8 Mobile Apps for Learning African Languages Anywhere
With December fast approaching and many African countries emerging as top vacation spots for the holidays, now is the perfect time to start learning an African language to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Language plays a crucial role in our daily interactions, and being able to communicate in African languages not only enhances inclusivity but also allows you to embrace the rich diversity of your destination. African language learning apps are a great resource to help you attain fluency in your target language, focusing on key skills like grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and basic expressions. Whether you’re looking to build your language skills for an upcoming trip or simply want to connect more deeply with the culture, we’ve put together a list of the best apps to help you achieve your goals.
NKENNE
Nkenne is a language learning app that places African languages at the core of its mission. It has a community of over 70,000 users. Unlike broader platforms that include African languages as part of a larger offering, Nkenne is dedicated exclusively to African languages, with a focus on preserving cultural heritage through language education. The app offers courses in nine African languages: Igbo, Somali, Nigerian Pidgin, Yoruba, Swahili, Twi, Hausa, Zulu, and Amharic. The lessons incorporate cultural contexts, proverbs, and traditional stories, providing learners with a deeper understanding of the language and its cultural significance. Nkenne is a valuable resource for those looking to connect more deeply with African cultures through language. Download it here.
ANGULA
Angula is an increasingly popular app focused on languages from Southern Africa. The app provides lessons in languages such as isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Khoikhoi, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga, aiming to bridge the language gap in the region. Angula’s approach is practical, with lessons designed to help learners acquire conversational skills quickly. This focus on real-world language use is particularly beneficial for those looking to communicate effectively in everyday situations, whether for travel, work, or personal connections. Find Angula in the Google Play Store
MEMRISE
Memrise is a renowned language-learning app that includes a diverse range of languages. One notable inclusion is Swahili, which is offered through engaging and interactive lessons designed to build vocabulary and improve language skills. Memrise’s approach combines memory techniques with real-life usage scenarios, making it an effective tool for learners who want to grasp the essentials of Swahili and its practical applications. The app’s user-friendly interface and scientifically-backed methods ensure that learners can achieve fluency while enjoying the process. Get Memrise from the Google Play Store here.
LEARN 101
The Learn 101 app is an excellent resource for tourists and travelers seeking to learn Hausa, one of the major languages spoken in West Africa. This app is particularly valuable for those who need a Hausa language translation tool while traveling. It offers offline functionality, which is ideal for users in areas with limited internet access. Starting with the basics, Learn 101 covers the Hausa alphabet, essential grammar, and common verbs, making it suitable for beginners. Its intuitive design and structured courses ensure that users can quickly pick up key phrases and understand foundational aspects of the language, enhancing their travel experience. Check out Learn 101 here.
SPEAK YORUBA LANGUAGE
The Speak Yoruba Language app is dedicated to helping users master Yoruba. This app provides a range of lessons tailored to various proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced. It places a strong emphasis on correct pronunciation and practical usage, ensuring that learners can communicate effectively and authentically. The app’s comprehensive approach includes detailed lessons on vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Yoruba. Speak Yoruba equips learners with the confidence to engage in meaningful conversations and connect with Yoruba-speaking communities. Explore it on Play Store here.
ISEZAN!
Isezan! is dedicated to language learning that upholds the values of heritage, authenticity, and progress. The platform goes beyond mere rhetoric, actively working to preserve African languages and empower communities through linguistic preservation. For schools, Isezan! provides a range of language learning resources that can be easily incorporated into existing curricula, supporting educational goals. Individuals interested in enhancing their language skills for personal growth or career advancement will find personalized learning journeys tailored to their needs. Additionally, Isezan! offers specialized language solutions for enterprises, helping to improve communication and professional development in a globalized business environment. Sign up here.
MONDLY
Mondly is a popular language learning app that offers courses in several African languages, including Swahili and Afrikaans. It provides an engaging and interactive learning experience with features such as daily lessons, vocabulary practice, and speech recognition to enhance pronunciation skills. With its user-friendly interface and gamified approach, Mondly makes learning African languages accessible and enjoyable. You can explore Mondly on the Play Store here.
DUOLINGO
Duolingo, one of the world’s most popular language learning apps, has made significant strides in incorporating African languages into its platform. With its gamified approach to language learning, Duolingo offers courses in languages such as Swahili and Zulu, reaching millions of users worldwide. The app’s interactive exercises, streak rewards, and community-driven content make learning these languages engaging and accessible to a global audience. Duolingo’s inclusion of African languages signals a recognition of their importance and a commitment to broadening access to these languages. Explore Duolingo on Play Store.
In conclusion, the language learning apps featured in this blog offer valuable resources for mastering African languages at your own pace. Whether you’re preparing for an exciting trip or aiming to connect more deeply with a culture, these apps provide tools to enhance your vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and overall communication skills.
If your interest in these languages goes beyond learning to include marketing your services to speakers of these languages, Kabod Language Services can assist with professional African language solutions. Kabod offers comprehensive services, including translation, interpretation, conference planning, logistics and support, Machine translation post-editing, and localization tailored to meet the needs of diverse regions and audiences. Contact languages@kabodgroup.com.
