How to Learn and Write Kiswahili

Kiswahili, a Bantu language with Arabic influences, is a lingua franca commonly spoken throughout East or Central Africa. The Introduction to the Kiswahili Grammar textbook at Mwana Simba says that this African language is easy to learn because it does not have unpronounceable sounds or "tones." While classroom instruction with opportunity to listen to a teacher and practice drills with fellow students is beneficial, dedicated self-study, and a regular routine of grammar, writing, listening and speaking exercises will help you to achieve the basic proficiency needed to understand native speakers and communicate in this language.

Alphabet and Grammar

• 1
  old dictionary series image by pdtnc from Fotolia.com

  Read the first two chapters of your grammar text for an overview of Kiswahili history, language and culture, then progress to the alphabet pronunciation and greeting scripts. Practice the alphabet and vowel pronunciations in your book aloud. Use recorded scripts to guide you through the greetings, using proper pronunciation. Allow yourself ample time to learn correct pronunciation and vowel sounds before you progress to the grammar exercises.

• 2
  Books image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com

  Listen to the audio for each chapter or section if your textbook provides it. Then read the materials in each chapter or section on your own. Follow up with the grammar lessons in your textbook, including all drills and homework assignments. Write your exercises in a notebook, word-processing document or on your Smartphone. Check your exercises against provided answer keys. Read each lesson over to reinforce what you learned before moving to the next one.

• 3
  Notebook image by Yuri Tuchkov from Fotolia.com

  Keep a journal or blog in Kiswahili. To begin, with keep your entries short and simple by writing a paragraph about something you did that day. Read online Kiswahili media such as blogs and newspapers using tools such as "google translate" and a Kiswahili dictionary. Compare the English and Kiswahili versions of the story, then write in Kiswahili brief comments about what you read. Keep an ongoing list of vocabulary words and refer to them regularly.

• 4
  headphones image by John Keith from Fotolia.com

  Practice oral drills from your text at home, in your car, or any place where you can speak aloud without interruption or feeling awkward. Listen to Kiswahili language Internet radio such the BBC Swahili that provides hourly audio news reports to get your ears accustomed to listening to Kiswahili in native speed and rhythm. Seek out opportunities to practice what you learn with other Kiswahili learners and speakers in your community if possible. If no speakers are available, improvise by communicating with other speakers using the Internet.