Sesotho Through Sound, Story, and Conversation

Explore the phonology behind Sesotho greetings. We break down the ejective velar stop kʼ, the glottal h, and compare how these sounds behave in Kea leboha and Sala hantle. Learn where the vibration of the h comes from and why these sounds matter for clear pronunciation.

LIKETSO

Verbs are the heartbeat of language, and in Sesotho they are called liketso. One powerful function of verbs is the imperative — giving commands or instructions.

• In French, the verb sortir can be used as an imperative (“Sortir!” → Go out!).

• In English, we use the bare verb form: Walk! Listen! Be quiet!

• In Sesotho, verbs behave in a similar way, carrying the force of instruction or command.

? Watch the lesson video, then reflect on:

• What similarities do you notice between Sesotho imperatives and those in English or French?

• What differences stand out in how commands are expressed?

• How does your native language form imperatives, and how does it compare?

? Practice Activity I will give you sample sentences so you can figure out how imperative Sesotho verbs behave. I’ll do the first example, and then you’ll try the second one yourself.

This section invites you to explore how languages use verbs to direct action — a fascinating window into both grammar and culture.

Discover how Sesotho expresses intensity through verb morphology. We explore root verbs like roba and bona, then expand them using ‑isisa to form bonisisa. You’ll also learn the difference between roba (break) and pshatla (shatter into pieces).

Ho ba

In English, we form the infinitive by using “to” + verb (for example, to run, to learn, to be). Sesotho follows a similar pattern, using ho + verb. In this lesson, we’ll explore how Sesotho expresses the infinitive and compare it with English.

? Watch the video carefully, then reflect on the following:

• What similarities did you notice between Sesotho and English infinitives?

• What new insights did you gain about how Sesotho structures verbs?

• How do you form the infinitive in your own native language? Share your observations!

Lecture 9: Putting It All Together

Let us review without notes this time. We focus on the Basotho greeting and telling me what I am doing, for example “Kea bala” (“I am reading in Sesotho”) across grammatical persons.

• Use the different persons suggested.

• Explain your choices and compare them with mine.

• Reflect on pronunciation.

• Identify any parts of the exercise that may need clarification.

• Explain actions based on intensity or degree.

• Consider whether this section was helpful.

• Note what further support would strengthen this session.

• Closing:
  This final lecture brings everything together! The greeting, grammar, and reflection, showing how practice without notes builds confidence and connection.

Don't go yet. I have a surprise for you in the next video!

In this final video, I share a personal reflection on cultural belonging. During my time in Lesotho, Basotho did not view non‑Basotho wearing our traditional attire — such as the kobo or the mose — as cultural appropriation. Instead, they saw it as a sign that you wanted to be part of the community. Wearing Basotho clothing was understood as respect, connection, and pride. This closing message reminds learners that Sesotho, like Basotho culture, is open, welcoming, and meant to be shared.