Culture of Tanzania
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[edit] Language and Linguistic situation
Over 100 languages are spoken in Tanzania, most of them from the Bantu family. After independence, the government recognized that this represented a problem for national unity, and as a result introduced the Swahili language (Kiswahili) as the only official language. The government introduced it in all primary schools to spread its use.
Given the conditions of the period, it was not possible to introduce the language in the entire educational system, because the scale of the task of writing Swahili textbooks for primary schools was already considerable. As a result English (which has been the colonial language since the end of the First World War) is still the language of high schools and universities. However, the great majority of the population have accepted Swahili, thus English is generally well known. As a result of this linguistic situation, many students leave school after finishing primary education. Although the many tribal languages are not actively suppressed, they do not enjoy the same linguistic rights as Swahili, and little by little they are disappearing. To date none of them has entirely vanished, but it is clear that unless the linguistic policy is changed, many will soon cease to exist.
[edit] Kiswahili literature
Some writers include:
- Shaaban Robert
- Penina Muhando Mlama
- Amandina Lihamba
- Edwin Semzaba
- Euphrase Kezilahabi
- Shafi Adam Shafi
- Chachage Seith Chachage
[edit] Music
[edit] National anthem
The Tanzanian national anthem is Mungu Ibariki Afrika (God Bless Africa), composed by South African composer Enock Sontonga. The song is also the national anthem of South Africa (with another tune) and Zimbabwe.
[edit] Art music
Art musicians include:
- Dionys Mbilinyi
- John Mgandu
- Sabinus Komba
- Imani Sanga
- Mutayoba
- Amri Hingi
- Isaac Nyato
- Ng'asi
- Dani Simile
[edit] Art
[edit] Painting
Tanzanian painters include Mohammed Raza, Elias Jengo, and Stephen Ndibalema.
- Tingatinga painting
[edit] See also
http://br.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinga_Tinga
[edit] Sculpture
- Makonde sculpture
[edit] Food
Tanzanian cuisine is typical for East Africa, however meat is not widely consumed. The Tanzanian diet is largely based on starches. Tea is the most widely consumed beverage.
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