Peace Corps Jola Language Course

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

Jola 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 22 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 Jola 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 Jola 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

• Peace Corps-Jola Course (122 KB)

Audio Files

#	Audio
01	Track 1 - General Greetings (1023 KB)
02	Track 2 - Morning and Afternoon Greetings (437 KB)
03	Track 3 - Leave Taking (426 KB)
04	Track 4 - Personal Identification (1.7 MB)
05	Track 5 - Introducing Someone (398 KB)
06	Track 6 - Counting (1.1 MB)
07	Track 7 - Shopping (1.6 MB)
08	Track 8 - Common Conversation (654 KB)
09	Track 9 - Verbs and Tenses (709 KB)
10	Track 10 - Transportation (1.2 MB)
11	Track 11 - Adjectives (1.9 MB)
12	Track 12 - Weather and Weather Words (1.3 MB)
13	Track 13 - Tailoring (1.4 MB)
14	Track 14 - General Complements (513 KB)
15	Track 15 - Family and Friends Vocab (1.1 MB)
16	Track 16 - Noticing if Someone is Sick (766 KB)
17	Track 17 - Common Phrases (1.4 MB)
18	Track 18 - Question Words and Responses (1.5 MB)
19	Track 19 - Offering Prayers (1.4 MB)
20	Track 20 - Expressing Needs (761 KB)
21	Track 21 - Location (304 KB)
22	Track 22 - Credits (158 KB)