Understanding and Learning Basic Swahili
Languages of East Africa
By
Donovan Pacholl
While there are hundreds of languages in East Africa (more than 120 just in Tanzania), the most popular languages tend to be Swahili and English. English is usually the language of business, while Swahili is the national language - of both Kenya and Tanzania. There are Swahili speakers in most of the surrounding countries, including Congo, Uganda, Mozambique, and it's one of the biggest languages in East Africa, with more than 50 million people speaking it.
Some East Africa countries, however, do have a better command of English. For example, in Kenya and Uganda, most people in the urban areas can usually speak English. Generally people have a good command of the English language, and are very gregarious. Conversely, in rural settings, and in most places in Tanzania, most locals speak Swahili or their local language.
While most people who deal in the tourist industry speak English, by learning some basic Swahili greetings and answers, it will help you tremendously and gain you much more respect.
Begin by learning some of the basics - important words like "thank you," "how are you," "yes," and "no." There are tons of excellent resources on the Internet that, very simply, show you the important words to learn, how to construct a simple sentence, and what to say if you have a problem. Remember it's okay to make mistakes when speaking. Some of traveler's best experiences and interactions with people are when they have said something wrong. Usually everyone laughs and the local person tries to teach you.
Although Swahili might sounds difficult, it's phonetic and easy to learn. Try these!
Basics Words/Phrases
Yes = Ndiyo
No = Hapana
Okay = Sawa
Maybe = Labda
How are you? = Habari Yako?
Good = Nzuri
Thank you = Asante
Hello = Jambo
I am fine = Sijambo
Please = Tafadhali (the dh is pronounced like a th)
Goodbye = Kwaheri
What is your name? = Jina lako ni nani?
My name is ...= Jina langu ni ...
I don't speak Swahili = Sisemi Kiswahili
Learn More Swahili
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Africa Insiders page.
