Conversational Somali from Mogadishu and the diaspora
02
Somali Latin alphabet: phonetic spelling and pronunciation
03
Tones and accents: standard Somali vs regional dialects
04
Somali nomadic culture: oral poetry, xeer and hospitality
05
Somali for humanitarian professionals in the Horn of Africa
06
Business Somali: Djibouti as a regional commercial hub
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about learning Somali
Somali presents specific challenges: SOV word order (subject-object-verb), lexical tones, a grammatical case system and a gender distinction (masculine/feminine) that is sometimes unpredictable. On the other hand, the alphabet is Latin and the spelling is highly phonetic, which makes reading easier. With a native teacher, oral progress can be quick: everyday vocabulary is accessible within 3-4 months of regular effort.
Yes, this is one of the top motivations for our Somali learners. NGOs (UNHCR, MSF, IRC, UNICEF) operating in Somalia, Kenya (Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps) or Ethiopia (Ogaden) have a real need for staff who speak Somali. The ability to communicate directly with communities without an interpreter considerably improves the effectiveness of humanitarian work and the trust built with beneficiaries.
The Somali community in France is estimated at 30,000 to 50,000 people, mainly in Paris, Strasbourg and Lyon. That's smaller than in the UK or Scandinavia, but the presence is real. In addition, Djibouti, the former 'French Somali Coast', maintains historical ties with France, and Somali is widely spoken there alongside French and Afar.
The Somali spoken in Djibouti is very close to standard Somali. The main difference is the influence of French (rather than English as in Somalia or Kenya) in borrowed vocabulary. Djibouti has two official languages, French and Arabic, but Somali (and Afar) are the native languages of the majority of the population. A speaker of standard Somali will be understood without problem in Djibouti.
For a survival level (introducing yourself, asking for directions, ordering food, shopping), count on 2-3 months with regular classes. For fluent conversational level, count on 12-18 months. The main challenge is the tones and word order. The American Foreign Service Institute ranks Somali among the 'difficult' languages (level 3 out of 4) for English speakers.
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100% online. When live classes are scheduled for this language, they take place in small groups via Google Meet; the schedule is in the platform. Interactive lessons stay accessible 24/7.
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Pricing
Start learning Somali today
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To test the rhythm over a few weeks
7 days free, then $8.50 per week instead of $17
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for 7 days, then $8.50 per week instead of $17
Launch offer until October 31 at 11:59 pm (Paris time) · Limited number of spots
Reduced price kept for as long as you stay subscribed
4 live classes a week with a native teacher: small groups of 3 to 5 people. Practise, ask your questions, improve your pronunciation, and let yourself be guided as you learn the language. No obligation, join in as you wish. There are classes for every level.
A complete learning platform: learn to build sentences, listen to audio recorded by native speakers, practise with exercises.
Every live class replay available, the ones held before you signed up and the upcoming ones, with their PDF, available to download.
Learner discussion groups, with the teachers: practise writing, chat every day.
Level certificate at the end of each learning path.
Every language included: over 100 languages, and you switch language whenever you like, at no extra cost.
Payment method required, $0 today. Cancel in 1 click before the trial ends.
No commitment
−50%
Complete plan
Monthly
The easiest rhythm to keep up
7 days free, then $24.50 per month instead of $49
$0
for 7 days, then $24.50 per month instead of $49
Launch offer until October 31 at 11:59 pm (Paris time) · Limited number of spots
Reduced price kept for as long as you stay subscribed
4 live classes a week with a native teacher: small groups of 3 to 5 people. Practise, ask your questions, improve your pronunciation, and let yourself be guided as you learn the language. No obligation, join in as you wish. There are classes for every level.
A complete learning platform: learn to build sentences, listen to audio recorded by native speakers, practise with exercises.
Every live class replay available, the ones held before you signed up and the upcoming ones, with their PDF, available to download.
Learner discussion groups, with the teachers: practise writing, chat every day.
Level certificate at the end of each learning path.
Every language included: over 100 languages, and you switch language whenever you like, at no extra cost.
Payment method required, $0 today. Cancel in 1 click before the trial ends.
Most popular
−50%
Complete plan
Quarterly
Three months to build solid foundations
7 days free, then $49.50 per quarter instead of $99
$0
for 7 days, then $49.50 per quarter instead of $99
that is $16.50 per month
Launch offer until October 31 at 11:59 pm (Paris time) · Limited number of spots
Reduced price kept for as long as you stay subscribed
4 live classes a week with a native teacher: small groups of 3 to 5 people. Practise, ask your questions, improve your pronunciation, and let yourself be guided as you learn the language. No obligation, join in as you wish. There are classes for every level.
A complete learning platform: learn to build sentences, listen to audio recorded by native speakers, practise with exercises.
Every live class replay available, the ones held before you signed up and the upcoming ones, with their PDF, available to download.
Learner discussion groups, with the teachers: practise writing, chat every day.
Level certificate at the end of each learning path.
Every language included: over 100 languages, and you switch language whenever you like, at no extra cost.
Payment method required, $0 today. Cancel in 1 click before the trial ends.
You choose your plan and register a payment method. Nothing is charged today: $0.
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You cancel in 1 click from "My subscription", at any time before the trial ends: no charge. Otherwise, your plan starts at the end of the 7 days, at the price shown.
One trial per account. If you have already had a trial, your subscription starts on the day you order.
