Bazaruto Language

As Mozambique was a Portuguese colony, the official language of the education, business, and legal systems is Portuguese. However, only around a quarter of Mozambique's population (those that have received a school education) can actually speak Portuguese.

Many African languages are spoken across Mozambique, including Tsonga, Tonga and Shona.

On Benguerra Island and Bazaruto Island there was traditionally no tourism industry, and therefore no reason for the local population to learn English. Of course this is rapidly changing, and now most young children attend English lessons, as well as literacy classes.

When staying on the Bazaruto islands, bear in mind that English is often not the local lodge staff's first or even second language.

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