Languages of Tanzania
Over 125 languages are present in Tanzania creating a rich cultural tapestry in the country .
The languages are both for the locals and foreigners and these make Tanzania as one of the most linguistically diverse nations .
Swahili is the most famous and national language of Tanzania spoken by almost 100% of the population either as a first or second language . This language is traced back in the centuries at the coast of the Indian Ocean where Arabs united with local communities to form it to ease trade .
It’s simple grammatical structure and non tonal nature make it easy to learn .
English is the second used language in Tanzania and maintains an official language status . English was introduced as a result of colonial influences in the country . The language is widely used in higher education, judiciary proceedings and international business.
English is taught as a subject in mostly schools to make the locals learn it better . Its usage however remains limited to urban elites .
Bantu languages follow the lead as the most spoken apart from Swahili and English in Tanzania . Sukuma is the most widely spoken local language boasting about 8 million speakers in the lake Victoria region , gogo language in central Tanzania, Haya language in Northwest , Chagga around Mount Kilimanjaro amimg others .
Nilotic languages are also dominant in Tanzania like the Masai , Hadza and Datooga languages . All these reflect the cultures of the speakers and maintain Africa’s linguistic unique treasures .
Additionally other languages like Arabic are spoken in Zanzibar due to Arab influences in the ancient times .
European languages like French , German and d Portuguese are spoken in areas with colonial influences .
Other languages like Gujarati and Hindustani are spoken in some communities.
