About Shona

Shona is a Bantu language primarily spoken in Zimbabwe, where it is one of the most widely spoken languages, with about 10.7 million speakers. The language has a rich oral tradition and has been used in written form since the 20th century, utilizing the Latin script. Shona has several dialects, which are often mutually intelligible, and it plays a vital role in the cultural identity of the Shona people.

Historically, Shona was not a written language until missionary efforts in the 19th century led to the development of a written form. A unique feature of Shona is its use of tone to distinguish meaning, a common trait among Bantu languages. Shona also incorporates a range of proverbs and idiomatic expressions, reflecting the wisdom and values of its speakers.