Language

When visiting another country it is most ideal to be relatively proficient in their main language. Depending on the purpose of your trip and the region of the country you will be spending most of your time, you will want to be sure you know enough basic phrases in the main language(s) so you can interact with the people you will be working around and building relationships with.

The official language of the Congo is French, used in international commerce, the education system, and within government. Most Congolese will speak French fluently and English at different levels of proficiency, as well as one of the four national languages: 

1. Lingala - spoken within Kinshasha & the western area of the country
2. Kikongo - spoken in the western & southwestern areas of the country
3. Tshiluba - spoken in the central & southern areas of the country
4. Swahili - spoken in the eastern area of the country

It can be overwhelming enough to learn one new language, but to try to learn the national languages as well? That would take some time, and you are not at all discouraged from doing so. However, be encouraged to know that if you can develop some skills in speaking French, you will be able to communicate with most anyone!

Remember: as long as you approach every situation you encounter with humility and a willingness to learn, it is absolutely okay if you don't always speak the language perfectly and/or fluently. The majority of Congolese people are very friendly and considerate, and will genuinely appreciate your effort to communicate with them in their language. If your effort is obvious, they will be more than willing to help you!

Now, for some useful phrases in French to get you started!

• Bonjour - Hello/Good morning 
• Bonsoir - Hello/Good evening
• How are you? - Comment allez-vous? 
• Very well, thanks - Tres bien, merci. 
• Yes - Oui
• No - Non
• Please - Si vous plait 
• Thank you - Merci 
• You're welcome (It's nothing) - Il n'y a pas de quoi
• Excuse me - Excusez-moi
• Do you speak English? - Est-ce que vous pouvez anglais?
• Can you help me? - Est-ce que vous pouvez m'aider?
• I don't understand. - Je ne comprends pas.
• Sorry - Desole
• Where? - Ou? 
• When? - Quand?
• How? - Comment?
• Why? - Pourquoi? 
• Who? - Qui? 
• I'd like... - Je Voudrais...
• I want... - Je veux...
• How much?/How many? - Combien? 
• That's fine. - C'est bien. 

It is suggested that you purchase a small English-French translation dictionary, as well as hire a translator to travel with you. It would also be beneficial to find someone that is willing to tutor you during your initial visits/time in the country - it is so valuable to be immersed in a culture while you are learning that language. To navigate your way through each day you will need to at least try to speak this new language, and this facilitates greater learning. You'll sound like a native speaker before you know it!

But is it just spoken language we need to be concerned about? Certainly not. Nonverbal communication is also an important part of interacting with others, even within your home country! This kind of communication can sometimes tend to vary person to person, however to be sure you don't communicate the wrong message there are a few things you should know about the Congolese people in general before you go:

1. People in the Congo do genuinely care for others and are careful not to offend - however, their speech tends to be very abrupt, something we aren't normally used to in America. This kind of talking might come off as being abrasive to you... but do your best not to jump to conclusions or become easily offended if a new friend is very "to the point" and does not interact in a social dance with you. 
• By "social dance," I am referring to the kinds of pleasantries we use here in the United States. For example: You are shopping at the mall and you pass someone you used to have classes with in high school, but you never really saw them much outside of school. They stop to say hello and you both inquire about what the other is up to these days... as the conversation appears to be coming to a close, you suggest it would be nice to get together for coffee soon. Do you really want to get coffee soon? There may be certain times when we do want to "catch up" with an acquaintance from our past, but most of the time it's just something we do to be nice. It is very unlikely to encounter something like this in the Congo, and it is strongly suggested to be as matter-of-fact as possible in all conversations. As a rule of thumb, remember this famous phrase: Say what you mean and mean what you say! You new friends in the Congo will take you at your word, be respectful of this and avoid speaking carelessly at all times. 
2. The valued "mind your manners" is manifested differently in the DRC. Congolese people will often not say "please" or "thank you." Do not let this create conflict - give things time and you will see gratitude and appreciation expressed through actions, rather than pleases and thank-you's. 
• It can be a challenge to remove oneself from cultural norms such as these and adhere to different sets of standards and values, but you are encouraged to try! It is not likely that your efforts will be in vain. I always remember my elementary school math teacher, who always gave me at least partial credit for trying my best. I struggled with math just as anyone can struggle to learn a new system of cultural understandings - but don't be afraid to commend yourself for trying, and don't forget that the Congolese people are generally very kind and will notice it as well! 
3. Do not point or beckon with your index finger. While Americans sometimes consider this to be rude, we often brush it off in most situations. It is very inappropriate to do this in the Congo. If you need to beckon someone, wave with all of your fingers. 
4. Always use your right hand. 
• It seems like a given to use your right hand when shaking hands with someone during a greeting, but be sure to always do so! If for some reason your right hand is unclean, offer your right wrist. Do not ever offer your left hand. 
• If you are passing an object, always use your right hand. If it is heavy, you may use both. Never use the left hand alone - it is used to personal hygiene and this is inevitably considered very unclean and thus disrespectful.