Samsung Adds Kiswahili and Amharic Support to Galaxy Devices

In a significant move towards fostering digital inclusivity, Samsung Electronics has expanded its language support to include Kiswahili and Amharic on its devices. This initiative aims to cater to the linguistic preferences of millions in East Africa, ensuring that technology is more accessible and user-friendly.

The Significance of Kiswahili and Amharic in East Africa

Kiswahili, widely spoken across countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, serves as a unifying language in the region. Amharic holds the status of the official language in Ethiopia, spoken by millions. By integrating these languages into their devices, Samsung acknowledges the cultural and linguistic diversity of East Africa, promoting a more personalized user experience.

Samsung’s Commitment to Localization

This development aligns with Samsung’s broader strategy to localize its products, making them more relevant to specific markets. By incorporating local languages, Samsung not only enhances user engagement but also demonstrates respect for the cultural nuances of its diverse customer base. This approach is evident in their recent campaigns promoting Kiswahili availability on the Galaxy S25 Series in Kenya and Tanzania.

Steps to Enable Kiswahili or Amharic on Samsung Devices

To switch your Samsung device’s system language to Kiswahili or Amharic:

1. Open Settings: Tap the ‘Settings’ app on your device.
2. Navigate to General Management: Scroll down and select ‘General Management’.
3. Access Language & Region: Tap on ‘Language’.
4. Add a Language: Select ‘Add language’ and choose Kiswahili or Amharic from the list.
5. Set as Default: After selection, tap ‘Set as default’ or move it to the top of the list.

For changing the keyboard input language:

1. Open Settings: Tap ‘Settings’.
2. Navigate to General Management: Select ‘General Management’.
3. Access Samsung Keyboard Settings: Tap on ‘Samsung Keyboard Settings’.
4. Manage Input Languages: Tap ‘Languages and types’, then ‘Manage input languages’.
5. Download and Enable Language: Choose Kiswahili or Amharic from the list and download if necessary.
6. Switch Between Languages: While typing, press and hold the spacebar or tap the globe icon to switch between languages.

Implications for the Tech Industry

Samsung’s initiative sets a precedent for other tech companies operating in Africa. It underscores the importance of product localization to meet the unique needs of different markets, encouraging a more inclusive approach to technology development and user engagement. As digital literacy and smartphone adoption continue to grow, incorporating local languages into technology devices not only enhances usability but also demonstrates respect for cultural diversity.

Conclusion

The integration of Kiswahili and Amharic into Samsung devices marks a significant step towards digital inclusivity in East Africa. By enabling users to interact with technology in their native languages, Samsung enhances the user experience and fosters greater engagement. This move reflects a broader industry trend towards localization, emphasizing the importance of cultural and linguistic considerations in technology development.