Bemba Proverbs: 6. “Umulume wambwa tankila mubiye.” That is to say: Don’t rely on your friends to provide for you, fight your own battle. Emukutila: Wicetekela ukuti abanobe ebo balekufwaila ifyo ulekabila mubwikalo bobe. ______________
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 Ne Nsoselo – 5
by Joseph Mwila Bwembya •
Bemba Proverbs: 5. “Nine titi uushangila mulya mung’omba, kano mwipindo lyandi.” That is to say: I can survive without the great. Emukutila: Kuti nakwanisha nangu cakuti tamungafwile mwe bakankala. ___________
Amapinda yamu ciBemba – 3
by Joseph Mwila Bwembya •
Bemba Proverbs: 3. “Kumusumba takwabikilwa nkwa.” That is to say: Don’t plan to do your job if you have to do something for someone more important. Emukutila: Ngawatumwa ukubombela umukankala umo umulimo, utale ulabeko kumilimo yobe. ___________
Insoselo Shamu ciBemba – 1
by Joseph Mwila Bwembya •
Bemba Sayings 1. “Kanyelele mufukila kubili” Kwaliba nabantu abo beta ati ba “Kanyelele mufukila kubili”, aba bantu ngawabalekela ifipe fyobe kuti bapokela umwana mukulela pantu bakaso sana. _______________
Amapinda yamu ciBemba – 2
by Joseph Mwila Bwembya •
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. _____________
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…
