How to Use This Book

Learning a language can be compared to a four-legged stool. One has to speak, listen, read, and write. This guide provides an overview of the grammar. While it is not an exhaustive resource on grammar, it provides basic grammar 'rules'...or rules of thumb. The word 'rules' is in quotation marks, because there are many irregularities.

The author has tried to establish and explain these rules, but be aware there may be exceptions (for example, irregular verbs). Following the grammar section is essential vocabulary, arranged by topics such as greetings, food, jobs, etc. There is also a section of non-categorized words at the end of the vocabulary section. There is list of antonyms for vocabulary development. Learning these antonyms is an excellent way to improve your ability to describe people, places, and conditions. Finally, there is a list of more than 400 common verbs.

One of the simplest ways to use this book is to place a checkmark or dot by each word or phrase that you memorize. If you make it a goal to remember the words you use regularly, you will quickly amass a strong vocabulary. Try to use the grammar rules to express yourself using appropriate conjugations, pluralization and sentence structure.

Writing down key phrases and words reinforces memorization. If you are trying to use the book like a dictionary and search for a specific word, first try looking by category from the table of contents. If you do not find it there, look in the list of non-categorized words that start on page 154, or the list of antonyms. If you can still not find the word, there are some online Afan Oromo dictionaries and apps that will be helpful. Be aware that as in any language, there are regional differences and multiple ways to say the same thing. Afan Oromo is not an easy language to learn, but you can be speaking basic phrases in a matter of weeks, holding conversations after a few months, and talking almost fluently after a year. Do not be shy; practice Afan Oromo whenever you can with locals.