Mpongwe

Mpongwe is a Bantu language spoken in Gabon. It is primarily spoken by the Mpongwe people who reside along the Ogooué River estuary and in the coastal regions of Gabon. The language is part of the Myene language group, which is itself a branch of the Niger-Congo language family.

Historically, the Mpongwe language played a significant role in the early development of Gabon. As a lingua franca in the port city of Libreville and surrounding areas, it facilitated communication between different ethnic groups and European traders during the colonial era. The Mpongwe people were among the first Gabonese to have significant contact with Europeans, and this led to the development of a written form of the language, with the first grammar and dictionary published in the 19th century.

Despite its historical importance, the number of Mpongwe speakers has declined over time, influenced by the dominance of French as the official language of Gabon and the increasing use of other local languages as lingua francas in different regions. Efforts have been made by linguists and cultural organizations to document and preserve the Mpongwe language, recognizing its cultural heritage and its contribution to the linguistic diversity of Gabon. The language continues to be spoken by elders and some younger generations in its traditional heartland.