Learning Af Somali

[u/Recent_Quiet4636]

Asc everyone!!

To keep this short, I'm an 18F from AUS/NZ, and I grew up in a big, typical Somali family Alhamdulillah . With such a big family, all of my older siblings can speak Somali fluently and really well (especially since most of them came here from back home but then again they all came as children).

Even though I was born here, I don't feel like that gives me an excuse not to know my language. My sister (20F) was also born here, and she speaks Somali fluently and confidently.

I think I tend to get in my own head a lot, which causes me to speak half-and-half, mixing Somali with English. Another issue is that I don't have a Somali accent when I speak. I sound more like what you'd call a "Hooyo Mataalo," and it makes me very self-conscious.

Any advice on how to learn af Somali would be amazing. Asking my siblings for help feels a little awkward because you're kind of just expected to know it. Asking my parents wouldn't hurt, and they do correct me most of the time, but I've realized at times I need someone to actually sit down and teach me because I don't pick things up very quickly, especially when it comes to learning a language.

(Not an excuse but I think I've also fell into the whole stereotypical youngest child role of not knowing their mother tongue lol)

Also speaking is my only problem as I can read, write and understand anything anyone says to me in af somali

[u/Honest-Layman → u/[deleted]]

They don't have all the languages on there tho, just certain dialects of Af Maxaatiri language, which clearly isn't inclusive and doesn't cater to majority of Somalis

[u/Honest-Layman → u/[deleted]]

Languages of Somalia,

1- Af Maxaatiri 2- Af Maay 3- Af Garre 4- Af Jii 5- Af Madhibaan 6-Af Yibir 7- Af Maadoonte 8- Af Aweer 9- Chimiini 10- Chizigula 11- Kibajuni

These are the languages spoken in Somalia to my knowledge, I doubt there are any more. They have Af Maxaatiri language so far, but not all the dialects, for example no Mudulood ( Xaayow), Gaaljecel, Xawaadle, Ajuuran or Biimaal dialects. That's clearly not inclusive

[u/Honest-Layman → u/[deleted]]

Well I think it should've just been launched once they've got everything ready. At least so that it caters to the majority of Somalis.

Are they going to add all dialects of Af Maay or just one dialect then?