St. Matthew's United Church of Canada
Face to Face - Zambian Culture
Face to Face Zambia Info
  • Itinerary
    		•
  • 1: Introduction
    		•
  • 2: History
    		•
  • 3: Culture
    		•
  • 4: Church
    		•
  • 5: Aids
    		•
  • 6: Habitat
    		•
  • Congregation
        Education
    (slide show)
  • Youth
        Education
    (slide show)
  • home / Intro
    		•
     
     
     
  • Back to St. Matthew's United Church Website
    		•
     
     
     
     



    ZAMBIAN CULTURE

    There are about 35 different ethnic groups or tribes in Zambia, all with their own languages. Main groups and languages include Bemba in the north and centre, Tonga in the south, Nyanja in the east, and Lozi in the west. English is now the national language and is widely spoken, even in remote areas. About two-thirds of the population is Christian, though many combine that with traditional animist beliefs. A lot of traditional Zambian music is heavily rhythmic, usually played on drums, whistles and thumb pianos, and nearly always to accompany dancing. One of the most popular styles, however, is an import from the Congo (Zaïre) - the rumba.

    The staple dish in Zambia is a stiff porridge called nshima, commonly made from maize or sometimes sorghum. It's typically served in a communal dish and eaten with the right hand, rolling the nshima into a ball and dipping it into a sauce of meat or vegetables. In areas along rivers and lake shores, fish are also eaten. Popular freshwater types include bream, lake salmon and Nile perch.

    While the motto ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ is a lovely image of the country’s commitment to a strong identity and pride, it does not reflect the diverse ethnic heritage of Zambia’s tribal cultures that have been passed down through many generations.

    In a country with a population in excess of 10 million people, it is important to honour those traditions that are followed throughout the year. Some of these ceremonies are:

    The N’cwala is a religious thanksgiving ceremony by the Ngoni people. The first fresh produce of the year is tasted by the Chief followed by tribal dancing and much traditional beer drinking.

    The Ku’omboka is a spectacular event, led by the Chief. The Lozi people leave their homes for higher ground as the rains flood the upper Zambezi valley. In their ceremonial dress they move to their new homes until the water have receded. They dance and sing the first night away.

    The Umutomboko is an ancestral war dance celebrated by Chief Kazembe of the Luapula province. This two-day ceremony is mixed with ritual, semi-mystic performances, pounding drums and long speeches all performed by players in brightly coloured cotton skirts and headdresses.

    The Shimunenga is held by the Ba lla people on the weekend of the full moon in September / October. This ceremony is an expression of their devotion to their ancestors.

    DID YOU KNOW?

    • The Lozi language has at least 40 words that mean "woman". Each describes a woman at a particular stage in life. For example, a namukuka is an unmarried woman. A mubala is a newlywed, just arrived in her husband's village.
    • Chrysalis Magazine, a Zambian on-line publication, has coined the word "Zanglish" to mean Zambian English. The first instalment of the Chrysalis Dictionary of Zanglish includes "Coca-Cola money" (a bribe), "tea" (any hot beverage) and "robot" (traffic lights).
    • To help Zambia feed itself, the government requires all schools to have a garden. Students learn how to grow fruits and vegetables.
    • Zambians pride themselves on their hospitality. "Do not look at a visitor's face but at his stomach" is a proverb throughout the country.
    • According to a Zambian proverb, "A single finger alone cannot kill a louse." It reminds people to cherish and support family, neighbours and friends. Happiness and success come from working together.
    • One of Zambia's newest heroes is a young chess player named Amon Simutowe. At 16, he won first prize at the South African Open Chess Championships.
    • Zambia has a young population with many children to educate. Half the population is age 15 or younger.
    • Zambia is one of the world's largest exporters of roses. It can grow them throughout the year and sell them for a low price. The demand for roses within Zambia is low, as it is not customary for Zambians to give each other flowers.
    English Tonga Bemba
    Yes Inzya Eya mukwai
    No Pepe Awe
    Good Morning Mwabuka buti washibukeni
    Good Afternoon Mwalibizya Cungulopo mukwai
    How are you? Muli buti? Muli shani?
    I am fine Kabotu Ndifye bwino
    Thank you Twalumba Natotela

    For more information on the culture of Zambia, visit the following website:
    http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/africa/zambia/culture.htm