Swahili: A Foundation for Speaking, Reading, and Writing

by Thomas J. Hinnebusch, Sarah M. Mirza, Adelheid U. Stein (Illustrator)

This is a comprehensive manual intended to teach students the basics of communicating in Swahili at an elementary level. It is designed to teach major communicative skills such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Moreover, the text strives to impart fundamental knowledge about East African and Swahili culture.

Genres: Nonfiction, Language

312 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1978

Reviews

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I really like this guide because it is common sensical, and it breaks down grammar concepts that exist in Swahili but not in English (e.g. noun cases). While the lessons are geared towards classroom instruction, it's not too difficult to make good progress as a self-disciplined learner. The biggest challenge, in my opinion, is gathering a firm understanding of spoken Swahili. It would definitely help to pair this book with language tapes or anything really that encourages the reader to speak as much as possible.

[Greg Huntoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my Swahili textbook in college and grad school, also written by my grad school Swahili professor, Mwalimu Tom (Hinnebusch). Fantastic way to learn one of my favorite languages...

[SYDNEY SYDSON]

Ngeli za majina

[Nyamisi Muindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful.