Language/Shona/Vocabulary/Education
Hi Shona learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about Shona words related to education. Education is important in every society, and in Zimbabwe, it is one of the main pillars of national development.
To improve your Shona Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
School subjects[edit | edit source]
In Zimbabwe, the official language of instruction is English, but most students are taught in their mother tongue up to grade 3. Here are several school subjects taught at higher levels.
| Shona | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Matura / Upenyu | muh-tah-ruh / oo-peh-nyoo | Mathematics / Maths |
| Chirongwa / Zvipfukuto | chuh-rohng-wah / zvee-pfoo-koo-toh | Science |
| Litarature / Mamu | lee-tah-roo-chah / mah-moo | Literature |
| Buda / Satani | boo-dah / suh-tah-nee | History |
| Runyararo | roo-nyah-ruh-roh | Peace and Conflict Studies |
- Example:
Person 1: Unogona kuverenga mombe nekugara usina kugara kana usingade kunwa mvura. (You can read cows and sit even if you don’t want to drink water.) Person 2: Hapana chinokonzeresa pamberi pedu sezvinoita shavi? (Is there anything more important than this?)
Levels of education[edit | edit source]
Many Zimbabweans say that "education is the key to success," and that may explain why most families prioritize sending their children to school. Here are some levels of education:
Primary Education[edit | edit source]
In Zimbabwe, Primary education runs from grade 1 to grade 7 for all students. It is compulsory and free in all government schools.
| Shona | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Mazana | mah-zah-nah | Grades |
| Ruzivo | roo-zee-voh | Education |
| Vhiki | vhee-kee | Week |
| Wadambura | wah-dahm-boo-rah | Dropout |
| Paradhika | pah-rahd-hee-kah | Curriculum |
- Example:
Person 1: Ndirikuenda kunovatsi kana vadambura mumapurisa. (I am going to visit the school dropouts at the police station.) Person 2: Hoo zvekuti bodza hairovi here kuti isu nevanhu vedu tinochema kudzidzisa? (Isn't it a lie that we and our children cry over learning?)
Secondary Education[edit | edit source]
Secondary education is four years of O' Levels and two years of A' Levels. Students study for the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council's public exams at the end of each level. Exams are given in November and all students must pass them to continue to the next level.
| Shona | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Dzidzo | dzee-dzoh | Lessons |
| Kufunda | koo-foon-dah | To Study |
| Kuverenga | koo-veh-ren-gah | To Read |
| Nhapitapi | nyah-pee-tah-pee | Uniform |
| Ruzivo Rwemazvita | roo-zee-voh roo-mah-zvee-tah | Advanced Level (A' Level) |
- Example:
Person 1: Hazvina kubuditswa kana ari MDC kana ZANU. (It does not matter if they belong to the MDC or ZANU.) Person 2: Usatanga zvekufunda basa, enda kumapurisa. (Don’t think of studying; just go to the police.)
Tertiary Education[edit | edit source]
The government runs most tertiary education institutions in Zimbabwe. Graduates of these institutions usually find work either in government or private sector. Some study abroad through scholarships, mainly to the UK, USA, and South Africa.
| Shona | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Chikoro Chekushandisa | chee-koh-roh cheh-koo-shahn-dis-ah | Vocational Training |
| Kufambira KwaChiedza | koo-fahm-bee-rah kwah-chee-ehz-dzah | University |
| Nzira Yekufambira | n-zee-rah yeh-koo-fahm-bee-rah | Career Path |
- Example:
Person 1: Akandivimbisa kana itsva zvekwa Matilda. (She convinced me to go to Matilda.) Person 2: Whistle inozvipa nzira yekunogara muUK! (whistle type can provide you with a career path in the UK!)
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Learning Shona vocabulary related to education is important to have a conversation about education with Shona speakers. In this lesson we covered different school subjects, levels of education, and their respective terms in Shona. Don't forget that education can be anything that makes you better, not only what is learned in school. Keep learning and improving!
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Shona - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
- Zimbabwe Travel Guide: Shona Phrasebook. Useful Shona Words ...
- Chishona - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
Excellent job on conquering this lesson! Consider delving into these related pages: How to Say Hello and Greetings & Talking about Money.
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Drinks
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Fruits
- Health
- Feelings and Emotions
- Numbers
- Days of the week
- Days of the Week