Etymology Map
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Inyanga

2 stages from Zulu to English.

Today it means a traditional herbalist or healer in Zulu culture, especially in southern Africa

Where does the word "inyanga" come from? It comes from Zulu inyanga, adopted directly into English (1900s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
inyanga
Zulu · 1820s
"doctor, herbalist"
formed on the root -nyanga, 'to treat, heal, cure'
2
Stage 2 of 2
inyanga
English · 1900s
"a traditional Zulu herbalist or healer"
adopted into South African English for practitioners of herbal medicine
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