What led to the development of the Swahili language in Africa?
A.
the blending of indigenous and Arab cultures through trade in West Africa
B.
the blending of indigenous and Arab cultures through trade over the Indian Ocean
C.
the blending of indigenous and European cultures through trade in West Africa
D.
the blending of indigenous and European cultures through trade over the Indian Ocean
B. the blending of indigenous and Arab cultures through trade over the Indian Ocean
Swahili developed as a lingua franca in East Africa as a result of trade between local Bantu-speaking communities and Arab traders along the Indian Ocean coast. This interaction led to the blending of indigenous Bantu languages with Arabic, resulting in the development of the Swahili language.