Communication and Feeling Words Deemed Opposites in Xhosa of South Africa in a Daily Dose of Peace

A Daily Dose of Peace. Each week, I focus on Love, Joy, and Peace in the world languages. January’s fourth week focuses on Southern Africa in Africa.

Light and Darkness opposites in Xhosa poetry South Africa with Kimberly Burnham Photo by Rinck Content Studio on Unsplash

Xhosa Opposites

Xhosa words deemed to be opposites
“Unxibelelwano” (communication) & “Uqhabalako” (disunity)
as if we must talk to find unity

“Isivumelwano” (agreement) & “Impikiswano” (argument)
sometimes we can find common ground between the two

“Incoko” (talk) & Ukuthula (peace, silence)
all good talk, peace and the silence of listening

“Amarhe” (rumour) & “Ubunyaniso” (truth)
may truth always be by our side

“Ukulahlekisa” (misleading) & “Icebiso” (advice)
give good advice

“Inkcaso” (objection) & Ukuvuma (acceptance)
can we ever accept objections

“Isikhalazo” (complaint) & “Ukwaneliseka” (satisfaction)
satisfaction with all that we have

“IIishwa” (misfortune) & “Ithamsanqa” (luck)
may it always to lucky

“Ulunya” (unfriendliness) & “Ububele” (friendliness)
straight forward reaching out to friends

“Uluncya Uthiyo I intiyo (hatred) & “Uthando” (love)
love and happiness always
“Usizi” (sorrow) & “Ulonwabo” (happiness)

South Africa poetry with Kimberly Burnham Photo by Carolinie Cavalli on Unsplash

Originally Published in Peace Poetry Dictionary, The Meaning of Peace and Calm in 5000 Languages on January 28, 2021.