Learn Comorian (Shikomori): A Complete Beginner's Guide
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Why Learn Comorian? 2. Shikomori Basics 3. Greetings and Essential Expressions 4. Basic Grammar 5. Essential Vocabulary 6. Culture and Proverbs 7. The Comorian Diaspora in Europe 8. Learn with Targumi---
Introduction: Why Learn Comorian?
Comorian, or Shikomori, is the national language of the Union of the Comoros, an archipelago of four islands located in the Mozambique Channel, between Madagascar and the East African coast. With approximately 900,000 speakers in the Comoros and a significant diaspora in France (around 300,000 people), Madagascar, Tanzania, and the Gulf states, Shikomori is a living and dynamic language.Shikomori belongs to the Bantu language family, specifically the Sabaki group, making it closely related to Swahili. If you already know a few Swahili words, you will notice striking similarities. However, Comorian has its own distinct linguistic identity, enriched by borrowings from Arabic, French, and Malagasy, reflecting centuries of trade and cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean.
Learning Comorian also opens a door to a rich and little-known culture: twarab music, the Grand Marriage ceremonies (anda), spice-infused cuisine (vanilla, clove, ylang-ylang), and a flourishing oral tradition. Whether you have Comorian roots, are planning a trip to the archipelago, or are simply curious, this guide is your starting point.
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Shikomori Basics
The Four Dialectal Variants
Shikomori has four main dialects, one per island:
| Island |
| Notes |
| -------- |
| ------- |
| Grande Comore (Ngazidja) |
| The most widespread, often considered the reference variety |
| Anjouan (Ndzuwani) |
| Close to Shingazidja with phonetic nuances |
| Mohéli (Mwali) |
| The least documented, spoken by about 35,000 people |
| Mayotte (Maoré) |
| Special status (French department), influenced by French |
| English |
| Pronunciation |
| --------- |
| --------------- |
| Good morning |
| Ba-ri-za su-BOO-i |
| Good afternoon |
| Ba-ri-za mweh-zi |
| Good evening |
| Ba-ri-za ma-SEE-hu |
| How are you? |
| Ha-BA-ri? |
| I'm fine |
| Nje-ma |
| Thank you |
| Ma-ra-HA-ba |
| Thank you very much |
| Ma-ra-HA-ba SA-na |
| Please |
| Ta-fa-DHWA-li |
| Yes |
| EH-wa |
| No |
| Aâ |
| Excuse me |
| Sa-ma-HA-ni |
| Goodbye |
| Bweh-ni nje-ma |
| My name is... |
| JEE-na LAN-goo... |
| I don't understand |
| Tsi-si-fa-HA-moo |
| Speak slowly |
| Lon-GO-za PO-leh PO-leh |
| Class |
| Plural |
| ------- |
| -------- |
| 1/2 |
| wa- |
| 3/4 |
| mi- |
| 5/6 |
| ma- |
| 7/8 |
| zi- |
| 9/10 |
| n- |
| Person |
| Translation |
| -------- |
| ------------- |
| I |
| I read |
| You |
| You read |
| He/She |
| He/She reads |
| We |
| We read |
| You (pl.) |
| You read |
| They |
| They read |
| English |
| --------- |
| Father |
| Mother |
| Brother |
| Sister |
| Child |
| Grandfather |
| Grandmother |
| Uncle |
| Aunt |
| Husband |
| Wife |
| English |
| --------- |
| Rice |
| Fish |
| Meat |
| Banana |
| Cassava |
| Coconut |
| Water |
| Bread |
| Milk |
| Breadfruit |
| Number |
| -------- |
| 1 |
| 2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| 9 |
| 10 |
| 20 |
| 100 |
| 1000 |
Find more thematic vocabulary on our Comorian vocabulary page.
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Culture and Proverbs
The Grand Marriage (Anda)
The Grand Marriage is the most important social institution in the Comoros. It is not simply a wedding but a rite of passage that grants a man the status of notable (mdru mdzima). Festivities last several days and involve the entire community. A man who has not completed his Grand Marriage cannot sit at the bangwe (the public square where collective decisions are made).
Twarab Music
Twarab is the emblematic musical genre of the Comoros, inherited from Zanzibari and Arab traditions. Accompanied by instruments such as the gabusi (lute) and the ndzendze (zither), it accompanies weddings and celebrations.Comorian Proverbs
Proverbs hold a central place in Comorian wisdom. Here are some notable examples:
> "Mwana tsi mpvira, ukaya uka na mwenye." > A child is not a ball; they always return to their master. > Meaning: One always returns to their roots.
> "Umoja ni nguvuo." > Unity is strength. > Meaning: Solidarity is the key to collective success.
> "Mbuzi ipashao heya hushusha." > A goat grazes where it is tied. > Meaning: Make the best of your situation.
> "Mwenye ngoma ndiye apigaye." > The one who owns the drum is the one who plays it. > Meaning: Everyone is master of their own destiny.
To learn more about Comorian culture, visit our Comorian cultural resources.
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The Comorian Diaspora in Europe
France is home to the largest Comorian community outside the Comoros, estimated at between 200,000 and 400,000 people. Marseille is often called the "fifth island of the Comoros", with a particularly vibrant community. Significant communities also exist in Paris, Lyon, Dunkirk, and in French overseas territories (Réunion, Mayotte).
This diaspora maintains very strong ties with the archipelago: remittances (which represent about 25% of Comorian GDP), frequent travel back and forth, and above all, the preservation of language and traditions. The Grand Marriage is also celebrated in France, and numerous cultural associations organise language courses, festivals, and community events.
For diaspora children born in Europe, learning Shikomori represents an act of identity connection. Targumi offers a modern solution for this natural transmission, with progressive lessons adapted for English and French speakers alike.
Also discover our article on Lingala or our Bambara guide, two other African languages taught on Targumi.
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Learn with Targumi
Ready to start learning Comorian? Targumi supports you with a modern, effective method:
Comorian is your passport to the Indian Ocean. Whether you are preparing a trip to the Comoros, want to communicate with family, or simply wish to discover a fascinating culture, Targumi is here for you.
Start your Comorian journey on Targumi today!---
Article written by Nadjma Abdou, Comorian teacher and Targumi collaborator. At Targumi, we make learning Comorian accessible to everyone.