I’m currently learning ëtyö, Kiswahili, and mdw ntr. In the future, I would like to learn Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, Twi, Yoruba, Wolof, and many other African languages. My major challenge is learning ëtyö as there are not a huge amount of resources to practice but I do use what I have and practice everyday. That’s all really because the other languages there are a copious amount of materials to look at and use.
In terms of language learning methods, I listen to music, watch videos, read books, speak with native speakers, and learn to do my rituals like libation in ëtyö. I think these are all excellent ways to practice the language. I think a lot of us use the excuse of “lack of time” to learn our languages, but I think we need to deconstruct and decolonize out notion of time. When we do that, we will see that time no longer becomes an issue because the language is a part of you and use it in every facet of your life. Ëtyö, for example, is a part of my everyday life because I write my grocery list when I go the market in it, I workout to music in it, I take some of my notes in it, and I say my prayers in it. When you do this, TIME IS NOT AN ISSUE. That would probably be my greatest tip – don’t just study the language, BE AND FEEL THE LANGUAGE.
Lastly, I would love to have more people to practice ëtyö with on a more consistent basis and also increase my level. I would like to do things on a more grand scale — like give a presentation in ëtyö or something. I feel like my level is not leveling up but that’s because I need more words and practice with learners and native speakers on a consistent basis. Anyway, with all that said potóo. Nne nhori Abibitumi. Tö la belalo.
O sá úwe.
