Mandé

Mandé refers to a group of closely related West African languages spoken by the Mandé peoples, primarily in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. These languages form a major branch of the Niger-Congo language family. The most widely spoken Mandé languages include Bambara, Dyula, and Maninkakan, which are often mutually intelligible to a degree. Bambara is the de facto national language of Mali and is spoken by a significant portion of the population. Dyula and Maninkakan are important trade languages in parts of West Africa, particularly in historical trading networks.

The Mandé languages are characterized by a complex tonal system and a rich morphology, with verb conjugations and noun classes playing significant roles. Their linguistic history is closely tied to the historical empires of the Mandé peoples, such as the Mali Empire and the Songhai Empire, which facilitated the spread and development of these languages across a vast region. Oral traditions and storytelling are deeply embedded within Mandé cultures, and these linguistic forms often showcase intricate narrative structures and poetic devices. The study of Mandé languages is crucial for understanding the history, culture, and social dynamics of West Africa.