GRADE 5- HER- 03-FEB 2023

P12

Languages and Culture in Zimbabwe

Languages

-Indigenous Zimbabweans are of different ethnic groups and each group has its own culture as well as
language

-The languages are called by the ethnic group name.

-Of late more indigenous languages are recognised by the constitution of Zimbabwe.

-Languages like Nambya, Venda, Tonga and Kalanga are now examined at Grade 7 level.

-There are 16 recognised languages in Zimbabwe, which include:

 Chewa

 Ndebele

 Shona

 Xhosa
 Venda

 Sotho

 Tonga

 Kalanga

 Shangani

 Ndau

 Nambya

 Tswana

 Chibarwe

 English

 Sign language

 Khoisan
-All these languages are treated and respected equally

-It is the state’s responsibility to promote and advance the use of these languages in Zimbabwe,
including sign language

-There are also a number of foreign languages like English, French, Chinese and Indian for business and
social purposes

Culture in Zimbabwe

-Zimbabwe is a multi-cultural country, meaning that it has many cultures

-It is made up of people from different ethnic groups, nationalities, religions and culture.

-Culture is the belief, behaviour, language and complete way of life of a particular group of people

-Culture includes customs, ceremonies, works of art, inventions, technology and traditions.

-Various African cultural practices include mukwerera, kurova guva/ umbuyiso, kupururudza muroora,
nhimbe/ilima and many others.

-There are elements of culture which can be borrowed from other people

-For example, African Zimbabweans borrowed a number of practices from the English.

-Some of the borrowed practices include religion, dressing, music, dance as well as eating habits
-The different religions also practise different things that have become a culture for the people.

-For example, Christians have a white wedding for those who want to marry and they are joined before
God.

-In indigenous culture when the groom pays lobola the ancestors are informed in a ceremony and the
two can live together as husband and wife

Exercise

1. There is just one ethnic in Zimbabwe with one culture. (TRUE/FALSE).

2. Only Shona, English and Ndebele are recognised by the constitution of Zimbabwe. (TRUE/FALSE)

3. How languages are recognised by the constitution of Zimbabwe?

4. List any 5 languages officially recognised in Zimbabwe

5. Whose responsibility is it to promote the use of all the languages

6. Give 3 examples of languages spoken in Zimbabwe, besides the officially recognised languages.

7. Give any 3 indigenous cultural practices in Zimbabwe

8. What three practices did Zimbabweans copy from other cultures?