Learning the Zulu Language

Talk Now Zulu! is the world's best selling language learning CD-ROM series for beginners, used by more than three million people. Ideal for travellers, holidaymakers, business people, schoolchildren, students and families.

Anyone over 10 years will find the disc indispensable for improving listening, understanding and Zulu language skills. There are nine topics: first words, food, colors, phrases, parts of the body, numbers, time, shopping and countries.

The games and quizzes included on the disc ensure that users have fun whilst using the product, without realizing that they're learning.

At $29.99, the program is inexpensive, easy, and fun to use.

Talk The Talk Zulu

TALK The Talk is designed with teenagers' social lives in mind. It concentrates on the words and phrases young people need for social conversation, including plenty of useful, up-to-date vocabulary. It then builds their spoken confidence, allowing them to compare their accent to that of a native speaker.

Will it work for me?

This program is best suited for teenagers who are beginning to get to grips with Zulu. It's best if you know some basic vocabulary before you start.

Because it's aimed at recent beginners, everything you hear will be clearly spoken at a speed that you can easily keep up with.

What will I learn?

To talk about the things that are relevant to you. We won't bother you with lots of information you won't need or don't find interesting.

Talk The Talk teaches phrases like "I'll send you a text message later" and "we won the game on penalties". Topics include family, school, hobbies, travelling, home, technology, work and sport.

How does it work?

Watch and learn! See and hear how to speak Zulu by watching video footage of native speakers.

Build confidence on a computer. Before testing your new speaking skills in the real world, record yourself, then play back to compare your pronunciation with a native speaker. (Note that we don't use electronic voice analysis: the human ear is usually much more accurate.)

Play interactive games. The comprehension quiz prompts you to react to real life situations, while a challenging recording quiz tests your knowledge and pronunciation.

You earn points for every game you play. High scorers can go on to win bronze, silver and gold awards, which you can print out as a record of achievement.

You can learn on the move. Carry on learning in the airport lounge or on the ferry. Just print out the phrasebook sheets included in the program and take them with you.

System Requirements

Windows 2000 or later
Mac OS X 10.3.9 or above
CD ROM Drive (+ computer microphone)
QuickTime 6 or higher

At $29.99, the program is inexpensive, easy, and fun to use.

World Talk is aimed at intermediate level learners who have already built up some confidence listening to and speaking their target language.

The interactive games and quizzes will help to further develop fluency and understanding of the language. There are 10 interactive games to play featuring topics such as food, weather, directions, sentence construction and animals.

Once you've built up knowledge with the games, try the TV quiz for a challenge, or the dictation praise to improve listening and writing skills. We know this style of learning works as it's how we learn as children; from constant repetition by parents and other adults.

Once you've clicked on the life belt to see what's required of you, then click on the question mark for the repetitive element and you'll be surprised at how soon the different sounds sink into the brain. It's similar to when you visit a country - at first it's difficult to understand anything, but you gradually manage to pick out words until you are constructing more and more complex sentences and improving fluency.

At $29.99, the program is inexpensive, easy, and fun to use.

Talk Business Zulu

PICTURE yourself doing business with someone who doesn't speak your language. The chances are you'll need more than "holiday level" conversation to get by. That's why Talk Business was developed. It teaches you basic business vocabulary so that you can concentrate on the important stuff and not waste time searching for the right words.

Will it work for me?

Talk Business is aimed at people who already have some experience of the language. You must feel confident enough to start up a conversation and keep it going.

The specialist phrases in Talk Business Zulu are clearly spoken at a speed that you can easily keep up with and copy.

What will I learn?

Talk Business Zulu gives you essential vocabulary for the workplace. It covers basics such as "what is your website address?" and "my computer crashed and I lost all my files" as well as more advanced discussion of exchange rates, product guarantees and marketing budgets.

Topics covered are: - Trading, buying and selling - Marketing, advertising and PR - IT, Internet, e-commerce and communications - Banking, finance, stock exchange and accounting - Business meetings - Business travel - Careers - Negotiations - On the phone - General business vocabulary

How does it work?

Watch and learn! See and hear how to speak Zulu by watching video footage of native speakers.

Build confidence on a computer. Before testing your new speaking skills in the real world, record yourself, then play back to compare your pronunciation with a native speaker. (Note that we don't use electronic voice analysis: the human ear is usually more accurate.)

Play interactive games. The comprehension quiz prompts you to react to real life situations, while a challenging recording quiz tests your knowledge and pronunciation.

You earn points for every game you play. High scorers can go on to win bronze, silver and gold awards, which you can print out as a record of achievement.

You can learn on the move. Carry on learning in the airport lounge or on the ferry. Just print out the phrasebook sheets included in the program and take them with you.

System Requirements

Windows 2000 or later
Mac OS X 10.3.9 or above
CD ROM Drive (+ computer microphone)
QuickTime 6 or higher

One of the many memories I have as a child was the frequent visits we made to Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village in the Valley of a Thousand Hills in Kwa Zulu Natal. The beauty of Shakaland and the surrounding mountains is a truly awe inspiring site and a must do for anyone who is visiting Durban in South Africa.

Durban makes many references to Shaka in the naming of its sightseeing attractions so it is best to make sure that you are booking the right tour, which can be pre booked or booked during your stay at one of the many wonderful Durban hotels.

King Shaka was King Of The Zulus, was born in 1787 and was assassinated in 1828 after ruling the Zulu kingdom for ten years. Your first reference to will King Shaka will probably come when you land at the brand new King Shaka International Airport, situated in La Mercy, just north of Durban. The second main reference will be Ushaka Marine World, which is Africa's premier water park and aquarium, situated right on Durban beachfront. This is a great way to spend your day under African skies, and the marine park is right on Durban beachfront so you can simply walk down to the beach when you have had enough and sample the very best of what the Indian Ocean has to offer!

For a truly Zulu cultural experience however, it is best to head to Shakaland Cultural Village, where you will see Zulus dressed in traditional gear, and performing ritual dances and giving you a fascinating insight to the life of traditional Zulus, set in the heart of some of the most beautiful and natural scenery Africa has to offer!

For more information and bookings to Shakaland, as well as information of Durban hotels and other Durban attractions, click here!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/shakaland-zulu-cultural-village-near-durban-south-africa-2599717.html

About the AuthorGraeme Watson was born and bred in Durban and is at the forefront of promoting tourism to Durban, South Africa with his website, www.durbanhotelshop.com.