Learn Hardcore Swahili: Ninataka kusafiri duniani ili nijifunze tamaduni mbalimbali. - I want to travel the world so that I can learn different cultures.

The sentence means "I want to travel the world in order to learn various cultures." It expresses the desire to travel with the purpose of gaining knowledge about different cultural traditions.

Why is the verb "kusafiri" in its infinitive form after "ninataka"?

In Swahili, when the verb "kutaka" (to want) is used, the following verb is typically in its infinitive form. Therefore, "kusafiri" (to travel) remains uninflected, directly following "ninataka" (I want).

How is the word "duniani" formed, and what does it indicate?

"Duniani" comes from the noun "dunia," which means "world." The suffix "-ni" is a locative marker that indicates location, so "duniani" translates to "in the world."

What purpose does the word "ili" serve in this sentence?

The word "ili" functions as a purpose connector. It is equivalent to "in order to" or "so that" in English, linking the main clause with the purpose clause that explains why the subject wants to travel.

How is the reflexive aspect expressed in the verb "nijifunze"?

In "nijifunze," the construction is reflexive. The prefix "ni-" indicates that the subject is "I," while the insertion of "ji-" within the verb shows that the action is directed inward (learning for oneself). Additionally, this verb is in the subjunctive mood following "ili," which expresses the intended action of self-learning.

Why is the verb in the second clause in the subjunctive mood?

After the purpose marker "ili," Swahili grammar requires the verb to be in the subjunctive mood to indicate an action that is desired or intended rather than a factual event. Hence, "nijifunze" is in the subjunctive to convey the purpose of traveling—that is, "so that I may learn" various cultures.