FSI integration
The syllable is the tone-bearing unit.
Tone docks on exactly one place — the vowel of each syllable. So you cannot represent tone without first decomposing the word into its syllables, and you cannot do that without the language's Full Syllable Inventory. BantuNomics has assembled 459 of them — the first complete collection in history.
Minimal pairs
Same syllables. Different tone. Different meaning.
Each card is one written word that the FSI decomposes into the same syllable sequence for every meaning. The spelling is identical; the tone — carried in the audio, on the syllable nuclei — is what separates the meanings. Play them back to back.
Iintanga
3 meanings
i·i·nta·nga
Age mates
Iintanga
means age mates
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: Lee-ntah-ngah
{
"take_id": "66c6f95e-7087-4848-b9c1-70498df8d427",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Iintanga",
"english_gloss": "Age mates",
"switch_ms": 5145,
"duration_ms": 11280,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5145
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5145,
"t1_ms": 11280
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Grazing Outpost
Iintanga
means grazing outpost
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: Lee-ntah-ngah
{
"take_id": "fb070344-bccc-473e-a258-001767089003",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Iintanga",
"english_gloss": "Grazing Outpost",
"switch_ms": 5145,
"duration_ms": 10480,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5145
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5145,
"t1_ms": 10480
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Pumpkin Seeds
Iintanga
means pumpkin seeds
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: Lee-ntah-ngah
{
"take_id": "c8c0ceeb-d64f-4e95-ba5e-0e813f8f8e2f",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Iintanga",
"english_gloss": "Pumpkin Seeds",
"switch_ms": 5147,
"duration_ms": 10760,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5147
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5147,
"t1_ms": 10760
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Ukubamba
3 meanings
u·ku·ba·mba
Arrest
Isela libanjwe ngama polisa
means the thief was arrested by the police
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "a364e356-e601-4f24-b36b-7e5373746793",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Isela libanjwe ngama polisa",
"english_gloss": "The thief was arrested by the police",
"switch_ms": 8985,
"duration_ms": 14080,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 8985
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 8985,
"t1_ms": 14080
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
To substitute or hold fort
Ukubamba
means to substitute or hold fort
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: oo-koo-bah-mbah
{
"take_id": "b47bc968-289e-450c-be89-f554b63d89b0",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Ukubamba",
"english_gloss": "To substitute or hold fort",
"switch_ms": 5625,
"duration_ms": 12980,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5625
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5625,
"t1_ms": 12980
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Touch
Musa ukubamba izitya ezishushu
means don't touch the hot dishes
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "54d7540c-06f8-4a5a-ba6c-600cdc768694",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Musa ukubamba izitya ezishushu",
"english_gloss": "Don't touch the hot dishes.",
"switch_ms": 9946,
"duration_ms": 13660,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 9946
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 9946,
"t1_ms": 13660
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Ibala
2 meanings
i·ba·la
A yard
Ibala
means a yard
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: EE-bah-lah
{
"take_id": "dbb6f0b6-b8f1-4705-8020-60f541f92d39",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Ibala",
"english_gloss": "A yard",
"switch_ms": 5144,
"duration_ms": 18680,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5144
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5144,
"t1_ms": 18680
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Colour
Ndiyalithanda ibala lale gusha
means I like the colour of this sheep
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "cdfb6d2b-7816-427f-8532-37458daf7ab7",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Ndiyalithanda ibala lale gusha",
"english_gloss": "I like the colour of this sheep",
"switch_ms": 9465,
"duration_ms": 14590,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 9465
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 9465,
"t1_ms": 14590
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Imbiza
2 meanings
i·mbi·za
Herbal tonic
Imbiza
means herbal tonic
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: EEM-bee-zah
{
"take_id": "36241992-2490-42b7-be6d-ad7022352d25",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Imbiza",
"english_gloss": "Herbal tonic",
"switch_ms": 5146,
"duration_ms": 10900,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5146
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5146,
"t1_ms": 10900
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Pot
Umama ubeke imbiza enkulu eziko upheka inyama
means my mother put a big pot on the fire to cook meat
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "d875d10b-2878-4c86-8388-d0982d7dd7ea",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Umama ubeke imbiza enkulu eziko upheka inyama",
"english_gloss": "My mother put a big pot on the fire to cook meat",
"switch_ms": 13787,
"duration_ms": 20860,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 13787
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 13787,
"t1_ms": 20860
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Intsika
2 meanings
i
Pillar
Intsika
means pillar
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: een-Tsi-kah
{
"take_id": "c44d692a-2650-44f0-a90c-bd6418baf90e",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Intsika",
"english_gloss": "Pillar",
"switch_ms": 5145,
"duration_ms": 9790,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5145
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5145,
"t1_ms": 9790
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Pillar of strength
Intsika
means pillar of strength
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: een-Tsi-kah
{
"take_id": "08cf81bb-5aaa-4003-8a3b-489b3342cfae",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Intsika",
"english_gloss": "Pillar of strength",
"switch_ms": 5147,
"duration_ms": 10080,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5147
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5147,
"t1_ms": 10080
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Iphondo
2 meanings
i·pho·ndo
Horn
Inkomo inesiphondo eside kakhulu kwicala lasekhohlo
means the cow has a very long horn on the left side
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "7ce01f46-c842-460f-84cc-ed82bb0ec75e",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Inkomo inesiphondo eside kakhulu kwicala lasekhohlo",
"english_gloss": "The cow has a very long horn on the left side",
"switch_ms": 13785,
"duration_ms": 20250,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 13785
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 13785,
"t1_ms": 20250
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Province
Ndihlala kwiphondo lase Mpuma Koloni
means I live in the Eastern Cape province
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "ccafd0d5-0fe8-4e81-9c84-c7ebca394a6e",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Ndihlala kwiphondo lase Mpuma Koloni",
"english_gloss": "I live in the Eastern Cape province",
"switch_ms": 9944,
"duration_ms": 17450,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 9944
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 9944,
"t1_ms": 17450
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Isango
2 meanings
i·sa·ngo
Gate
Nceda uvale isango ukuze izinja zingaphumi ebaleni
means please close the gate so that the dogs do no leave the yard
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "11cc2829-9d3d-4e2a-b185-5b6d18e45749",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Nceda uvale isango ukuze izinja zingaphumi ebaleni",
"english_gloss": "Please close the gate so that the dogs do no leave the yard",
"switch_ms": 14264,
"duration_ms": 20210,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 14264
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 14264,
"t1_ms": 20210
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Opportunity
Isango
means opportunity
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: EE-SAA-ngoh
{
"take_id": "064f88d3-614a-4170-9f4f-e86aadbfd817",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Isango",
"english_gloss": "Opportunity",
"switch_ms": 5146,
"duration_ms": 10430,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5146
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5146,
"t1_ms": 10430
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Isibane
2 meanings
i·si·ba·ne
Guidance
Isibane
means guidance
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: ee-see-ba-neh
{
"take_id": "7deb73b8-80e2-4a83-887c-e9e95c52b0e2",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Isibane",
"english_gloss": "Guidance",
"switch_ms": 5624,
"duration_ms": 10880,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5624
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5624,
"t1_ms": 10880
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Lamp or Light
Isibane
means lamp or light
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: ee-see-ba-neh
{
"take_id": "859ddc66-cb33-4a97-8ba7-10a5a5887110",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Isibane",
"english_gloss": "Lamp or Light",
"switch_ms": 5625,
"duration_ms": 10260,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5625
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5625,
"t1_ms": 10260
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Isikhwama
2 meanings
i·si·khwa·ma
A bag
Ndishiye isikhwama sam ngaphakathi emotweni
means I left my bag inside the car
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "aa08da3e-ccfd-47b1-96bf-fa2b9e84f882",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Ndishiye isikhwama sam ngaphakathi emotweni",
"english_gloss": "I left my bag inside the car",
"switch_ms": 11385,
"duration_ms": 16000,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 11385
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 11385,
"t1_ms": 16000
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Financial fund or Budget
Isikhwama
means financial fund or budget
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: oo-koo-zar-lah
{
"take_id": "c4d202f7-5034-4b82-9bb8-d7f828f5d9fa",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Isikhwama",
"english_gloss": "Financial fund or Budget",
"switch_ms": 5624,
"duration_ms": 12190,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5624
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5624,
"t1_ms": 12190
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Ithanga
2 meanings
i·tha·nga
Pumpkin
Umama upheke ithanga elimnandi namhla
means my mother cooked a delicious pumpkin today
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "29591a16-3f34-40c3-9464-70c38ffd3ddd",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Umama upheke ithanga elimnandi namhla",
"english_gloss": "My mother cooked a delicious pumpkin today",
"switch_ms": 10905,
"duration_ms": 15510,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 10905
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 10905,
"t1_ms": 15510
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Thigh
Ithanga
means thigh
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: EE-tah-ngah
{
"take_id": "58a84292-419d-4120-a82b-00d3bd60e09d",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Ithanga",
"english_gloss": "Thigh",
"switch_ms": 5150,
"duration_ms": 9750,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5150
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5150,
"t1_ms": 9750
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Ityala
2 meanings
i·tya·la
Debt
Ndinetyala ezininzi ekufuneka ndizihlawule
means I have many debts I need to pay
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "2e2c2bae-660a-4f32-abe6-00a3b7d64b7c",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Ndinetyala ezininzi ekufuneka ndizihlawule",
"english_gloss": "I have many debts I need to pay",
"switch_ms": 12347,
"duration_ms": 17900,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 12347
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 12347,
"t1_ms": 17900
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Law suit or Case
Ityala
means law suit or case
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: EE-chya-lah
{
"take_id": "5b423ddf-b888-4b45-8e9f-bd7c95280548",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Ityala",
"english_gloss": "Law suit or Case",
"switch_ms": 5145,
"duration_ms": 10080,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5145
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5145,
"t1_ms": 10080
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Ukubeka
2 meanings
u·ku·be·ka
Put down
Ukubeka
means put down
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: OO-koo-beh-kah
{
"take_id": "a4c1dceb-96d6-4aad-96dd-ddd2bf7b823d",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Ukubeka",
"english_gloss": "Put down",
"switch_ms": 5626,
"duration_ms": 9850,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5626
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5626,
"t1_ms": 9850
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Respect
Kubalulekile ukubeka abazali bakho
means it is important to respect your parents
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "605308b9-1fd5-4e3c-a85e-06ce08997ff3",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Kubalulekile ukubeka abazali bakho",
"english_gloss": "It is important to respect your parents",
"switch_ms": 11385,
"duration_ms": 15810,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 11385
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 11385,
"t1_ms": 15810
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Ukubila
2 meanings
u·ku·bi·la
Sweat
Ukubila
means sweat
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: OO-koo-bee-lah
{
"take_id": "48927d3a-b0b1-4273-bacc-a1615a28d67a",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Ukubila",
"english_gloss": "Sweat",
"switch_ms": 5625,
"duration_ms": 10040,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5625
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5625,
"t1_ms": 10040
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
To boil
Amanzi ayabila eketelini, ungenza iti ngoku
means the water is boiling in the kettle, you can make a tea now
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "53adc335-9be6-4adc-8e64-91ca821cc219",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Amanzi ayabila eketelini, ungenza iti ngoku",
"english_gloss": "The water is boiling in the kettle, you can make a tea now",
"switch_ms": 12827,
"duration_ms": 18910,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 12827
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 12827,
"t1_ms": 18910
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Ukuchola
2 meanings
u·ku·cho·la
Pick up
Ndichole imali ebaleni ekuseni
means I picked up money on the ground in the morning
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "5a32d9a8-ce91-4674-b959-e0b44f80625f",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Ndichole imali ebaleni ekuseni",
"english_gloss": "I picked up money on the ground in the morning.",
"switch_ms": 10424,
"duration_ms": 15490,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 10424
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 10424,
"t1_ms": 15490
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Tidy up
Yiza ukuqoqosha la maphepha asabalele apha phantsi
means come and tidy up these papers scattered here on the floor
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "92696327-4018-4e66-aea9-6c8497af959a",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Yiza ukuqoqosha la maphepha asabalele apha phantsi",
"english_gloss": "Come and tidy up these papers scattered here on the floor",
"switch_ms": 13305,
"duration_ms": 18430,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 13305
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 13305,
"t1_ms": 18430
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Ukugwaza
2 meanings
u·ku·gwa·za
Stab
Isela lazama ukugwaza iphoyisa
means the thief tried to stab the police officer
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "52fbe256-f16c-4e1b-b336-32d3a31b5820",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "Isela lazama ukugwaza iphoyisa",
"english_gloss": "The thief tried to stab the police officer",
"switch_ms": 10429,
"duration_ms": 15190,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 10429
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 10429,
"t1_ms": 15190
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
To bribe
UNtando wazama ukugwaza igosa likarhulumente ukuze afumane ilayisenisi yokushayela.
means ntando tried to bribe the government official in order to get a driving license
Audio pending.
{
"take_id": "b3807de6-bb7b-4dda-b4b7-3c55c44e2302",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "sentence",
"bantu": "UNtando wazama ukugwaza igosa likarhulumente ukuze afumane ilayisenisi yokushayela.",
"english_gloss": "Ntando tried to bribe the government official in order to get a driving license.",
"switch_ms": 21465,
"duration_ms": 30180,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 21465
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 21465,
"t1_ms": 30180
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Ukukhama
2 meanings
u·ku·kha·ma
Strangle
Ukukhama
means strangle
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: OO-KOO-KAR-MAH
{
"take_id": "384676c5-cac4-4d5f-a902-ff9f06de1602",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Ukukhama",
"english_gloss": "Strangle",
"switch_ms": 5625,
"duration_ms": 11330,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5625
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5625,
"t1_ms": 11330
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
To squeeze or wring out
Ukukhama
means to squeeze or wring out
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: OO-KOO-KAR-MAH
{
"take_id": "b7a00b66-b1cf-4e4c-93e6-369ad7cd4f12",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Ukukhama",
"english_gloss": "To squeeze or wring out",
"switch_ms": 5625,
"duration_ms": 11560,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5625
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5625,
"t1_ms": 11560
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Ukukhula
2 meanings
u·ku·khu·la
To grow up or Mature
Ukukhula
means to grow up or mature
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: OO-KOO-COO-LAH
{
"take_id": "4a98f21f-f7ac-4f3a-94e8-92c86090bc92",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Ukukhula",
"english_gloss": "To grow up or Mature",
"switch_ms": 5632,
"duration_ms": 11280,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5632
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5632,
"t1_ms": 11280
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
To increase
Ukukhula
means to increase
Audio pending.
Native pronunciation note: OO-KOO-COO-LAH
{
"take_id": "5da13f64-5ef5-426a-ae54-4a1567d435f6",
"language_iso": "xho",
"kind": "word",
"bantu": "Ukukhula",
"english_gloss": "To increase",
"switch_ms": 5627,
"duration_ms": 10170,
"segments": [
{
"lang": "xho",
"t0_ms": 0,
"t1_ms": 5627
},
{
"lang": "en",
"t0_ms": 5627,
"t1_ms": 10170
}
],
"consent": "granted"
}
Why a model can't fake this
Generation is cheap. Certification against native ground truth is not.
A model can output a plausible syllable list; it cannot prove the list is complete, correct, or native, and it cannot produce the consented audio that carries the tone. The FSI plus this audio is the certified standard underneath alignment, ASR, and TTS.