I’ve been pleased to see that the online resources for learning African languages have greatly improved since I first tried to do this with Kinyarwanda in 2008. Here are some of the most useful ones I’ve found for the countries I’m currently considering for dissertation research.
Chinyanja (Zambia)
- NB: Chinyanja is very closely related to Chichewa. Most of the available online resources use the latter name
- Start with this Instant Immersion course, then check out these textbooks and dictionary
Luganda (Uganda)
- EuroTalk offers an intensive course in Luganda. There are also several introductory textbooks and dictionaries
- The Learn Luganda site offers links to a variety of useful resources. I’ve also found a series of free YouTube videos that look promising
Twi (Ghana)
- There’s a good number of resources for directed self-study, like this Pimsleur course, and a range of textbooks and dictionaries
- Other online resources include this text and audio archive of Twi folktales and songs and the Akan pronunciation game
- Nkyea makes a useful series of iOS apps, including a Twi phrasebook and Akan keyboard
Yoruba (Nigeria)
- Also some good options for directed self-study here, like this Instant Immersion course, this dictionary, and both printed and digital textbooks
- WorldLanguage offers a series of children’s books with dual English and Yoruba translation
- Genii Games makes iOS and Android apps meant to introduce children to Yoruba language and culture
The NALRC has some of the best African language books I’ve seen available in the US covering a variety of languages. African countries that have a Peace Corps presence will also often have resources posted online on various country sites (just google “language + manual + peace corps” to find them). For Bantu languages, getting a basic understanding of noun classes will help facilitate learning across different regions and countries.
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Reblogged this on Chucktemple's Blog.
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