I’ve come a long way with my language. It has guided me and also deserted me. I love being a Xhosa girl because it’s empowering. My language describes who I am. It tells and shows where I come from. I’m very proud and in love with my language. I know three languages: isiXhosa, isiZulu and English. These three languages mean a lot to me. IsiXhosa is my mother tongue and I’m very happy and proud of it. Wathint’abafazi wathint’imbokodo – you strike a woman you strike a rock – that is my favorite isiZulu phrase.

My mother is Xhosa and my father is Tsonga. I’ve hidden being Tsonga but that ends now. I’m tired of people judging me about my identity. What I’ve learnt about my language (Tsonga) is that it’s great and lovely. It is a great language to listen to. Some say I’m a foreigner but I don’t listen to them. I love both my languages and I’m proud of them. My favourite language is isiXhosa because I was raised by my mother. I don’t know my father, but I love him and I love his language. If only he had raised me I would know Tsonga now. I LOVE MY LANGUAGE.

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This piece of writing was created as part of the WritingMe Writing Clubs with Sophumelela High School, Western Cape. Find out more here.