Swahili

The Rise of a National Language

Wilfred Whiteley

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English

Routledge
01 October 2025

Sociolinguistics; Historical & comparative linguistics

Series: Studies in African History

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 18th 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.

By: Wilfred Whiteley
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm,
ISBN: 9781032618869
ISBN 10: 1032618868
Series: Studies in African History
Pages: 158
Publication Date: 01 October 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Reviews for Swahili: The Rise of a National Language

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