Shona language basics pdf

A language exchange complements other forms of learning such as classroom, cultural immersion and multimedia, because you get to practice all that you have learned with native speakers in a safe. Im here to help you learn shona, by going step by step. Included are vocabulary sections, a phrasebook, pronunciation tips, a brief outline of the languages grammar and information about local culture. An official language is one that is used in government, commerce and industry. Come and download the free fsi shona basic language course, includes hours of free shona audio and selflearning materials. Here are some of the shona phrases that you might want to learn. The companion volume to a basic englishshona dictionary is now widely available for. A ah like the a in father e eh like the a in say but without moving your mouth i ee like the ee in see. This set of instructional materials for shona, a bantu language, consists of lessons designed to be used with audiotape recordings not included here, lesson. Shona, or chishona, a bantu language spoken by eight million people in zimbabwe and mozambique, is the official and most widelyspoken language of zimbabwe. This course is designed for english speakers who are learning from scratch. If you are familiar with spanish, italian or japanese, the vowels are pronounced the same. We provide free, helpful guidelines and tips on how to do a language exchange, as well as free lesson plans designed by an expert in language exchange learning. Shona basic course this course is an introduction to the shona language.

Shona is one of the two principal languages of rhodesia, and extends also into adjacent areas of mdzambique. The following are shona phrases used in everyday life and their translation. Basic grammar is introduced in each lesson, teaching the structure and fundamental constructions of the shona language. Shona language to teach shona, practice in some schools indicates a. All the lessons contain audio and are all offered for free. About half of the verbs in the language behave tonally in one way. How to read and pronounce shona words basic phrases that are commonly used. Shona language course learn to speak zimbabwe zambia audio. Definition of terms shona is one of the two major indigenous languages in zimbabwe, spoken by the majority of the population, that is, 5 293 000 67 per cent out of a population of 7,9 million unesco, 1985, 75. We also have section in our travel guide to zimbabwe that lists some helpful shona words and phrases that can be of practical help when you are going around the country. Learn shona through our lessons such as alphabet, adjectives, nouns, plural, gender, numbers, phrases, grammar, vocabulary, verbs, exam, audio, translation. Home lessons basics course 5 students overview curriculum instructor welcome to the basics course. Mamuka sei good morning you start with ma when you are greeting an elderly person, senior or someone of importance. Pdf a basic english shona dictionary download full pdf.

In the african situation, nigeria and tanzania have made phenomenal. Write or speak shona online to improve grammar or conversation. A ah like the a in father e eh like the a in say but without moving your mouth. The purpose of this list is to give a rough idea of the shona language. Shona english english shona chishona dictionary phrasebook available for download. Pdf shona is a southern bantu language that is spoken by about 75% of. Adjective phrase versus copular sentences tone difference. Pdf shona english english shona chishona dictionary. Developed by the foreign service institute and is now free in the public domain. Learn shona online by practicing with a native speaker who is learning your language. Each lesson also contains a vocabulary section that highlights the important aspects of its featured topic. While english is widely spoken, there is a large majority that speaks the other official language of zimbabwe, which is called shona.