Language/Swati/Grammar/Negation
Hi Swati learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about negation in Swati grammar. Negation is the process of denying or negating a statement. In Swati grammar, negation is denoted by adding particular particles before or after a verb. By the end of this lesson, you will learn how to properly negate a sentence in Swati.
Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: Pronouns, Conditional Mood & How to Use Have.
Negation Particle[edit | edit source]
To negate verbs in Swati, we need to add a negation particle. The most common negation particle in Swati is "angikhohlwe". It is used to negate present tense verbs. For example:
| Swati | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ngikhuluma | /ŋi.kʰu.'lu.ma/ | I am speaking |
| angikhohlwe ngikhuluma | /a.ŋi.kʰɔ.'ɬwe ŋi.kʰu.'lu.ma/ | I am not speaking |
In the above example, we added the negation particle "angikhohlwe" before the present tense verb "ngikhuluma". The negation particle is a combination of "a-" which means "not", "ngi-" which is the 1st person singular subject prefix, and "-kholwe" which means "do not".
The negation particle "awukho" is used for the negative past tense form. For example:
| Swati | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ngikhuluma | /ŋi.kʰu.'lu.ma/ | I spoke |
| angikholwa | /a.ŋi.kʰɔ.'lwa/ | I did not speak |
In this case, we added the negation particle "a-" and the verb stem "-kwala" (to be able to speak) together to create the word "angikholwa". This means "I did not speak".
The negation particle "akari" is used for the negative perfect tense form. For example:
| Swati | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ngikhuluma | /ŋi.kʰu.'lu.ma/ | I have spoken |
| angikhulumi akari | /a.ŋi.kʰu.'lum.i a.'ka.ri/ | I have not spoken |
In this example, we added the negation particle "a-" and the verb stem "-kari" (to give, to put) together to create the word "angikhulumi akari". This means "I have not spoken".
Double Negation[edit | edit source]
In Swati language, double negation is used to emphasize negation. To create a double negation sentence, we need to add "kabi" or "kawukati" to the sentence. For example:
| Swati | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| angikholwi kuKhanyi | /a.ŋi.'kʰɔ.'lwi ku.'kʰaɲi/ | I do not know Khanyi |
| angikhulumi kabi kuKhanyi | /a.ŋi.'kʰu.'lum.i 'ka.bi ku.'kʰaɲi/ | I really do not know Khanyi |
In the above example, we added the word "kabi" after the negation particle "angikhulumi". This makes the negation even stronger.
Practice Sentences[edit | edit source]
To reinforce your learning, here are some practice sentences:
- Person 1: Ngiphuma ekhaya. (I am going home)
- Person 2: Angiphumi ekhaya. (I am not going home)
- Person 1: Ngikhuluma isiZulu. (I am speaking Zulu)
- Person 2: Angikhulumi isiZulu. (I am not speaking Zulu)
- Person 1: Ngikhuluma ngeZwi lakho. (I am speaking your language)
- Person 2: Angikhulumi ngeZwi lakho. (I am not speaking your language)
- Person 1: Ngikhathele ukudla. (I finished eating)
- Person 2: Angikhathele ukudla. (I did not finish eating)
- Person 1: Ngiphethe ingane. (I caught a child)
- Person 2: Angiphethe ingane. (I did not catch a child)
- Person 1: Ngiphumelela. (I have arrived)
- Person 2: Angiphumeleli. (I have not arrived)
Cultural Insight[edit | edit source]
Swati is widely spoken in Swaziland, South Africa, and Mozambique. Learning Swati can be useful if you are traveling to these countries. Swati is one of the oldest languages, and the Zulu language shares a lot of similarities with Swati language. There are many Swati communities you can connect with on Polyglot Club. Remember to also find native speakers and ask them any questions you may have! 😊
Sources[edit | edit source]
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Conditional Mood
- Plurals
- Adjectives
- How to Use Have
- Give your Opinion
- Questions
- Pronouns
- Future Tense
- How to Use Be