Language Centre
Amharic Beginners course
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Key information
Key information
- Duration
- 1 term per sub-level; 10 weeks per term
- Attendance mode
- Part-time, online/blended learning
Course overview
This is a basic introductory language acquisition course for absolute beginners. Students are not assumed or expected to have any previous knowledge of the language or its script.
The course systematically introduces the students to several basic constructions of the language in a structured, well-illustrated and organised way, enabling students to acquire basic skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking. Interactive method and communicative approach are intentionally preferred over and above a straight lecture method.
Successful students will gain the ability to read and write short simple texts and communicate on simple everyday topics as well as being acquainted to Ethiopian culture and etiquette where relevant.
Method
The course is taught in Amharic and English with emphasis on speaking and listening using the taught language. There will also be some reading (translation) and writing (composing) with guided practice in language usage and use of authentic communicative activities. You are expected to attend regularly, participate in class and complete homework regularly to ensure learning progress.
This will be achieved through 20 hours of blended learning: this is composed of 15 hours of online structured lessons with the teacher. This is supplemented by a minimum of 5 hours of guided independent learning supported by complementary material. The course objective will be achieved within the 10-week course.
Material
This course will be based on the textbook: Appleyard, D. (2013) Colloquial Amharic: The Complete Course for beginners. Oxford: Routledge. Further materials and exercises will be provided by the tutor.
As additional language acquisition books could be very expensive, we strongly recommend waiting until your course is confirmed before purchasing the textbook.
Entry requirements and progression route
For the first stage of Amharic Beginners (i.e. Beginners 1), no previous knowledge is required. To be able to join Beginners 2 or 3 you should have completed Beginners 1 and 2 respectively at SOAS Language Centre or have an equivalent knowledge of guided learning hours (20 hours per each sub-level).
The progression route from Amharic Beginners 1 is to Amharic Beginners 2; from Beginners 2 to Beginners 3.
Please note, that each term, courses are subject to quorum requirements.
For course dates and information, please see our timetables
Structure
Amharic Beginners 1
On successful completion of this course, a student will gain knowledge and understanding of:
- the basic grammar of Amharic
- the essential vocabulary
- the appropriateness of basic structures and expressions in a given context
In written and spoken Amharic, they will demonstrate ability to:
- greet and introduce themselves
- ask and give personal information
- talk about family, jobs and where they live or work
- order food or drink in a restaurant and ask for the bill
- shop and haggle
- tell the time, days of the week and months of the year
- use numbers and measurements and do basic arithmetic
The above is an indication of content that may be covered over the duration of the course but it could vary depending on the level and progress of students in the class.
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Disclaimer
Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules
See more information on the Language Centre Amharic homepage
