“Learn isiZulu!” is a phrase I’ve heard from many people, and one I’ve heard repeated many times since moving to KwaZulu-Natal several years ago. Sometimes people will greet by default in their native tongue, Zulu, prompting the response that I’ve learned only a handful of phrases so far – only enough to understand or answer the basics of conversation. The routine provokes no judgment from most people, who instead seem happy to encourage my efforts, whether I’ve learned an extra word, phrase or proverb.

I haven’t become anything close to fluent in Zulu, though instead I’ve taken the language’s more scenic route and absorbed smaller bits over a longer period of time. Perhaps not all who wander through a language are lost (to paraphrase Tolkien). Here’s how to take the first steps into a new language, however small your initial steps might be.

Arrival in KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal exists as an almost mystical, unfamiliar land to visitors from the rest of southern Africa. It’s become tradition for tourists to flock to this province at least once a year to experience bits and pieces – but like with most places, there are some nuances you’ll only learn about when living here.

The weather is more unpredictable than visitors might think, and I’ve seen the destruction floods and tornadoes leave in their wake, but I have also been lucky enough to spot spectacular sunsets. Petrol and diesel are cheaper than elsewhere in the country; however, you can expect to pay more for snacks and convenience items at the gas station. I’ve been in KwaZulu-Natal for so long that I’ve forgotten what things might have cost at a truck stop or garage before coming here.

My first permanent arrival is in 2017. It takes just a few minutes on my first taxi trip before someone enquires about my Zulu abilities; it takes a few years before I feel more part of the environment.

Don’t underestimate leaflets and signs

Never underestimate the power of leaflets and signs in the quest to learn a new language. Most languages have some type of signage you can absorb, or which you might even need in the absence of English signage. Learn basic words before sentences, and let the subconscious mind worry about how to place them together – at least in the beginning. I’ve learned a lot from scouring signs, pointing around and asking what the object in question might be called. It’s not as confusing as it sounds; gestures alone can find you directions to anywhere – or lead to four hours of walking in circles.

Magwinya represents the vetkoek or “fat cake”, a traditional fried dough that’s become synonymous with quick cuisine. A yababa (literally “yes-sir”) is the name sometimes used to describe the Russian sausage – somewhat close to a kielbasa. Say amafried, and you’re likely referring to fried chips; isinkwa is bread.

The question “Unjani?” – to ask someone how they’re doing – is compulsory before progressing in the discussion with any questions or favours. Politeness comes first in Zulu, like it should in most languages.

I’ve built up a small collection of leaflets and pamphlets in Zulu, including a few health brochures and information on planned parenting. Sometimes I’ll add a newspaper, casually skim the words I recognise and look up the ones that I don’t yet. There isn’t a sign for everything you’ll need (or want) to speak about, but signs are also a good starting point when you’re first finding your way.

Back to the basics

When learning new language skills, most people are tempted to jump into the deep end of the water and want to become fluent in a matter of weeks or months; while I have no doubt that it’s possible, this is also the supposed “starting goal” that discourages many language learners from going further. I’ve heard from many people who have taken introductory courses in a language, usually as children, and have later abandoned their phrases completely when they found themselves bewildered by the sheer vastness of the language. Learning slowly and deliberately paces the brain, adding phrases and words one at a time instead of heaping textbooks’ worth of information on the mind.

Language learning can be made easier by going back to the basics, or returning to much more elementary resources. Don’t begin any language journey by heading straight for its equivalent of the great novel. Start with smaller steps, and consider reading things you’re already familiar with – though in translation. Consider going back to children’s books or resources for much younger readers. While most attempting this strategy might not be young readers anymore, the brain’s journey into the language is still very new.

Look for initiatives like the Global African Storytelling Project, which features several stories in African languages, and the McDonald’s Happy Readers Project, encouraging literacy in several languages, including Zulu. There are practical resources for easier language learning, especially for Zulu, for example, translations of Shakespeare and past examination papers for Zulu learners. Readers can also look at expanding their journey through the vast number of local publishers, including Zulu Books, a South African publisher with a specific language focus. Go back to the basics, and it’s a much easier journey.

e-Zulu: isiZulu on the internet

“Learn isiZulu!” isn’t meant as an insult or a snub anywhere, but comes as an encouraging phrase. Efforts are appreciated, even if you’re only adding a handful of words every few months – inevitably people you see often will notice when your greetings have become a word (or two) more elaborate than the last couple of times.

I’ve come to learn that words can often have double meanings. For example, an inkabi refers to a young bull, but might also refer to a young and (literally) ballsy hitman. The term inyoka could be used to mean a literal snake, but the term is also used to refer to cable thieves (“snakes”), or could also refer to gummies in the shape of a snake – a favourite quick sugar rush. Zulu is an interesting language, with one proverb that compares a person’s vanity to that of a long-haired goat.

This brings me to a resource that’s often necessary to find these meanings: the internet. Some internet information, depending on where you’re sourcing it from, can be inaccurate. However, there’s an increasing amount of correct Zulu information that readers can take full advantage of.

There’s a free Unisa course for the Zulu language and a reliable online dictionary at isiZulu.net. Even without religion present, you might find an isiZulu translation of the Bible useful as a potential learning tool. Language learning website Duolingo has introduced their isiZulu course, and you can find free wiki-related resources at Wikibooks. Users can also head into language or cultural discussions at /r/Zulu.

Learn Zulu, even if you’re only proficient enough in the language to greet someone. It’s often appreciated that you’ve taken the first steps on a new journey when many others have not.