It is an Afro-Arab language that developed way back during the slave trade. Since the Arabs were the masters of the trade, they could use the coastal part – it is them and the coastal tribes that integrated and Kiswahili culture then developed.
Why then should Tanzania be the guardian of Kiswahili and not Kenya or Uganda? Well the Tanzanian founding father Mwalimu Nyerere adopted Ujamaa meaning Communism, and nationalised the economy. It was in 1966 when he made Kiswahili the official and national language. Every Tanzanian, regardless of his tribe orientation, was encouraged to study and use Kiswahili. Schools were ordered to use Kiswahili language learning techniques.
Nyerere Mwalimu translated a lot of English literature books into Kiswahili. Tanzania is the only country that is proud and would like to be associated with Kiswahili. They enjoy applying Kiswahili. There are many literature materials in Swahili and even daily newspapers. This is contrary to the perception in Kenya, where English and other international languages are seen as languages that portray status. In Kenya there is only one News paper in Kiswahili and it is viewed as a paper of the old and less educated people.
Swahili language united the Tanzanians and it is the only known country in east Africa where tribalism is not an issue. Although other tribal languages are still used in Tanzania, it will be seen as lack of discipline and respect if two people amongst others start conversing in their vernacular.
The culture embraced by Tanzania, of course owing largely to Mwalimus' teachings, is that of unity. People refer to each other as Ndugu, meaning brother or comrade. Even the president of Tanzania is referred as Ndugu and so on. At present it is Ndugu Kikwete in power. Nyereres' aim was to have a classless nation.
Tanzanians are some of the best Swahili music composers. The popular name of Swahili music is Bongo. They compose and sing in both traditional and up to date music expertly. The people near the coastline are the ones referred to as Swahili, and are either the ones who have a mixture of African and Arabic blood or even pure African but resided at the coast all their life. They are fond of wearing long robes, an Islamic dress, but tailored to suit the high temperatures near the sea.
A typical Swahili dish will have rice, popularly known as pilau and sea foods like fish. You will get a lot of fruits including oranges, bananas, mangoes and other berries in a Swahili home. Tanzania has hosted many international students who go to study Kiswahili and the coastal cultures.
One can visit East Africa especially Tanzania, to witness the richness of Kiswahili culture and their hospitality. They are humble people but also expect to be treated with dignity and respect.
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