1. Bantu Languages: The foundation of Swahili is the Bantu language spoken by the coastal people of East Africa, particularly the Swahili people. This base provided the grammatical structure and much of the vocabulary.
2. Arabic: As traders from the Arabian Peninsula interacted with the East African coast for centuries, Arabic contributed significantly. This influence is seen in:
* Vocabulary: Many words relating to trade, religion, and everyday life are Arabic in origin.
* Grammar: Arabic loanwords often brought with them their own grammatical rules, influencing Swahili grammar.
* Writing System: The Arabic script was initially used to write Swahili, though this was later replaced by the Latin script.
3. Portuguese: During the era of Portuguese colonialism, Portuguese language also left its mark on Swahili. This is primarily seen in nautical terms and some vocabulary.
4. Other Languages: Swahili has also absorbed words from other languages, including:
* English: Due to its use in education and administration.
* German: From the colonial era in East Africa.
* French: To a lesser extent, due to French influence in parts of East Africa.
5. Local Dialects: Swahili has numerous dialects, reflecting the diverse regional variations and influences from other local languages.
Therefore, Swahili is a complex language with a rich history, developed through the interplay of Bantu languages, Arabic, Portuguese, and other influences.