Complete Swahili, Track 02 - Language Transfer, The Thinking Method

Summary

This video explores the Swahili language by breaking down how verbs function and how ideas are converted into language. It compares Swahili verbs with English, explaining how Swahili verbs use 'ku' instead of 'to.' The lesson focuses on constructing present tense sentences, such as 'I sleep' (Ninalala), by adding prefixes for subject and tense. Examples include verbs like 'to sleep' (kulala), 'to eat' (kula), and 'to laugh' (kucheka). Additionally, the concept of syllable repetition, common in Swahili, is introduced with words like 'now' (sasa). The script highlights the structure and phonetics of Swahili verbs.

Takeaways

• 📝 Languages have words that fall into different categories, like verbs, and these categories behave differently.
• 🔄 In English, verbs are often preceded by 'to' (e.g., to sleep, to eat), while in Swahili, 'ku' is used instead (e.g., kulala for 'to sleep').
• 🔊 In Swahili, verbs are often stress-based, with the accent falling on the penultimate syllable (e.g., kulala for 'to sleep').
• 🍽️ The verb 'kula' in Swahili means 'to eat', while 'kulala' means 'to sleep', showing a phonetic similarity between different verbs.
• 🕑 Swahili verbs in their root form can express different tenses when prefixes like 'ni' (I) and 'na' (present tense) are added. For example, 'Ninalala' means 'I am sleeping'.
• ❤️ The verb 'kuchika' means 'to laugh', and it originates from an onomatopoeic sound similar to chuckling.
• 😀 Adding 'ni' for 'I' and 'na' for 'present tense' in front of verbs like 'chika' forms phrases like 'Ninachika' meaning 'I am laughing'.
• 🙋 The verb 'kutaka' means 'to want', so 'Ninataka' means 'I want'.
• 😴 Combining verbs can create sentences like 'Ninataka kulala' meaning 'I want to sleep'.
• ⏰ The word 'sasa' in Swahili means 'now', and it is often used to emphasize immediacy (e.g., 'Ninataka kulala sasa' means 'I want to sleep now').

Q & A

What is the first thing we can say about languages generally?

Languages generally have words and different types of words that behave in different ways.

How do verbs behave differently in English compared to Swahili?

In English, verbs like 'to sleep' require 'to' in front of them, whereas in Swahili, the verb 'kufula' does not need 'ku' in front of it.

What is the Swahili word for 'to sleep' and how is it structured?

The Swahili word for 'to sleep' is 'kufula', which is structured as 'ku' followed by 'fula', with stress on the penultimate syllable.

How does the Swahili verb 'kufula' change to express the action of eating?

The Swahili verb 'kufula' changes to 'kulika' to express the action of eating, with the same structure of 'ku' followed by the verb root.

What is the process to form the present tense of a verb in Swahili?

To form the present tense of a verb in Swahili, you remove the 'ku' and add 'na' for the present tense and 'ni' for the first person singular, as in 'nina' for 'I am sleeping'.

How do you express 'I sleep' in Swahili?

To express 'I sleep' in Swahili, you say 'nina lala', which combines 'ni' for 'I', 'na' for the present, and 'lala' for 'sleep'.

What is the origin of the Swahili word 'kulichika' meaning 'to laugh'?

The word 'kulichika' in Swahili might come from the sound it makes, similar to 'chuckles' in English.

How is the Swahili language written?

Swahili is written in the Latin alphabet, the same as English, although it was previously written in Arabic script.

What is the Swahili word for 'now' and how is it pronounced?

The Swahili word for 'now' is 'sasa', pronounced with a repeated syllable, which is a common occurrence in Swahili.

How do you say 'I want to sleep now' in Swahili?

To say 'I want to sleep now' in Swahili, you would say 'ninataka kulala sasa', combining 'nitaka' for 'I want', 'kufula' for 'to sleep', and 'sasa' for 'now'.

What is the significance of repeated syllables in Swahili words?

Repeated syllables in Swahili words are quite common and can be seen in words like 'kufula' for 'to sleep' and 'sasa' for 'now', adding a distinctive rhythm to the language.