The State of Katanga does not have an enforced official language, however, the most commonly spoken language is French, spoken by about 89% of the Katangese population. Hundreds of Bantu languages are also prominent, most notably Swahili (72%), Ciluba (58%) and Lunda-Kasai (51%). French and Swahili are recognized as the de-facto official languages of Katanga. English is also spoken through education, however only 6% of the population reports using it in casual conversation.
Linguistic education
Several education programs have been implemented by the Katangese government in schooling. It prioritizes basic reading and writing learning and speaking and auxiliary skills, like basic words, spelling and pronunciation, with more complex linguistic learning programs being introduced in higher education levels. These programs specialize in several languages, prioritizing four main langauge types:
1. Native language (Kiluba, Chilunda, Sesongo, etc.) Introduced in basic school
2. Colonial language (French) Introduced in primary school
3. Regional language (mainly Swahili), introduced in late primary-early secondary school
4. International language (mainly English), introduced in late secondary school
Most people upon completion of these problems can speak fluently in at least 2 langauges. Almost all Katangese people are at least bilingual.
Most common languages
The Ministry of Communications and Information carried out general surveys in 2019 and 2023. The 2023 survey included ethnic group distribution, language, practicing religion, and other demographic and population topics.
Note: Many Katangese people speak at least 3 langauges. Percentages include percentage of population who identified the language as "can speak well" or higher.
The most prominent languages spoken in Katanga, are as follows:
#1: French (89.0%)
#2: Swahili (72.8%)
#3: Lunda/Chilunda (28.4%)
#4: Luba-Katanga/Kiluba (21.9%)
#5: English (17%*)
#6: Sesongo (11.7%)
#7: Bemba (11.1%)
Other unrecognized Bantu languages included in survey (26.3%)
French
French, one of two de-facto main languages of Katanga, has been prominent since the early 20th century. The Belgian colonial powers, along with native languages (which we will discuss later) introduced linguistic education in French as early as primary school. Upon independence this French education would be greatly expanded upon, priotizing it as a second language in education systems starting in late primary schools, effectively incorporating French as the de-facto main language of Katanga.
Swahili
Swahili was first brought to the region quite recently, by Arab traders from Zanzibar on the East African coast traveling along trade routes to the eastern DRC region for slaves and ivory. The Tippu Tip State, a Zanzibari protectorate, would be established in the region further solidifying Swahili rule in the area. While Zanzibar's influence, and soon Zanzibar itself, would be shut down by the British, Swahili linguistic influence remained in the area. The Belgians upon taking full control of the area would begin implementing native-langauge teaching in education programs, being the first African colonial power to do so. This included Swahili which was prioritized in the Eastern part of the nation, including Katanga, which would standardize Swahili as a speaking language, further expanded upon in post-independence education programs.
Chilunda
Lunda people constitute the largest ethnic group in Katanga, making up 34% of the population. They are mainly present in the Southeastern region of Katanga, and are the main ethnic group of the capital, Lubumbashi. They speak the Chilunda language, in Zone L of Bantu language classification, along with Songe, Bemba and Luba. Chilunda is also majorly spoken in northeast Angola and north and central Zambia. There are some differences between Lunda people and Chilunda speakers, as the Kazembe-Lunda have adopted the Bemba language of their neighbour's.
Luba-Katanga
Luba people are the secondary ethnic group of Katanga, making up 29% of the population. They speak the Kiluba language. Under colonial Belgian education programs the Kiluba language was prioritized in Kivu, Kasai Katanga regions. Now, the Kiluba langauges of the three regions are almost unintelligible with each other.
Luba-Katanga is in Zone L of the general classification of Bantu languages. The Luba languages include Kiluba, along with Tshiluba spoken in Kasai, and Hemba, another major language in Katanga.
English
English is now recognized as the lingua franca of the world. Therefore, linguistic education programs have integrated the langauge into teaching as early as secondary school. While English is now a 3rd or 4th language among many younger people, extremely few people report using English in casual conversation.
Sesongo
Sesongo, or Songe, is spoken by the Songye people, an ethnic group constituting 11% of the population, who inhabit mainly the far north regions of Lomami and Tanganyika. While this language was mostly forgotten by colonial education programs, the Songye people would preserve their native language, however many Songye speak Kiluba or Swahili instead due to colonial education programs.
Bemba
Not much is known about the Bantu Bemba language. It is spoken by the Bemba people, and is a lingua franca in about 18 different ethnic groups. The majority of it's speakers are in Northeastern Zambia, but populations also reside in Southeastern Katanga in the northeastern Haut-Katanga region.
