African Languages at UNC-Chapel Hill
UNC-Chapel Hill offers instruction in Arabic, Lingala, Swahili, and Wolof, with Chichewa instruction planned for the near future. In addition to these on campus offerings, SCALI, the
Summer Cooperative African Language Institute is now accepting expressions of interest from potential participants during summer 2009. This long-standing language training program is available to the general public, including undergraduates, and is especially designed for graduate students who are preparing to do field work in Africa and need intensive language instruction. Languages to be taught are now being determined based on expressions of interest from students.
Arabic
The Arabic Language Coordinator at UNC-CH is Dr. Sahar Amer. Arabic is spoken in various areas of the world, including the African countries Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Sudan, Tunisia, Western Sahara, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia, and Chad. Millions of residents in the Northern African countries speak Arabic and people in Nigeria and Kenya speak it as a second language. Egyptian Arabic has gained special status and is widely understood in regions outside of Egypt. Ancient archaeology and monuments such as pyramids and sphinx have contributed to the significance of Arabic language studies. Arabic Courses and Instructors
Lingala
Lingala is spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, in northwestern Angola, eastern Gabon, southern Central African Republic, and southwestern Sudan. Although it is not the official language of these nations, it is considered the de facto national language of the DRC and the Republic of Congo, as a large number of their populations speak it. Despite its status as the de facto language in these countries, it is the national trade language along the Congo River, the second largest river system in the world. Not only does it serve as the main trade language, but it is also complemented by the Congolese music known as “Soukous” and Congolese rumba. Knowledge of this language allows for a deeper understanding of this music and offers exposure to cultures embodied in Lingala music and oratory. Lingala Courses and Instructors
Swahili
Over 1 million people speak Swahili as their first language, with more than 50 milion people in eastern and central Africa using it as a second or third language. Speakers of this language can be found in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo (also in Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, and Somalia in smaller numbers). Not only can Swahili be found in these countries, but in other nations around the world and in popular music (Michael Jackson), films (The Lion King), and as an influence in major holidays (Kwanzaa). Swahili Courses and Instructors
Wolof
The Wolof instructor and Coordinator of African Languages at UNC-CH is Mamarame Seck. Residents of Senegal, Gambia, and Mauritania speak Wolof. Wolof is spoken by more than 90% of the Senegalese population as either a first or second language. The Republic of Senegal holds more than 3 million Wolof people and is used by the Fulani, Serer, and Diola ethnic groups. Of the six national Senegalese languages; Wolof is one of the most widely spoken and is used as a common communication tool. Several famous Senegalese singers like Youssou Ndour and Thione Seck use Wolof in the music. If you are traveling to Senegal, French allows you to function in Senegal, but knowing Wolof would make your experience easier. Also, if you really want to learn authentic Wolof you should travel to the interior areas of Senegal like Baol and Sine Saloum. Wolof Courses and Instructors
