Learn How To Read and Pronounce Bemba Words

Bemba Lesson 8

Learn how to read Bemba using simple methods.
The Bemba language is broadly based on the English alphabet.
Most words are based around the five vowels: A,E,I,O and U. (Vowel = A sound made by allowing air to flow freely through the mouth and throat)
When you take away the vowels from the 26 letters of the English alphabet, you are left with 21 consonants: B,C,D,F,G,H,J,K,L,M,N,P,Q,R,S,T,V,W,X,Y and Z ( Consonant = Sounds made by the partial or total obstruction of air flow in the mouth and throat. This can be done with the lips, the teeth, the tip of the tongue or the back of the tongue)
Except for the six letters of the alphabet that are either rarely used (J) or absent altogether from the Bemba alphabet (Q,R,V, X and Z), most of the consonants are pronounced the same as in English: B,C,D,F,G,H,K,L,M,N,P,S,T,W, and Y.
Most Bemba words are formed from a combination of a consonant followed by a vowel to make a distinct sound. Such a sound is called a syllable (= the letters of a word that are pronounced as one unit).
Simple words will usually be made up of one consonant followed by a vowel, e.g.  “Ma”
For now, however, we will start with the very simple sounds that help you speak and read more easily.
You don’t need to worry about the five letters of the alphabet that are absent from the Bemba alphabet. (Q,R,V, X and Z). The letter “J” is a special case which we will discuss later.
The Bemba alphabet is different in another way; it contains a unique letter “ɧ” . To make life easier when typing and writing, this letter can be represented by “N’g”. It is pronounced “”n’g” as in the English word “singer”
Watch the video to learn a fast way of reading and pronouncing Bemba words.

Now that you are comfortable with syllables that are made of a consonant and a vowel, take a look at some Bemba words and have fun working out how to pronounce them using the method you have just learnt here.
Here are a few examples for you to read:
Awe (N0)
Leta (Bring)
Sala (Choose)
Kola (Intoxicate)
Pepa  (Pray)
Belama (Hide)
Isa (Come)
Fuma (Go out)
Look out for a follow up on this lesson in the near future.
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11 Thoughts on Learn How To Read and Pronounce Bemba Words
    Liz
    19 Jan 2013
    3:32pm

    are there bemba words that begin with the letter H?

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      JS
      19 Jan 2013
      9:12pm

      Hi Liz,
      There are no Bemba words starting with “H”
      It takes special effort for a Bemba person to say “House” (‘Ouse), Hector (‘Ector), etc.
      The other letters absent from Bemba vocabulary are D,G,J,Q,R,V,X and Z.

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    Corrie
    13 Oct 2013
    11:52pm

    Ba Editor,
    Is there a way to determine if the letter C has the “ch” sound as in icibemba, or the soft or hard sound?

    Natotela

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      Corrie
      17 Oct 2013
      6:20pm

      Never mind, I was finally able to watch the video which answered this question. Natotela for this wonderful website.

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        JS
        18 Oct 2013
        11:54pm

        Corrie,

        Thanks for your feedback.

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    hilard
    29 Sep 2015
    6:55pm

    Are there any bemba words that begin with O

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      JS
      3 Oct 2015
      11:44pm

      Hi Hilard,
      Yes, there are Bemba words starting with “O”, e.g.
      Onta = Bask
      Ongama = Bend
      Olola = Straighten
      Onda = Thin
      Oba = Row (a canoe)
      Onaula = Damage
      Onauka = Become damaged
      Owe! = (Exclamation)

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    Helen
    20 May 2020
    2:10pm

    I have found the biggest difference with pronunciation compared to English is the letter C which is more like ch in Bemba. As well as the L which has a slight R sound and difficult to distinguish sometimes.

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    Daniel Mukengami
    20 Jun 2020
    3:05pm

    hello?
    please help me with the difference between ca and Cha.. perhaps when are these two syllables are used.
    otherwise have enjoyed the whole lot of the lesson.

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    Chishala Patience
    1 Aug 2023
    7:20am

    It’s a very good job that you are doing, you are really helping us as primary teachers and adult literacy programme Carriers. On my own I appreciate your help and support because your site has helped me in teaching and learning local language.

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      JS
      1 Aug 2023
      8:08am

      Patience. Thanks for your feedback. We welcome suggestions on what people want us to cover in future lessons.

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