Franca (Swahili)

Franca, in Swahili, refers to a form of simplified or common language used for communication between people who do not share a native language. It often arises in trade, travel, or multicultural settings as a neutral means of understanding. While similar to a lingua franca, Franca can also denote regional or informal dialects that help bridge language gaps. Its purpose is to facilitate clear, efficient interaction without needing full fluency in each person’s native tongue, promoting cooperation and exchange across diverse language groups.