tawandamusarurwa
Society Reporter
IN a landmark development that will go a long way in preserving Shona in its original form, author Beaven Munyengeterwa launched a book that is arguably the country’s first encyclopaedia in the language.
An encyclopaedia is a book or set of books giving comprehensive information on many subjects.
Unlike the “Shona Student’s Companion”, which is designed for mostly primary and secondary learners studying Shona, Munyengeterwa’s book is a must-read for every Zimbabwean who is eager to explore the Shona language in its original form.
Unique and exciting read
Titled “Dada neRurimi neRudzi Rwako”, the 316-page book, explores some aspects of the Shona language that have never been written about before.
Munyengeterwa extensively researched on tsumo (proverbs), madimikira (idioms) and nyaudzosingwi (ideophones).
A unique and exciting read, the book even has a section where the author writes about the 16 types of mice that are found in Zimbabwe.
He also compiled all the types of mushrooms that are indigenous to Zimbabwe and differentiated them according to the Zezuru, Manyika, Korekore and Budya dialects. The author further listed 12 000 derived words, among them bhanana, bhurugwa, hembe and mapatya.
Munyengeterwa also conducted extensive research on marriage and then gave detailed explanations on concepts such as makandinzwa nani? and pwanya ruzhowa.
Some of the topics the author extensively covered are names of animals, human body parts, totems and clay pots.
He said the book seeks to correct the misinformation about the Shona language.
“The Shona that we speak today is a mixture of Afrikaans, Ndebele, English and even Portuguese.
“This book seeks to help readers realise the correct Shona names and words,” said Munyengeterwa, an expert in cultural preservation and the promotion and use of traditional medicine.
Online Reporter