jamii

Jamii is a Swahili noun meaning community, society, or people. It can refer to a local social group, a larger population, or humanity as a whole. The term emphasizes social bonds, shared norms, and the interdependence of individuals within a group.

Etymology and usage: Jamii originates from the Arabic jama’ah, meaning a gathering or assembly, and entered Swahili through historical coastal trade routes. In Kiswahili, it is widely used across East Africa in both formal and informal speech to discuss social life, organization, and collective well-being.

In development and social sciences, jamii denotes the social fabric that supports individuals—neighborhood ties, family networks, and civil society organizations—as well as broader processes of social cohesion and public welfare. It appears in phrases such as jamii ya watu (a community of people) or maendeleo ya jamii (community development) and is common in discussions of policy affecting the public.

Distinctions and related terms: Jamii is distinct from jamaa, which means family or kin; jamii refers to society or community at large. The plural form is majamii when speaking of multiple communities. The term is also used to describe “the international community” (jamii ya kimataifa) or “global society” in academic and media contexts.