Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWE officially recognises 16 languages under its Constitution — 15 indigenous languages, alongside Sign Language.
With a population of more than 17 million people, it would be beneficial for citizens to be able to speak and understand at least three or four languages. Many people still prioritise learning their mother tongue and English, with proficiency in the latter sometimes mistakenly viewed as a measure of intelligence.
In many parts of Mashonaland, Shona and English are the preferred languages, while Ndebele and English are widely valued in Matabeleland and some parts of the Midlands.
However, Shona and Ndebele have maintained their dominance among Zimbabwe’s indigenous languages.
To some people, Shona is relatively easy to learn, while Ndebele is perceived as more difficult, particularly for those who start learning it later in life. This could soon become a thing of the past following the publication of a Ndebele language resource book for beginners by local writer, researcher and language expert, Sibusisiwe Ndlovu.
Titled IsiNdebele — A Beginner’s Guide to the Ndebele Language with a Cultural Context and History, the resource book, which is due to be launched this month, is expected to make learning Ndebele easier for non-native speakers.
With non-Ndebele-speaking people increasingly migrating to regions where the language is predominantly spoken, the book could provide a useful starting point for those keen to learn the language and improve communication.
Marriage, job transfers, investment opportunities, online dating and romantic relationships have all contributed to increased interaction between people from different linguistic backgrounds, making multilingualism increasingly important.
The writer’s foreword is clear about what Ndlovu seeks to achieve with her book.
“This book seeks to aid one conversant with English to teach or self-teach isiNdebele in an easy and practical way,” reads the foreword.
“English is referred to as isiKhiwa or isiLungu in isiNdebele. The book is written as a learning tool for one to be able to speak Ndebele.
“The book explains the requisite grammar terms in a simple manner, enabling an understanding of the basics of the language structure without delving into the detailed linguistic complexities of morphology and lexicon.”
Ndlovu, who invested a lot of time and effort in developing the learning tool, told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that the book was relevant to anyone who wants to learn basic Ndebele for communication purposes.
“I took about three years working on it, since it was an on-and-off process as I balanced it with other tasks,” she said.
“The book is for everybody who wants to understand basic Ndebele and be able to communicate. Key issues that we are tackling include grammar, exclamations and idiophones.
“On top of that, the book also teaches people about basics such as greetings, food and health matters, which constitute basic communication.”
Ndlovu, whose vision is to write more books, said it was never too late for non-Ndebele speakers to learn the language.
“With this resource book, which is also a perfect learning tool, you can learn at your own pace. In life, you can be transferred to a region where Ndebele is widely spoken, and you don’t need to be stranded or require an interpreter all the time.
“In my case, I was raised in Bulawayo and am now a Greendale resident in Harare.
“The nature of my former job in the Civil Protection Unit saw me relocating to many parts of Zimbabwe, and I had no option, but to become multilingual.”
Ndlovu, who is also inspired by other Zimbabwean writers such as Barbara Nkala and Ndabezinhle Sigogo, as well as a couple of Nigerian writers, added:
“Being multilingual is an added advantage, and in my case, I have come up with this book to ensure people learn and understand Ndebele.
“In my case, I was never shy to speak Ndebele from my days at home, through primary and secondary school, and later at university.”
In this increasingly interconnected society, learning another indigenous language should not be viewed as a burden, but as an opportunity to embrace Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural identity.
Language provides more than a means of communication; it offers a gateway into a people’s history, traditions and worldview.
For non-Ndebele speakers living, working or doing business in Ndebele-speaking communities, learning the language can also help foster stronger relationships and a greater appreciation of local culture. It can break down communication barriers while promoting unity among Zimbabweans from different linguistic backgrounds.
Now that Ndlovu has penned a resource specifically designed to assist beginners, there is no better time to start learning Ndebele. After all, in a multilingual society such as Zimbabwe, the ability to communicate in more than one indigenous language can only strengthen social and cultural bonds.
Learning Ndebele is therefore not simply about mastering another language. It is about embracing diversity, preserving indigenous knowledge and ensuring that Zimbabwe’s rich linguistic heritage remains alive for generations to come.
