Google Translate and the Somali language has made me realize...

[Inactive]

... Somalis write Somali the way they want to write it. There's no other explanation. Or is there no standard?

There is no reason for Google Translate to not be able to translate a Somali sentence to at least an OK level like the other languages. 90% of the words just come back Somali. Google Translate added Somali a few years ago.

 

[Hubble]

There isn't a standard. All the regional differences are a standard where they're spoken and we have af Maay and other completely different dialects of Somali to the one we speak which means there's less of a standard the more you think about it.

 

[angrycat]

this is what I've been saying since forever. there is no standard, everyone just writes however they speak.

 

[Thegoodshepherd]

There is such a thing as standard Somali grammar; the problem is that so few Somalis have been taught their language formally.
Most just wing it or write what they feel is right.

 

[Morphius]

There is a standard written Somali that everyone understands. Check Somali news sites

 

[Gibiin-Udug]

I've seen older people sounding the words and writing them down. They write whichever they can pronounce it.

For example


One might pronounce mom as Hooyo or Hoyoo, hoyo.

How do you expect google translate to get all 3.

 

[Apollo]

Somali does have grammar rules and is standardized to some extent. Those who finish secondary education in Somalia should know them. The problem are all those in the diaspora or those in Somalia who didn't go to school who mess up the written language.

PS. Google Translate is a bit screwed up. Even in other languages.

 

[ReeBorama]

The irony in this thread, its just quite funny how most of you who couldn't string couple of Somali sentences together with out making any spelling and grammatical mistakes, have come to the conclusion that Somali is not an standardized language

Do not use such idiotic sweeping statements like "Somali isn't standard language" as an excuse for your ineptness and incompetence in your own mother tongue. Somali language is standardized when it comes to writing and has only minor issues with certain words and letters.

In my mind, I believe Somali is the most easiest languages to write, thats if you master the speaking form first. The only people who are unable to write Somali correctly are the ones who are linguistically challenged, no offence


Btw, One would not write "mom" as mome" or Mother as Mather, so I honestly don't understand how one can have any difficulty writing Hooyo in its correct and standardized form.

Hoyo=go home

 

[Apollo]

I once bought this Somali grammar book in Nairobi. Have it at my place, but never bothered to study it. It's detailed as f*ck. 400 pages full of rules.

 

[Hubble]

I once bought this Somali grammar book in Nairobi. Have it at my place, but never bothered to study it. It's detailed as f*ck. 400 pages full of rules.

What's the name of the title?

 

[Apollo]

What's the name of the title?

Here you go:
Somali Reference Grammar Revised Edition by John Ibrahim Saeed

It's actually a bit novice level (target audience diplomats in Somalia). But nice nevertheless.