Shona: Living Language Encyclopedia and 90-Lesson Academic Research Guide

ANLHE original reference edition, 9 November 2026. This encyclopedic reference synthesizes source-supported language history, writing, phonology, grammar, literature and sociolinguistic context. The numbered 90 activities are substantial research lesson outlines, not ninety completed spoken-language textbooks.

Language: chiShona / Shona | ISO 639-3: sna | Glottocode: shon1251 | Region: Zimbabwe and neighboring communities | Family: Atlantic-Congo, Bantu, Shona group

1. Social geography and language names

Shona is a living Bantu language widely spoken in Zimbabwe. A general description must distinguish national standard language traditions and regional dialects rather than imply all communities speak identically.

Research commentary: To assess this claim, read an identified linguistic study or original community record and note its author, date, variety, phonetic symbols, source type and limitations. Historical reconstruction, typological inference, standard orthography and attested everyday speech are different kinds of evidence. Do not silently normalize forms or construct unattested target-language sentences from an English gloss.

2. Catalogue and classification

Glottolog records Shona as ISO sna and Glottocode shon1251. It is a Bantu language with important historical relationships to Kalanga and related varieties; regional names should be used precisely.

3. Dialects and standardization

Shona sources distinguish such major dialect or speech forms as Zezuru, Karanga, Manyika, Korekore and Ndau. Some catalogues recognize separate language-level records for varieties including Ndau, so taxonomy and ISO codes require clear editorial framing.

4. Writing traditions

Modern Shona is usually represented with a Latin-based orthography. Written standards have changed through colonial and post-independence educational processes. A source's historical spelling should not be altered silently.

5. Phonology and tone

Shona has tonal distinctions and complex consonant representations. Exact tone and phoneme descriptions can differ by regional variety and analytical tradition; source-audited recordings are necessary.

6. Noun classes and agreement

Shona Bantu noun-class distinctions and concord patterns affect nominal and verbal grammar. Source-specific prefixes, their classes and agreement should be documented with full example phrases rather than reconstructed from Swahili or Zulu.

7. Verb constructions

Shona verb morphology expresses subject reference, tense, aspect, derivational extensions and negation. A learning analysis should identify a real published form, its segmentation and source variety.

8. Sentence structure

Basic SVO patterns exist but actual Shona discourse also involves agreement, topicalization, focus and clause linkage. A translated English sentence cannot establish the precise Shona word order or morphology.

9. Literature and historic sources

Shona oral traditions, published fiction, poetry, folklore and modern media offer different genres and histories. Specific published sources and communities should be acknowledged without claiming one historic text represents all speakers.

10. Comparative and community approach

Comparisons across Zezuru, Karanga, Manyika and other related Shona varieties need original data and metadata. The academic pathway should not become invented target-language dialogue, especially when moving between different standards.

11. Evidence policy for genuine Shona examples

Because spelling, phonology and local usage require variety-specific sources, this academic edition does not invent a beginner dialogue or a full grammatical paradigm. Original-language vocabulary may be introduced only with a traceable dictionary, manuscript, audio recording or descriptive grammar citation and speaker consent where applicable. Respect source spelling, vowel and tonal markings, and regional context. A general language overview does not supply enough evidence to generate ninety fluent conversational lessons.

12. Ninety research lessons and evidence-based learning sequence

Ten progressive modules contain nine individual numbered lessons each. Every lesson identifies a language-specific topic and requires independently checkable evidence, interpretation and an exercise. Full textbooks, fluent conversation scripts, recordings and examinations are later stages subject to native-speaker and specialist review.

Module 1: Identity, geography and historical description, Lessons 1–9

Distinct language focus: Zimbabwe and Shona communities. The learner must preserve the community variety and orthographic practice recorded in a source, rather than import forms from a relative.

Lesson 1: Language names and autonyms. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Zimbabwe and Shona communities. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 2: Current speaking regions. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Zimbabwe and Shona communities. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 3: Community and geographic source mapping. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Zimbabwe and Shona communities. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 4: ISO and Glottocode verification. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Zimbabwe and Shona communities. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 5: Genealogical subgrouping. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Zimbabwe and Shona communities. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 6: Historical manuscript or source chronology. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Zimbabwe and Shona communities. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 7: Speech variety identification. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Zimbabwe and Shona communities. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 8: Sociolinguistic source dating. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Zimbabwe and Shona communities. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 9: Annotated opening encyclopedia article. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Zimbabwe and Shona communities. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Module 2: Writing and literacy, Lessons 10–18

Distinct language focus: regional Shona and Bantu genealogy. The learner must preserve the community variety and orthographic practice recorded in a source, rather than import forms from a relative.

Lesson 10: Alphabet and script history. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into regional Shona and Bantu genealogy. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 11: Current orthographic conventions. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into regional Shona and Bantu genealogy. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 12: Historic spelling systems. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into regional Shona and Bantu genealogy. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 13: Phonetic notation. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into regional Shona and Bantu genealogy. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 14: Special letters and digraphs. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into regional Shona and Bantu genealogy. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 15: Word boundaries and typography. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into regional Shona and Bantu genealogy. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 16: Digital language encoding. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into regional Shona and Bantu genealogy. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 17: Comparison of historical and current spelling. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into regional Shona and Bantu genealogy. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 18: Sourced orthographic research summary. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into regional Shona and Bantu genealogy. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Module 3: Phonology and listening, Lessons 19–27

Distinct language focus: standard orthography and dialect records. The learner must preserve the community variety and orthographic practice recorded in a source, rather than import forms from a relative.

Lesson 19: Consonant inventory. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into standard orthography and dialect records. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 20: Vowel inventory. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into standard orthography and dialect records. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 21: Phonemic contrasts. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into standard orthography and dialect records. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 22: Tone or pitch features. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into standard orthography and dialect records. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 23: Length or phonation contrasts. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into standard orthography and dialect records. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 24: Syllable structure. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into standard orthography and dialect records. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 25: Original-speaker phonetic record. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into standard orthography and dialect records. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 26: Dialect differences in sounds. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into standard orthography and dialect records. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 27: Verified pronunciation documentation. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into standard orthography and dialect records. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Module 4: Vocabulary and linguistic meaning, Lessons 28–36

Distinct language focus: Shona consonants and lexical tone. The learner must preserve the community variety and orthographic practice recorded in a source, rather than import forms from a relative.

Lesson 28: Basic personal reference. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona consonants and lexical tone. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 29: Family terminology. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona consonants and lexical tone. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 30: Counting words. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona consonants and lexical tone. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 31: Time and temporal expressions. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona consonants and lexical tone. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 32: Landscape vocabulary. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona consonants and lexical tone. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 33: Social greeting lexicon. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona consonants and lexical tone. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 34: Contextual meaning and polysemy. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona consonants and lexical tone. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 35: Borrowing and historical cognates. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona consonants and lexical tone. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 36: A referenced wordlist. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona consonants and lexical tone. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Module 5: Nominal grammar, Lessons 37–45

Distinct language focus: nominal class and agreement constructions. The learner must preserve the community variety and orthographic practice recorded in a source, rather than import forms from a relative.

Lesson 37: Documented noun stems. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into nominal class and agreement constructions. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 38: Singular and plural morphology. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into nominal class and agreement constructions. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 39: Classes and gender where present. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into nominal class and agreement constructions. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 40: Pronouns and agreement. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into nominal class and agreement constructions. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 41: Possession and genitives. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into nominal class and agreement constructions. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 42: Deixis and demonstratives. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into nominal class and agreement constructions. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 43: Nominal modifiers. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into nominal class and agreement constructions. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 44: Grammatical relations. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into nominal class and agreement constructions. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 45: Interlinear nominal analysis. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into nominal class and agreement constructions. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Module 6: Verbal grammar and clauses, Lessons 46–54

Distinct language focus: Shona verbs and clausal relations. The learner must preserve the community variety and orthographic practice recorded in a source, rather than import forms from a relative.

Lesson 46: Original verb stems. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona verbs and clausal relations. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 47: Person and number expression. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona verbs and clausal relations. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 48: Temporal reference. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona verbs and clausal relations. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 49: Aspectual distinctions. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona verbs and clausal relations. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 50: Negation. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona verbs and clausal relations. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 51: Imperatives and requests. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona verbs and clausal relations. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 52: Interrogative clauses. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona verbs and clausal relations. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 53: Clause order and information structure. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona verbs and clausal relations. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 54: Interlinear verb construction analysis. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona verbs and clausal relations. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Module 7: Interaction and pragmatics, Lessons 55–63

Distinct language focus: speech context and regional variation. The learner must preserve the community variety and orthographic practice recorded in a source, rather than import forms from a relative.

Lesson 55: Greeting context. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into speech context and regional variation. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 56: Address and respect. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into speech context and regional variation. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 57: Greeting response. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into speech context and regional variation. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 58: Requests and offers. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into speech context and regional variation. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 59: Thanks and apologies. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into speech context and regional variation. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 60: Conversation turn-taking. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into speech context and regional variation. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 61: Repair and clarification. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into speech context and regional variation. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 62: Regional speech style. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into speech context and regional variation. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 63: Authenticated dialogue annotation. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into speech context and regional variation. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Module 8: Cultural history and written texts, Lessons 64–72

Distinct language focus: oral and modern Shona literary sources. The learner must preserve the community variety and orthographic practice recorded in a source, rather than import forms from a relative.

Lesson 64: Oral narrative documentation. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into oral and modern Shona literary sources. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 65: Poetic and musical language. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into oral and modern Shona literary sources. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 66: Literary print chronology. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into oral and modern Shona literary sources. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 67: Language in media. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into oral and modern Shona literary sources. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 68: Original texts versus translated records. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into oral and modern Shona literary sources. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 69: Place names and history. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into oral and modern Shona literary sources. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 70: Social context of performance. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into oral and modern Shona literary sources. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 71: Source ownership and consent. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into oral and modern Shona literary sources. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 72: Contextual cultural essay. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into oral and modern Shona literary sources. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Module 9: Comparison and scholarly methods, Lessons 73–81

Distinct language focus: Shona dialect evidence and Kalanga comparison. The learner must preserve the community variety and orthographic practice recorded in a source, rather than import forms from a relative.

Lesson 73: Neighboring language families. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona dialect evidence and Kalanga comparison. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 74: Historical sound relationships. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona dialect evidence and Kalanga comparison. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 75: Cognates versus loans. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona dialect evidence and Kalanga comparison. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 76: Dialect syntax comparisons. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona dialect evidence and Kalanga comparison. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 77: Alternative grammatical interpretations. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona dialect evidence and Kalanga comparison. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 78: Interlinear gloss conventions. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona dialect evidence and Kalanga comparison. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 79: Mini corpus collection. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona dialect evidence and Kalanga comparison. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 80: Source disagreements and uncertainty. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona dialect evidence and Kalanga comparison. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 81: Comparative research paper. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into Shona dialect evidence and Kalanga comparison. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Module 10: Advanced research dossier, Lessons 82–90

Distinct language focus: an attested Shona academic source portfolio. The learner must preserve the community variety and orthographic practice recorded in a source, rather than import forms from a relative.

Lesson 82: Bibliographic audit. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into an attested Shona academic source portfolio. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 83: Verified 40-entry lexicon. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into an attested Shona academic source portfolio. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 84: Writing system research. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into an attested Shona academic source portfolio. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 85: Phonetic or tonal evidence analysis. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into an attested Shona academic source portfolio. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 86: Documented noun paradigm. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into an attested Shona academic source portfolio. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 87: Documented verbal pattern. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into an attested Shona academic source portfolio. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 88: Ethical teaching application. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into an attested Shona academic source portfolio. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 89: External evidence quality review. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into an attested Shona academic source portfolio. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

Lesson 90: Final original encyclopedia dossier. Investigate Shona with a focused inquiry into an attested Shona academic source portfolio. Primary task: locate a dated grammar, dictionary, public corpus or consented community recording specifically documenting the relevant variety; extract a directly attested example when permitted and retain its written or phonetic form. Comparative task: check a second independent published account, identify an agreed point and a possible uncertainty, and distinguish inherited features from contact or an editorial convention. Applied exercise: write an original analytical paragraph and an evidence ledger recording location, source, original claim and accurate English explanation. Assessment question: justify the result and explain what would falsify the proposed interpretation. No missing forms are fabricated.

13. Teaching-material design and assessment framework

Possible supplementary materials include permission-cleared speaker audio, original text recordings and aligned transcripts, academic phonology charts, source-matched vocabulary cards, community-context cultural studies and grammar tests containing only checked examples. The availability of these proposed materials is not implied by their description. Proposed assessment: citation and evidence fidelity 25%, phonology/orthography 15%, attested grammatical analysis 25%, community history and research ethics 15%, final research dossier 20%. Completion of an academic research pathway is not proof of fluent speaking proficiency.

14. References and source assessment

Glottolog Shona. Inspect the source’s language variety, date and original evidence rather than relying solely on an index.
WALS Karanga variety linguistic bibliography. Inspect the source’s language variety, date and original evidence rather than relying solely on an index.
ASJP Shona. Inspect the source’s language variety, date and original evidence rather than relying solely on an index.

Scholarly integrity: ISO and genealogical labels have been checked against linguistic references. No unsourced original-language vocabulary or dialogues are presented. The ninety detailed research lesson briefs are distinct from ninety fully developed textbook chapters or audio courses.