Languages of Guinea | |
---|---|
Official languages | French |
National languages | Fula, Malinké, Susu, Kissi, Kpelle (also known in French as Guerzé), Toma |
Sign languages | American Sign Language (Francophone African Sign Language) |
interethnic | French, Fula |
The Republic of Guinea is a multilingual country, with over 40 languages spoken. The official language is French, which was inherited from colonial rule.
Several indigenous languages have been given the status of national languages: Fula (or Pular); Malinké (or Maninka); Susu; Kissi; Kpelle (known in French as Guerzé) and Toma.
French is the language of state and of official institutions. It is used by 15 to 25% of the population. At the end of the Ahmed Sékou Touré regime, French was the only language used in business and schools.
Fula (40%) is mostly spoken in Middle Guinea, where the major city is Labé. Malinké (30%) is mostly spoken in Upper Guinea, where Kankan is the major city. Susu (20%) is mostly spoken in Guinée maritime, where the capital is Conakry.
Guerzé (3.8%), Kissi (3.5%) and Toma (1.8%) are spoken in Guinée Forestière. More specifically, Guerzé is spoken in Nzérékoré and Yomou. Kissi is spoken in Guéckédou and Kissidougou. Kono is a language used in the south of Guinea, mostly in Lola.