After many years of meeting foreigners, it is clear that one of the main difficulties faced by our dear English-speaking friends who wish to learn Malagasy (or at least use it once during their trip) is the correct pronunciation of the accent in Malagasy. Learning the language and the words may seem like child’s play, but practice quickly reveals that the situation is quite different. If the accent is not placed correctly, it can change the meaning of your statements. For example, “Tananà” refers to the village (with the accent on the penultimate syllable), while “tànana” means the hand (with the accent on the first syllable). Similarly, “Mahandro” means “to cook,” whereas “mandro” means “to take a shower.”
The Malagasy alphabet, unlike the English one, consists of only 21 letters, but the pronunciation can sometimes differ from that of foreign languages. The “e” is pronounced like the French “é,” the “o” is pronounced like “ou,” the “g” is pronounced “gue,” the “j” is pronounced “dz,” and the “r” is generally rolled. Combinations of sounds can also pose challenges. For example, “ao” mixes the two vowels to give a sound close to the French “o,” “tr” is pronounced “tch,” and “dr” is pronounced “dj.” Being a former French colony, French is the second most used language in Madagascar, which is why Malagasy is closer to French than to English.
Mastering these nuances of pronunciation may seem difficult at first, but with practice, you will be able to express yourself clearly in Malagasy. The importance of the accent and correct pronunciation cannot be underestimated, as it contributes to better communication and mutual understanding during your exchanges with the locals.
Don’t hesitate to listen to native speakers and practice regularly to refine your pronunciation. Every correctly pronounced word brings you closer to the beauty of the Malagasy language and the culture that surrounds it.
