Ever since I took on my first learner back in 2019, Shona learning has become a subject dear to me. I believe proficiency in more than one language is something one should strive for and be proud of. This is especially true if the languages are used by a large number of people in a community to which one belongs.
I love to support parents who choose to invest in their children’s Shona learning journey. Language learning, like any learning, requires a lot of active participation from the learner. As a coach, I do my best to provide the required resources. Having the right tools and strategies can make all the difference. Through my learning site, ZimbOriginal Learn, I provide a dynamic and engaging learning approach that enriches the process and empowers the learner to own their journey.
Below, I share my take on Shona learning, and perhaps language learning in general. It is my sincere hope that my ideas will help shape your decision as you consider investing in your child’s Shona learning journey.
Why learning Shona is essential for children
Excellence: Fostering a can-do attitude
Arguments for having children learn Shona will include the premise that it fosters a deep connection to their heritage while sharpening their cognitive skills. For me, more than this, is the premise that it fosters a can-do attitude. If it is your mother tongue, why not be proficient in it? If a child can learn to play piano and cello, and make first team rugby, and learn to speak Spanish, why not add Shona speaking to the long list of things the child can do?
Communication: Enhancing a child’s ability to express themselves
I have seen children who, speak Shona poorly, yet again struggle to express themselves very well in English. Tricky scenario. These children’s English speaking skills are only as good as the resources they are exposed to. This would mean they mostly absorb good quality English from their interactions at school. The bulk of what they get from their social interactions only leaves them mediocre, given that most of their spare time could be spent on social media platforms such as Tik Tok.
When the child’s parents are more proficient in Shona, even though the child speaks English only, this limits the extent to which the family can use English meaningfully in the home. But as a result, this enables the child to understand Shona even though he or she might fail to develop the confidence to speak the language. In such cases, parents tend to switch to English when engaging the child, hence encouraging a response in English. So the child will speak English, yet fail to express themselves clearly in English. Then if an explanation of what they were trying to express is given in Shona, they understand clearly because of the Shona that they experience in the home.
I believe this happens because the home exposes the child to Shona in a meaningful way. It exposes them to the verbal language, the body language used together with the verbal one, and they experience firsthand the context in which the language is used. So yes, they will understand but not speak Shona.
Children in such scenarios require help with Shona language output. They need help building confidence in speaking, especially. Obviously, vocabulary building and everything else that comes with language learning will become important along the way.
Cultural heritage and identity: A global citizen who stands out rather than blends in
I have heard of parents who believe that their children do not have to speak Shona. Some even take pride in children who cannot speak Shona. They argue that the world has become a global village, and the child will go and pursue their tertiary education abroad. They believe, therefore, that this eliminates the need for proficiency in the Shona language. But this is a stance that I consider rather short-sighted.
A closer analysis of the world we live in today will show you that standing out has become a strong selling point on many fronts. Children who study abroad are likely to come into contact with other students coming from all over the world. Being in a space where they interact with people from different cultures, who speak different languages, enjoy different diets, and most importantly, own their identities without shame, could leave one with the sense that they are lacking in a way. An inability to stand out where your appearance and personal profile suggests you should, certainly doesn’t do you any favours.
The easiest way to stand out and demonstrate confidence in who are, what you believe in, and what you are capable of, is to own your identity, rather than demonstrate ignorance about your heritage. And because culture and language are intertwined, getting to learn more about one aspect will go a long way in helping you understand the other.
Cognitive Benefits
Bilingualism has been known to improve memory, problem-solving, and multitasking skills. Learning another language, be it Shona, taps into cognitive functions that enhance overall brain power. Studies have shown that children who grow up speaking multiple languages develop sharper analytical skills and better creativity. By teaching your child Shona, you’re not only doubling their language skills but also strengthening their mental agility.
Enhanced worldview
I believe that the ability to speak different languages enlarges one’s world, because different cultures come with so many different things – different languages, different diets, different people, and much more. When your world becomes larger, so do the opportunities that come your way.
Using ZimbOriginal as a Shona learning resource
ZimbOriginal has evolved into more than a Shona culture blog. In addition to the blog, ZimbOriginal offers a learning site which is equipped with resources that parents need to make Shona learning possible for their children. This provides a combination of face to face learning with online resources, leading to an enriched learning experience.
Vocabulary and grammar quizzes
Shona learning resources are very scarce and hard to come by. The learning site addresses this gap. Learners can have unlimited access to learning materials in different formats – audio, video, and written form. The ZimbOriginal learning site also offers automated Shona vocabulary and grammar quizzes. These tools allow learners to practice reading, speaking, writing, and even listening. This ensures a well-rounded learning experience.
Learner Profile
Using a learning site provides a clear way to track learner progress. It also offers an organised system for parents who seek to incorporate Shona learning into their children’s home-schooling schedule.
Bilingual well-illustrated children’s stories
One of ZimbOriginal’s best features is the library of well-illustrated children’s stories, which are told in both Shona and English. The learner gets the opportunity to experience variety in vocabulary and grammar while reading on their own.
Online face to face sessions
While one could opt to simply subscribe to the bilingual library, the full Shona coaching package comes with online face to face sessions, delivered at an agreed time suitable for the learner. This, together with the materials available on the learning site, provides a focused and systematic method of learning.
Blog stories relating to Shona culture
The many insightful articles on Shona culture that are available on ZimbOriginal work perfectly to support a child’s learning journey. Parents could read these to learn more about Shona culture, and then impart the knowledge to their children. For example, a parent could consider sharing Zvirahwe | Riddle Me These 30 Shona Riddles. These riddles are interesting, culturally enriching, and challenge children to think in Shona. This enriches the learning experience.
Practical Tips for Parents
While ZimbOriginal’s tools are robust, supplementing these with additional support nurtures growth. Below are practical ways which parents could use to support their children’s Shona learning journey.
Incorporating Shona in daily life and natural conversations
The easiest way to teach Shona as a parent is to make it part of the child’s daily routine. Examples of how this could be done include labelling objects around the house with their Shona names or incorporating Shona words into conversations while cooking, shopping, or during meals. Other ways include encouraging children to greet family members in Shona, or describe their day using simple phrases. These casual interactions keep learning consistent and practical.
Reading stories in Shona
Storybooks are a fantastic way to introduce both the language and cultural nuances. While there are not very many Shona resources out there, it would be worth it to make the effort to acquire a few books. Stories seamlessly weave language into narratives, offering exposure to authentic grammar and expressions.
Shona-speaking communities
Joining local or online Shona-speaking communities helps children hear and practice the language in natural settings. There are many different communities of Shona speakers in countries all over the world, and it is important for parents to encourage their children to become involved with these in ways that are beneficial.
Conclusion
While learning Shona might not be a major life skill, it certainly could provide immense enrichment to a child’s life experiences. With the resources that ZimbOriginal offers, I would love nothing more than to be an enabler of that enrichment!