Blog
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Shona Resources for Self Learning
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in Learn ShonaEmbarking on a journey to learn Shona on your own? Fantastic choice! Here’s a curated list of Shona resources to aid your self-learning adventure: Online Courses Language Apps Textbooks and Workbooks Shona Dictionaries Online Communities: YouTube Channels: Literature and Storybooks: Flashcard Apps: Remember, consistency is key when learning a new language. Mix and match these…
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Shumba Sipambi Praise Poetry
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Th totem of Shumba (lion) of the Sipmabi clan Shumba Sipambi Mazviita Shumba, Maita Sipambi, Yakapamba nedzevamwe, Vadyi vefazhakamwe Inodyarwa ikamera. Maita matikaha nokuona tsimba, Kuona munhu vana vanotya, Mukakatirakwasviba, Kumuka ndodzvova, kutsika zvovava, Mutakuranhawo kuno munhuhwi, Sipambi, mwana wechikara, Chokanyaira chobva Magare, Choinda Imbwarume chisina uta. Zvaitwa varidinhire Chigarachibwe, Vari Magare VaMupfurawatya. Mazviita Mugonderwa,…
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Sinyoro Praise Poetry
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Th totem of Moyo Sinyoro is also called Moyo Vanjanja. The Njanja praise poem was passed down from generation to generation through oral tradition. Below is the poem as taken from Zimbabwean poet Aaron C Hodza poetry book “Mitupo neZvidao Zamadzinza,” loosely translated as “Totems and venerated names of the clans.” Maita Sinyoro, Zvaitwa Muroro,…
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Unraveling Shona Tales: A Crash Course on Ngano Traditions
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Hey there, language enthusiasts and culture connoisseurs! Welcome to another exciting journey into the Shonaverse (i.e. the world of Shona language on Speak Shona.) Today we’re diving into the captivating realm of Ngano – traditional Shona stories that weave together language, culture, and history. What is Ngano? Ngano, pronounced “ᵑɡa-no,” is the Shona word for…
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Origins of Shona Totems and Clans
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Today, in the Shonaverse we embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Shona culture, exploring the ancient origins of Shona totems (mutupo) and clans (dzinza). Why do two strangers suddenly become siblings just because they have the same totem? Why cant you ‘eat’ your totem?. I. Totems Totems are seen as symbols and…
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How to use Anki to learn Shona
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Using Anki to learn Shona can be a powerful and effective way to memorize vocabulary, phrases, and even practice your understanding of grammar. Anki is a flashcard app that utilizes spaced repetition to optimize memory retention. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Anki for learning Shona: Step 1: Download and Install Anki Step…
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How to learn an African language
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in Learn ShonaAkan Twi, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Bambara, Shona, Zulu, Ndebele, Xhosa… what do these have in common? They are African languages. As the world becomes more interconnected, the desire to explore diverse cultures and languages is on the rise. If you’ve set your sights on learning an African language, you’re in for an exciting journey! Step…
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Bantu Language Similarities
All languages have similarities. Some more than others. Today’s Shonaverse expedition is all about exploring and unravelling the similarities that weave Bantu languages together, of which Shona belongs. From Swahili to Zulu, Bantu languages form a rich tapestry of communication. Common Roots: The Bantu Language Family Before delving into the similarities, let’s grasp the scope…
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Shonaverse? What is the Shonaverse?
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A Crash Course in the Linguistic Galaxy of Speak Shona! Greetings, Shona language explorers! Prepare to be catapulted into the Shonaverse, the captivating world of Shona language on Speak Shona – a realm where words are the stars and phrases are the constellations. Navigating the Shonaverse The Shonaverse is a digital cosmos where language enthusiasts…
