Learning Igbo as a beginner?
Below, I share tips that have helped my clients and other language learners in their learning journey.
Be ok with the initial overwhelm. There is a lot you could learn. You don’t need them all.
This tip is from Shannon at the Eurolinguiste.
There are common words that are used again and again in everyday speaking. Learn those.
You may want to start with the words that appear frequently in conversations with your family or friends.
Start speaking straightaway.
Make mistakes early and get your pronunciation sorted from the word go.
You’ll likely have your family and friends laughing a lot when you pronounce some words :)
Best to do that in the beginning and get it out of the way.
Don’t be discouraged. I do laugh sometimes when my children say some things, and they laugh with me :)
The more you speak, the less and less the laughter gets.
Read short stories or conversations in Igbo.
You can buy these or create them yourself. Simply write short stories or conversations in English, and get a friend or family member to translate.
Learn more at fluentin3months.com
Reading 10 minutes a day will take you along way.
Switch things up, especially when you are not feeling motivated.
Speak with a friend or family member in Igbo(Someone you do not routinely speak Igbo.
They may not even know you are learning Igbo.
Use a learning method you do not normally use e.g. podcasts, storybooks.
Open a social media handle where you only type in Igbo, and maybe document your learning journey.
Luca has more on maintaining motivation.
Get someone to keep you accountable.
This can be a speaking partner, a tutor, or a dedicated family member who will keep you on your toes.
You can have a special time each week that you talk to them. In addition to helping you practise your speaking, they check on you, and ensure you are following the study plan you have laid out for yourself.
You want to keep going until you reach your speaking goal. Having someone to keep you accountable is one of the most important strategies for learning Igbo, if you ask me😊.
Ready to get some support with your Igbo?