Bemba Proverbs: 2. “Ndi musunga wa mpundu, nyambalala pa muulu.” That is to say: I seem harmless, but if you pester me, I am dangerous. Emukutila: Mwimona fino nafuuka elyo mulembelesha nganafulwa nalishupa. _____________
Bemba
The Bemba language is spoken in Central African countries including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Botswana.
In Zambia, it is spoken by over six million people. Several Zambian dialects have evolved. “Bemba Lite” (Town Bemba) is spoken along the line of rail and is characterized by words borrowed from various local languages and English.
Amapinda yamu ciBemba – 1
by Joseph Mwila Bwembya •
Bemba Proverbs: 1. “Impande yalubiile mukwalaula.” That is to say: Do not let everyone finger your jewels, they may get lost. Emukutila: Wilalekela ababiyo balekwangashisha ifyo wakwata pantu kuti bakonowila nangu bakulufisha. _____ _________
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 INTRODUCING YOURSELF Hello – Mwapoleni mukwai How are you? – Muli shani I’m fine, thanks – Ndifye bwino mukwai My name is Jane – Nine Jane What is your name? – Nimwe bani ishina? I have come from Kitwe – Nafuma ku Kitwe I have come from London – Nafuma ku…
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…
