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Xhosa: The Language That Clicks

Updated: Apr 16, 2021



The Xhosa Language


Xhosa, or isiXhosa, is one of the official languages of South Africa and Zimbabwe and is spoken by seven million people. It is the first language of 90% of people living in Khayelitsha, meaning that it is the language of our entrepreneurs working with Uhambo 8286. Xhosa is a Bantu language, which means that it belongs to a family of languages spoken by the people of South Africa. Other Bantu languages include Zulu, Swati, and Swahili.


Xhosa, however, differs from these other Bantu languages because of its unique sound system, specifically its “clicks”. The Xhosa language contains eighteen click consonants, but the three main clicks are represented by the letters C, Q, and X.



The Clicks

The C click is a six-dental click, meaning that it sounds more sharp and high-pitched than the others. Place the tongue at the roof of the mouth, near the front teeth, and suck air inwards towards the tongue. This sound is similar to expressing shame (in a “tsk tsk” manner).


The sound of a Q click is one of the louder, alveolar clicks. It is produced by placing the tongue at the roof of the mouth and releasing it to the bottom. This click could be described as popping the tongue off the roof of the mouth or just making a “cluck” sound.


The X click is one of six of the lateral clicks. This sound is made by clenching the teeth together and sucking inwards from the side of the mouth. This click is often compared to the sound used to call or beckon horses.



Xhosa is known to be one of the most difficult languages to learn because of these clicks and the coordination it takes to be able to pronounce them. The best way to practice these sounds is by pronouncing them with each of the five vowels. For example, try saying “Ca, Ce, Ci, Co, Cu” with both the dental clicks and the voice. Repeat this method with the other click sounds.


After this, try saying them with a few words. The most challenging part will be incorporating them into words at normal speed, but like anything, it can be accomplished through plenty of practice.



Common Words & Phrases


English Xhosa

Hello, how are you? Molo, unjani?

I’m fine thanks, and you? Ndiphilile, enkosi, ujahni wena?

Yes Ewe

No Hayi

Maybe Mhlawumbi

I don’t know Andazi

Sorry Uxolo

Please Ndiyacela

Thank you Enkosi

Reply to thank you Wamkelekile

Goodbye Cheers! Hamba kakuhle

Good health! Impilo!

I understand Ndiyaqonda

I don’t understand Andiqonda

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