Learn Lingala with real humans

At the restaurant: ordering

★★★★★✓ 30-day money-back guarantee • ✓ No commitment • ✓ Certified native teachers

First words in Lingala

Sango nini? (SAN-go NI-ni?), What's new?

m-BO-te na yo / SAN-go NI-ni

Mbote na yo (m-BO-te na yo), Hello

Formal greeting

Did you know? Congolese rumba (soukous), born in Kinshasa in the 1940s by blending Bantu rhythms with Cuban son, has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list since 2021. It has conquered sub-Saharan Africa and the global diaspora. Artists like Fally Ipupa, Ferré Gola, and legends such as Franco and Tabu Ley Rochereau have sung in Lingala for audiences of tens of millions. Lingala contains numerous French loanwords, 'moto' (motorbike), 'verre' (glass), 'sango' (news/information), and English loanwords, making its vocabulary partially accessible to French and English speakers.

Small

Class groups

2×

Live classes / week

100%

Native teachers

30d

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Live classes

Learn Lingala live with a native teacher

2 live classes per week in small groups. Ask questions, practice conversation, progress fast.

Native teacher in class - Lingala | Targumi

Conversation with a teacher - Lingala | Targumi

classes per week

Small

groups

100%

certified native teachers

Live classes

Your typical Lingala week

2 live video classes per week, Mondays and Thursdays at 8pm (Paris time). Small groups.

Week of

1 – Jun 7, 2026

Mon1

Tue2

Wed3

Thu4

20:00

Role-playBeginner

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Fri5

Sat6

Sun7

Ready to get started?

Try Targumi risk-free for 30 days. Money-back guarantee, no commitment.

Risk-free trial · 30-day refund · Small groups of 2-5

The platform

Progress in Lingala between classes, at your own pace

Interactive lessons with native audio, vocabulary, dialogues and quizzes. Everything you need to reinforce your skills between live sessions.

Ready to improve?

Access all interactive exercises and online courses.

🔤L'alphabet et les sons du lingala

Risk-free trial · 30-day refund · Small groups of 2-5

The community

Join Targumi's Lingala community

Dedicated WhatsApp group, exchanges between learners, resource sharing. You're never alone in your learning journey.

Join the support group

Free · Lifetime access · Native speakers present

🇲🇦

Lingala School - Community

Anissa

Hi everyone 🙌

4:22 PM

Fatiha

Hey, welcome back!

4:23 PM

I’m not on desktop, is it mobile-friendly too?

4:23 PM

Mrhd

Yes, it works on phone and computer together 📱💻

4:24 PM

Message

Full program

Your Lingala curriculum

Exactly what you'll find inside the platform: 28 modules, 0+ structured lessons, quizzes and exercises.

🇨🇩

Lingala Débutant

👋Les salutations — Bambote

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦La famille — Libota

🌦️La meteo et le climat — Mombongo

🏥Le corps et la sante — Nzoto

✈️Voyager — Mobembo

🌳Nature — Zamba mpe bikelamu

🎶Culture — Bonkoko

📱Technologie — Teknoloji

📖Tons et grammaire avancée

🇨🇩

Lingala intermédiaire

🎭Culture congolaise avancée

🎵Lingala urbain et culture congolaise

🇨🇩

Expression avancée

📚Sony Labou Tansi — Littérature et mémoire

🎵Soukous et rumba — La musique du Congo

📻Presse et médias — Lingala 24, Radio Okapi

🌊Kinshasa et Brazzaville — Deux Congo, un lingala

🏛️Authenticité et héritage politique — Mobutu, Kabila

✈️Diaspora et langues en contact

🗣️Dialectes du lingala — Mankanza, Mboshi et variétés

🌿Philosophie bantoue et pensée congolaise

📐Grammaire C2 — Verbes, aspects et structures complexes

🌺Proverbes, énigmes et littérature orale

🔬Sciences, médecine et technologie en lingala

⚖️Expression politique, civique et droits humains

🏆Synthèse C1/C2 — Quiz final

The method

Our method for learning Lingala

Step 01

Quick level test

Assess your current knowledge in 5 minutes

Step 02

Structured modules

Progressive learning path with native audio and exercises

Step 03

Interactive live classes

2 sessions per week with your native teacher

Step 04

Level certification

Validate your progress with an official certificate

Why Targumi

What makes us different for Lingala

100+

Available languages

Including rare languages you won't find anywhere else.

Free trial days

Try everything with no commitment. Classes, exercises, community.

3-en-1

Complete platform

Video classes + interactive exercises + WhatsApp community. All included.

24/7

Unlimited access

Learn whenever you want. Exercises and content are available 24/7.

The curriculum

What you'll learn in Lingala

A curriculum designed to get you speaking Lingala in the situations that actually matter to you.

01
Conversational Lingala from Kinshasa and Brazzaville
02
Commercial Lingala: the language of markets and trade
03
Congolese rumba and music: Papa Wemba, Fally Ipupa, Ferré Gola
04
Lingala tones: high and low in spoken practice
05
Differences between DRC Lingala and Congo-Brazzaville Lingala
06
Lingala for the Congolese diaspora in France and Belgium

Start Lingala now

Try free for 30 days, no commitment.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about learning Lingala

Why learn Lingala for the DRC?

The DRC is Africa's third-largest nation and holds the continent's most significant natural resources (cobalt, coltan, gold, diamonds). Lingala is the language of Kinshasa, a capital of 15 million people, and the language of the army, radio, and transportation across the country. For any humanitarian, diplomatic, commercial, or journalistic work in the DRC, Lingala is essential.

Is Lingala easy to learn for an English speaker?

Lingala is relatively accessible, it is written in the Latin alphabet, and many words are direct loans from French and English (mobilier, verre, route, bureau, and so on). Bantu grammar differs substantially from English but is highly consistent: noun classes replace genders, and tones (high/low) are essential. In practice, a conversational foundation is achievable within 4 to 6 months.

Does Congolese music help in learning Lingala?

Yes, it is one of the best methods. Congolese rumba and modern Congolese Afrobeat (Fally Ipupa, Ferré Gola, Innoss'B) use accessible Lingala with repetitive, emotionally charged vocabulary. Listening to these artists regularly trains the ear for tones and rhythm. Our teachers can work from your favorite songs to decode the Lingala behind them.

Is there a large Congolese community in France?

Yes. The Congolese diaspora (DRC + Congo-Brazzaville) in France is estimated at 300,000 to 400,000 people, concentrated in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Strasbourg. It is one of the most prominent African communities in healthcare, education, and community associations. Lingala is the main language of communication within these communities.

What is the difference between Lingala from the DRC and Lingala from Congo-Brazzaville?

Kinshasa Lingala (DRC) and Brazzaville Lingala (Congo) are mutually intelligible, with some vocabulary and accent differences. Kinois Lingala is heavily influenced by Belgian French and has developed more urban neologisms. Brazzaville Lingala is slightly closer to standard Lingala. In both cases, our teachers will teach you a Lingala that is understood on both sides of the Congo River.

How much do Lingala courses cost on Targumi?

Targumi offers 3 plans: quarterly, yearly, and lifetime access. All plans include live small-group classes with native teachers, interactive lessons, and the community. See full pricing on the pricing page.

Are the Lingala courses online or in person?

100% online. Live classes happen twice a week in small groups via Google Meet. You can join from anywhere in the world. The mobile and web app stay accessible 24/7 for interactive lessons.

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes. Targumi offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. If you are not satisfied, just email [email protected] for a full refund.

How do I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel anytime from your profile (“My subscriptions” section) with no hidden fees. Your access stays active until the end of your paid period.

Resources

All Lingala resources

Explore our free tools to progress outside of class.

Lingala level test

Assess your CEFR level in 5 minutes. 30-day learning plan included.

Lingala survival kit

A hundred words and thirty key phrases as a printable PDF, free.

Lingala cultural quiz

How well do you know Lingala culture? Films, music, traditions.

Lingala articles

Guides and articles to learn Lingala.

Lingala vocabulary

Essential words and phrases organized by theme.

Cultural resources

Podcasts, movies, TV shows and music to progress through immersion.

6 min read→Complete Guide

Guides & articles

Guides to learn Lingala

Practical Guide

How to Say Hello in Lingala: Complete Guide to Greetings

Learn how to greet in Lingala with mbote, sango nini and all essential expressions. Complete guide with pronunciation and cultural context from Kinshasa.

14 min read→Dictionary

Lingala Dictionary: 50 Essential Words with Pronunciation

Discover the 50 most important Lingala words with their English translation and pronunciation. Essential basic vocabulary to start speaking Lingala in Democratic Republic of Congo.

8 min read→Expression

How to Say Thank You in Lingala: A Guide to Congolese Politeness

Learn how to say thank you in Lingala: melesi, nazali na esengo, and all the expressions of gratitude in Congolese culture (DRC).

Learn Lingala: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Complete guide to learning Lingala, the vehicular language of DR Congo and Congo-Brazzaville. Alphabet, grammar, essential vocabulary and learning method.

15 min read→

See all articles→

Reviews

They are learning Lingala with Targumi

Verified learner testimonials.

“Occupational therapist, Lingala changed my life: my private consultations have tripled since I started offering this language.”

Yun D.Verified purchase

“My Lingala classmate has the same professional goal. We motivate each other, it's powerful.”

Matteo RussoVerified purchase

“LinkedIn post about my Lingala classes. 15 contacts asked me for the Targumi link.”

Sunita O.Verified purchase

“Ceramist, Lingala changed my life: I'm the only one in the firm who masters this technical dialect.”

Catherine E.Verified purchase

“Archaeologist, Lingala changed my life: my professional social networks exploded since I started posting bilingually.”

Valerie HuangVerified purchase

“Carpenter, Lingala changed my life: I reassure foreign patients who never dare to ask.”

Gerard BeckerVerified purchase

“After 1 year of Lingala, I understand popular songs word by word. the time-to-result ratio is unbeatable.”

Veronique BonnetVerified purchase

“Well-framed Lingala. An automatic monthly progress test would be useful.”

Andrea BeckerVerified purchase

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Full learning platform (videos, quizzes, audio exercises)
Small group classes: you actually practice
Private WhatsApp community
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