Heritage and Culture

Kiswahili is primarily a Bantu language with a strong Arabic influence. The purest form is spoken along the coast, while Nairobi’s version incorporates many English loanwords. It is considered one of the easiest languages to pronounce, as words are spoken exactly as they are written, letter by letter. Kenya’s other official language, English, is widely used in all aspects of daily life. Kiswahili is not only beautiful but also relatively easy to learn. For serious learners, the simplified book by P.M. Wilson is recommended, while beginners can start with Teach Yourself Swahili by Perrott. Below are just a few basic phrases to help you stay connected.