B3453 - LINGUA E CULTURA SWAHILI - FORLI'

Learning outcomes

This course aims to teach students both the basic grammatical and lexical structures of the Swahili language and elementary oral and written linguistic-cultural competence, which enables students to interact in a limited number of everyday communicative situations.

Course contents

This is a 40-hour course that will take place in the first semester, supplemented by a 20-hour tutorial. The topics will be as follows:


- Introduction to the Bantu language family and to the Swahili language.

- Alphabet, nominal and locative classes, affirmative and negative verbal markers, subjunctive, imperative adverbs, possessive and demonstrative, dependent connective, numerals.

- Greetings, introducing oneself, and holding a simple conversation.

- Swahili cultures and stories.

- Artistic expressions in the Swahili language.

Readings/Bibliography

Bertoncini Zúbková, E., Kiswahili kwa Furaha (Tomi I e II), Aracne editrice, 2009: unità 1-6 + vocabolario swahili-italiano pp. 235-405 (Tomo II).

Bertoncini-Zúbková, E. & Gaudioso, R. ChiShona neMufaro. Introduzione alla grammatica shona con elementi di storia della lingua e analisi contrastiva shona/swahili, Napoli: Unior Press 2022: 37-44, 47-50.

Gaudioso, R. “Analisi letteraria dei testi di Remmy Ongala e delle loro tradizioni testuali”. Kervan 24 (2), 2020: 115-141.

Aiello F. & Gaudioso, R. Ushairi na Uhuru. Poesie scelte di Abdilatif Abdalla e Euphrase Kezilahabi. Mkusanyo wa tungo za Abdilatif Abdalla na Euphrase Kezilahabi, Napoli: L’Orientale, 2017

Teaching methods

Lectures and exercises.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of two parts: a 90-minute written test and a subsequent 15-minute oral test.

The written test aims to ascertain the linguistic skills acquired during the course. It will consist of several grammar exercises of completion and multiple choice, short sentences from Swahili, and a short composition in the language. The use of books, notebooks, notes, dictionaries and/or computer media is not allowed. During the oral test, students will see their own written test with corrections and will be asked questions about the Swahili language and culture. All information on the examination and the evaluation grid will be given in the last lessons.

Teaching tools

Audiovisual and multimedia supports, online dictionaries, ppts.

Office hours

See the website of Roberto Gaudioso