In this episode we’ll get into some challenging but very important elements of the Amharic language. That is, how to incorporate the person who is doing the action (the subject) and the person who is receiving the action, or whom the action is being done upon (the object) in a sentence. Learning this means that we can build and understand more complex and specific sentences. Due to the complexity of these conjugations, I highly recommend following along with the episode transcript (link in the show bio).

S3.E2 - Subject And Object, Part I

Today we’ll continue from where we left off last week with our object modifiers, this time adding two important preposition that can completely change the meaning of the object-modified verb. These are the prepositions ለ and በ, the addition of which adds a layer of differing meaning to the word. In this episode, travel through full verb conjugation examples followed by sample sentences for practice.

S3.E3 - Subject And Object, Part II

In this week’s episode we’ll look at the Imperative and the Jussive, which are related forms of command or request. The Imperative is the name given to a direct command: i.e. go, come, listen, stop, etc. The Jussive can be thought of as an indirect command, more along the lines of “let him eat”, “let her take”, etc. It is often phrased as a question or request: “shall we?”, “may I?”, “could you?”, etc. In Amharic, as with all verb conjugations, these command forms vary according to the person being addressed.

S3.E4 - The Imperative And Jussive

In this episode we’ll look at some of the most often used, but also most complex, verbs in the Amharic language. That is, uses of the verb አለ “Ale”. If you’ve made it this far in your language learning you’re likely to have come across the following verbs fairly regularly: አለ, አለው, አለሁ, አልኩ, አለኝ, etc. These variations on አለ are often written and even sound almost exactly the same, but they have different meanings and origins. This episode is designed to help you Identify them from one another and know which to use in any given context. The episode ends with an “appendix” wherein full verb conjugations are found. As always, the full conjugations can be found in the episode transcript.

S3.E5 - Variations On Ale

Today we’re lucky to be back with another episode in our Stories Series with the fabulous Selamawit Geleta. If you’re interested in taking Amharic classes, please visit our website at berekabuna.org. As with the last two story series episodes, you’ll find the picture book images and a list of vocabulary in the transcript at our website. I’d recommend following along to test your comprehension and learn new vocabulary.

S3.E6 - Story Series, Ato Andreas Part I

In this episode we pick up again with the second half of Ato Andreas’s story, narrated by the wonderful Selamawit Geleta. As always, if you enjoy her teaching style, you can connect by visiting our website, berekabuna.org. As with the last episode, you can find the illustrated story, as well as comprehension questions, suggested activities and a list of vocabulary in the transcript. If you would like to comment on the story series or other aspects of the podcast, please send us an email. The address is contact@berekabuna.org. In the meantime, enjoy!

S3.E7 - Story Series, Ato Andreas Part II

Today we’ll look at how to construct compound sentences using a verb form called The Gerund. We introduced the Gerund and how it is used to make past perfect conjugations in Episode 6 of Season 2, so if you’re struggling with this episode, I’d recommend going back for a recap. Now we’re going to go a step further and look at how the gerund is used in conjunction with other verbs to build compound sentences in which more than one action is taking place.

S3.E8 - Building Compound Sentences

In this week’s episode we’ll give grammar and technicalities a break to have a look at some of the unique phrases or expressions in Amharic that have no translation in English, and which give the language so much character. While I learned some of these just by listening and understanding context, many were actually new to me when I started this episode. Now that I know them, though, I can’t stop hearing them used everywhere. I hope this episode helps make you feel more at home with colloquial Amharic.

S3.E9 - Unique Amharic Expressions

Welcome to the final episode of Season 3 of Bereka Buna, where we’ll do our recap and practice for everything we’ve gone over this season. As always, you’ll hear the activity followed by the answer. If you’d like to use this as a test of your knowledge, make sure to pause before the answer is given and then check your answer. Also remember you can always open up the transcript to see the Amharic Fidel and review more by visiting berekabuna.org. መልካም እድል እና እስከ የሚቀጥለው ጊዜ, ሰላም ሁኑ!

S3.E10 - Season 3 Recap And Practice

Learn how to confidently describe your food preferences in English! In this episode, we break down key vocabulary, useful phrases, and expressions for talking about your likes, dislikes, dietary restrictions, and favorite cuisines. Whether you're dining out, talking with friends, or traveling abroad, this guide will help you master the language of food.

Describing food preferences podcast

Welcome to Bereka Buna, a podcast series designed to support Amharic Language Learning. Episodes in the series range from a focus on vocabulary and grammar to dialogue and more conversational Amharic to get you started on learning the language and move you beyond the basics. Follow along with full transcripts (transliterated and in Amharic Fidel) to hone your reading and writing skills as you listen. The course is meant as support for learning you may already be embarking on. Join host, Luana DeBorst, and guest speakers on this journey of language learning and exploration! For more visit berekabuna.org. Accompanying videos can be found on YouTube @BerekaBuna.

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