What do you know about the English speaking population in Africa? How many people speak English every day? If you are interested in the details, read this information. We will talk about English speaking countries in Africa!
A study conducted by World Linguistic Agency has rated Uganda the Best English Speaking Country in Africa. This comes in the wake of a video from a Miss Rwanda contestant that was shown struggling with English in a country that made a move from Francophone to Anglophone.
After Uganda, the following countries came in closely; South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Namibia. Despite their strong traditional accent, Nigerians were credited for taking the spot for constructing good sentences that are grammatically flawless.
The full list is here:
1. Uganda
2. South Africa
3. Nigeria
4. Kenya
5. Zambia
6. Botswana
7. Zimbabwe
8. Malawi
9. Ghana
10. Rwanda
11. Sudan
A few years ago I was preparing for a trip to Namibia. We were renting a car and excited about our self-drive adventure. English is listed as the official language, so we thought communications would be no problem. Surprise! I got a lot further with my basic Dutch because of its similarity to Afrikaans in rural areas, than when I spoke English. Even German seemed more widely understood when we needed accurate directions.
In Rwanda, English and Kinyarwanda are the official languages. When I was visiting last year, I was looking forward to being in an African country that keeps things relatively simple, linguistically speaking. But after a brief stroll around Kigali, I discovered that most well dressed business people were speaking French to one another. Of course it’s all due to the colonial powers that were there before, but for those not well versed in history, it’s confusing.
If at first you don’t understand, listen harder. And if someone is having trouble with your accent and pronunciation, use different words, don’t get vexed (upset), and do not speak louder. We’ve all met the types of people that think by shouting they will somehow be miraculously understood. Understand that colloquialisms and slang do not translate well, even if you are speaking the same language. And always remember, a smile is universal.
There are more than a dozen African countries where English is an official language. These include Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana. Namibia, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, and Nigeria. But with slang, accents and history in the mix, it’s not always easy to understand or be understood when speaking English in Africa.
A large number of countries where English is the official language are the British Empire former territories. Only Eritrea and Rwanda were an Italy colony. The population on the list is approximate from 2009. Today the number can be more. Besides, there are people in some African countries who speak French, Arabic, and others languages. You might be wondering: “How many countries are in Africa?” Today, there are 54 countries in Africa in general according to the United Nations official statistic. And 24 of them are English speaking.
We will find out which countries in Africa are the best English speakers. You will be surprised but Uganda takes the first place. Then Zambia, South Africa, and Kenya follow. Uganda is situated in the East part of the continent. The research has been carried out by the World Linguistic Society this year. Although Uganda was colonized by the British, the country became independent in 1962. Since that time Uganda adopted education from Great Britain. What is more, a big step was taken to make English the official language in the East Africa. In Ugandan schools and colleges/universities, English is the main language. Uganda is the country where more than 60 languages are spoken.
Tanzania and Kenya they have two official languages – Kiswahili and English. Rwanda also uses English as a means of communication. English speaking countries in West Africa are Ghana and Nigeria. There are a lot of people who use this language to communicate here. But these countries are often criticized because of their “thick” accents.
Cameroon is missing from the list; UPDATE
After searching online hours, I am yet to find the website for the World Linguistic Agency that claims to have done this research. The only information available on this agency are references made in articles about the study. Considering your website is called Africa Facts, I am sure you have access to this research or the agency. I would be glad if you could provide any information about the World Linguistic Agency or the research that makes these claims. This information will assist my research as well as legitimize the validity of the reports and articles “Africa Facts” displays on its website.
💯true, ugandans when it comes to english we are far
seriously?
Gambia is also a english speaking country
I think you are mistaken. T
he place you put South Africa you must put Zimbabwe
there
Where is Cameroon in your list guys
Cameroon is not an English speaking country it’s french speaking
Sorry Nora, Cameroon is bilingual (English and French).
And in Uganda, the best English speaking tribe is Iteso from central eastern sub region of Teso.
what about Gambia, this is also english speaking I think. Ivory cost is french speaking but lot of people understand english I think.
The Gambia is an English speaking country
Yes Uganda is ahead
I think the person who wrote the article didn’t do his or her research well. You cannot write about English speaking countries in Africa without mentioning Ghana, the first African republic to make English an official language.
I don’t think there’s any African country that speaks better English than Ghana the first, followed by Nigeria and South Africa.
Liberia is missing.
Sierra Leone is the best english speaking country in Africa.
No sierra leone english speaking is not good, please…
1.Most Ugandans can’t pronounce simple words like Full & Procured. They say Furu & Pro chuad.
2. South Africans can’t even pronounce their own Country. They say Seuth Eh frica.
3. Nigerians call a Pastor, a Posta & Money, Monni.
Uganda best English???!!!…never ever do another research
This is not a complete list!
I’m really doubting this information. I was expecting countries like Kenya and South Africa on the top. Anyway, It’s was a nice article.
Are you sure? Which Linguistic Agency are you talking about. Please provide the link to the real research!
Best English speaking country of course is Ghana….. The cradle of English speaking/grammar… All thanks to The Great Kwame Nkrumah who is known across the globe not just Africa… Anyway you guys need more research on this website. Ghana The Best…. The President in Ghana speaks better English than most British
Hello were is ETHIOPIA I am Ethiopian and I speak fluent English and I know many people who can too so pls update!!!
Why did say how to wipe your butt?
I wish the the writer of this article could furnish us with the criteria for this conclusion.
English speaking Ghanaians are the best.