Shona101 is finally out! As they say, time flies when you’re having fun, hence 8 weeks has flown by with the development, completion and release of Shona101.

Click to download Shona101 for iOS
Click to download Shona101 for Android

For some background to Shona101, read my earlier post where I talked about Linford Zirangwa, a native Shona speaker from Zimbabwe interning with Genii Games for 2 months. For Linford, Shona101 afforded him an opportunity to put his skills in programming and Shona to good use. For me, it was a glorious chance to work on an African language outside of Nigeria’s.

What is Shona101?

Shona101 is a simple bilingual story that offers an introduction to basic Shona words. It revolves around 2 characters, Ade and Bembenene, in their search for some treasures. The storyline has been kept simple and woven to introduce basic Shona to non-speakers especially children. It is told using a combination of colorful graphics, interactive elements and voiceover provided by Linford.

Shona101 – treasure hunt with Bembenene

What will you learn in Shona101?

The simple storyline provides introductory Shona words such as greetings, names of animals and family members.

Screenshot from Shona101

Screenshot from Shona101: learn names of animals by touching each.

Why Shona101?

Simply put, Shona101 is our way of adding to available digital resources on Shona. As with everything we do, it’s a foundational resource which can be complemented by other learning resources. Also, it could serve as a basis for interesting conversations around Shona, African languages and their promotion and preservation using digital technology.

How did we go about Shona101?

In under 8 weeks – it took some time for Linford to settle into life in Lagos – we went from putting together the script, developing a simple storyboard, recording the voiceover, drawing, editing sounds, programming and publishing Shona101. The process offered us the opportunity to learn and share with each other.

Where to get Shona101

Click to download Shona101 for iOS
Click to download Shona101 for Android

Shona101 Icon

What next?

We’d love you to download and use Shona101. Share it with friends and families and see how well it helps with basic Shona. We look forward to your feedback with which we’ll update the app to serve your specific needs. Your feedback will also go a long way in making Shona101 better as well as serving the basis for new products in Shona. Send us your feedback using the comment below or email info@geniigames.com and bembenene22@gmail.com.

Tatenda (Thanks)