Hukama hwedu paChiShona
Hukama hwedu hwakakosha.
Our relationships are precious.
And this video on “Hukama PaChiShona” demonstrates as much.
In the Shona culture there is a deep emphasis on the importance of family connection and support. A very strong support system exists within these structures, and a respect and knowledge of the relationship structures is intrinsic to this.
After all an aunt is not just an aunt in the Shona way of life. Every member of the immediate family has a title and associated responsibilities and expectations.
These are taught and demonstrated through the course of one’s life. More senior role models are often delegated the task of teaching the younger generation how to assume these roles.
Have you read our post “How to say brother in Shona“?
That article demonstrates how different members of the same family identify the brother. This also carries expectations of how the individual conducts themselves as well as the responsibilities associated.
It’s a lot to take in.
And don’t worry you are not expected to understand it all immediately.
Simply take your time and remember to keep asking questions. Because it is such a diverse landscape with rules that very often need re-examining, it is a brilliant aspect of the experience of getting to know Zimbabweans. It opens up the arena for many a discussion on the ins and outs. A fantastic way to always keep learning.
On to the video
What follows is the uninterrupted full version of the four-part long discussion on Shona culture and family structure. We posted this video in bite sized segments over a period of time, but ultimately the full version is the fun stuff to get into.
In it we have discussed the different names and roles of the people within the family hierarchy. We have explored what their responsibilities are, as well as where they are placed in the family structure.
We learned the Shona names for them as well as the English versions. This hopefully makes it easier for non-native Zimbabweans to understand.
Some of the names you will hear mentioned here are:
🎀Madzitateguru
🎀Madzisekuru
🎀Madzimbuya
🎀Sekuru
🎀Mbuya
🎀Baba
🎀Amai
🎀Vahosi
🎀Mainini
🎀Dangwe
🎀Wechipiri
🎀Wechitatu
🎀Gotwe
🎀Babamukuru
🎀Tete
🎀Sekuru
🎀Babamudiki
Explanations of who they are included in this video.
We hope you enjoy this exploration into Shona culture. Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments section below.
To discover more Shona language videos visit this page
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