omakulu
Omakulu is a term used in several Southern African language communities to refer to elder men, often translated as "grandfather" or "elder." In isiXhosa and isiZulu, related forms distinguish singular and plural and reflect kinship and social status, though the exact forms and usage vary by dialect. The word is commonly encountered as both a family term and an honorific for respected elder men outside the immediate family.
In traditional households and clans, omakulu are typically seen as custodians of oral history, genealogies, and
In contemporary contexts, omakulu still hold influence in many rural communities, where intergenerational ties remain strong.
Variations and related terms exist across languages in the region, with different communities using alternative words
See also: Zulu language, Xhosa language, Bantu languages, elder respect.