63 Shona words you didn’t know were borrowed from Afrikaans
It is common knowledge that a few Shona words have an Afrikaans influence. I recently came across one that I found surprising, leading me to … Read more
Language
Tsumo| 6 things I have learned through analysing over 200 Shona proverbs
Over the past few months, I have taken time to analyse over 200 Shona proverbs, just out of interest. Some of them have motivated me … Read more
Tsumo| 25 Shona proverbs inspired by children
Shona proverbs that relate to children help portray what the Shona understand about children and childhood. Below are 25 such proverbs. 1. Chikomo shata divi, … Read more
5 reasons children struggle with Shona language learning
I have seen corporate advertisements with glaring irregularities, following a poor attempt by salesmen and marketers to communicate in the Shona language. In almost similar … Read more
Zvirahwe| Riddle me these 30 Shona riddles
Why a riddle? Riddles are sometimes considered a form of folklore. Their function ranges from education to entertainment, revealing the thoughts and expressions of a … Read more
Tsumo| Generational wisdom from 20 Shona proverbs
Proverbs are regarded as a source of knowledge and wisdom passed down through generations.Below are twenty Shona proverbs together with an explanation of what inspired … Read more
Tsumo| 20 Shona proverbs inspired by animals
Traditionally, hunting and agriculture have been the primary means of livelihood for the majority of Zimbabweans. It is therefore not surprising that a large number … Read more
Should children maintain their native language?
To speak, or not to speak? There is a widely held view or belief that children should learn to speak their native language. By native … Read more
Zvirahwe| 30 riddles to solve the riddle of the forgotten Shona riddles
Chipari/ Chirabwe / Chirahwe/ Chirapi The above are all Shona words for ‘riddle.’ A riddle is, simply put, a trick question. Zvirahwe put to test … Read more
Madimikira| 20 idioms from the 1981 novel ‘China manenji hachifambisi’
China manenji hachifambisi, chinomirira kuti mavara acho aonekwe While reading the novel China manenji hachifambisi, I was intrigued by the idioms (madimikira) used in the … Read more