Boyéi bolámu! Welcome!!
If you are curious about the Lingala language and want to know more about, you’ve landed in the right place! At LingalaVision, we’re here to help you explore the diversity of this Bantu language.
Today, Lingala influence continues to expand beyond Africa, largely due to the music culture surrounding it, and especially the rumba, a beloved genre. But Lingala is more than just a language for music connoisseurs. It also has a cultural in storytelling through theatre and more!
At Lingalavision, we are here to share and preserve its authentic cultural expressions.
Where is Lingala spoken?
DR Congo
Rep. of Congo
Diaspora worldwide
The language
Lingala is a Bantu language born along the banks of the Congo River. It grew from a trade language, carried by merchants, soldiers and missionaries, into one of the most widely spoken languages in Central Africa, spoken by over 70 million people across five countries
Thanks to its music scene, particularly rumba and soukouss, Lingala captivated audiences far beyond its homeland. Today you’ll hear it from Lagos to Paris, from Brussel to London. From the Congos to the world!
At LingalaVision, we promote the genuine wording and vocabulary. As an example, the word for “window” is oftentine refered to “fenêtre“, the french word. But in actuallity, the real word is “lininísa“. It is the same for “miliki” borrowed from the English word “MILk”, whose lingala word is “Mokú“. These distinctions matter, and we celebrate them here at LingalaVision.
Our mission
We want LingalaVision to be the definitive go-to source for Lingala learners worldwide, a place where the language is treated with the depth and rigour it deserves.
We’re on a mission to showcase not only the beauty but also the potential Lingala. We want you to discover (or rediscover) its diverse vocabulary and learn the correct words and writing style. If you’re interested in truly native expressions, this is the perfect opportunity. Learning Lingala opens up exciting new ways of thinking and expressing yourself.
Our goal is to make Lingala accessible to everyone. With our diverse resources, formats, and materials, learning will be a breeze. No matter your age or background, LingalaVision is your go-to for enhancing your Lingala language skills!
We’re here to help you to build your Lingala vocabulary, ensuring you can confidently find the right words when you speak.
Our values
01
Reconnection
For diaspora communities who feel the language slipping away , we create a bridge back to authentic Lingala roots.
02
Transmission
Languages live when they are passed on. We build resources for parents, teachers, and communities to share Lingala with the next generation.
03
Accessibility
Every tool and guide on LingalaVision is free. Language learning should never be a privilege , it should be a right.
04
Innovation
We create words for concepts that don’t yet exist in Lingala ,keeping the language dynamic and ready for the modern world.
Did you know that?
Lininísa
Fenêtre (FR) · The proper Lingala word for “window”, rarely used today, but ours to reclaim.
Mokú
Miliki (EN) · The authentic word for “milk” borrowed from English, but Lingala has its own.
Ekótó
Sapáto (PT) · “Shoe” in classical Lingala. The Portuguese loanword is everywhere , but the original one survives.
Etandelo
Mesa (PT) ·
The genuine word for “table” exists in classical Lingala. The Portuguese word is onli borrowed.
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English or French? We talk your language!