What language do they speak in Zanzibar?
Wondering what language they speak in Zanzibar?
You are in the right place. Zanzibar is one of the top travel destinations in Tanzania and East Africa.
Whether it’s the pristine beaches, rich marine life, culture, or history, that attracts you to Zanzibar, you will enjoy exploring this tropical island.
If it’s your first time visiting, you may want to know what language they speak in Zanzibar.
The official language in Zanzibar is Swahili.
Before visiting any country, it’s important to know what language the locals speak as it will help you navigate the place. It also helps you prepare by learning some basic phrases to connect with locals.
Zanzibar languages
Zanzibar (also known as Unguja) which is Tanzania’s largest island is multilingual. Maybe the most diverse location is in Tanzania where different foreign languages are spoken.
As part of Tanzania, the official language is Swahili (Kiswahili). However many other languages are spoken on the island.
As a major trading hub along the East African coast, Zanzibar’s languages were influenced by trade and migration. The arrival of the Arabs, Persians, Europeans, Indians, and the Swahili coastal influences all have played a role in shaping the languages in Zanzibar.
The official language Swahili was heavily influenced by Arabic. Today it serves as the lingua franca for the different communities on the island.
In fact, many words sound similar in both languages. Such as:
| English | Swahili | Arabic |
| Zero | Sufuri | Sifr |
| Seven | Saba | Sab’ah |
| Nine | Tisa | Tis’a |
| Hello/Hi | Marahaba | Marhaba |
As a Swahili or Arabic speaker, it’s easy to pick up several words from conversations.
In addition to Swahili, Arabic is also spoken on the island and has influenced the Zanzibar culture. From names, greetings, and religious practices to architecture. You will find common Arabic names such as Fatima, Omar, Ali, Muhammad, and Amir, among the locals.
Zanzibar languages history
Arabic was an educational and administrative language before the arrival of the British in the 19th century. During the British colonial rule in Zanzibar, they pushed for the use of English as an administrative language.
In Zanzibar, Arabic influences are widely visible in Stone Town. This is mainly because the town was a major trading center. From the architecture to the spices, names, religion, and language.
After independence, the first president of Tanzania (Mwalimu Julius Nyerere) advocated the use of Swahili as the official language explaining why it’s widely spoken across the county and its islands. Tanzania is one of two African countries (after Ethiopia) with a native African language as a National language.
Even though Swahili is most widely spoken in Zanzibar, you will hear other languages including English, French, Italian, a few Portuguese words, and the many local dialects.
Depending on what part you visit you can hear other foreign languages spoken by the expats living and working in Zanzibar.
Do they speak English in Zanzibar?
Yes, they speak English in Zanzibar.
English is the second official language in Tanzania and Zanzibar. But there are more Swahili speakers than English all across the country and its islands.
English is taught in schools as well. When traveling in Zanzibar or mainland Tanzania, you will find many people who speak and understand English.
If you are worried about getting your visa or other government services, you can relax since all the websites are in English.
After visiting Zanzibar more than once, I can assure you the only time you may have a language barrier is if visiting remote places without a guide.
To summarize, English is widely spoken in Zanzibar.
What language do they speak in Stone Town?
Swahili is widely spoken among locals in Stone Town as it is the official language.
As a tourist hotspot, English is also widely spoken. Most people will understand and communicate fluently in English.
Since English isn’t Zanzibaris or Tanzanian’s first language, being kind to locals is important. Speak slowly if necessary and don’t judge if their English isn’t to your standard.
Useful phrases to learn before visiting Zanzibar
As a traveler, you may never use or master all the local dialects in places you visit. However, learning a few basic communication phrases makes a huge difference.
Locals love it when you say a simple hi or thank you in the local language. The more you say it the more you learn the language. Even when you pronounce it wrong you’ll get more smiles and a polite correction on how to say words right.
Here are 15 basic phrases to learn before visiting Zanzibar.
| English | Swahili |
| How are you? response: I’m fine | Hujambo res: Sijambo |
| My name is … | Jina langu ni … |
| What is your name? | Jina lako nani? |
| Goodbye | Kwaheri |
| Please | Tafadhali |
| Thank you | Asante |
| Yes | Ndio |
| No | La or hapana |
| Excuse me | Samahani |
| Sorry | Pole |
| Food | Chakula |
| Water | Maji |
| Welcome | Karibu |
| Okay | Sawa |
| See you tomorrow *tomorrow | Tuonane kesho *Kesho |
As you can see most words are short and easy to say. Hop onto your favorite language learning platform to nail the pronunciations. Personally, I love YouTube, what can’t we learn there huh?
What language do they speak in Zanzibar: FAQs
Below are some questions related to the official Zanzibar language along with my answers.
The main language spoken in Zanzibar is Swahili. As a multilingual island, Swahili is the common language (lingua franca) and allows everyone to understand and communicate with each other. Swahili is also the official language in Zanzibar and Tanzania mainland.
Yes, they do speak English in Zanzibar. English is the second official language but is not widely spoken compared to Swahili. However, you will find many English speakers in Zanzibar and other major cities across Tanzania.
Hujambo is hello/how are you in Swahili. In response, you say Sijambo meaning I am fine. You can also say it in the most touristic way (Jambo). Locals however will use hujambo, shikamoo (young people to older people) among many other words used for greetings.
You say: Habari za asubuhi (good morning) – nzuri/ njema (fine)
If it’s mid-day you say: Habari za mchana (good afternoon)
In the evening you say: Habari za jioni (good evening)
What language do they speak in Zanzibar: Conclusion
There you have it, your complete guide to Zanzibar language(s).
The official language in Zanzibar and Tanzania is Swahili.
English and Arabic are also common in Zanzibar among many other local dialects. All government and tourism services online are in English, so it’s easy to navigate.
Whether visiting or moving to Zanzibar, learning a few Swahili words will make your trip more fun. Swahili is also spoken in many East African countries including Kenya. Enjoy your trip to Zanzibar.
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