Swahili Surprises: 10 Lesser-Known Facts About the Swahili Language

Swahili, or Kiswahili, is a widely spoken language in East Africa and holds significance in various sectors including commerce, education, and culture. While it’s known as the lingua franca of East Africa, there are many intriguing facets to Swahili that remain lesser-known. Here are ten such facts:

1. Bantu Core:

Swahili belongs to the Bantu family of languages. While it has borrowed extensively from Arabic due to centuries of trade and interaction with Arab merchants, its core structure and majority of its vocabulary are Bantu.

2. Lingua Franca of East Africa:

Swahili is spoken by over 100 million people across East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and parts of Mozambique, Congo, and Zambia. It acts as a bridge connecting various ethnic and linguistic communities.

3. Swahili in Space:

The word ‘hakuna matata’, made famous globally by ‘The Lion King’, means ‘no worries’ in Swahili. This phrase even traveled to space! Astronauts aboard the STS-89 mission in 1998 used it as a wakeup call during their mission.

4. Cultural Influence:

Swahili has been influenced by various languages due to trade along the East African coast. This includes Arabic, Persian, Portuguese, German, and English, among others. This mix makes Swahili a true melting pot of cultures and histories.

5. Literary Significance:

Swahili boasts a rich literary tradition, including both oral and written works. One of the most famous epics is the “Utendi wa Tambuka” (The Story of Tambuka), which is considered one of the earliest Swahili epics.

6. Coastal Origins:

The name “Swahili” originates from the Arabic word “sawahil” which means “coasts”. This is a testament to the language’s origins along the East African coast.

7. Arabic Script:

Historically, Swahili was written in the Arabic script, especially in religious and poetic contexts. However, in the 20th century, it transitioned to the Latin script, which is the predominant form used today.

8. National Language:

While Swahili is spoken in many countries, it’s the national language of Tanzania and Kenya. In Tanzania, it’s used in daily communication and is the medium of instruction in schools, making it one of the few African nations to use an indigenous language in education.

9. Number System:

One unique feature of Swahili is its number system. For instance, numbers six to nine in Swahili are derived from the root words for hand and fingers, representing the act of counting on one’s fingers after the first hand.

10. Digital Swahili:

The digital age hasn’t left Swahili behind. There’s a growing presence of Swahili on the internet, and it’s one of the few African languages supported by major tech platforms, ensuring its continued relevance in the modern world.

Conclusion:

Swahili, with its historical depth, linguistic richness, and cultural significance, stands out as a beacon of unity in East Africa. Its influence, which extends from ancient trade routes to modern digital platforms, highlights the adaptability and resilience of this beautiful language. As we delve deeper into the intricacies of Swahili, we gain a better appreciation for the language’s contribution to the global linguistic landscape.