Speak My Language: Zulu Culture
“Speak my language” is easier said than done in South Africa, as it becomes relatively complex to follow this notion with the vast amounts of languages and culture that exists here. Diversity at its best, boasting 11 official languages and a mass of cultures that have over time merged to create a vast array of interesting characters and features. The most widely spoken language in South Africa is English, however other official languages include Zulu, Xhosa, Venda, Tswana, Pedi, Tsonga, Swazi, Sotho, and Ndebele.
One of the most popular of the African tribal languages spoken is Zulu. The Zulu nation developed largely due to the very powerful King Shaka. Shaka was born to the deceased chieftain of the small, then unknown Zulu clan. Nandi, Shaka’s mother was unwelcome amongst the Zulu tribe, thus Shaka grew up fatherless and amongst people who disapproved of him and his mother. Shaka’s physical development however exceeded those of his peers and he developed into a young man of Zulu warrior stature. With a passion to surmount disadvantage, the teenage boy demonstrated remarkable fighting ability and courage. At the age of 19 he single-handedly killed a leopard which was attacking the livestock. Shaka became king of the Zulus in 1816 when he was about 30 and within a few years he systematically attacked every independent group in the vicinity, either driving them away or merging them within the Zulu nation. Shaka ruled over the Zulu clan over the time of their greatest glories and led their growth from a small clan into the dominant power of coast of south-east Africa.
Although some historians have described Shaka as a tyrant, his actions should be considered in relation to the circumstance in which they took place. In difficult times, difficult measures were implemented and although King Shaka ruled sternly and during times of hardship, he was a just and fair ruler who has left an imprint on today’s Zulu nation, affecting the way the Zulus live their lives today. Today’s Zulus represent their culture through their dress and the weapons they use which include long spears and body length shields often covered in a form of animal skin. Feathered head dresses adorn their heads and their unique dancing style has been enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
South Africa loaded with various cultures and diversity, presents countless opportunities for one another to learn about the civilisations the country possesses. True communication can only be achieved through witnessing each others cultures first hand, opening up a new world of knowledge.
