Where are Niger-Congo languages spoken?

These languages are spoken in a large part of the African continent, equivalent to two thirds of the continent, and including all of Sub-Saharan Africa: West to East from Senegal to the Comoro Islands, North to South from Niger to South Africa.

Roger Blench Niger-Congo language map

Wikipedia Niger-Congo language map

Total number of speakers (estimates)

Approximately 400 000 000 according to the SIL

Classification

The Niger-Congo family counts between 1 300 and 1 500 languages, depending on the classifications, representing alone nearly a quarter of the planet’s languages. It is probably the family bearing the highest number of languages, before the Austronesian group.

It is extremely difficult to present a detailed classification of a family as vast and complex as the Niger-Congo family. For the time being, the classification we present below has been simplified for display purposes. We are aware this classification is not fully satisfactory as such. However it is only displayed temporarily, until we’re able to account for more detailed and scientific data. Work in progress.

Detailed Niger-Congo language classification (pdf, 3 768ko)

Detailed Bantu language classification (pdf, 1690 ko)

Kordofanian languages

Talodi-Heiban group

Heiban subgroup

Ko, Warnang, Logol (alternative name: Lukha), Otoro (alternative name: Utoro), Koalib (alternative name: kawalib, kawaaliib ), Laru-Ebang (alternative name: Heiban), Shirumba (alternative name: Shwai), Moro, Tira (alternative name: Tiro)

Talodi subgroup

Lafofa (alternative name: Tegem), Talodi (alternative name: Jomang), Nding (alternative name: Eliri), Ngile (alternative name: Daloka), Dengebu (alternative name: Dagik), Acheron, Lumun, Tocho, Torona

Rashad group

Tagoi (dialect group), Tegali

Katla group

Katla, Tima

Atlantic languages (or West Atlantic)

North Atlantic or Senegal-Guinea languages

Senegambian languages

Serer-Sine, Fula (dialect group) (alternative names: Peul ; Peuhl ; Pulaar ; Fulfulde ; Fellani), Wolof (dialect group)

Cangin languages

Laalaa, Ndut, Noon, Palor, Saafi-Saafi

Bak languages

Balanta-Ganja, Balanta-Kentohe, Bayot, Jola, Manjaku (alternative names: Manjaco, Manjak, Mandjak), Mankanya, Pepel (alternative names: Ium, Papei, Papel), Kerak (alternative names:  Keeraku, Keraay, Her).

East branch

Baynunk, Kasanga, Kobiana, Badyara, Menik (alternative name: Bedik), Oniyan (alternative names: Bassari, Basari, Niyan), Biafada, Wamey

Isolate

Mbulungish-Nalu

South Atlantic or Limba-Mel languages

Limba

Sua-Mel languages

Sua (alternative name: Mansoanka), Temne, Baga Binari, Baga Kaloum, Baga Koga, Baga Manduri, Baga Sitemu, Baga Sobané, Landoma, Gola, Kissi, Bom, Bullom So, Krim, Sherbro, Bijago

Volta-Congo languages

North-Volta or Savanna group

Bariba (alternative name: Baatonum), Viemo, Tyefo, Wara-Natyoro, Tusya

Kru languages

Siamou, Aproumu Aizi, Mobumrin Aizi, Tiagbamrin Aizi, Kuwaa, Bakwe, Wane, Gagnoa Bete, Kouya, Daloa Bete, Guiberoua Bete, Godie, Lakota Dida, Yocoboue Dida, Neyo, Kodia (alternative name: Kwadia), Bassa, Dewoin, Gbii, Glio-Oubi, Krumen (dialect group), Grebo, Jabo, Klao, Tajuasohn, Daho-Doo, Glaro-Twabo, West Krahn, Sapo, South We, South We, East Krahn, Nyabwa, North We

Gur languages

Buli, Koma, Yom, Nawdm, Biali, Ditammari, Mbelime, Waama, Bimoba, Moba, Akaselem, Ntcham, Gourmanchema, Konkomba, Miyobe, Nateni, Ngangam, Notre, Farefare, Mòore, Safaliba, Wali, South Dagaare, Dagaari Dioula, North Dagaradu, Malba Birifor, South Birifor, Kusaal, Dagbani, Hanga, Kamara, Kantosi, Mampruli, Bomu, Buamu, Cwi Bwamu, Láá Láá Bwamu, Koromfe, Bago-Kusuntu, Chala, Delo, Kabiye, Lama, Lukpa, Tem, Kalamse, Kasem, Lyele, North Nuni, South Nuni, Pana, Chakali, Deg, Paasaal, Phuie, Tumulung Sisaala, West Sisaala, Sissala, Tampulma, Vagla, Winye, Kirma, Curama (alternative names : Cuuramã, Tchourama, Turka, Tourka, Turuka, Tyurama), Lobi, Dyan, Dogoso, Khe, Dogose, Kaansa, Khisa

Kulango languages

Kulango, Loma (alternative name: Malinke), Teen (alternative name: Loron).

Chamba-Mumuye languages (alternative name: Leko-Nimbari)

Duli, Dii, Dugun, Duupa, Peere (alternative name: Kutin), Longto (alternative name: Voko), Dowayo, Vere, Gimme, Kolbila, Nyong, Samba, Leko Wom, Kumba, Mumuye, Pangseng, Rang, Teme, Waka, Bali, Kpasam, Kugama, Yendang, Nimbari

Mbum-Day languages

Day, Bolgo, Bon Gula, Bua, Fania, Gula Iro, Koke, Niellim, Noy, Tunia, Zan Gula, Besme, Goundo, Kim, Mbum, Kuo, Karang, Kare, Nzakambay, Pana, Dama, Mono, Ndai, Mambai, Mundang, Tupuri (alternative name : tüpürï, toupouri, toubouri, tpuri), Dek, Laka, Pam, To

Bambuk languages

Burak, Dza, Kyak, Leelau, Loo, Mághdì, Mak, Mingang Doso, Moo, Tha, Longuda, Kaan, Mboi, Bena, Lala-Roba, Voro

Waja-Kam group

Awak, Kamo, Dijim-Bwilim, Tso, Bangwinji, Tula, Waja, Dadiya, Kam, Baa, Fali

Senufo languages

Mamara, Nanerige, Shempire, Sìcìte, Supyire, East Karaboro, West Karaboro, Cebaara, Nyarafolo, Senara, Syenara, Kpalaga, Djimini, Tagwana, Nafaara

South-Volta group

Kwa languages

Ebrie, Mbato, Krabo, Abure, Beti, Brong (alternative name: Abron), Akan, Twi, Fante (alternative name: Mfantse), Anufo, Anyin, Anyin Morofo, Baoule, Sehwi, Ahanta, Jwira-Pepesa, Nzema, Efutu (alternative name: Awatu), Cherepon, Gua (alternative name: Anum), Larteh, Chumburung, Dompo, Dwang, Foodo, Gikyode, Ginyanga, Gonja, Kplang, Krache, Nawuri, Nchumbulu, Nkonya, Dangme, Ga, Lelemi-Lefana, Siwu (alternative name: Akpafu-Lolobi), Lipke, Santrokofi, Logba, Basila, Adele, Avatime, Nyangbo-Tafi, Bowili, Ahlo, Kposo, Animere, Akebu, Ewe (dialect group), Gen (dialect group), Aja, Fon (dialect group), Phla-Phera, Ega, Avikam, Alladian, Ajukru, Abidji, Abbey, Attie.

Benue Congo languages

Akpes, Ayere, Ahaan

Yoruboid-Edoid-Akoko-Igboid

Igala, Ede Cabe, Ede Ica, Ede Idaca, Ede Ije, Ede Nago, Kura, Manigri-Kambole, Ife, Isekiri, Lucumi, Mokole, Ulukwumi, Yoruba, Degema, Engenni, Epie, Edo, Emai-Iuleha-Ora, Esan, Ibilo, Enwan, Ghotuo, Igwe, Ikpeshi, Ivbie, North-Arhe Okpela, Ososo, Sasaru, Uneme, Yekhee, Ihievbe, Uokha, Ehueun, Iyayu, Uhami, Ukue, Akuku, Idesa, Okpamheri, Okpe, Oloma, Aduge, Eruwa, Isoko, Urhobo, Uvbie, Akoko, Ekpeye, Igbo, Ika, Ikwere, Izi-Ezaa-Ikwo-Mgbo, Ogbah, Ukwuani-Aboh-Ndoni

Nupoid-Oko-Idomoid

Ebira, Gade, Gbagyi, Gbari, Asu, Gupa-Abawa, Kakanda, Kami, Kupa, Nupe-Nupe-Tako, Dibo, Oko, Eloyi, Etulo, Agatu, Alago, Idoma, Igede, Yala, Akpa, Yace

Isolate

Ukaan (alternative names: Ikan, Anyaran, Auga, Kakumo)

Plateau group

Tarok, Pe, Yangkam, Kwanka, Sur, Eloyi, Eggon, Ake, Jili, Koro-Zuba, Koro-Ija, Jijili, Nyeng, Ndun, Shakara, Akpondu, Alumu (alternative name: Arum), Tesu (alternative name: Chessu), Toro, Hasha(alternative name: Yashi), Sambe, Anib, Ayu, Bu, Ce, Mada, Ningye, Ninka, Ninkyop, Numana, Numbu, Nunku, Fyem, Rukul, Horom, Firan, Cara, Cen, Ganang, Irigwe, Izere, Jju, Tyap, Ndun, Nyeng, Shakara, Berom, Iten, Cara, Shall, Doka, Idon, Iku-Gora-Ankwa, Ikulu, Kadara, Kuturmi

Kainji languages

Amo, Sheni, Gamo-Ningi, Gyem, Iguta, Izora, Janji, Jere, Kudu-Camo, Lemoro, Lere, Sanga, Shau, Tunzuii, Ziriya, Bina, Dungu, Gbiri-Niragu, Kaivi, Kinuku, Kono, Kurama, Mala, Ruma, Shuwa-Zamani, Surubu, Tumi, Vono, Panawa, Atsam, Piti, Basa, Basa-Gumna, Basa-Gurmana, Bassa-Kontagora, Bauchi, Gurmana, C’lela, Gwamhi-Wuri, Hun-Saare, Ut-Ma’in, Laru, Lopa, Baangi, Cishingini, Kakihum, Tsikimba, Tsishingini, Tsuvadi, East Acipa, West Acipa, Cinda-Regi-Tiyal, Fungwa, Hungworo, Pongu, Rogo, Shama-Sambuga, Reshe

Jukunoid languages

Hõne, Jibu, Jukun Takum, Wãpha, Jiba, Wannu, Wapan, Como Karim, Jiru, Tita, Tigon Mbembe, Shoo-Minda-Nye, Etkywan, Kpan, Akum, Beezen, Kapya, Kutep, Yukuben, Bete

Cross River languages

Alege, Bekwarra, Bete-Bendi, Bokyi, Bumaji, Obanliku, Putukwam, Ubang, Ukpe-Bayobiri, Agoi, Bakpinka, Doko-Uyanga, Olulumo-Ikom, Lokaa, Lubila, Nkukoli, Legbo, Lenyima, Leyigha, Mbembe, Oring, Kukele, Uzekwe, Gwagwune, Kohumono, Umon, Ubaghara, Kiong, Korop, Odut, Ukpet-Ehom, Anaang, Efik, Ibibio, Ukwa, Ekit, Etebi, Enwan, Uda, Ibuoro, Ito, Itu Mbon Uzo, Nkari, Ebughu, Efai, Ibino, Iko, Ilue, Okobo, Oro, Usaghade, Eki, Idere, Obolo, Gokana, Khana, Tee, Baan, Eleme, Abua, Odual, Kugbo, Abureni, Obulom, O’chi’chi’, Ogbia, Ogbogolo, Ogbronuagum, Gokana, Khana, Tee, Baan, Eleme

Bantoid languages

North Bantoid languages

Dirim, Dong, Gaa, Lamja-Dengsa-Tola, Samba Daka, Fam, Kwanja, Twendi, Mambila, Mbongno, Mvanip, Ndunda, Somyev, Njerep, Ndoolai, Suga, Vute, Wawa, Bikya, Buru, Tikar

South Bantoid languages

Bebe, Cung, Kemezung, Naki, Ncane, Noone, Saari, Abar, Fang, Koshin, Mbu’, Mundabli, Bukwen, Mashi, Abanyom, Efutop, Ejagham, Ekajuk, Nde-Nsele-Nta, Ndoe, Nkem-Nkum, Nnam, Mbonga, Nagumi, Ngong, Bada, Bile, Duguri, Dulbu, Gwa, Jarawa, Kulung, Labir, Lame, Mama, Mbula-Bwazza, Shiki, Denya, Kendem, Kenyang, Leti, Tuki, Bati, Nomaande, Tuotomb, Yambeta, Tunen, Elip, Mbule, Mmaala, Nubaca, Nugunu, Yangben

Bantu languages

Group D

Bembe, Buyu, Amba, Bera, Bhele, Bila, Bodo, Budu, Homa, Kaiku, Kango, Komo, Mbo, Ndaka, Nyali, Vanuma, Enya, Lengola, Mbole, Mituku, Bali, Beeke, Hamba, Holoholo, Kanu, Kwami, Lega-Mwenga, Lega-Shabunda, Lika, Songoora, Zimba, Nyanga

Group E

Gweno, Kahe, Machame, Mochi, Rombo, Rwa, Vunjo, Gichuka, Kimîîru, Kitharaka, Mwimbi-Muthambi, Dhaiso, Gikuyu, Kamba, Kiembu, Ekegusii, Ikizu, Ikoma-Nata-Isenye, Kabwa, Kuria, Ngoreme, Suba, Suba-Simbiti, Temi, Zanaki, Kiwilwana, Kipfokomo, Dawida, Sagalla, Chichonyi-Chidzihana-Chikauma, Chidigo, Chiduruma, Kigiryama, Segeju

Group F

Langi, Mbugwe, Nilamba, Nyaturu, Bungu, Kimbu, Konongo, Nyamwezi, Sukuma, Sumbwa, Bende, Fipa, Mambwe-Lungu, Pimbwe, Rungwa, Tongwe

Group G

Bena, Hehe, Kinga, Kisi, Magoma, Manda, Pangwa, Sangu, Vwanji, Gogo, Kagulu, Ndamba, Pogolo, Northern Chàsú, Southern Chàsú Bondei, Shambala, Taveta, Mwali, Ndzwani, Ngazidja, Maore, Makwe, Mwani, Swahili, Doe, Kami, Kutu, Kwere, Luguru, Mushungulu, Ngulu, Sagala, Vidunda, Zaramo, Zigula

Group H

Hungana, Beembe, Doondo, Kaamba Koongo, San Salvador Kongo, Kunyi, Laari, Suundi, Vili, Yombe, Bolo, Kimbundu, Sama, Songo, Lonzo, Mbangala, Ngongo, Pelende, Sonde, Suku, Yaka

Group J

Haya, Jita, Kara, Kerewe, Kwaya, Nyambo, Subi, Talinga-Bwisi, Zinza, Konzo, Nande, Saamia, Lubukusu, Luidakho-Luisukha-Lutirichi, Lulogooli, Nyala, Olunyole, Lukabaras, Lutachoni, Masaaba, Nyole, Olukhayo, Olumarachi, Olumarama, Olushisa, Olutsotso, Oluwanga, Chiga, Ganda, Gungu, Gwere, Hema, Kenyi, Nyankore, Nyoro, Ruuli, Singa, Soga, Tooro, Ha, Hangaza, Rundi, Rwanda, Shubi, Vinza, Fuliiru, Havu, Hunde, Joba, Kabwari, Kinyindu (alternative name: Nyindu), Shi, Tembo

Group K

Chokwe, Lucazi, Luimbi, Luvale, Mbunda, Mbwela, Nkangala, Nyemba, Nyengo, Diriku, Mbala, Holu, Kwese, Phende, Samba, Kwangali, Luyana, Mashi, Mbowe, Mbukushu, Simaa, Lunda, Ruund, Salampasu, Fwe, Kuhane, Totela

Group L

Bwile, Kaonde, Nkoya, Hemba, Kanyok, Luba-Kasai, Luba-Katanga, Lwalu, Sanga, Bangubangu, Binji, Kete, Luna, Songe

Group M

Nyakyusa, Bisa, Lemba, Aushi, Bemba, Taabwa, Chinamukuni (alternative name: Lenje), Tonga (alternative name: Chitonga), Lambya, Malila, Ndali, Nyamwanga, Nyiha, Nyika, Safwa, Wanda

Group N

Nyanja, Tumbuka, Mpoto, Matengo, Ngoni, Tonga, Barwe, Kunda, Nyungwe, Phimbi, Sena, Nsenga

Group P

Chuwabu, Kokola, Koti, Lolo, Lomwe, Maindo, Makhuwa, Manyawa, Marenje, Nathembo, Takwane, Matumbi, Mbunga, Ndendeule, Ndengereko, Ngindo, Nindi, Rufiji, Machinga, Makonde, Nyasa, Mwera, Ndonde, Hamba, Yao

Group R

Herero, Zemba, Kwambi, Mbalanhu, Ndonga, Ngandyera, Oshiwambo, Yeyi (alternative name: Kuba), Ndombe, Nkumbi, Nyaneka, Umbundu

Group S

Chopi, Bitonga, Ndebele, Swati, Xhosa, Zulu, Dema, Kalanga, Manyika, Nambya, Ndau, Shona, Tawara, Tewe, Kgalagadi, Ndebele, North Sotho, South Sotho, Birwa, Tswana, Lozi, Tswapong, Venda, Boguru, Gbati-ri, Isanzu, Kari, Mayeka, Ngbee, Ngbinda, Nyanga-li, Songo

Group A

Ripka (alternative name: Bafia), Bafia, Dimbong, Hijuk, Lefa, Tibea, Bakoko, Bankon, Barombi, Basaa, Yasa (alternative name: Ngumbi), Batanga, Benga, Bube, Bakole, Bubia, Duala, Isu, Malimba, Mokpwe, Wumboko, Kako, Kwakum, Pol, Akoose, Bafaw-Balong, Bakaka, Bassossi, Mbo, Oroko, Bonkeng, Nkongho, Bekwel, Bomwali, Byep, Gyele, Kol, Koonzime, Kwasio, Makaa, Mpiemo, Mpongmpong, Njyem, So, Ukhwejo, Bebele, Bebil, Beti, Bulu, Eton, Ewondo, Fang, Mengisa, Shiwa (alternative names: Chiwa, Makina, Fang mekina, Osieba).

Group B

Akele, Kota, Mahongwe, Mbangwe, Ndasa, Ngom, Sake, Seki, Sighu, Wumbvu, Kaningi, Mbere, Ndumu, Ngul, Ombamba, Yangho, Mpongwe (Myene), Duma, Njebi, Tsaangi, Wandji, Barama, Bwisi, Lumbu, Punu, Sangu, Sira, Vumbu, Ngungwel, Tchitchege, Ibali Teke, Yaka, Eboo, Fuumu, Kukuya, Laali, Nzikou, Tege, Tsaayi, Tyee, Bubi, Kande, Pinji, Simba, Tsogo, Geviya, Molengue, Boma, Ding, Mfinu, Mpuono, Tiene, Yansi

Group C

Kela, Bamwe, Bangi, Boko, Bolia, Bolondo, Bomboli, Bomboma, Bozaba, Dzando, Lobala, Mabaale, Moi, Ntomba, Sakata, Sengele, Yamongeri, Babango, Bangala, Boloki, Budza, Lingala, Lusengo, Ndolo, Baloi, Libinza, Likila, Ndobo, Bushoong, Dengese, Lele, Songomeno, Wongo, Foma, Kele, Lombo, Mbesa, Poke, So, Akwa, Koyo, Likuba, Likwala, Mboko, Mbosi, Lalia, Mongo-Nkundu, Ngando, Ombo, Ngando, Yaka, Bwa, Bwela, Kango, Ligenza, Ngelima, Ngombe, Pagibete, Tembo, Bomitaba, Bongili, Dibole, Mbati, Ngundi, Pande, Kusu, Nkutu, Tetela, Yela

Bantu isolates:

Bemba, Songa

Tivoid languages

Abon, Ambo, Balo, Batu, Bitare, Caka, Eman, Esimbi, Evant, Iceve-Maci, Ipulo, Iyive, Manta, Mesaka, Osatu, Otank, Tiv, Busuu, Bishuo, Borna, Bikya, Buya, Moingi

Grassfields languages

Befang, Fe’fe’, Ghomálá’, Kwa’, Mengaka, Nda’nda’, Ngiemboon, Ngomba, Ngombale, Ngwe, Yemba, Awing, Bafut, Bambili-Bambui, Bamukumbit, Beba Kpati, Mendankwe-Nkwen, Ngemba, Pinyin, Dzodinka, Kwaja, Limbum, Mbo’, Mfumte, Ndaktup, Yamba, Baba, Bafanji, Bamali, Bambalang, Bamenyam, Bamun, Bangolan, Medumba, Mungaka, Menka, Meta’, Mundani, Ngamambo, Ngie, Ngoshie, Ngwo, Njen, Babanki, Bum, Kom, Kuk, Kung, Mmen, Oku, Bamunka, Kenswei Nsei, Vengo, Wushi, Aghem, Isu, Laimbue, Weh, Zhoa, Lamnso’, Nde-Gbite, Viti, Fum, Ambele, Atong, Busam

South Bantoid isolates

Anka, Buku, Kwak, Nshi

Comments on the classification of Niger-Congo languages

It is extremely difficult to establish a detailed, stable and consensual internal classification of Niger-Congo languages: most of these languages have been insufficiently studied for one to establish their classification with certainty. The classification presented her does not claim to be exhaustive or final. We have used both Williamson’s and Blench’s (2000) classifications, one provided by Blench on his website (see sources), work by Gunthrie (1947 & 1971) on Bantu languages and SIL’s classification on ethnologue.com (16th edition) in order to establish the one provided here.

As done by Dimmendaal (2008), we have excluded Dogon, Oubanguian and Mande languages from our classification, because their ties to this group have not been sufficiently demonstrated.

Many aspects of the classification presented here need clarification.

– Kordofanian languages represent probably the oldest branch of Niger-Congo languages. And R. Blench claims in an unpublished article that the Rashad group counts 8 languages.

– The uniqueness of Atlantic languages is controversial: the three main branches could well turn out to be three independent Niger-Congo branches, according to Dimmendaal (2008). The dialect cluster Fula, or Peul, comprises 9 main dialects sometimes regarded as 9 actual languages (ethnologue.com, for example). Likewise for the dialect cluster Dioula.

– As far as Kru languages are concerned, the Grebo dialect group comprises 4 or 5 main dialects sometimes regarded as languages, notably by the SIL. There is a debate among linguists about whether Jabo is a Grebo dialect or an independent language.

– About Gur languages: Wara and Natyoro are sometimes regarded as two distinct languages.

– Chamba-Mumuye, Mbum-Day, Bambukique, Waja-Kam, Baa and Fali are often classified in the Sae group of the Adamawa languages but nowadays the integrity of the Adamawa group is considerably questioned.

– The classification of Fali is very uncertain, it could be a primary branch of the Atlantic languages, sometimes considered a group of two languages.

– The classification of Gbe languages is very uncertain; they could be part of the West Benue-Congo languages.

– The classification of the languages of the Plateau is controversial, the one suggested here is based on Blench’s classification (see his website in the sources).

– A connection is sometimes made between Bendi and Bantu languages.

– The legitimacy of the Bantoid group is questionable. Dakoid languages are sometimes regarded as a separate branch of the Benue-Congo languages.

– The classification of Bantu languages offered here uses the work of Gunthrie. Nonetheless, it should be indicated that this classification by “zone”, each represented by a letter of the alphabet (from A to S), is mainly a geographical grouping. Bantu languages are traditionally included in the Niger-Congo group, but this belonging is also regularly questioned.

Here is Bantu language layout map by Gunthrie, available on wikipedia.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/12/Bantu_zones.png

Additional links

Page dedicated to the Niger-Congo languages on africanlanguages.org

http://africanlanguages.org/nigercongo.html

Website on Jola, with online dictionaries and various articles on the Jola languages

http://people.virginia.edu/~ds8s/Kujamaat-Joola/

Bassa-English Dictionnary on Roger Blench’s website

www.rogerblench.info/RBOP.htm

Roger Blench: linguistic data on some Niger-Congo languages

http://www.rogerblench.info/Linguistics%20papers%20opening%20page.htm#Nigercongo

Detailed information on Ega (French)

http://coral.lili.uni-bielefeld.de/langdoc/EGA/EgaSketchGrammar/L_Ega_dg.html

– On Bantu languages

Website on Bantu languages.

http://www.bantu-languages.com

Bantu myths and legends

http://www.sacred-texts.com/afr/mlb/index.htm

Website on Duala with online lessons and glossary

http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/sites/divers/584.php

Preliminary draft of a French-Eton dictionary

http://webh01.ua.ac.be/markvandevelde/dictionnaire%20éton%20(brouillon)%20Mark%20Van%20de%20Velde.pdf

Fang-French-Spanish-Portuguese Dictionary

http://www.monefang.com/dico/dico.php

– On Sawhili:

Online Swahili courses

http://www.fsi-language-courses.com/Swahili.aspx

English-Swahili Dictionary

http://africanlanguages.com/swahili/

http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definition/Swahili-english/

Kongo-English Dictionary

http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definition/Kongo-english/

Rundi-English dictionary

http://amajambo.ijuru.com/

Personal site dedicated to Lingala offering online lessons and a Lingala-French /French-Lingala dictionary

http://pagesperso-orange.fr/pascal.grouselle/

Online Lingala courses on the USA Foreign Service Institute website

http://www.fsi-language-courses.org/Content.php?page=Lingala

Zulu-English Dictionary

http://isizulu.net/

http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definition/Zulu-english/

Soga-English dictionary

http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/translation/Soga/

Website dedicated to Bemba including grammatical descriptions, texts and audio documents.

http://web.archive.org/web/20041106020742/www.anthropology.emory.edu/FACULTY/ANTDS/Bemba/

Lozi-English Dictionary

http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definition/Lozi-english/

Online Shona courses on the USA Foreign Service Institute website

http://www.fsi-language-courses.org/Content.php?page=Shona

References

Gerrit Dimmendaal, “Language Ecology and Linguistic Diversity on the African Continent”, Language and Linguistics Compass 2/5:842. 2008.

Kay Williamson & Roger Blench “Niger-Congo”, in Heine, Bernd and Nurse, Derek (eds) African Languages – An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University press (2000)

R.Blench’s page dedicated to the Plateau languages

http://www.rogerblench.info/Language%20data/Niger-Congo/Benue-Congo/Plateau/Plateau%20page.htm

Guthrie, Malcolm.The classification of the Bantu languages. London: Oxford University Press for the International African Institute (1948)

Guthrie, Malcolm.Comparative Bantu, Vol 2. Farnborough: Gregg International. (1971)

Page dedicated to the Niger-Congo languages on the SIL’s ethnologue.com 16th edition

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_family.asp?subid=68-16