Hey, did you know that “hakuna matata” is a phrase from the Swahili language?
As Swahili is getting more and more popular, more language learning apps are adding Swahili to their list of African languages. Although Mondly is a go-to app for many language learners but if you want to learn Swahili as a new language, you should look for another language-learning app as there is no Swahili on Mondly as of 2023.
But no worry, I will make things easier for you by recommending six language-learning apps on which you can learn Swahili online.
About The Swahili Language
Swahili is an official language in Kenya and Tanzania and it’s also widely spoken in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is not unusual to hear people speaking Swahili in other African countries such as Mozambique, Rwanda, Burundi, and Malawi.
Having said that, Swahili is in the top 10 most widely spoken languages in the world with over 200 million speakers! No wonder why they call Swahili the “lingua franca” of Africa!
Is Swahili Hard To Learn?
Do you wonder if Swahili is hard to learn? I have good news for you! Swahili is the easiest language to learn among other African languages for native English speakers. Swahili has no gender nouns, and it’s read the same way it is written.
The US Foreign Service Institute says that Swahili is a Category II language which means you can be proficient in Swahili in as little as 36 weeks. Plus, if your native language is Arabic, or you also speak Arabic, you can learn Swahili more easily as 35% of Swahili words come from the Arabic language!
Mondly App Overview
Mondly is a gamified language-learning app offering 40 foreign language courses (Swahili is not one of them). Its teaching method is based on drills but it follows different types of drill exercises such as word and picture matching, filling in the blanks, ordering the mixed sentences, and multiple choice questions. So it doesn’t bore you while making you repeat what you’ve learned.
Mondly has a topically categorized course plan. You can jump up to the topic you want to learn such as travel, romance, activities, etc. Mondly doesn’t really teach you grammar. However, it does show you different word conjugations and tenses when you tap on a word.
If you want to read a full review of Mondly, you can visit our related blog article!
What I Like About Mondly
- An affordable alternative to other language-learning apps.
- Gamified learning.
- A variety of drill exercises.
- In addition to the standard Mondly app, there is also a VR app available which I think is an innovative step in language learning.
What Can Be Improved
- The version is very limited, it’s more like a free trial.
- More focus can be given to listening and speaking skills.
- There is no gradual learning. Almost all lessons are at the same level and they are too easy for advanced learners.
No Swahili On Mondly? Use These Apps Instead!
Even though there is no Swahili on Mondly, it doesn’t mean that it is hard to find Swahili learning apps. Here are the best apps to learn Swahili!
1. Drops
Drops is a gamified language-learning app focusing on teaching vocabulary. It offers you a unique language learning experience with its eye-catching illustrations.
You can learn new words by doing simple fun exercises such as typing the word and matching it with illustrations. You can also learn the pronunciation of words thanks to high-quality native speaker audio.
I think Drops is the best app to build and expand your Swahili vocabulary!
Best features of Drops:
- Teaches more than 2,000 Swahili words.
- Beautiful and user-friendly app design.
- You can use Drops free for 5 minutes a day.
Start learning Swahili with Drops!
2. Pimsleur
What makes Pimsleur different from other language-learning apps is its audio-based lessons. Pimsleur’s Swahili course consists of 30-mins audio lessons which make learning more convenient.
It uses a unique teaching method called the Pimsleur method. Thanks to that, you can learn Swahili naturally by immersing yourself in real-life conversations.
So if you are sick of memorizing and doing the same drill exercises over and over, Pimsleur has what you need.
Best features of Pimsleur:
- It uses an immersive teaching method through 30-minute audio lessons in your target language.
- There is gradual learning, level of the lesson also increases as you make progress.
Start learning Swahili with Pimsleur!
3. Italki
Italki is a great language-learning platform to meet with language tutors who are native speakers of Swahili. Whether you want to practice Swahili conversation skills, get mentorship, or advance your grammar, there is a Swahili tutor for all of them!
You can do 1-1 online lessons or group lessons. Either way, Italki is a great app for advanced learners who mastered the basics!
Best features of Italki:
- Tutors with different experiences and rates are available.
- Reliable live sessions with tutors.
- It offers discounted trial lessons for new users.
Start learning Swahili with Italki!
4. Duolingo
Of course, Duolingo is on this list! In addition to its gamified teaching approach, Duolingo does its best to cover all language skills at once. You can practice reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills through repetitive drill exercises.
Though Duolingo on its own is not enough to make you proficient in Swahili, it is a wise choice to build a strong foundation.
Best features of Duolingo:
- Competitive learning atmosphere.
- User-friendly app design.
- Free version available.
5. Mango Languages
If you’re looking for a language-learning app with good grammar explanations, Mango Languages is here for you! It teaches grammar uniquely through a color-coded system. So, the words that have the same function in your target language and source language are colored in the same way to make you realize the pattern. In addition to that, you can record your voice and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation!
Learning a new language is not all about language work, it is also related to culture. This is why Mango Languages give you cultural tips to increase your knowledge about the language and the country it is spoken.
Best features of Mango Languages:
- Indirect learning approach using speech patterns.
- Swahili grammar lessons.
- Self-recording and comparing your pronunciation with that of a native speaker.
6. Ling
Last but not least, Ling is a great app for those looking for a fun learning experience. You can learn Swahili words and phrases through matching exercises, and improve your listening and speaking skills through its AI chatbots. And at the end of each lesson, you can take a quiz to see how well you learned.
Another good thing about Ling’s language courses is that they are separated based on proficiency levels.
Best features of Ling:
- Fun language courses for all levels.
- Quick but effective teaching method.
- Chatbots for practicing your daily conversation skills.
- Affordable price compared to other language apps.
Start learning Swahili with Ling!
Conclusion
Overall, the best language-learning app to learn Swahili is Ling! Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, Ling has something for you!
Ling offers bite-sized lessons, making it easy to learn a new language in 10 minutes a day. One of the best features of Ling is that it teaches you real-life vocabulary that will actually come in handy. You can explore various dialogues, and vocabulary relevant to everyday situations. All audio in the app is recorded by native speakers. This immersive audiovisual teaching approach helps you learn correct pronunciation, leading you to speak confidently in real life.
The Ling app is available both on mobile and desktop devices, allowing users to learn anytime and anywhere.
If Ling caught your attention, why don’t you try it yourself? Download the Ling app from the App Store or Google Play Store now and start connecting through language!
