I’ve been studying Gĩkũyũ on and off since late 2022. In that time I have made many mistakes and learned many lessons. Language learning is something that should be tailored to the specific person and their goals and learning style. Even still, I want to share how I am going about this journey this year to possibly inspire someone else and/or share helpful resources for other Gĩkũyũ learners.
Learning how to learn a language:
In my reflections on my previous experiences with learning languages, I realized that I didn’t do any research on how people learn languages. Over the last few weeks, I’ve watched countless videos and read so many articles on language learning itself. This is where I got the idea to create daily routines and start to live life in my target languages.
I also sat down and thought about how I like to learn and what I struggle with the most. What I discovered was that I learn best from listening and repeating vocabulary versus going over vocab lists or only using flashcards. I also knew that I wanted to learn several languages at once and needed to know how best to select which languages could be learned simultaneously and how to build a study schedule that was fluid, engaging, and manageable.
Videos that have been helpful:
- How to make a good study plan to learn a language effectively ? | Zoe.Languages
- Create a language learning schedule that works + Notion Template! | Jusuf
- How I’m learning six languages | priorities, schedule, goals | Tanya Benavente
- How I Use italki to Learn 5+ Languages | Polyglot Process
I’m still learning about language learning and figuring out what works best for me, but the tips and tools that I’ve come across so far have been invaluable. I feel less pressure to become fluent overnight and have more interest in the everyday habits that will lead to meeting my language goals. I highly recommend thinking through your relationship to language learning and doing research before jumping right into a language. Learn how other people are learning it and if there are no resources on that then carve time to really strategize a learning plan for long-term and short-term goals.
Goal setting and establishing routines:
The first thing I did this year was set realistic, timely, and specific goals for the year, quarter, and month. This planning included my language learning. For Gĩkũyũ, my goals are the following:
- Year: Be able to fully introduce myself and talk about my interests in Gĩkũyũ
- Quarter: Increase confidence and improve grammar
- Month: Create and maintain a fun yet challenging study practice
In the past, motivation has been an issue in moments when I was struggling with the language or not feeling like I was improving. There are times when I want to skip the studying and practicing and just be fluent. There are few opportunities for instant gratification in language learning, especially with a language as dynamic as Gĩkũyũ. It’s about the everyday practices that build up to actually acquiring a language that matters.
When there is no motivation, routine will be my anchor. For me, learning heritage languages is a very emotional journey. There can be moments of shame for not getting it naturally or doubt that I’ll ever be able to fully grasp the language.
To offset these often discouraging (yet totally valid) feelings, I want to build somewhat of a relationship with Gĩkũyũ. It will be joyful, curious, and centered on the experience of learning versus the final goal of being fluent. This is where daily habits and routines come in. I used to go days, weeks, even months without studying because of the heavy feelings related to me not knowing Gĩkũyũ. That lost practice time meant forgetting vocabulary, losing confidence in speaking, and more feelings of shame.
By building daily routines that include engaging with or practicing the language, it will eventually become second nature to build skills in spoken and written Gĩkũyũ. My current routine looks like the following:
- Mon / Wed / Fri: Listen to Music and Listen to a Podcast / Radio Station
- Tues / Thurs / Sat: Watch a YouTube Lesson and Review Vocabulary
I’m keeping it light for the first quarter to build consistency. In addition to this simple routine, I will be working through a grammar book my Gĩkũyũ tutor shared with me, A Short Kikuyu Grammar by B. Mareka Gacaga and W.H. Kirkaldy-Willis. I have it printed out and in a three-ringed binder. I will also be taking language tutoring lessons. I have been working with the same amazing tutor for over a year now and it’s been a game-changer. It’s nice to have someone else guide me along and help correct my mistakes. I use italki for language tutoring.
A mistake I made in the past was assuming that tutoring was going to magically lead to fluency, without actually committing myself to completing assignments ahead of time or creating a substantial study practice. If I could do it all over, I would have started off by utilizing all the free resources available online first and built a solid self-study routine before seeking out tutoring.
Lessons will only take you so far, the bulk of the progress comes from what you’re doing outside of classes to reinforce what you’re learning in them. It takes time to do things like absorb lots of new vocabulary and improve speaking skills. I still recommend getting a language partner or tutor at some point in your journey but see it as a component of your learning practice instead of the whole thing.
Cultural study:
To go beyond just language learning, I am also studying culture and traditions. I’m almost caught up on the cultural and historical podcast on Agĩkũyũ, Matirĩ Ngemi, and am working my way through the three-part book series, The Southern Kikuyu before 1903. I’m also reading about Gĩkũyũ traditional medicine and plant names (to learn more about my Kenyan herbalism book collection click here). Learning about things that you’re already curious about but in your target language is a way to practice new vocabulary while maintaining interest.
Preparing for the difficulties:
I don’t expect this to be easy and life will get hectic. I am planning for different levels of capacity, interest, and available study time. Planning for less-than-ideal learning conditions allows for self-compassion and accommodation. When life gets rough I want to still be able to engage with Gĩkũyũ. Last year, I went 4 months without doing any language practice. I felt that I had to be aligned and grounded to be in practice. This year, I hope I can be kinder to myself and allow myself to show up however I am. I release perfection and completion. I will allow myself to reshape my study practices and find what’s best for me given my life conditions. I will build shelters and systems to prepare for the storm and not rely on motivation.
Remembering the why:
I see myself as an old woman speaking Gĩkũyũ. I want to write poetry in Gĩkũyũ. I want to be able to fully express myself and talk to my elders in Gĩkũyũ. I want to read books in Gĩkũyũ. I want to know all the plant names in Gĩkũyũ.
Remembering the “why”, is crucial on days when you rather not try. Being able to remember what I am working towards allows me to understand why the tedious task of reviewing flashcards and listening to hours of people speaking my target language matters. Today, as I listen to songs I can only comprehend 40% of the lyrics to, I am walking towards the path of being that old Gĩkũyũ-speaking woman. May you remember and work towards your “why”. May your routines be strong and your journey be led by curiosity.