• Comments [0]
• Digg it!
• Facebook

Using Practical Xhosa will make it possible for you to enter into the wonderful world of Xhosa and the amaXhosa people.

Learning Xhosa will obviously make it possible for you make contact with Xhosa speakers in their own language.  You will be amazed at the response even a rudimentary conversation with a Xhosa speaker in his or her own language will have.  Don’t be afraid to start a conversation in Xhosa because you may initially be able to say very little in the language.  Xhosa speakers will appreciate the effort you are making and will mostly likely help and encourage you to keep on learning and trying to speak the language.

Practical Xhosa is a textbook for adult beginner learners learning Xhosa in a classroom situation.  The layout of each unit is such that it provides an example of a possible conversation followed by language notes and activities.  All the conversations in the book have been recorded on the accompanying audio CD.  These recordings will help learners with pronunciation and listening skills.  A section on listening exercises is also included.

Some hints on learning a second or third language as an adult:

o Try to study for short periods regularly.  Rather spend 15 minutes every day or a couple of times a week studying than trying to cram once a week.  Learning a language as an adult largely amounts to skill learning – hence the importance of regular practice.
o Make an effort to talk to mother tongue speakers right from the start.  Classroom exposure to the language is typically limited because of time restrictions.  Talking to mother tongue speakers is daunting initially, but the rewards will become evident quickly.
o Try not to get bogged down with the details of different aspects of the grammar.  The aim should always be on communication (i.e. speaking and listening), rather than on “getting the grammar right”.  It is important for beginner learners to “get into the language” by starting to speak the language.  Some queries that beginner learners may have, will be sorted out automatically as they progress in the language.

Learning a new language as an adult may seem like a daunting undertaking and it does require a lot of commitment.  However, being able to speak another of the Western Cape’s official languages can be very useful.  The positive reaction you are bond to get from Xhosa speakers when you address them in their mother tongue will definitely make the effort worthwhile.  Good luck!

Author: André Steenkamp

No Comments

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this article!