Languages of Zambia

In Zambia there are over 70 spoken languages. The most spoken one nationwide is Bemba^[1], while Nyanja is the most popular language in Lusaka, the capital. The national language, since Zambia's independence in 1964, is English.

Languages like Kaonde, Lunda, Luvale, and Tonga come from other country explorers.

English functions as a lingua franca throughout the more urbanized parts of Zambia, although urbanized forms of Nyanja have taken the lead in the capital Lusaka. From 1964 on, English is used in official communications and has also been the primary medium of instruction in the education system. English often is the chosen (husbands/wives) language at home if (as is now common) there is an intertribal family. If one does visit Zambia it becomes evident that language continuously evolves and has led to Zambian slang which can be heard in daily life throughout Lusaka and other major cities.

List of languages

See also

• Zambian names
• Zambian slang

References

• Kashoki, Mubanga E. and Ohannessian, Sirarpa. (1978) Language in Zambia. London: International African Institute.
• Kashoki, Mubanga E. (1990) The Factor of Language in Zambia. Lusaka: Kenneth Kaunda Foundation.
• Tordoff, William (ed.) (1974) Politics in Zambia. Manchester: Manchester University Press
• [Republic of Zambia]. Constitution of Zambia 1991 (as amended by Act no. 18 of 1996).

External links

• Census data from Zambia from Central Statistical Office, Zambia
• Ethnologue Listing of Zambian Languages
• Languages of Zambia