Tsumo
The Shona are exceedingly rich in proverbs. Proverbs are a cherished and interesting part of their oral literature.
Word definitions dore: oldish beast (in a herd of cattle) bvupa: bone Translation One known to swallow the (tough) meat … Read more
Translation The hindmost beast is exposed to the beatings. Application Continuing to do something after everyone else has stopped could … Read more
Word Definitions chimwango: Hoe that has been worn down by use. ndima: Portion of field allotted to one person or … Read more
Definitions nenji: unusual/ mysterious/ shocking occurence vara: peculiarity Translation A shocking occurrence does not happen instantly; a number of peculiarities … Read more
Definitions mhini: animal with docked tail mhango: hollow in a tree nika ura: To spread out one’s own intestines to … Read more
Definitions chitsiga: tree stump Translation The axe forgets but the tree stump never does. Application The offender easily forgets, but … Read more
Definitions tewe: Master. Owner Translation Only a forest yields on its own; a field will yield at the sight of … Read more
Definitions vandurira: Extend one’s cultivated land. Translation Unlike cattle which will grow even in your absence, a field grows by … Read more
Word definitions bere: hyena chinono: slowness ngwe: leopard Translation Slowness is a trait of the leopard, a hyena had its … Read more
Translation You can be asked to let go of what is in the hand, whereas you will die with that … Read more
Definitions mushunje: bound parcel of grass or leaves. musakasa/ musakasaka: makeshift shelter (e.g. chirindo). Translation To know what is inside … Read more
Definitions hwanja: knobkerrie vhika: ward off a blow Translation What can be warded off is a knobkerrie; a word cannot … Read more
Translation Sometimes we have to give up even the good things, just like we had to give up suckling. Inspiration … Read more
Translation Only the soil knows that the young of a mouse is unwell. Application The most intimate details of a … Read more
Definitions mbonje: scar/ head scar Translation He who refused advice was later seen with a head scar. Application A person … Read more
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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.
