About the Shona language.
Shona (chiShona) is a Bantu language and the most widely spoken home language in Zimbabwe. It is one of the country's official languages. It is also spoken by communities in neighbouring countries and by many Zimbabweans living in South Africa. It is written in the Latin alphabet.
Shona is a group of closely related varieties. The main ones are usually listed as Zezuru, Karanga, Manyika, Korekore and Ndau. A standard written form is used in books, schools and official documents. Tell us where your audience comes from and we will match the translator.
Shona is not Ndebele. They are the two main languages of Zimbabwe, but they belong to different branches of the Bantu family and a Ndebele translator cannot translate Shona. Documents from Zimbabwe are sometimes labelled with the wrong language, so we check the source language before quoting.
We translate in both directions. Shona to English work is usually personal and official documents. English to Shona work is usually public information, health and community messages and business content.
Common Shona documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, affidavits and school records. A certified translation is available for these. If an authority asks for a sworn translation, ask us to confirm availability for the language pair.
Our Shona translation services.
A comprehensive range of Shona language services for businesses, legal professionals, government bodies, and individuals.
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Shona document translation
Accurate translation of written materials including contracts, reports, correspondence, and marketing content.
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Shona website and software localisation
Adapting websites, applications, and digital platforms for Shona-speaking audiences, including text, interface elements, and supporting content.
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Shona interpreting
Professional oral interpreting in Shona, available in consecutive and simultaneous formats for meetings, hearings, conferences, and events.
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Shona voice-over
Multilingual voice recording for video and audio productions requiring Shona language delivery.
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Shona subtitling
Accurate, timed Shona subtitles for films, corporate videos, e-learning content, and broadcast media.
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Shona desktop publishing
Formatting and layout services for print and digital materials translated into Shona, ensuring a professional finished product.
Certified, legal and business Shona translation.
Certified Shona translation
Premium Lingua provides certified Shona translation services for documents requiring official recognition. Our certified translations are produced by experienced, qualified native-speaking linguists and meet the accuracy, cultural, and technical standards required for legal, academic, immigration, and official purposes.
Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, degree certificates and police clearance certificates. Requirements differ between courts, embassies, universities and immigration authorities, so tell us where the Shona translation will be submitted and send any written instructions you have. If an authority asks for a sworn translation, ask us to confirm availability for the language pair.
Shona legal translation
Legal translation into and from Shona requires specialist knowledge of legal terminology, document conventions, and the specific requirements of the relevant legal system. Each project is assigned to a linguist with the right language pair and subject expertise, and managed by a named project manager.
- Contracts, agreements, and commercial negotiations
- Court pleadings, motions, and legal filings
- Patent applications and intellectual property documents
- Legal correspondence including letters and emails
- Expert witness reports and legal opinions
- Regulatory filings and licence applications
Shona government translation
Premium Lingua provides Shona translation services for government agencies, public sector bodies, and organisations working in regulated or government-related environments. Our linguists have experience handling the specific terminology, formatting requirements, and confidentiality standards that government translation demands.
Client materials are handled under confidentiality requirements, with access restricted to the people who need them to deliver the service, and our privacy framework is designed around the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Shona business document translation
For businesses operating in or engaging with Shona-speaking markets, clear and accurate communication is essential. Share previous translations, glossaries or approved terminology before we start, so your Shona content stays consistent across projects. Our business translation services cover:
- Marketing materials including brochures, adverts, and promotional content
- Financial reports, balance sheets, and income statements
- Company policies, procedures, and internal guidelines
- Business contracts and commercial agreements
- Business correspondence including emails and letters
- Product catalogues, technical specifications, and datasheets
- Human resources documents including job descriptions and employee handbooks
Request your Shona project quote.
A project manager replies within two business hours, Monday to Friday.
Request received.
A project manager will reply by email or phone, Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 SAST.