Shamabinga!!!

(if you're looking for the guesthouse, please go back to the Google search)

In Zambia, most people speak English but there are a variety of tribal languages also. The local language is Bemba; the Bemba was a tribe from Northern Zambia - nearer the Congo - and many of them came to settle in the Copperbelt area. Initially, the Lamba people were displaced by their arrival. As a result, the dominant language in area is Bemba. (There are 72 languages in Zambia alone!)

That's it for the history lesson. Now, for our "Language lesson." Today the gang had lunch at a Guesthouse called Shamabinga. It's down the road from Lifesong, and the food was nice, but Sarah was more intrigued by the name than the food (and that's saying something). She henceforth declares that Shamabinga is a great word and ought to be used to convey expression.

example: "Shamabinga, that tea's hot!" (surprise)

example: "Shamabinga, it's great to see you!" (great pleasure) *see photo of Dru at Kafakumba*

example: "I stubbed my toe - shamabinga!" (pain or displeasure)

Give it a try! Shamabinga, it's great fun!

posted by: Sarah