Reading Kikuyu bible is a big challenge to me.Don't think i can finish a chapter, will just get lost along the way. The use of names too is confusing like Job in kiuk is Ayub.....

Kiswahili is easy to read but i think it also requires a big kamusi, can be tricky too eg Kisima cha Nginingi (what or who is Nginingi?)

I agree with Papa Daad about Gikuyu texts. Before I left Nairobi, I used to buy all the copies of Gikuyu magazines, Mwihoko, Giciicio, and I cannot remmebrs the rest. Apart from gaining important cultural knwldege, these magazines were also a great source of topical information. It is intreresting that Gikuyu surpasses Kiswahili in terms of news publication. I wonder if they are still in circulation.

Sajini,
Mwihoko is still in still in circulation and getting better. As for Gicicio, it ceased publishing in January 2000. I recently saw a book titled, "Gikuyu kiega" during the recent Nairobi Book Fair. It is the new TKK that has been approved by the Min of Edn as a course book for Stds 1-3 (There are titled appropriately; Gikuyu kiega 1, 2 and 3.). I bought book 2 and this I must admit is a very interesting book to read. It captivates you to read.

Papa Daad: I got that book "Ngahika Ndenda" and it is an interesting read too.

I can help you
Bosko

Hi. I'm currently learning Kikuyu (Gikuyu) from my dad. I was wondering how long it would take for me to be able to have a simple conversation with someone in kikuyu?

mwendi uthaka ndacayaga,cua cua niugukinya

chritoffer,
It depends on your motivation, the efforts you put into it, and the presence of other Kikuyu speakers with whom you can practice what you are learning. Formal instruction will not be enough.

quote:

Originally posted by sajini:
chritoffer,
It depends on your motivation, the efforts you put into it, and the presence of other Kikuyu speakers with whom you can practice what you are learning. Formal instruction will not be enough.

Yes, "practice makes a man perfect".
And for learning any language, speaking it in front of its experts is necessary as they can point out your mistakes.

Hi good people, i just joined the family, my wish is to learn Kikuyu. where to start i don't know. can someone show me the way into the kikuyu language? if their are books may someone kindly recommend. regards