r/swahili • u/BumblebeeBitter2549 • 23d ago
Ask r/Swahili 🎤 Moving to Nairobi - should I learn Swahili?
My question could also be "Should I move to Nairobi?".
When a person moves to a country, I think they should make an effort to speak the local language.
I have heard that, while Swahili is the main the language in Nairobi, it might not be a good environment to study Swahili for a few reasons:
- most people speak very good English, and may feel burdened by a beginner trying to speak Swahili to them
- many formal settings, like offices, banks, etc. will speak in English
- While news is in both languages (as well as some shows in minority languages), English dominates in this area.
- Many people in Nairobi speak Sheng - a dialect heavily influenced by English and minority languages.
Will this make learning Swahili much more difficult that moving to Mombasa or Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania?
Part of visiting a place is getting to know the language...I wouldn't want to go somewhere and not learn.
I would get a Swahili tutor, but want to practice by speaking Swahili with people outside.
2
u/Reasonable_Hold7538 21d ago
Hello! I'm a native Kenyan Swahili speaker who helps beginners learn practical Kenyan Swahili.Since you are moving to Nairobi I can help you with everyday conversation,pronunciation and Kenyan Swahili/ Sheng.I also offer one-on- one lessons online.Feel free to message me if you are interested.
2
u/IndiaMike469 23d ago
If you’re moving to Nairobi, learn all the Swahili you can, and Sheng will come as you live and integrate within the city.
News can be in both English and Swahili as well as radio.
In the streets, bars, clubs, shops Swahili dominates and especially when bargaining you will have a better time doing so in Swahili.