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how to learn a language

2/6/2017

There are 3 parts to learning:

What you want to learn
Why you want to learn it
How you plan on learning it

motivate

You know how in tests, the question will often end with “motivate your answer”? The same applies when learning a new language. If you want to stay motivated, you need to know why you’re learning the language in the first place.

Take a moment to think – to really think – about what inspired you to learn.

build

A language doesn’t exist in isolation – there are many influences that shape it. Look at the history of its people, the locations where it is spoken, the way it changed or stayed the same over time, the practices and rituals that are performed around the language. There is more to language than just words.

Think about what you already know about isiXhosa – which words are you already familiar with, what have you heard or read about, and where have you encountered isiXhosa language, people, and practices? View words here

absorb

Before you speak – listen. Hear the sounds, patterns, accents, and structures. Listen to the message and the meaning before you try to construct your own sentences.
Soak up as much as possible.

Learn like a child would – go back to basics and read children’s stories or listen to isiXhosa music. [click here to listen to music]

connect

A language is not learned alone. The intention of language is to help us communicate; it is mutual and collective. Find someone that can guide you.

You are welcome to join our Whatsapp group where isiXhosa tutors are keen to assist! Whatsapp is great for sending voice notes so that you can hear how words are pronounced. Tutors charge R60 per hour.

remember

It is easier to remember things that are relevant to you. Learn words and phrases that would be useful to you.

If you have some phrases you would like to share - send them through! You can also check the phrases that get uploaded here.

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language connects

1/20/2017

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Language is more than just words - it is wisdom. It is more than just piecing together sentences and structures - it is the art of weaving stories and poetry. Learning a new language lets you see the world in a new way, and it enables you to connect with others.

So I put the question out there: why are YOU learning isiXhosa? And these are some of the reasons you provided...

1. language connects - I want to bridge the gap
2. I come from an isiXhosa-speaking family/background
3. the language seems passionate and fun!
4. I have an appreciation for the language and its cultural landscape
5. I have relatives/family members/friends with whom I'd like to communicate in
isiXhosa
6. I live in an isiXhosa-speaking environment - I want to belong
7. I am interested in learning more about the social, historical and cultural aspects
of isiXhosa and its speakers
8. My profession requires that I interact regularly with isiXhosa-speakers -
colleagues, clients, customers
9. I am a student and this is one of my subjects
10. I am South African - there's no excuse for me to not learn one of our languages

Whatever your reason is, keep going! And if you need any help along the way - contact me here. There are tutors ready to share their knowledge and insight with you!

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speak to my heart.

5/5/2016

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I was born in KwaZulu Natal, raised in Johannesburg, and later moved to the Western Cape. It was with a heavy heart that I left Gauteng, but soon found my home in the Cape.
I fell in love - both with the beauty of this place, and with a person who embodied the gentle power hidden here. And so I stayed.

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how to learn a language

motivate

build

absorb

connect

remember

language connects

speak to my heart.

- Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela