Karibu! Introduction to Swahili (Jambo, Habari)
Lesson 1 of 34 · 12 min · FREE lesson
Lesson notes
In this lesson, you will learn Swahili's background, and which language group Swahili belongs to among the many African languages. You will also see how Swahili is influenced by many languages, including English, Portuguese, Indian, German, Arabic, Persian etc. You will understand its speakers, the countries most speakers emerge from, and the Swahili alphabet and sounds. Sit back, relax and enjoy as your journey towards learning Swahili begins. I hope you enjoy it. Leave us a comment on your take regarding this lesson.
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Swahili Beginner34 lessons
1Karibu! Introduction to Swahili (Jambo, Habari)▶2Swahili Pronunciation▶3Unique Swahili Sounds▶4Swahili Greetings & Introductions▶5Polite essentials: please, thank you, sorry▶6Numbers 1–20 and counting things▶7Exchange of news: finding out how someone really is▶8Introduction to Swahili verbs▶9Practice 25 Common Swahili verbs▶10Introduction to Swahili sentences▶
11Asking simple questions (nani? nini? wapi?)🔒
12Everyday objects around the home🔒
13Mini conversation practice: meeting someone new🔒
14The M-WA noun class (people)🔒
15Present tense verbs with -na-🔒
16Food & drink vocabulary🔒
17Ordering at a café or restaurant🔒
18Numbers 20–1,000 and money🔒
19Shopping & bargaining politely🔒
20The KI-VI noun class (things)🔒
21Telling the time: saa ngapi?🔒
22Describing people & things (adjectives)🔒
23Conversation practice: at the market🔒
24Places in town & getting around🔒
25Asking for and giving directions🔒
26The past tense -li-🔒
27Talking about your day🔒
28The future tense -ta-🔒
29Making plans with friends🔒
30Weather & seasons in East Africa🔒
31Negation: saying 'not'🔒
32Culture: greetings, respect & elders🔒
33Final conversation: your first 5-minute chat🔒
34Exchanging Greetings and News in Swahili🔒