The Languages of Africa

The continent of Africa is home to over 2,000 languages and dialects. Traveling the continent of Africa would prove to be a linguistic challenge. I do not expect all the people I come in contact with to speak my language. I do not expect them to want to learn my language either. From my previous travels in Europe, I experienced the importance of countries retaining their national language and traditions. While I will be teaching English to children in Tanzania, I in no way feel as though everyone should learn and speak English. Learning a language should never be forced. And so, this belief I will bring with me to Tanzania.


Just recently for Christmas I received "Living Language, Swahili for Beginners". As a visitor in Tanzania, I believe that it is my duty to learn phrases in Swahili (the more the better!). As Americans, we are often stereotyped as being completely ethnocentric. I vow to not let this be the case. Where ever I go and who ever I meet, I break down this American stereotype one place and one person at a time. It is my hope that other travelers and followers of this blog will also see the importance of accepting the ways and traditions of other cultures. The uniqueness, the beauty and the history we should never harm.




Spoken Languages Around Africa





National Languages