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 traditional stories or folktales (singular = ngano or rungano, plural= ngano). These tales have been passed down through generations, serving as both entertainment and valuable lessons. Ngano is an integral part of Shona culture, reflecting the rich oral tradition that has been cherished for centuries. These captivating narratives are deeply woven into the fabric of Shona society, serving as vessels for passing down wisdom, morals, and cultural values from one generation to the next. The word ngano may also be loosely translated to mean all stories in general.
The Elements of Ngano
- Morals and Values: Ngano often carry important moral lessons, teaching listeners about good behaviour, ethics, and community values. These stories aren’t just entertainment – they’re a way of passing down the wisdom of the elders to younger generations. These tales often carry profound moral lessons, teaching values like honesty, kindness, and the consequences of one’s actions.
- Personification: Animals, plants, and even inanimate objects come to life in Ngano, taking on human-like characteristics. This personification adds a delightful and imaginative touch to the stories. Ngano introduces us to mythical creatures like the mischievous tokoloshe, the wise snake deity Nzou Samanyanga, and the elusive mermaid creature, Mambokadzi.
- Supernatural Elements: Spirits, gods, and other supernatural beings often play a significant role in Ngano. These elements add a magical and mystical layer to the tales, making them even more captivating.
- Engaging and fun: They captivate the listener through the story itself as well as the Sarungano’s (story tellers’) skill. They are lyrical and introduce new words and idioms and rhythmical introducing musical fun in the day to day life.
- Community Connection: Ngano isn’t just entertainment; it’s a communal experience. These stories serve to reinforce social bonds, shared values, and a collective sense of identity among the Shona people.
How is Ngano Told Traditionally?
Picture this: a moonlit night, a crackling fire, and eager listeners gathered around as a master storyteller weaves tales of magic, wisdom, and moral lessons through the rich tapestry of ngano.
1. Oral Tradition:
Ngano has primarily been an oral tradition, passed down verbally from one generation to the next. Elders and storytellers would gather the community, creating an intimate setting for the stories to unfold. The stories are like cultural heirlooms, handed down from grandparents to parents to children, creating a timeless bond between generations. There are versions of the same ngano told slightly differently in each family like a treasured family recipe that gets passed down.
2. Call and Response:
Storytelling often involves a call-and-response format, engaging the audience in the narrative. This interactive element makes Ngano a communal experience, fostering a sense of connection among listeners. The sarungano usually starts with paivapo… or kare kare…, which translate to ‘there once was…’ and ‘long time ago…’. The listeners then respond with dzefunde. Dzefunde encourages the sarungano to continue and tells them we are still listening, and not asleep. It also has connotations of we agree and we are learning, sure we’ll suspend normal belief for now.
3. Rhythmic Elements:
Traditional Ngano is often accompanied by rhythmic elements, such as drumming, chanting, singing or playing mbira. These elements not only enhance the storytelling experience but also contribute to the cultural richness of the tales. The sarungano will call out the chat or song, (kushaura) and the listeners will sing back the response (kutsinhira) thereby the listeners become an integral part of the story telling experience.
4. Visual Aids:
Some storytellers use visual aids like drawings, sculptures, or performances to enhance the narrative. These aids serve as mnemonic devices, helping the storyteller remember key details and ensuring the audience remains captivated.
The Importance of Ngano in Shona Culture
Ngano isn’t just a form of entertainment; it’s a vital component of Shona identity and cultural preservation. By sharing these stories, communities pass down their values, language, and history to future generations. So, the next time you hear a Ngano, remember that you’re not just listening to a story – you’re immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Shona culture.
That’s it for this crash course on Ngano! We hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration into the world of Shona storytelling. If you’re eager to delve deeper into the Shona language and culture, stay tuned for more exciting content on Speak Shona and visit the Ngano library.
Common Themes in Ngano
Ngano covers a wide range of themes, from origin stories and historical events to cautionary tales and humorous anecdotes. Each narrative serves a unique purpose, reflecting the complexity and diversity of Shona culture. Whether it’s the cunning Hare outsmarting other animals or the heroic exploits of legendary figures, ngano provides a multifaceted lens through which Shona people understand their world. Ngano are a ‘powerful pedagogical tool for communicating the people’s knowledge and wisdom. Far from being a mere source of entertainment, the story helps to sharpen the people’s creativity and imagination, to mould their behaviour, to train their intellect and to regulate their emotions.’
Preserving Ngano in the Modern Age
In today’s fast-paced world, the preservation of ngano faces new challenges. However, initiatives to record and digitize these oral traditions ensure that future generations can access and appreciate the richness of Shona folklore. Organizations like the Speak Shona (Ngano Library) and the African Storybook Project (africanstorybook.org) work tirelessly to collect, translate, and share ngano with a global audience. There are also Shona writers like Ignatius Mabasa who aim to bring out new ngano and keep Shona culture alive.
Sources and Further reading:
- African Storybook Project. (https://www.africanstorybook.org/)
- Shona Proverbs: With Critical Linguistic Notes. (https://www.cambridge.org/engage/api-gateway/mrc/assets/orp/resource/item/5e9773c0d4f57d08b80a6b0d/original/shona-proverbs-with-critical-linguistic-notes.pdf)
- The Sarungano and Shona Storytelling: an African Theatrical Paradigm DOI: https://doi.org/10.1386/stap.21.1.18
- The African Oral Tradition Paradigm of Storytelling as a Methodological Framework: Employment Experiences for African communities in New Zealand (ecald.com)
- Reclaiming a Traditional African Genre: The AfroSurrealism of Ngano – Fantasy Magazine (fantasy-magazine.com)
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