Any suggestions on where to pickup some Swahili

[dougo83]

I am going to Kenya soon and was told I might be interested in learning some basic Swahili. So...I have two questions: Are there any programs that are effective to quickly learn basic conversation and such? Also, is this the primary language I will encounter?


thanks

Dougo

[Tim-Gabz]

Virtually all speak english well to very well. I don't know Swahili but there are numerous dialects making the concept of a single language a bit overstated.

Which part of Kenya are you visiting?

[dougo83]

Virtually all speak english well to very well. I don't know Swahili but there are numerous dialects making the concept of a single language a bit overstated.

Which part of Kenya are you visiting?

Oh...ok...I just always try to do the service of at least attempting the native tongues when I travel. Shows more respect IMHO than the typical American prick that expects the world to cater to them.

Also, I do not have the list of towns I will be in near me.

[Tim-Gabz]

Sorry to seem so rude. You are right speaking only English and expecting it to be the only language is prickish. Regretfully various Victorian Rogues set the tone so good clear French and English are important as they are Africa’s business language.

Swahili is not easy and very based on manners and rituals that need understanding. I try to get an understanding of the local language where ever I work so as to best understand what is going on around me. Negative talk etc.

I have made some terrible faux pas because of inflection so I mind my manners and take time to listen to what is being said, and learn from the very people I deal with. Virtually anywhere I have travelled in Africa I have found most Africans very fluent in several languages and willing to help you learn their lingo. A great way to break the ice and build up a relationship. Also I have yet to come across a taxi driver passing me off with a humorous alternative. (pity some English speaking countries <UK incl> don’t follow their example).

[Tim-Gabz]

Also there is a richness in visual hand signals (formalised gesticulating) that is really lacking elsewhere in the world, they are fun and are quickly understood. It makes for driving with a cell phone even more hazardous.

The politics and government stinks but Africa as a people is diverse and always alive.

FYI.The Setswana hand signal for nothing doing would get you punched out in a London Pub.

[dougo83]

Tim...I hope you didn't read that I was saying you were rude, I didn't think I typed something to that effect. Anyway, thanks for the tips. I guess part of it is also my interest in learning foreign, especially more difficult, languages. I speak/write/read/understand Spanish, and a little bit of all of the following: German, Italian, French, American Sign Language, Czech, Biblical Greek, and Ancient Hebrew. I am always looking to add something else to the list.

[Tim-Gabz]

What ever you are going there for you need to enjoy Africa there is alot of sadness but alot of living and love of life.

Please get proper protection. Get the proper anti malaria (for the location), hep (A - ZZ) vaccines, and anti gypo guts meds. Or you will learn the meaning of having 100 buffaloes charging around in your head, glow at night or learn to sitting on ice can on occasion be a good thing.

I always envied those who could pick up languages. For my sins my second language was French. As the only member of staff who could speak, read and write French it got me into interesting locations where the cooking was great but politics was ethnically divided and involved deep cleansing. My Portugese colleagues at least got Beira and Maputo.

[Bumppo]

Look up "CIA - Kenya" and you will find a good no frills demographic. Languages included.

[marthinus]

[QUOTE=Tim-Gabz;6071187]
Please get proper protection. Get the proper anti malaria (for the location), hep (A - ZZ) vaccines, and anti gypo guts meds. Or you will learn the meaning of having 100 buffaloes charging around in your head, glow at night or learn to sitting on ice can on occasion be a good thing. [QUOTE]

This is a must when you go to africa! Only a vew places are malaria free, and you should not guys that a place is. Hope you enjoy your stay in Africa! Do not worry about the language to much. If you can learn hallo and how are you most will respect the fact that you are at least trying!