Language, Identity, and Cultural Preservation: The Role of Kiswahili in Shaping African Narratives in a Globalised World

Abstract

This study investigates the role of Kiswahili in shaping African identity, preserving cultural heritage, and contributing to global narrative formation, with a particular focus on the challenges posed by globalisation. Anchored in postcolonial theory and cultural identity frameworks, the research employs a mixed-methods design to capture both statistical patterns and narrative depth. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 360 participants across East and Central Africa, including cultural practitioners, academics, media professionals, NGO representatives, and community members. Structured questionnaires with closed- and open-ended items enabled the integration of quantitative and qualitative insights. Key findings indicate that Kiswahili significantly reinforces African identity (73.6%), safeguards cultural heritage (73.7%), and promotes Pan-African unity (68%), while also serving as a conduit for oral traditions (76.4%) and indigenous knowledge systems through proverbs (76.3%). However, the study identifies critical limitations in Kiswahili’s global visibility, with low ratings in international media representation (36.1% poor/very poor) and literary translation (48.6% poor/very poor), alongside intergenerational concerns over declining youth engagement (61.1%). The study argues that despite Kiswahili’s regional vitality, structural barriers-linguistic hierarchies, digital exclusion, and weak policy frameworks-continue to constrain its global influence. It calls for strategic interventions, including language policy reform, educational integration, digital resource expansion, and systematic translation efforts to elevate Kiswahili’s status as a vehicle for cultural preservation and global epistemic inclusion.