Although French is one of two official languages of Mali, it is not as widely used as the other, Bambara, which is understood by as many as six million people. Almost all of the people who speak French in Mali speak it as a second language.
French was introduced to Mali whilst under the control of France, which lasted up until September 1960. It was retained as an official language after Mali's independence and is now used in government and formal education.
French is understood more in the urban areas of Mali than in the rural areas.
French was introduced to Mali whilst under the control of France, which lasted up until September 1960. It was retained as an official language after Mali's independence and is now used in government and formal education.
French is understood more in the urban areas of Mali than in the rural areas.
