Language/Southern-sotho/Vocabulary/Modes-of-Transportation
Introduction
In this lesson, students will learn vocabulary related to different modes of transportation in Southern Sotho. Being able to communicate about transportation is an essential skill for travelers as well as for those who live in Southern Sotho. After completing this lesson, students will be able to identify various modes of transportation in Southern Sotho, understand transport-related questions posed to them and respond appropriately.
Modes of Transportation
Below are some common modes of transportation in Southern Sotho along with their Southern Sotho equivalents, pronunciation, and English translations.
Public Transportation
Bus
A bus is a common mode of transportation in Southern Sotho, particularly in urban areas.
| Southern Sotho | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Tirelo e 'ngoe | tee-reh-loh eh ngwe | Bus |
Train
Train travel is also popular in Southern Sotho, particularly for inter-city travel.
| Southern Sotho | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Setsing se seholo | seh-tseeng seh seh-hoh-loh | Train |
Taxi
Taxis are a common mode of transportation in Southern Sotho. Shared taxis operate in cities and towns, whereas private taxis provide door-to-door transportation.
| Southern Sotho | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | tah-ksi | Taxi |
Traveling by Car
Car
Many people in Southern Sotho own a car, and long-distance travel by car is popular among locals.
| Southern Sotho | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Moto | moh-toh | Car |
Motorcycle
Motorcycles are an affordable and practical mode of transportation, particularly for short distances.
| Southern Sotho | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Morateng | moh-rahteng | Motorcycle |
Bicycle
Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation in rural areas of Southern Sotho.
| Southern Sotho | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Masoteng | mah-soh-teng | Bicycle |
Phrases and Questions Related to Transportation
Phrases
Here are some phrases that will be helpful when traveling in Southern Sotho:
- Ke kholo ya ho tsenya tiri?: What is the fare to take the bus?
- Ke kholo ya ho tsenya taxi?: What is the fare to take the taxi?
- Ke filwe haele kholo ya tsenya moto?: How much does it cost to take a taxi?
- Ke tsenya hong tse ntle?: Am I on the right way?
- Ho fedisa joang?: What time does it leave?
- Ke tsenya kae?: Where is it going?
Questions
Below are some common questions you may come across when traveling in Southern Sotho:
- Haeba u tseba ka tiri, ho etsahala?: Do you know about the bus schedule?
- Ke tla se u fetola?: Should I get off here?
- Ke tla khona joang?: How do I get there?
- Ke patlama ka tsebo ea moteremeng ea mohala le ho tsenya taxi?: Is there a car rental company at the airport or train station?
- Ke tla fumana joang-ho tsoela pele?: How do I proceed?
Cultural Information
In Southern Sotho, it is customary to greet or acknowledge fellow passengers when they enter a shared taxi or a bus. It is also considered polite to give up your seat to an elderly person or a woman carrying a baby or young children. Haggling over the price of a taxi is common in Southern Sotho, and it is expected that riders will try to negotiate a lower fare, especially for short distances. However, it is important to be respectful and avoid bargaining too aggressively.
Conclusion
Transportation plays a key role in Southern Sotho culture, and understanding the vocabulary related to modes of transportation is an essential life skill. By learning the vocabulary and phrases covered in this lesson, students should feel more confident when traveling in Southern Sotho.