A Beginner’s Guide To Studying African Languages
By Araba Essel
Source: nationsonline.org
Africa is a continent: known for its vibrant hues, diverse civilizations, and luscious natural beauty; the fact that it encompasses over 54 countries, each with a distinct culture, gives it several advantages in terms of language - which helps to build relationships and promotes a feeling of community while making life simpler - without language, the bulk of Africans' native cultures would not exist.
In Africa, more than 2000 languages are spoken, including Swahili, Arabic, Xhosa, Zulu, French, Twi, and many others. Arabic, Xhosa, and Zulu are considered complex languages to learn, with Swahili being the most straightforward. As there is no lexical tone and the words are read as seen. Learning Arabic might be difficult due to its distinctive alphabet and writing style (from right to left). The language's lack of vowel sounds and the use of the "click consonants" that make up the language's foundation makes it more challenging.
Source: omniglot.com
Most African languages are studied the same way as English is, despite the differences in their pronunciations, writing styles, and grammatical rules. How well-versed you are in a language determines how well you can learn it. The more prevalent a language is, the simpler it is to become familiar with it. Here are some suggestions to help you if you're a novice studying one of the African languages:
Source: shop.lonelyplanet.com
1. Watch or listen to media in that language on a daily basis, including TV, radio, podcasts, and movies.
2. Find a companion who is fluent in the language you want to study or whose native tongue is that language.
3. Try reading stories in the language; start with textbooks for absolute beginners or children's literature because these have simple wording.
4. Consider keeping a language journal to practice writing a sentence or two daily and record new words you learn.
Any beginner who follows the above instructions carefully will soon be writing and speaking like a native in no time. Consistency is crucial; the more you practice, the more you'll be able to absorb this culture, eventually becoming fluent as a result.
Bahati Njema. Enkosi. Futhi Ujabulele!