Language and Learning
One of the many things I do — Part 1
When I was seventeen (17), I wanted to learn to speak about 5 languages and speak at least two of those fluently before thirty (30). It was so hard to follow up on that plan because in between school and everything else that was going on in my life, I didn’t have the time or resources to sign up for a language course. Now, I have a couple of lingua in my head that I can rattle off in at least 12 different languages from different continents. I definitely have to record a video of myself doing this soon.
I was so excited when I found Duolingo in 2019/2020. I wanted to revisit my beloved French with religious dedication but one man influenced me to start learning German because he was telling me stories about pursuing relocation to Germany (men ehn! Fear men.) Regardless, I was learning both languages (inconsistently, if I may add) but I noticed that the App lacked my favourite feature, the African languages.
See, if you know me, you know I’m a sucker for everything African except its government. I am so Pro-Pan-Africanism that I am ready to learn the most common official language in each region — North, East, West, Central, Southern and the islands. At least enough to carry out the most basic conversations. Because Africa as a continent excites me! Like, you need to see how I come alive.
I used to mimic the actors in Mr Bones (I memorised that movie and felt so good when I was speaking in other tongues because lord knows it wasn’t Xhosa). I’d mumble to Brenda Fassie’s songs wondering if I could ever learn it — I am forever drawn to Xhosa as a language😍.
Fast forward to when Jerusalema was making rounds during the pandemic. I remember when my friend, Shugar, sent me the lyrics to the song and I was captivated. It had such a deep meaning, and a timely one too, given the profound uncertainty plaguing the whole world at the time.
Shortly after, I sort of started working on this project with LingAfriq. I was doing my mandatory National Youth Service when Nenkinan Nehemiah Deshi recommended me for a translation gig of 1000 words. (Insert deep moral of the story, recommend people, please. Recommend your friends okay?)
It was fate. It all suddenly made sense. Everyone should be able to get some meaning from our intense and enjoyable music, poetry, and drama with a little help from native speakers! Africa has a lot to say, to teach, and to share. About herself, her people, her history before, during and even after it’s interruption, her dance, her music, her folklore and customs.
That was one of the reasons I was excited to work on this project.
LingAfriq has got to be the BEST thing for our dying language culture. It is a unifier. It grants me, a West African, the opportunity to learn the native tongue of my kin in Southern and Eastern Africa. Now, when I meet my friends I can say hello in their mother tongue.✨ Habari, Sawubona, E nle, Nnoo!
It gives you, the diasporan, the luxury of learning of home away from home and being in tune with what is happening wherever you may be. Whether in your country, away from your village and kin, or in another time zone.
It is holistic - it is not just about learning languages but their history, food, culture, clothing and mannerisms. It is like taking a little immersive tour 😌🤭🥳🥳
I remember how my line manager wheeled into my office one evening we were working overtime and heard and saw me grooving to Vulindlela — he was amazed by my passion, to say the least. And I’m more thrilled to know that I’ll also be able to sing along to Mariam Makeba soon.
I am sure you are tired of my gushing and are ready to give it a go!
Check out the website for a link to download and get started now!
I am so proud of the work everyone has done here! I promised to share more of what I do this year, so here goes. No, this is not a paid promotion. I am just so proud to be part of something incredible and of lasting impact.
A special shout out to Hyeladzira Maryam Adamu for voicing those Hausa lessons beautifully and bringing them to life! You should definitely reach out to her for voice overs and voice acting.
I hope you start your journey to be being a polyglot with languages from the motherland. And if this is of no interest to you, (no shame in that,) still give it 50 claps and kindly share it with those it might help. Thank you for riding with me. ✨
I would like to hear from you. What is one thing you do well but do not talk about? Please drop a response. I shall be waiting.
Till then,
Da Kauna, Ballie💖
