In this lesson on How to Ask a Question in Bemba, we look at the verb “Do” (Cita). 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…
Language
Bemba language
Bemba Lesson 15.1 – How to Ask a Question – WHAT? – To Want
by JS •
One of the fastest ways of learning any language is by asking the right questions. Ici Bemba (the Bemba language) is no exception. One way of politely correcting someone is by asking him a question about what he is doing. Knowing how to ask a question and knowing when you are being asked one is…
Bemba Lesson 14: Personal Pronouns – I, Me, My
by JS •
Personal Pronouns In Bemba, the personal pronoun changes depending on: Whether it is used as the subject or the object of a sentence The tense The negative The personal pronoun can be used as the subject or as an object of a sentence. This will determine how it is said. When used as the subject,…
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…
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…
