Diphthongs (Gliding vowels) in Luchazi to English

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Diphthongs (Gliding vowels)

A diphthong is a sound formed by the combination of two vowels in a single syllable, in which the sound begins as one vowel and moves towards another. Diphthongs are frequent in Luchazi, letter I is pronounced like Y as in the word Niali (sister/brother-in-law). Similarly, letter U make a sound like W in English as in the word Naua (again). There are several diphthongs in Luchazi language, and these are: ai, au, ia or ya˚, ie or ye˚, yi, io or yo˚, iu or yu˚, ua, ue, ui, and uo. Master the diphthongs in Luchazi and you will never go wrong in spelling. In Luchazi, the following are the diphthongs:

1.  "ai" as in fulai (aeroplane).

2.  "au" as in naumu or nomu.

3.  "ia" as in hia (give).

4.  "ie" as in ohiela (save/defend).

5.  "yi" as in eyi (these/this).

6.  "io" as in niotomueno (mother/daughter-in-law).

7.  "iu"  as in asiua (are easy)

8.  "ua" as in kuasa (help).

9.  "ue" as in kueseka (attempt).

10. "ui" as in uisa (bring down).

11.  "uo" as in vuoma (fear).

Note: The letters Q, W, X and Y are not in frequent use in Luchazi spelling and appear only in names, proper nouns and borrowed words from Portuguese and other languages. Here are some words with diphthongs:

1.  Makai (bracelets).

2.  Tuhia = fire. Tuhya is incorrect spelling.

3.  Suameka = ignite/light. Swameka is incorrect.

4.  Muisi = smoke. Mwisi is incorrect.

5.  Fuitanga = struggle with.

6.  Vusiua = grief.

7.  Muizi = thief.

8.  Muana = child. Mwana is incorrect spelling.

9.  Uatsahakulia = glutton.

10.  Lihia = farm/garden.

11.  Muila = grass. Mwila is incorrect spelling.

13.  Mpuila = thirst.

14.  Vuilo = manure/ fertilizer.

15.  Ivuilila = listen.

16.  Liata = stamp on.

17.  Peliangela = stagger.

18.  Taliangela = stagger.

19.  Matuitui = ears.

20.  Muandzi = crack.

21.  Mbueti = walking stick.

22.  Ohia = roar or send a loud sound.

23.  Singanieka = think or recall.

24.  Vuasi = fast.

25. Enieka = destroy.

26.  Vuihi = short.

27. Muiva = belt.

28.  Sueka = hide. Sweka is incorrect spelling.

29.  Hiana = better/overcome.

30.  Kuita = rub.

31.  Tuima = warm/hot.

32.  Huima = rest.

33.  Muongo = back.

34.  Cisuntsuiso = stumbling block.

35.  Cinietete = thumb or big toe.

36.  Niunga = safeguard.

37.  Kasindamatuitui = deaf person.

38.  Uaviuka= beautiful, lovely, handsome.

Wabyuka (written like this when it is a name of a person) is incorrect.

39.  NiaCivueka = mother of Civueka. Not NyaCivueka.

40.  Kavuivuivui = having a poor eyesight.

Master the diphthongs in Luchazi and you will never go wrong in spelling.

For further reading: 

1. Luchazi Grammar by Emil Pearson.

2. Mbimbiliya (The Bible in Luchazi). Get yourself a copy and read it; it will help you to learn more about Luchazi language and understand the Luchazi language better.

A blogger and creative thinker from the Nama clan of the Luchazi people; born from his mother with the lightning bolt. Went to school of life with the alligator and learnt the lessons of the crocodile. He is passionate about his culture and takes every chance to document traditions, customs, culture of the Luchazi people. His great grandfather, Muyemba, from the Nama clan came in with thunder and got out with thunder. And his great grandmother, Mpulu, from the Chungu clan was conceived in the clouds with thunder.

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