You can get a head start by learning a bit before you arrive: Numbers It's really up to your Local Coordinator and your group to arrange the details, but a lot of groups meet once a week or so and learn some phrases that will come in handy when you’re out exploring. We’ve put together a few resources to help you learn Luganda, but ILP volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn some common phrases in basic language classes taught by your Local Coordinator at the beginning of the semester. Think of it this way: you’re bound to make friends with the cute lady at the fruit stand you visit often with just a smile, but wouldn’t it make her day if you could tell her that the watermelon at her stand is your favorite? Or ask how her day is going? You’ll be able to open the door a bit wider when it comes to making local friends just by learning the very basics. Learning a couple of things in the language also helps you connect with the local people more, show respect for their country and culture, and help you dive into the experience of living in another country. When our ILP directors first visited this country before opening it up to our volunteers, there was a huge, excited reaction when locals heard them say “hi” or “thank you” in Luganda. That being said, the locals absolutely love it when you pass by and say a word or two in Luganda. Now, you do not have to know a word of Luganda or Swahili or any other language other than English as an ILP volunteer, especially since you’ll encounter English during your semester … that's one of the reasons why Uganda is so unique - there’s not as big of a language barrier than there is in other ILP countries. Swahili is also popular, but there are more Luganda speakers than English speakers in Uganda especially around Kampala which is where ILP volunteers will be living and teaching … which is why learning a phrase in Luganda would go a long way. Imagine taking a test in a language you don’t speak! That’s part of how ILP volunteers will be helping: go here to learn how exactly you’ll be helping by teaching English in this country.
#Utalk luganda app plus
English is used to help unify the entire country, used in classrooms, in any administrative position, for business, governmental positions and procedures, etc.īut since a dozen plus local language are spoken at home, children arrive to attend school in English … a language they don’t understand.
While there are hundreds to keep track of, Uganda does have a handful of main languages like English, Swahili and Luganda. Language in Uganda is an interesting question, one that ILP volunteers will get to experience firsthand! Language In UgandaĪs a country, Uganda boasts hundreds of local dialects and languages, all stemming from three main families: Bantu, Nilotic, and Central Sudanic. But what language do you start with for a semester in Uganda?Ĭome see which country would be best for you (we vote Uganda!) and get all of your questions answered by chatting with an ILP representative You don't need to speak the local language of the country you're volunteering in with ILP, but learning the basics is always a good idea to have a bit more of an authentic experience. You don’t need to know another language to volunteer in Africa with ILP, but learning a bit can help!