The Bemba word nambi is the primary conjunction meaning “or” in English. It connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical status when presenting alternatives or choices. Unlike the additive conjunction “na” (and), which joins elements together, “nambi” presents options from which one must be selected. Bemba also uses nga in interrogative constructions meaning “whether...or,” particularly in questions that seek clarification between alternatives.
For a complete index of all lessons in this course, please visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
FAQ Schema
Q: What does “nambi” mean in Bemba?
A: “Nambi” is the Bemba word for “or.” It is used to present alternatives or choices between words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical importance. This lesson explores how “nambi” operates in various contexts - connecting nouns, verbs, and entire clauses to express choices, alternatives, and possibilities. You’ll learn how Bemba speakers use “nambi” to present options in everyday conversations, questions, and decision-making situations.
How this topic will be used in the lesson examples: In this lesson, we will demonstrate how “nambi” functions to present alternatives in Bemba sentences. You will see examples of choosing between objects, actions, places, and ideas. The lesson will show how “nambi” appears in questions (”Do you want X or Y?”), statements presenting options (”We can do X or Y”), and conditional expressions. These 30 examples will build your understanding of how Bemba expresses choice and alternatives.
Educational Schema
Course: Bemba for English Speakers Level: Beginner Lesson Number: 31 Topic: Coordinating Conjunctions - Alternative/Choice Focus Word: nambi (or) Language Pair: English-Bemba Institution: Latinum Institute
Key Takeaways -
Bemba uses “nambi” to present alternatives and choices -
“Nambi” connects elements of equal grammatical status -
Questions with “nambi” offer binary choices -
“Nga” is used in “whether...or” constructions -
The position of “nambi” is between the alternatives -
Understanding “nambi” vs “na” (and) is essential for proper communication -
Alternative expressions may use multiple “nambi” for three or more choices
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31.1a Uleefwaya (uleefwaya) you-want isabi (isabi) fish nambi (nambi) or inkoko (inkoko) chicken
31.1b Uleefwaya (uleefwaya) you-want isabi (isabi) fish nambi (nambi) or inkoko (inkoko) chicken
31.2a Tuleeleya (tuleeleya) we-will-go ku (ku) to musebo (musebo) road nambi (nambi) or mu (mu) through cisaka (cisaka) garden
31.2b Tuleeleya (tuleeleya) we-will-go ku (ku) to musebo (musebo) road nambi (nambi) or mu (mu) through cisaka (cisaka) garden
31.3a Baleeikala (baleeikala) they-will-stay pa (pa) at nga (nga) home nambi (nambi) or baleeya (baleeya) they-will-go ku (ku) to tauni (tauni) town
31.3b Baleeikala (baleeikala) they-will-stay pa (pa) at nga (nga) home nambi (nambi) or baleeya (baleeya) they-will-go ku (ku) to tauni (tauni) town
31.4a Ulifwaya (ulifwaya) do-you-want ubutungwa (ubutungwa) sadness nambi (nambi) or umusango (umusango) happiness
31.4b Ulifwaya (ulifwaya) do-you-want ubutungwa (ubutungwa) sadness nambi (nambi) or umusango (umusango) happiness
31.5a Mwana (mwana) child alesambilila (alesambilila) is-learning ukubala (ukubala) to-read nambi (nambi) or ukulanda (ukulanda) to-speak
31.5b Mwana (mwana) child alesambilila (alesambilila) is-learning ukubala (ukubala) to-read nambi (nambi) or ukulanda (ukulanda) to-speak
31.6a Ndeefwaya (ndeefwaya) I-want ukuleenda (ukuleenda) to-walk nambi (nambi) or ukwikala (ukwikala) to-sit pano (pano) here
31.6b Ndeefwaya (ndeefwaya) I-want ukuleenda (ukuleenda) to-walk nambi (nambi) or ukwikala (ukwikala) to-sit pano (pano) here
31.7a Bushe (bushe) question-particle uleelya (uleelya) you-will-eat umumana (umumana) beans nambi (nambi) or umusalu (umusalu) rice
31.7b Bushe (bushe) question-particle uleelya (uleelya) you-will-eat umumana (umumana) beans nambi (nambi) or umusalu (umusalu) rice
31.8a Tuleeya (tuleeya) we-will-go lelo (lelo) today nambi (nambi) or malailo (malailo) tomorrow
31.8b Tuleeya (tuleeya) we-will-go lelo (lelo) today nambi (nambi) or malailo (malailo) tomorrow
31.9a Aleebomba (aleebomba) he-will-work mu (mu) in mabala (mabala) field nambi (nambi) or mu (mu) in ng’anda (ng’anda) house
31.9b Aleebomba (aleebomba) he-will-work mu (mu) in mabala (mabala) field nambi (nambi) or mu (mu) in ng’anda (ng’anda) house
31.10a Umwanakashi (umwanakashi) woman uleeshita (uleeshita) will-buy ifimbusa (ifimbusa) vegetables nambi (nambi) or ifyakulya (ifyakulya) food
31.10b Umwanakashi (umwanakashi) woman uleeshita (uleeshita) will-buy ifimbusa (ifimbusa) vegetables nambi (nambi) or ifyakulya (ifyakulya) food
31.11a Nga (nga) whether uleeleya (uleeleya) you-will-go nambi (nambi) or tauleeleya (tauleeleya) you-will-not-go natuleya (natuleya) we-will-still-go
31.11b Nga (nga) whether uleeleya (uleeleya) you-will-go nambi (nambi) or tauleeleya (tauleeleya) you-will-not-go natuleya (natuleya) we-will-still-go
31.12a Baice (baice) friends baleelya (baleelya) they-will-eat pa (pa) at nga (nga) home nambi (nambi) or ku (ku) at tauni (tauni) town
31.12b Baice (baice) friends baleelya (baleelya) they-will-eat pa (pa) at nga (nga) home nambi (nambi) or ku (ku) at tauni (tauni) town
31.13a Ndeefwaya (ndeefwaya) I-want icilimo (icilimo) book nambi (nambi) or ipepala (ipepala) paper pakusambilila (pakusambilila) for-studying
31.13b Ndeefwaya (ndeefwaya) I-want icilimo (icilimo) book nambi (nambi) or ipepala (ipepala) paper pakusambilila (pakusambilila) for-studying
31.14a Umuntu (umuntu) person uleefwaika (uleefwaika) should-dress ishati (ishati) shirt eefituba (eefituba) white nambi (nambi) or eefikabayi (eefikabayi) red
31.14b Umuntu (umuntu) person uleefwaika (uleefwaika) should-dress ishati (ishati) shirt eefituba (eefituba) white nambi (nambi) or eefikabayi (eefikabayi) red
31.15a Bushe (bushe) question-particle ulemwipaya (ulemwipaya) you-will-cook inkoko (inkoko) chicken nambi (nambi) or isabi (isabi) fish lelo (lelo) today
31.15b Bushe (bushe) question-particle ulemwipaya (ulemwipaya) you-will-cook inkoko (inkoko) chicken nambi (nambi) or isabi (isabi) fish lelo (lelo) today
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31.1 Uleefwaya isabi nambi inkoko? “Do you want fish or chicken?”
31.2 Tuleeleya ku musebo nambi mu cisaka. “We will go by road or through the garden.”
31.3 Baleeikala pa nga nambi baleeya ku tauni. “They will stay at home or they will go to town.”
31.4 Ulifwaya ubutungwa nambi umusango? “Do you want sadness or happiness?”
31.5 Mwana alesambilila ukubala nambi ukulanda. “The child is learning to read or to speak.”
31.6 Ndeefwaya ukuleenda nambi ukwikala pano. “I want to walk or to sit here.”
31.7 Bushe uleelya umumana nambi umusalu? “Will you eat beans or rice?”
31.8 Tuleeya lelo nambi malailo. “We will go today or tomorrow.”
31.9 Aleebomba mu mabala nambi mu ng’anda. “He will work in the field or in the house.”
31.10 Umwanakashi uleeshita ifimbusa nambi ifyakulya. “The woman will buy vegetables or food.”
31.11 Nga uleeleya nambi tauleeleya, natuleya. “Whether you go or you don’t go, we will still go.”
31.12 Baice baleelya pa nga nambi ku tauni. “Friends will eat at home or in town.”
31.13 Ndeefwaya icilimo nambi ipepala pakusambilila. “I want a book or paper for studying.”
31.14 Umuntu uleefwaika ishati eefituba nambi eefikabayi. “A person should wear a white shirt or a red one.”
31.15 Bushe ulemwipaya inkoko nambi isabi lelo? “Will you cook chicken or fish today?”
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31.1 Uleefwaya isabi nambi inkoko?
31.2 Tuleeleya ku musebo nambi mu cisaka.
31.3 Baleeikala pa nga nambi baleeya ku tauni.
31.4 Ulifwaya ubutungwa nambi umusango?
31.5 Mwana alesambilila ukubala nambi ukulanda.
31.6 Ndeefwaya ukuleenda nambi ukwikala pano.
31.7 Bushe uleelya umumana nambi umusalu?
31.8 Tuleeya lelo nambi malailo.
31.9 Aleebomba mu mabala nambi mu ng’anda.
31.10 Umwanakashi uleeshita ifimbusa nambi ifyakulya.
31.11 Nga uleeleya nambi tauleeleya, natuleya.
31.12 Baice baleelya pa nga nambi ku tauni.
31.13 Ndeefwaya icilimo nambi ipepala pakusambilila.
31.14 Umuntu uleefwaika ishati eefituba nambi eefikabayi.
31.15 Bushe ulemwipaya inkoko nambi isabi lelo?
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These are the grammar rules for nambi (or)
The Bemba conjunction nambi functions similarly to English “or” but with some important distinctions:
Basic Usage
Nambi connects alternatives of the same grammatical category: -
Nouns with nouns: “isabi nambi inkoko” (fish or chicken) -
Verbs with verbs: “ukubala nambi ukulanda” (to read or to speak) -
Phrases with phrases: “pa nga nambi ku tauni” (at home or in town) -
Clauses with clauses: complete alternative statements
Position
Like English, nambi appears between the elements it connects, not before the first element.
In Questions
Bemba often uses the question particle bushe to introduce yes/no questions or questions presenting alternatives: -
“Bushe uleelya umumana nambi umusalu?” (Will you eat beans or rice?)
Whether...Or Constructions
For “whether...or” statements, Bemba uses nga at the beginning: -
“Nga uleeleya nambi tauleeleya” (Whether you go or you don’t go) -
This construction emphasizes that the outcome doesn’t depend on the choice
Negation with Alternatives
When presenting a negative alternative, Bemba uses the negative verb form: -
“tauleeleya” (you will not go) vs. “uleeleya” (you will go) -
The negative prefix “ta-” or “te-” negates the verb
Multiple Alternatives
For more than two options, nambi appears before each subsequent option: -
“ukuleenda, ukwikala, nambi ukulala” (to walk, to sit, or to sleep)
Difference from “na” (and) -
na = joins elements together additively (”this AND that”) -
nambi = presents alternatives exclusively (”this OR that”) -
Compare: “isabi na inkoko” (fish and chicken - both) vs. “isabi nambi inkoko” (fish or chicken - one)
Grammatical Summary (Plain Text Format)
Conjunction Types in Bemba: -
Additive: na (and), kabili (also, furthermore), elyo (and then) -
Alternative: nambi (or) -
Conditional: nga (whether...or in conditionals)
Common Mistakes
Overusing na instead of nambi: English speakers may confuse “and” with “or” contexts: -
Incorrect: “Uleefwaya isabi na inkoko?” when offering a choice -
Correct: “Uleefwaya isabi nambi inkoko?” (Do you want fish or chicken?)
Omitting question particles: In Bemba, questions often use “bushe” for clarity: -
Less clear: “Uleelya umumana nambi umusalu?” -
Better: “Bushe uleelya umumana nambi umusalu?”
Word order confusion: Remember that Bemba follows Subject-Verb-Object order, and “nambi” doesn’t change this pattern.
Mixing conjunction types: Don’t use “nambi” where “nga” (in conditional whether/or) would be more appropriate: -
Conditional: Use “nga...nambi” (Whether X or Y) -
Simple alternative: Use just “nambi” (X or Y)
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Usage Patterns in Bemba Communication
Understanding the use of nambi and its alternatives provides insight into Bemba communication patterns. Bemba speakers are often very explicit about presenting choices, reflecting cultural values of clear communication and respect for individual autonomy.
Social Contexts
In Bemba culture, offering choices with nambi is a common way to show respect for another person’s preferences, particularly in hospitality contexts. When offering food or drink, using nambi demonstrates that the guest has genuine options.
Decision-Making
The nga...nambi construction (whether...or) reflects a pragmatic approach to decision-making in Bemba culture. It acknowledges that some outcomes are independent of certain choices, showing a philosophical acceptance of circumstances beyond one’s control.
Regional Variations
In Town Bemba (the urban variety spoken in Copperbelt cities), there may be some English influence in how alternatives are presented, with some speakers occasionally using English “or” in code-switching contexts. However, nambi remains the standard in formal and rural Bemba.
Politeness and Formality
The use of question particles like bushe before questions with nambi adds a layer of politeness. More direct questions without bushe can sound abrupt, though this is context-dependent.
Idiomatic Expressions
Bemba proverbs and traditional sayings often use nambi to present moral alternatives or life choices. This reflects the language’s capacity for philosophical expression about paths in life, decisions, and consequences.
Comparative Notes -
Unlike some languages that distinguish between exclusive “or” (one or the other, not both) and inclusive “or” (one, the other, or both), Bemba nambi typically functions as exclusive “or” in most contexts -
The explicitness of Bemba choice expressions contrasts with some languages where alternatives might be implied rather than stated -
The nga...nambi construction shows Bemba’s systematic approach to expressing logical relationships
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The following passage is from contemporary Bemba usage, demonstrating how nambi appears in authentic discourse about important life decisions:
F-A: Interlinear Construed Text
Umuntu (umuntu) person uleesala (uleesala) must-choose inshila (inshila) path eeshita (eeshita) good nambi (nambi) or eeshiwa (eeshiwa) bad mu (mu) in bumi (bumi) life bwakwe (bwakwe) his.
Umuntu (umuntu) person uleesala (uleesala) must-choose inshila (inshila) path eeshita (eeshita) good nambi (nambi) or eeshiwa (eeshiwa) bad mu (mu) in bumi (bumi) life bwakwe (bwakwe) his.
Nga (nga) whether ukusalapo (ukusalapo) the-choosing kuleeiba (kuleeiba) is-difficult nambi (nambi) or kulelula (kulelula) is-easy cisalapo (cisalapo) choice icakusala (icakusala) to-choose cileenda (cileenda) must-go ku (ku) to mutima (mutima) heart wa (wa) of umuntu (umuntu) person.
Nga (nga) whether ukusalapo (ukusalapo) the-choosing kuleeiba (kuleeiba) is-difficult nambi (nambi) or kulelula (kulelula) is-easy cisalapo (cisalapo) choice icakusala (icakusala) to-choose cileenda (cileenda) must-go ku (ku) to mutima (mutima) heart wa (wa) of umuntu (umuntu) person.
F-B: Natural Text with Translation
Umuntu uleesala inshila eeshita nambi eeshiwa mu bumi bwakwe. Nga ukusalapo kuleeiba nambi kulelula, cisalapo icakusala cileenda ku mutima wa umuntu.
“A person must choose a good path or a bad path in his life. Whether the choosing is difficult or easy, the choice to be made must come from the person’s heart.”
F-C: Original Text Only
Umuntu uleesala inshila eeshita nambi eeshiwa mu bumi bwakwe. Nga ukusalapo kuleeiba nambi kulelula, cisalapo icakusala cileenda ku mutima wa umuntu.
F-D: Grammar and Vocabulary Notes -
uleesala = must choose (from -sala, to choose, with future modal prefix) -
inshila = path, way (metaphorical use for life direction) -
eeshita = good (adjective agreeing with noun class) -
eeshiwa = bad (opposite of eeshita) -
bumi = life (abstract noun, noun class 14) -
bwakwe = his/her (possessive, agreeing with bumi) -
ukusalapo = the choosing (infinitive nominalized) -
kuleeiba = to be difficult (stative verb with copular prefix) -
kulelula = to be easy (opposite of difficult) -
cisalapo = choice (noun derived from verb -sala) -
icakusala = which/that is to be chosen (relative clause) -
cileenda = must go (expressing obligation) -
mutima = heart (literal and metaphorical center of feeling/decision)
This passage illustrates both simple nambi usage (eeshita nambi eeshiwa) and the nga...nambi construction (nga kuleeiba nambi kulelula), showing how Bemba expresses both alternatives and conditional alternatives in philosophical discourse about life choices.
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Section A: Interlinear Construed Text (Examples 31.16-31.30)
31.16a Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Mwashibukeni (mwashibukeni) good-morning mwebaice! (mwebaice) friend
31.16b Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Mwashibukeni (mwashibukeni) good-morning mwebaice! (mwebaice) friend
31.17a Umushishi: (umushishi) buyer Mwashibukeni. (mwashibukeni) good-morning Ndeefwaya (ndeefwaya) I-want ukushita (ukushita) to-buy ifyakulya (ifyakulya) food.
31.17b Umushishi: (umushishi) buyer Mwashibukeni. (mwashibukeni) good-morning Ndeefwaya (ndeefwaya) I-want ukushita (ukushita) to-buy ifyakulya (ifyakulya) food.
31.18a Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Uleefwaya (uleefwaya) do-you-want ifisabi (ifisabi) fish nambi (nambi) or inkoko (inkoko) chicken?
31.18b Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Uleefwaya (uleefwaya) do-you-want ifisabi (ifisabi) fish nambi (nambi) or inkoko (inkoko) chicken?
31.19a Umushishi: (umushishi) buyer Ndeefwaya (ndeefwaya) I-want inkoko. (inkoko) chicken Bushe (bushe) question-particle uli (uli) you-have inkoko (inkoko) chicken eeshi (eeshi) fresh nambi (nambi) or eekaala (eekaala) old?
31.19b Umushishi: (umushishi) buyer Ndeefwaya (ndeefwaya) I-want inkoko. (inkoko) chicken Bushe (bushe) question-particle uli (uli) you-have inkoko (inkoko) chicken eeshi (eeshi) fresh nambi (nambi) or eekaala (eekaala) old?
31.20a Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Inkoko (inkoko) chicken shonse (shonse) all sheeshi. (sheeshi) is-fresh Uleefwaya (uleefwaya) do-you-want inkulu (inkulu) big nambi (nambi) or iinono (iinono) small?
31.20b Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Inkoko (inkoko) chicken shonse (shonse) all sheeshi. (sheeshi) is-fresh Uleefwaya (uleefwaya) do-you-want inkulu (inkulu) big nambi (nambi) or iinono (iinono) small?
31.21a Umushishi: (umushishi) buyer Impa (impa) give-me inkulu. (inkulu) big Kabili (kabili) also ndeefwaya (ndeefwaya) I-want ifimbusa (ifimbusa) vegetables nambi (nambi) or umumana (umumana) beans.
31.21b Umushishi: (umushishi) buyer Impa (impa) give-me inkulu. (inkulu) big Kabili (kabili) also ndeefwaya (ndeefwaya) I-want ifimbusa (ifimbusa) vegetables nambi (nambi) or umumana (umumana) beans.
31.22a Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Uli (uli) you-have ne (ne) with indalama (indalama) money shingi (shingi) much nambi (nambi) or shishupa? (shishupa) little?
31.22b Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Uli (uli) you-have ne (ne) with indalama (indalama) money shingi (shingi) much nambi (nambi) or shishupa? (shishupa) little?
31.23a Umushishi: (umushishi) buyer Uli (uli) I-have shishupa. (shishupa) little Impela (impela) give-me ifimbusa (ifimbusa) vegetables fye. (fye) only
31.23b Umushishi: (umushishi) buyer Uli (uli) I-have shishupa. (shishupa) little Impela (impela) give-me ifimbusa (ifimbusa) vegetables fye. (fye) only
31.24a Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Bushe (bushe) question-particle uleefwaya (uleefwaya) do-you-want amasaka (amasaka) tomatoes nambi (nambi) or utungobwe? (utungobwe) onions?
31.24b Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Bushe (bushe) question-particle uleefwaya (uleefwaya) do-you-want amasaka (amasaka) tomatoes nambi (nambi) or utungobwe? (utungobwe) onions?
31.25a Umushishi: (umushishi) buyer Amasaka (amasaka) tomatoes na (na) and utungobwe (utungobwe) onions fyonse. (fyonse) both Shinga (shinga) how-much ni? (ni) is-it?
31.25b Umushishi: (umushishi) buyer Amasaka (amasaka) tomatoes na (na) and utungobwe (utungobwe) onions fyonse. (fyonse) both Shinga (shinga) how-much ni? (ni) is-it?
31.26a Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Inkoko, (inkoko) chicken amasaka (amasaka) tomatoes na (na) and utungobwe (utungobwe) onions ni (ni) is amakalata (amakalata) kwacha amakumi (amakumi) tens atatu. (atatu) three
31.26b Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Inkoko, (inkoko) chicken amasaka (amasaka) tomatoes na (na) and utungobwe (utungobwe) onions ni (ni) is amakalata (amakalata) kwacha amakumi (amakumi) tens atatu. (atatu) three
31.27a Umushishi: (umushishi) buyer Nga (nga) whether ndelipafye (ndelipafye) I-pay-now nambi (nambi) or malailo, (malailo) tomorrow tuleya (tuleya) we-will-come nambi? (nambi) or?
31.27b Umushishi: (umushishi) buyer Nga (nga) whether ndelipafye (ndelipafye) I-pay-now nambi (nambi) or malailo, (malailo) tomorrow tuleya (tuleya) we-will-come nambi? (nambi) or?
31.28a Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Lipeleko (lipeleko) pay lelo. (lelo) today Malailo (malailo) tomorrow nshinshimya (nshinshimya) I-will-be-gone ku (ku) to musumba (musumba) village nambi (nambi) or ku (ku) to calo (calo) country pamushimo (pamushimo) for-work.
31.28b Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Lipeleko (lipeleko) pay lelo. (lelo) today Malailo (malailo) tomorrow nshinshimya (nshinshimya) I-will-be-gone ku (ku) to musumba (musumba) village nambi (nambi) or ku (ku) to calo (calo) country pamushimo (pamushimo) for-work.
31.29a Umushishi: (umushishi) buyer Ilyo (ilyo) okay ndelipelafye. (ndelipelafye) I-will-pay-now Naimwelwela. (naimwelwela) thank-you
31.29b Umushishi: (umushishi) buyer Ilyo (ilyo) okay ndelipelafye. (ndelipelafye) I-will-pay-now Naimwelwela. (naimwelwela) thank-you
31.30a Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Naimwelwela (naimwelwela) thank-you nawe. (nawe) also-you Isafye (isafye) come-again lelo (lelo) today nambi (nambi) or malailo! (malailo) tomorrow!
31.30b Umushitisha: (umushitisha) seller Naimwelwela (naimwelwela) thank-you nawe. (nawe) also-you Isafye (isafye) come-again lelo (lelo) today nambi (nambi) or malailo! (malailo) tomorrow!
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31.16 Umushitisha: Mwashibukeni mwebaice! Seller: “Good morning, friend!”
31.17 Umushishi: Mwashibukeni. Ndeefwaya ukushita ifyakulya. Buyer: “Good morning. I want to buy food.”
31.18 Umushitisha: Uleefwaya ifisabi nambi inkoko? Seller: “Do you want fish or chicken?”
31.19 Umushishi: Ndeefwaya inkoko. Bushe uli inkoko eeshi nambi eekaala? Buyer: “I want chicken. Do you have fresh chicken or old?”
31.20 Umushitisha: Inkoko shonse sheeshi. Uleefwaya inkulu nambi iinono? Seller: “All the chicken is fresh. Do you want big or small?”
31.21 Umushishi: Impa inkulu. Kabili ndeefwaya ifimbusa nambi umumana. Buyer: “Give me big. Also I want vegetables or beans.”
31.22 Umushitisha: Uli ne indalama shingi nambi shishupa? Seller: “Do you have much money or little?”
31.23 Umushishi: Uli shishupa. Impela ifimbusa fye. Buyer: “I have little. Give me just vegetables.”
31.24 Umushitisha: Bushe uleefwaya amasaka nambi utungobwe? Seller: “Do you want tomatoes or onions?”
31.25 Umushishi: Amasaka na utungobwe fyonse. Shinga ni? Buyer: “Both tomatoes and onions. How much is it?”
31.26 Umushitisha: Inkoko, amasaka na utungobwe ni amakalata amakumi atatu. Seller: “Chicken, tomatoes and onions is thirty kwacha.”
31.27 Umushishi: Nga ndelipafye nambi malailo, tuleya nambi? Buyer: “Whether I pay now or tomorrow, shall we come or not?”
31.28 Umushitisha: Lipeleko lelo. Malailo nshinshimya ku musumba nambi ku calo pamushimo. Seller: “Pay today. Tomorrow I’ll be gone to the village or to the countryside for work.”
31.29 Umushishi: Ilyo ndelipelafye. Naimwelwela. Buyer: “Okay, I’ll pay now. Thank you.”
31.30 Umushitisha: Naimwelwela nawe. Isafye lelo nambi malailo! Seller: “Thank you too. Come again today or tomorrow!”
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31.16 Umushitisha: Mwashibukeni mwebaice!
31.17 Umushishi: Mwashibukeni. Ndeefwaya ukushita ifyakulya.
31.18 Umushitisha: Uleefwaya ifisabi nambi inkoko?
31.19 Umushishi: Ndeefwaya inkoko. Bushe uli inkoko eeshi nambi eekaala?
31.20 Umushitisha: Inkoko shonse sheeshi. Uleefwaya inkulu nambi iinono?
31.21 Umushishi: Impa inkulu. Kabili ndeefwaya ifimbusa nambi umumana.
31.22 Umushitisha: Uli ne indalama shingi nambi shishupa?
31.23 Umushishi: Uli shishupa. Impela ifimbusa fye.
31.24 Umushitisha: Bushe uleefwaya amasaka nambi utungobwe?
31.25 Umushishi: Amasaka na utungobwe fyonse. Shinga ni?
31.26 Umushitisha: Inkoko, amasaka na utungobwe ni amakalata amakumi atatu.
31.27 Umushishi: Nga ndelipafye nambi malailo, tuleya nambi?
31.28 Umushitisha: Lipeleko lelo. Malailo nshinshimya ku musumba nambi ku calo pamushimo.
31.29 Umushishi: Ilyo ndelipelafye. Naimwelwela.
31.30 Umushitisha: Naimwelwela nawe. Isafye lelo nambi malailo!
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This market dialogue demonstrates the practical use of nambi in everyday commercial transactions. The conversation shows several important patterns:
Question Formation with Alternatives
The dialogue repeatedly uses bushe + verb + nambi to present binary choices: -
“Bushe uli inkoko eeshi nambi eekaala?” (Do you have fresh or old chicken?) -
This is the standard polite way to ask about alternatives in Bemba
Contrast with “na” (and)
Note example 31.25 where the buyer wants both options, switching from nambi to na: -
Question: “Uleefwaya amasaka nambi utungobwe?” (Do you want tomatoes or onions?) -
Answer: “Amasaka na utungobwe fyonse” (Tomatoes and onions both)
This shows the crucial distinction between exclusive alternatives (nambi) and inclusive combinations (na).
Nga...nambi Construction
Example 31.27 demonstrates the nga...nambi pattern in a practical context: -
“Nga ndelipafye nambi malailo” (Whether I pay now or tomorrow) -
This shows how the construction works in real negotiation
Adjective Agreement
Notice how adjectives agree with their nouns: -
inkoko eeshi (fresh chicken) - singular -
inkoko eekaala (old chicken) - singular -
inkulu (big one) vs iinono (small one) - class agreement
Politeness Markers
The use of bushe before questions with nambi adds politeness, essential in commercial contexts. Direct questions without bushe would be appropriate between close friends but less so in vendor-customer relationships.
Payment and Transaction Vocabulary -
lipeleko = pay (imperative) -
ndelipelafye = I will pay now (future tense with emphasis) -
amakalata = kwacha (Zambian currency) -
amakumi atatu = thirty (literally “tens three”)
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This lesson is part of the Bemba language course series following the Latinum Institute’s proven interlinear method. The Latinum Institute has been creating innovative online language learning materials since 2006, pioneering approaches that make both ancient and modern languages accessible to autodidacts worldwide.
The Latinum Method
These lessons employ the construed text method, which provides word-by-word glossing to accelerate comprehension while building vocabulary and grammatical understanding simultaneously. This approach has been validated by thousands of successful students over nearly two decades. Each lesson is self-contained, allowing learners to start at any point based on their interests and needs.
Systematic Vocabulary Building
This course is built on a frequency-based vocabulary curriculum, ensuring that learners encounter the most useful words first. Lesson 31 focuses on nambi (or), a fundamental conjunction that appears in everyday conversation, questions, and decision-making contexts. The systematic progression through core vocabulary enables practical communication skills from the earliest lessons.
Comprehensive Structure
Each lesson includes: -
Interlinear texts (Section A) providing immediate comprehension -
Complete natural sentences (Section B) reinforcing syntax patterns -
Target language immersion (Section C) developing reading fluency -
Comprehensive grammar explanations (Section D) clarifying structural differences -
Cultural context (Section E) enriching understanding beyond mere translation -
Authentic literary citations (Section F) demonstrating real usage -
Genre-specific sections practicing vocabulary in coherent contexts
For Self-Directed Learners
The Latinum Institute’s commitment to comprehensive, non-truncated lessons ensures that autodidacts have all necessary information in one place, facilitating independent study without the need for additional resources. The interlinear glossing approach means learners can immediately engage with authentic texts without constantly consulting dictionaries.
About Bemba
Bemba (iciBemba) is a major Bantu language spoken primarily in northeastern Zambia by approximately 6 million people. It serves as one of Zambia’s seven recognized regional languages and functions as a lingua franca across much of the country. Bemba uses a phonetic Latin-based orthography, making it relatively accessible for English speakers while still presenting interesting grammatical challenges through its noun class system, agglutinative structure, and rich verbal morphology.
Resources and Support
For the complete course index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
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The Latinum Institute’s materials represent a modern evolution of classical language pedagogy, adapted for 21st-century independent learners while maintaining the rigor and comprehensiveness that has made our courses trusted by thousands of students worldwide. Whether you’re learning Bemba for travel, family connections, academic research, or personal enrichment, this systematic approach provides a solid foundation for mastery.
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