I'm embarking on a serious, or quasi-serious, attempt to learn some Amharic. Got some ideas. But, if you've done this, and care to share, what is your best, super inexpensive resource?
We're visiting Ethiopia this summer. Which leads me to want to say the following...
Rule #1 of learning a second language, if you don't already know: Get over the self-consciousness or don't learn a language. As you won't ever learn if you allow the feeling of inadequacy to thwart your efforts. Mistakes will be made. Aplenty. Relish the humility. Even when smug, small-minded folks make fun of you.
And
Minimization of the courageous and earnest struggle to beautifully dismantle the barrier to communication in acquisition of foreign language by the those content to remain monolingual with a contemptuous air of superiority is myopic, regressive and just a bunch of fucking ignorance.
9 sud bub(s):
This will be a goal for me, too, at some point in the future. So glad you are getting so immersed in the Ethiopian culture. So good for your beautiful family! Miss you!
I love that you are doing this. I love the message it sends to your son. And for that matter, everyone you come in contact with in Ethiopia. Go forth and spread the love. Funny accent and all.
i'm so happy you are returning to eth. there are a couple of ipad/iphone amharic apps worth looking into.
You know I love love love this.
Call me = we'll talk!
Foreign Service Institute - Amharic Basic Course. It's super superior to all other sources I've encountered. CDs and Book. 26 chapters. I've been on Chapter 4 for 3 years. Also, there's a fun ipad app. I don't have an ipad but my dad does and he has it. I think it's called "I heart Amharic. Learn Amharic" Phonetic spelling and sound. Words and phrases. It's fun. Also fun is "Talk Now" AMharic DVD. no phonetic spelling to decipher what the cartoon characters are saying, so the phrases are tricky, but it's great for learning basic words cuz it has fun games and it's cheap. David Appleyard course sucks. IMHO. FSI is the way to go but it's $300 bucks, or at least it was 3 years ago.
You go, Girl. So many opportunities for you to practice in your new home-town. I have no doubt you will be a pro before your plane touches down at Bole.
I agree with Katy on the Talk Now Amharic. That's the DVD we used before Ethiopia and it really helped. I think I have the David Applegate one and it is really hard. The thing I love most so far is the Amharic 4 Our Kids. Both Quinn and Belaye love it. The cartoon is very freakish but that's what they love. In any case it teaches the alphabet and we are studying it together as a family. Learning the alphabet is doable and it seems like once you know it pronunciation is consistent. We all really like writing Amharic. It's very cheap so keep your expectations low and you'll be happy.
Oh, wow, you are going back!!!! So awesome, I'm so jealous, too. I so agree with you on the monolingual small minded stuff. Learn away! Also, that saying at the top of the page is hilarious. Not sure if I really "get it," but in any case it makes me laugh.
I second the recommendation for the Foreign Service course -- and it's free online. :)
We've been back twice with our daughter in the last two years (amazing experience for her and us!). My seriously flawed basic Amharic has been a huge hit both times. No matter the quality of the accent and all the errors I make, my feeble attempts always seem to be appreciated.
Good luck with your language learning.
ChristyC from Canada
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