Maa (Maasai)
Resources for Speaking and Listening in the Maa Language
This chapter outlines several resources available to Maa language learners who are interested in practicing their speaking and listening skills. These annotated sites are designed to teach people Maa language in culturally appropriate contexts. These sites are organized alphabetically and help with auditory and visual cues. Happy Learning!!
- I share my Husband with Two Other Wives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78n8IZ2nI2A
- This site tells the marriage story of a Maasai woman. The story is documentary style and mostly uses Maa as used by the interviewee. There are some English explanations of things as outlined by the interviewer; however, most of the audio portion of this video is in Maa. A Maa language learner can learn MUCH from this video not only about Maa language but also about Maasai marriage. This video is an incredible resource for a language learner to be exposed to spoken Maa on a culturally intriguing topic.
2. Maasai Dancers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLDwn9Jo6Kg
- This site provides an introductory example of Maasai singing and dancing. A beginner Maa learning could use this video to expose themselves to Maasai clothing, dancing, singing, ceremonial processes, and Maa language. A more advanced learning could use this video to practice their language skills and see which words they understand and which ones they need to practice.
3. Maasai Greetings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6PXQQW9x-o
- This site is an introduction to Maasai greetings. The teacher in this video provides some cultural examples based on formality and gender. She describes some of these contexts in English while providing the Maa greeting terminology. This video is wonderful for Maa language beginners.
4. Maasai Women Musical: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO7h8vjuJf4
- This site provides an introductory example of Maasai singing and dancing. A beginner Maa learning could use this video to expose themselves to Maasai clothing, dancing, singing, ceremonial processes, and Maa language. A more advanced learning could use this video to practice their language skills and see which words they understand and which ones they need to practice.
5. Lemarti Oyee Remix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quc1i2tW6os
- This site provides an introductory example of Maasai singing and dancing. A beginner Maa learning could use this video to expose themselves to Maasai clothing, dancing, singing, ceremonial processes, and Maa language. A more advanced learning could use this video to practice their language skills and see which words they understand and which ones they need to practice.
6. Shilishil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZCXCyCDcA4
- This site provides an introductory example of Maasai singing and dancing. A beginner Maa learning could use this video to expose themselves to Maasai clothing, dancing, singing, ceremonial processes, and Maa language. A more advanced learning could use this video to practice their language skills and see which words they understand and which ones they need to practice.
