Swahili
Swahili Cultural Resources
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Online Resources:
- BBC Swahili
- This resource provides learners with access to new reports on current events relevant to East Africa while providing the opportunity to improve both reading and listening skills.
- Lamu Old Town – UNESCO World Heritage
- Lamu Old Town in Kenya is the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa and this website provides information on Islamic and Swahili culture and explains how Swahili culture has been influenced by a variety of other civilizations.
- Swahili Proverbs: Methali za Kiswahili
- Proverbs provide insight into the core values of Swahili speaking communities and are frequently used in everyday conversation. For example, a popular proverb is “Haraka haraka haina baraka” which means that “hurry, hurry has no blessings.”
- Mwananchi
- Similar to BBC Swahili, Mwananchi provides a modern perspective on current events across East Africa and is useful for learners to improve their reading skills.
Text Resources:
- Rosa Mistika by Euphrase Kezilahabi
- Rosa Mistika is considered one of the most celebrated works of modern Swahili literature and one of the novel’s main elements is internal monologue which can help learners understand how thoughts and emotions are expressed.
- Utengano by Said Ahmed Mohamed
- The novel uses straightforward and accessible vocabulary that is suitable for intermediate learners. It is useful for language learners because the novel explores social relationships, family dynamics, and community issues that are relevant to East African communities.
