Lesson 1: Important words in Swahili

Basic words in Swahili that some people don’t know or do confuse.

1.          Kiswahili

In Swahili, when we speak of a language we do add the prefix ‘Ki-’ before that language. That is why the Swahili language is called Kiswahili, Chinese = Kichina, English = Kiingereza, French = Kifaransa, etc. That`s why you may hear most of Tanzanians say “I speak Kiswahili” rather than “I speak Swahili ’.

            2.   Mswahili

Is a person from the Swahili speaking community (basic meaning)

            3.   Waswahili

Two or more people from Swahili speaking community

      4.   Uswahilini

  The place inhabited by the Swahili people

            5.   Uswahili

Is the total ways of life (culture) of the Swahili speaking community.

NB: Remember that, Kiswahili words are pronounced as they are being written, that is why it is the simplest language to learn in the world. The exception of this is just in few words which may not exceed even 10. Therefore, you will be able to learn it faster than you think. Furthermore, may I remind you that, there are various dialects of Kiswahili: Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar, Democratic Republic of Congo, etc. In this case, you are going to learn Kiswahili as spoken in Tanzania. You will enjoy it as it is so good and fun while speaking it. 

You are welcome (Karibu) for the 2nd lesson. 

Thank you (Asante)