Swahili Culture

Whenever you begin learning a new language it’s important to learn about the people and their culture too. The Swahili culture is a unique culture that is a product of the countries it inhabits (Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique) and the areas and cultures that surround it (Middle Eastern, Asian, and European).

One of the biggest influences in the formation of Swahili culture is the trade routes that settled along the eastern African coast line. These settlements were created by Persians and Arabs, and their general influence can still be seen in many of the foods, art, and architecture of the Swahili people. Because trading was heavily practiced with India and Asia many Eastern influences also carried over into the Swahili culture.

Like other cultures, Swahili countries have many foods that they depend on and that define them as a people. Spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, coriander, cloves, coconut milk, and chile are used heavily in their cooking. There is clearly an Indian influence in Swahili foods as well as ingredients that are popular in the Arbabic culture. The Swahili people eat a lot of fish, seafood, chicken, and some goat. Fresh tropical fruits are readily available at all times.

The Swahili culture is also known for personal adornment and other crafts that carry over into home decorations. Kanga, or Swahili cloth, is highly prized for the beautiful design, color, and personality that are infused into the cloth. This fabric is used for clothing, aprons, and slings to carry food or babies.

Music is very popular in Swahili and the most popular music is a form named taarab. Taarab utilizes instruments and melodies that are influences from Arabic and Indian cultures and feature chanting and lyrics in Swahili.

If you are currently learning how to speak Swahili you are probably also interested in learning the culture. The best way to learn about Swahili culture is to visit Eastern Africa. If you don’t have any plans to visit the country there are other ways to immerse yourself in the culture without having to hop on an airplane. Try visiting a Swahili restaurant and eating some of the local foods. In addition, check with museums close to you, they may have exhibits featuring Swahili art. You can also ask your Swahili friends to teach you about their culture, they may invite you into their homes or show you some of their own beautiful Kanga. Learning about the culture will only serve to help you learn the Swahili language more thoroughly.