Language Forensics

from Elliott
You can learn a lot about how people think by the words they chose. That is one reason we hope to greatly improve our understanding of Xhosa. An example is how people respond to the question of 'how you are doing?' or 'Kunjani?' When you ask it of an individual standing alone you would expect them to say - 'I am well' or 'ndiyaphile'. Many times the response will instead be, We are well' or 'siyaphile.'

The difference being a simple prefix - ndi vs. si or I vs We. 'We are well'  They are speaking for their family not just themselves. It suggests a perception of their relationship with their family and position within. It is usually the mamas who speak collectively because of their intense maternal instinct that extends well beyond their own biological children to include other family members and even community members that they have responsibility for.

Just a couple of letters difference but it tells you a significant amount about the person!