Why learn Kurdish?
Kurdish is the language of 30 to 40 million people across Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria — and a vast diaspora in Germany, France, Sweden and the UK. Learning it is often an act of cultural affirmation, of reconnection with an identity preserved despite long-standing pressure.
Whether you are part of the diaspora or simply passionate about world languages, Dialect gives you the tools to progress quickly.
The Dialect Method
Our app combines playful learning with linguistic rigor:
- Essential vocabulary: learn the words most used in everyday life.
- Clear audio: hear the clear pronunciation of every word.
- Interactive quizzes: test your knowledge and track your progress.
- Review mode: never lose what you've already learned.
The Science Behind Dialect
To be among the best educational resources, Dialect builds on cognitive neuroscience principles:
- Spaced Repetition System (SRS): our algorithm calculates the optimal time to review each word, right before you would forget it.
- Clear audio: every word comes with audio to guide your pronunciation.
- Granular learning: we break dialects into manageable units to prevent cognitive overload.
Kurdish in a few facts
- Language family: Western Iranian language (Indo-European).
- Speakers: 30 to 40 million speakers.
- Main regions: Kurdistan, divided between southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq, northwestern Iran and northern Syria, with major diaspora in Germany, France and Sweden.
- Writing systems: Latin alphabet for Kurmanji (Turkey, Syria), modified Arabic alphabet for Sorani (Iraq, Iran).
Kurdish is not a single language but a group of sometimes mutually less intelligible varieties. The two main ones — Kurmanji (north, Latin alphabet) and Sorani (center, modified Arabic alphabet) — are recognized as regional official languages in Iraqi Kurdistan. The language carries a rich and resilient literature, deeply tied to a stateless nation's identity.
Essential Kurdish words
A handful of words to get started — each available in the app with audio:
| English | Kurdish | Example |
|---|---|---|
| me | ez | It's me |
| you | tu | Is that you? |
| him | ew | He is here |
| her | ew | She is here |
| we | em | We are going out |
The Dialect app covers several hundred Kurdish words and expressions, organized by difficulty and theme.
How Dialect makes learning Kurdish easier
Learning a heritage language when you live in the diaspora has unique challenges: few structured resources, materials often aimed at linguists rather than daily learners, and a critical shortage of reliable audio recordings. Dialect was built to address these obstacles.
Specifically for Kurdish, the app provides:
- Progress by frequency of use: you first learn words and phrases you will actually hear.
- Clear audio: consistent pronunciation from session one.
- Short sessions (5 cards a day): consistency beats intensity.
- Smart review: the spaced repetition algorithm presents each word right before you would forget it.
Hello, thank you and essential phrases in Kurdish
Looking to say hello in Kurdish, thank you or how are you? Here are the must-know greetings and polite phrases. Each one is available with audio in the Dialect app:
| English | Kurdish |
|---|---|
| Hello | rojbaş |
| Hi | silav |
| Thank you | spas |
| Yes | erê |
| No | na |
| Goodbye | oxir be |
| Sorry | lêborîn |
| How are you | tu çawa yî |
Transcriptions above are approximate: real pronunciation varies by region. To hear the pronunciation, listen to each phrase in Dialect.
Frequently asked questions about learning Kurdish
How do you say hello in Kurdish?
In Kurdish, "hello" is "rojbaş". In casual settings you can also say "silav". Hear the pronunciation in the Dialect app.
How long does it take to learn the basics of Kurdish?
With Dialect, practicing 5 to 10 minutes a day, you can master essential Kurdish vocabulary in 4 to 6 weeks.
Is the Dialect app free?
Yes. Dialect is free with a daily session of 5 cards per language.
Is the Kurdish audio available in the Dialect app?
Yes, every word comes with clear audio in the app to help you memorise the pronunciation.
Which Kurdish variety does Dialect cover?
Dialect currently focuses on Kurmanji, the most widely spoken Kurdish variety.
Is Dialect available on Android?
Yes. On Android and on desktop, Dialect runs directly in your browser through the web app (mydialect.io/app): same languages, same native audio, same account. The native app is available on iPhone and iPad from the App Store.
In short: Why choose Dialect?
Dialect is the complete solution for learning Kurdish. It combines spaced repetition, 100% clear audio, and a mobile-optimized interface for fast mastery of everyday vocabulary.
Discover other languages on Dialect
Dialect offers 18 heritage languages to reconnect with your roots:
Start for free, today
Free daily session. On iPhone via the App Store, or straight in the browser on Android and desktop.
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