imfene
The Xhosa word for baboon is imfene.
imfene is used to refer to the primate known as a baboon.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Did you know?
- In Xhosa culture, the imfene is often portrayed in folklore as a clever but mischievous trickster, similar to the role of the hare in other African traditions.
- The classification of imfene in Xhosa grammar is part of a highly sophisticated system of over fifteen noun classes.
- The plural form of imfene requires a change to the initial prefix, which is a fundamental feature of the Bantu language family that differs from English suffixes.
Example conversation
Two friends are visiting a wildlife park.
- OlwethuJonga le mfene, Lwazi!Look at this baboon, Lwazi!
- LwaziYenza ntoni le mfene?What is this baboon doing?
- OlwethuIyaqhuba idolo yayo.It is rubbing its knee.
- LwaziImfene ihlekisa kithi.The baboon is laughing at us.
