Peace Corps Bambara Language Course

The Peace Corps Bambara Language Course is a free language learning resource developed by the United States Peace Corps. Originally created for volunteers preparing for service in Bambara-speaking regions, this course provides a practical introduction to the Bambara language through structured lessons, dialogues, and exercises grounded in real-world communication.

Bambara is spoken in communities across Africa, and this course is designed to help English speakers build the foundational skills needed for everyday conversation. Whether you are preparing for travel, volunteer work, or professional engagement, the course covers essential vocabulary, grammar patterns, and cultural context to help you communicate effectively.

The materials follow a communicative approach, emphasizing practical phrases and situational dialogues rather than abstract grammar rules. Lessons are structured for self-paced study and can be used independently or alongside a language partner or tutor.

What’s Included

This course includes 30 audio files. The audio recordings are essential for developing proper pronunciation and listening comprehension — use them alongside the written materials for the best results.

How to Use This Course

Begin with the earliest lessons to establish a foundation in pronunciation and basic greetings. Work through the dialogues by first reading through the English translations, then practicing the Bambara phrases aloud. If audio recordings are available, listen to each segment multiple times before attempting to repeat it. As you progress, try covering the English column and producing the Bambara from memory.

The audio files are designed to be used actively — pause after each phrase, repeat it aloud, and check your pronunciation against the recording. Regular practice with the audio will build both your speaking confidence and your ability to understand native speakers.

Course Materials

PDFs

• ML Bambara Language Lessons (135 KB)
• ML French Language Lessons (134 KB)

Audio Files

#	Audio
01	ML Bambara Lesson 1 (1.9 MB)
02	ML Bambara Lesson 2 (1.4 MB)
03	ML Bambara Lesson 3 (1.9 MB)
04	ML Bambara Lesson 4 (953 KB)
05	ML Bambara Lesson 5 (1.4 MB)
06	ML Bambara Lesson 6 (916 KB)
07	ML Bambara Lesson 7 (1.1 MB)
08	ML Bambara Lesson 8 (1.4 MB)
09	ML Bambara Lesson 9 (1.2 MB)
10	ML Bambara Lesson 10 (1.4 MB)
11	ML Bambara Lesson 11 (2.0 MB)
12	ML Bambara Lesson 12 (1.3 MB)
13	ML Bambara Lesson 13 (986 KB)
14	ML French Lesson 1 (1.2 MB)
15	ML French Lesson 2 (2.5 MB)
16	ML French Lesson 3 (3.0 MB)
17	ML French Lesson 4 (1.9 MB)
18	ML French Lesson 5 (1.0 MB)
19	ML French Lesson 6 (1.4 MB)
20	ML French Lesson 7 (1.2 MB)
21	ML French Lesson 8 (1.9 MB)
22	ML French Lesson 9 (2.3 MB)
23	ML French Lesson 10 (1.9 MB)
24	ML French Lesson 11 (1.9 MB)
25	ML French Lesson 12 (1.2 MB)
26	ML French Lesson 13 (2.3 MB)
27	ML French Lesson 14 (2.2 MB)
28	ML French Lesson 15 (2.2 MB)
29	ML French Lesson 16 (3.3 MB)
30	ML French Lesson 17 (2.4 MB)