IsiZulu is a Southern Bantu language from the Nguni branch, spoken by the Zulu people, South Africa’s largest ethnic group. It is one of the country’s 11 official languages and the most widely spoken home language.
A tonal language with click sounds unique to Southern Africa, isiZulu features a complex grammar system with 15 noun classes and diverse verb forms.
IsiZulu became a written language in the 19th century, documented by European missionaries using the Latin alphabet. Milestones include L. Grout’s first grammar book in 1859 and literary contributions by J.L. Dube, the first Zulu writer. Its literature has since flourished with novels, poems, and plays.
Rich and diverse, isiZulu includes various dialects and incorporates influences from English and Afrikaans. It reflects the history, culture, and aspirations of the Zulu people and is widely used in education, business, tourism, literature, and entertainment.
