New in paperback and in an updated edition, Swahili for Starters: A Practical Introductory Course teaches Swahili in its social and cultural context, by modern and entertaining methods. An ideal beginners' text, it introduces the language in a natural manner, starting from real-life situations in dialogue form, many of them revealing attitudes and ideas which may surprise and intrigue the learner. Grammar and vocabulary are introuduced gradually, with the most useful items first. Games and puzzles and other activities are used to give practice in the language and guidance in punctuation.
1. Hujambo? 'How are you?'2. Habari? 'What's new?'3. Lakini But4 Matamshi. Pronunciation.5 Matamshi. Pronunciation.6. Wapi? Where?7. Wapi hasa? Where precisely?8 Matamishi. Pronunciation.9 Matamshi. Pronunciation.10. Ngapi? How many?11 Matamshi. Pronunciation.12 Kupika chai. Making tea.13 Kununua mahindi. Buying maize.14 Sokoni. At the market. Matamshi ya kiarabu. Arabic-type pronunciation.15 Kwenda Mombasa (1). Going to Mombasa (1).16 Kwenda Mombasa (2). Behewa la kulalia. In the sleeping-car.17 Jamaa. The family. Matamshi: mkazo. Pronunciation: stress.18 Mwoga. The coward.19 Kudanganywa! Cheated! Matamshi. Pronunciation.20 Kutodanganywa. Not being cheated.21. Lini? When?22 Nchi yetu. Our country.23 Ajali. An accident.24 Ugonjwa. Illness.25 Kuazima na kuazimia. Borrowing and lending.26 Kwenda Tamarind. Going to the Tamarind.27 Barua. A letter.28 Malaika. Angel.29 Kukata umeme. Electricity cut off.30 Haraka haraka haina baraka. More haste, less speed.31 Kuibiwa. A robbery.32 Ziara. A visit.33 Nyota. Your stars.34 Mwanasesere. The doll.35 Mpira. Football.
Joan Maw is presently Reader Emeritus, University of London. During her career she has taught in both this country and in Uganda at a variety of levels. She has been both a lecturer and a Research Fellow of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, and headed the Department of Africa in SOAS from 1984 until 1988.
