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…
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Bemba language
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…
Bemba Lesson 16.1 – Street Language – Ama …
by JS •
Chisokone Street – kitweonline One of our readers, Yzo Leon from the Philippines, suggested that it would be interesting to cover Bemba “street” language in our lessons. Yzo suggested that learning the usual expressions used in informal conversation would be a way of learning more about culture. We totally agree. We will…
Bemba Lesson 15.2 – How to Ask a Question – WHAT? – To Do
by JS •
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…
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?…
