# Cameroonian French

Cameroonian French is a variety of French spoken in Cameroon. As a former French colony, the country's history has shaped its language, resulting in a distinct variant of French that reflects the country's diverse cultural, linguistic, and historical background.

## Historical context

In the 19th century, Cameroon became the German colony Kamerun, before it was split into French Cameroon and British Cameroon after World War I. This division significantly influenced the linguistic landscape, giving rise to the emergence of Cameroonian French and Cameroonian English.

## Number of speakers

Referring to literacy data in the official languages of the population aged 12 years and over according to the 2005 Cameroon census, 6,405,981 people speak French as their main official language, with another 1,293,502 people able to speak both French and English. The total number of French speakers in Cameroon is 6,405,981 people. Meanwhile, according to the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Cameroon's French speakers numbered around 11 million in 2022.

## Characteristics

Cameroonian French is primarily based on Metropolitan French, the standard variety spoken in France. However, it has incorporated numerous elements from Cameroonian languages. The Cameroonian mindset of intercultural exchange has contributed to the adaptation and integration of local languages into everyday speech patterns.
One significant characteristic of Cameroonian French is the presence of loanwords from native languages such as Ewondo, Duala, and Basaa language. These loanwords enhance and enrich the vocabulary, adding a distinct flavor to the language. For instance, terms like "mbom" (delicious) or "mbombo" (drum) have found their way into the Cameroonian French lexicon.
Furthermore, Cameroonian French exhibits syntactic and grammatical influences from indigenous languages as well. This combination results in different sentence structures, intonations, and unique pronunciations.

### Sociolinguistic significance

Cameroonian French holds great importance in the country's social fabric and serves as a symbol of national identity. It is widely spoken across the nation, spanning various socio-economic and educational backgrounds. From informal conversations to formal academic and administrative settings, Cameroonian French serves as a medium of communication within the country.
Moreover, Cameroonian French has become an integral part of the country's popular culture, including music, literature, and cinema. Many Cameroonian artists and writers choose to express themselves in this language, giving their work a distinctively Cameroonian flavor.
Standard French is often privileged in formal education and professional settings, leading to the marginalization of Cameroonian French speakers. However, efforts are being made to promote and recognize the linguistic richness of Cameroonian French, aiming for greater acceptance and inclusion.
Additionally, the growth of technology and social media has opened up new avenues for the preservation and promotion of Cameroonian French. Online communities and digital platforms allow people to share their linguistic experiences, document the language's evolution, and foster a sense of pride in Cameroonian French.