swahili
Definition
Noun: 1. A Bantu language: Swahili is a Bantu language that is the most widely spoken language of its family. It is the official language of Kenya and Tanzania and is extensively used as a common language (lingua franca) for communication across East and Central Africa.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- She is fluent in Swahili and English.
- The word "safari" is borrowed from Swahili.
- Learning basic Swahili greetings is helpful for travelers in the region.
Advanced Usage
- "Kiswahili": This is the endonym, the name for the language in Swahili itself. It is often used interchangeably with "Swahili" in academic and formal contexts.
- The university offers courses in Kiswahili literature.
Variants and Related Words
- Swahilian (adj, rare): Pertaining to Swahili or its speakers.
- The Swahilian coast has a rich history.
Synonyms
- Kiswahili: The native term for the Swahili language.
Notes on Different Meanings
- As a proper noun, "Swahili" almost exclusively refers to the language. It can also refer to the people who are native speakers and their associated culture (e.g., "Swahili culture," "the Swahili people"), but this usage is a distinct, related meaning. The core definition is linguistic.
Noun
-
the most widely spoken Bantu languages; the official language of Kenya and Tanzania and widely used as a lingua franca in east and central Africa
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