In Kamba, the language spoken by the Kamba people of Kenya, the word for snake is nzoka.
Understanding "Nzoka" in Kamba
The term nzoka is the general word used to refer to snakes in the Kamba language. This single word encompasses the diverse range of snake species found in the regions where Kamba is spoken.
Here's a quick reference:
| English Term | Kamba Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Snake | Nzoka |
Specific Snake Species
While nzoka is the general term, Kamba speakers often use more specific descriptors for particular types of snakes, especially venomous ones. For instance, a notable venomous species identified in Kambaland is the Forest Cobra, scientifically known as Naja melanoleuca. In Kamba, this specific snake is referred to as nzoka ya kiko. This demonstrates how the base term nzoka can be combined with other words to specify a particular type or characteristic of a snake.
For more information on the context of snake encounters and traditional remedies in Kamba culture, you can refer to studies on Kenyan medicinal plants used as antivenin, which sometimes mention these terms.
