Kituba
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A language of Congo
1,750,000 (2018).
Mainly between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
3 (Wider communication). Statutory language of national identity (2002, Constitution, Article 6), recognized as lingua franca. Used throughout the south in churches, the market and the media. Established itself in large towns during colonial period between 1885 and 1960. Lingua franca in Bas-Congo, Kwango, Kwilu, Kinshasa, Mai-Ndombe and Kasai-Occidental.
Main language of the south and one of the 2 national languages. Also use French [fra]. Used as L2 by Beembe [beq], Doondo [dde], Kaamba [xku], Kunyi [njx], Laari [ldi], Punu [puu], Suundi [sdj], Teke-Laali [lli], Teke-Tsaayi [tyi], Teke-Tyee [tyx], Tsaangi [tsa], Vili [vif], Yaka [iyx], Yombe [yom].
Literacy rate in L1: 5%–10%. Literacy rate in L2: 15%–25%. NT: 2005.
Main language of the south.