How to Learn Somali

The best way to learn a language is by spending time with people who speak that language.

The best way to learn a language is by taking language courses.

The best way to learn a language is by memorizing grammar.

The best way to learn a language is by only have oral lessons and never studying grammar.

The best way to learn a language is by…

There isn’t really a best way to learn a language.

Work hard. Have fun. Use it. Make an idiot of yourself. Use some materials.

Many people ask me what are the most useful materials for learning Somali. I think that I have used or at least perused every Somali grammar book that exists, including ones written with pencil and photocopied hundreds of times.

Here are my best recommendations.

Colloquial Somali Book by Martin Orwin

Colloquial Somali CDs

Somali Reference Grammar

Somali Textbook (we call this the brown book though I hear it also comes in blue)

Somali-English Dictionary/With English Index

Yes, some of these really are that expensive. But if you are serious about learning Somali, I would still recommend them. Especially that obscenely expensive dictionary. We paid that much, years ago, and for several years, used it multiple times every single day. It was a good investment.

Have you found other good materials?