Shona Proverbs
The Shona are exceedingly rich in proverbs. Proverbs are a cherished and interesting part of their oral literature.
Word definitions tozva: ease hunger only slightly Translation One who has had a morsel of sadza is better off than … Read more
Word definitions dende: hollowed out and dried gourd used as a container. (Large gourds are also used to mount the … Read more
Word definitions kuma: low Translation The owner of a cow knows how it lows. Application One who is well acquainted … Read more
Translation He who tells you to work the land wants you to have food. Inspiration Traditionally, the Shona relied primarily … Read more
Translation He who tells you to raise your child wants you to have someone to send on errands. Application Sometimes … Read more
Translation My fowl gets to live longer when one cuts ties with me. Inspiration It is customary among the Shona … Read more
Word definitions muredzi: One who entrusts another with a child’s care Translation A mother, unlike the father, is the true … Read more
Translation Give a big hoe to a farmer; a lazy man will fall asleep with it. Inspiration Traditionally, the Shona … Read more
Translation A hoe tells no lies. Inspiration Traditionally, the Shona relied primarily on agriculture. The hoe was thus an important … Read more
Word definitions mapapata: remains – scattered bones, generally of an animal. Translation The hyena might be so cowardly, but how … Read more
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About Shungu
Shungu is the voice behind zimboriginal.com. She has a restless hand and a penchant for discovery. Her upbringing is fairly balanced between an urban and rural setting. The urban - pretty basic and spent almost entirely in boarding school. The rural - not so glorious and filled with all the dreaded chores that come with keeping a rural homestead going. Shungu is a qualified chartered management accountant and currently lives in Harare, Zimbabwe. Learn more.
