Just as diverse as the Tanzanian landscape – we only say mountains, savannahs, jungles, crater, lakes, crater lakes – are the people calling this East African gem their home. The country is inhabited by over 100 ethnic groups, who of course all have their own language. With more than 120 languages and dialects, Tanzania has more than any other African country, creating an unparalleled cultural depth. Even without this information, you might have wondered whether your English will see you through when travelling to Tanzania, right? Spoiler alert: you’ll be fine! Nevertheless, we’ll have a look at the main languages spoken in Tanzania and even provide you with some basic Swahili skills. The more you know…

How many languages are there in Tanzania?

A total of 126 languages are spoken in Tanzania, with Swahili and English being the two official ones. On top of these, there are approximately 18 developing, 58 vigorous, 40 endangered, and 8 dying languages.

What is the most spoken language in Tanzania?

Spoken by approximately 90% of the Tanzanian population, that would be Swahili. It’s also called Kiswahili by Tanzanians, and it is the primary social, political, and educational language. The second institutional language is English. It has, however, been used as a second or third language and is taught in schools. The level isn’t the best, though, so people might be able to read the language but might have a harder time understanding it.

The history of Swahili in Tanzania

It’s generally accepted that the language developed as a result of trade between the coast people of East Africa and the Arabs, and that its core originates in Bantu languages. Around the 19th century, many Tanzanians and Kenyans started identifying as Swahili. After the country’s independence, Swahili became Tanzania’s national language to unify the new nation. As of today, Swahili is the primary language used in Tanzania, and the government keeps advocating for it to become the one and only official Tanzanian language. Swahili has recently become the primary language used throughout the educational system.

The history of English in Tanzania

English was the dominant language in Tanzania during the British colonial period from 1919 to 1961. After Tanganyika and Zanzibar became the independent United Republic of Tanzania, however, it was dethroned by Swahili. For a long time, English remained the primary language of secondary and higher education. This is no longer the case, with Swahili now being the language used across the educational system. Still, English remains relatively popular, and you’re sure to encounter numerous English speakers on your Tanzanian adventures, especially in major cities and tourist areas.

Other widely spoken languages in Tanzania

Now that we’ve given you an overview of the official languages of Tanzania, it’s time to look at some lesser-known yet still widely spoken languages. These include:
  • Kisankasa (Bantu language spoken by the Kisi people in Njombe region)
  • Pare (spoken by the Pare people in the northeast)
  • Bemba (spoken in southern Tanzania, DR Congo, and Zambia)
  • Hehe (native to the Iringa region, spoken by fewer than 200,000 people)
  • Maasai, Digo, Datooga, and Chindali (various indigenous languages)

Tanzania languages that have lost usage

It’s natural for languages to slowly fade and eventually die. One of these languages in Tanzania is Asa, which is no longer spoken natively. Political decisions play a big role in language preservation, with Swahili being widely promoted while indigenous languages struggle to survive.

Other languages in Tanzania worth mentioning

Some imported languages spoken in Tanzania include French, German, Portuguese, Gujarati, Arabic, and Hindustani. French has even become part of the school curriculum, with an estimated 1.5 million Tanzanians proficient in it. In the tourism industry, most tour operators work with guides speaking English, and sometimes even Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Japanese.

Some Swahili words to help you out

Greetings:

  • Hello: Harabi or Mambo
  • Goodbye: Kwaheri
  • How are you?: Habari gani
  • Nice to meet you: Nafurahi kukuona

Use in Conversation:

  • Yes: Ndiyo
  • No: Hapana
  • Thank you: Asante
  • Please: Tafadhali
  • Excuse me: Samahani

Navigation:

  • Where is the (insert place)?: (insert place) iko wapi?
  • Bus station: Stesheni ya basi
  • Train Station: Kituo cha treni
  • Bank: Benki
  • Market: Soko

Health and Emergency:

  • I need a doctor: Nahitaji daktari
  • I’m sick: Mimi ni mgonjwa
  • It hurts here: Inauma hapa

Some tips for a smooth trip

You don’t need to be fluent in Swahili before your trip. However, here are three tips to help you navigate Tanzania smoothly:
  1. Note down the most important Swahili phrases on your phone or a small notebook.
  2. Get an English-Swahili translation app.
  3. If nothing works, simply ask your guide and smile. 😊
For more guides and information about Tanzania, check out our blog. And if you have specific questions regarding travelling to Tanzania, don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We’ll be more than happy to help you plan your next big adventure!