Does Shaka's ability apply to naval melee units?

My understanding is that his ability only applies to Melee type units (such as swordsmen), not all units that attack via melee. Therefore it should not apply to ships. The exp bonus should still apply, though.
 
My understanding is that his ability only applies to Melee type units (such as swordsmen), not all units that attack via melee. Therefore it should not apply to ships. The exp bonus should still apply, though.

Exactly.

Melee is a term used by the game in two ways:
1) Melee Attack as opposed to Ranged Attack
2) Melee as a unit classification

Thus, the Zulu UA only applies to units that are included in the Melee unit classification, and not to all units that lack a ranged attack.

The game really should not use the term twice in two different ways. The Melee unit classification should be called Hand-to-Hand or something to avoid the current confusion.

Again, the Zulu UA applies only to land units that are included in the unit classification of 'Melee', and not to all units that attack by entering the tile of their opponent (which is also called 'Melee', though this applies to Gunpowder units in most cases and to other unit types as well). To find out what units are in what classifications, consult the Civilopedia as needed.
 
My understanding is that his ability only applies to Melee type units (such as swordsmen), not all units that attack via melee. Therefore it should not apply to ships. The exp bonus should still apply, though.
Yeah this is right, it's land melee only. The 50% reduced cost from the UA doesn't apply to naval melee neither does the bonuses from the Ikandu, instead the Ikandu just gives +15 XP like a normal barracks. The experience modifier does though (first promotion on a Trieme costs 8 XP, next costs 23 XP and so forth).
 
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