Introduction to Swahili
A ten-week course aimed at those who wish to acquire a basic conversational ability in Swahili
Duration:
One term of ten weeks.
Mode of Attendance: Part Time
Fees: The fee for this 20-hour course is £295 payable in advance.
Description
This SOAS Language Centre course in Swahili is designed to give participants with no previous knowledge of the language a basic ability to make themselves understood in a small number of everyday situations. The course takes the form of a series of situational contexts in which participants will be asked to understand what is taking place around them and to respond in comprehensive and clear Swahili.
Method
The course is taught in English and Swahili. Class size is normally limited to fifteen to allow close involvement.
Summary of course contents
- Introduction to Swahili language and culture
- Swahili alphabet and pronunciation
- Basic grammar and the noun class system
- Greetings; initiating conversation
- Talking about oneself
- Talking about the family
- Numbers
- Basic tenses
- Possessives
- Adjectives
Continuing your study
This course is designed to make you confident in your ability to pronounce Swahili and to make yourself understood in a small number of situational contexts, giving you the confidence to continue your study of Swahili either privately or in a small group. The course is self-contained and is not designed to lead to a further scheduled course later in the year.
Terms and Conditions
Please see our terms and conditions of payment on the web and on the application form before enrolling on the course.
Application Procedures
This course assumes no existing knowledge of the language and no assessment is therefore required prior to application. Completed application forms, together with payment for the course fee should be returned to the SOAS Language Centre. Please note that classes may fill up quickly. It is best to apply early in order to avoid disappointment.
Materials
The designated text for this course is as follows:
McGrath, D. L. and Marten, L. (2011) Colloquial Swahili. London: Routledge.
Course materials are not included in the course fee and can be purchased from the SOAS bookshop bookshop@soas.ac.uk.
You are advised not to purchase course materials until your course has been confirmed.
Timetable
The course is taught in small groups with a maximum of fifteen students per group. Classes will be held at the Bloomsbury or Kings Cross Campus of SOAS in central London on one evening a week. Participants receive 20 hours of language tuition over a ten-week period (with additional weeks where public holidays and/or cancellations through staff sickness displace a session).
See our timetable pages for days and times.
Email: languages@soas.ac.uk
