Similarities between Swahili and English
It would interest you to know that the Swahili language is spoken by more than twenty million people in Africa. It is spoken in countries like Kenya, Tanzania and Congo. It is a popular tribal language that has attracted a lot of attention and it is for this reason that people are very much interested in learning it. However learning it just like any new language is not that easy. You would have to exert a lot of effort and time. The good thing is that there are some similarities between Swahili and English languages which should be very much encouraging to anyone wanting to study it.
One of the simples of similarities between Swahili and English is the fact that the Swahili verbs always carry with them the subject and sometimes the object and the tense. This is also found mostly in the English language. For instance there is a word like ‘Ninakula’ which means ‘I am eating’. Indeed another thing worthy of note is that the personal pronouns in the Swahili language are all one word just like the English language. For instance there is a world like ‘Mimi’ which means ‘I’ and ‘Sisi’ which means ‘We’.
Another of the similarities between Swahili and English is that they all have classes of nouns. The English language for instance has several classes of nouns like the personal nouns and impersonal nouns. When you enter the Swahili language, there are a number of noun classes which are eight in number. These would include classes like the N class, M-MI class and the KI-VI class. The KI-VI class for instance is one that includes names that start with KI or VI like ‘Kit’ for chair and ‘Viti’ for chairs. The M-MI class may be quite confusing but it only deals with non-human nouns like ‘Miji’ for ‘towns’, ‘Mji’ for ‘town’ and ‘Mti’ for ‘tree’.
There are other similarities between Swahili and English that we can consider like the fact that they all recognise the seven days in the week. Moreover, with reference to time, they all appreciate the fact that the day is made up of twenty four hours even though there may be slight differences with respect to point of references at certain periods in time. For instance in Swahili, Saturday is recognised as the first day of the week while the sixth day would fall on Thursday.
Get your free report on learning swahili here: http://swahili101.com
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Tips on learning swahili fast
In the three countries of Congo, Tanzania and Kenya the language of Swahili is spoken by millions of people. In the curriculum of many schools in East Africa, it has been made compulsory. It is however important that you try learning Swahili fast especially if you plan to work in any part of these countries mentioned or in any part of East Africa. Let us therefore take a look how one can learn Swahili fast.
Indeed the first thing that has to be considered in learning Swahili fast is the amount of time you need to learn. You would have to ask yourself whether there is enough time on your side in learning this language. Do you have time and the resources to engage in classes or even have a private tutor? If you tend to posses all of these then that is a great way to go since you would be taught by professionals. One way to do this is to contact the local colleges or university to check if they have a language course in Swahili. You can also choose to place an advertisement in the newspapers if you desire to be taught by a private tutor. Either way you would be on your way to learning Swahili fast.
One of the other preferred ways of learning Swahili fast is the use of audio language learning tools. These can be very much utilised when you are relaxing or even on your sleeping bed. You can choose to listen to these audio tapes when you decide to go to bed. Indeed this is one of the best moments to absorb the Swahili language fast into your subconscious.
The best way for you to become very fluent and be on the road to learning Swahili fast is to constantly speak it. If you happen to have any friends who speak the language, then you should try speaking it to them on a regular basis. When this is not possible, then ensure that you look for a group of people who are also in the process of learning the Swahili language. Moreover you should endeavour to dine and wine in African themed restaurants and also attend some Swahili related events. This is one of the sure ways to ensure that you enhance your fluency in the Swahili language and in no time you would be talking to a native.
Grab your free report on learning swahili here : http://swahili101.com
Indeed the first thing that has to be considered in learning Swahili fast is the amount of time you need to learn. You would have to ask yourself whether there is enough time on your side in learning this language. Do you have time and the resources to engage in classes or even have a private tutor? If you tend to posses all of these then that is a great way to go since you would be taught by professionals. One way to do this is to contact the local colleges or university to check if they have a language course in Swahili. You can also choose to place an advertisement in the newspapers if you desire to be taught by a private tutor. Either way you would be on your way to learning Swahili fast.
One of the other preferred ways of learning Swahili fast is the use of audio language learning tools. These can be very much utilised when you are relaxing or even on your sleeping bed. You can choose to listen to these audio tapes when you decide to go to bed. Indeed this is one of the best moments to absorb the Swahili language fast into your subconscious.
The best way for you to become very fluent and be on the road to learning Swahili fast is to constantly speak it. If you happen to have any friends who speak the language, then you should try speaking it to them on a regular basis. When this is not possible, then ensure that you look for a group of people who are also in the process of learning the Swahili language. Moreover you should endeavour to dine and wine in African themed restaurants and also attend some Swahili related events. This is one of the sure ways to ensure that you enhance your fluency in the Swahili language and in no time you would be talking to a native.
Grab your free report on learning swahili here : http://swahili101.com
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Swahili Usage on the big screen
Movies that have used Swahili language in their Transcripts
Over the years, the Swahili language has increasingly found its place in the international film industry. While some films simply feature short transcripts of Swahili, there are others which wholly feature Swahili as the main language used in the dialogues between the characters. Below is a look at some of the award winning and critically acclaimed movies that have featured the use of Swahili language in their transcripts.
The Last King of Scotland
While this movie was based on a fictional account of the life of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, the primary language spoken by African characters in The Last King of Scotland was Swahili. However, English is the main language in the film. In the film, Forest Whitaker played Idi Amin and spoke a lot of Swahili when he was speaking to other African characters. During the scenes where Swahili is spoken, English subtitles are provided to enable non-Swahili speakers to understand what the characters are saying. For his role, Forest Whitaker won the Best Leading Actor Award at the 2007 Oscars amongst other accolades.
Nowhere in Africa
Nowhere in Africa is a German film released in 2001 which features a lot of dialogue in the Swahili language. Other languages featured in this film are German and English. This film was adapted from an autobiographical novel of the same name written by Stefanie Zweig. The novel was based on a real life Jewish family which emigrated to Kenya to start farming during the Second World War in order to escape the wrath of the Nazis in Germany. Directed by Caroline link, the film starred Julianne Kohler and Merab Ninidze. This film also received an Oscar for the Best Foreign Language Film in 2002, amongst other awards and critical acclaim.
Out of Africa
Out of Africa is an Academy Award-winning film based on the novel of the same name and written by Isak Dinesen – also known as Karen Blixen. In 1985, the film was adapted from the novel by director Sydney Pollack and starred Meryl Streep as Karen Blixen, with Robert Redford playing Denis Finch-Hatton. Because the film was based in Kenya and its main characters were Kenyan settlers, there is a lot of use of the Swahili language featured in the dialogue of the film. This is mainly found in conversations between the main characters and African characters, representing Kenyans who in most cases had not learnt the English language by the 1930s, which is the period in which the film is set.
To learn swahili fast, check out our website http://swahili101.com
Over the years, the Swahili language has increasingly found its place in the international film industry. While some films simply feature short transcripts of Swahili, there are others which wholly feature Swahili as the main language used in the dialogues between the characters. Below is a look at some of the award winning and critically acclaimed movies that have featured the use of Swahili language in their transcripts.
The Last King of Scotland
While this movie was based on a fictional account of the life of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, the primary language spoken by African characters in The Last King of Scotland was Swahili. However, English is the main language in the film. In the film, Forest Whitaker played Idi Amin and spoke a lot of Swahili when he was speaking to other African characters. During the scenes where Swahili is spoken, English subtitles are provided to enable non-Swahili speakers to understand what the characters are saying. For his role, Forest Whitaker won the Best Leading Actor Award at the 2007 Oscars amongst other accolades.
Nowhere in Africa
Nowhere in Africa is a German film released in 2001 which features a lot of dialogue in the Swahili language. Other languages featured in this film are German and English. This film was adapted from an autobiographical novel of the same name written by Stefanie Zweig. The novel was based on a real life Jewish family which emigrated to Kenya to start farming during the Second World War in order to escape the wrath of the Nazis in Germany. Directed by Caroline link, the film starred Julianne Kohler and Merab Ninidze. This film also received an Oscar for the Best Foreign Language Film in 2002, amongst other awards and critical acclaim.
Out of Africa
Out of Africa is an Academy Award-winning film based on the novel of the same name and written by Isak Dinesen – also known as Karen Blixen. In 1985, the film was adapted from the novel by director Sydney Pollack and starred Meryl Streep as Karen Blixen, with Robert Redford playing Denis Finch-Hatton. Because the film was based in Kenya and its main characters were Kenyan settlers, there is a lot of use of the Swahili language featured in the dialogue of the film. This is mainly found in conversations between the main characters and African characters, representing Kenyans who in most cases had not learnt the English language by the 1930s, which is the period in which the film is set.
To learn swahili fast, check out our website http://swahili101.com
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Learning Tips: Get up to speed with swahili language
Each and every day a lot of people travel to the continent of Africa all for different reasons. There are those who travel here for the purposes of work of all sorts and those who also come for sightseeing. It would interest you to know that one of the most widely spoken languages in East and Central Africa is that of Swahili. Therefore if you are travelling to Africa, learn Swahili first and fast. This way you would be able to at least communicate a few more people during your entire stay.
When you get to Africa, one of the first things you should do is to buy for yourself a Swahili dictionary. Even though you may not like carrying a dictionary around, these days there are miniature ones that are made to fit into your pockets easily. This would be one of the fastest ways of learning to learn Swahili. You always have the chance to check out a new word anytime you are in the shopping mall or in the bus. When you are able to do this on a frequent basis, then you should later on converse in the language fluently. Therefore when travelling to Africa, learn Swahili first and fast.
You should never be afraid to make mistakes when learning to speak the Swahili language. This is due to the fact if you are too conscious of mistakes, it would restrict your from learning any new word. This is one of the secrets to making you learn a new language very fast. That is the confidence to try out new words and not fearing to commit errors. It is therefore good for you to note that when travelling to Africa, learn Swahili first and fast.
You can try out the use of audio learning tools which can be utilised anytime you are relaxing or even going to bed. For instance you can do this on the bus when in Africa or at the bar. You could listen to these audio tapes before you ever get to bed so that you can easily get it absorbed into your subconscious. In addition, you should try to always be around the locals so that you can speak it constantly. This way you would be polishing your level of speaking on a daily basis.
Get a free report on learning swahili fast.
When you get to Africa, one of the first things you should do is to buy for yourself a Swahili dictionary. Even though you may not like carrying a dictionary around, these days there are miniature ones that are made to fit into your pockets easily. This would be one of the fastest ways of learning to learn Swahili. You always have the chance to check out a new word anytime you are in the shopping mall or in the bus. When you are able to do this on a frequent basis, then you should later on converse in the language fluently. Therefore when travelling to Africa, learn Swahili first and fast.
You should never be afraid to make mistakes when learning to speak the Swahili language. This is due to the fact if you are too conscious of mistakes, it would restrict your from learning any new word. This is one of the secrets to making you learn a new language very fast. That is the confidence to try out new words and not fearing to commit errors. It is therefore good for you to note that when travelling to Africa, learn Swahili first and fast.
You can try out the use of audio learning tools which can be utilised anytime you are relaxing or even going to bed. For instance you can do this on the bus when in Africa or at the bar. You could listen to these audio tapes before you ever get to bed so that you can easily get it absorbed into your subconscious. In addition, you should try to always be around the locals so that you can speak it constantly. This way you would be polishing your level of speaking on a daily basis.
Get a free report on learning swahili fast.
15 Must-Know Swahili Phrases
When travelling to East Africa for the first time, it would be useful to learn the following Swahili phrases to help you get around easier.
No Problem - Hakuna matata
Made famous by the movie “The Lion King”, this phrase is commonly used to let your audience know that everything is alright and you are ok.
Hallo – Jambo
This phrase means hallo and may be used in greeting anyone at any time of the day.
How are you - Habari gani
This phrase is a great icebreaker, especially if you wish to begin a longer conversation with the person you are talking to. It is a polite and courteous way of asking the person about how they are doing.
Thank you very much- Ahsante sana
This phrase will endear you to the people you interact with whenever you wish to thank them for their hospitality.
Bye - Kwaheri ya kuonana
It is always polite to bid your host goodbye, so be sure to use this phrase which also expresses your desire to see the person again.
Good Morning - Habari za Asubuhi?
It is polite to always use this phrase in greeting people when you first meet them in the morning.
Good Afternoon - Habari za Mchana?
This phrase is used to politely greet people whenever you meet them in the afternoon.
Good Evening - Habari za Jioni?
Remember to be polite to the people you meet in the evening by greeting them with this phrase.
Please, I would like – Tafadhali naomba
This phrase is a polite way of making a request either for something or even information.
Yes, thank you – Ndiyo asante
This phrase is used as a polite way of accepting an offer that someone has made to you.
No, thank you – La shukrani
You may use this phrase as a polite way of rejecting an offer that is made to you.
What is your name? - Jina lako nani?
You may use this phrase when asking someone to tell you their name.
My name is - Jina langu ni
This is the response to give someone who asks you to tell them your name. You will begin with “Jina langu ni” and complete by including your name at the end. For instance “Jina langu ni Mary”.
I would like to go – Tafadhali, nataka kuenda
When asking for directions, you may use this polite phrase and end the sentence with your intended destination. For example, “Tafadhali, nataka kuenda Nairobi.”
Please give me – Tafadhali naomba
This phrase is used as a polite way of asking for something. For example, “tafadhali naomba msaada” is a request for assistance or help.
To learn swahili fast in record time, please check out http://www.swahili101.com
No Problem - Hakuna matata
Made famous by the movie “The Lion King”, this phrase is commonly used to let your audience know that everything is alright and you are ok.
Hallo – Jambo
This phrase means hallo and may be used in greeting anyone at any time of the day.
How are you - Habari gani
This phrase is a great icebreaker, especially if you wish to begin a longer conversation with the person you are talking to. It is a polite and courteous way of asking the person about how they are doing.
Thank you very much- Ahsante sana
This phrase will endear you to the people you interact with whenever you wish to thank them for their hospitality.
Bye - Kwaheri ya kuonana
It is always polite to bid your host goodbye, so be sure to use this phrase which also expresses your desire to see the person again.
Good Morning - Habari za Asubuhi?
It is polite to always use this phrase in greeting people when you first meet them in the morning.
Good Afternoon - Habari za Mchana?
This phrase is used to politely greet people whenever you meet them in the afternoon.
Good Evening - Habari za Jioni?
Remember to be polite to the people you meet in the evening by greeting them with this phrase.
Please, I would like – Tafadhali naomba
This phrase is a polite way of making a request either for something or even information.
Yes, thank you – Ndiyo asante
This phrase is used as a polite way of accepting an offer that someone has made to you.
No, thank you – La shukrani
You may use this phrase as a polite way of rejecting an offer that is made to you.
What is your name? - Jina lako nani?
You may use this phrase when asking someone to tell you their name.
My name is - Jina langu ni
This is the response to give someone who asks you to tell them your name. You will begin with “Jina langu ni” and complete by including your name at the end. For instance “Jina langu ni Mary”.
I would like to go – Tafadhali, nataka kuenda
When asking for directions, you may use this polite phrase and end the sentence with your intended destination. For example, “Tafadhali, nataka kuenda Nairobi.”
Please give me – Tafadhali naomba
This phrase is used as a polite way of asking for something. For example, “tafadhali naomba msaada” is a request for assistance or help.
To learn swahili fast in record time, please check out http://www.swahili101.com
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