LEARN SWAHILI at UGA WHY Global language - one of the top 8 languages in the world Africa’s lingua franca- Spoken across the African continent Trade language- Transcend Africa (USA, China, Japan, German, Korea, UK, Canada+ Easy to learn: Uses the English Alphabet & you already know Swahili words such as hakuna matata, Simba, safari, chai tea, mama! USA’s Critical language for security- scholarships awarded to study Swahili The First and Only African language recognized by the United Nations Media presence internationally- Voice of America, Radio Japan, Deutsche Welle Radio+ Pop culture & social presence- The Lion King, Grey’s anatomy etc, Sense 8, and social games like Jenga. Link to other languages- Speakers of languages such as Arabic, Portuguese, English and German will find their languages embedded in Swahili! Expands your world view – Swahili is a language, a culture, and a people Additionally: Reach many people: About 140 million people use Swahili Window to multiple disciplines: Knowledge of Swahili will enrich studies in archeology, anthropology, business, history, literature, politics, sociology, veterinary science, and other degrees. Global competency: Swahili competency is also crucial to governmental work, international work, international business, international diplomatic missions, NGOs, and international organizations in Swahili-speaking countries. Fund your education: learning a lesser taught language like Swahili, provides opportunities for scholarship and student exchanges. Learn About African Cultures: Swahili is a Bantu language that grew so much due to its use as a commercial language through contact with locals and Arab traders arriving from the Middle East. Over time, the Swahili traded with others around the globe but were also influenced by multiple colonial powers that greatly added to their language, namely, Arabic, German, English, French, and Portuguese. Thus, Swahili allows you to learn more about the cultures of Africa that have influenced the world. Deepen Your Knowledge of Poetry and Literature: Swahili literature draws from poetry and storytelling. Swahili literature began in the 18th century, but oral Swahili tradition began in the 17th century. You will deepen your language understanding and be able to understand the world better by studying these oral and written traditions. Grow Your Research and Business Opportunities: Swahili is poised to become the language of commerce in Africa. It will help you to research, study and teach abroad, or learn about the economics of Africa in an international marketplace. It is one of the most needed languages for travelling. As such, many schools offer Swahili to enhance economic and research opportunities. More on Why Study Swahili See links below: Berkeley - Why Study Swahili BBC - Swahili's bid to become a language for all of Africa WHAT TO DO? Take Swahili Language & Culture Courses Do you have a foreign language requirement? Swahili has enough language classes to fulfill foreign language requirement If you don’t need a foreign language, you can take either The Swahili and the World I (SWAH 3001) or the Swahili and the World II (SWAH 3020) - (you don’t have to take these two in this order, there is no prerequisite, and you don’t have to take the language classes to take either the SWAH 3001 or SWAH 3020. You can earn a Swahili Language, Literature and Culture Minor (Makes you stand out!) Courses can count towards other certificates- Certificate in African Studies - ASI or Minor in African Languages and Literature- MALL WHEN- These are the courses we offer. SWAH 1010- (4 hrs)- Swahili background is not needed - Fall semester only SWAH 1020- (4 hrs)- Pre-requisite SWAH 1010 - Spring semester only SWAH 2010- (3 hrs)- Pre-requisite SWAH 1010 & SWAH 1020) -Fall Semester only SWAH 2020- (3 hrs)- Pre-requisite SWAH 1010, 1020 & 2010) - Spring semester only COURSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH CMLT/SWAH/AFST/ANTH 3001 A culture & identity class, no pre-requisite (this is a cross listed class, you can register under either of those sections). Fulfills Franklin College Area IV & Multicultural & Cultural Diversity requirement Offered Fall semester only CMLT/SWAH/AFST/ANTH 3020 A culture & identity class, no pre-requisite (this is a cross listed class, you can register under either of those sections) Fulfills Franklin College Area IV & Multicultural & Cultural Diversity Requirement Offered Spring semester only Other Highlights: Tanzania Study Abroad Programs- Maymester A chance to use your language skills and gain firsthand experience of the Swahili You can take at least two classes & climb Mount Kilimanjaro for credit etc See a link below regarding Tanzania study abroad programs Terry - Business and Culture in Tanzania Franklin - Maymester in Tanzania Cultural Awareness Celebration- April (Spring Sem) & November (Fall semester) Get a feel for the language & culture classes, talk to students & faculty & learn more about the program Open to everyone – try free African cuisine & entertainment Contact: Dr Dainess Maganda Other helpful information about Swahili Unlike many other African languages, Swahili is not a tonal language, just like English. Therefore, it is much easier to read, write, and pronounce Swahili words. Swahili is phonetic, meaning, you say them just the way they are written. Why learn Swahili and How Hard is Swahili? See Discover Comfort's Learn Swahili Plan To develop more language skills in Swahili, see additional sources See Free resources for learning Swahili.
