Official Language:
* French: The official language of Benin, used in government, education, and commerce.
Major Languages:
* Fon: Spoken by the largest ethnic group in Benin, the Fon people.
* Yoruba: Spoken by the Yoruba people, primarily in the south.
* Dendi: Spoken by the Dendi people, mainly in the north.
* Bariba: Spoken by the Bariba people, also in the north.
Other Languages:
* Numerous smaller languages are spoken throughout Benin, including:
* Gbe languages: A family of languages related to Fon, including Gun, Tofinu, and Aja.
* Mande languages: Spoken by groups in the north, such as the Bozo and the Malinke.
* Niger-Congo languages: A wide variety of languages spoken in Benin.
Language Use:
* French is the dominant language in urban areas and in formal settings.
* Local languages are widely spoken in rural communities and in daily life.
* Pidgin languages (such as Fon-based pidgins) are common in certain regions.
Note: Benin's linguistic diversity is a valuable aspect of its cultural heritage. The government promotes the use of local languages alongside French.