Gone were the days when some Africans pride themselves on their ability of speaking languages inherited during colonial rule better than their local languages (African languages). Web platforms and mobile applications for learning African languages are becoming more common, as many Africans (and people from outside the continent) are gaining interest in African languages. The interest in African languages is also fueled by some Africans who are unable to speak or read their native languages due to the environment where they are brought up, migration to foreing countries or having a family history of not speaking the local language(s) at home.
With more push for ‘all thing black advocacy’ many Africans, including people of African descent residing in the diaspora are taking lessons to better their command over their local languages. Technological advancements have given birth to more inclusive apps have been builts, and it has now become easier than ever to learn an African language right on your smart phones.
Here’s a list of seven platforms to learn African languages at the comfort of your home.
1. Ubuntu Talks
Ubuntu Talks is a paid web platform that currently offers courses for 14 African languages at a fee. The platform provides a personal experience with one-on-one learning with tutors. Each tutor has an introductory video that sheds some light on the language.
2. Mandla
The platform is both a web and mobile app that teaches 21 African languages at no cost. Users are asked to match images to words whose pronunciation is provided.
3. Zivo:
Zivo hosts 14 African languages on a mobile platform for free.
4. Lulla:
This is a free mobile app platform with 12 African languages created by Lamine Azinakou.
5. Genii Games
Genii Games is a free mobile app that targets both kids and adults, and it’s quite unique among the rest. The app is designed and developed as a game where subscribers learn languages through gaming.
6. Linguarena
This web platform has been in existence for a long time. It provides learning for up to 5 African languages and was launched in 2012. It is free and founded by Samba Kamara.
7. Dialogue Africa
This is a free website that currently offers learning for Twi, Yoruba, Swahili, Ga and Igbo. It is crowd-sourced and learning is done primarily through matching words to their images. Users are required to select images that match a pronounced word and to select the correct translation of words whose images are displayed.
One similarity among all these platforms is that all of them teach Swahili. This demonstrates the popularity of this language throughout the continent. It’s also interesting to note that except for Ubuntu Talks which offers its programmes at a fee, the others are free.
