Table of contentsLEARN ACHOLI10 / 20

Upper intermediate · 80 minutes

Community conversation

Participate in longer discussions, explain ideas, and report what others said.

By the end of this chapter

  1. Manage a longer conversation
  2. Ask for clarification
  3. Summarize another speaker
SPEAK

Acholi language in this chapter

Study the Acholi first, then read across for the meaning. Say every line aloud and use it in a complete exchange.

Keep speaking

Ngo ma otime?What happened?
Wac mot mot.Speak slowly.
Tima kica, pe awinyo maber.Sorry, I did not hear well.
Iwaco ni ngo?What did you say?
Itwero nwoyo meno?Can you repeat that?
Wutye ka lubu loka?Are you following me?
Kombedi dong anyang.Now I understand.
Atamo ni …I think … / In my opinion …

Report what someone said

Dominik owaco ni pe emito cam.Dominik said that he does not want food.
Kono in?And you?
Meno ber.That is good.
Ayela pe.No problem.

Source: Peace Corps Acholi Language Manual. Short selections are organized here for study; use the full manual for audio-linked drills, grammar notes, and extended dialogues.

10.1

Keep the conversation moving

Develop phrases for asking someone to repeat, speak slowly, explain a word, or confirm your understanding.

Practice

Hold a five-minute conversation without switching immediately to English when confused.

10.2

From sentences to viewpoints

Practice giving a reason, comparing two ideas, agreeing respectfully, and expressing uncertainty.

Practice

Discuss a community topic and give two reasons for your view.

10.3

Reported speech

Learn how fluent speakers report what another person said. Compare direct quotation with a natural Acholi summary.

Practice

Listen to a short story, then retell its main message to someone else.

Learn with care

These spellings follow the Peace Corps Acholi Language Manual. Pronunciation, spelling, and usage can vary by speaker and region, so confirm public-facing language with fluent Acholi speakers.

Open the full language manual