IsiZulu Style Guide
Contents
What's New? .................................................................................................................................... 4
New Topics ................................................................................................................................... 4
Updated Topics ............................................................................................................................ 4
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 5
About This Style Guide ................................................................................................................ 5
Scope of This Document .............................................................................................................. 5
Style Guide Conventions .............................................................................................................. 5
Sample Text ................................................................................................................................. 6
Recommended Reference Material ............................................................................................. 7
Normative References .............................................................................................................. 7
Informative References ............................................................................................................. 7
Language Specific Conventions ...................................................................................................... 8
Country/Region Standards ........................................................................................................... 8
Characters ................................................................................................................................ 8
Date .......................................................................................................................................... 8
Time ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Numbers ................................................................................................................................. 12
Sorting ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Geopolitical Concerns ................................................................................................................ 18
Grammar, Syntax & Orthographic Conventions ......................................................................... 19
Adjectives ................................................................................................................................ 19
Articles .................................................................................................................................... 19
Capitalization .......................................................................................................................... 20
Compounds............................................................................................................................. 20
Gender .................................................................................................................................... 20
Genitive ................................................................................................................................... 21
Modifiers ................................................................................................................................. 21
Nouns ...................................................................................................................................... 21
Prepositions ............................................................................................................................ 22
Pronouns ................................................................................................................................. 22
Punctuation ............................................................................................................................. 23
Singular & Plural ..................................................................................................................... 25
Split Infinitive ........................................................................................................................... 25
Subjunctive ............................................................................................................................. 25
Symbols & Non-Breaking Spaces........................................................................................... 25
Syntax ..................................................................................................................................... 25
Verbs ....................................................................................................................................... 25
Word Order ............................................................................................................................. 26
Style and Tone Considerations .................................................................................................. 26
Audience ................................................................................................................................. 26
Style ........................................................................................................................................ 26
Tone ........................................................................................................................................ 27
Voice ....................................................................................................................................... 27
Localization Guidelines .................................................................................................................. 29
General Considerations ............................................................................................................. 29
Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................... 29
Accessibility ............................................................................................................................ 29
Acronyms ................................................................................................................................ 30
Applications, Products, and Features ..................................................................................... 30
Frequent Errors ....................................................................................................................... 30
Glossaries ............................................................................................................................... 31
Fictitious Information ............................................................................................................... 31
Recurring Patterns .................................................................................................................. 31
Standardized Translations ...................................................................................................... 31
Unlocalized Items.................................................................................................................... 31
Using the Word Microsoft ....................................................................................................... 32
Software Considerations ............................................................................................................ 32
User Interface ......................................................................................................................... 32
Messages ................................................................................................................................ 33
Keys ........................................................................................................................................ 37
Document Translation Considerations ....................................................................................... 42
Titles ....................................................................................................................................... 42
Copyright ................................................................................................................................. 42
What's New?
Last Updated: February 2011
New Topics
The following topics were added:

n/a
Updated Topics
The following topics were updated:

n/a
4
Introduction
This Style Guide went through major revision in February 2011 in order to remove outdated and unnecessary
content. It contains information pertaining to all Microsoft products and services.
About This Style Guide
The purpose of this Style Guide is to provide everybody involved in the localization of IsiZulu Microsoft products
with Microsoft-specific linguistic guidelines and standard conventions that differ from or are more prescriptive than
those found in language reference materials. These conventions have been adopted after considering context
based on various needs, but above all, they are easy to follow and applicable for all types of software to be
localized.
The Style Guide covers the areas of formatting, grammatical conventions, as well as stylistic criteria. It also
presents the reader with a general idea of the reasoning behind the conventions. The present Style Guide is a
revision of our previous Style Guide version with the intention of making it more standardized, more structured,
and easier to use as a reference.
The guidelines and conventions presented in this Style Guide are intended to help you localize Microsoft products
and materials. We welcome your feedback, questions and concerns regarding the Style Guide. You can send us
your feedback via the Microsoft Language Portal feedback page.
Scope of This Document
This Style Guide is intended for the localization professional working on Microsoft products. It is not intended to
be a comprehensive coverage of all localization practices, but to highlight areas where Microsoft has preference
or deviates from standard practices for IsiZulu localization.
Style Guide Conventions
In this document, a plus sign (+) before a translation example means that this is the recommended correct
translation. A minus sign (-) is used for incorrect translation examples.
In Microsoft localization context, the word term is used in a slightly untraditional sense, meaning the same as e.g.
a segment in Trados. The distinguishing feature of a term here is that it is translated as one unit; it may be a
traditional term (as used in terminology), a phrase, a sentence, or a paragraph.
References to interface elements really only refer to translatable texts associated with those interface elements.
Example translations in this document are only intended to illustrate the point in question. They are not a source
of approved terminology. Always check for approved translation in the Microsoft terminology database.
5
Sample Text
USosobala Gumede wabe aziwa kakhulu endaweni yaseNgonyameni, eThekwini ngoba phela wayewukhokhovu
lwenyanga eyayelapha zonke izifo ongase uzicabange. Kuthe ngenxa yokudlondlobala kukaSosobala, kwaqala
kwabonakala nalapha ekhaya ukuthi sekudliwa izambane likapondo; impela babengasadli lutho olubabayo.
Kwakhiwa isithabathaba somuzi, udedangendlale uqobo lwawo, kwathengwa ezikanokusho izimoto, ngisho
nezingane zakhona zashintsha zangasafana nezasendaweni, zahamba izikole zasedolobheni, koBelungu. Lokhu
phela ubaba wazo useyisiqumama sendawo.
Wakubuka wakubuka lokhu uSosobala wabona ukuthi sekumenza nyamana mambana nasemphakathi ngoba
abantu sebethi uzenza ngcono, futhi usephila impilo yesilungu, ingabe wona amakhambi esintu usawazi yini.
Laqala lehla idumela lakhe emphakathini wangakubo. Ube esecabanga isu elingamdonsela amakhasimende
lapha nasezindaweni ezikude.
Langa limbe ebuya kokhendla le emathafeni asemngceleni waseThekwini naseMidilova, esezophumela ngale
kwehlathi elikhulukazi, iHluthankungu, wezwa omame ababili bekhuluma:
Owokuqala: We MaHlongwa, kodwa ubusuyizwile indaba yaSosobala?
Owesibili: Indaba ethini we MaNgidi? Lokhu phela ungundab‟uzekwayo kulezi zinsuku.
Owokuqala: Bathi bamuzwa emsakazweni wesiZulu njalo ekuseni nakusihlwa ekhuluma.
Owesibili: Suka lapha wena! Bathini?
Owokuqala: Bathi usehlala emsakazweni le eThekwini ke ntombi!
Owesibili: Lesi siqhaza? Kanti ave kuhlala izifundiswa lapho esiveteza isiNgisi ngamakhala?
Owokuqala: Angazi-ke nami MaHlongwa, kodwa kuthiwa uye abize abantu athi mabeze ngobuningi babo lapha
kwakhe ngoba yena khokhovu lwalapha eNgonyameni asikho isifo angaselaphi! Phela nami ngike ngamuzwa
ngalezi zami. Kusanda kuphela isiqephu lesi santamba emsakazweni.
Owesibili: Hayi bo ntombi!
Owokuqala: Washo ntombi wathi mababhalele kwanombolo 18 Qhude Road
Private Bag X1013
Ngonyameni,
4066
noma bazifikele bona qathatha kwaSosobala, eNgonyameni. Uze washiya inombolo yakhe yocingo ethi: 031 906
5567
Owesibili: Cha yena, mabi amanga, uyawazi umuthi loya muntu. Babemane bemmonazela nje ngoba esevele
equbuka endaweni bekade bengamnakile. Mina wangelapha ngavuka qingqo bekade bethi bangifaka umeqo
laphaya ngakwami. Impela usezoqubuka ngoba kanti uchithile nalapha ekhanda, ubani obengacabanga ukuya
emsakazweni lapho ezozwiwa khona wumhlaba wonke jikelele?
6
Owokuqala: Uqinisile ntombi, uyajabula uMaMbhele umkakhe dade!! Ubaninje owayecabanga ukuthi loluya
cwephe lwentombazanyana lungaba wunkosikazi wesithabathaba somuzi onnjeya!!! Yehheni ukuba ube umuntu
waziqomela uSosobala ngabe akahlupheki kanje manje!!
Owesibili: He he he (eqhwebula kakhulu), kanti uthule nendaba engaka silwane somhlola! Kanti wayeyisesheli
sakho? Wamyekelani? Buka manje ngabe ukhomba ngophakathi.
Owokuqala: Ukungazi kufana nokungaboni dade, angithi uyamkhumbula nje ukuthi wayeyisimbelambela sendoda
eyayingasebenzi ihlezi iyomba amakhambi emaweni, umuntu waziphuthisela!!! (esho ngokuzisola)
Ahleke yedwa umfokaGumede uma ezwa isiphetho sale ndaba, kwazise phela ubesaba ukuthi hleze labo mama
bamkhuluma kabi. Cha khona kwaba yicebo elihle ukuthi afake isikhangiso sakhe emsakazweni wesiZulu, phela
emva kwalokho yizindimbane zabantu ezitheleka kwakhe mihla namalanga. Phela leli yicebo elaqhamuka
nothunjana wakhe, uHlobo. Impela kuyasiza ukufundisa izingane, yena wayeyoyicatshangiswa yini nje leyo nto!!
Wayesezicabangerla nje uSosobala elibangise kwakhe.
Ibhalwe mhla : 09 Ndasa 2011 Isikhathi: 11:45
Recommended Reference Material
Use the IsiZulu language and terminology as described and used in the following publications.
Normative References
These normative sources must be adhered to. Any deviation from them automatically fails a string in most cases.
When more than one solution is allowed in these sources, look for the recommended one in other parts of the
Style Guide.
1. Pan South African Language Board, 2008; Imithetho Yokubhala Nobhalomagana LwesiZulu (Spelling and
Orthography Rules Manual)
2. Textbook of Zulu Grammar, Clement M. Doke
Informative References
These sources are meant to provide supplementary information, background, comparison, etc.
1. C. L. S. Nyembezi & G. R. Dent Scholar‟s Zulu Dictionary
2. M. O. Mbatha Isichazamazwi SesiZulu
3. C. M. Doke et al English – Zulu Dictionary
4. Oxford School Dictionary English – Zulu
7
Language Specific Conventions
This part of the style guide contains information about standards specific to IsiZulu.
Country/Region Standards
IsiZulu utilizes the same alphabets as English although, as an agglutinative language there might be peculiar
sounds to a foreign eye. The date and time is written it words and not in digits.
Characters
Country/region
South Africa
Lower-case characters
a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, z
Upper-case characters
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
Characters in caseless
scripts
n/a
Extended Latin characters
n/a
Note on alphabetical order
Alphabetical order is not necessarily indicative of sorting order.
Total number of characters
26
Unicode codes
a (0061); b (0062); c (0063); d (0064); e (0065); f (0066); g (0067); h (0068); i
(0069); j (006a); k (006b); l (006c); m (006d); n (006e); o (006f); p (0070); q
(0071); r (0072); s (0073); t (0074); u (0075); v (0076); w (0077); x (0078); y
(0079); z (007a); A (0041); B (0042); C (0043); D (0044); E (0045); F (0046); G
(0047); H (0048); I (0049); J (004a); K (004b); L (004c); M (004d); N (004e); O
(004f); P (0050); Q (0051); R (0052); S (0053); T (0054); U (0055); V (0056); W
(0057); X (0058); Y (0059); Z (005a)
Notes
Sounds that might look and sound foreign to a non-speaker of IsiZulu are nts,
ntsh, gx, ngx, gc, ngcw, ncw, nc, ngc, kw, nkw, gq, ngq etc.
Date
Country/region
South Africa
Calendar/Era
Gregorian
First Day of the Week
uMsombuluko
8
Country/region
South Africa
First Week of the Year
n/a
Separator
-
Default Short Date
Format
dd-MM-yyyy
Example
17-03-2011
Default Long Date Format dd MMMM yyyy
Example
17 Ndasa 2011
Additional Short Date
Format 1
dd-MM-yy
Example
17-03-11
Additional Short Date
Format 2
yyyy-MM-dd
Example
2011-03-17
Additional Long Date
Format 1
n/a
Example
n/a
Additional Long Date
Format 2
n/a
Example
n/a
Leading Zero in Day Field
for Short Date Format
yes
Leading Zero in Month
Field for Short Date
Format
yes
No. of digits for year for
Short Day Format
4
Leading Zero in Day Field
for Long Date Format
no
Leading Zero in Month
Field for Long Date
Format
n/a
Number of digits for year
4
9
Country/region
South Africa
for Long Day Format
Date Format for
Correspondence
On the address: dd MMMM yyyy
P.O Box 5522
Example
Durban
4000
17 Ndasa 2011
If the name of the month is used in a sentence, it is prefixed with “ku-“, for example,
kuNdasa; but if it is used in an address a prefix “ku-“ is not used, for example, 11
Ndasa 2011.
The date should start with a day, month then year or we can start with a year, month
then day.
Notes
Example: 11-05-2011
2011-05-11
NB: If we start with a year in a SHORT DAY FORMAT, it will be difficult to tell if the
number is for a year or day.
Example: 11-05-11
d is for day, number of d's indicates the format (d = digits without leading zero, dd =
digits with leading zero, ddd = the abbreviated day name, dddd = full day name)
Abbreviations in Format
Codes
M is for month, number of M's gives number of digits. (M = digits without leading
zero, MM = digits with leading zero, MMM = the abbreviated name, MMMM = full
name)
y is for year, number of y's gives number of digits (yy = two digits, yyyy = four digits)
Time
Country/region
South Africa
24 hour format
Yes
Standard time format
HH:MM:SS
Standard time format
example
03:24:12
Time separator
Colon :
Time separator examples
03:24:12
Hours leading zero
Yes
10
Hours leading zero example
03:24:12
String for AM designator
n/a
String for PM designator
n/a
Notes
AM and PM are replaced by full words in isiZulu, i.e. Ekuseni (morning) and
Ntambama (afternoon) respectively.
Days
Country/region: South Africa
Day
Normal Form
Abbreviation
Monday
uMsombuluko
n/a
Tuesday
uLwesibili
n/a
Wednesday
uLwesithathu
n/a
Thursday
uLwesine
n/a
Friday
uLwesihlanu
n/a
Saturday
uMgqibelo
n/a
Sunday
iSonto
n/a
First Day of Week: Sunday (iSonto)
Is first letter capitalized?: No, but the 2nd letter is capitalized
Notes: The first letter is not capitalized as it serves as the prefix; the actual word begins on the second letter.
Months
Country/region: South Africa
Month
Full Form
Abbreviated Form
Long Date Form
January
uMasingana
n/a
uMasingana
February
uNhlolanja
n/a
uNhlolanja
March
uNdasa
n/a
uNdasa
April
uMbasa
n/a
uMbasa
May
uNhlaba
n/a
uNhlaba
June
uNhlangulana
n/a
uNhlangulana
July
uNtulikazi
n/a
uNtulikazi
August
uNcwaba
n/a
uNcwaba
11
Month
Full Form
Abbreviated Form
Long Date Form
September
uMandulo
n/a
uMandulo
October
uMfumfu
n/a
uMfumfu
November
uLwezi
n/a
uLwezi
December
uZibandlela
n/a
uZibandlela
Is first letter capitalized?: No, the 2
nd
letter is capitalized
Notes: The second letter is capitalized because that is where the stem of the word begins, the part of the word
that never changes, unlike the prefix which changes in different cases.
Numbers
Numbers are written out in words and not as digits, but you find that because of the length this takes up in
documents and thee time it consumes, people tend to resort to using the numerical
Phone Numbers
Country/
region
International
Dialing
Code
Area Codes
Used?
Number of
Digits –
Area Codes
Separator
Number of
Digits –
Domestic
Digit Groupings –
Domestic
South
Africa
+27
Yes
03
Space
10
### ### ####; ###
#### ###
Telephone numbers
are grouped in terms
of cities, towns and
townships isibonelo,
samadolobha: eGoli
011
ePitoli 012
eKapa 021
eThekwini 031
njll
Country/
region
Number of
Digits –
Local
Digit
Groupings –
Local
Number of
Digits –
Mobile
Digit
Groupings
– Mobile
South
Africa
10
### ### ####
10
Local areas
are also
0820549975
### ####
###
Number of
Digits –
International
Digit Groupings –
International
Mobile
12
grouped
according to
how close
they are to
each other.
isibonelo:
izigceme
elokishini
laseMlazi
kunezinombol
o ezithi
031 906...
031 907...
numbers can
be
differentiated
by the first
three
numbers isb.
Ezeyodwa
ziqala ngo082
Ezenye ngo083
Nenye ngo084
031 908…njll
Notes: n/a
Addresses
Country/region: South Africa
Disclaimer: Please note that the information in this entry should under no circumstances be used in examples as
fictitious information.
Address Format:
1. [Title/Honorific] LastName LastName
2. [CompanyName]
3. Address1
4. [Address2]
5. [CountryCode-]PostalCode City
6. [Country]
Example Address:
Mnu.Simphiwe Mashasha
Thembalana Enterprise
26 Lindup Road Scottville
Pietermaritzburg
3209
Local Postal Code Format: Consists of 4 digits grouped together e.g XXXX such as 3209
Nkz Nobuhle Ngcobo
Siyakhula Creche
13
1679 Jikeleza Road
P O Umlazi
Durban
4031
Notes: Local address code should on the last line on the address
Currency
Country/region
South Africa = iNingizimu Afrika
Currency Name
Rand = Irandi
Currency Symbol
R
Currency Symbol Position
R before the number
Positive Currency Format
R10, R200.75, R1 025.30
Negative Sign Symbol
-
Negative Currency Format
R-44 114.25
Decimal Symbol
.
Number of Digits after Decimal
2
Digit Grouping Symbol
Space
Number of Digits in Digit
Grouping
3
Positive Currency Example
R28 000 000.00
Negative Currency Example
R-28 000 000.00
ISO Currency Code
ZAR
Currency Subunit Name
cent
Currency Subunit Symbol
c
Currency Subunit Example
5c
Digit Groups
Country/region: South Africa
Decimal Separator: .
Decimal Separator Description: Ungqi (Full stop)
Decimal Separator Example: R359.20
Thousand Separator: .
14
Thousand Separator Description: isikhala (space)
Thousand Separator Example: R1 000 000.00
Notes: n/a
Measurement Units
Symbols and measurements are prefixed with isiZulu prefix: 50%
amaphesenti angama-20
The degree symbol should be positioned as follows in different applications: Ngama-20 °C
Units of measurement are written in full, except in tables where space is an issue: 4 km amakhilomitha amane
Leave a hard space between the number and the symbol or unit of measurement, for example: 5 km. However,
close up currency symbols close up to their numbers, for example: R10,00.
Lower case Roman l for litres, but the measurement should be written in full except in tables where space is an
issue:6l
amalitha ayisithupha
Metric System Commonly Used?: Yes
Temperature: Celsius
Category
English
Translation
Abbreviation
Linear Measure
Kilometer
ikhilomitha
km
Meter
imitha
m
Decimeter
idesimitha
dm
Centimeter
isentimitha
sm
Millimeter
imilimitha
ml
Hectoliter
ihekhtholitha
hl
Liter
ilitha
l
Deciliter
idesilitha
dl
Centiliter
isentilitha
sl
Milliliter
imililitha
ml
Ton
Ithani
n/a
Kilogram
ikhilogremu
kg
Pound
n/a
n/a
Gram
igremu
g
Decigram
idesigremu
dg
Centigram
isentigremu
sg
Milligram
imiligremu
mg
Capacity
Mass
15
Category
English
Translation
Abbreviation
English Units of
Measurement
Inch
(-) n/a (+) iyintshi
n/a
Feet
(-) n/a (+) ifidi
n/a
Mile
(-) n/a (+) imayela
n/a
Gallon
(-) n/a (+) igalane
n/a
Notes: n/a
Percentages
In Zulu a concordial prefix (i.e singular/plural) is put before the percentage/percentages followed by a hyphen.
Example: ama-28%; i-1%
Or a percentage symbol may be written out. Example: amaphesenti angama-28, iphesenti elilo-1
Sorting
1. Capital letters and lowercase letters are equal. No distinction is made between them.
2. Non-alphabetical characters (i.e. symbols like @ ! #) sort before the letters of the alphabet.
3. Digits sort after the non-alphabetical characters and before the letters of the alphabet.
Sorting rules
4. Words sort under the initial of the stem. There are cases where the stem-form is in doubt,
particularly with certain nouns of classes 9 and 10 with nasal compound in the prefix. In such
cases sorting can be made under the nasal. For example, intini (otter), plural izintini can be sort
under ntini
5. Pronouns, adverbs ideophones, conjunctives as well as interjectives are sorted under their
initials as complete words
Character
sorting order
a (97); b (98); c (99); d (100); e (101); f (102); g (103); h (104); i (105); j (106); k (107); l (108);
m (109); n (110); o (111); p (112); q (113); r (114); s (115); t (116); u (117); v (118); w (119); x
(120); y (121); z (122); A (65); B (66); C (67); D (68); E (69); F (70); G (71); H (72); I (73); J
(74); K (75); L (76); M (77); N (78); O (79); P (80); Q (81); R (82); S (83); T (84); U (85); V (86);
W (87); X (88); Y (89); Z (90)
@
1
Examples of
sorted words
anduba
alo
ala
beka
bheka
16
baca
cici (as icici = earing)
cabanga
ciba
duba
dumala
ehlombe (adv)
ehluka
faka
feza
fehle!
gogo (as ugogo)
gada
ganga
halala!
hamba
imbala!
Imihla
izolo
jaja
jomba
khala
kopela
leyo
libazisa
mameshane!
mamezala (as umamezala)
nawa
naphanapha
ncenga
omisa
ona
phaka
pheka
qala
17
qagela
rula (as in irula = ruler)
rosa (ilirosa = a rose)
sala
sobozela
thulula
thatha
ukuthi (conj.)
ukube (conj.)
vuka
vova
wonke
wona
xexebula
xathuka
yena
yala
zala
zula
Geopolitical Concerns
Part of the cultural adaptation of the US-product to a specific market is the resolving of geopolitical issues. While
the US-product should have been designed and developed with neutrality and a global audience in mind, the
localized product should respond to the particular situation that applies within the target country/region.
Sensitive issues or issues that might potentially be offensive to the users in the target country/region may occur in
any of the following:

Maps

Flags

Country/region, city and language names

Art and graphics
 Cultural content, such as encyclopedia content and other text where historical or political references may
occur
Some of these issues are relatively easy to verify and resolve: the objective should be for the localizer to always
have the most current information available. Maps and other graphic representations of countries/regions and
regions should be checked for accuracy and existing political restrictions. Country/region, city and language
names change on a regular basis and need to be checked, even if previously approved.
18
A thorough understanding of the culture of the target market is required for checking the appropriateness of
cultural content, clip art and other visual representations of religious symbols, body and hand gestures.
Guideline
As country/region and city names can change, please use the most up-to-date IsiZulu list for every release of your
product.
Grammar, Syntax & Orthographic Conventions
This section includes information on how to apply the general rules of the IsiZulu language to Microsoft products
and documentation.
Adjectives
In IsiZulu there are very few adjectives, these are words which qualify a substantive and are brought into
concordial agreement therewith by the adjectival concords. In English, for example, the sentence may be: the
young boy, but in IsiZulu it would be „umfana omncane‟, the adjective comes after the noun it qualifies.
Possessive adjectives
The frequent use of possessives is a feature of English language. However in IsiZulu, possessive adjectives are
handled by following the noun they qualify.
Articles
General considerations
IsiZulu, as an agglutinative language does not have the article standing on its own, it is incorporated as the prefix.
Unlocalized Feature Names
Microsoft product names and non-translated feature names are used without definite or indefinite articles in the
English language. We treat them in this way in IsiZulu but for the smooth flowing of the sentence a noun class 5a
for all borrowed and non-translated words is prefixed on the word.
Example (+) I-browser
(+) I-Microsoft Windows 2007
Localized Feature Names
Translated feature names are handled in to fit the structure of the language through prefixes, locative morphemes
and so on.
Example (+) ikhompyutha, ehostela, ehhotela njll
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Articles for English Borrowed Terms
When faced with an English loan word previously used in Microsoft products, consider the following options:



Motivation: Does the English word have any formally motivated features that would allow a
straightforward integration into the noun class system of IsiZulu language? English words that are loaned
to IsiZulu are categorized as noun class 5(a), therefore they take the (i-) prefix.
Analogy: Is there an equivalent IsiZulu term whose article could be used?
Frequency: Is the term used in other technical documentation? If so, what article is used most often?
The internet may be a helpful reference here.
Example: (+) i-Microsoft, i-browser, i-firefox njll.
Capitalization
As the general rule, words at the beginning of a sentence are capitalized, pronouns (names of people, surnames,
places, languages, months, names of God and gods, days of the week, organizations, headings and titles , books
in the bible etc)
Compounds
Generally, compounds should be understandable and clear to the user. Overly long or complex compounds
should be avoided. Keep in mind that unintuitive compounds are ultimately an intelligibility and usability issue.
One way of forming compounds is by combining different parts of speeches:
Example: (+)
noun + noun = iphepha + indaba = iphephandaba
noun + adjective + injongo + enkulu = unjongonkulu
verb + verb + bona + bulawa + mabonwabulawe
verb + noun + shaya + inkomo + maShayankomo
The other way is by employing formatives such as no-, ma-, & no- to form pronouns like:
No + lunga = Nokulunga
So + abantu =Sobantu
Ma + Gcabashe = MaGcabashe
Gender
Sex gender is not a grammatical feature in IsiZulu, nevertheless there are several ways of conveying gender in
the nouns.
20
(+)Common
feminine
Masculine
Inkomo
inkomazi
inkunzi
Inja
injakazi
ichalaha
The indication of sex gender with personal nouns, these nouns are followed by the descriptive possessives
formed form the Class 4 nouns, „isilisa‟ (male) and „isifazane‟ (female person).
Isibonelo:
Umuntu wesilisa
Umuntu wesifazane
Genitive
The possessive is word which qualifies a noun. In IsiZulu the possessive is a little word that conforms to
concordial agreement, i.e the prefix of a noun class determines the form that the possessive assumes. Consider
the following examples:
Umshanyelo wami (my broom)
Umkhumbi kaHulumeni (a ship of the Government)
Amadoda abo (their husbands)
The possessive relates to the noun, i.e. something that is possessed to that which possesses it.
Modifiers
This section does not apply to IsiZulu.
Nouns
General considerations
In IsiZulu the noun is composed of two formatives, the stem and the prefix, and it is the governing element in the
sentence, the form of the noun prefix dedicing what shall be the forms of the pronouns, and the adjectival,
relative, possessive and verbal concords when other parts of speech are brought into relationship with the noun.
Example:
(+) Umuntu uyakwazi ukwenza omunye angazizwa ekhululekile. (Singular)
(+) Abantu bayakwazi ukwenza abanye bangazizwa bekhululekile. (Plural)
Plural Formation
Nouns are categorized in classes; noun classes indicate the singular and plural form, the first class is in singular
form and the next is its plural form:
(+) Noun classes:
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1 Umuntu
2 Abantu
3 Umuthi
4 Imithi
5 Iqanda
5a Ikhumpyutha
6 Amaqanda, amakhompyutha njll
Prepositions
Pay attention to the correct use of the preposition in translations. Influenced by the English language, many
translators omit them or change the word order. In Zulu there are no prepositions. The idea of the so called
proportions in English is incorporated into the verb or as an adverb or locatives.
US Expression
IsiZulu Expression
Are you sure you want to exit the
wizard
(+) Uqinisekile ukuthi ufuna
ukuphuma (verb) kule wizadi
Insert or draw a table into the
document
(+) Faka noma udwebe ithebula
kudokhumenti (adverb)
Pronouns
There are three types of pronouns in IsiZulu, namely, Absolute, Demonstrative, Quantitative and Qualificative.
Example:
(+) Absolute: This indicates a certain noun, it does not describe, or limit it but it is rather a „concord‟ converted into
a complete word. Abantu = bona, (bona banamanga)
Demonstrative: There are three positional types of demonstratives, „this or these,‟ „that or those, and that „yonder
and those yonder‟
(+) Ngiyabathanda laba
(+) Ngiyabathanda labo
(+) Ngiyabathanda labaya
Quantitative: There are three main types of quantitative pronouns, all, only, and the numeral roots with a special
pronominal prefix in each case. -nke, -dwa, -bili, thathu, ne, hlanu njll
(+) Wonke umuntu uyahamba
(+) Ufuna ukudla yedwa
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(+) Bakhuluma bobabili
Qualificative pronouns: there is no inherent change in the adjective, relative or numerative to form qualificative
pronouns.
Adjective: (+) Omkhulu ufikile
Relative: (+) Ngifuna lo obomvu
Enumerative: (+) Ufuna ziphi?
Punctuation
Comma
It is principally used for separating items in lists, clauses, actions etc. A comma separates:
A subordinate clause in the main clause
Example: (+) Emveni kwezinsuku ezimbili, abukho nobuncane ubungcono bezinyo kuSikhuni
Two independent clauses that have been put together
Example: (+) Intombazane iyapheka, umfana ulele
Various verbs following one another in a sentence
Example: (+) Uyavuka, agqoke, adle bese eya esikoleni
The list of nouns following one another
Example: (+) Endlini kwakukhona isitambu, inyama, amadombolo kanye nokunye ukudla
The designations, if it is after a name
Examples: (+) UKhuluse, uThishanhloko wakwaPhakelingqondo, nguyena owavula isikole.
Colon
Use colons to indicate that lists of items will follow below, separate chapters and verses in the Bible.
Example: (+) Ecclesiastes 2:4
The ingredients below:
Use colon to separate a scene and episode
Example: (+) Umdlalo kaMbatha othi Nawe Mbopha kaSithayi, Inkundla II : V
Do not overuse colons.
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Dashes and Hyphens
Three different dash characters are used in English:
Hyphen
The hyphen is used to divide words between syllables, to link parts of a compound word, and to connect the parts
of an inverted or imperative verb form.
Example: (+) Nkosazane Dlamini-Zuma
En Dash
The en dash is used as a minus sign, usually with spaces before and after.
The en dash is also used in number ranges, such as those specifying page numbers. No spaces are used around
the en dash in this case.
Em Dash
The em dash should only be used to emphasize an isolated element or introduce an element that is not essential
to the meaning conveyed by the sentence. When a speaker trails away from a certain idea and eventually comes
back
Example: (+) Uthe uMongameli Zuma – ngenkathi ethula iNkulumo yeSizwe – asiqikelele ukuba sisebenzise
ugesi ngokucophelela.
Ellipses (Suspension Points)
This means that certain words have been omitted
Example: (+) Lala sithandwa … uphumule.
Period
These are found at the end of a sentence and in abbreviated words.
Example: (+) USokhulu wayeyindoda efuye kakhulu.
Quotation Marks
Quotation marks are used when referring to words that have been quoted, and for quotes within quotes.
In US source strings, you may find software references surrounded by English quotation marks.
Example: (+) UJesu washumayela wathi; “onezindlebe zokuzwa makezwe.”
Parentheses
In English, there is no space between the parentheses and the text inside them. They are used to give an
explanation about the words outside them
Example: (+) Umdlandla (ugqozi, ufuqufuqu, usikisiki, isasasa)
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Singular & Plural
It is very easy to identify singular from plural words, it is just by looking at the prefix.
(+) Isibonelo: Umuthi – imithi, umfana – abafana, inkomo - izinkomo
Split Infinitive
This section does not apply to IsiZulu.
Subjunctive
The subjunctive in IsiZulu is employed as follows:




After conjunctions , „ukuba,‟ „ukuthi‟ and „ukuze‟ following verbs of intending, desiring, liking, etc
In certain consecutive verb construction.
After certain conjunctions, notably, „anduba,‟ „funa,‟ „qede‟ etc
In the formation of compound tenses after certain deficient verbs such as‟-buye,‟ „-mane,‟ „-simze,‟ etc
Example: (+) Kuhle ukuba ahambe ngoba isikhathi sesifikile
Symbols & Non-Breaking Spaces
This section does not apply to IsiZulu.
Syntax
Syntax and register differ between IsiZulu and English in the following ways: IsiZulu has a basic SVO word order,
relative clauses and possessive phrases follow the the head noun and auxiliaries precede the verb.
Example: (+) Ingane yami enhle iya esikole okokuqala namuhla.
Verbs
Be consistent in how you translate verbs in error messages. If it is grammatical to omit the predicate “be” in your
language, you can omit it in error messages, but you should be consistent in your usage across all error
messages. Be concise without changing the meaning of the source string.
English example
isiZulu example
Explanation
The document is too large.
(+) Umbhalo mkhulu kakhulu.
Be consistent in your usage of the
verb “to be”
(+) Ukufinyelela kwenqatshiwe
In complete sentences, use verbs
and the same tense as in the
source string.
Document too large.
Access was denied.
Access denied.
25
The file '%s' is an unknown
graphics format.
(+) Ifayela '%s' linomumo
womfanekiso ongaqondakali
Rephrase “is” with “have” if
necessary to produce an
appropriate translation.
The application may attempt to
convert the graphic.
(+) Umsebenzi ungazama
ukuguqula umfanekiso
may + Verb can be rephrased as
Verb + possibly
A problem occurred while trying to
connect to the network share
'%1!s!'.
(Kwenzeke iphutha lapho
kuxhumana ukwabelana
komphambo '%1!s!.
Shorten and rephrase if necessary
to “A problem occurred while
connecting to the network share
'%1!s!'
The following error occurred:
'%1!s!' (error #%2!lx!)
(+) Kwenzeke iphutha elilandelayo:
'%1!s!' (iphutha #%2!lx!)
Shorten this construction where
possible, e.g. Error: '%1!s!' (error
#%2!lx!).
An unknown error has occurred./
No error occurred.
(+) Kwenzeke iphutha
elingaqondakali./
Shorten this construction where
possible, e.g. Unknown error. / No
error
Akukho phutha elenzekile
Word Order
The simple SVO word order is used in IsiZulu.
Example: (+) Ingane iya esikoleni
Style and Tone Considerations
This section focuses on higher-level considerations for audience, style, tone, and voice.
Audience
The audience catered for by the original should still be the same even though the language has changed.
Style
The style and tone of the original is maintained in the target whether it is a different language, in this case, IsiZulu
Example: “Go to…” (imperative) = (+) “Yana ku-…” (imperative)
26
Tone
The tone of the isiZulu translation should mimic the tone of the source product, but should also be respectful. Any
word forms that are specific to a particular dialect should be avoided.
In isiZulu tone should be understood in terms of the sequence of musical pitch upon the syllables of words used
to determine meaning and also in terms of the manner of expression, that is, the tone of voice.
IsiZulu is tonal because the meaning of word is determined by tone as in the words, e.g.:
u- (he/she)
umuntu (a person) “
Inyanga (herbalist) “
vesus
u- (you)
umuntu (it is a peson)
inyanga (moon)
The style and tone of the original is maintained in the target whether it is a different language, in this case, IsiZulu.
Voice
The voice is used to indicate different meanings, it is imperative to use it effectively.
In terms of the manner of expression, the attitudinal overtones are expressed by the loudness or softness of the
tone of voice.
In the isiZulu sentence, the verb is used together with a subjectival concord except when it is in the imperative
mood, e.g.:
(+) Ngikhipha idiski.
>
I eject the disk.
(+) Uqhafaza inkinobho
> You click the button.
(+) Umsbenzisi akavunyelwe
The user is not allowed.
The imperative mood functions as a command or instruction. If an instruction is given to one person, a verb stem
is used without inflection, e.g.:
(+) Buka manje - view now
(+) Lungisa
- edit
(+) Faka
- install
If a command is issued to more than one person is–ni is suffixed to the verb stem.
(+) Yengezani imigqa (+) Bukezani lo mbhalo (+) Vulani leli khasi
-
add lines
revise this script
open this page
Using the imperative form expresses polite requests or instructions. There are no attitudinal overtones
expressed. However, a loud tone of voice, together with bad body language is interpreted as rude.
nd
Using the 2 person personal pronoun singular u- in affirmation statements is everyday manner of speaking. It
is not interpreted as rude.
(+) Uxhumene ne-inthanethi
(+) Uphumile
(+) Ungenile
-
You are connected to the internet.
You have logged out.
You have logged in
27
rd
However, the 3 person personal pronoun is can also be used for respect for the person spoen to.
(+) Ubaba ufisa ukukhuluma noThoko? (+) Uzobuya nini uMfundisi?
-
Does Father wish to talk with Thoko?
When will the Minister return?
Example: (+) Ngiyawesaba umnyama (darkness)
(+) Ngiyawesaba umnyama (cellulite)
English
Translation
You are now connected to the Internet.
(+) Manje usuxhunyiwe kwi-nthanethi
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Localization Guidelines
This section contains guidelines for localization into IsiZulu.
General Considerations
Abbreviations
Common Abbreviations
You might need to abbreviate some words in the UI (mainly buttons or options names) due to lack of space. This
can be done in the following ways:
Abbreviations are not common in IsiZulu. Abbreviations that are not part of the common Language Lexicon are
written out in full when mentioned for the first time in each section, followed by their abbreviations in parentheses.
List of accepted abbreviations:
Expression
Acceptable Abbreviation
Dokotela
(+) Dkt.
Mfundisi
(+) Mfn. / Mfu.
Solwazi
(+) Slz.
Nkosazane
(+) Nkz.
Nkosikazi
(+) Nkk.
Mnumzane
(+) Mnz. /Mnu.
Nkosana
(+) Nks.
for example
(+) isb.
etcetera, and so forth
(+) njl.
and so forth
(+) njll.
Accessibility
Microsoft provides people with disabilities (single-handed or with hearing or motion disabilities) with more
accessible products and services. These may not be available in South Africa. Please check with your Microsoft
contact.
29
Acronyms
Acronyms are words made up of the initial letters of major parts of a compound term. Some well-known examples
are WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), OLE (Object Linking and Embedding), or RAM (Random
Access Memory). Acronyms are rare isiZulu. The words are normally spelt out. The acronyms that have been
accepted in isiZulu do not follow the rule of “first letters of a set of other words”. A generalization is that acronyms
that have become part of the everyday lexicon take an initial upper case with the rest of the letters in lower case,
for example:
uMzukazwe
-
where uM is taken from UMkhandlu
- zu from wesiZulu
-kazwe from kazwelonke.
Caution: Do not include a generic term after an acronym or abbreviation if one of the letters in the acronym
stands for that term. Even though this might occur in the US-English version, it should be “corrected” in the
localized version. The following examples show the redundancy in red for English terms.




(-) RPC call
i-RPC
(-) HTML language
i-HTML
(-) TCP/IP-Protocol
i-TCP
(-) PIN Number
i-PIN
Localized Acronyms
This section does not apply to isiZulu.
Unlocalized Acronyms
When unlocalized acronyms are translated, they should be first introduced to the reader by writing them out in
brackets and then used alone in the subsequent paragraphs, for example:


Izinto zokungena emniningwaneni (Data Access Objects, DAO)
Izinto zemininingwne ye-ActiveX (ActiveX Data Objects, ADO)
Applications, Products, and Features
Application/product names are often trademarked or may be trademarked in the future and are therefore rarely
translated. Occasionally, feature names are trademarked, too (e.g. IntelliSense™). Before translating any
application, product, or feature name, please verify that it is in fact translatable and not protected in any way.
Frequent Errors
This section does not apply to IsiZulu.
30
Glossaries
You can find the translations of terms and UI elements of Microsoft products at Microsoft Language Portal
(http://www.microsoft.com/Language/en-US/Default.aspx).
Fictitious Information
Fictitious content is legally sensitive material and as such cannot be handled as a pure terminology or localization
issue. Below is some basic information and contact points when dealing with fictitious content:
Vendors and Localizers are not allowed to create their own fictitious names. You must either use the source
names or use the list of legally approved names.
Please contact your product team representative for further information on how to deal with fictitious companies,
names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, etc. in your product. For technical products, you may also
check with the product team representative whether localized fictitious content is required or not (e.g. Visual
Studio).
Recurring Patterns
This section does not apply to IsiZulu.
Standardized Translations
There are a number of standardized translations mentioned in all sections of this Style Guide. In order to find
them more easily, the most relevant topics and sections are compiled here for you reference.
List of links:

Abbreviations

Acronyms

Unlocalized Items



The importance of standardization
Standard Phrases in Error Messages
Standard Shortcut Keys
Unlocalized Items
When translating unlocalised item a relavant prefix followed by a hyphen should be place in front of an
unlocalised item.
For example:
English example
Zulu translation
Connect to POP3 server first
(+) Xhuma kuseva ye-POP3 kuqala
31
English example
Zulu translation
Connect to URL
(+) Xhuma ku-URL
Trademarked names and the name Microsoft Corporation shouldn‟t be localized. A list of Microsoft trademarks is
available for your reference at the following location: http://www.microsoft.com/trademarks/t-mark/names.htm.
Using the Word Microsoft
In English, it is prohibited to use MS as an abbreviation for Microsoft.
The rules in IsiZulu follow that of the original especially in foreign words or terms that do not exist in IsiZulu.
Example: (+) U-Microsoft yinkampani enkulu kwezobuchwepheshe bezokuxhumana.
Please see more information about Localisation of the Name Microsoft for Windows Live here.
Software Considerations
This section refers to all menus, menu items, commands, buttons, check boxes, etc., which should be consistently
translated in the localized product.
Refer to http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/aa511258.aspx for a detailed explanation of the Windows user interface
guidelines (English).
User Interface
User Interface is software which operates between the user and the operating system.
Button
A button is normally a square shape displayed on the screen (or area of the screen) that will carry out a particular
action if selected by the user with a pointer or keyboard. When a name of a button is translated into Zulu, it should
be prefixed with “yoku-“ to avoid translating it as “verbs”:
English example
Zulu translation example
Name of a button
(+) Igama lenkinobho
Save as
(-) (inkinobho) yokulonda
njenge-
Comment
The name of the buttons should not be translated
as “verbs”
(-) londa njengePrint
(+) (inkinibho) yokuprinta
(-) phrinta
32
English example
Zulu translation example
Send
(+) (inkinobho) yokuthumela
Comment
(-) thumela
Menu
A menu is a list of options or programs available to the user. A menu should be translated as part of speech used
in the source text (English).
English example
Zulu translation example
Menu under Print Button
(+) Imenyu engezansi yenkinobho
Yokuphrinta
Print preview
(+) Ukuvezwa kwekhasi ngaphambi
kokuliphrinta
Quick Print
(+) Ukuphrinta ngokushesha
Comment
Commands
A command is a word or action entered to carry out an operation. Commands should be translated using the
same form, part of speech, tense etc. as in the source text (English).
English example
Zulu translation example
A command
Umyalelo
Split cells (imperative)
(+) hlukanisa amaseli (imperative)
Select recipients (imperative)
(+) khetha abemukeli
Comment
Messages
A message is (i) a code generated by an action or object and interpreted by another project. For example, if a
user presses a mouse button it generates a “button_down” message that can be interpreted by the user-interface
or program (ii) a text displayed to a user to report on a condition or program.
If two messages are in the same form (e.g. question form), but phrased differently in the source text, one
translation equivalent should be used for consistency.
33
English example
Zulu translation example
Return to WAP page?
(+) Ufuna ukuphindela ekhasini le-WAP?
Comment
(-) Phindela ekhasini le-WAP?
Do you want to return to WAP
page?
(+) Ufuna ukuphindela ekhasini le-WAP?
A message indicating that an action is in progress and indicated by three dots, should maintain a progressive
form when translated into Zulu by using a progressive formative “-sa-“ and infinitive concord should be used “ku-“
English example
Zulu translation example
Contact updating…
(+) Kusabuyekezwa oxhumana nabo
Connecting…
(+) Kusaxhunywa
Comment
Status Messages
What is a Status Bar Message?
A status bar message is an informational message about the active document or a selected command as well as
about any active or selected interface item. Messages are shown in the status bar at the bottom of the window
when the user has chosen a menu, a command or any other item, or has started a function. The status bar
messages refer to actions being performed or already complete (for example in Outlook below).
34
IsiZulu Style in Status bar Messages
In English, the status bar messages have different forms dependent on the information they must convey. In
IsiZulu, menu and commands status bar messages should follow the format below.
Name
Edit
Copy to
Folder...
New
IsiZulu Name
(+) Hlela
Category
English Status Bar
message
IsiZulu Status Bar
message
menu
Contains editing commands
(+) Iqukethe imiyalelo
yokuhlela
menu
Copies the selected items to
a new location
(+) Ikopishela
okukhethiwe endaweni
entsha
command
Creates a new document
(+) Yakha idocument
entsha
Make object visible?
(+) Yenza i-object
ibonakale?
Word is converting the
document. Press Esc to
stop.
(+) U-Word usashintsha idocument. Cindezela uEsc uke ime.
Datasheet View
(+) I-Datasheet View
Done
(+) Iqedile
(+) Kopishela kufolda
(+) iNtsha
The importance of standardization
In the US product you can often find messages that are phrased differently even though they have the same
meaning. Try to avoid this in the localized IsiZulu version. Use one standard translation as in the examples below:
English term
Correct IsiZulu translation
Press F1 to get Help
(+) Cindezela u-F1 ukuze uthole uSizo
If you want Help press F1
To get Help press F1
Not enough memory
(+) Imemori ayenele
Insufficient memory
There is not enough memory
Save changes to %1?
(+) Londoloza izinguquko ku-%1?
Do you want to save changes to %1?
35
Error Messages
What Is An Error Message?
Here is an example:
Error messages are messages sent by the system or a program, informing the user that there is an error that
must be corrected in order for the program to keep running. For example, the messages can prompt the user to
take an action or inform the user of an error that requires rebooting the computer.
IsiZulu Style in Error Messages
It is important to use consistent terminology and language style in the localized error messages, and not just
translate as they appear in the US product.
Standard Phrases in Error Messages
When translating standard phrases, standardize. Note that sometimes the US uses different forms to express the
same thing.
Examples:
English
Cannot …
Could not …
Failed to …
Failure of …
Translation
Example
(+) Ayikwazanga…
(+) Ayikwazanga ukuvula
ifayela
(+) Ayiphumelelanga
uku…
(+) Ayiphumelelanga
ukuvula ifayela
(+) Ayikwazanga uku…
(+) Ayikwazanga ukuthola
ifayela
(+) Ayenele imemori
(+) Ayenele imemori kule
diski
Comment
Cannot find …
Could not find …
Unable to find …
Unable to locate …
Not enough memory
Insufficient memory
36
There is not enough memory
There is not enough memory
available
... is not available
... is unavailable
(+) …ayitholakali
(+) Inthanethi ayitholakali
Error Messages Containing Placeholders
When localizing error messages containing placeholders, try to find out what will replace the placeholder. This is
necessary for the sentence to be grammatically correct when the placeholder is replaced with a word or phrase.
Note that the letters used in placeholders convey a specific meaning, see examples below:
%d, %ld, %u, and %lu means <number>
%c means <letter>
%s means <string>
Examples of error messages containing placeholders:
"Checking Web %1!d! of %2!d!" means "Checking Web <number> of <number>".
"INI file "%1!-.200s!" section" means "INI file "<string>" section".
Keys
The keyboard is the primary input device used for text input in Microsoft Windows. For accessibility and efficiency,
most actions can be performed using the keyboard as well. While working with Microsoft software, you use keys,
key combinations and key sequences.
In English, References to key names, like arrow keys, function keys and numeric keys, appear in normal text (not
in small caps).
37
Access Keys/Hot keys
Sometimes, there are underlined or highlighted letters in menu options, commands or dialog boxes. These letters
refer to access keys (also known as hot keys) that allow you to run commands, perform tasks, etc. more quickly.
Hot Key Special Options
Usage: Is It Allowed?
"Slim characters", such as I, l, t, r, f
can be used as hot key
Yes
Characters with downstrokes, such
as g, j, y, p and q can be used as
hotkeys
Yes
Extended characters can be used as
hotkeys
Yes
An additional letter, appearing
between brackets after item name,
can be used as hotkeys
Yes
A number, appearing between
brackets after item name, can be
used as hotkey
Yes
A punctuation sign, appearing
between brackets after item name,
can be used as hotkey
Yes
Duplicate hotkeys are allowed when
no other character is available
Yes
Notes
38
No hotkey is assigned when no more
characters are available (minor
options only)
Yes
Additional notes: n/a
Arrow Keys
The arrow keys move input focus among the controls within a group. Pressing the right arrow key moves input
focus to the next control in tab order, whereas pressing the left arrow moves input focus to the previous control.
Home, End, Up, and Down also have their expected behavior within a group. Users can't navigate out of a control
group using arrow keys.
Numeric Keypad
It is recommended that you avoid distinguishing numeric keypad keys from the other keys, unless it is required by
a given application. In case which keys to be pressed is not obvious, provide necessary explanations.
Shortcut Keys
Shortcut keys are keystrokes or combinations of keystrokes used to perform defined functions in a software
application. Shortcut keys replace menu commands and they are sometimes given next to the command they
represent. In opposition to the access keys, which can be used only when available on the screen, shortcut keys
can be used even when they are not accessible on the screen.
Standard Shortcut Keys
US
Command
US English
Shortcut Key
IsiZulu
Command
IsiZulu
Shortcut key
General Windows Shortcut keys
Help window
F1
I-Help Window
F1
Context-sensitive Help
Shift+F1
I-Context-sensitive Help
Shift+F1
Display pop-up menu
Shift+F10
Veza i-pop-up menu
Shift+F10
Cancel
Esc
Khansela
Esc
Activate\Deactivate menu bar
mode
F10
Qalisa / Khawula ukusebenza
kwesimo se-menu bar
F10
Switch to the next primary
application
Alt+Tab
Shintshela kwi-application enkulu
elandelayo
Alt+Tab
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Display next window
Alt+Esc
Veza i-window elandelayo
Alt+Esc
Display pop-up menu for the
window
Alt+Spacebar
Veza i-pop-up menu ye-window
Alt+Spacebar
Display pop-up menu for the
active child window
Alt+-
Veza i-pop-up menu ye-child
window esebenzayo njengamanje
Alt+-
Display property sheet for current
selection
Alt+Enter
Veza i-property sheet yalokhu
okukhethiwe
Alt+Enter
Close active application window
Alt+F4
Vala i-application window
esebenzayo njengamanje
Alt+F4
Switch to next window within
(modeless-compliant) application
Alt+F6
Shintshela kwi-window
esondelene ne-application
(mode;ess-compliant)
Alt+F6
Capture active window image to
the Clipboard
Alt+Prnt Scrn
Thumba isithombe se-Clipboard
kwi-window esebenzayo
njengamanje
Alt+Prnt Scrn
Capture desktop image to the
Clipboard
Prnt Scrn
Thumba isithombe se-desktop
kwi-Clipboard
Prnt Scrn
Access Start button in taskbar
Ctrl+Esc
Thola inkinobho ka-Start kwitaskbar
Ctrl+Esc
Display next child window
Ctrl+F6
Veza i-child window elandelayo
Ctrl+F6
Display next tabbed pane
Ctrl+Tab
Veza i-pane elandelayo
Ctrl+Tab
Launch Task Manager and
system initialization
Ctrl+Shift+Esc
I-Qalisa i-Task Manager kanye
nokuqaliswa kokusebenza kohlelo
Ctrl+Shift+Esc
File Menu
File New
Ctrl+N
Ifayela entsha
Ctrl+N
File Open
Ctrl+O
Ukuvulwa kwefayela
Ctrl+O
File Close
Ctrl+F4
Ukuvalwa kwefayela
Ctrl+F4
File Save
Ctrl+S
Ukugcinwa kwefayela
Ctrl+S
File Save as
F12
Ukugcinwa kwefayela njenge
F12
File Print Preview
Ctrl+F2
Ukubhekisiswa kwefayela
ngaphambi kokuphrinta
Ctrl+F2
File Print
Ctrl+P
Ukuphrintwa kwefayela
Ctrl+P
File Exit
Alt+F4
Ukuphuma kwifayela
Alt+F4
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Edit Menu
Edit Undo
Ctrl+Z
Edit Undo
Ctrl+Z
Edit Repeat
Ctrl+Y
Edit Repeat
Ctrl+Y
Edit Cut
Ctrl+X
Edit Cut
Ctrl+X
Edit Copy
Ctrl+C
Edit Copy
Ctrl+C
Edit Paste
Ctrl+V
Edit Paste
Ctrl+V
Edit Delete
Ctrl+Backspace
Edit Delete
Ctrl+Backspace
Edit Select All
Ctrl+A
Edit Select All
Ctrl+A
Edit Find
Ctrl+F
Edit Find
Ctrl+F
Edit Replace
Ctrl+H
Edit Replace
Ctrl+H
Edit Go To
Ctrl+B
Edit Go To
Ctrl+B
Help Menu
Help
F1
Help
F1
Font Format
Italic
Ctrl+I
Okuwutsheku
Ctrl+I
Bold
Ctrl+G
Okugqanyisiwe
Ctrl+G
Underlined\Word underline
Ctrl+U
Okudwetshelwe/ igama
elidwetshelwe
Ctrl+U
Large caps
Ctrl+Shift+A
Ngosonhlavukazi
Ctrl+Shift+A
Small caps
Ctrl+Shift+K
Ngamagama amancane
Ctrl+Shift+K
Paragraph Format
Centered
Ctrl+E
Ephakathi nendawo
Ctrl+E
Left aligned
Ctrl+L
Engakwesokunxele
Ctrl+L
Right aligned
Ctrl+R
Engakwesokudla
Ctrl+R
Justified
Ctrl+J
Justified
Ctrl+J
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Document Translation Considerations
Document localization may require some specific considerations that are different from software localization. This
section covers a few of these areas.
Titles
In English the titles for chapters usually begin with "How to …" or with phrases such as "Working with …" or
"Using …". In the IsiZulu version of Microsoft documentation,.
Example: (+) UkuSetshenziswa Kwe-Style Guide Sakwa-Microsoft.
Copyright
Copyright protection is granted to any original work of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression from
which it can be perceived, reproduced, or communicated.
The original author should be credited.
Example: (+) Onke amalungelo agodliwe, noma amalungelo okushicilela ngawabakwa-Microsoft.
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