Tsumo
The Shona are exceedingly rich in proverbs. Proverbs are a cherished and interesting part of their oral literature.
Definitions mwaukira: break/ tear apart Translation A big mountain leveled out through gradual wear. Application Even tasks that seem impossible … Read more
Translation This (year) is the year. Application There’s always a chance that one’s fortunes could change. Opportunities might never come … Read more
Translation The year a lazy person finally decides to till the land, the rains won’t come. Application Sometimes, when a … Read more
Translation One cannot afford to just sulk and watch as a baboon enters their field. Inspiration for proverb Baboons are … Read more
Word definitions manainai: Astonishing circumstance Translation A baboon escaped by dodging from place to place. Application In pursuit of goals … Read more
Word Definitions gunde: stalk ipwa: sugarcane dura: granary Translation The stalk of sugarcane is tasty but is never stored away … Read more
Word definitions gunguo: crow hwakumukwaku: hopping museve: arrow Translation The crow decided it would not wait for the arrow, and … Read more
Word definitions guyu (onde): fig Translation While a fig might appear ripe and juicy from the outside, the inside is … Read more
Definitions gwara: coward mbonje: scar Translation A coward has no scar. Inspiration Cowards avoid fights and as a result, are … Read more
Translation A tortoise is not overburdened by its shell. Application Nobody will resent bearing a burden resulting from something that … Read more
Translation There is no house without a rat. Application Every place or community will have something or someone that is … Read more
Translation No animal grazes on behalf of one that is lying down. Application There are times when we must take … Read more
Translation There is no place where only weeds grow. Application No matter how bleak a place or economy might seem, … Read more
Translation There is no place without a granary. Application No matter how bleak a place or economy might seem, one … Read more
Definitions mhou: cow kuma: moo, as done by a cow Translation No cow moos for a calf that isn’t hers. … 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.
