Swahili is your gateway to African connections.
Learning Swahili becomes easier with these practical, accessible books.
Whether you’re traveling to Tanzania or Zanzibar, studying or working in East Africa, curious about the meaning of Swahili words from The Lion King, or you feel connected to your African roots, this is the perfect starting point for learning to speak Swahili. Thanks to the clear explanations, short dialogues, and lively examples, learning Swahili feels achievable for everyone.
Why learn Swahili?
Swahili, or Kiswahili, is one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa. You hear it daily in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zanzibar, and in parts of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Mozambique. The Swahili language belongs to the Bantu family and is influenced by Arabic, English, and Portuguese. Because of this, Swahili sounds surprisingly familiar, and you’ll learn it faster than you might think. Many people already know words like Simba (lion), Asante (thank you), and Hakuna Matata (no worries). With this book, you’ll discover where these words come from and how to use them yourself in conversations.
Who is this Swahili book for?
- For travelers who want to manage in hotels, markets, or during tours.
- For students and professionals working with local communities.
- For music and film lovers who want to understand the Swahili found in pop culture.
- For anyone who wants to rediscover their cultural heritage and connect through language.
Karibu sana — welcome to the world of Swahili!
Hear from our happy students.
A1 Level (Beginner)
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
Understand and use very frequently used everyday expressions as well as simple phrases to meet immediate needs.
Introduce yourself and others, and ask and answer questions about personal details, such as where you live, things you own, and people you know.
Interact with a person by talking slowly and clearly.
A2 Level (Elementary)
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
You can express yourself in relevant areas, such as personal and family information, shopping, places of interest, and employment. These topics reflect your interests and engagements.
You can effectively communicate in simple, everyday tasks that involve straightforward exchanges. This simplicity helps you feel at ease while communicating.
You can clearly describe your past, environment, and immediate needs in simple terms.
B1 Level (Lower Intermediate)
At the end of this course,
You can grasp key points on common topics at work, school, or during travel.
You can understand both general and specific details in conversations.
You can also comprehend factual texts on subjects that interest you.
B2 Level (Upper Intermediate)
At the end of this course, you will;
Function independently in a variety of academic and professional environments in Swahili, although with a limited range of nuance and precision.
Kwanzaa celebration
First celebrated in 1966, activist Maulana Karenga founded Kwanzaa. The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili word for “first,” inspired by the start of the harvest season and harvest traditions in Africa. Karenga wanted to establish a holiday for African Americans to honour their African heritage and cultural connections. Kwanzaa festivities start on 26 December and run for seven days. Symbols and rituals mark each day. Swahili is the language used to name the principles- nguzo Saba.
During the holiday, families and communities organize activities around the nguzo saba ( The seven principles): Ujima( Collective work and Responsibility), Ujamaa(Cooperative Economics), Nia(Purpose), Kuumba(Creativity), and Imani(Faith). Participants also celebrate with feasts (Karamu), music, dance, poetry, and narratives, and end the holiday with a day dedicated to reflection and recommitment to the seven Principles and other central cultural values.
