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…
Language
Bemba language
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…
Are Zambian Footballers Illiterate?
by Richard Katebe •
The other day, I was at home with my friends, watching a DVD recording of the match between Power Dynamos and Nkana football club which was played at the new Levy Mwanawasa Sports Stadium in Ndola. Power Dynamos routed Nkana by 5 goals to nil in that match. At the end of the match…
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?…
English-Bemba Dictionary – Free Sample Downloads
by JS •
The dictionary has now been published on Smashwords.com. You can download a free sample to read offline on your PC, phone, tablet or ereader. Please leave your comments about the dictionary below or on Smashwords.com English-Bemba Dictionary by John Sendama Dr. $2.99 from Smashwords.com Bemba is one of Zambia's 72 languages. It is also the…
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…
A Grammar of the Bemba Language – by Schoeffer – Book Review
by JS •
Book Title: A Grammar of the Bemba Language as Spoken in North East Rhodesia Author: Rev. Father Schoeffer Edited by J.H. West Sheane, B.A. (Native Commissioner, B.S.A. Company, N.E.R.) Arranged with preface by A.C. Madan Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1907 ISBN: 9781146012799 A Grammar of the Bemba Language as Spoken in Northern Rhodesia was…
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…
Bemba Lesson 7 – Asking Questions
by JS •
It is useful to have a quick list of the five types of questions you are likely to use in different situations. Here's a list covering Who? What? When? Where? How? Examples are given to illustrate the use of these terms. Some questions start with the "Bushe…." interjection. It's a bit like putting the…
