Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'zulu'

English Word: zulu

Key Russian Translations:

• Зулу [ˈzu.lu] - [Proper noun, used for the Zulu ethnic group or language]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in historical, cultural, or academic contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level, as it involves proper nouns and cultural knowledge; learners should be familiar with basic Russian pronunciation and vocabulary before tackling this.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Зулу: [ˈzu.lu]

Note on Зулу: The pronunciation is similar to the English "Zulu," with stress on the first syllable. The 'у' is pronounced like the 'oo' in "food." Be cautious with the soft 'л' sound, which can be tricky for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Referring to the Zulu people, an ethnic group from South Africa, or their language and culture

Translation(s) & Context:

• Зулу - Used in historical, anthropological, or cultural discussions; often in formal or academic settings to denote the ethnic group or language.

Usage Examples:

• В Южной Африке зулу являются одной из крупнейших этнических групп.

  In South Africa, the Zulu are one of the largest ethnic groups.

• Я изучаю язык зулу как часть африканской лингвистики.

  I am studying the Zulu language as part of African linguistics.

• Традиции зулу включают ритуальные танцы и церемонии.

  Zulu traditions include ritual dances and ceremonies.

• Во время путешествия по Африке я встретил носителя языка зулу.

  During my trip to Africa, I met a speaker of the Zulu language.

• Зулу внесли значительный вклад в историю Южной Африки.

  The Zulu made a significant contribution to the history of South Africa.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

As a proper noun in Russian, "Зулу" typically does not undergo regular inflections like common nouns. It remains unchanged in most cases due to its status as a borrowed term from English. However, in certain contexts, it may follow basic Russian noun patterns if treated as a common noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: None directly applicable, as "Зулу" is a specific proper noun. However, related terms include "зулу-народ" (Zulu people), which is essentially a descriptive phrase.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as this is a proper noun without direct opposites. In broader cultural contexts, it might contrast with terms like "европейцы" (Europeans), but this is not a true antonym.

Related Phrases:

• Зулу племена - Refers to Zulu tribes or clans, often used in historical discussions.
• Язык зулу - Means "Zulu language," commonly in linguistic contexts.
• Традиции зулу - Describes "Zulu traditions," highlighting cultural practices.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "Зулу" directly corresponds to the English "Zulu" as a proper noun, maintaining its original form due to loanword conventions. It is typically used in formal or educational contexts rather than everyday speech. When discussing the ethnic group, ensure to pair it with appropriate adjectives for clarity, such as "народ зулу" (Zulu people). Be mindful of cultural sensitivity, as this term relates to a specific indigenous group. If multiple translations exist (e.g., in specialized fields), choose based on context: use "зулу" for the language and "зулу" for the people, with no significant variations.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as [zu'lu] with stress on the second syllable. Correct: [ˈzu.lu] with stress on the first. Explanation: Russian stress patterns differ from English; incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural.

• Error: Using it as a common noun without capitalization, e.g., "зулу" in lowercase. Correct: Always capitalize as "Зулу" in Russian text. Explanation: As a proper noun, it follows Russian capitalization rules for names of peoples and languages.

• Error: Confusing it with similar-sounding words like "зулус" (an incorrect plural form). Correct: It remains "Зулу" in plural contexts, e.g., "зулу как народ." Explanation: Russian proper nouns don't always pluralize regularly, so avoid adding unnecessary endings.

Cultural Notes:

The term "Зулу" refers to the Zulu people of South Africa, known for their rich history, including the Zulu Kingdom and warriors like those led by Shaka Zulu. In Russian culture, this word often appears in educational materials about African history or anthropology, symbolizing resilience and cultural heritage. It carries positive connotations of strength and tradition but should be used respectfully to avoid stereotypes.

Related Concepts:

• Коса (Kosa) - Referring to the Xhosa people, another South African ethnic group.
• Шака Зулу (Shaka Zulu) - A historical figure associated with the Zulu.
• Африканские племена (African tribes) - A broader category including Zulu-related concepts.