According to the United Nations, ‘World Kiswahili Language Day, celebrated on 7 July each year, honours Kiswahili as one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa and the world, with over 200 million speakers.’ So, this week I asked Godline Gabriel to share his thoughts on Kiswahili, so we can all learn more about this fascinating language.
Godline Gabriel is a passionate Swahili language professional committed to bridging communication gaps in humanitarian and multicultural settings. With years of experience in translation, editing, and subtitling, he uses language as a tool for inclusion and mutual understanding. His work promotes access to information, justice, and dignity for Swahili-speaking communities.
Godline Gabriel
Godline is a passionate Swahili language professional committed to bridging communication gaps in humanitarian and multicultural settings.
With years of experience in translation, editing, and subtitling, he uses language as a tool for inclusion and mutual understanding.
His work promotes access to information, justice, and dignity for Swahili-speaking communities.
Yuna: You’re a linguist like I am, but some people reading this post won’t be. Can you explain to us what Kiswahili means to you?
Godline: To me, Kiswahili is much more than just a language; it is a vessel of identity, history, and connection. As a linguist, I view Kiswahili as a unifying bridge spanning the diverse cultures of East, Central, and Southern Africa. It carries the wisdom of generations, the rhythm of everyday life, and the power to include, educate, and inspire. Celebrating World Kiswahili Language Day reminds me that every word we translate, teach, or preserve is a contribution to a wider movement that values African voices and stories in their truest form. Kiswahili isn’t just spoken; it’s lived.
Yuna: The Open Language Initiative aims to make information more accessible. Mainly by providing volunteer translation services to humanitarian organisations. We wish to take part in a world where multilingualism is embraced, benefiting not only marginalised communities but also businesses, institutions, and individuals globally. Where do you think Kiswahili fits in, when the world is relying more and more on communication in “Globish” or through translation apps?
Godline: In an era dominated by ‘Globish’ and AI-powered translations, Kiswahili stands as a human anchor, a language deeply rooted in community, culture, and lived experience. Although technology can facilitate communication, it cannot fully replicate the nuances, emotions, and cultural depth inherent in languages such as Kiswahili.
Kiswahili plays a crucial role in ensuring that millions of people, especially in East, Central, and Southern Africa, are not excluded from the flow of global information. It’s a language of access to healthcare, education, justice, and opportunity. Humanitarian messages delivered in Kiswahili resonate. They reach hearts, not just ears.
So, although the world relies on English and translation apps, the future of truly inclusive communication lies in valuing and investing in languages such as Kiswahili. Because dignity starts with being understood.
Yuna: In your opinion, how does Kiswahili help humanitarian action?
Godline: In my opinion, Kiswahili plays a vital role in humanitarian action because language is not just a communication tool; it is also the key to building trust and dignity and promoting inclusion. Kiswahili supports humanitarian efforts in several ways:
i) Reaching Millions Directly: Over 200 million people across East, Central, and Southern Africa speak Kiswahili. Using Kiswahili for communication ensures that messages about health, safety, rights, or emergency response reach people in a language they understand.
ii) Building Trust with Communities: By speaking Kiswahili or using translated materials, humanitarian workers demonstrate respect for the local culture and identity. This strengthens relationships and enables more effective collaboration.
iii) Ensuring Informed Consent and Participation: In crisis settings, people need to make informed decisions. Kiswahili facilitates clear communication, particularly in situations involving legal, medical, or protection-related issues.
iv) Reducing Misinformation: Language barriers can exacerbate many humanitarian challenges. Kiswahili can help to prevent misunderstandings, particularly in situations such as pandemics, natural disasters, or conflicts.
v) Empowering Local Response: Humanitarian work is most effective when it empowers local communities. Kiswahili enables community-led solutions, training, and feedback to be developed that truly reflect local needs.
In short, Kiswahili is not just helpful – it’s essential for making humanitarian action more ethical, effective, and inclusive.
Yuna: Are you planning something special for World Kiswahili Language Day? Can you tell us about different events around this day online that our volunteers, clients, and readers might be curious about?
Godline: Yes, I’m planning something special for World Kiswahili Language Day on 7 July – and I’d love for you to join, too! This year, I’ll be taking part in the SOAS Virtual Celebration, which is being organised by the Centre for African Studies and the Swahili Dialects Project. The event will feature poets, writers, and linguists reflecting on the theme “Swahili: Past, Present and Future”. It’s an inspiring opportunity to connect with like-minded people who are passionate about language, culture, and inclusion.
There are also other exciting online events around this day that our volunteers, clients, and readers might enjoy:
- UNESCO’s online broadcast and cultural panel (4 July), highlighting Kiswahili’s role in peace, education, and cultural diplomacy.
- Global webinars and workshops organised by universities, translators, and Swahili-speaking communities – many of which focus on digital tools, storytelling, and humanitarian communication.
- Social media campaigns celebrating Kiswahili’s history and impact – join in using hashtags like #SwahiliDay or #KiswahiliDay.
Whether you’re attending an event, hosting a language activity, or just sharing a Swahili proverb online – your voice matters in this celebration.
Let’s continue to uplift Kiswahili together!