In most of East Africa, you’ll find that speaking English is enough to help you get by. But learning even a little of the indigenous language for your holiday is a nice way to feel more immersed in the culture – and makes a respectful gesture to the local people.
There are dozens of languages and dialects spoken in East Africa, but the main unifying language in everyday use is Swahili. Knowing this fascinating language is by no means essential when visiting the region, but grasping a few important phrases enables you to make basic pleasantries or simple requests in the language.
Swahili words are relatively easy to pronounce. As a general rule, every consonant is sounded out. Where two vowels appear together, they are each pronounced separately. There are plenty of guidebooks available for understanding Swahili and to make translations on the go. But here are a few key words and phrases with which to get started:
Hello - Salama/Jambo
Hi - Habari
How are you? - Hujambo
I’m fine, thanks - Sijambo, asante
Goodbye - Kwaheri
Good night - Lala salama
Yes - Ndiyo
No - Hapana
OK - Sawa
Please - Tafadhali
Thank you - Asante
No thanks - La asante
Excuse me/Sorry - Samahani
I don’t understand - Sielewi
How much does it cost? - Bei gani?
May I take a photo? - Naomba kupiga picha?
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