No, and that is its most remarkable feature. Malagasy is an Austronesian language, related to Malay, Indonesian and Tagalog. The ancestors of the Malagasy people sailed from Borneo (Southeast Asia) about 1,500 years ago. Malagasy subsequently absorbed loanwords from Bantu languages, Arabic and French, but its grammatical structure remains fundamentally Austronesian. It is the only language of this family spoken on the African continent.

Is Malagasy difficult to learn for English speakers?

Malagasy is relatively accessible for English speakers. It uses the Latin alphabet, pronunciation is regular and phonetic, and there are no tones. The main challenge is grammar: Malagasy uses a verbal voice system (active, passive, circumstantial) very different from English. Word order is also different (verb-object-subject instead of subject-verb-object). However, with regular practice and a native tutor, most learners reach basic conversational level in 4 to 6 months with regular classes.

Why learn Malagasy instead of French for visiting Madagascar?

While French is co-official in Madagascar, only 20 to 25% of the population speaks it fluently, mainly in cities. In rural areas, markets, villages and most daily interactions, Malagasy is essential. Speaking Malagasy radically transforms the experience: Malagasy people are deeply touched when a foreigner ('vazaha') makes the effort to speak their language, opening doors that would otherwise remain closed. For tourism, local business or humanitarian work, Malagasy is a major asset.

How many Malagasy dialects are there?

Malagasy has about twenty dialectal varieties, but all are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Official Malagasy (based on the Merina dialect of the capital Antananarivo) is understood everywhere. The main dialects are Merina (highlands), Sakalava (west), Betsileo (southern highlands), Betsimisaraka (east coast) and Antandroy (south). At Targumi, we teach official Malagasy (Merina) which will allow you to communicate throughout the country.

What are the similarities between Malagasy and Malay/Indonesian?

The similarities are striking. Basic vocabulary shares many roots: 'rano' (water) in Malagasy corresponds to 'air' in Malay (same proto-Austronesian root), 'maty' (dead) corresponds to 'mati', 'lanitra' (sky) to 'langit'. The system of verbal prefixes and suffixes is similar. A Malay speaker can recognize familiar grammatical structures in Malagasy. These connections testify to an extraordinary maritime migration 1,500 years ago across the Indian Ocean.

Is Malagasy useful professionally?

Yes, increasingly so. Madagascar is a hub for French-speaking call centers, the textile industry, gemstone mining, eco-tourism and vanilla (world's largest producer). NGOs and international organizations in Madagascar (over 200) seek profiles who speak Malagasy. For entrepreneurs, investors and consultants working with Madagascar, speaking Malagasy is a powerful differentiator that opens partnerships otherwise impossible.

How much do Malagasy courses cost on Targumi?

Targumi offers 3 plans: monthly, quarterly, 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 Malagasy courses online or in person?

100% online. Live classes happen 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 Malagasy resources

Explore our free tools to progress outside of class.

Malagasy level test

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

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Malagasy survival kit

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

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Malagasy cultural quiz

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

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Malagasy articles

Guides and articles to learn Malagasy.

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Malagasy vocabulary

Essential words and phrases organized by theme.

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Cultural resources

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

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Guides & articles

Guides to learn Malagasy

Beginner's guide

Learn Malagasy: complete beginner's guide

Discover Malagasy, the unique Austronesian language of Madagascar. Complete guide: alphabet, grammar, vocabulary, resources and practical tips for beginners.

18 min read→Guide complet

Learn Malagasy: Complete Beginners Guide

Discover how to learn Malagasy: Austronesian grammar in Africa, VOS word order, voice system, essential vocabulary and Malagasy culture. Complete beginners guide.

15 min read→

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Reviews

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“Been on Targumi for 3 months. The small group format is exactly what I needed. My teacher takes time to correct accent, it's precious. Made more progress in 3 months than in 2 years of regular apps.”

CamilleVerified purchase

“What sold me is you actually speak from class one. No 10 hours of theory before opening your mouth. And the platform between classes is well-built, I revise on the morning commute.”

DamienVerified purchase

“Honestly I had doubts at first because I'd tried plenty of methods without sticking. This is different, the teacher knows their stuff, adapts to your level, and we have fun on top of it. 6 months in and still motivated.”

SorayaVerified purchase

“Really good experience overall, the rhythm between live classes and independent practice is well-balanced. Small note: the mobile app lags sometimes, but the teaching content is well worth the price.”

AntoineVerified purchase

“The thing that makes a real difference compared to other platforms: teachers are native and trained. You feel it, especially on accent and everyday expressions you don't learn in textbooks.”

EmilyVerified purchase

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A complete learning platform: learn to build sentences, listen to audio to pronounce correctly, practice with exercises.
Regular live small-group classes: real practice. Schedule on the platform, everything on replay so you never miss out. Join in or not, no obligation.
WhatsApp community with other learners and teachers: practice writing, chat every day, immerse yourself in the language.
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