BAMANA
Why Learn A World Language?

In an increasingly globalized world, the
knowledge of a world language becomes
an indispensable skill important not only
for personal enrichment, but also for
broadening employment opportunities.

According to a study from the University
of Chicago, knowledge of a world
language helps you boost decisionmaking skills.

Students who study world languages
score higher on standardized tests, as
a study from York University in Toronto
showed.
Students who study a world language
for at least one year score an average
of 38 points higher on the SATs.

Knowledge of a world language
increases your chances of landing a
good job, as demonstrated in a recent
poll in The Economist.
An MIT study shows that people who
know two or more languages earn an
average of $128,000 more over their
lifetimes.

Learning a second language has
compelling health benefits, as
suggested by a study from York
University in Toronto that connects
prevention of the onset of dementia with
foreign language learning.
CLE
Center for Language Excellence
Contacts:
Center for Language Excellence
Indiana University - Bloomington
College of Arts and Sciences
Main Office:
Eigenmann Hall
1900 E. Tenth Street, EG 1131
Bloomington, IN 47406-7512
Outpost Office:
Global & International Studies Building
355 N. Jordan Ave., GA 1032
Bloomington, IN 47405-1105
[email protected]
812.855.4060
www.indiana.edu/~iucle/
For more information regarding Majors, Minors,
courses, and other available resources in this
language:
Department of Linguistics
Indiana University - Bloomington
College of Arts and Sciences
1021 E. Third Street
Memorial Hall 322
Bloomington, IN 47405-7005
[email protected]
812.855.6456
www.indiana.edu/~lingdept/
Indiana University
Center for Language Excellence
Why Study Bamana?
Languages
Indiana University is home to as many
as 70 world languages!
There are many reasons for studying Bamana. These
include personal interest in the culture of the Bamana
people, research interests and fulfillment of foreign
language requirements.
The knowledge of Bamana language will be very helpful to
students in Linguistics, Anthropology, Sociology, and History, as
well as to linguists who plan to conduct research in those
countries.
In the field of linguistics, Bamana is one of the most written
languages in West Africa. European and American linguists have
written it since the end of the 19th century. Today, we find
interesting documentation on the Bamama language particularly
in German. For students in comparative linguistics, Bamana
could be an interesting language. It has borrowed many words
from French, Arabic, and a smaller number of words from
English.
International workers, Peace Corps volunteers, diplomats, and
missionaries will find it essential to learn Bamana in order to
communicate and collaborate with the local populations.
The African Languages Minor also permits students to reach
proficiency in one of the languages offered at Indiana University
(such as Bamana), gain social and cultural knowledge related to
the language, and receive an introduction to African linguistics or
pragmatics. This Minor is awarded through Linguistics.
Who Speaks Bamana?
Bamana, also known as Bamanankan, is part of the Mande
language family. Bamana is one of the most widely spoken
languages in West Africa and is used by more than 26 million
people, primarily in Mali. It is also spoken by significant segments
of the population in Burkina Faso and northern Côte-d’Ivoire, as
well as in Guinea-Conakry and Gambia, Additional speakers of
Bamana live in Senegal.
Interesting Fact:
Regarding the names "Bamana" and "Bambara", there is no
difference. Both names are used for the same language.
"Bambara" is the French name for the variety of Bamana spoken
in Mali. Actually, the name "Bambara" is more popular in
Europe, whereas "Bamana" is more used in the United States.
Learn these everyday phrases!
Hello (any time of day): i ni ce
How are you? (Are you well?)
i ka kεnε wa? (to one person)
Good morning: aw ni sɔgɔma (several
persons around) / i ni sɔgɔma (singular)
Good afternoon: aw ni tile, i ni tile
Good evening: aw ni wula, i ni wula
Good night: aw ni su, i ni su
Good night (going to sleep): ka su hεεrε
What is your first name?: i tɔgɔ ye di?
What is your last name?: i jamu ye di?
My name is ______: ne tɔgɔ _____
Thank you: i ni ce
You're welcome: basi tε (literally 'no problem')
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