Learn Lingala with the Vocabo Chrome Extension
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Master Lingala vocabulary while browsing the web. Free Chrome extension for language learners. Lingala is spoken by 20+ million people. Lingala music has influenced African popular culture across the continent.
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About Lingala
Lingala is one of the most widely spoken languages in Central Africa and dominates Congolese music.
Speakers
20+ million
Language Family
Bantu
Writing System
Latin alphabet
Difficulty
Medium
Spoken in
Why Learn Lingala?
Lingala music has influenced African popular culture across the continent.
Common Lingala Words
Start your Lingala journey with these essential words and phrases.
Mbote
Hello
mBOH-teh
Melesi
Thank you
meh-LEH-see
Ee
Yes
eh
Te
No
teh
Mai
Water
mah-ee
Bilei
Food
bee-LAY
Moninga
Friend
moh-NEEN-gah
Bolingo
Love
boh-LEEN-goh
Kende malamu
Goodbye (Go well)
KEN-deh mah-LAH-moo
Ndako
House
NDAH-koh
Moi
Sun
mwee
Musique
Music
moo-ZEEK
History of Lingala
Lingala developed as a trade language along the Congo River in the 19th century, based on Bobangi with influences from other Bantu languages. Belgian colonizers promoted it as a lingua franca. Congolese rumba music, sung in Lingala, spread the language's fame across Africa. Today it's the language of Kinshasa and Congolese popular culture.
Is Lingala Hard to Learn?
Lingala has simpler grammar than many Bantu languages, developed as a trade language. Noun classes exist but are less complex. Verb conjugation uses prefixes. The Latin alphabet is phonetic. Congolese music provides enjoyable learning materials.
Similar Languages to Lingala
If you're interested in Lingala, you might also want to explore these related languages:
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