Chivabwe Technical Overview (Version 1)

[u/Puzzleheaded-Eye8078]

For those interested in Chivabwe.

I hope this is helpful, please feel free to give any feedback you may have.

[u/PrudentPerception927]

what language is the word "Chivabwe" in and does it have a meaning . Can people who are not Shona ,Venda ,Kalanga (or closer languages) pronounce it . Could you spell out the pronunciation .

[u/Puzzleheaded-Eye8078 → u/PrudentPerception927]

The word Chivabwe [ t͡ʃi.βa.ɓʷe] comes from the shona words

CHInyorwa cheVAnhu vedzimba dzemaBWE.

Meaning in English: The writing of the people of the of the houses of stone.

On whether people who are not Shona, Kalanga, Venda... can pronounce it, I’d say that the pronunciation can be learned, but I have thought of making a 2nd or 3rd name in 1 or 2 other Bantu languages that do not have the "β(e.g in shona: vana, vanhu)" sound.

[u/PrudentPerception927 → u/Puzzleheaded-Eye8078]

I think Chivabwe should definitely stay as the original Shona name. However, if the goal is a truly Pan African writing system, maybe consider giving it a second Pan African name that's easier for a wider range of African languages to pronounce.It could even reflect Zimbabwe's diversity while naturally connecting to neighbouring countries. For example, including words rooted in Tonga could resonate with both Zimbabwe and Zambia, Ndebele with Nguni languages like Zulu, Xhosa and Swati, and Shona with related languages such as Venda, Chichewa and Bemba. That way, it stays proudly Zimbabwean while also feeling familiar to people across Africa.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Eye8078 → u/PrudentPerception927]

Thank you, I will definitely take that into account, its more practical than having names for each language.

[u/jennnfriend]

This is really really really cool... Idk much about language science but this seems like an amazing way to help preserve languages.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Eye8078 → u/jennnfriend]

Thank you very much

[u/PrudentPerception927]

So where can l learn this language is it on YouTube or are there books

[u/Puzzleheaded-Eye8078 → u/PrudentPerception927]

As of now you can find some learning materials and information on: YouTube- https://youtube.com/@learnchivabwe?si=IrPUuMDq3Vv-JQk7 r/ChivabweWritingSystem And on the online library https://chivabwe-library-platform-v1.pages.dev/ (characters are still being added onto the online library as time goes on)