Language Centre
Essential Amharic Grammar Beginners 1 Online - semi-intensive course August 2026
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Key information
Key information
- Duration
- 4 August – 3 September 2026
- Attendance mode
- Part-time, online live session/blended learning
Course overview
This 5-week course introduces the students to several basic constructions of the language in a structured, well-illustrated and organised way, enabling students to acquire basic skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking.
Successful students will gain the ability to read and write short simple texts and communicate to some degree on simple everyday topics as well as being acquainted to Ethiopian culture and etiquette where relevant. This course is delivered by the Language Centre.
Essential Amharic Grammar Beginners 1 Semi-Intensive Online (44305) August 2026 timetable:
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 4 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 6 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 11 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 13 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 18 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 20 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 25 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 27 August | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 1 September | 7pm - 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 3 September | 7pm - 8:30pm |
Method
The course is taught in Amharic and English with emphasis on reading (translation) and writing (composing). There will also be some speaking and listening with guided practice in language usage and use of authentic activities. You are expected to attend regularly, participate in class and complete homework regularly to ensure learning progress.
The course is delivered through a blended learning model: comprised of 15 hours of live, online, structured lessons with the teacher, plus approximately 5 hours of guided independent learning supported by complementary materials (a total of 20 hours of blended learning). The course is designed so that, over the 10‑week period, you should have the opportunity to achieve the stated objectives, depending on your engagement and progress.
Materials
This course will be based on the textbook: Appleyard, D. (2013) Colloquial Amharic: The Complete Course for beginners. Oxford: Routledge. Further materials and exercises will be provided by the tutor.
We strongly recommend waiting until your course is confirmed before purchasing the textbook.
Fees
- £299
Please see our course fees for full information and discounts available.
Structure
Amharic Beginners 1
On successful completion of this course, a student will gain knowledge and understanding of:
- the basic grammar of Amharic
- the essential vocabulary
- the appropriateness of basic structures and expressions in a given context
They will demonstrate ability to:
- greet and introduce themselves
- ask and give personal information
- talk about family, jobs and where they live or work
- order food or drink in a restaurant and ask for the bill
- shop and haggle
- tell the time, days of the week and months of the year
- use numbers and measurements and do basic arithmetic
The above is an indication of content that may be covered over the duration of the course but it could vary depending on the level and progress of students in the class.
Terms and conditions
Before applying, please be sure that you have read the SOAS Language Centre terms and conditions.
How to apply
This Amharic Beginners 1 course is aimed at complete beginners, no prior language knowledge is required.
Please note that places are first come first served. Enrolments are taken until the course is fully booked, or up to midnight 19 July, whichever is soonest.
Continuing your study
This intensive Amharic Beginners 1 course is equivalent to the 10-week Amharic Beginners 1 course Students who complete this may be able to join a Beginners 2 for our next term starting October 2026, or a future term at SOAS Language Centre.
