Learn Malagasy with real humans

Malagasy is the national language of Madagascar, spoken by approximately 25 million people. It is a fascinating language in many respects: although Madagascar lies off the east coast of Africa, Malagasy is not an African language from a linguistic standpoint. It belongs to the Austronesian language family, making it closer to Malay, Indonesian and Tagalog than to Swahili or Zulu. The ancestors of the Malagasy people sailed from Southeast Asia (probably Borneo) around 1,500 years ago, bringing their language across the Indian Ocean. Malagasy has a relatively simple phonological system for English speakers, with a Latin alphabet adopted in the 19th century thanks to British missionaries. Malagasy grammar is distinguished by a very particular use of verbal voices: where English favors the active voice, Malagasy naturally uses the passive or circumstantial voice in most everyday sentences. This peculiarity reflects a worldview where the action matters more than the actor. Madagascar is a country of exceptional cultural richness, blending Austronesian, Bantu African, Arab and French influences. 'Fihavanana' (community solidarity) is the central value of Malagasy society. Malagasy culture includes the famadihana (turning of the dead), hira gasy (traditional opera), kabary (oratory art), and a unique gastronomy centered around rice (vary). French, as co-official language, facilitates learning for French speakers who benefit from a bilingual environment in Madagascar. Learning Malagasy means gaining access to one of the most singular island cultures in the world, to unique biodiversity (90% endemic species), and to a people of legendary hospitality.