Fulfilling the foreign language requirement has many Ohio State students choosing the old standbys such as Spanish, French or German. But a growing number of students are trying something more unusual – Swahili. An East African language spoken largely in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, Swahili has recently experienced a steady increase in enrollment compared to other languages. Lupenga Mphande, associate professor of African-American Studies, said he has been pleasantly surprised by the growing interest in the classes and by the enthusiasm shown by students.”There has definitely been an increase in enrollment over the years, we had three 101 classes this past winter with about 30 students in each class, which is the most classes we’ve ever had,” Mphande said. “I think that the growing interest in Swahili can be traced to growing political and economic interests in Africa.”Many of the developments in South Africa have really caught American students’ attention and have made them interested in African culture and languages, he said.In 1992, Mphande discovered the reason American students view Swahili as easier to learn than other languages.”A survey was done through the Office of Disabilities where students with disabilities were asked which languages were the easiest to learn,” he said. “Swahili and other African languages came out on top because the students said that the teachers emphasize oral proficiency rather than written, and that Swahili is written the way it sounds.”Swahili instructor John Wanjogu thinks there are multiple reasons students find Swahili easier than other languages.”Students all start at the same point, as opposed to other traditional languages. Nobody starts ahead of or behind anyone because no one has had Swahili in high school, so everyone feels they can compete,” Wanjogu said. “Also, all four Swahili courses are offered every quarter so students can take their four required courses in succession.” Leandre Liggins, a senior criminology major and Swahili student, said the instructors make the difference.”I took Spanish, and Swahili is easier because the instructors are more willing to help you understand,” he said.Mphande and Wanjogu said another reason for the popularity of the class is that many African-American students have a strong desire to trace their cultural heritage.”Swahili offers African-American students a chance to find their roots and learn about the place they came from,” Mphande said.Liggins, who is African-American, has made the most of the opportunity.”I wanted to learn about my culture and I have, and it’s been a lot easier to learn from people of my heritage, than if I took Russian or something,” he said.