Born on July 7
World Kiswahili Language Day
One language, more than 200 million voices.
Next: July 7, 2027
Where it comes from
In November 2021 the UNESCO General Conference proclaimed 7 July World Kiswahili Language Day, making Kiswahili the first African language to have its own UN international day; the UN General Assembly later affirmed it.
How it's celebrated
UNESCO holds events at its headquarters in Paris, and schools, universities, broadcasters and embassies across East Africa and beyond celebrate with poetry, music, talks and lessons. It is a good day to learn a few words: harambee means 'pulling together', and uhuru means 'freedom'.
Did you know
The name Swahili comes from the Arabic sawāḥilī, meaning 'of the coast'.
Read the full story of World Kiswahili Language Day
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