Learning Swahili

I was given a gift certificate during the holidays to Barnes & Noble. I didn't want to use it to buy more books. I already have a stack of TBR that will carry me through the next months if not year. But in browsing the shelves I found a package called "Teach Yourself Swahili". It consists of a book (300+ pages) and 2 CDs. The book is a series of lessons, vocabulary lists and a section of "useful phrases for visitors."

Certainly I don't expect to become fluent. From the introductory pages it seems that there are enough dialects of this language that exact pronunciation is not an issue. That's good for me. The only foreign language that I ever studied was French and I never could speak it - just read it with some proficiency. Nor do I think that any knowledge of Swahili is necessary for this adventure. But also from my reading it seems that the attempt to speak the language in whatever limited doses is viewed as a sign of respect for the local culture. And anything that generates good will in such a difficult and strenuous environment will be helpful.

Finally, learning a new langauge always seems to be on the list of "alzheimer prevention exercises for the aging brain." So I'll get out that old portable CD player or download the CDs to my iPod depending on the memory space required and give it a try. Fortunately we have become so used to having people walk along seemingly talking to themselves on their cell phones that probably no one will notice if I am practicing my Swahili out loud along the walking path.

Hujambo? Sijambo.