Learn Xhosa Chap 2 Notes – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
Verbs are listed under their stems
answer
...
question
Verb stems end in -a.
answer
...
question
The basic form of the verb is the infinitive.
answer
ukufunda- to study or studying
question
Pronouns are not separated words which can stand on their own, as in English. They are always attached to the verb.
answer
Ndibona uNomsa. I see Nomsa. Ndifunda isiXhosa. I study Xhosa. Uthetha kakuhle. You speak well. Uthanda ukufunda. You like studying.
question
In English there are several ways of expressing the present tense. This is not the case in Xhosa.
answer
Ndifunda isiXhosa. I study Xhosa. I do study Xhosa. I am studying Xhosa.
question
-ya- is placed before the verb stem if there is no word following the verb. The -ya- has no meaning and occurs only in the present tense positive. It is a peculiarity of the language for which there is no English equivalent.
answer
Ndiyabona. I see. Ndibona uNomsa. I see Nomsa. Ndiyafunda. I study. Ndifunda isiXhosa. I study Xhosa. Uyathetha. You speak. Uthetha isiNegesi. You speak English.
