Shona Language

This post was last updated on 28 August 2025. Culture and language are inextricably intertwined. Over the past few years, I’ve spent considerable time researching … Read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nyaudzosingwi bring out emphasis The following 70 nyaudzosingwi describe the act of falling. Reference was made to the Standard Shona Dictionary (M. Hannan, S.J.) for … Read more