Lingala (lin-lin) = 3 (Wider communication). Statutory language of national identity (2006, Constitution, Article 1(8)). Developed as a trade language around 1900 about halfway between Kinshasa and Kisangani. It then spread along the river, ultimately becoming entrenched in Kinshasa, where it has become the L1 of most people. Lingala has become the most prestigious language in the country apart from French [fra]. It is the language of the military and of Kinshasa jazz (popular music). It is even an international language, being a language of wider communication in Congo (Brazzaville).
Glottolog
[lin] at ISO 639-3
[lin] at OLAC
[lin] at IMTVault
Kinshasa Lingala at Grambank
Lingala at APiCS
Lingala at WALS
Wikipedia
PHOIBLE
Wikidata