Zulu Translations (ZU)

Zulu Translations:

Accounting for Differences in Dialects and Standardization

A language of the Nguni branch, Zulu (also referred to as isiZulu) is the second most widely spoken Bantu language and one of South Africa’s 11 official languages. With 24% of South Africa’s population speaking Zulu, it is the most widely spoken language in South Africa. Additionally, Zulu’s prevalence has also extended to neighboring regions outside of South Africa, like Zimbabwe, where the Bantu language Northern Ndebele is spoken and shares close relations with Zulu. Likewise, the Nguni language Xhosa, spoken in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, also shares similarities with Zulu and is considered mutually intelligible. However, Zulu itself can be described as having two forms that are not always mutually intelligible.

Standard Zulu (also known as deep Zulu) is taught in schools and maintains some differences with the form of Zulu commonly spoken by people living in cities, known as urban Zulu. Where urban Zulu generously adopts loanwords from English for new concepts, standard Zulu does not, leading to challenges in communication between speakers of standard and urban Zulu. With so many different cultural nuances that vary across regions, the importance of understanding local communities is critical for ensuring success in whatever product or service is entering the market.

Whether you are seeking Zulu to English translations or English to Zulu translations, it is essential to ensure the cultural appropriateness and local sophistication of every project entering or expanding from South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini’s markets.

Through our in-country, subject matter expert linguists, and with over 20 years of experience, CSOFT understands the importance of distinguishing different dialects of Zulu depending on the project.

Translating a Language in the Process of Revival

The Zulu language has undergone a notable revival since its lack of official recognition by the government of South Africa before 1994. In the 1980’s, Zulu-language television debuted with the help of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and has since popularized Zulu-language radio and newspapers. In 1994 Zulu phrases reached American audiences on the silver screen through their use in the song “Circle of Life” in the 1994 film The Lion King. In 2005, a Zulu-language film was Oscar nominated for the first time and in 2019 the global hit song Jerusalema brought Zulu lyrics to audiences around the world, further popularizing South African music, culture, and language.