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).
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 | Kulala |
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.