Acholi Language Manual

About the Language

Acholi belongs to the family of Luo languages. It is predominantly spoken in the districts of Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum, and Pader in northern Uganda.

Acholi is a tonal language, though tones are not normally written. Two seemingly identical words can mean different things depending on the tone of their vowels. Tone is therefore important for reducing ambiguity.

Acholi has five sister languages in Uganda: Lango, Palwo, Alur, Kumam, and Dhopadhola. It is closest to Lango and Alur, but even speakers of Palwo, Dhopadhola, and Kumam can understand some words in Acholi and vice versa.

How to Use This Manual

This manual is not a teach-yourself manual — it will be most helpful with a trainer's assistance. It is specifically prepared for Peace Corps Volunteers, so lessons are organized in chronological order of a trainee's needs as they go through Pre-Service Training.

There is a glossary at the end of the manual arranged in alphabetical order, comprising all vocabulary used in the manual in both English and Acholi. The manual also has a companion workbook with comprehensive practice activities and an answer key.

Apwoyo! (Thank you!)

What You Will Find in This Manual

Section	Description
Organization	The manual is organized into 9 units which roughly correspond to the weeks of Pre-Service Training.
Units	Each unit covers several communicative tasks and includes a variety of exercises.
Dialogs / Texts / Proverbs	Communicative tasks are introduced by a dialog, text, or proverb accompanied by pictures.
Reading & Listening Exercises	A variety of exercises helps you practice the language for each communicative task. Exercises are geared toward various learning tasks and include both classroom and community-based activities.
Grammar Notes	Grammar necessary for creative use of language in each communicative task is explained in brief notes interspersed throughout each unit.
Culture Notes	Notes that draw your attention to interesting facts about Acholi culture.
Safety & Security Notes	Important key points concerning your safety and security related to the communicative task you are learning.
Learning on Your Own	Some units contain tips and activities designed to help you become an independent learner.
Grammar Reference	Points of Acholi grammar explained in more detail, with comprehensive charts and answers to frequently asked questions about the language.
Functional Phrasebook	Phrases and idioms for all situations, from apologizing through promises to surprise.
Glossary	Almost all words used in the manual with basic grammatical information.

Acknowledgements

The revised version of this manual is a result of PCV and trainer responses after having used the original for five years. The majority of the revised manual was prepared in November–December 2005 by PCVs Brian Kuhl, Andrew Buck, and Michelle Joffe in collaboration with writers and translators: Henry Kabayo, Ven Kitone, Diana Kabahinda, Mary Olinga, John Kintu, Celestino Oriikiriza, Anatoli Kiriggwajjo, Joan Kakongoro, and Shirley Byakutaga.

The manual was revised again in December 2006 – July 2007 to incorporate PEPFAR communicative tasks covering Prevention, Care, and Treatment, by a team including: Susan Oce, Deogratias Emuron, Rael Kampanya, Samalie Kirya, Phillip Oketcho, Godfrey Omalla Chombo, Cornelius Gulere, Lydia Magoola, Florence Hadudu Kiingi, Andrew Luke Wandera, Rachel Nandelenga, David Woniala, Henry Kabayo, Lucy Ofuti Musoke, Hidaya Mayende, and Shirley Byakutaga.

The May/June 2008 revision was based on input and suggestions from Rasa Edwards (Language Training Specialist, PC Headquarters) to incorporate the Training Design and Evaluation (TDE) process, undertaken by Henry Kabayo, Lucy Ofuti Musoke, and Shirley Byakutaga with guidance from Country Director McGrath Jean Thomas.

The July 2009 version incorporated further improvements with the guidance of PCV Michelle Johnson. Two handbooks were prepared: one for grammar practice and another for general practice activities. Thanks to PCVs Michelle Johnson, Victoria Engelstad, and Laura Corcoran, and to Henry Kabayo, for working tirelessly on this version under the guidance of Shirley Byakutaga. Additional writers and translators: Tsongo Longino Bamande, Biira Costance, David Woniala, Samalie Kirya, Lucy Otto, and Moses Adonga Opiyo.

Special thanks to Country Director Dr. Larry Brown and Administrative Officer Gary Vizzo.