khotsimunene
The Venda word for uncle is khotsimunene.
khotsimunene is a noun used to refer to the brother or brother-in-law of a person's parent.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
Did you know?
- The word khotsimunene contains the root munene, which means 'big' or 'great', emphasizing the uncle's seniority over the father.
- In Venda culture, khotsimunene specifically refers to the paternal uncle who is older than the father, as age and seniority strictly dictate kinship terms.
- A person would not use khotsimunene for a maternal uncle, as Venda uses entirely different vocabulary to distinguish between the mother's and father's side of the family.
Example conversation
Tshilidzi is asking Ndivhuwo about her family.
- TshilidziNdivhuwo, khotsimunene wau u vha hone?Ndivhuwo, is your uncle here?
- NdivhuwoEe, khotsimunene u khou litshela.Yes, my uncle is resting.
- TshilidziNdi khou lava u mu vhona.I want to see him.
- NdivhuwoU nga vha na ene ngafho.You can be with him inside.
