Page:Adapting and Writing Language Lessons.pdf/276

Rh A LEARNER'S SYNOPSIS OF SWAHILI STRUCTURE TO THE STUDENT

This is an active introduction to the language. It assumes no prior knowledge of Swahili. In its present form, the entire synopsis with no examples is given in continuous, paragraphed form on pp.261-271. Numbers within this version refer to the interrupted exposition on pp.272 - 283. The latter consists of pairs of pages. The left-hand page of each pair repeats the exposition, adding examples. On the right-hand page opposite each section, there are simple ‘frames,’ of the kind found in many self-instructional programs, by means of which the student can check his comprehension of the material on the left-hand pages. some of these frames will be quite easy. Some, however, will require reflection, and rereading of the left-hand page. It is hoped that, by providing some kind of intellectual challenge, and thus involving the reader, this introduction will qualify as 'active.'

Because Swahili pronunciation offers comparatively little difficulty to speakers of English, it is not treated here.

The vocabulary in each version of the synopsis has intentionally been kept very small. The words in this version are chosen from among those that the student is most likely to encounter in reading newspaper accounts of meetings.

The synopsis contains many internal cross—references. In addition, it contains references to further information in E. 0. Ashton, Swahili Grammar (1944) and E. C. Polomé, Swahili Language Handbook (1967).