In Kenya the official languages are English and Kiswahili, but more than 60 languages are spoken and there are more than 40 ethnic groups. Almost everyone speaks more than one language. Watch the video and see if you can learn any phrases in Chidigo.
The Digo live in East Africa. Their villages are on the south coast of Kenya between a city called Mombasa and the border with Tanzania. As well as farming and fishing they trade goods with neighbouring people groups. They also grow sesame, corn, rice, and beans. ‘Palm wine’ is a popular drink produced from the palm tree.
Most Digo people follow a religion called Islam. They also add on traditional and occult practices, such as ancestor worship. Blood sacrifices are very significant to the Digo. They sacrifice animals as part of their rituals for getting rid of evil spirits. Witchdoctors are also consulted regularly. Although they call themselves Muslims, most Digo people actually only have a basic knowledge of Islam’s ideas. Despite this, many Digo women wear a black Islamic veil to show respect for their husbands.
