NALRC “Let’s Speak” African Language Series

AF SOOMAALI AAN KU HADALNO (HADALLO)

Abdullahi Abdinoor

NALRC PRESS

Madison, Wisconsin

2007

“Let’s Speak” African Language Series Antonia Folárìn Schleicher, Series General Editor

Also in the “Let’s Speak” Series: Tuseme Kiswahili – Elementary Level Swahili – F.E.M.K. Senkoro Dardasha – Elementary Level Egyptian Arabic – Mustafa Mughazy Tosolola Na Lingala – Elementary Level Lingala – Eyamba G Bokamba, Molingo V Bokamba Masikhulume Isizulu – Elementary Level IsiZulu – Thandiwe Nxumalo, Dumisile N Mkhize Let’s Speak Amharic – Elementary Level Amharic – Bezza Tesfaw Ayalew A Re Bueng Setswana – Elementary Level Setswana – Sheila Onkaetse Mmusi Ngatitaure Shona – Elementary Level Shona – Aquilina Mawadza Bua Sesotho – Elementary Level Sesotho – Rampasene Solomon Caphole Ma Yenka Akan (Twi) – Elementary Level Sesotho – Seth A. Ofori

© 2007 NALRC Reprint 2015

The development and the publication of the NALRC “Let’s Speak” African Language Series is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Security Education Program.

NALRC Publications Office Antonia Folárìn Schleicher, Series General Editor

Adedoyin Adenuga, Assistant Editor Joseph Chikowero, Production Editor

Charles Schleicher, Copy Editor Adedoyin Adenuga, Cover Designer

NALRC “Let’s Speak” African Language Series, Let's Speak Somali – Elementary Level

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Abdinoor, Abdullahi. Af soomaali aan ku hadalno (hadallo) / Abdullahi Abdinoor.

p. cm. -- (Let's speak African language series) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-59703-013-7 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Somali language--Textbooks for foreign speakers--English. I. Title. PJ2532.A43 2007 493'.5--dc22

2007018481

Published and Distributed by: National African Language Resource Center

4231 Humanities Building 455 N. Park St.

Madison, WI 53706 Phone: 608-265-7905

Email: nalrc@mailplus.wisc.edu http://lang.nalrc.wisc.edu/nalrc

Let’s Speak African Language Series The Let’s Speak An African Language series is the first series of Communicatively Oriented African language textbooks developed in the United States. The series is based on the model of Je K’A So Yoruba (Let’s Speak Yoruba) written by Antonia Folarin Schleicher in 1993. The need for the series arose to fill the gap of providing African language learners with not only up to date materials, but also materials that will prepare them to truly communicate in their respective African languages. The series is based on the Communicative Approach to language learning in the sense that learners are provided with activities that will help them to perform functions that native speakers of these languages perform in their appropriate cultural contexts. The grammars and the vocabulary in the textbooks are those that will help the learners to perform appropriate functions. The monologues and the dialogues are authentic in the sense that they present real life situations. The activities in the texts are also tailored to assist learners in acquiring the necessary skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Af Soomaali Aan Ku Haldano (Hadallo) is the tenth in this series to be modeled after Je K’A So Yoruba. There are African language scholars currently working from the same model for Hausa, Kikongo, Wolof, and Pulaar. If you are interested in using this model to develop materials for the language that you teach, please contact the staff of the National African Language Resource Center (NALRC). Manuscripts are subject to external review and need to follow the theoretical framework established for the series. A series such as this depends on the vision, goodwill and labor of many. Special appreciation is extended to the National Security Education Program that provided the original grant that supported the author in developing this textbook. We are also indebted to the U.S. Department of Education’s IEGPS (International and Education and Graduate Programs Service), the NALRC staff, the three anonymous reviewers, the NALRC Advisory Board, as well as various individuals who support the efforts of the NALRC in promoting African language pedagogy nationally and internationally. Without the support, advice and assistance of all, the Let’s Speak African Language Series would not have become a reality. Antonia Folárìn Schleicher Series General Editor

AF SOOMAALI AAN KU HADALNO (HADALLO)

Let’s Speak Somali

A Multidimensional Approach to the

Teaching and Learning of

Somali

As a Foreign Language

By:

Abdullahi Abdinoor

© 2007 The National African Language Resource Center University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, Wisconsin USA

TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface ........................................................................................................................... xvii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................... xx Biography Of The Author ....................................................................................... xxi Dedication ................................................................................................................... xxii Casharka Billowga

Preliminary Lesson: Social Interaction ............................................................... 1 Greeting different people ................................................................................ 1

Dhaqan: adeer/eeddo (Culture: address of respect) .............................................. 2

Waryaa ............................................................................................................... 3 Assalamu caleykum .......................................................................................... 4 Time specific greetings .................................................................................... 6

Parts of the day ........................................................................................................... 6 Encounter .................................................................................................................... 7 Dhaqan: Salaan, isgacanqaad (Culture: Greetings, handshakes etc.) ................... 7 Somali alphabets and sounds ................................................................................. 10

Consonants ....................................................................................................... 10 Vowels ............................................................................................................... 10 Somali sounds in examples ............................................................................. 10 Tone ................................................................................................................... 12

Phonetic note .............................................................................................................. 13 Pronounciation Practice .......................................................................................... 13 Grammar: .................................................................................................................... 14

Gender Marking, Mood Markers ................................................................... 14 Imperative Verb, Definite Articles, Waa la fiicanyahay .............................. 15 Polite imperative, Personal Pronouns ........................................................... 16

Numbers: 0-10 ............................................................................................................. 16 Common Classroom Expressions ......................................................................... 18 Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 19 Casharka Kowaad Lesson 1: Introducing Oneself ............................................................................... 21 Monologue: Maryan introduces herself ................................................................... 21 Encounter: Exchanging Greetings ........................................................................... 23 Dhaqan: Magacyada Soomaalida (Culture: Common Somali Names): ............... 26

Male names ....................................................................................................... 27 Female Names .................................................................................................. 27

Grammar: ...................................................................................................................... 27 Waa/baa/ayaa, Definite articles ..................................................................... 27 Question: ma nabad baa?, Question: nabad sow ma aha? .......................... 29

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Haa, hee, haye, waa yahay/tahay .................................................................. 29 Waxaan ahay ..................................................................................................... 30 Adigana, Xaggee/aaway, Present Tense ....................................................... 31

Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 33 Casharka Labaad Lesson 2: Family members ..................................................................................... 35 Monologue: Guuleed talks about his family ........................................................... 35 Dhaqan: Abtirsiinyo (Culture: Family tree) ............................................................. 37 Dialogue: Asking about families ............................................................................... 38 Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 38

Demonstratives ................................................................................................ 38 Hayaa/leeyahay/qabaa .................................................................................... 40 Possessive pronouns ........................................................................................ 40

Dhaqan: Qoys (Culture: Family) ............................................................................... 41 Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 43 Casharka Seddaxaad Lesson 3: Activities and personal information .................................................. 45 Monologue: .................................................................................................................. 45 Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 48

Present habitual tense ...................................................................................... 48 The verb to be, negative present habitual ..................................................... 49 Conjunction “and” ........................................................................................... 50

Numbers 11-19 ............................................................................................................ 50 Dialogue: ...................................................................................................................... 51 Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 52

Present progressive tense ................................................................................ 52 The verb to come: Imow ................................................................................ 52

Dhaqan: Qat (Culture:chewing) ................................................................................ 53 Grammar : Conditional verb (lahaa) ......................................................................... 53 Ku celis/Review ......................................................................................................... 54 Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 55 Casharka Afaraad Lesson 4: Housing and accommodation ............................................................ 59 Monologue: Hawa’s house ........................................................................................ 59 Dhaqan: (Culture: Traditional houses) ..................................................................... 62 Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 63

Locatives ............................................................................................................ 63 Some common expressions ............................................................................ 63 Negative locatives ............................................................................................ 66

Dialogue: Ali calls his roommate Farah .................................................................. 67

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Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 67 Casharka Shanaad Lesson 5: Nationalities and Age ............................................................................ 71 Monologue: Samasam presents her city .................................................................. 71 Dhaqan: Qabiil & waddaniyad (Culture: Kinship & Nationality) ........................ 73 Nationalities ................................................................................................................ 74 Countries ...................................................................................................................... 74 Dialogue: Samatar meets Igor ................................................................................... 74 Dhaqan: Da’da (Culture: Age): .................................................................................. 75

Talking about age ............................................................................................. 76 Grammar ...................................................................................................................... 77

Possessive pronouns ........................................................................................ 77 Tirin/counting .................................................................................................. 78 Different words for number one ................................................................... 78

Dialogue: Rahma meets Hibo ................................................................................... 80 Ereybixin/Vocabulary ............................................................................................... 81 Casharka Lixaad Lesson 6: Personalities ............................................................................................. 83 Monologue: Saynab describes her family members ............................................... 83 Grammar: ...................................................................................................................... 85

Ka dhashay ........................................................................................................ 85 Dhaqan: (Culture: Describing People) ..................................................................... 86 Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 86

Adjectives ........................................................................................................... 86 Reduplication of adjectives ............................................................................... 88 Past tense of adjectives ..................................................................................... 88 Color Adjectives ................................................................................................ 89 Basic Colors ....................................................................................................... 89 Comparative and superlative ........................................................................... 90

Dialogue ....................................................................................................................... 92 Ku celis/Review ......................................................................................................... 92 Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 94 Casharka Toddobaad Lesson 7: Account of trip and one’s plans .......................................................... 97 Monologue: Haji Ismail talks about his trip ........................................................... 97 Dhaqan: (Culture: Pilgrimage) .................................................................................... 99 Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 100

Past Tense .......................................................................................................... 100

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Past tense verb endings table ........................................................................... 101 Time Adverbial Clause: Marka ......................................................................... 101 Relative Cause: Itaan ......................................................................................... 102 Purpose Adverbial Clause: In/Si ................................................................... 102 Days of the week: Ayaamaha Toddobaadka ................................................ 102 How to ask and tell what day is today, yesterday, or tomorrow ................... 103 Negative past tense ........................................................................................... 104

Dialogue: Mohamed and Abdi discuss break plans ............................................... 105 Expression in Focus: Insha-Allah ............................................................................ 106 Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 106

The infinitive ..................................................................................................... 106 The Future Tense .............................................................................................. 106 Useful expressions about the past ................................................................... 107 Useful expressions about the present .............................................................. 107 Useful expressions about the future ................................................................ 108 The Negative Future Tense .............................................................................. 109

Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 110 Casharka Siddeedaad Lesson 8: Means of transportation and names of months ............................. 113 Monologue: Abdi talks about their journey to Hargeysa ...................................... 113 Dhaqan: Magacyada bilaha (Culture: Calendar): ..................................................... 115

Magacyada bilaha/Names of months ........................................................... 116 Afarta xilli/The four seasons .......................................................................... 116 Maalinta dhalashada/Birthday ........................................................................ 117

Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 117 Frequency .......................................................................................................... 117 Manner ............................................................................................................... 118 Place Adverbs ................................................................................................... 118 Maxaad raacday? ............................................................................................... 119 Conditional verb (lahaa) .................................................................................. 120

Monologue: Berigii hore/Old days .......................................................................... 120 Past Habitual Tense ................................................................................................. 121 Dialogue: Ali and Idil have a conversation ............................................................. 121 Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 122

Casharka Sagaalaad Lesson 9: Clothing ..................................................................................................... 127 Monologue: Ali’s family inquires about what they should wear .......................... 127 Clothing vocabulary .................................................................................................. 129

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Magacyada dharka kala duwan ee ay dadku xirtaan ...................................... 130 Maxaad xirantahay? What are you wearing? ..................................................... 130 Dhaqan: (Culture: Clothing) ...................................................................................... 131 Haddii/aan .................................................................................................................. 132 Dialogue: Anab and Farah the store keeper talk .................................................... 132 Noocee, midabkee? ................................................................................................... 133 Ku celis/Review ......................................................................................................... 134 Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 135 Casharka Tobnaad Lesson 10: Shopping in different settings ........................................................... 139 Monologue ................................................................................................................... 139 Dhaqan: (Culture: Markets) ....................................................................................... 141

Important phrases for buying/selling/bargaining ....................................... 142 Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 142

kala duwan ......................................................................................................... 142 Ba ........................................................................................................................ 142 Imperatives ........................................................................................................ 142 Negative imperative ......................................................................................... 143 Optatives ........................................................................................................... 143 Object pronouns .............................................................................................. 146 Object pronouns table ..................................................................................... 146

Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 147 Casharka Kow iyo Tobnaad Lesson 11: Time .......................................................................................................... 151 Monologue ................................................................................................................... 151 Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 153

Telling time ....................................................................................................... 153 Time related words/phrases ........................................................................... 154

Dhaqan: (Culture: Telling time) ................................................................................ 154 Saacadda Afrikada Bari .................................................................................... 155

Dialogue ........................................................................................................................ 156 Prepositional phrases ................................................................................................. 157 Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 158 Casharka Laba iyo Tobnaad Lesson 12: Food .......................................................................................................... 161 Monologue: Sadiyo talks about food her family ate .............................................. 161 Traditional Food ........................................................................................................ 163

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Food Items ................................................................................................................... 164 Some Cooking/Cookery Terms ............................................................................ 164 Cutlery etc. ................................................................................................................... 165 Dhaqan: Cunto (Culture: Food) ................................................................................ 166 Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 167

Adjectives .......................................................................................................... 167 Monologue ................................................................................................................... 167 Dialogue ....................................................................................................................... 168 How was the food ...................................................................................................... 169 Ku celis/Review ......................................................................................................... 169 Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 171 Casharka Seddax iyo Tobnaad Lesson 13: Professions .............................................................................................. 175 Monologue ................................................................................................................... 175 Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 177

Asking about people’s professions ................................................................ 177 Common Professions ................................................................................................ 178 Dhaqan: Shaqo (Culture: jobs) .................................................................................. 180 Dialogue ....................................................................................................................... 181 Weligaa .......................................................................................................................... 183 Ability auxiliary verb/kar: Can you do this job? ................................................. 184 Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 184 Casharka Afar iyo Tobnaad Lesson 14: Ceremonies ............................................................................................. 187 Monologue ................................................................................................................... 187 Important terms related to ceremonies ............................................................... 189 Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 190

Combination of object pronouns and prepositions .................................... 190 Dhaqan: Aroos (Culture: wedding) .......................................................................... 192 Dhaqan: (Culture: Other celebrations) ..................................................................... 192

Some Common congratulatory expressions ................................................ 193 Common condolences expressions ............................................................... 193

Dialogue ....................................................................................................................... 194 Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 195 Casharka Shan iyo Tobnaad Lesson 15: Daily, weekly and monthly routine .................................................. 199 Monologue ................................................................................................................... 199

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Dhaqan: Hawl Maalmeed/hawl qaybsi (Culture: Daily Routine/Division of Labor) ................................................ 201 Useful expressions of daily activities ............................................................. 201

Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 203 Causatives .......................................................................................................... 203 Reflexives .......................................................................................................... 203

Dialogue ....................................................................................................................... 204 Ku celis/Review ......................................................................................................... 205 Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 206 Casharka Lix iyo Tobnaad Lesson 16: Languages and countries of Africa .................................................. 211 Monologue: Farah tells the class about Djibouti ................................................... 212 Useful geographical terms ...................................................................................... 212 Dhaqan: Geeska Afrika (Culture: Horn of Africa) ................................................ 214 Grammar: ..................................................................................................................... 215

Waxaan ku dhashay/waxaan ku hadlaa ......................................................... 215 (Prepositons ‘ku’ ‘ka’ ‘u’ and ‘la’)

Locatives/yaal ................................................................................................... 217 Dialogue ....................................................................................................................... 217 Reer xaggeed tahay? ................................................................................................. 218 Ka weyn/ka yar .......................................................................................................... 218 Ka mid ah ..................................................................................................................... 219 Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 219 Casharka Toddoba iyo Tobnaad Lesson 17: Asking and giving directions ............................................................ 223 Monologue ................................................................................................................... 223 Important terms for giving directions ................................................................. 225 Dhaqan: Tilmaan (Qoraal ama af ka sheeg) ............................................................ 226

Directions (Written or Spoken) .................................................................... 227 Grammar: Marka, Halkan U leexo, Sii/Soo, Wada/kala ....................................... 227

Dhinaca or dhanka ........................................................................................... 229 Ordinal numbers ........................................................................................................ 229 Dialogue ....................................................................................................................... 230 Ma taqaanaa? .............................................................................................................. 231 Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 232

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Casharka Siddeed iyo Tobnaad Lesson 18: University life, courses, degrees and school routine .................. 237 Monologue ................................................................................................................... 237 Useful terms regarding university life and education ..................................... 239 Jadwalka waxbarashada Warsame ........................................................................ 240 Dhaqan: Waxbarashada hiddaha iyo dhaqanka ...................................................... 241

Traditional education ...................................................................................... 242 Grammar: Waayo, Yaqaan/yahan, Abstract noun/Nimo, Wax/Thing .............. 242

Inta badan, Guud ahaan, Plural declensions ................................................ 244 Irregular Plurals ................................................................................................ 246

Dialogue ....................................................................................................................... 247 Ku celis/Review ......................................................................................................... 248 Ereybixin/Vocabulary .............................................................................................. 249 Appendixes: Grammar tables ............................................................................................................ 253 Somali-English Glossary .............................................................................................. 259 English-Somali Glossary .............................................................................................. 295 Bibliography ................................................................................................................ 328 Grammatical Index ................................................................................................... 329

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Preface Af Soomaali aan ku Hadalno (Hadallo) is an integrated communicative approach to language learning designed to present the fundamentals of Somali to college and university students. The book is suitable to beginners with no prior knowledge of Somali and those with some exposure to the language. The text features a balanced approach to language learning. Language structure and cultural aspects are all embedded in the different dialogues, monologues, and narratives throughout the book. As the title indicates, the text invites students from the very beginning to communicate meaningfully in Somali. It will give them the opportunity to better understand the daily life and attitudes of the Somali society. In addition to mastering the basic vocabulary, functions and structures of the language, students who complete Af Soomaali aan ku Hadalno (Hadallo) will gain an appreciation of Somali culture and will become familiar with traditional and contemporary Somali life. The text presents in a functional-notional syllabus. Goals The primary objective of the text is to offer students a multidimensional curriculum which fully integrates cultural information with linguistic information. It is a fact that a language cannot be learned outside the culture of its speakers. For this reason, culture and language are integrated in the text in a systematic way to help students achieve not only linguistic competence but also cultural awareness and competence. Exposure to real-life situations and the opportunity to compare the new culture with their own help students to acquire an awareness of and respect for other people. The text also encourages students to be systematically involved in activities requiring the communicative use of all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The illustrations and pictures used in this book are intended to give students an exposure to visual images of Somali culture to further enhance their learning. Main Features The primary focus of the text is true communication. The main features of the text are:

a. It is functional. It adopts an integrated, holistic approach to prepare the students to function in real life situations. Every grammar point presented has a functional purpose. High frequency vocabulary is presented in a thematic group and is practiced by carrying out tasks based on the vocabulary.

b. The text is student-centered. From the outset, the contextual exercises encourage role-plays and open discussion by the students. In all the speaking and writing activities, students are personally involved in using the language creatively in meaningful situations. Af Soomaali aan ku Hadalno (Hadallo) truly engages the students in communication. Pair and group activities in the text are designed to encourage student participation and, for the most part, to reduce the affective domain (i.e. the anxiety level) in the class.

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c. The language in the text is authentic. All the narrations and dialogues present real life situation in Somali the society.

d. Listening comprehension is an active component of the text. Listening skills are developed in the classroom and students are directed to listen to audio materials at home.

e. Flexibility. Af Soomaali aan ku Hadalno (Hadallo) is designed to provide maximum flexibility for both student and teacher. There is ample reading material for those who wish to emphasize the reading skills. Similarly, there are abundant suggestions for essays for those who wish to develop written self-expression. The cultural readings in each lesson, and the cultural regalia and photographs provide a sound point of departure for those whose principal interest in the course is to learn and appreciate the Somali culture. In addition, the great variety of listening and speaking activities will help the students perfect their ability to communicate orally. Teachers will have a broad choice of materials and will therefore be able to select those features that best meet the needs of the class and of individuals with specialized interests.

Content and Layout Af Soomaali aan ku Hadalno (Hadallo) consists of a preliminary lesson and eighteen other lessons. The organization of text reflects its emphasis on the active use of Somali for practical communication in context. The preliminary lesson enables learning to communicate in Somali, using high-frequency and basic language from the outset of the course. Each lesson consists of the following elements:

(i) Objectives (ii) Monologue/Narrative (iii) Dialogue (iv) Grammar (v) Cultural Notes (vi) Exercises

Objectives Each lesson is introduced with a list of thematic, functional, grammatical, and cultural goals. Monologue, Dialogue Each lesson consists of one or more monologues and dialogues. These are meant to provide the student with a foundation for speaking the Somali language. As such, the student is encouraged to practice them alone or in conversations.

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Exercises The exercises provide the student with an opportunity to practice and test their skills. The exercises are based on the dialogues, monologues, the grammatical and cultural aspects that are covered in the lesson. Cultural Notes Each lesson also includes at least one section on culture, so that the student acquires the language within the context of the Somali culture. Cultural topics related to the lesson theme are discussed in this section. Some lessons include more than one cultural note, depending on the theme. Some of the cultural notes, especially those in the early lessons, are in English, while others are in Somali. A few are in both languages. Grammar Each lesson introduces some grammatical topics. In order to facilitate easier understanding of the language structure, the grammar introduced in each lesson is often tied with the monologues and dialogues in that particular lesson. Grammatical topics are explained in English to allow students to use this section independently as an out-of-class reference. However, ample examples are given in Somali to illustrate the point. Appendixes/Glossary The book contains a Somali-English vocabulary section at the end of each lesson. It also provides a Somali-English and English-Somali glossary at the end of the book for easy reference. Likewise, to give students easy-to-find resources, a concise grammar table is included in the appendix at the end of the book. Last note The author sincerely hopes that the book meets the expectations of all those interested in Somali. He would like to point out that the language, as well as the cultural notes and illustrations used in the text, are intended to reflect the wider Somali linguistic and cultural realities. However, some might point out, and the author would not disagree with it, that the general tone in the book leans toward language usages and cultural practices of southern Somalia. This is not to suggest that the book contains any major point, either in language choice or cultural matters that some can object to. Rather, there could be nuances that Somalis from different regions might not be familiar with, but would be glad know. For example, the very title of the book contains the phrase “aan ku hadalno” which menas “let’s speak”. There are two variants of the word “hadalno,” the other being “hadallo”. The first variant is used mostly in southern Somalia, northern Kenya, and parts of Ethiopia, whereas the latter is used in the north, Ethiopia and Djibouti, but both are understood by all Somalis. Therefore, I have included both variants on the title.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to profoundly thank those who have assisted me in making this project possible. First of all, I am grateful to Professor Antonia Schleicher, Director of the National African Languages Resource Center, NALRC, at the University of Wisconsin, Madison for inviting me to write this book and for her constant guidance on many intellectual and practical matters. I want to express my gratitude to the National African Languages Resource Center, NALRC, at the University of Wisconsin, Madison for supporting this project. I would also want to acknowledge all of the NALRC staff for their administrative and technical support throughout the production of this book. In particular, I am grateful to Adedoyin Adenuga, Assistant Director of the NALRC, for his constant follow up and technical advice. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to Dr. Steve Howard and African Studies Program in Ohio University for continuously supporting me while I was working on this project. Finally, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all my family members for their understanding. My wife Aliya is forever supportive of me and her encouraging words have always been comforting. This work would not have been possible without her support. I would also like to sincerely thank my brothers, Madeer for giving me a helping hand when I needed it the most and Hassan Sheikh Adan for the constant support he gave me throughout my academic career. I am forever indebted to him.

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Biography Of The Author

Abdullahi Sheikh Abdinoor is a lecturer at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, where he teaches African languages (Somali and Swahili) and literature at the Department of African American and African Studies. Abdullahi holds a Ph.D. in cultural studies in education from Ohio University, where he taught Somali for five years. He also holds an M.A. degree in International Affairs, Communication & Development, from the same university, as well as LLB and LLM degrees in Shariah & Law from International Islamic University in Islamabad, Pakistan. Previously, he has worked at the BBC Monitoring Service in Nairobi as a sub-editor for five years. In addition to Somali and English, Abdullahi is also fluent in Arabic and Swahili.

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Dedication

This work is dedicated to my mother who kept praying for me, hoping that I will soon accomplish my objectives and come back and to my father, May Allah be pleased with his departed soul. He was the one who put me on the path to education, against all odds. His prayers and blessings were always with me when he was alive. I dedicate this and my other academic achievements to my parents and all my teachers.