In today's edition of Bring It On!, hosts Clarence Boone and Liz Mitchell spend the hour with Dr. Alwiya Saleh Omar and Dr. Ng'uono Okelo to discuss World Kiswahili Language Day. Both Dr. Omar and Dr. Ng’uono are affiliated with the African Studies Program and the National African Language Resource Center at Indiana University's Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies. Dr. Omar is from Tanzania, and Dr. Okelo is from Kenya.


World Kiswahili Language Day is celebrated on July 7  each year. According to the United Nations, Kiswahili is "one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa and the world, with over 200 million speakers. It is a vital tool of communication and integration across East, Central, and Southern Africa, and serves as an official language of the African Union (AU), SADC, and the EAC. Kiswahili is more than a language—it is a vessel of African identity, unity, and culture. From its role in liberation movements, including those led by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, to its modern use in education, diplomacy, and media, Kiswahili continues to foster regional cohesion and global cultural understanding."
Recognized by UNESCO as the first African language to be honored with its own international day, Kiswahili embodies the power of multilingualism to promote diversity, tolerance, and sustainable development. As a bridge between communities and civilizations, it plays a critical role in quality education, cultural preservation, and socio-economic progress. More than just a means of communication, Kiswahili is a carrier of identity, values, and a worldview, representing the rich cultural tapestry of the African continent.
In acknowledgment of its growing global significance, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/78/312, further affirming the importance of Kiswahili in fostering solidarity, peace, and pan-African unity."
The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market will holding a World Kiswahili Language Day on Saturday, July 5 with Dr. Alwiya Saleh Omar and Dr. Ng'uono Okelo:

Credits:
Today’s hosts are Clarence Boone and Liz Mitchell.
Our show’s executive producer is Clarence Boone.
Our consultant and WFHB News Department Director is Kade Young.
Our program engineer is Chantalle LaFontant.
Our original theme music was created by Jamyl Efiom, with additional background tracks by David Baker.