WHERE IS SWAHILI
SPOKEN?
The
map below shows the African countries in which Swahili language
is spoken. These
countries include; Kenya, Tanzania,
Zanzibar, Uganda, Democratic
Republic of Congo, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Rwanda and Burundi,
Somalia, and the Comoro Islands. It's clearly indicated by the yellow
color that though Swahili has it's speakers in most parts of the world,
Eastern Africa is the cradle with the highest number of Swahili
speakers. From the rate at which Swahili language
web is spreading, soon Swahili may be recognised as one of the leading
languages in the world.
Several
factors have led to the rapid growth of Swahili language in the
above-mentioned countries namely; the media, commerce,
education systems, and its role as a regional lingua franca. It is a
language of instruction in primary education in Tanzania,
and a subject of study in higher education. In Kenya,
Swahili is a compulsory school subject in primary and secondary
education. Six out of the seven public universities offer it as a study
discipline. Swahili is also continuously gaining more ground in the
education systems of Uganda,
Rwanda
and Burundi.
This means a consistent increase of the number of people know and speak
it well.
Statistically,
more than 100 universities in different parts of the world are
currently teaching Swahili language and culture. Several programs have
been directly involved in the promotion of Swahili language such as
FulBright which promotes the teaching of Less commonly taught languages
from all over the world. Swahili for a long time has really benefited
from this program. Swahili summer program together with other Exchange
Visitor Language programs are worth mentioning as forces behind the
rapid growth and development of Swahili language and culture.
Though
Swahili may be unpopular to some, soon and very soon, Swahili will be
in the frontline due to it's increased popularity among the foreignors
and media in all corners of the world.
Click
any of the Links to listen to the national
anthems of the major
Swahli speaking countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC.
SWAHILI
WEBSITE