‖siyavuma, interjection

/siːaˈvʊːma/
Forms:
si ya vuma, siya vumaShow more Also si ya vuma, siya vuma, vooma.
Origin:
In Nguni languages, first person plural prefix si we + auxiliary infix -ya- (forming definite present tense) + vuma assent, agree.
Among isiXhosa- and isiZulu-speaking people: ‘we agree’, the traditional response when a diviner’s diagnosis meets with approval; also found in other contexts.
1875 D. Leslie Among Zulus 79He speaks, all stretching forward.., their eyes bent on the ground, and at every pause crying ‘vooma’ (we agree).
1891 T.R. Beattie Pambaniso 18He is made aware when he has guessed wide of the mark by the attitude of those who are consulting him, for then they make no response whatever, but when he luckily mentions the ‘thing’ they strike their hands together, and shout ‘Siyavuma!’ — we assent.
1899 A. Werner Captain of Locusts 60‘Grandfather, are you coming to supper?’ ‘All right, lass — si ya vuma — you may bet Mr Graham’s ready for it after listening to dry yarns all this time.’
1928 N. Devitt Blue Lizard 109The magician spoke to them short, sharp words, then paused and with each pause listened for the answering words ‘si ya vuma’.
1934 C.P. Swart Supplement to Pettman. 156Si ya vuma,..The revelations of a witch-doctor are usually punctuated by a chorus of Natives who clap their hands and shout out these words whenever the oracle prophesies.
1972 Daily Dispatch 14 May 1He spoke to his ancestors in a chanting tone and was greeted by cries of ‘siyavuma’ (we agree).
1976 West & Morris Abantu 20After each one the audience claps and shouts ‘Siya vuma!’ (we agree) or ‘Asiva’ (we do not hear), if he is off the track.
1978 A.P. Brink Rumours of Rain 44I knew Charlie to be a born negotiator. He appeared to handle their barrage of questions with consummate skill...He was applauded with a thundering: ‘Siya vuma!’
1980 Daily Dispatch 10 Oct. (Indaba) 4Modern man is as superstitious as his forefathers. ‘Vumani, Siya vuma’ cry the igquira and his audience. Halleluya, Amen to St so-and-so,’ say the Christians in their beautiful buildings.
‘we agree’, the traditional response when a diviner’s diagnosis meets with approval; also found in other contexts.
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18751980

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idiomatic
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