So it’s already February. By now any New Year’s resolutions you made are probably a dim memory. But it’s not too late to make a new one to replace those which have fallen by the wayside. Why not learn another language in 2009? And why not make it one of South Africa’s traditional languages?
Did you know: 40% of South Africa's population speak either Xhosa or Zulu (both Nguni languages) as a first language, as opposed to just over 8% with English.
Learning an African language can go a long way to improving communication, opening opportunities for greater cultural understanding and creating better work and social relationships.
African Voices, under Tessa Dowling*, has been teaching African languages to the world for ten years via a range of products including CD ROMs, audio CDs and books. These offer not just the basic grammatical rules of the various languages but also cover the conversational and cultural aspects that inform and make the words, tone and background of these living tongues.
Take for example the Beginner’s Xhosa Course which comprises:
• detailed explanations of Xhosa pronunciation
• 20 lessons presenting conversation, grammar and interactive exercises
• sound and video recordings of first-language Xhosa speakers
• record and playback facility to perfect your pronunciation
• a detailed workbook which supports and supplements the CD-ROM material
• comprehensive explanations of Xhosa grammar
• additional exercises, allowing further study and practice while away from the computer
The course covers topics that include pronunciation, holidays, weather, work, emotions and personal details (Conversation); all the required grammatical rules and their application (Grammar) and etiquette, relationships, traditional music etc (Culture). The holistic and practical approach gives the learner a broader understanding of the culture as well as opportunities to chat in everyday language to any Xhosa speakers that s/he may meet in the course of the day about down-to-earth topics.
For a taste of the easy-going, fun pace and experience of the lessons tune in to Cape Talk / Radio 702 early on Friday mornings (05h30) for the Click Clinic wherein Tessa gives simple Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho, Pedi and Tswana lessons. In the near future you should also be able to download these snippets from the Cape Talk / 702 websites.
For more information check out the African Voices website or email them.
*Tessa Dowling has a PhD in African Languages from the University of Cape Town, is a columnist for the Sunday Independent newspaper and has a fluent knowledge of a number of African languages. From the end of 2008 she has been contracted on a full-time basis to the University of Cape Town, to assist in the development of their African Language curricula.
