What Language Do They Speak in Burundi?
Burundi
Burundi is a landlocked country located in East Africa, bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes that include lakes, rivers, and national parks. Despite its natural beauty, Burundi faces challenges such as political instability and socio-economic issues affecting its development.
Languages Spoken
In Burundi, the linguistic landscape is predominantly shaped by Kirundi, spoken by 90% of the population, making it the widely dominant language in everyday communication and cultural expression in both urban and rural areas. French serves as an important secondary language, spoken by approximately 5% of the population, primarily used in government, education, and a minority of business settings due to Burundi's historical ties with Francophone nations. Swahili, spoken by around 4%, serves as a significant lingua franca in trade and commerce, especially in areas interacting with East African neighbors. Lastly, English, although spoken by about 1%, is evolving in importance, largely due to globalization and Burundi's engagement with international platforms and organizations.
Different Languages Spoken in Burundi
Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Burundi
| Language | Usage |
|---|---|
| Kirundi | 90% |
| French | 5% |
| Swahili | 4% |
| English | 1% |
Useful Kirundi Phrases
Waramutse
Good morning
A polite way to greet someone in the morning.
Mwiriwe
Good afternoon/evening
Used to greet someone in the afternoon or evening.
Komera
Hello/Stay strong
Can be used as a greeting or to encourage someone.
Turabonaye
Goodbye
A common way to say goodbye.
Ndakwinginze
Please
Used to make polite requests.
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