Smartphone apps often have mistakes in their Kiswahili programs. đ± For example, one of the most popular language learning apps teaches "Ninasema Kiingereza" (I say English) đ rather than the correct "Ninaongea Kiingereza" (I speak English). Learning these mistakes early can be difficult to correct later. đȘ
And finding quality learning materials for Kiswahili is not easy when starting out. đČđFor example, most apps and books fail to teach colloquial, everyday Kiswahili. One example: the subject marker is sometimes contracted (fused) with the tense marker. Most frequent is: NI + NA = NA. So, "Ni-na-soma" becomes "Na-soma." Remember: in FIRST PERSON, PRESENT TENSE, just combine NA + VERB STEM: "Nasoma" (I read), "Nafanya" (I do), etc. đ€
Constantly saying, for example, "Ninasoma" or "Ninafanya" will advertise that you are either a tourist or don't know Kiswahili. đ It would be like speaking English without ever using contractions! đ± People would understand, but they would know that you are still struggling to speak conversationally. đ«
All languages have colloquial, or conversational, speech. Kiswahili has a long oral tradition. It is a high-context, social language based in verbal communication. You wouldn't want to speak Kiswahili like a walking textbook or Duolingo Owl. Check out my quizzes to "up your street cred" when greeting in Kiswahili. đ Or, book a $5 Trial Lesson with me for 1-hour. We will use real-life, conversational Kiswahili beginning with the first lesson. đŁïžđŹ Karibu!