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Culture and language are inextricably intertwined. Over the past year or so, I have done a lot of research and writing on Shona culture and related matters. Consequently, I have also done a lot of research on the Shona language. Lots of people Continue Reading

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 do some digging up. Along the way, I got to learn some interesting things about Afrikaans. If your Continue Reading

There is more to porridge than a simple breakfast cereal dish. Sadza, generally described in English as a stiff meal porridge, is the highlight of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine. Almost any Zimbabwean can make this dish. Growing up, I Continue Reading

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 to gain an understanding of the context from which they were constructed, be it a cultural practice or natural Continue Reading

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, rimwe ritambire pwere. divi: side Inspiration for proverbA rocky or steep hillside Continue Reading

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 circumstances, most of my attempts to read through paragraphs of Shona Continue Reading

In many parts of Zimbabwe, reliance is still placed on traditional medicines due to their affordability and ease of access. In some cases, there are cultural and spiritual considerations that come into play. Below are 50 plants that are used to Continue Reading

Riddles are sometimes considered a form of folklore. To some extent, they reveal the thoughts and expression of a people. Below are a number of common Shona riddles, with some context to help you get the gist. 1. Mangwanani chinofamba namakumbo Continue Reading

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 each proverb, and its application. 1. Guyu kutsvuka, kutsvuka zvaro asi Continue Reading

The traditional values of Zimbabwean people are centered on strong family ties and hospitality. Members of a family rely on each other for support and show solidarity in the various facets of life. Nevertheless, things are not always as rosy as Continue Reading

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 of Shona proverbs relate to animals. Below are 20 Shona proverbs inspired by Continue Reading

To speak, or not to speak? There is a widely held view or belief that children should learn to speak their native language. By native language, I mean the mother tongue or the language of one’s ethnic group. This view is supported by the Continue Reading

ZimbOriginal

My 5 ingredients for helping children with Shona language learning

My 5 ingredients for helping children with Shona language learning

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

35 different sorts of sadza. Or, is it porridge?

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

Tsumo| 25 Shona proverbs inspired by children

5 reasons children struggle with Shona language learning

Traditional medicine| 50 plants to take you back to the basics of medicine and healing

Zvirahwe| Riddle me these 30 Shona riddles

Tsumo| Generational wisdom from 20 Shona proverbs

6 things worth knowing about traditional practices when faced with a disease outbreak

Tsumo| 20 Shona proverbs inspired by animals

Should children maintain their native language?

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My 5 ingredients for helping children with Shona language learning

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

35 different sorts of sadza. Or, is it porridge?

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

Tsumo| 25 Shona proverbs inspired by children

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My 5 ingredients for helping children with Shona language learning

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

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