Who were the original inhabitants of Swahili?
Around 3,000 years ago, speakers of the proto-Bantu language group began a millennia-long series of migrations; the Swahili people originate from Bantu inhabitants of the coast of Southeast Africa, in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. They are mainly united under the mother tongue of Kiswahili, a Bantu language.
What is the history behind Swahili?
The language dates from the contacts of Arabian traders with the inhabitants of the east coast of Africa over many centuries. Under Arab influence, Swahili originated as a lingua franca used by several closely related Bantu-speaking tribal groups.
What race are Swahili people?
shorfa or chorfa). The modern day Sahrawi’s are a mixed ethnic group of Arabs, sub-Saharan Africans & diverse Berbers. The people inhabit the westernmost Sahara desert, in the area of modern Mauritania, Morocco, Western Sahara, and parts of Algeria.
When did the Swahili civilization begin?
Swahili Civilization flourished from around 11th-century CE to the 16th-century CE on the eastern coast of Africa. Commerce helped this culture to thrive, as well as the spread of Islam and the development of the Swahili language.
Are the Swahili African?
The Swahili people originate from Bantu inhabitants of the coast of Southeast Africa, in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique.
Where was Swahili born?
Origin. The core of the Swahili language originates in Bantu languages of the coast of East Africa.
How old is Swahili?
The earliest known documents of the Swahili language are letters written in Arabic script, written in 1711 in the region of Kilwa, present-day Tanzania.
What religion is most prominent among the Swahili?
The Swahili coast people are a synthesis of the Arab people, who decided to colonize the rich coast, and the native African people. The main religion of the Swahili coast is Islam, or the native language of the Arabs who came to the east African coast hundreds of years ago. Many pride themselves on their rich history, and some of the people living on the coast say that they can trace their
How many people know Swahili?
There are approximately five million Swahili speakers in the world who call it their native language, and there are an additional 135 million people for whom Swahili is the second language. Swahili is recognized as one of the working languages of the African Union. Click to see full answer.
What is the ethnic group of Swahili?
Geography. First things first,if you were to look at a map of Africa,you’d notice that the Swahili regions are in East Africa.
How was the Swahili culture like many East African cultures?
The Swahili people of the coastal region of East Africa have different activities as far as their culture is concerned. Swahili people are generally social, with many foreigners living among them peacefully. Their economic activities, fishing, is what they rely upon the living. There is a high possibility to known them by the mode of their dressing. Islam is the universal religion among them.