Swahili language

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Swahili language, also known by its native name Kiswahili, is a Bantu language and the first language of the Swahili people. It is a lingua franca of the African Great Lakes region and other parts of eastern and southeastern Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The number of Swahili speakers, both native and second-language speakers, is estimated to be more than 100 million.

History

Swahili developed from a mixture of Bantu languages and Arabic, as the Swahili people had extensive contact with Arab traders along the East African coast. The earliest known documents written in Swahili are letters written in Kilwa in 1711 in the Arabic script. It was first written in the Latin alphabet in the 19th century during the German and British colonial periods.

Classification

Swahili is classified as a member of the Sabaki subgroup of the Northeast Coast Bantu languages. It has borrowed a significant amount of vocabulary from Arabic, due to centuries of contact with Arab traders. Swahili also incorporates words from Persian, Portuguese, German, and English.

Geographic Distribution

Swahili is spoken by significant populations in Tanzania and Kenya, where it is an official language alongside English. It is also an official language of the African Union and the East African Community. In Tanzania, it is the national language, used in education, administration, and media.

Dialects

There are several dialects of Swahili, including Kiunguja (spoken in Zanzibar), Kimvita (spoken in Mombasa), and Kiamu (spoken in Lamu). Kiunguja is considered the standard dialect and is the basis for standard Swahili.

Phonology

Swahili phonology is typical for a Bantu language, featuring a system of vowel harmony and a range of consonants. It has five vowel sounds, similar to those in Arabic, and a consonant system that includes both voiced and voiceless stops.

Grammar

Swahili grammar is characterized by its noun class system, typical of Bantu languages, which affects verbs, adjectives, and pronouns. The language uses prefixes, infixes, and suffixes to indicate tense, mood, and aspect in verbs. Swahili also employs prepositions, conjunctions, and relative pronouns to construct complex sentences.

Writing System

Swahili has been written in the Latin alphabet since the 19th century. Before that, it was written in the Arabic script. The Latin-based orthography was standardized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Literature and Media

Swahili literature includes both oral and written traditions, with poetry being a particularly important form. Modern Swahili literature has grown and includes novels, plays, and poetry. Swahili media is vibrant, with numerous radio stations, television channels, and newspapers operating in the language.

Education and Status

Swahili is taught in schools throughout eastern Africa and is used in various domains of public life. Its status as a lingua franca and as an official language of several international organizations has contributed to its spread and development.

Cultural Significance

Swahili plays a crucial role in the cultural identity of the Swahili people and has been instrumental in the spread of Islam and Islamic culture in East Africa. It is also a significant carrier of the region's oral literature and history.