letfulwa ngekulandzela imigomo yekwetfulwa kwenkhulumo.
English: Formal Speech – A structured and prepared speech delivered according to set rules.
Inkhulumiswano (Dialogue)
Siswati: Ingcoco emkhatsini webantfu lababili nobe ngetulu.
English: Dialogue – A conversation between two or more people.
Ingcikitsi (Theme)
Siswati: Umongo longumgogodla wendzaba.
English: Theme – The central idea or message in a story or discussion.
Iphothifoliyo (Portfolio)
Siswati: Ifayela lekhombisa bonkhe bufakazi bemsebenti wonkhe wemfundzi.
English: Portfolio – A collection of work or evidence showcasing a learner’s progress and achievements.
Isintheksi (Syntax)
Siswati: Kuhleleka kwemagama emshweni nalokuphinyiswa ngemlomo.
English: Syntax – The arrangement of words in a sentence and their pronunciation.
Kubumbana/Kuhlobana (Cohesion)
Siswati: Kuhlanganisa imisho nobe tindzima ngetihlanganisi.
English: Cohesion – The use of linking words to connect sentences and paragraphs logically.
Kuhlola Ngalokuphelele (Comprehensive Assessment)
Siswati: Kuhola umsebenti lotsite ngalokuphelele.
English: Comprehensive Assessment – A thorough evaluation of a specific task or subject.
Kuhhunga (Persuasion)
Siswati: Kusebentisa lulwimi lolukwenta utsenge umcondvo wemuntfu.
English: Persuasion – The use of language to convince or influence someone’s thoughts.
Kuphumelela Incenye Yemsebenti (Partial Achievement)
Siswati: Uma umfundzi angaphumelelanga kuyo yonkhe imiphumela yekufundza.
English: Partial Achievement – When a learner succeeds in parts of an overall performance or goal.
Kucopha/Kurekhoda (Record Keeping)
Siswati: Kubhala phansi yonkhe imiphumela yemfundzi yemnyaka wonkhe.
English: Record Keeping – Documenting all results of a learner throughout the academic year.
Tlamulontfo (Resource)
Siswati: Letintfo letisetjentiswa kuhambisa tinjongo letitsite.
English: Resource – Materials or tools used to accomplish specific objectives.
Kuhlola Ngekucaphelisisa (Diagnostic Assessment)
Siswati: Kuhlola ngekulandzela nekubuka konkhe lokwentiwa ngumfundzi etifundvweni takhe.
English: Diagnostic Assessment – Evaluation that carefully observes all aspects of a learner’s performance across subjects.
Kuhlola Ngekuhlahlela (Analytical Assessment)
Siswati: Kuhlola umsebenti ngekufuna kutsi uhlahlelwe kukhishwe tincenye tawo.
English: Analytical Assessment – Assessing work to analyze and extract its critical components.
Kuchumana Ngekuphimisa (Verbal Communication)
Siswati: Kuchumana ngekuphimisa ngemlomo.
English: Verbal Communication – Communicating orally using spoken words.
Kuchumana Ngekungaphimisi Ngemlomo (Non-Verbal Communication)
Siswati: Kuchumana ngetitfo temtimba nobe ngetimphawu.
English: Non-Verbal Communication – Using body language or symbols to convey messages.
Kuphumelela Ngekubonelelwa (Progression by Support)
Siswati: Kwendluliselwa embili kwemfundzi longakaphumeleli ngalokufanele.
English: Supported Progression – Advancing a learner who hasn’t fully met the criteria with added support.
Kutsatsa Luhlangotsi (Taking a Stand)
Siswati: Inkhulumo levunako.
English: Taking a Stand – Delivering a speech or argument in favor of a specific point of view.
Kwehlwaya (Investigate)
Siswati: Kutfungatsa /kufuna lwati ngekubukisisa.
English: Investigate – Observing or researching to gain knowledge or solve a problem.
Libhukutinhlelomalangonkhe (Diary)
Siswati: Libhuku lekubhalwa kulo tonkhe tehlekalo netinhlelo tamalangonkhe.
English: Diary – A book for recording daily events and plans.
Likhadimbiko (Report Card)
Siswati: Likhadi lemininingwane yemiphumela yemfundzi.
English: Report Card – A card showing a learner’s performance and results.
Lizinga Lekuhlola (Assessment Standard)
Siswati: Licophelo lesimo selizinga lekuhlola.
English: Assessment Standard – The benchmark or criteria for evaluating learners.
Luhlolo Loluchubekako (Continuous Assessment)
Siswati: Luhlolo lolwentiwa njalo kubona inchubo yemfundzi etifundvweni takhe.
English: Continuous Assessment – Ongoing evaluation of a learner’s progress in studies.
Lulwimi Lwasekhaya (Home Language)
Siswati: Lulwimi umfundzi lacala ngalo kukhuluma ekhaya.
English: Home Language – The first language spoken by a learner at home.
Lulwimi Lwekwngeta (Additional Language)
Siswati: Lulwimi lolufundvwa ngumfundzi lube lungasilo lwasekhaya.
English: Additional Language – A language learned by a student other than their home language.
Luphawu (Symbol)
Siswati: Yintfo letsatsa indzawo yalenye intfo.
English: Symbol – Something that represents or stands for another.
Ludvweshu (Conflict)
Siswati: Kwehlukana kwembono, kulwa emkhatsini webalingisi.
English: Conflict – A disagreement or struggle between characters or ideas.
Luhlolosibutselo (Summative Assessment)
Siswati: Luhlolo lwasekupheleni kwemnyaka lolusonga konkhe lokufundvwe ngumfundzi.
English: Summative Assessment – End-of-year evaluation summarizing all that a learner has learned.
Luhlolotidzingo (Needs Assessment)
Siswati: Luhlolo lolucondze incenye letsite yebutsakatsaka bemfundzi.
English: Needs Assessment – An assessment aimed at identifying specific areas where a learner struggles.
Sakhiwo Senkondlo (Poetry Structure)
Siswati: Sifaka ekhatsi tinhlobo tetinkondlo, luchumano, sifanamisindvo, sicedzelelamcondvo.
English: Poetry Structure – The components of a poem, such as types, rhyme, and imagery.
Sifanamsindvo (Alliteration)
Siswati: Kufanana kwemisindvo egameni/emshweni.
English: Alliteration – The repetition of similar sounds at the beginning of words in a sentence or phrase.
Sifanangwaca (Assonance)
Siswati: Kufanana kwabongwaca egameni/emshweni.
English: Assonance – Repetition of vowel sounds within words in a sentence or phrase.
Silutfo (Euphemism)
Siswati: Intfo lofuna kuyisho ngendlela lesikako nobe lehlabako.
English: Euphemism – A mild or indirect expression used to replace one considered harsh or blunt.
Siga Senkhulumo (Idiom)
Siswati: Yinkhulumo lenongiwe, lesasisho, sib. utakukhandza kugcwele, ungakhotsa ingcoza; utawukhomba umuti lonetjwala.
English: Idiom – A figurative expression or saying, e.g., “you will find abundance” or “you will identify a drinking house.”
Sigcogcamagama (Thesaurus)
Siswati: Incwadzi legcogcele ndzawonye emagama lahambelanako kanye netinchazelo tawo.
English: Thesaurus – A book compiling synonyms and their meanings.
Sihabiso (Exaggeration)
Siswati: Kuchaza intfo ngendlela leyandzisako.
English: Exaggeration – Describing something in an overstated or magnified way.
Sihlanganiso (Compound Sentence)
Siswati: Ligama lelihlanganisa imisho ibe ngumusho munye.
English: Compound Sentence – A sentence formed by combining two or more sentences into one.
Sikhangisi (Advertisement)
Siswati: Tekuchumana letisebentisa lulwimi lwekuhhunga tetsamelilwati.
English: Advertisement – A form of communication using persuasive language to attract an audience.
Sikhanyisamcondvo (Foreshadowing)
Siswati: Lokuveta simo lesingembikwesigameko lesitsite.
English: Foreshadowing – Hints or clues about events that will occur later in the story.
Silinganisi/Sikali (Scale)
Siswati: Bungako bemamaki etifundvo.
English: Scale – A range or standard used to measure performance, such as marks in a subject.
Silinganisoncane (Minimum Standard)
Siswati: Samba sebuncane bemamaki lekulindzeleke kutsi bafundzi bangatfoli ngaphansi kwaso.
English: Minimum Standard – The lowest mark or level expected for learners to achieve.
Silinganisozinga (Benchmark)
Siswati: Lizinga lelisincumo lekulindzeleke kutsi bafundzi ba ke kulo ngemamaki kute kutsiwe baphumelele kahle.
English: Benchmark – A set standard of marks expected for learners to pass successfully.
Simongcondvo (Context)
Siswati: Umcondvo lekukhulunywa ngawo ekuchumaneni.
English: Context – The ideas or setting surrounding communication.
Sinikamongo (Summary)
Siswati: Ku nyeta tekuchumana ngekunika umongo /ingcikitsi /indzikimba wato nje kuphela.
English: Summary – Condensing communication to provide only the main ideas or themes.
SiTatimende seKharikhulamu saVelonkhe (CAPS)
Siswati: Incwadzi yeNchubomgomo yeMfundvo yaseNingizimu Afrika.
English: Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) – The official document guiding education policy in South Africa.
Siphukuto (Paradox)
Siswati: Sisho lesiphambene nalesikushoko.
English: Paradox – A statement that contradicts itself yet may reveal a truth.
Takhi Telulwimi (Language Features)
Siswati: Tinhlangotsi telulwimi (titfo tenkhulumo, tisho, taga).
English: Language Features – Elements of language, such as figures of speech, idioms, and proverbs.
Tifundvo Letingumgogodla (Core Subjects)
Siswati: Tifundvo letiphatselene nemsebenti lotawufundzelwa ngumfundzi.
English: Core Subjects – Subjects directly related to a learner’s chosen career or field of study.
Tifundvosisekelo (Foundation Subjects)
Siswati: Tifundvo letiphocelelekile kutsi batifundze badzimate ba ke ebangeni le-12.
English: Foundation Subjects – Subjects learners are required to study as part of their curriculum.
Tifundvo Tekutikhetsela (Elective Subjects)
Siswati: Tifundvo umfundzi latikhetsela tona kwengeta kuleto letiphocelelwe nakuleto letingumgogodla.
English: Elective Subjects – Optional subjects chosen by learners to complement their core studies.
Ematheksthi (Texts)
Siswati: Imibhalo yetincwadzi njengemanoveli, imidlalo, ema-eseyi, tinkhulumo, tibonwa.
English: Texts – Written works such as novels, plays, essays, speeches, and visual texts.
Tetsamelilwati (Audience)
Siswati: Balaleli, tibukeli, bafundzi bemibhalo (bonkhe labemukela lwati ngetindlela letehlukene).
English: Audience – Listeners, viewers, or readers who receive information through different means.
Tincwadzimsindvo (Audio Texts)
Siswati: Tincwadzi letihambisana nalokucoshiwe.
English: Audio Texts – Texts presented as recordings.
Titfombemnyakato (Movement Illustrations)
Siswati: Ema oshadi – titfombe letikhombisa umnyakato lotsite.
English: Movement Illustrations – Visual aids showing specific motions.
Umbhalombiko (Report Writing)
Siswati: Umbhalo wetincwadzi, emaminitsi, imibiko.
English: Report Writing – The practice of documenting letters, minutes, and reports.
Umbhalomdvwebo (Graphic Text)
Siswati: Umbhalo lowetfulwa ngemidvwebo.
English: Graphic Text – Written content presented using illustrations or graphics.
Umphumelamcoka (Key Outcome)
Siswati: Umphumela lobalulekile lekufanele wonkhe umfundzi awuzuze.
English: Key Outcome – The primary result all learners are expected to achieve.
uMtsetfo nemaCophelo ebaFundzisi (Code of Conduct for Teachers)
Siswati: uMtsetfo lowengamele kutiphatsa kwabo bonkhe bafundzisi bato tonkhe tikhungo temfundvo.
English: Code of Conduct for Teachers – A law governing the professional conduct of all teachers in educational institutions.
uMtsetfo wekukhetsa tifundvo (Subject Selection Policy)
Siswati: Umgomo lolandzelwako uma kukhetfwa tifundvo letihambelanako emaBangeni 10-12.
English: Subject Selection Policy – Guidelines for choosing appropriate subjects in Grades 10-12.
Kuhlanganisa Lwati (Information Gathering)
Siswati: Kubutsela lwati lolutsite ndzawonye.
English: Information Gathering – The process of collecting specific information.
Sidlalangemagama (Repetition)
Siswati: Inkhulumo nobe ligama lokuphindvwaphindvwa ngalokungadzingeki.
English: Repetition – Unnecessary repetition of words or phrases. Example: “Mjingi namkhotsane” or “Sinkhwa nabhotela.”
Sigaba seKwakha neKusebentisa emagama (Word Formation and Usage)
Siswati: Luhlelo lolufundzisa ngenkhulumo lehhungako kanye nekwatiwa kwemagama.
English: Word Formation and Usage – The study of creating and applying words effectively in speech and writing.
Inkhulumo lehhungako (Persuasive Speech)
Siswati: Yinkhulumo lentjintja umcindvo wemuntfu ente lokushiwo ngulokhulumako.
English: Persuasive Speech – A speech intended to influence or change someone’s mindset.
Kufundza ngekukha etulu (Skimming)
Siswati: Kufundza ngekusheshisa ubuka tihlokwana letitsite.
English: Skimming – Reading quickly to locate specific details.
Kufundzisisa (In-depth Reading)
Siswati: Kufundza ngenhloso yekutfola lonkhe lwati lolusembhalweni.
English: In-depth Reading – Reading with the purpose of understanding all the content in a text.
Sichazamagama lesilwimilunye (Monolingual Dictionary)
Siswati: Sichazamagama lesibhalwe ngelulwimi lunye.
English: Monolingual Dictionary – A dictionary written in a single language.
Sichazamagama lesilwimimbili (Bilingual Dictionary)
Siswati: Sichazamagama lesibhalwe ngetilwimi letimbili.
English: Bilingual Dictionary – A dictionary written in two languages.
Kuvakala kwelivi (Rising Tone)
Siswati: Kukhuluma ngelivi lelisettulu.
English: Rising Tone – Speaking with a high pitch or elevated tone.
Inkhulumo lelulata (Simplified Speech)
Siswati: Yinkhulumo lebeka senteko /intfo lenkhulu ngemagama lalula.
English: Simplified Speech – Presenting complex ideas or topics in simple terms.
Buviyoviyo (Intonation)
Siswati: Kewhla nekwenyuka kweliphimbo lokubitwa ngekut liphimbo.
English: Intonation – The variation in pitch while speaking.
Umoya (Mood)
Siswati: Simo sekuvana emkhatsini wetetsamelilwati/ simo sekuphilisana kwebalingisi embhalweni.
English: Mood – The emotional atmosphere between characters or within the text, evoking feelings in the audience.
Ithoni (Tone)
Siswati: Yindlela yekusebentisa liphimbo/livi.
English: Tone – The manner of expression in speech or writing, often reflecting the author’s attitude.
Sentokuphocelela (Instructional Language)
Siswati: Sento lesikuphocelela kwenta lokutsite.
English: Instructional Language – Commands or directions, such as “read,” “analyze,” or “write.”
Sigci (Repetition of Sound Patterns)
Siswati: Sigci kuphindzaphindza iphethini yemsindvo lotsite.
English: Sound Pattern Repetition – Repeating specific sound patterns for emphasis or rhythm.
Kuhleleka kwenkhundla (Stage Directions)
Siswati: Imilayeto lebika lokutawenteka enkhundleni/ esiteji.
English: Stage Directions – Instructions in a play indicating actions or movements on stage.
Sincomo (Suggestion)
Siswati: Siphakamiso nembono lotsite lekusadzinga kudzingidvwa kute ku nyelelwe esivumelwaneni.
English: Suggestion – A proposed idea or opinion requiring further discussion to reach an agreement.
Sijobelelo (Conclusion)
Siswati: Ngemagama latijobelelo abe achubekisa umcondvo lotsite.
English: Conclusion – A closing statement that extends a thought or argument.
Inhlososigameko (Purpose of an Event)
Siswati: Sigameko emdlalweni lesenteka ngoba kunenhloso letsite.
English: Purpose of an Event – The reason behind a specific action or occurrence in a play.
Umusho lombicimagalagala (Complex Sentence)
Siswati: Ngumusho lohlanganise tinhlobo temishwa letehlukene.
English: Complex Sentence – A sentence combining different clauses for a nuanced expression
Takhi temisho (Sentence Structure)
- Explanation: The arrangement of words and phrases to create meaningful sentences. It includes subject, predicate, and modifiers.
- Example: “Ngiyafundza esikolweni.” (I am studying at school.)
Takhi Telulwimi (Language Structures)
- Explanation: The systematic arrangement of linguistic components such as phrases, clauses, and conjunctions.
- Example: The use of conjunctions like “futsi” (and) to link ideas in a text.
Titfo Teligama (Parts of Speech)
- Explanation: Includes nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and verbs with their specific roles in sentences.
- Examples:
- Libito emabitosimo: Proper nouns, e.g., “Lobamba”.
- Emabitomvama: Common nouns, e.g., “inkomo” (cow).
- Emabito lalukhuni: Abstract nouns, e.g., “injabulo” (happiness).
- Emabitombici: Collective nouns, e.g., “sichudeni” (class).
- Emabito langabaleki: Verbal nouns, e.g., “kufundza” (studying).
Timphambosi (Verb Moods)
- Explanation: Variations in verbs to indicate different states of action or intent.
- Examples:
- Indlela leyamile: Positive mood, e.g., “Ngiyasebenta.” (I am working.)
- Indlela lephikako: Negative mood, e.g., “Angisasebenti.” (I am not working.)
Tandziso (Adverbial Modifiers)
- Explanation: Words or phrases that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
- Examples:
- Sikhatsi: Time, e.g., “Ngisuke ekuseni.” (I left in the morning.)
- Sendzawo: Place, e.g., “Ngihlezi eceleni.” (I am sitting next to.)
Kuhleleka Kwetindzima (Arrangement of Clauses)
- Explanation: The sequencing of clauses or phrases to achieve coherence and clarity.
- Examples:
- Kwekucala: Firstly.
- Kwesibili: Secondly.
- Ekugcineni: Finally.
Imisho lekhontile lomagalagala (Compound Sentences)
- Explanation: Sentences with two or more independent clauses connected by conjunctions.
- Example: “Ngifundza, futsi ngiyasebenta.” (I am studying, and I am also working.)
Sipelingi (Spelling)
- Explanation: The rules and patterns for correctly spelling words.
- Examples:
- Use of ihayifeni (hyphen): “inhliziyo-yetsemba” (heart of hope).
- Use of ikholoni (colon): “Ngitsandza loku: ukufundza nekubhala.” (I love this: reading and writing.)
Emacandza Echazamagama (Definitions of Terms)
- Explanation: Clear and precise meanings provided for specific words or phrases.
- Example: “Imoya” means mood or emotional tone.
Inshokutsi lesobala nalejulile (Explicit and Implicit Meanings)
- Explanation:
- Lesobala: Explicit meaning, e.g., “Kudla kwemuntfu” (food for humans).
- Lesejulile: Implicit meaning, e.g., “Umtfombo wempilo” (source of life—referring to water).
Tibiti/Tentakutsi (Exclamations)
- Explanation: Words used to express emotions or call attention.
- Examples:
- Tibiti: “Mfana!” (Boy!)
- Tibabato: “Hawu!” (Oh!)
Imphambosi (Modifiers)
- Explanation: Elements in a sentence that clarify or change the meaning of another word.
- Examples:
- Indlela lesalibito: Modifiers indicating noun possession, e.g., “incwadzi yakhe” (his/her book).
Luhlolo loluchubekako (Continuous Assessment)
- Explanation: Regular evaluation of a student’s performance throughout the academic year.
- Example: Tracking progress through essays, presentations, and tests.
Budlelwane Emkhatsini Welulwimi nemandla (Language and Power Relations)
- Explanation: The influence of language on societal and political structures.
- Example: “Lulwimi lolutintsa imiva” (Language that evokes emotions).