63 Shona words you didn’t know were borrowed from Afrikaans
It is common knowledge that a few Shona words have an Afrikaans influence. I recently came across one that I found surprising, leading me to do some digging up. Along…
35 different sorts of sadza. Or, is it porridge?
There is more to porridge than a simple breakfast cereal dish. Sadza, generally described in English as a stiff meal porridge, is the highlight of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine. Almost any…
Tsumo| 6 things I have learned through analysing over 200 Shona proverbs
Over the past few months, I have taken time to analyse over 200 Shona proverbs, just out of interest. Some of them have motivated me to gain an understanding of…
Tsumo| 25 Shona proverbs inspired by children
Shona proverbs that relate to children help portray what the Shona understand about children and childhood. Below are 25 such proverbs. 1. Chikomo shata divi, rimwe ritambire pwere. divi: side…
5 reasons children struggle with Shona language learning
I have seen corporate advertisements with glaring irregularities, following a poor attempt by salesmen and marketers to communicate in the Shona language. In almost similar circumstances, most of my attempts…
Traditional medicine| 50 plants to take you back to the basics of medicine and healing
In many parts of Zimbabwe, reliance is still placed on traditional medicines due to their affordability and ease of access. In some cases, there are cultural and spiritual considerations that…
Zvirahwe| Riddle me these 30 Shona riddles
Why a riddle? Riddles are sometimes considered a form of folklore. Their function ranges from education to entertainment, revealing the thoughts and expressions of a people. Below are 30 common…
Tsumo| Generational wisdom from 20 Shona proverbs
Proverbs are regarded as a source of knowledge and wisdom passed down through generations.Below are twenty Shona proverbs together with an explanation of what inspired each proverb, and its application.…
6 things worth knowing about traditional practices when faced with a disease outbreak
The traditional values of Zimbabwean people are centered on strong family ties and hospitality. Members of a family rely on each other for support and show solidarity in the various…
Tsumo| 20 Shona proverbs inspired by animals
Traditionally, hunting and agriculture have been the primary means of livelihood for the majority of Zimbabweans. It is therefore not surprising that a large number of Shona proverbs relate to…