Mwaiseni (Welcome) Welcome = Mwaiseni As discussed in Lesson 8 – Learn How to Read and Pronounce Bemba Words, the Bemba language uses the same letters of the alphabet as English. Before learning to make sentences in Bemba, you need to know about the building blocks. This lesson covers Vowels Special vowel sounds (Double vowels)…
Bemba Lessons
Learn the Bemba language
Bemba Lesson 16 – Small Talk
by JS •
Yes = Ee (Mukwai) No = Awe (Mukwai) Please = Napapata Excuse me = Banjeleleko (Mukwai) Thank you = Natotela (Mukwai) You are welcome = Cilifye (Mukwai) Pardon? (I beg your pardon) = Amuti (shani)? I don’t understand = Nshumfwile Can you say that again, please? = Mwati shani (mukwai) Please speak slowly =…
Bemba Lesson 15.4 – How to Ask a Question – WHAT? – To Drink
by JS •
In this lesson on How to Ask a Question in Bemba, we look at the verb “Drink” (Nwa). To drink = Ukunwa Note: Mu ciBemba (In Bemba) the same words are used to refer to a man and to a woman (He / She). In the following examples, remember that the plural form (pl.) is used to address…
Bemba Lesson 15.3 – How to Ask a Question – WHAT? – To Eat
by JS •
In this lesson – How to Ask a Question in Bemba, we look at the verb “Eat” (Lya). Note: Mu ciBemba (In Bemba) the same words are used to refer to a man and to a woman (He / She). In the following examples, remember that the plural form (pl.) is used to address one person as a…
The Story of the Orphan Snail
by JS •
Photo by Fir0002/Flagstaffotos Zambian Fireside Stories Once upon a time, there was a snail whose parents died shortly after he was born. He was homeless. During the day, he would wander aimlessly, looking for food. At night, he would look for a place to curl up and sleep. He led a lonely life. One morning he…
Bemba Lesson 12: Introducing Yourself
by Dr John Sendama •
Bemba Lesson 11 – Visiting Grandma
by JS •
GREETINGS Grandma's house = Ing’anda yakwa mama Grand dad’s house = Ing’anda yakwa shikulu Hello Grandma = Mwapoleni mama Hello Grandad = Mwapoleni shikulu How are you? = Muli shani? I am fine = Ndifye bwino We are fine = Tulifye bwino They are fine = Balifye bwino How's the family? = Ulupwa luli shani?…
Bemba Lesson 13: Days, Weeks, Months, Seasons
by JS •
The following are the terms used to describe the days of the week. We follow this up with some examples of common usage. WEEK DAYS The prefix “Pali” means “On” , e.g. “On Monday” ,except for Saturday and Sunday when “pa” is used: MONDAY – …
Bemba Lesson 10 – At the Hospital
by JS •
Some of the terms you are likely to come across at the clinic or hospital: Good morning = Mwashibukeni Good evening = Cungulopo mukwai How are you? = Mulishani? What brings you to the clinic today? = Cinshi camuleta kuno cipatala ilelo? Photo by Giuseppe Bollanti Do you have…
Learn How To Read and Pronounce Bemba Words
by JS •
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…