Speak Kiswahili in and out of class, Standard CEO tells learners

Oxford University Press East Africa (OUPEA) has launched a new edition, the tenth of its Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary (OALD).

 At the same time, the publisher has unveiled the fourth edition of Kamusi Sanifu Ya Kiswahili.

Speaking at the launch held at a Nairobi hotel, Group Regional Director John Mwazemba said the two products have been in existence since 1948 and 1981 respectively.

The tenth edition dictionary, he said, also has an online version apart from hard copy.

‘‘The OALD 10 builds English vocabulary better than ever before. It has over 60,000 words, 79,000 phrases, 89,000 meanings, 109,000 examples, and over 1,000 new words and meanings and a fully revised A-Z with up-to-date example sentences,’’ he explained.

The fourth edition of Kamusi ya Kiswahili Sanifu on the other hand, he said has specifically been developed to meet the needs of secondary and tertiary level learners in Eastern Africa.  

Standard Group PLC Chief Executive Officer Orlando Lyomu, who was the chief guest, said the media house’s partnership with Oxford University Press started in May last year through the launch of Tutor-Soma Tu project.

Tutor-Soma Tu is an online learning platform to enable students at home to continue with learning as countries worldwide adjust to the new norm in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The first confirmed case of the coronavirus was reported in March last year.

Mr Lyomu said any language that is not practised through speaking and writing will die and therefore challenged teachers to ensure that not only is Kiswahili language spoken in class, but also outside.

Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association Chairman Indimuli Kahi echoed Lyomu's sentiments. He challenged teachers serve as an example in promoting Kiswahili by speaking the language even outside class.