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.
 

List of contents

1. Language and Literature 2. Early History 3. The Diffusion Up-Country 4. The Colonial Period 5. 'Standard' Swahili 6. After Independence 7. Problems of a National Language.

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: Wilfred Whiteley, Whiteley Wilfred
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 20.12.2023
• EAN: 9781032618838
• ISBN: 978-1-0-3261883-8
• No. of pages: 158
• Series: Studies in African History
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative linguistics; LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / Sociolinguistics, Sociolinguistics, Historical & comparative linguistics, Historical and comparative linguistics, kiSwahili (Swahili)