AMHARIC 101

Amharic 101 – Introduction to Amharic

• Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, students will be able to read and write the Amharic script (Fidel), pronounce all characters accurately, greet others, introduce themselves simply, and use numbers up to 100.
• Module Breakdown:
  1. The Amharic Fidel (ፊደል):
     • Introduction to the Abugida system.
     • The 7 orders of vowel sounds (ä, u, i, a, e,ə, o).
     • Learning the Fidel in family groups (e.g., the ‘ሀ’ family, the ‘ለ’ family).
     • Activity: Interactive flashcards with audio for pronunciation. Writing practice worksheets (downloadable PDFs). A quiz where students match the character to the sound.
  2. Greetings & Introductions:
     • Formal vs. Informal: $ሰላም$ (Selam), $እንደምን ነህ/ነሽ?$ (Endemin neh/nesh?).
     • Introducing yourself: $ስሜ ... ይባላል$ (Səme ... yəbalal).
     • Asking for someone’s name.
     • Activity: Voice recording submission where students introduce themselves.
  3. Essential Vocabulary:
     • Numbers 1-100.
     • Days of the week.
     • Months of the Ethiopian calendar (and comparison to Gregorian).
     • Activity: Timed quizzes on number recognition and writing.
  4. Simple Nouns and Pronouns:
     • Basic nouns: $ቤት$ (bet - house), $ውሃ$ (wəha - water), $ምግብ$ (məgəb - food).
     • Personal pronouns: $እኔ$ (əne - I), አንተ (antä – you, m.), `አንቺ (anči – you, f.).
     • Activity: Drag-and-drop matching games (image to Amharic word).