African Languages
143 languages covered - one of the broadest African language portfolios in the industry
Africa's linguistic diversity is unmatched anywhere in the world. With over 2,000 languages (including multiple variants) spoken across the continent, belonging to four major language families - Niger-Congo, Afro-Asiatic, Nilo-Saharan and Khoisan - accurate African translation requires translators who understand not just the language but the cultural, regional and community nuances of every document.
Semantics Trans has been building its African language network for over two decades. Our specialist areas include East African languages (Swahili in all three of its major varieties, Kikuyu, Luganda, Kinyarwanda), West African languages (Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Twi, Wolof, Fula), Southern African languages (Zulu, Xhosa, Shona, the eleven official languages of South Africa) and lesser-covered languages critical for humanitarian and development sector work (Dinka, Nuer, Acholi, Bari and many others).
We are one of the few agencies to cover Swahili as three distinct varieties (Kenya, Tanzania, Congo), and to offer Mandingo as a single consolidated entry acknowledging its Mandinka, Malinke and Maninke varieties (all very similar to each other) across Gambia, Guinea, Mali and Senegal.
Recent Projects in This Language Group
A selection of recently completed assignments handled by our team.
Confidential (EU Agency)
CompletedAsylum & Refugee Rights Documentation - Phase 1
Immigration & Asylum
African Languages
143 languages - hover to learn more
General Classification of African Languages
Africa's languages are grouped into four major families, each representing a distinct origin, grammar structure and script tradition. Understanding this classification helps ensure the right specialist is matched to every project.
Afro-Asiatic
Major languages include Arabic, Hausa, Amharic, Oromo and Somali.
Nilo-Saharan
Major languages include Luo, Dinka and Kanuri.
Niger-Congo
Major languages include Swahili, Zulu, Shona, Yoruba, Igbo and Wolof.
Khoisan
Typically known for using click consonants - includes Xóõ, N|uu, Sandawe and Hadza.
Need an African Language Translation?
From Swahili to Somali, Hausa to Haitian - our African language specialists are among the most experienced in the industry for both major and hard-to-find languages.