Q: My father is a Rhodesian who brought us (when I was just a pup) over to England when UDI was declared. I speak only English. I would one day like to go back to Southern Africa to see our old farm, and to meet family and friends who are still over there. I would like to learn an African language to make my stay easier; I will be visiting SA, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Kenya, but the main focus will be on Zim and SA. Afrikaans and Swahili; which language would be more useful, and is one easier to learn than the other? Are there any other languages I could consider? Thanks!
A: Kiswahili (this is the correct word for the language, while swahili is the adjective) is pretty easy at the beginning. Being a language born top allow people communicate during their trade, you can pick up some of it (enough for a simple chat) in a short time. Harder would be to be proficient. It is the only official language in Tanzania, widespread in Kenya (above all in the coast region and in Nairobi), Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and, I was told, in the north of Mozambique.