
African languages
African languages encompass a diverse range of indigenous languages spoken across the continent, reflecting its rich cultural and ethnic diversity. There are over 2,000 distinct languages grouped into several families, including Afroasiatic, Nilo-Saharan, Niger-Congo, and Khoisan. Languages such as Swahili, Hausa, and Amharic serve as lingua francas in various regions, facilitating communication among different ethnic groups. Many African languages feature unique tonal systems and complex grammatical structures. Efforts to preserve and promote these languages are crucial as they embody cultural heritage and identity amid globalization and language shift challenges.