Language Learning

1. Kaidim airoro Kiswahili

   I can speak Swahili

   Usage

   Says you can speak Swahili, the shared language of Kenya, a useful fallback when Maa is not understood

   Grammar Note

   "Kaidim" is "I can" and "airoro" is speaking a language. Language names are borrowed forms starting with "Ki-", such as "Kiswahili"; English is "Kingeresa". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

2. Kaidim airoro Kingeresa

   I can speak English

   Usage

   Says you can speak English, handy to state before you try to settle things in English

   Grammar Note

   "Kaidim airoro" + a language name. Language names are borrowed; swap in "Kiswahili" for Swahili. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

3. Mayiolo airoro Kingeresa

   I can't speak English

   Usage

   Honestly says you cannot speak English when you cannot follow the other person

   Grammar Note

   "Mayiolo" (do not know) followed by "airoro" (to speak) means "I do not know how to speak". Change the language name for other languages. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

4. Kaidim airoro enkutuk oolmaasai

   I can speak the Maasai language

   Usage

   Says you can speak Maa, which tends to warm up local people

   Grammar Note

   "enkutuk" means mouth and is also used for "language". "oolmaasai" means "of the Maasai". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

5. Kayieu naisum enkutuk oolmaasai

   I want to study the Maasai language

   Usage

   Shows you want to learn the local language, a good way to find someone to teach you

   Grammar Note

   "Kayieu na-" + a subjunctive verb means "I want to ...". "aisum" means to read or study. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

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