Swahili The Language of North East Africa

Swahili is the most widely spoken African language - spoken by over 50 million people.
Spoken in several African countries such as Madagascar, the Comores, Kenya, Tanzania, parts of
Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic,
Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and even parts of South Africa. Swahili is viewed as an international
African language and it is considered to be one of the easiest to learn.
http://movies.disney.com/the-lion-king
Tourists to the African countries listed above will be greeted with huge smiles of approval when an
attempt is made by visitors to speak their language. Try a few Swahili words and see how the visit
can be enhanced - it will thrill the local people and show them that their culture and language is
appreciated.
The Swahili language is phonetic and so is pronounced as it is read, which makes it even easier!
Familiar Swahili Words and Phrases
Many people will recognize the following words and phrases - reinforcing these words is a good
place to start for tourists who want to learn a little Swahili:
Safari - a Swahili word which means trip or voyage
Askari - soldier
Jambo - hello, hi, good morning, good evening, nice to see you
Rafiki - of Lion King movie fame, the word means friend
Simba - also made famous in Lion King, simba means lion
Hakuna Matata - no troubles / no worries - most will recognize it from the Lion King movie
Nakupenda pia, nakutake pia, mpenzi we - Swahili phrase Michael Jackson used in his song titled
"Liberian girl"
Kazi - a word familiar to British households, the word means work.
Useful Swahili - Greetings
Hello sir - Hujambo bwana
Hello madam - Hujambo mama
Hello sir, what's news? - Habari yako bwana
Everything is fine - Mzuri sana
What is your name? - Jina lako nani?
My name is - Jina langu ni...
Where do you come from? - Unatoka wapi?
I come from... - Mimi ninatoka Amerika/Australia/England
Thank you very much - Asante sana
Welcome - Karibu
Goodbye - Kwaheri
Sleep well - Lala mzuri
Useful Swahili Words
Yes - Ndiyo
No - Hapana
Please - Tafazali
Sorry - Pole (pronounced poh-leh)
Excuse me please - Samahani
Danger - Hatari
Slowly - Polepole
I am lost - Nimepotea
Please show me the way - Nionyeshe njia tafazali
I am happy - Nimefurahi
Okay - Haya
Where? - Wapi?
Why? - Kwa nini?
When - Lini?
How? - Vipi?
Ordering Food and Drink in Swahili
Beer - Bia
Bread - Mkate
Coffee - Kahawa
Egg(s) - Yai (Mayai)
Fish - Samaki
Food - Chakula
Fruit - Tunda
Meat - Nyama
Milk - Maziwa
Plenty - Mingi
Potatoes - Viazi
Rice - Wali
Salt - Chumvi
Sugar - Sukari
Tea - Chai
Vegetables - Mboga
Water - Maji
Plenty - Mingi
Stop, enough! - Basi
Buying in Swahili
How much? - Bei gani?
Thats very expensive! - Ghali sana!
Give me discount please - Tafazali nipunguzie
For those interested in progressing beyond Swahili words and phrases for beginners in preparation
for an African safari, there are an abundance of language courses, free lesson plans and other
resources available on the Internet.
Source:
Prep Safaris International Ltd - Useful Swahili Phrases
More Articles on Travel in Africa:
The Ruwenzori - Mountains of the Moon
Ethiopia Travel and History
Malawi National Parks and Safaris
http://suite101.com/swahili-the-language-of-north-east-africa-a129997
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