Course syllabus

This course is designed for students who want an introduction to Swahili, a widely-spoken language in East and Central Africa.  The goal of the class is to teach the basics of how to read, write and speak the Swahili language.

University campus in Iringa, Tanzania

Students practice reading and speaking the language by studying and actively using common constructions and everyday phrases. Students practice reading and writing the language by doing translations, both from Swahili into  English and from English into Swahili. The necessary linguistic terminology is introduced as students develop their knowledge of Swahili phonetics, grammar and semantics.

Course instructors: Rasmus Bernander & Augustino Kagwema

Activate your student account and Register for the course

Course schedule:

The course starts on 15 January 2024 with an introductory meeting on Zoom6-7pm.

Please see the Course guide for further details! Note that you cannot access the lessons before you have read the course guide. Go to Modules in the left menu to access the lessons.

The Zoom meetings (mainly conversation practice) listed below are the only "fixed" lessons - all other tasks are done at you own pace.

Schedule (Zoom link in Course guide)

Introductory meeting 15 January 6-7 pm

Conversation 24 January 6-7 pm

Conversation 14 February 6-7 pm

Conversation 13 March 6-7 pm

Grammar 9 April 6-7 pm (NB! Tuesday)

Conversation 8 May 6-7 pm

 

The dates given below are the dates when a certain lesson starts (Lesson 1 starts on 15 January, and so on).

Module 1

Lesson 1: Starts 15 January

Lesson 2: Starts 29 January

Lesson 3: Starts 12 February

Module test (lessons 1-3) before 25 February. More information about the test under Form of assessment and examination of the course  in the course guide.

Module 2

Lesson 4: Starts 26 February

Lesson 5: Starts 11 March

Lesson 6: Starts 25 March

Module test (lessons 4-6) before 7 April.

Module 3

Lesson 7: Starts 8 April 

Lesson 8: Starts 22 April

Lesson 9: Starts 6 May

Exam: 20-26 May  Two hours of your choice.

Retake exam August 2024

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Syllabus and reading list

Introduction week at the department 

Study counselling

If you have questions or concerns about your studies, degrees and careers, please contact your study counsellor.  The study counsellor is also the contact person for pedagogical support and adjustments of studies.

Email: studievagledning.afrikanska@sprak.gu.se

More information on study counselling: https://www.gu.se/en/languages/study-here/study-guidance

Pedagogical support

Information: https://studentportal.gu.se/en/service-and-support/disability-study-support

If you have a NAIS decision about adjustments of studies, please read the information above carefully.

For information on pedagogical support at the Department of Languages and literatures, click on Department of Languages and literatures: https://studentportal.gu.se/en/service-and-support/disability-study-support?f_hn=1&i_spl=1#information-from-faculties-and-departments

Information about being a student at the Faculty of Humanities, GU.