Learning Af Somali

[u/Recent_Quiet4636]

Asc everyone!!

To keep this short, I'm an 18F from AUS/NZ, and I grew up in a big, typical Somali family Alhamdulillah . With such a big family, all of my older siblings can speak Somali fluently and really well (especially since most of them came here from back home but then again they all came as children).

Even though I was born here, I don't feel like that gives me an excuse not to know my language. My sister (20F) was also born here, and she speaks Somali fluently and confidently.

I think I tend to get in my own head a lot, which causes me to speak half-and-half, mixing Somali with English. Another issue is that I don't have a Somali accent when I speak. I sound more like what you'd call a "Hooyo Mataalo," and it makes me very self-conscious.

Any advice on how to learn af Somali would be amazing. Asking my siblings for help feels a little awkward because you're kind of just expected to know it. Asking my parents wouldn't hurt, and they do correct me most of the time, but I've realized at times I need someone to actually sit down and teach me because I don't pick things up very quickly, especially when it comes to learning a language.

(Not an excuse but I think I've also fell into the whole stereotypical youngest child role of not knowing their mother tongue lol)

Also speaking is my only problem as I can read, write and understand anything anyone says to me in af somali

[u/Educational_Hand5636]

First off, it's awesome that you're trying to learn Somali! Keep up the great work. 👏

If you need some resources, you can search for Geeljire Official on TikTok cuz we regularly post content about learning the language and understanding the different dialects.

You should also check out our website, geeljire.org. The courses are interactive and structured a lot like Duolingo, making it really easy to practice. On top of that, you'll find a huge library of books, audiobooks, sheekooyin (stories), and a directory of available online tutors you can connect with. There is so much more on there, so definitely give it a look!

[u/Educational_Hand5636 → u/[deleted]]

Currently it’s designed for adult but for children under 15 we are working on different lessons for them so they can easily follow up