NEW ILLUSTRATIONS by MECA alum Rachel Chalila!
A Somali Alphabet / Alfabeetadda Soomaaliyeed
This bilingual alphabet book was written in 2001 by Nadifo Ayanle, a participant in the African Women’s Literacy Project of Portland Adult Education in Portland, Maine. This newsletter article explains how the Literacy Project led to the creation of the book.
Since then, the book has been used across the country in literacy trainings, library story-times, and classrooms at all levels. It has also been distributed in the Born to Read training for early childhood educators, Many Eyes, Many Voices: Talking About Difference Through Children’s Literature.
A Somali Alphabet has been revised several times, based on feedback from educators and Somali communities. The latest edition of the book features:
- English pronunciations to accompany the featured Somali word on every page
- Two maps showing Somalia and its location in Africa
- A description of Somalia in English and Somali
- Tips for teachers using the book in the classroom
- A description of the Somali language and its pronunciation
- A compact disc recording of a native Somali speaker reading the book aloud in Somali and English
Click for a larger view.
Here is a sample of the CD recording:
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If you are interested in ordering a copy of A Somali Alphabet, you can use the buttons below to pay online via PayPal, or download and mail the order form (PDF). If you are purchasing on behalf of a tax-exempt organization in Maine, we must have your tax-exempt form on file.
Please contact Karen Myrick with questions or bulk orders. See also A Somalia Album.
