Tsumo
Shona proverbs are a reflection of Shona language, history and culture. They are a cherished and interesting part of Shona oral literature.
Word Definitions mvana: unmarried woman who has borne a child/ woman past marriageable age mudzimu: ancestral spirit Translation It’s her ancestral spirits, for an old maid to be divorced after … Read more
Definitions mwena: burrow Translation Pleasure is like a burrow; if you follow it, it will come to an end. Application Even the most delightful pleasures or happy times have limits, … Read more
Definitions kondo: Hammerkop. This is a wading bird which has a crest that looks like a backward projection of the head. dzudzura: smear (walls) dumba: shelter matope: mud Translation Plastering … Read more
Translation Only someone without a child believes they can discipline one. Application It is unwise to judge someone who is struggling to discipline a child. Anyone who raises a child … Read more
Translation A wife is good/ attractive when she is another’s. Application Things that belong to others always seem better or more attractive than what one has, although they may not … Read more
Definitions Mukarirano: Evading responsibility or shifting blame to others instead of taking action. Translation Shifting responsibility led to the mother-in-law’s death during a time of hunger. Application When people avoid … Read more
Definitions Mukarirano: Evading responsibility or shifting blame to others instead of taking action. Translation Shifting responsibility led to the house burning down. Application When people avoid responsibility and argue over … Read more
Definitions pfunde: sorghum plant hanga: guinea-fowl Translation A senior is senior; a guinea fowl does not perch on a sorghum stalk. Inspiration A sorghum stalk cannot support the weight of … Read more
Word Definitions mapfeni: baboons ndimo: it’s through it (1) ndimo: agricultural land (2) Translation It is through chasing baboons that new agricultural land is discovered. Inspiration Baboons are notorious for … Read more
Translation One who is rebuked for failing to work is being offered chieftaincy. Application Sometimes people will encourage someone to do something, or reprimand him against something, not for their … Read more
Want to learn Shona culture and language?
Sign up for one of our courses and start learning.
About Shungu
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.
