‘Let’s go!’
An ka taa is an initiative to offer modern educational media, resources and lessons for current and emergent speakers of Manding—commonly referred to as Bambara, Dioula, Malinké or Mandingo—so there are no barriers to learning or using one of Africa’s most important languages.
I ni ce!
Hi! Bonjour!
I’m Coleman and I’m the linguistic anthropologist behind An ka taa.
I have a PhD in Educational Linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania.
I’ve been speaking, teaching and exploring Manding and related varieties such as Bambara, Dioula and Malinké since 2009 when I was in the Peace Corps.
Learn on your own…
Na baro kè
Street-side chats with everyday people in West Africa. Subtitled in Manding, English and French so you won’t miss a word.
Basic Bambara
Step-by-step video lectures AND a virtual grammar manual that pairs each video with a text, audio flashcards and exercises.
🎙 Podcast
Learn alongside a first-time student !
📖 Dictionary
Mobile-friendly and searchable!
📝 Forum
Language questions & answers!
In an online class…
Video lectures, written chapters, vocab lists, interactive exercises and a schedule that starts from scratch!
Or with me…
Private Lessons
Are you looking for private online lessons tailored to your needs as a complete beginner, a rusty Peace Corps volunteer, or as heritage learner from the West African diaspora?
Become a patron…
The current landscape of for-profit companies and educational institutions does not support the use or learning of African languages like Manding. With high-quality, accessible media and resources, I believe we can change this situation.
For as little as $3 a month, you can help me cover its costs AND you’ll get extra materials and perks in return.
