Shona

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A Bantu language spoken by the Shona people, primarily in Zimbabwe
2. Its speakers have a rich cultural heritage and a unique oral tradition
3. It serves as a key medium for communication and expression among millions in Southern Africa

Etymology: The spelling "Shona" began as a Scottish anglicized form of "Seonag," the Scottish form of the name Joan. Its letters now also name a language of southern Africa, spoken by the Shona people of Zimbabwe, so one spelling carries a European personal name and an African language name. In the United States, "Shona" is also a variant of "Shauna," another given name, so the spelling has been used for girls' names on both sides of the Atlantic. The language's name and the personal names share only their spelling.

Synonyms: Shona people, Bantu people