Jambo!5 million people speak the African language of Swahili as a native language.There are 135 million people in Africa and around the world who speak a second or third language.It is an official language in Uganda.It's a fun language to learn because of its simplicity.Kila la kheri!I wish you good luck!
Step 1: There are five basic vowels in Swahili.
Each of the vowels in English is only pronounced one way.If you know how to pronounce the vowels, you will be able to say almost any word correctly.The English word for father is a sound made by the letter a.The English word "get" has a similar sound to the letter e.It can sound similar to the English word "hey".The English word for "see" is the letter I make an ee sound with.The English word "gopher" has an Oh sound in it.The English word for tooth is oo and the letter U makes it sound that way.
Step 2: When two vowels appear together, pronounce them.
In Swahili, there are no diphthongs or blended vowels.If you see two vowels side by side, say one after the other.One vowel is the end of one syllable and the other the beginning of the next.The English language has a word called kiingereza.You say it kee-eeng-ehr-EHZ-ah.
Step 3: Say the same things in English.
Most of the vowels are the same as they would be in English.If you already know how to say a word in English, you can say it in Swahili.To make a ch sound, the letter c is combined with an h.The ch in the English word "china" is what this sounds like.The English word "Give" has a soft g sound, but the letter g in Swahili is always hard.The English word for that is dh combination.
Step 4: If they start with m or n, it's a hum.
Some Swahili words start with the letter m or n.The back of your throat is where you say the rest of the m or n sound.Try saying the word ndogo, which means small.It's pronounced like that.The English word "song" is pronounced like the ng in a word.
Step 5: The second to last syllable of multi-syllable words should be stressed.
The stress for all Swahili words is the same.The first syllable is stressed if the word has two vowels.The stress is on the next to last syllable if the word is three or more.The Swahili word for "giraffe," twiga, is pronounced TWEE-gah.Kitabu is a word that means "book."
Step 6: Say hi to people you meet.
Hujambo is a more formal way of saying "hello" in Swahili.Habari means "news" and is a common way of saying hello.You can say either jambo or habari if someone says it to you.When greeting someone, smile and extend your hand forward, as if you're going in for a handshake.
Step 7: To ask the person how they're doing, say habari gani.
Habari gani means "how are you" in Swahili.If the person asks first, you can reply "fine, thanks."When used in response to habari gani, poa or safi have similar meanings.
Step 8: Take care of your manners with ahsante sana and tafadhali.
If you're just beginning to learn the language, using polite words and phrases, such as ahsante sana, which means "Thank you very much," will endeared you to native speakers.Tafadhali means "please."If you wanted to ask someone "Can you help me?"You would say tafadhali, naomba msaada.samahani means "excuse me."If someone thanks you, reply with starehe, which means "you're welcome."
Step 9: Men and women should be referred to as bwana and mama.
If you're talking to someone older than you, use the titles bwana and mama, similar to "sir" and "ma'am," as a sign of respect.When addressing someone as bwana or mama, you will not offend them.They will let you know if they want you to call them by their first name.
Step 10: Introduce yourself by saying ninaitwa followed by your name.
"I am called" is a common way to introduce yourself in Swahili.You can use jina langu ni, which means "My name is."If you want to ask the other person's name, say unaitwaje.You can tell the person where you're from after telling their name.If you want to know where the other person is from, say unatoka wapi.
Step 11: Change your voice to ask questions.
The structure of a sentence in Swahili is the same as it is in English.You change the way you say it.It means that you're asking a question if you end the word or sentence with a higher tone."You are called" is what unaitwaje means.The meaning of a question is more like "are you called?" if you use an upward inflection at the end.Questions can be inferred from the context.If you seem to be making a statement rather than asking a question, some questions may sound rude.
Step 12: Ask about the person's family and work.
The word habari can be used as a greeting.You can use the word "how" to ask your new friend about their life.If you use these questions, they will be impressed."How is your family?" is what Habari Za familia means."How is your work?" is what Habariza kazi means."How was your day?" is what Habari Za kutwa means.
Step 13: If you don't understand what someone is saying, say naelewa.
When you're just starting out, Swahili people are usually patient and understanding.It's quite charming that you're trying to learn their language since they all speak English.It means "I don't understand" if they start speaking too fast.tafadhali sema polepole means "please speak more slowly"If you're in a bind, you can always ask if you speak English.Unless you are in an extremely remote area, most people in the country do.
Step 14: Say "goodbye" when you are ready to part ways.
"goodbye" can be used at any time of the day.It's a good idea to say thank you before saying goodbye.You could also say "goodnight" if you're leaving in the evening.