For those who love languages- you'd be fascinated by the Ndebele language. It's spoken by 1/5 of people in Zimbabwe- all in this region known as Matabeleland. The different clicks are fun to learn. It is related to Zulu, mainly found in South Africa and they can understand one another. The primary language of Zim- Shona is different and spoken by majority in the country.
Formerly known as Rhodesia after John Rhodes (as in Rhodes Scholars) the primary language is in fact English- making life easier for me. The country's name changed to Zimbabwe when Mugabe took power in 1980. The accent difference between English in Zim and South Africa is also great. It's related but like neighboring accents in England & Scotland, noticeably different. Best example for those who are curious is Leonardo di Caprio in "Blood Diamond" in which he plays a Rhodesian involved in the smuggling of diamonds under Charles Taylor regime in Sierra Leone into Liberia.
Oddly enough, there is a French speaking Alliance in Bulawayo. They offer great entertainment & cultural events. Been to a few of them where I've befriended some of the members this month. Wed night's Cabaret (different meaning from how it's used back home) featured a French singer/songwriter playing 5 different instruments.
Formerly known as Rhodesia after John Rhodes (as in Rhodes Scholars) the primary language is in fact English- making life easier for me. The country's name changed to Zimbabwe when Mugabe took power in 1980. The accent difference between English in Zim and South Africa is also great. It's related but like neighboring accents in England & Scotland, noticeably different. Best example for those who are curious is Leonardo di Caprio in "Blood Diamond" in which he plays a Rhodesian involved in the smuggling of diamonds under Charles Taylor regime in Sierra Leone into Liberia.
Oddly enough, there is a French speaking Alliance in Bulawayo. They offer great entertainment & cultural events. Been to a few of them where I've befriended some of the members this month. Wed night's Cabaret (different meaning from how it's used back home) featured a French singer/songwriter playing 5 different instruments.
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