Xhosa Phrasebook

You can download this handy printable 9-page Xhosa phrasebook here: www.wildcoast.co.za/files/XhosaPhrasebook.pdf

The booklet contains the following hints on pronunciation, commonly used phrases, and useful English to Xhosa word translations:

Also see the NEW: Xhosa Live Dictionary  Best online Xhosa - English dictionary. Translates individual words from/to English or Xhosa.

Pronunciation guide

 

Vowels
a	like a in hard
e	like e in red
i	like ee in seen
o	like a in all
u	like oo in moon
Consonants
d, f, h, j, l, m, n	Pronounced as in English
s, sh, v, w, y, z	Pronounced as in English
dl	Similar in sound to hl (see below)
g	always like g in go
hl	Place your tongue to the side of your mouth and expel the air (like Welsh ll sound)
ts	A hissing sound made by placing your tongue just above your teeth and ejecting air.
tsh	similar to dge in judge
ty	similar to dge in judge
r	pronounced like "ch" in Reich
Common diphthongs
Clicks
c	Place your tongue at the back of the teeth and suck in, like when expressing annoyance.
q	Place your tongue on the roof of the mouth and suck in, like imitating a clock's ticking.
x	Place your tongue on your upper right jaw and pull it down, as if urging on a horse.

The 60km stretch of Wild Coast from Port St Johns to Coffee Bay is well suited to the more budget-conscious traveller looking for an authentic Wild Coast Experience. On this 5 day hiking trail you can chose between friendly village-based homestays, chilled-out backpackers, or a combination of both. You'll pass some impressive natural phenomenans, along the undulating terrain through which this hike traverses. From the fascinating Table Mountain sandstone cliffs of Port St Johns; to the arched bays of Mpande and Mdumbi (voted one of SA's top three beaches and surfing hotspot); the impressive dolerite intrusion at Brazen Head and the fabled landmark, Hole in the Wall, where the roar of ocean through this hollowed cliff, has earnt the Xhosa name “esiKhaleni”( place of sound).