Definition

Proper noun 1. A Bantu language of Southern Africa: Matabele (or Ndebele) is a Bantu language spoken primarily by the Ndebele people of Zimbabwe and South Africa. It is closely related to Zulu and is sometimes classified as a dialect of it.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The elder spoke to the children in Matabele.
  • She is conducting research on the grammar of the Matabele language.
  • Some linguists argue that Matabele is a distinct language, while others consider it a Zulu dialect.

Advanced Usage

• Ethnolinguistic context: The term "Matabele" is often used interchangeably with "Ndebele" to refer to the people and their language. In academic contexts, "Northern Ndebele" (spoken in Zimbabwe) and "Southern Ndebele" (spoken in South Africa) are distinguished, with "Matabele" more commonly referring to the Northern variety.

Variants and Related Words

• Ndebele (n): The more common contemporary name for the Matabele people and their language.
• isiNdebele (n): The specific name for the language in the language itself.
• Zulu (n): A closely related Bantu language, of which Matabele is sometimes considered a dialect.

Synonyms

• Ndebele
• isiNdebele

Notes on Meaning

• Historical vs. Modern Usage: "Matabele" is an older, Anglicized term. In modern linguistic and cultural contexts, "Ndebele" is generally preferred.
• Language vs. People: The word can refer specifically to the language or, by extension, to the Ndebele people themselves, though this is less common in purely linguistic definitions.

Noun

1. a Bantu language sometimes considered a dialect of Zulu