Somali culture is respectful of elders and relatives. Elders are often referred to as aunty, uncle, grandmother or grandfather whether they are blood relatives or not out of respect. Cousins, uncles and aunties are named according to whether they are on the maternal or paternal side. There are at least three different names for cousin […]
What do you call your relations in Somali? Read More »
Brush up on the names of shapes in Somali. How many do you know?
Latest video – Shapes in Somali Read More »
If you ask Somali speakers this question you will get a variety of answers. Some will give a name adopted from another language e.g. ‘barbal’ from English. Others will give names associated with other colours e.g, guduud (red) or buluug (blue). Some might give one of two words used for purple I recently came across,
How do you say purple in Somali? Read More »
Xijaab-Cas iyo Waraabahii Red-hijab is off to visit her grandmother who is unwell when she meets a hungry hyena. This bilingual book based on a traditional tale is written in Somali and English. Great for shared reading or a bedtime story. An easy reader for Somali language learners.
The latest addition to AAN Books Read More »
The latest Somali language video is out on YouTube. Learn how to greet people in Somali!
Say hello in Somali and more…. Read More »
Need help with gas leakage or a clogged drain, we offer affordable emergency services that are just a call away.Why are borrowed words used for the months of the year and days of the week when Somalis have their own calendar which is thousands of years old? Neighbouring Ethiopia has always used its own 13
The ‘Real’ Somali Calendar – Kaltirsi Read More »
I think the answer to this question is no. While researching the Internet for my books the range of spellings I’ve come across of different words is incredible. Even the language on the BBC Somali news website is not consistent but depends on who is writing the article. The Somali language varies in vocabulary and
Is there a standard Somali language? Read More »
‘Colours and Shapes in Somali’ is a colourful and simple introduction to shapes and colours in the Somali language for young learners growing up outside of Somalia/Somaliland or Somali speakers who wish to learn English. Bilingual in both Somali and English it sets out the names of colours and shapes. The book contains fun activities
Naming Colours and Shapes in Somali Read More »
Dr Georgi Kapchits’ advice to young Somalis is to learn as much as they can about the rich language that is their mother tongue.
The value of the Somali language endorsed by a scholar! Read More »
Should mother tongue be the first language spoken by a child? Yes, of course I hear you say. It’s not as easy to achieve for some. Homes vary as do people within those homes. Linguistic ability and home situations differ but as afar as possible I believe this should be the case. To be bilingual
First language – mother tongue? Read More »
