Long list of African symbols and alphabet characters

African symbols carry deep meanings of justice, collectivity, community, and reciprocity, values that lie at the heart of social work and development. They can be used as a visual shorthand for recording and note taking, helping to capture complex ideas and emotions quickly. In community work, practitioners can invite participants to choose symbols that reflect their values or goals, creating a shared visual language of meaning. These symbols also enrich documentation, reports, and training materials, making communication more culturally rooted and engaging. Using them encourages reflection and learning from the past to guide future planning. Above all, social workers should use these visual tools with respect and acknowledgment of their cultural origins and significance. Through thoughtful use, African symbols and alphabets can connect hearts, histories, and hopes, enriching the practice of social work across diverse communities.

Names in isiZulu, chiShona and English	Character or symbol
intombazanyana mwanasikana baby girl
owesifazane mukadzi female
owesilisa murume male
ubukhulu kuzodzwa greatness
umuthi muti tree
ulukuluku chido passion
inkosikazi mambokadzi queen
inkosi mambo king
isalukazi ambuya elder woman
imula mvura rain
ukucweba kuchena purity
umlilo moto fire
umilimi murimi farmer
ibutho murwi warrior with shield
impi hondo war
intombi mhandara unmarried girl
ubuchopho pfungwa brain

ingqondo njere mind
ubunye kubatana unity
umama amai mother
ubusha humhandara/hujaya youth
ukulalela kuterera obedience
bona wona see
idla idya eat
ikhaya kumba home
umndeni mhuri family
indlu imba hut
rimla, munhu asingabatsire, useless person
indinda rombe vagabond
ijubane kukurumidza haste
inkuthalo ushingi diligence
isolokazane kambuyu insect