An analysis of the phonological phenomenon of "isinkalakahliso" or palatalization in Xhosa, a Bantu language, is presented, focusing on its occurrence in the passive form of verbs. First, earlier theories about the phenomenon are discussed and compared, and a new analysis is offered. It is concluded that this conceptualization of "isinkalakahliso" in the Xhosa passive serves to incorporate two aspects of the phenomenon not included in earlier analyses. An 18-item bibliography is included. (MSE)