When we began our language study in France, my husband once went into our corner bakery to purchase a baguette (loaf of French bread). He was trying to explain to her in his best French that he was very hungry, so he wanted a very big baguette. Instead, he actually told her that he wanted a very big baguette because his wife was very large!
Language learning is not for the faint of heart. It is a daily challenge, a task that is never quite finished. But as one conjugates verbs and memorizes lists of new vocabulary words, one's respect for other peoples and other cultures grows. Hidden in the language are all kinds of treasures! Each trip out of the house is another adventure!! With a beginning knowledge of a language comes a respect and understanding of others' ways of living and learning.
For the Songhai, they are both surprised and delighted that a foreigner can speak their language. A basic trait of their culture is the value of listening. It is a worthless person who has not the time to listen to the wisdom of the old. So, the first task is to learn to sit with people and listen, rather than talk, thereby gaining their trust and respect.
One has many opportunities to both listen and practice language skills with the Songhai. For a Songhai man, the village or neighborhood discussion group is the centerpiece of life, along with a tea pot. For a Songhai woman, the burden of daily chores is lightened by gossiping with other women as together they pound the millet, carry water, wash clothes, or nurse babies.
Love for the Lord and His message of Salvation is communicated in many ways. It is through attitudes, actions, and words that communication takes place. It is the Sovereign Lord that gives His words of wisdom to know what to say to all these Songhai people. We depend on Him daily to communicate His Message effectively.
Sally
Resources from the Songhai Team:
These audio files can help you learn the Songhai language by listening as Sally Womble and Cephas speak phrases and pronounce the words of the Zarma language. Files are available in MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) formats. Follow along with the audio files by viewing the accompanying PDF:
Songhai Language Lessons for Volunteers (.pdf)
- MP3 | WMA - Introducton
- MP3 | WMA - Sounds, Reading from Genesis 1
- MP3 | WMA - Greetings
- MP3 | WMA - Introductions and Goodbyes
- MP3 | WMA - Ministry Phrases
- MP3 | WMA - Blessings and Polite Words
- MP3 | WMA - Simple Questions and Phrases
- MP3 | WMA - Bible Verses - John 3:16 and 14:6
- MP3 | WMA - Song: God Loves All The People
- MP3 | WMA - Song: I Have Decided
- MP3 | WMA - Song: This Is The Day
- MP3 | WMA - Numbers
- MP3 | WMA - Books of the Bible
- MP3 | WMA - Vaccination Clinic Phrases
- MP3 | WMA - Closing
Other Resources:
Effective Language Learning: A Story of Hope
A tutorial set of 3 DVDs that gives guidelines to language learners of all levels. This interactive resource was designed for the international worker with limited access to effective language learning resources.
Language Learning in West Africa
Hundreds of languages are spoken throughout this vast region. Most West Africans speak at least two languages, and one of those languages will probably be a “market language.” A market language is the common way people in a region communicate in major villages of commerce. Click on the links below to download an audio file and PDF printed guide of your people group's market language. Some of the spelling is phonetic for easier learning, and we confess some of this is “street slang” that might not suit scholarly linguistics. However, our missionaries are convinced these are the best greetings to help you build an instant bond with the West Africans you’re coming to serve.
The Zarma Web Site
A site devoted to the Zarma people and the language they speak.
Language Learning Activities:
Missionaries almost always learn to communicate in another language to share the love of Christ verbally. Here are a couple language interactives you can download:
Try fun exercises to begin your Songhai language study (.pdf)
Try Market Hide & Seek! (.pdf)
