A paragraph explaning how the swahili langauge came into being

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swahili_language#History

http://www.glcom.com/hassan/swahili_history.html

The Swahili language, also known as Kiswahili, is a Bantu language that originated from the East African coast. Its development can be traced back to interactions between African Bantu-speaking communities and Arab traders and settlers. These interactions occurred over several centuries, starting around the 7th century.

Initially, the Bantu-speaking communities had their own distinct languages, but as trade flourished along the coast, a pidgin language developed. Pidgin languages are simplified forms of communication that arise when people with different native languages need to interact. In this case, the African Bantu speakers and the Arab traders needed a common language to facilitate their trade activities.

This pidgin language, known as Swahili, was a blend of Bantu syntax and grammar with Arabic loanwords. Over time, the Swahili language evolved and expanded beyond its role as a trade pidgin. It became the lingua franca for the East African coast, used by various ethnic groups, including the Swahili people.

Swahili's development continued to be influenced by various factors, such as the arrival of Persian and Indian traders, as well as Portuguese colonization in the region. These influences brought new vocabulary and further enriched the language.

During the 19th century, Swahili gained prominence as Arab and European traders, explorers, and missionaries used it as a means of communication in their interactions with African communities. This played a significant role in the spread of Swahili beyond the coast and into the interior of East Africa.

In the 20th century, Swahili gained recognition as a national language in several East African countries, including Kenya and Tanzania. Efforts were made to standardize and codify the language, leading to the establishment of standardized Swahili grammar and spelling rules.

Overall, the Swahili language emerged as a result of the historical interactions between African Bantu-speaking communities, Arab traders, and other foreign influences. Its development as a trade pidgin and subsequent evolution into a widely spoken language showcases the cultural dynamics and historical connections in the East African region.