funza
The Venda word for 'teach' is funza.
funza is used as a verb meaning to pass on knowledge.
Meaning: to pass on knowledge (verb)
Did you know?
- Because the language is tonal, a slight shift in the pitch of funza can accidentally turn the word for 'teach' into a completely different word with an unrelated meaning.
- In many Southern African contexts, the act of 'teaching' is often seen as a communal responsibility rather than a job held only by a professional instructor.
- The word funza derives from the Proto-Bantu root -túnda, which links it to a linguistic family stretching across Central and Southern Africa.
Example conversation
Azwame and Tshilidzi are talking about their jobs.
- AzwameTshilidzi, vha shumba u funza vha vhane vha vha vhaswa?Tshilidzi, do you work teaching the newcomers?
- TshilidziEe, ndi funza vha vhaswa u shuma.Yes, I teach the newcomers how to work.
- AzwameZwi vhuya u funza vhanzhi.It is good to teach many.
- TshilidziNdi hone, ndi vhuya vhukuma.That's true, it is very rewarding.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries funza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
