Table of contentsLEARN ACHOLI03 / 20

Beginner · 50 minutes

Introducing yourself

Share your name, origin, work, interests, and introduce another person.

By the end of this chapter

  1. Use personal pronouns
  2. Ask and answer basic questions
  3. Build a short self-introduction
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.

Say who you are

An nyinga Mary.My name is Mary.
Lwonga ni David.I am called David.
Iaa ki kwene?Where do you come from?
Aa ki Gulu.I come from Gulu.
Ibedo kwene?Where do you live?
Abedo i Gulu taun.I live in Gulu town.
Man Mary. En obedo larema.This is Mary. She is my friend.

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.

03.1

Build your identity phrases

Learn phrases for your name, where you come from, where you live, and what you do. Focus on complete useful sentences rather than isolated word lists.

Practice

Prepare a five-sentence introduction and review it with a fluent speaker.

03.2

Question words

Useful interrogatives include nining (how), pingo (why), ngo (what), nga (who), and kwene (where).

Nining?How?
Pingo?Why?
Ngo?What?
Nga?Who?
Kwene?Where?
Practice

Write one simple conversation question using each question word.

03.3

Introduce someone else

Move from ‘I’ statements to speaking about a friend or family member. Notice how verbs and pronouns change with the subject.

Practice

Record a 30-second introduction of another person, with their permission.

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