https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230707/world-kiswahili-language-day-a-language-that-speaks-to-both-past--present-1060396938.html
World Kiswahili Language Day: A Language That Speaks to Both Past & Present
World Kiswahili Language Day: A Language That Speaks to Both Past & Present
Sputnik Africa
Today, the world celebrates Kiswahili Language Day, a day dedicated to the recognition and promotion of Swahili, the largest language spoken in Africa. In... 07.07.2023, Sputnik Africa
2023-07-07T17:59+0200
2023-07-07T17:59+0200
2023-07-07T18:45+0200
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Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is a Bantu language spoken by over 200 million people in East Africa and other parts of the continent. It is the first African language to be used within the Directorate of the Global Communications at the UN.The origins of Swahili can be traced back to the eastern African coast and the northern coast of Madagascar, where it emerged as a trade language amongst the people of the region. Over time, it has evolved into a common form of communication in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in the Middle East.The Swahili language has a rich history and cultural heritage. It is believed to have originated from the interaction between Bantu-speaking inhabitants of the east coast of Africa and Arab traders from the 1500s to European colonization. The language has since evolved to include loanwords from other languages such as Arabic, Persian, Portuguese, English, and German.Kiswahili is spoken in several African countries. The countries with a high percentage of Swahili speakers are Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Comoros Islands. Small communities also exist in Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Somalia.Azoulay added that this important role of Swahili in fostering dialogue amongst the nations of the African continent has encouraged some regional organizations, such as the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to make it one of their official languages.Swahili is also known for its rich literary tradition, with famous works such as "Utendi wa Tambuka" (The Story of Tambuka) and "Al-Inkishafi" (The Soul's Awakening) dating back to the 17th century. In modern times, Swahili literature continues to thrive with works by authors such as Shaaban Robert, Euphrase Kezilahabi, and Ngugi wa Thiong'o.The World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations organized by UNESCO will be held on Friday at the organization's headquarters and some of its field offices around the world, as well as at the United Nations headquarters in New York, United States. The events are expected to include discussion circles, receptions and cultural performances.
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World Kiswahili Language Day: A Language That Speaks to Both Past & Present
17:59 07.07.2023 (Updated: 18:45 07.07.2023) Muhammad Nooh Osman
Writer/Editor
Today, the world celebrates Kiswahili Language Day, a day dedicated to the recognition and promotion of Swahili, the largest language spoken in Africa. In 2022, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated July 7 as Kiswahili Language Day, and this year marks the first celebration of the event.
Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is a Bantu language spoken by over 200 million people in East Africa and other parts of the continent. It is the first
African language to be used within the Directorate of the Global Communications at the UN.
The origins of Swahili can be traced back to the eastern African coast and the northern coast of Madagascar, where it emerged as a trade language amongst the people of the region. Over time, it has evolved into a common form of communication in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in the Middle East.
The Swahili language has a rich history and
cultural heritage. It is believed to have originated from the interaction between Bantu-speaking inhabitants of the east coast of Africa and Arab traders from the 1500s to European colonization. The language has since evolved to include loanwords from other languages such as Arabic, Persian, Portuguese, English, and German.
Kiswahili is spoken in several African countries. The countries with a high percentage of Swahili speakers are Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Comoros Islands. Small communities also exist in Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Somalia.
"Kiswahili is a language that speaks to both past and present," Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, said in a message on the occasion of World Kiswahili Language Day on Friday. "Kiswahili not only tells a story of dialogue between languages, but also of dialogue among peoples and countries. Indeed, because Kiswahili shares words and concepts with other African languages, it has an impressive unifying power."
Azoulay added that this important role of Swahili in fostering dialogue amongst the nations of the African continent has encouraged some regional organizations, such as the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to make it one of their official languages.
Swahili is also known for its rich literary tradition, with famous works such as "Utendi wa Tambuka" (The Story of Tambuka) and "Al-Inkishafi" (The Soul's Awakening) dating back to the 17th century.
In modern times, Swahili literature continues to
thrive with works by authors such as Shaaban Robert, Euphrase Kezilahabi, and Ngugi wa Thiong'o.
"On this Day, let us celebrate linguistic heritage and the cultural richness languages convey. Let us commit to protecting the diversity of languages to express our values and vision of the world at a personal level, and to foster peace and facilitate cooperation at the societal level," said the UNESCO director-general.
The World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations organized by UNESCO will be held on Friday at the organization's headquarters and some of its field offices around the world, as well as at the United Nations headquarters in New York, United States. The events are expected to include discussion circles, receptions and cultural performances.
