Moon in Zulu: Did YOU know how to say it?

The moon is one of the most impressive lights in the sky. But would you know how to describe it to South Africans who speak another language?

South Africans have been looking at the same light for generations. This also means that every language has a different word for it.

ALSO READ: When is the next FULL MOON in South Africa?

Have you ever wondered what the word is in Zulu – or in Sign Language?

Here is how different South African languages say it.

‘Inyanga’ means ‘moon’ in Zulu

According to WordHippo, the word ‘inyanga’ means moon in Zulu.

The same word is also used to describe traditional herbalists, who are known for collecting herbs and plants – possibly doing some of their work by moonlight.

ALSO READ: What was that dot near the Super Blue Moon?

The planetary body has always been an important part of South African culture. It’s only natural for the word to be incorporated into every language on its own.

Ancient beliefs held that the marks on the moon were made by a woman who walked over the surface, leaving her prints behind.

Other words for the sky orb

According to the Astronomical Society of South Africa, it can also be called Ndwezi (Chishona, Tshivenda), or Ngwedi (Sesotho, Setswana).

ALSO READ: Watch the Blue Crane Moon on September 30

Sign Language has its own sign for it too, resembling the letter C.

The Afrikaans word for it is ‘maan’, to add one more language!

Unfortunately for most English-speakers, the association with the orb is less exciting. To moon someone, means to expose your buttocks like two full moons as a prank or insult.

The next full moon event

The next full event is on the 29^th to 30^th of September, according to Time and Date.

ALSO READ: Super Blue Moon: When is the next one?

This is also called the Blue Crane, named to remember an important part of South Africa’s heritage. If you didn’t know this, that’s the official National Bird of Southern Africa!

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