Languages of Togo

Map showing the distribution of the various Gbe languages. (after Capo 1988, 1991)

Togo is a multilingual country, which according to one count has 39 languages spoken.[1]. The official language is French. Two spoken indigenous languages were designated politically as national languages in 1975: Ewé (Ewe: Èʋegbe) and Kabiyé.

Among the other languages in Togo, Mina (the dialect of Ewé spoken in Lomé) serves as the working language in the south of the country, Mobaa, Tem (also called Kotokoli) and Fula (Fula: Fulfulde;). Most of the indigenous languages of the country can be divided into two groups: the Gur languages in the north, and the Kwa languages in the south.

Two national languages tend to be used regionally: Ewé in the south from Lomé to Blitta, and Kotokoli from Blitta to Dapaong in the north

Written languages

French is the main written language, as most indigenous languages are not commonly used in writing.

Language policy

French, which was inherited from the period of French mandate rule over the area, was made the official language at independence.

The decision to give Ewe and Kabiye status as national languages was as decided in 1975 by President Eyadéma.

Notes and references

Le français au Togo : une aventure ambigüe, Isabelle Anzorge, Université Nice, 1998.

  1. ↑ Ethnologue, "Languages of Togo" (accessed Oct. 31, 2010)
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