What alphabet does Swahili use?
Latin alphabet
Although originally written with the Arabic script, Swahili is now written in a Latin alphabet introduced by Christian missionaries and colonial administrators.
What is the Swahili language a mix of?
Bantu
It is the mixture of Perso-Arab and Bantu cultures in Kilwa that is credited for creating Swahili as a distinctive East African culture and language. The diverse history of the Swahili Coast has also resulted in multicultural influences on Swahili arts, including furniture and architecture.
Where did Swahili language originated?
Africa
The language dates from the contacts of Arabian traders with the inhabitants of the east coast of Africa over many centuries. Under Arab influence, Swahili originated as a lingua franca used by several closely related Bantu-speaking tribal groups.
How many Swahili speakers are there in the world?
Experts estimate Swahili is spoken by more than 100 million people. To put it another way: More people speak Swahili than Korean or Italian.
What countries use Swahili?
It’s a national language in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, and an official language of the East African Community which comprises Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. Its use is spreading to southern, western and northern Africa.
What languages are spoken in Swahili?
The Bantu language of Swahili acts as the first language of the Swahili people. Several variations of Swahili are spoken in the DRC, with the dominant one being Kingwana . The languages act as a lingua franca in Eastern Equatorial Africa. Two major variations of the Tshiluba language are spoken in the DRC.
Where can I learn Swahili?
Popular Locations to Learn Swahili. The most common and popular Swahili language learning programs are available in countries where Swahili is spoken. Great locations to study include Stone Town on Zanzibar, Moshi near Mt. Kilimanjaro, and Dar Es Salaam, the coastal capital, in Tanzania.
What are common phrases in Swahili?
10 Useful Swahili Words & Phrases to Learn Shkiamoo (shka-moo)/Habari (ha-ba-ri) & Mambo (mam-bo) – ‘Hello & How are You’ in Swahili Naomba (na-oum-ba)- ‘I would Like…’ Ndiyo (Nn-di-yo)/ Hapana (Ha-pah-ah)- Yes, and No ‘Asante (Ah-san-tie)- Thank You Karibu (ka-ri-bu) – Welcome/ You’re Welcome Mimi Ni Mgonjwa (m-gon-jwa)- ‘I am Sick’
What is the official language of Swahili?
Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is a Bantu language and it is the native language of Swahili people . It is spoken by various communities in the African Great Lakes region. There are around 140 million speakers of Swahili language. Swahili is the national or official language of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo .