Insect Local Names and Folklore in the Luvale Language: Implications for Biology School Curriculum

Andrew Chikonde & Alex Simpande
The Copperbelt University, Zambia
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5248-3317
Email: chikonde.andrew@cbu.ac.zm/ alex.simpande@cbu.ac.zm

Abstract: The names of insects and associated folklore are at risk of being lost without proper documentation. This study aimed to document the names of insects in the Luvale language of Zambia’s North-Western Province. A case study design was employed across three districts where Luvale is spoken. Data were collected by presenting 42 colored pictures of commonly found insects to participants for naming in Luvale. Participants identified all insects and added five more, bringing the total to 47. Comparison among six sites showed 86% similarity and 14% variation in insect naming. Folklore associated with 24 insects was documented. An interactive teaching tool using hyperlinked Microsoft PowerPoint was developed to support the identification and naming of insects in Luvale, complemented by pictures and videos. This tool is expected to scaffold learners in acquiring scientific insect names and improve attitudes toward learning insects in the biology curriculum.