Community Discord

Meet, talk and learn with other students of Manding!

Looking for a way to meet, collaborate on assignments, or talk about your day with other students of Bambara, Dioula or Malinké?

Join the An ka taa Community Discord Server as part of a course or subscription!

🤨 “Discord Server?”

Discord is a free voice, video, and text chat app to talk and hang out with their communities and friends.

Discord “servers” are digital spaces (like a chat room or a Forum) that are organized into topic-based channels where you can talk with others without clogging up a group chat.

🙋‍♀️ Ok! But, why?

Because in addition to the formal study of a course, learning a language is easier and faster if you have:

  • Contact: Regular real-life moments where you read, write, speak or listen to the language

  • Conversation: Texts, audio recordings and videos are great, but there’s nothing like speaking with an actual person

  • Community: Sharing the learning experience with other people helps keep you motivated and stick to your plans

Unless you live in West Africa or have friends and family members that are native speakers, “Contact” and “Conversation” can be hard to find in an online course. And, without an appropriate digital space, it can be hard to connect and build “Community” with the other students.

👍 I’m ready to join!

Questions

Is the Discord Server for a particular course or level? No, it's a single place for any An ka taa students (in the Beginner Bambara Course, Intermediate Subscription, or taking private lessons, etc.) to meet, practice Manding, and help one another.
How is the Discourse Server different than the Forum? Discord is immediate and synchronous, while the Forum is gradual and asynchronous. Discord is great for real-time problem-solving and socializing. The Forum is great for thoughtful discussion and building knowledge that can be shared.
How is a Discord server different from a chat room? It includes "voice channels" so that you can easily switch to talking (with or without video) instead of having to type or set up a call.
Does Coleman do lessons in the Discord server? No. I don't formally give lessons or teach in it, but I will talk with you if I happen to be online! :-)