Why Macevele Became Machevhel: The History of Xitsonga Colonial Spellings

lush brazilian farm at sunset

Who does “Machevhel” refer to?

In Xitsonga, Machevhel is Macevele.

Why is “Machevhel” written in a foreign format?

Long ago, the surname Macevele was changed to Machevhel by the Portuguese. Why? Because their language doesn’t have the same C” or “V sounds as Xitsonga! So, they wrote it the way it sounded to them — and that’s how Macevele became Machevhel in official documents.


Keep exploring, keep learning, and let the language guide you.

Avuxeni 𝄃𝄃𝄂𝄂𝄀𝄁𝄃𝄂𝄂𝄃 ☀️

Feel Free to Show us Love ❤️

You may select only one level from this group.

Level Price Action
Show love for free 🤝🏽

Free.

Select
Show love for only R19 🌞

R 10.00 now and then R 19.00 per Month.

Select
Show love for just R29 ⚡

R 19.00 now and then R 29.00 per Month.

Select
Show love boldly with R59 🏗️

R 29.00 now and then R 59.00 every 3 Months.

Select
Show us Extra Love for R99 🛡️

R 59.00 now and then R 99.00 every 6 Months.

Select
Show us Yearly Love at R199 🕰️

R 99.00 now and then R 199.00 per Year.

Select
Show the Ultimate Love & Pledge R1200 🌳

R 1,200.00 now.

Select