Tanzania’s Kiswahili: Uniting Tanzania and Beyond -A Celebration of Language and Identity

By Adonis Byemelwa

Tanzania's anticipation for the upcoming 60th anniversary of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar on April 26, 2024, brings into focus the indispensable role of Kiswahili in fostering national unity and coherence. With the anniversary drawing near, the nation reflects on the profound significance of Kiswahili as a unifying force, symbolizing identity and solidarity.

With preparations escalating, talks on Kiswahili's lasting legacy and its vital role in Tanzania's cultural fabric come to the forefront. Amid the celebratory fervor, there's a unanimous recognition of Kiswahili's ability to bind people from varied backgrounds under the banner of Tanzanian identity.

While Zanzibar's merger with Tanganyika to form Tanzania remains a historic landmark, the latter often grapples with overshadowing within the Union's narrative. This prompts reflection on the absence of Kiswahili, a language synonymous with independence and identity, within the fabric of the Union.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda sheds light on the dichotomy of prioritizing foreign languages over indigenous ones, emphasizing the discrimination faced by Africans grappling with foreign languages compared to their European counterparts. He advocates for measures to ensure linguistic barriers do not impede progress or render individuals obsolete.

"Speaking a foreign language should not be a prerequisite for success. We must ensure that language does not become a barrier to opportunities," Kagame asserts.

In contrast, Chadema's Opposition leader presents an alternative view, asserting the essentiality of English proficiency for Tanzanians to seize opportunities abroad.

"We cannot deny the importance of English in today's globalized world. Proficiency in English opens doors to international opportunities," he argues.

While acknowledging Kiswahili's significance as a unifying force, he stresses Tanzanians' need to master international languages to compete effectively on the global stage.

"We must strike a balance between promoting Kiswahili as our identity and recognizing the practical necessity of English for global engagement," he adds.

Despite endeavors by Kiswahili champions like Prof. Aldin Mutembei and Dr. Mohamed Ngunguti from the University of Dar-es-Salaam to promote the language internationally, their efforts often encounter hurdles due to a lack of political will. This underscores the disconnect between political rhetoric and practical action in advancing Kiswahili's global prominence.

"Despite our best efforts, political will remains a significant barrier to Kiswahili's international recognition," laments Prof. Mutembei.

Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 17, which champions collaboration in achieving objectives, endeavors to elevate Kiswahili's status have gained momentum. A significant milestone unfolded in December 2023, as a journey to Arusha, Tanzania, ensued to engage with Dr. Peter Mathuki, former Secretary-General of the East African Community (EAC), delving into their collaboration with the United Nations across various domains, including security and Kiswahili promotion.

"The promotion of Kiswahili is a priority for the East African Community. It not only fosters regional integration but also enhances cultural exchange and understanding," Dr. Mathuki emphasizes.

The year 2024 heralds a significant milestone for translators and Swahili language interpreters as the East African Community (EAC) officially announces that Swahili will be the language of choice in all its meetings and conferences, with all documents provided in Swahili.

"By adopting Kiswahili as our working language, we aim to promote inclusivity and ensure effective communication among our member states," affirms Dr. Mathuki.

On July 7, 2023, a momentous celebration of World Kiswahili Language Day was held in Zanzibar, featuring a diverse array of participants, including UN Agencies, diplomatic corps, academia, and youth. The event, graced by H.E Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, underscored Kiswahili's role in promoting national unity and intercultural dialogue.

"Kiswahili is not just a language; it is a symbol of our shared heritage and identity as Tanzanians," President Mwinyi declares.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in a diverse range of activities, including the Chaso drama, dialect poems, and instant poems, which showcased the multifaceted aspects of Kiswahili. Captivating performances by talented artists and musicians mesmerized the audience, highlighting the expressive power of the language.

"The celebration of Kiswahili Day is a testament to our commitment to preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage," notes Mr. Michel Toto, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative.

Scholars like Herman Batibo, Professor of African Linguistics at the University of Dar es Salaam, emphasize Kiswahili's significance as a unifying force in a continent marked by linguistic diversity. "Kiswahili serves as a bridge, connecting people across diverse cultures and backgrounds," notes Prof. Batibo.

Dr. Michel Kadege, a retired linguistics don from the same university, echoes this sentiment, underscoring Kiswahili's ability to transcend borders and promote understanding among African nations. "Kiswahili's adoption as a lingua franca in the East African Community reflects its growing importance as a symbol of Pan-African unity," remarks Dr. Kadege.

Renowned Kenyan author and advocate for African languages, Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong'o, stresses the need to prioritize indigenous languages in Africa's linguistic landscape. "Language is not just a means of communication; it embodies a people's history, culture, and identity," Prof. Ngugi asserts. "By embracing our native languages, we reclaim our narrative and strengthen our collective identity as Africans."

Tanzania's Union anniversary highlights Kiswahili's fundamental role as a symbol of unity, transcending borders and fostering dialogue among diverse communities across Africa. With over 126 languages spoken in Tanzania alone, Kiswahili stands out as the official language, embodying the nation's cultural identity and heritage. Yet, the historical imposition of colonial languages like English and German has left a legacy of linguistic diversity and tension across the continent.

This linguistic diversity, while enriching Africa's cultural tapestry, has also posed challenges to national cohesion, often fueling civil unrest and tribal tensions. However, amidst this complexity, Kiswahili has emerged as a unifying force, bridging linguistic divides and promoting intercultural understanding.

As we commemorate Tanzania's Union anniversary and celebrate Kiswahili's enduring legacy, let us reaffirm our commitment to preserving indigenous languages as vital components of Africa's cultural heritage. By embracing our linguistic diversity and promoting languages like Kiswahili, we can foster a sense of unity and solidarity, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and harmonious future for all Africans.