The sound of click languages

Status
Not open for further replies.

probus

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 7, 2011
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
Canada
Current Location
Canada
Most of us have probably heard of the click languages of South Africa. But have you ever wondered, as I have, what they actually sound like? Here's a very brief introduction:

 

Amigos4

VIP Member
Joined
Oct 1, 2007
Member Type
Academic
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
Amazing! It would take me a very long time to learn the Zulu click language! I have enough trouble learning English! :eek:
 

emsr2d2

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
The wonderful Trevor Noah speaks Xhosa, a Buntu language that includes clicks. I've heard him speak it (on TV) a few times. It's incredible. I have a feeling it's one of those things you have to grow up speaking. I doubt it's something that could be learned in later life.
 

teechar

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Feb 18, 2015
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
Iraq
Current Location
Iraq
Is there an IPA chart for those sounds? :unsure:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top