Library Orientation for Advanced Beginners and Beyond

I dansɛ! Welcome!

Are you a student who is at the Advanced Beginner level or beyond? This page is meant to get you oriented in terms of materials and resources at your disposal.

Video Walk-Through

I made this video-based walk-through as quick way for you to get oriented.

If you prefer text or have already watched, keep scrolling ;-)

Books

The following are the major books that you may work through:

Recommended Order

The materials of the Library do not form a proper course. That is, there isn’t a fixed or planned order in which one needs to do them.

That said, if you recently completed the Beginner Bambara course or are just diving in things, I recommend you check out the following in this order:

  • Grammar Manual: If you are coming from the Beginner Bambara course, complete all the chapters (20 and above) that aren’t a part of the Beginner Bambara course. If you are coming from elsewhere, peruse all the topics covered and make sure that you are familiar with all of them.

  • Jaati: "Interview Lessons" that will help you pick up informal ways of saying hello, benedictions and some proverbs.

From here you have two options:

  • Advanced Beginner coursebook: This series of dialog-based lesson chapters picks up explicitly where the Beginner Bambara course leaves off. If you want structure, pick this option.

  • Kuma Bakolo workbook: This book reviews and presents grammar and vocabulary in no particular order via an exploration of headlines and song lyrics. If you want free-wheeling lessons that explore a mix of vocab and grammar using real-world examples of Manding, pick this option.

Finally:

  • Na baro kè workbook: Dive into the most advanced book, which allows you to review and practice the vocabulary and grammar of everyday street interviews. If you find the videos too fast, think about watching them at a slower speed (see instructions here).

Community

As a learner at the advanced beginner or intermediate level, you can get a lot out of the discussions and questions of the week that are posted in the following spaces: