08/05/2023
Who Speaks Thimbukushu?
Thimbukushu is a bantu language spoken in Namibia (North Eastern part), Northern Botswana, Southern Angola and in Zambia’s North west province and or Barotseland which is a region between Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola.
If you're traveling in Kavango East and Zambezi regions of Namibia, as well as in southern Angola and Northern Botswana of Okavango and Chobe regions of Botswana, will probably encounter native Mbukushu speakers, learning few phrases in Thimbukushu language will put in a comfortable state that will enable you converse with the people more effectively, but a few words here and there should be understood and the effort will be appreciated. Thimbukushu is also believed to be spoken in parts of the DRC and Kenya.
Learning to Speak Thimbukushu
Thimbukushu is a relatively simple language to learn, mostly because words are pronounced as they are written unlike in English. If you wish to expand your Thimbukshu language beyond the basic phrases listed below, you should mingle with native Mbukushu speakers who are in Namibia, Angola, Zambia and Botswana, please take note that Thimbukushu language is widely developed and it is taught in Namibia from primary, secondary and tertiary level.
Another great way to immerse yourself in Thimbukushu language and culture is to listen to in-language broadcasting from RADIO WATO which is a radio broadcaster in THIKAVANGO LANGUAGES (Thimbukshu, Rumanyo and Rukwangali) lives from the Rundu town of Namibia.
Basic Thimbukushu Phrases for Travelers
If your Thimbukushu needs are more simple, browse through the list below for a few top phrases to practice before you leave on vacation to HaMbukushu dominant areas..
Greetings
Hello = Harumere/ Hamoroke
How are you? = Ngepi
Fine and you (response) = Thiwana vene, amwene ngepi
Goodbye = Muthigharepo
See you later = Ñanyi tukumone kunyima dho ruvedhe
Nice to meet you = natumera tuna kudimuka
Goodnight = Mukupind
