Swahili

guest2   Tue Jul 22, 2008 4:19 am GMT
"...Blacks in USA are learning Swahili in record numbers."

There may be more people (both Black and otherwise) studying Swahili than before, but unfortunately, the numbers must still be relatively small. In the LCTL (Less Commonly Taught Languages) database, they list a little over 100 colleges/universities that teach Swahili--and only one primary/secondary school that teaches it.

Compare that to Russian, Chinese, or Japanese (still classified as LCTLs), which are now taught in hundreds of primary/secondary schools--and growing.

It's an interesting language, and worth learning, but you'll have to be more diligent in finding learning resources. The BBC, Voice of America, Deutschewelle, Radio Moscow International, Ratio China International, Radio Sudan, and Radio South Africa have broadcasts in Swahili; this not only provides resources in hearing Swahili, but also shows the growing status it has in the world.