Malagasyspeaking

Malagasyspeaking refers to the practice and community of using Malagasy, the official language of Madagascar. It encompasses the language as used in daily communication, education, media, and cultural expression. Malagasy has millions of speakers, concentrated in Madagascar, with additional communities abroad due to migration and the Malagasy diaspora.

Malagasy is an Austronesian language, part of the Malayo-Polynesian branch. It is believed to have been brought to Madagascar by Southeast Asian seafarers several centuries ago and subsequently diversified into regional varieties. The language includes several major dialect groups, notably Merina in the central highlands, and Betsimisaraka, Betsileo, and Sakalava in other regions. The Merina dialect serves as the basis for Standard Malagasy.

Malagasy is written in the Latin alphabet using a standardized orthography established in the 19th century. The writing system is used in education, government, media, and literature. The grammar relies on analytic constructions, with word formation through affixation and reduplication, and a typical subject–verb–object word order in simple clauses. A rich set of pronouns and demonstratives marks person and distance.

Socio-linguistically, Malagasy coexists with French as an official language in Madagascar. Malagasy is the primary language of daily life and national identity, while French remains important in administration and higher education. There is ongoing language policy to promote Malagasy in schooling and media. Malagasy is also spoken by communities in the Malagasy diaspora, including in Réunion and other regions with Malagasy heritage.