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Shona Language

63 Shona words you didn’t know were borrowed from Afrikaans

February 20, 2025August 15, 2020 by ZimbOriginal
shona afrikaans word bubbles

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

Categories Language, Shona Language 10 Comments

Tsumo| 6 things I have learned through analysing over 200 Shona proverbs

March 21, 2025July 13, 2020 by ZimbOriginal

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

Categories Language, Shona Language 2 Comments

Tsumo| 25 Shona proverbs inspired by children

March 21, 2025June 30, 2020 by ZimbOriginal

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

Categories Language, Shona Language 5 Comments

5 reasons children struggle with Shona language learning

February 20, 2025May 15, 2020 by ZimbOriginal
Children playing 'nhodo'

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

Categories Language, Shona Language 12 Comments

Zvirahwe| Riddle me these 30 Shona riddles

August 7, 2025April 15, 2020 by ZimbOriginal

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

Categories Language, Shona Language 36 Comments

Tsumo| Generational wisdom from 20 Shona proverbs

July 29, 2025March 30, 2020 by ZimbOriginal

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

Categories Language, Shona Language 15 Comments

Tsumo| 20 Shona proverbs inspired by animals

March 21, 2025February 29, 2020 by ZimbOriginal
fish swimming in aquarium

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

Categories Language, Shona Language 8 Comments

Zvirahwe| 30 riddles to solve the riddle of the forgotten Shona riddles

August 7, 2025November 1, 2019 by ZimbOriginal

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

Categories Language, Shona Language 10 Comments

Nyaudzosingwi| 70 ways to fall in Shona: Ideophones that describe falling (with examples)

February 20, 2025September 21, 2019 by ZimbOriginal

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

Categories Language, Shona Language 15 Comments

No to Xenophobia| A word to the wise. 10 ‘tsumo’ (Shona proverbs) on friendship and enmity

February 20, 2025September 7, 2019 by ZimbOriginal

It’s a vicious cycle of hate A headline from today’s paper reads, ‘South Africa migrant attacks: ‘Why can’t we live with peace?’ Then another reads, … Read more

Categories Language, Shona Language Leave a comment
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  • The forgotten but interesting Shona housewarming ceremony October 9, 2025
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