SHONA

The Shona people are the majority tribe in Zimbabwe, where 80% of the population identifies as such. There are estimated to be around nine million people from this ethnic group in the world, including from neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia. The tribe’s language goes by the same name and has several dialects including Korekore, Zezuru, Manyika, Ndau and Karanga. Here’s everything you need to know.

 

There are several ancient stone wall sites in Zimbabwe which are believed to have been built by this tribe. The walls form the physical foundation of Great Zimbabwe, an 800-hectare city that flourished between the 11th and 15th centuries AD. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Great Zimbabwe was a center for trade, and archaeologists have found artefacts on site from as far away as China.

 

As many tribes across the continent do, the Shona people practise farming grains such as millet, sorghum and maize. They also farm sweet potatoes and groundnuts. They are known to rear cattle, which are a symbol of wealth and are mainly used for draft power, milk and for paying a bride price.

  • USEFUL PHRASES

    Welcome Mauya

     

    Hello (General greeting) Mhoro (sg)

    Mhoroi (pl)

     

    How are you? Wakadini zvako? (sg)

    Makadini zvenyu? (pl)

     

    Reply to 'How are you?'

    Ndiri rayiti Ndiripo

     

    Long time no see Ko, vemakore!

     

    What's your name? Unonzani? (sg)

    Munonzani? (pl)

     

    My name is ...

    Ndinonzi ...Zita rangu i ...

     

    Where are you from? Unobva kupi? (sg)

    Munobva kupi?? (pl)

     

    I'm from ... Ndinobva ku ...

     

    Pleased to meet you Ndafara kukuziva (sg)

    Ndafara kukuzivai (pl)

     

    Good morning

    (Morning greeting) Mangwanani

     

    Mangwanani, marara sei? (reply)

    Good afternoon

     

    (Afternoon greeting) Masikati

     

    Masikati, maswera sei? (reply)

    Good evening

     

    (Evening greeting) Manheru

     

    Maswera sei (reply)

     

    Good night Urare zvakanaka (sg)

    Murare Zvakanaka (pl)

     

    Goodbye

    (Parting phrases) Sara Zvakanaka (sg)

    Sariayi Zvakanaka (pl)

     

    Good luck! Uve nemhanza yakanaka (sg)

    Muve nemhanza yakanaka (pl)

     

    Have a good journey Ufambe zvakanaka (sg)

    Mufambe zvakanaka (pl)

     

    Do you understand? Munonzvisisa here?

     

    I understand Ndinonzvisisa

     

    I don't understand Handisi kunyaso nzwisisa

     

    Please speak more slowly Ndinokumbirawo kuti musakurumidze kutaura

     

    Please say that again Ndinokumbirawo kuti muzvitaure futi

     

    Please write it down Ndinokumbirawo kuti muzvinyore pasi

     

    Do you speak ...? Unotaura ...? (sg)

    Munotaura ...? (pl)

     

    How do you say ... in Shona?

     

    Excuse me Pamusoro (sg)

    Pamusoroyi (pl)

     

    How much is this? Chinoita marii?

     

    Sorry Ndineurombo

     

    Thank you Waita zvako (sg)

    Maita zvenyu (pl)

     

    Reply to thank you Unotendei? Zvakanaka

     

    Where's the toilet / bathroom? Chimbuzi chiripi?

     

    Leave me alone! Ndisiye!

     

    Help! Ndibatsireiwo!

     

    Fire! Moto!

     

    Stop! Mira!

     

    Call the police! Daiidzayi mapurisa!

     

  • ANIMAL NAMES

    Nzou - elephant

     

    Mbada - leopard

     

    Dindingwe, ihlosi - cheetah

     

    Shuma - lion

     

    Bumhi . - wild dog

     

    Furiramudenga - giraffe

     

    Nhoro, nzirawa - kudu

     

    Mhofu - eland

     

    Mhene - steenbok

     

    Mhou/Mhowani - ostrich

     

    Chipembere - rhino

     

    Nyati - buffalo

     

    Gudo - baboon

     

    Tsoko - monkey

     

    Cheetah - dindingwe

     

    Mvuu - hippopotamus

     

    Nyoka - snake

     

    Tsuro - hare/rabbit

     

    Shiri - bird

     

    Bere - hyena

     

    Garwe - crocodile

     

    Shumba

     

    Nzou