Dioula (Jula) is a Mande language spoken by around 12 million people in Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Mali. It is the main language of trade and inter-ethnic communication in West Africa. With this kit, you have the bare minimum to greet people, find your way and order food during a trip to Bobo-Dioulasso, Korhogo or Abidjan.
Dioula (Jula, sometimes written Dyula) belongs to the Mande family and acts as one of the main lingua francas of West Africa. It is heard across Ivory Coast, in western Burkina Faso, parts of Mali and even in cities of Ghana and Senegal. Very close to Malian Bambara and Guinean Maninka, it forms with them a largely mutually intelligible North Mande continuum.
It is above all a trade language, heir to the Dyula merchant networks that crossed the Sahel since medieval times. Today Dioula still bridges dozens of ethnic groups in the markets of Bobo-Dioulasso, Korhogo, Sikasso and Abidjan. For travellers, a few well-chosen phrases open warm conversations with shopkeepers, gbaka drivers and attieke vendors.
The language uses a tonal system (high and low) that can change a word's meaning, but the gap is quickly bridged in conversation. Grammar stays accessible: subject-object-verb order in the past, clear aspect particles, few conjugations. The greeting "I ni ce" is a social key, serving as hello, thanks and politeness all at once.
This kit gathers the bare essentials to handle an arrival in Abidjan, a shared taxi ride, a market order, a small medical concern and a smooth departure. You will find indispensable greetings, survival words for orientation, key vocabulary for eating and drinking, and cultural tips to avoid faux pas. Memorise these expressions before leaving and you will gain confidence from the very first hours on the ground.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You arrive in Abidjan or Bobo-Dioulasso and you want to greet your host from the first exchange. Depending on the hour, you adapt the morning, midday, afternoon or evening formula. A few words of Dioula are enough to set a warm tone.
The gbaka or taxi driver asks for your destination. You give the neighbourhood or the "so" (house) where you are heading and ask when you will arrive. An "I ni ce" when getting in and out keeps the ride relaxed.
At the maquis or with a rice vendor, you order water ("ji"), milk ("nɔnɔ"), some rice ("malo") and bread ("buuru"). Ordering with a smile and a final "I ni ce" turns the request into a shared moment.
You don't feel well: a persistent cough ("sɔgɔsɔgɔ") or diarrhea ("kɔnɔbolicɛ") is bothering you. You explain your "kɛnɛya" (health) concern to the pharmacist, who answers with a greeting. Stay clear and calm, you will be directed.
Before leaving your accommodation, you ask "I ka kɛnɛ wa ?" to check on people, and you are answered "Tɔɔrɔ tɛ" (no trouble). You wrap up with "Hɛrɛ sira wa ?" and a warm "K'an bɛn": we will meet again.
What you need to know before travelling to a dioula-speaking country.
Greetings are central to social life. People don't only ask "how are you": they enquire about family, home and work before getting to the point. Taking time to greet is a sign of respect.
"I ni ce" is the most versatile expression: it serves as a greeting, a thank-you and a mark of politeness. You can use it almost any time and in any situation.
Replies to greetings depend on gender: a man answers "Nba", a woman "Nse". Remembering this distinction avoids an awkward first exchange.
The "jamu" (family name) instantly creates a connection with locals. Exchanging surnames often triggers a "sinankuya" (joking cousinhood) that immediately warms the relationship.
At the market, bargaining is expected and part of the game. Quote a price, smile, take your time: negotiating without aggression is seen as good manners.
Meals are often eaten by hand from a shared dish, using the right hand only. If you are invited, accepting a bite is a strong gesture even if you have already eaten.
Dioula is now written in an extended Latin alphabet with letters such as "ɛ" and "ɔ" representing open vowels. Don't try to read them like French: listen to a native speaker instead.
Words of thanks and apology are always welcome: "Basi tɛ" (you're welcome) and "Sabari" (sorry) open doors even when your Dioula is still hesitant.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Basi tɛ
you're welcome
Awɔ
yes
Ayi
no
Sabari
please / sorry
ka taa
to go
ka na
to come
ka dumu
to eat
ka fɔ
to say / speak
ka ye
to see
ka fɛ
to want / like
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
No credit card. One-click unsubscribe. GDPR compliant.
Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
All Targumi resources for this language.
Assess your CEFR level in 5 minutes.
Films, music, traditions. How well do you know?
Guides, methods and tips to progress.
Essential words and phrases organised by themes.
Films, series, podcasts and music to immerse yourself.
Live classes with a bilingual native teacher. First lessons free.
The kit is just the start. To really speak the language, join a live class with a native teacher. Small groups, real feedback, fast progress.
30-day money-back guarantee, native teachers