Swahili Origins
Culture & Religion
Language & Trade
Local Beliefs & Practice
Religious Groups Overview
100

What geographic area is primarily associated with the Swahili community?

What is the East African coast?

100

What is the predominant religion among the Swahili people today?

What is Islam?

100

What is the primary language spoken by the Swahili people?

What is Swahili?

100

What is the local belief system that coexists with Islam among the Swahili?

What is mila?

100

What is a belief system shared by a group of people?

What is a religious group?

200

Which two groups of traders influenced the development of the Swahili culture?

Who are Arab and Persian traders?

200

How do many Swahili people use charms in their daily lives?

What are charms containing verses of the Quran for protection?

200

Which language heavily influences the Swahili language?

What is Arabic?

200

What is often included in Swahili healing practices along with herbal medicines?

What are prescribed prayers and rituals?

200

What are the two largest religious groups in Africa today?

What are Islam and Christianity?

300

What does the word “Swahili” mean in Arabic?

What is “one who lives on the coast”?

300

What is the significance of the Quran to the Swahili community?

What is it the holy book for Muslims?

300

Why is the Swahili language considered a mix of cultures?

What is due to contact with African and Asiatic people?

300

How do Swahili people sometimes communicate with spirits?

What is by entering a trance?

300

What is animism?

What is the belief that all plants, animals, and objects have spirits?

400

Name two countries where Swahili culture is prominent.

What are Kenya and Tanzania?

400

How has Islam contributed to the identity of the Swahili people?

What is it helped create a common identity among diverse groups?

400

What type of markets attracted traders to the East African coast?

What are profitable markets?

400

What is believed about spirits in Swahili culture?

What is that they can possess a person?  

400

Name one way traditional African religions influence daily life.

Responses can include: how people marry, what they eat, clothing choices, treatment of illness, or burial practices.

500

What language family does the Swahili language belong to?

What is the Bantu language family?

500

Describe the role of fishing and trade in the Swahili culture.

What are primary occupations for many Swahili people today?

500

What does the term “djinns” refer to in Swahili culture?

What are spirits believed to possess people?

500

How did local beliefs influence the practices in medicine and healing among the Swahili?

What is they are integrated with spiritual practices?

500

What role do ancestors play in traditional African religions?

Ancestors are viewed as important spiritual figures who watch over the living and are honored through prayers and rituals.

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