Swahili Words from other LanguagesExamples of Swahili Words Originating from other LanguagesThe root of the Swahli language is based on Bantu, but there are many different influences, originating form tade relations in the early years, later from Protuguese traders and early colonists, and fianlly also from the time of the British and German colonies. Swahili Words with Persian / Arab OriginsThe Arab and Persian cultures had the most important influence on the Swahili culture and the Swahili language. The intensive trade traffic between the East Coast of Africa and the Arab peninsulas helped to spread and mix the two languages: Swahili NumbersTo demonstrate the contribution of these cultures into the Swahili language, let's look at the numbers as they are spoken in Swahili. These number words come from the Bantu language, and African
language with roots in the Niger-Congo area, thus in central
Africa: On the other hand there are the number words that were
borrowed from the Arabic language: The Arabic word "tisa" actually replaced the Bantu word "kenda" for "nine". Occasionally the word "kenda" is still used. The Swahili words, "chai" = tea, "achari" = pickle, "serikali" = government, "diwani" = councillor, "sheha" = village councillor, are some of the words borrowed from Persian bearing testimony to the older connections with Persian merchants.
Portuguese Influence on SwahiliThe Swahili language also absorbed words from the Portuguese who controlled the Swahili coastal towns (c. 1500-1700AD). Here are some of the words that the Swahili language
absorbed from the Portuguese language: The sport of Swahili bullfighting, which is still practiced on Pemba island, was brought to this island by the Portuguese, an other indication of theri cultural influence on the Swahili culture. English and German Words in the Swahili Language:Swahili also borrowed some words from languages of the later colonial powers on the East African coast - British English and German. Swahilized English words include The Swahilized German words include Obviously the Swahili language is not a dead language and it continues to evolve, many of the computer terms and other moderns appliances have their Swahili equivalent, often closely related to the English word.
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What satisfied customers say about the Pimsleur Swahili Audio Downloads:
If you're absolutely new to Swahili (as are most humans), this audio book is a great 1st place to *start*. It will really aid in learning how to pronounce Swahili. On a trip to Kenya, a number of Kenyans commented that I sounded like a life-long native speaker. This was surprising to them mainly because my vocabulary was so poor. This audio set will NOT teach you how to speak Swahili; it will teach you how to pronounce it wonderfully - a great first step. - Redneck, Texas, USA
I'm 60 and the thought of
learning a new language seemed very daunting but this Pimsleur
course, broken up into ten 30-minute sessions, is very
efficient and well thought out. The key is to speak each word
out loud when asked, which allows your brain and your mouth to
adapt to this new, melodic, and often tongue-twisting
sound.
Each new
lesson reviews the last and then inserts a new word or two into
sentences you already know. It focusses on words and short
sentences that should be very useful when travelling and as the
course proceeds you realize that you are able to invent your
own sentences and express new thoughts with what you learn.
If anything, the only critique would be that some of the more
difficult pronounciations should be spelled out.
Ms often sound like Ns, and Bs like Ps etc. Expect to listen to
each lesson more than once, but progress is very
rapid. - Miggs Burroughs, Westport, CT,
USA