Swahili Loanwords in English

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Instructions: From safari to jumbo, explore the Swahili words that have journeyed into everyday English!

1.
The word 'safari' is commonly associated with Swahili. What does 'safari' mean in Swahili?
A
Animal watching
B
Hunting trip
C
Journey or expedition
D
Wild adventure
2.
Which English word meaning 'large' or 'huge' may derive from the Swahili 'jambo' (meaning 'hello' or 'big')?
A
Giant
B
Jumbo
C
Massive
D
Colossal
3.
The word 'bongo' (a type of drum) has connections to Swahili. Bongo drums are associated with which musical traditions?
A
European classical music
B
Afro-Cuban and Latin American music
C
East Asian music
D
Middle Eastern music
4.
Which English word for a type of large African antelope comes from Swahili?
A
Springbok
B
Gazelle
C
Kudu
D
Impala
5.
The Swahili word 'simba' (meaning 'lion') became famous through which popular Disney film?
A
The Lion King
B
Tarzan
C
Madagascar
D
The Jungle Book
6.
Which Swahili phrase meaning 'no worries' became internationally famous through a Disney song?
A
Hakuna matata
B
Pole pole
C
Jambo jambo
D
Karibu sana
7.
The word 'kwanzaa' (the African American holiday) is based on the Swahili phrase 'matunda ya kwanza.' What does it mean?
A
Joyful celebration
B
First fruits
C
Seven candles
D
Family gathering
8.
Which Swahili word meaning 'freedom' was a rallying cry during African independence movements?
A
Amani
B
Umoja
C
Nguvu
D
Uhuru
9.
The word 'jeep' is debated, but some suggest connections to the Swahili-influenced word for which animal?
A
Elephant
B
Hippo
C
Zebra
D
Giraffe
10.
Which English word for a type of veranda or porch in East Africa comes from the Swahili 'baraza'?
A
Baraza
B
Loggia
C
Terrace
D
Patio
11.
The Swahili word 'bwana' was used by English speakers in colonial East Africa. What does it mean?
A
Friend
B
Master or sir
C
Guide
D
Chief
12.
Which word for a type of East African coastal trading vessel comes from Swahili maritime vocabulary?
A
Sampan
B
Felucca
C
Junk
D
Dhow
13.
The Swahili word 'askari' is used in English. What does it mean?
A
A fisherman
B
A soldier or police officer
C
A farmer
D
A merchant
14.
Which Swahili word for 'unity' is one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa?
A
Ujima
B
Nia
C
Umoja
D
Kujichagulia
15.
The word 'Swahili' itself comes from the Arabic 'sawahil.' What does 'sawahil' mean?
A
Traders
B
Islanders
C
Coasts or coastal people
D
Sailors

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