Image: Unsplash / David Clode
While isiZulu is a vibrant and colourful language, a lack of scientific terminology for bird species has been made aware of.
Bird names, such as the Cape Sparrow as undlunkulu, are present, but more specifications of different sparrow species need to be rectified.
The correct terminology for wildlife is essential to ensuring that education, communication, and learning in this indigenous language can occur academically.
The South African Journal of Science has made it its mission to give all bird species an isiZulu name. While there is an extension list of isiZulu names for birds, many were left without a namesake due to their rarity in certain parts of South Africa.
The process of assigning isiZulu names to bird species was rigorous, with many procedures in place to ensure it was done with care, consideration, and efficiency.
From workshops with isiZulu academics to linguistic strategies, 327 bird species were allocated a specific name. New grouping names for certain species not commonly seen in KwaZulu-Natal:
- Scaly-feathered Finch named usontshetshana.
- Black-and-white Flycatcher named unosichongo.
- African Spotted Creeper named inkwelamthini.
To learn more, you can read the full scientific research article here.
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