ABSTRACT

Colloquial Somali: The Complete Course for Beginners has been carefully developed by an experienced teacher to provide a step-by-step course to Somali as it is written and spoken today.

Combining a clear, practical and accessible style with a methodical and thorough treatment of the language, it equips learners with the essential skills needed to communicate confidently and effectively in Somali in a broad range of situations. No prior knowledge of the language is required. Colloquial Somali is exceptional; each unit presents a wealth of grammatical points that are reinforced with a wide range of exercises for regular practice. A full answer key, a grammar summary, bilingual glossaries and English translations of dialogues can be found at the back as well as useful vocabulary lists throughout.

Key features include:

  • A clear, user-friendly format designed to help learners progressively build up their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills
  • Jargon-free, succinct and clearly structured explanations of grammar
  • An extensive range of focused and dynamic supportive exercises
  • Realistic and entertaining dialogues covering a broad variety of narrative situations
  • Helpful cultural points about life in Somalia
  • An overview of the sounds of Somali

Balanced, comprehensive and rewarding, Colloquial Somali is an indispensable resource both for independent learners and students taking courses in Somali.

Audio material to accompany the course is available to download free in MP3 format from www.routledge.com/cw/colloquials. Recorded by native speakers, the audio material features the dialogues and texts from the book and will help develop your listening and pronunciation skills.

chapter |10 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|15 pages

Is Ka Warran!

How are You?

chapter 2|12 pages

Subax Wanaagsan

Good Morning

chapter 3|18 pages

Bill Iyo Zaynab

Bill and Zaynab

chapter 4|16 pages

Bill Waa Tegayaa Geeska Afrika

Bill is going to the Horn of Africa

chapter 5|16 pages

Garoonka Dayuuradaha

The Airport

chapter 6|17 pages

Tagsiga

The Taxi

chapter 7|12 pages

Hudheelka

The Hotel

chapter 8|14 pages

Bill Telefoon Buu Diraa

Bill Makes a Telephone Call

chapter 9|16 pages

Bill Lacag Buu Sariftaa

Bill Changes some Money

chapter 10|18 pages

Safarka Baa La Bilaabayaa

The Beginning of the Journey

chapter 11|19 pages

Tuulo Baa La Joogaa

Staying in a Village

chapter 12|19 pages

Ma Xanuunsan-Tahay?

Are you Ill?

chapter 13|20 pages

Jariidadda

The Newspaper

chapter 14|14 pages

Raydiyowga

The Radio