Tsumo
The Shona are exceedingly rich in proverbs. Proverbs are a cherished and interesting part of their oral literature.
Definitions hwakumukwaku: hopping Inspiration Life is a hopping affair, no frog hops for another. Application People are naturally inclined to … Read more
Translation Do not see a dog baring its teeth and think it is smiling at you. Application Sometimes people appear … Read more
Definitions nhema: black rhinoceros mapfumo: spears Translation Don’t waste spears on stabbing rhinos when elephants may still show up. Application … Read more
Definitions kuwe: grey-lourie. go-away bird hanga: guinea fowl Translation Guinea fowls will come, so save your knobkerries rather than waste … Read more
Translation Never dispose of the old simply because you have seen something new. Application Never be excited over something new … Read more
Definitions chitundu: items packed together makakanje: crabs Translation Do not waste time fighting over a pack of crabs when there … Read more
Definitions hwiza: grasshopper Translation Do not go after grasshoppers when hares might still show up. Application When faced with competing … Read more
Definitions rutsva: area of burnt grass riva: trap with a falling flat stone, for catching small animals Translation Do not … Read more
Definitions ngwena: crocodile dziva: pool (in river) Translation No point being afraid of crocodiles when your feet are already in … Read more
Definitions ushasha: expertise Translation It is true mastery – for a baboon to walk with its waist raised, even without … Read more
Definitions dova: dew Translation Chieftainship is like dew, it evaporates. Application When in a position of authority one should always remember … Read more
Definitions mhute: fog Translation Chieftainship is fog that vanishes when the sun has risen. Application When in a position of … Read more
Definitions kuva: come to an end (especially of fruit on tree) Translation Chieftainship is like a wild loquat tree, its … Read more
Translation A night is a year, and a day is a year. Application So many things can happen in one … Read more
Translation The grass in the buffalo’s belly is truly its own; the grass in its mouth — it might die … Read more
Worried Your Child Is Behind in Shona?
There’s still time to catch up before the Grade 7 exam.
About
ZimbOriginal was born from a passion for discovery and writing, and a commitment to never losing sight of who we are.
It is a place for stories on culture, customs, traditions, and anything else indigenous to Zimbabwe. ZimbOriginal not only promotes cultural awareness, but also supports learning and discovery.
