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Indigenous Writers Hub

Multilingual Glossary

Key terms related to storytelling, publishing, journalism, and community โ€” translated across our six Indigenous languages.

๐Ÿ”

Storytelling

Storytelling

The art of narrating stories, sharing knowledge and culture through spoken or written word.


ShonaAdd translation
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Oral tradition

Storytelling

The practice of passing down stories, history, and knowledge by word of mouth across generations.


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Narrative

Storytelling

A spoken or written account of connected events; a story.


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Folklore

Storytelling

Traditional stories, customs, and beliefs of a community passed through generations.


ShonaNgano/nga-no/
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Proverb

Storytelling

A short traditional saying that expresses a widely held truth or piece of advice.


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Author

Publishing

A person who writes books, articles, or other texts for publication.


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Translation

Publishing

The process of converting written or spoken content from one language into another.


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Manuscript

Publishing

An author's original handwritten or typed text before it is published.


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Editor

Publishing

A person who prepares written material for publication by correcting and improving it.


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Heritage

Community

The traditions, achievements, and beliefs that are part of the history of a group or nation.


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Community

Community

A group of people living in the same place or sharing common characteristics, interests, or culture.


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Knowledge

Community

Facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education.


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Empowerment

Community

The process of giving a community the means and confidence to control their own lives.


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Journalism

Journalism

The activity of gathering, writing, and publishing news and information.


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NdebeleAdd translation
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Reporter

Journalism

A person who investigates and reports news stories for publication or broadcast.


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Fact-checking

Journalism

The process of verifying information to ensure its accuracy before publishing.


ShonaAdd translation
NdebeleAdd translation
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Languages in this glossary
๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ผ ShonaSpoken widely across Zimbabwe
๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ผ NdebelePredominantly Matabeleland, Zimbabwe
๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ผ NambyaHwange district, Zimbabwe
๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ VendaLimpopo, South Africa & Zimbabwe
๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ผ BatongaZambezi Valley, Zimbabwe & Zambia
๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ SesothoLesotho, South Africa & Zimbabwe