Bantu languages are mutually intelligible

The Bantu languages are some of the most widely spoken languages in Africa, and they are used by millions of people. It is one of the largest language families in the world, with over 500 different languages that are spoken across sub-Saharan Africa. Though these languages are all distinct, they share a number of similarities, both in terms of their grammar and their vocabulary. They are all mutually intelligible, which means that speakers of different Bantu languages can understand each other.

For instance, all Bantu languages have noun classes, meaning that words are grouped together based on their meaning. This feature is not found in many other language families. Additionally, many Bantu languages have similar words for common concepts, such as “mother”, “father”, “eat”, and “drink”.

While mutual intelligibility between Bantu languages can vary, there are indeed examples of similar or even identical words that can be found across different Bantu languages. It is worth noting that these similarities are more common within closely related languages or those belonging to the same subgroup or branch.

For example, the word for "water" in Swahili (a prominent Bantu language) is "maji." Similarly, in several other Bantu languages such as Kikuyu (spoken in Kenya) and Chichewa (spoken in Malawi), the word for "water" is also "maji." This similarity in vocabulary demonstrates a shared linguistic heritage among these languages.

Another example is the word for "mother." In Swahili, it is "mama," and the same word is used in many other Bantu languages such as Shona (spoken in Zimbabwe) and Xhosa (spoken in South Africa).

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See below for examples of similar or even identical words in the Bantu languages we teach at our language school:

ENGLISH	LINGALA	KIKONGO	KISWAHILI	TSHILUBA
Animal	Nyama	Mbisi	Nyama	Nyama
To close	Kokanga	Kukanga	Kufunga	Kukànga
Basket	Kitùnga	Kitunga	Kitunga	Tshitùnga
Butter	Mantéka	Manteka	Mateka	Màntekè
Chimney	Mombonda	Mumbunda	Mumbunda	Mumbunda
Cook	Molámbi	Mulambi	Mpishi	Mulàmbi
To cook	Kolàmba	Kulamba	Kupika Chakula	Kulamba
To cut	Kokáta	Kuzenga	Kukata	Kukòsa
Dad	Tatá	Tata	Baba	Taatù
​To drink	​Komela	​Kunwa	​Kunywa	​Kunwà
​Dog	Mbwá	Mbwa, imbwa	Mbwa	Mbwa
Drum	Mbonda	Ngoma	Ngoma	Ngoma
To eat	Kolia	Kudia	Kula	Kudyà
To Fry	Kokálinga	Kukalanga	Kukaanga	Kukàlanga
Here	Awa	Awa	Hapa	Apa
To laugh	Koseka	Kuseka	Kucheka	Kuseka
To open	Kofungola	Kukangula	Kufungua	Kunzulula
To make a hole	Kotobola	Kutobula	Kutoboa	Kutùbula
Mum	mamá	mama	mama	maamù

​ENGLISH	​LINGALA	KIKONGO	KISWAHILI	​TSHILUBA
​Path	​Nzela	​Nzila	​Njia	​Njila
To promise	​Kolaka	​Kusila	​Kulaka	​Kulaya
Snake	Nyóka	Nyoka	Nyoka	Nyòka
Suitcase	​Sanduku	​Sanduku	​Sanduku	​Musheta wa bilemba
To sleep	Kolála	Kulala	Kulaliya	Ku​lala
​Street	​Bala-bala	​Balabala	​Barabara	​Njila
Today	Leló	bubu	Leo	Lèèlù
​Table	​Mésá	​Mesa	​Meza	​Mèèsà
Tail	Mokíla	Mukila	Mkia	Mukìla
​Water	Máyi	Masa	Maji	Mâyi
With	ná	na	na	nè
​War	​Bitumba	Mvita	Vita	Mvita
What	Níni	ínki	nini
​Where	​Wápi	​Wapi	​Wapi	Wapi

However, it is important to recognise that these similarities are not universal across all Bantu languages. As languages evolve independently, they can develop distinct vocabularies and linguistic features. Therefore, while there may be instances of similar or identical words among Bantu languages, it should not be assumed that all Bantu languages are mutually intelligible based solely on these examples. These languages have evolved over thousands of years, and each one has its own unique history and culture.

In conclusion, the concept of mutual intelligibility among Bantu languages is a multifaceted subject influenced by lexical, grammatical, historical, and geographical factors. Understanding these influences provides valuable insights into the interconnected nature of Bantu languages and the dynamics of communication within this diverse language family. If you're looking to learn African languages, one of the Bantu languages may be a good option for you. Learn Swahili, Lingala, Tshiluba or Kikongo with us.