Swahili in Spaces of War: A Sociolinguistic Odyssey

This monograph explores the roles and functions of Swahili in war/conflict situations,and the impact of wars on the destiny of the language. It covers a period of over a century,and examines six wars/conflicts: the Maji Maji resistance against German rule,the two World Wars,the anti-colonial resistance to British colonialism,the wars of the Great Lakes region,the cold wars,and the ongoing war against terrorism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive monograph delves into the multifaceted roles and functions of Swahili in war/conflict situations, while also examining the profound impact of these conflicts on the language's destiny. Spanning a remarkable century of history, the monograph explores this sociolinguistic theme within the context of six significant wars/conflicts: the Maji Maji resistance against German rule, the two World Wars, the anti-colonial resistance to British colonialism, the wars of the Great Lakes region, the cold wars, and the ongoing war against terrorism.

Geographically, the study encompasses a range of war situations, including those that are localized, transnational, and even global in scale and consequences. Through meticulous analysis, the monograph offers valuable insights into the conflict-ridden history of Swahili, highlighting its adaptability as a tool that can be wielded by either party in a conflict, as well as its potential to convey hegemonic or anti-hegemonic meanings.

The first war/conflict examined in the monograph is the Maji Maji resistance against German rule. During the early 20th century, the Maji Maji movement emerged in East Africa as a response to German colonialism. Led by the charismatic Mwinyi wa Kindu, the Maji Maji warriors fiercely resisted German rule, employing guerilla tactics and sabotage to undermine the colonial infrastructure.

The second war/conflict analyzed is the two World Wars. These global conflicts had a profound impact on Swahili, both in terms of its usage and its development. During the wars, Swahili became a lingua franca, used by soldiers from different nations to communicate with each other. This increased the language's popularity and spread, as it was adopted by various ethnic groups and communities.

The third war/conflict discussed is the anti-colonial resistance to British colonialism. Swahili played a crucial role in this struggle, as it was the language of the African resistance movements. The Swahili language was used to disseminate anti-colonial propaganda, organize resistance movements, and coordinate strikes and protests.

The fourth war/conflict examined is the wars of the Great Lakes region. This region, which encompasses parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe, has been plagued by recurrent conflicts over the years. The monograph explores the role of Swahili in these wars, including its usage as a means of communication between different ethnic groups and its development as a language of diplomacy and negotiation.

The fifth war/conflict discussed is the cold war. Although the cold war was primarily a geopolitical conflict, it had significant implications for Swahili as well. The language was used by African governments and organizations to promote their anti-colonial and anti-imperialist ideologies, and it was also used as a means of communication between African countries and the Soviet Union.

The final war/conflict analyzed is the ongoing war against terrorism. Since the September 11th attacks in 2001, the world has been grappling with the threat of terrorism. Swahili has been used by various terrorist organizations, including Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram, to communicate with their members and spread their propaganda.

In conclusion, this monograph provides a comprehensive examination of the roles and functions of Swahili in war/conflict situations, while also exploring the profound impact of these conflicts on the language's destiny. The study highlights the adaptability of Swahili as a tool that can be appropriated and galvanized to serve the interests of either party in a conflict, as well as its potential to convey hegemonic or anti-hegemonic meanings. The monograph is a valuable contribution to the field of sociolinguistics and provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between language, conflict, and power.

Weight: 447g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031273377
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023