Learning Sinhala

[Wehomeschool]

Anyone here know the Sinhala language or is in the process of learning it and can recommend a program? It is for myself and my kids. It doesn't have to be kid friendly. We will likely be living in Sri Lanka in the next couple years and would like to know basic conversation and reading when we get there.

[Mabelen]

Anyone here know the Sinhala language or is in the process of learning it and can recommend a program? It is for myself and my kids. It doesn't have to be kid friendly. We will likely be living in Sri Lanka in the next couple years and would like to know basic conversation and reading when we get there.

I am sorry I can't recommend a program. I just wanted to wish you good luck. My dh is Sri Lankan and can speak Sinhalese although he is an ethnic Tamil. I did try learning some Tamil a long time ago and gave up because all of my dh's relatives speak excellent English. Where in Sri Lanka will you be located?

[Wehomeschool]

I am sorry I can't recommend a program. I just wanted to wish you good luck. My dh is Sri Lankan and can speak Sinhalese although he is an ethnic Tamil. I did try learning some Tamil a long time ago and gave up because all of my dh's relatives speak excellent English. Where in Sri Lanka will you be located?

Thanks for the well wishes! I don't know for sure yet, but probably Kandy or somewhere nearby.

[Mabelen]

Thanks for the well wishes! I don't know for sure yet, but probably Kandy or somewhere nearby.

Kandy is where my dh grew up, a Sinhalese majority area, they are supposed to speak the best Sinhalese and can be a little snobbish about it too! He had a privileged childhood and has wonderful memories of that time... before the major strife began.

[Wehomeschool]

Kandy is where my dh grew up, a Sinhalese majority area, they are supposed to speak the best Sinhalese and can be a little snobbish about it too! He had a privileged childhood and has wonderful memories of that time... before the major strife began.

I guess we had better get started learning the language then :) We have about 18 months before we move so hopefully we can step off the plane and be able to communicate some.

[Mabelen]

I guess we had better get started learning the language then :) We have about 18 months before we move so hopefully we can step off the plane and be able to communicate some.

Oh, I wouldn't worry about the snobbish part! It is always aimed at other Sinhala native speakers from other parts of the country, not at foreigners learning to speak it! I have a girlfriend from Kandy whose dh is from Colombo and she always teases him saying my husband's Sinhalese is better than his! You will find they are very warm and friendly people and they will really appreciate your efforts in learning their language. What is bringing you to Sri Lanka?