What Language Do They Speak in Chad?

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Chad

Chad is a landlocked country located in north-central Africa, bordered by Libya, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger. The nation's landscape ranges from the Sahara Desert in the north to fertile savannahs in the south, providing a diverse and dynamic environment for its wildlife. Despite its natural resources, Chad faces significant economic challenges due to political instability and limited infrastructure.

Languages Spoken

Chad is a linguistically diverse country located in Central Africa, with over 120 languages spoken across its regions. The most widely spoken language is Chadian Arabic, which serves as a lingua franca and is used by about 50% of the population. This is followed by Sara, spoken predominantly in the southern part, also accounting for 12% of speakers. French, as a legacy of colonial rule, is one of the official languages and is also spoken by 12% of the population. Other significant languages include Kanembu (4.5%), Dazaga (3%), Maba (2.5%), Masalit (2%), Tama (1.5%), Fur (1.3%), and Zaghawa (1.2%), each reflecting the rich tapestry of ethnic groups and cultures present in Chad.

Different Languages Spoken in Chad

Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Chad

LanguageUsage
Chadian Arabic50%
Sara12%
French12%
Kanembu4.5%
Dazaga3%
Maba2.5%
Masalit2%
Tama1.5%
Fur1.3%
Zaghawa1.2%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful French Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Chad

Bonjour

Hello

This is a common greeting in French-speaking countries, including Chad.

Comment ça va ?

How are you?

Useful phrase when meeting someone. A friendly way to start a conversation.

Combien ça coûte ?

How much does it cost?

Helpful for shopping or when asking about prices.

Où est… ?

Where is…?

Use this when asking for directions, like 'Où est la gare?' (Where is the train station?).

Je ne comprends pas

I don’t understand

This will be useful if you're having trouble understanding something.

Learn to speak French

Interested in speaking French in Chad? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

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