Swahili The Rise of a National Language

Originally published in 1969, this book examines the factors which at different historical periods led people to use one language (Swahili) rather than another, or within a given period, to use a particular language in one set of circumstances. The national language of Tanzania and much of East Africa, Swahili is unique among African languages in its verse literature, which dates back to the 18^{th
Century and was written in the Arabic script. This book traces the remarkable expansion of Swahili, which was linked with the expansion of trace, missionary activities and the establishment of Colonial administrations and the development of education.}
 

Summary

Originally published in 1969, this book examines the factors which at different historical periods led people to use one language (Swahili) rather than another, or within a given period, to use a particular language in one set of circumstances.

Report

Review of original edition of Swahili:
'...the author has made judicious use of primary sources in fashioning what will remain among the best historical studies of an African language.' Anthony Okino Ojigbo, The Journal of Modern African Studies

Product details

• Authors: Whiteley Wilfred, Wilfred Whiteley
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Content: Book
• Product form: Hardback
• Publication date: 20.12.2023
• Subject: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative linguistics
• EAN: 9781032618838
• ISBN: 978-1-0-3261883-8
• Pages: 158
• Series: Studies in African History
• Subjects: LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / Sociolinguistics, Sociolinguistics, Historical & comparative linguistics, Historical Linguistics, Historical and comparative linguistics, kiSwahili (Swahili), language policy Africa, language diffusion in African societies, Arabic script literature, sociolinguistics East Africa, postcolonial language development, colonial language influence